Chapter 2 - Alpha King

|| REIKA'S POV ||

#Redhowl_Vale

“All hail the Alpha King!”

The announcement thundered through the hall as I was dragged inside. The sound echoed against the stone walls, mocking me. Smoke, blood, defeat—everything from the battlefield still clung to my skin.

The Moon-Eyed Pack had surrendered.

My father had chosen survival over pride.

We had already lost too much.

Radolf stepped in like a storm, his presence suffocating the entire hall. I could feel his anger without even looking at him. Every Alpha King was bound by cursed protocols—rules that forced them to grant mercy where none was deserved. If not for those rules, my pack would already be ashes.

Every head in the courtroom bowed.

Every head—except mine.

Agnes stood near the entrance, lips curved in a tight smile. She watched Radolf like a worshipper watches a god. Everyone believed she would be the next queen. The only woman allowed near his bed after his mate’s death.

I was shoved forward.

Iron chains bit into my skin as Cohen pushed me deeper into the courtroom. I felt every stare. Once, those same eyes would have bowed to me. I had been their equal—an Alpha’s daughter, a future leader.

Now, I was a prisoner.

I bit down hard on my lip, tasting blood. My back burned where the whips had torn into me earlier. Every movement of the chain felt like my flesh was being peeled away. I refused to cry. If Radolf sensed weakness, he would only enjoy breaking me more.

Radolf moved toward his throne, stopping when Agnes greeted him.

“Congratulations, my king.”

“Thanks, Agnes,” he replied coldly. “We have bigger goals ahead.”

Something in his tone unsettled her. I noticed it—even through my pain. He hadn’t sounded satisfied like that since before his mate died.

Agnes’s eyes drifted back to me, curiosity flickering behind her composure. She was obedient. That was why she stood where she did.

Radolf sat on his throne, his gaze sweeping the hall like a blade.

“It’s a pleasure to let you all know,” he announced, “that the Moon-Eyed Pack has submitted.”

Cheers erupted.

I felt sick.

An elder praised him, thanking him for avenging his Luna’s death.

Radolf silenced them with a single raised hand. His eyes locked onto me.

“I gave Alpha Artemis a chance to prove himself innocent,” he continued. “But I brought something in exchange for his promise.”

The room buzzed.

Their eyes crawled over me.

I clenched my jaw. Once, they would have lowered their heads before me.

Radolf’s lips curled with disgust.

“Meet my new slave—Reika Ulrich, daughter of Alpha Artemis.”

Something inside me snapped.

A growl tore from my chest before I could stop it. My wolf surged forward, furious, humiliated. Chains or not, I raised my head high.

The room froze.

Agnes stared at me like I was filth.

No one challenged their king.

And yet—I did.

“My king,” Agnes said sharply, turning to Radolf, “may I beat her?”

Radolf’s gaze burned into me. He was already tearing me apart without touching me.

“Of course,” he replied coldly. “She’s my property.”

Agnes approached me fast.

I didn’t flinch.

Her hand struck my face. Pain exploded across my cheek, my head snapping sideways.

“No one disrespects our king,” she snarled. “Bow if you want mercy.”

I stayed silent.

I stayed upright.

My wolf refused.

Agnes trembled with rage. She lifted her hand again.

“You—”

“Leave her,” Radolf cut in. “Only an Alpha can tame another Alpha.”

Agnes backed away reluctantly, glaring at me like she wanted to rip my throat out.

Radolf stood.

“Everyone out. Cohen—give me the chain.”

The room emptied in seconds. Even Cohen hesitated before Radolf barked—

“LEAVE.”

The doors slammed shut.

Silence fell.

Radolf walked toward me.

“Whipping didn’t fix you,” he said coldly. “But I know how to make you bow.”

I lifted my eyes, hatred blazing.

“You aren’t my king.”

He stepped closer until I could feel his breath.

“I will make you regret that mouth,” he growled. “Love died the day your father killed my mate. I’ll humiliate you before I whip you again.”

Then—

“Get on your fours.”

Disgust twisted my stomach.

I didn’t move.

“Disobey,” he continued calmly, “and I’ll attack your pack again. Imagine your father’s blood on my hands.”

Fear crushed my defiance.

My legs trembled as I stumbled, then lowered myself to the floor.

For my pack.

For my father.

Radolf’s satisfaction was worse than the pain.

He moved behind m

e, his voice echoing through the chamber like a curse.

“Show me your ass, Reika,” he said coldly. “Let’s see how much you bleed this time.”