All Chapters of ALPHA KING DOMINIC'S DARKEST CLAIM: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Dominic didn't stop until they reached Lyra's bedroom door.Lyra spent the entire walk trying not to look at the servants they passed, her face burning with embarrassment every time she caught one of them smiling knowingly.Dominic never seemed bothered by the attention. His stride remained steady and unhurried, as though carrying her through the palace was the most natural thing in the world.When they reached her room, he nudged the door open with one hand before carefully lowering her onto her feet. The instant her left foot touched the floor, she instinctively leaned onto the other.Dominic frowned."Sit."Lyra looked up at him." I'm fine."He gave her a look that made it obvious he believed none of it. Without another word, he walked toward the adjoining bathroom. Lyra watched him disappear through the doorway, puzzled.A moment later, he returned carrying a polished wooden first-aid box. He set the box on the bedside table before kneeling in front of her.The sight alone made

By the time Lyra stepped out of the bath, the palace maids had already prepared a simple outfit for her. A pale blue sundress that fell just above her knees. It was light and comfortable, a welcome change from the heavy gown she had worn to the royal ball. She brushed her long hair until it flowed freely over her shoulders before slipping into a pair of soft sandals that didn't aggravate the tenderness around her ankle.Taking a steadying breath, she left her room and made her way through the palace corridors.As she approached the dining hall, the aroma of freshly baked bread, roasted bacon and brewed coffee drifted into the corridor. Lyra smiled faintly to herself before reaching for the large double doors.The smile disappeared the instant she stepped inside. She had expected to find Cassandra, Lydia and Vivienne.Instead, two additional faces sat at the table - Dominic and her father. Lyra stopped walking. Her gaze settled on the man seated across the long table. For a moment, the

Lyra stirred beneath the blankets before slowly opening her eyes. For a few quiet moments, she simply lay there, watching the cream-colored curtains sway gently with the wind. Something about the morning felt different. The oppressive heat that had lingered throughout the summer had finally disappeared, replaced by crisp, refreshing air that seemed to breathe new life into everything it touched.A cool breeze drifted through the open bedroom window, carrying with it the earthy scent of pine, damp soil, and leaves that had only recently begun surrendering to autumn.She pushed herself upright and padded barefoot across the room before stopping beside the tall window.The palace gardens stretched out beneath her, glowing beneath the soft light of the early morning sun. The flower beds remained vibrant, but the trees had begun their slow transformation. Here and there, patches of emerald leaves had turned brilliant shades of gold, amber, and crimson, painting the gardens with the first c

Laughter bubbled from Lyra's lips as a little girl grabbed both her hands and pulled her toward the circle surrounding the largest bonfire."Come on, Luna! You're too slow!""I'm trying!" Lyra protested between laughs as three more children rushed over to help the little girl drag her into the growing crowd.The musicians changed to a faster rhythm, drums beating steadily while wooden flutes carried a cheerful melody into the cool autumn night. Around the fire, palace maids danced beside guards, cooks clapped along to the music, and servants who usually hurried through the hallways with lowered heads now smiled freely, cups of berry wine in hand.Tonight, titles mattered far less than laughter.Lyra spun once with the children before letting go of their hands and clapping along to the music. She hadn't realized how much she'd missed simple moments like these.No royal etiquette.No lessons.No expectations.Just people enjoying one another's company beneath the glow of the Moon Harve

The following morning found Dominic seated behind his desk in his office, but his attention was miles away.Adrian stood across from him, a stack of documents tucked beneath one arm as he delivered the morning briefing."There's something else that requires your approval," Adrian said. "The Silvermoon Pack has requested an audience with you. Their Alpha wants to discuss a possible alliance with us."Dominic's gaze remained fixed on the window, though he wasn't really looking outside.Adrian continued anyway. "I actually think this could be beneficial for us. Silvermoon controls one of the most fertile regions on the continent. Their farms produce enough grain to feed several neighboring territories, and part of their land is rich with rare minerals. An alliance would strengthen our economy considerably."He frowned thoughtfully. "What I don't understand is why they're approaching us now. They've spent decades refusing to join the Northern Kingdom, and suddenly they're requesting a pri