Chapter 2

_Astrid’s POV_

I woke up to the sound of the heavy iron doors creaking open. My head was pounding, and my wrists were sore from the rope binding them.

The place smelled of damp stone and something metallic—smell of blood. I had barely adjusted to my surroundings when a set of heavy boots echoed through the room, making my breath hitch.

What now?

"Get up," a rough voice commanded.

I hesitated for only a moment before I was yanked to my feet. The auction was over, and now I belonged to someone—someone dangerous.

My mind was still reeling from the shock of last night. Sold like an object to a man who watched me with those piercing eyes, unreadable yet filled with something dark.

The man who bought me.

I swallowed hard, trying to steel myself. I refused to crumble, no matter what was ahead.

Two men stood in front of me now. One I recognized instantly—Zarek, the twin who had claimed me.

His cold dark eyes bore into me, assessing me like I was nothing more than a mere possession. But the other man was different.

His brother.

His eyes were a deep stormy gray, and unlike Zarek, he wasn’t looking at me with detachment. He was studying me, hesitant.

I had forgotten his name since I was very forgetful these days, considering the fear running through me.

He was just as tall, just as commanding, but something about him felt different. Like he didn’t agree with what was happening.

Last night, I remembered how much he protested against his brother's sudden decision to buy me off.

“Take her to the estate,” Zarek ordered. “I’ll follow behind.”

His twin didn’t move immediately. His gaze flickered between me and Zarek, his jaw tightening.

But in the end, he said nothing.

He simply grabbed my arm—not roughly, but firmly—and led me forward.

I barely had time to react before I was being guided through a dark corridor and up a flight of stairs. My legs felt weak, but I refused to stumble. If I showed weakness, they would pounce. I had seen that look before, on the faces of those who preyed on the vulnerable.

The night air hit my face as we stepped outside, and I inhaled sharply. I had been trapped in that their underground chamber for what felt like days.

Now, under the starless sky, I could see the estate in the distance—a sprawling mansion surrounded by a towering iron gates. My stomach twisted.

There would be no escape if that was were I would be residing with them.

The twin at my side remained silent as we walked toward a black car.

He opened the door for me, and I hesitated, glancing at him.

“Get in,” he said, voice softer than I expected.

I slid into the seat, and he shut the door behind me before circling to the driver’s side. As the engine roared to life, I risked another glance at him.

Before I could hold myself back, I found myself asking a question, “What’s your name?”

He didn’t respond right away. His grip on the steering wheel tightened before he exhaled sharply.

“Zade.” he surprisingly didn't to question me about the sudden question since I was there last night when his brother called him by his name.

Zade. The name suited him—sharp, strong, but with an underlying edge of restraint.

“And you’re Zarek's twin?” I already knew the answer, but I wanted to see his reaction.

His jaw clenched. “Obviously, or are you dumb?” He gritted out in irritation.

Silence stretched between us.

I wanted to ask more, but something told me I shouldn’t push. He wasn’t like Zarek. There was hesitation in him, a conflict that I couldn’t quite place.

But that didn’t mean he would help me.

I leaned back in my seat, staring out the window I as we approached the estate. My new prison. My new reality.

Thankfully, Zarek bought me and not that bald headed Alpha.

Still, I couldn't rejoice yet since I had no idea what awaited me inside those walls, but one thing was certain—I wouldn’t go down without a fight if it is required.

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.

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“This is your new room, the Alphas do not like anyone on their floor, so you have to stay here, with the other servants.” The maid said flatly and pushed open the door before her.

I stepped inside and immediately felt my stomach drop. The room was small and bare, with a creaky bed pushed against the wall and a thin, looking blanket.

This big mansion and the only room given to me was…..this?

Although it was better than any room I had stayed in, still, it wasn't what I expected.

But again, I was bought by their masters and I had to comply or I'd be dead. They were all wolves and I was a mere powerless human.

I didn't stand a chance against them.

I glanced around again, taking in the sight of the small window at the corner to let some air in. The scent of cooking from the kitchen below made it clear that I was placed amongst servants.

The maid standing beside me crossed her arms, watching me as if studying my reactions and preparing to tell on me if there was even a slightest distaste on my face.

“Like I said before, the Alphas don't like anyone else on their floor. You don't belong there, so this is where you'll stay. Don't get any ideas about roaming around freely. You’re not allowed near them unless they summon you." She added sarcastically.

I frowned at the last words, clenching my fist at my sides. “Summon me? For what?"

The maid smirked at me and said, “You’ll be living like a maid that you're supposed to be. Their personal maid to be precise. If they need anything, you'll come running. You'll serve them until they grow tired of you and toss you out."

My breath hitched, wondering what in the world she meant by that. I heard her words, but my brain refused to process the words from her.

Before I could respond, the maid placed a bundle of fabric on the old looking bed. “Speaking of which, there's a party tonight. The Alpha's want you there. That is your dress on the bed."

I glanced at the black dress laying on the bed, and slowly, I walked over to unfold it.

When I took in the sight of the dress, my face burned in humiliation. The dress was nothing more than a thin scarp of silk.

A short dress, barely covering anything, the neckline plunging In a way that made my stomach twist.

My hands trembled as I stared at the it. “I’m not wearing this." I stated firmly and flatly. I would rather die than wear such flimsy dress.

The maid's eyes widened momentarily, then a smile blossomed on her face the next minute.

" Very well, I shall return the dress to the Alphas.” She said and before I could react, she already grabbed the dress and stormed off.