CHAPTER THREE

Carly was born into a small, peaceful pack nestled in the mountains. Her parents, both kind and hardworking, raised her with love and taught her the values of loyalty and courage. Life was simple and happy until the day the raids began. Alpha Arnold and his men attacked their pack, burning homes and capturing anyone they could find.

Carly was just fifteen when the raids started. Her father fought bravely but was outnumbered. She watched in horror as he was struck down and her mother was dragged away screaming. Carly hid in the forest, clutching her younger brother, Ethan, to her chest, trying to keep him quiet.

After the raid was over, Carly and Ethan lived in hiding, scavenging for food and avoiding the patrols. They were eventually discovered and captured. Carly fought with all her strength, but she was no match for the soldiers. She and Ethan were taken to a slave market in Tamine City, where they were separated and sold to different buyers.

---

Carly was jolted back to the present by the sound of Alpha Arnold's voice booming through the hall. She hurried out of the storeroom and joined the other slaves, who were busy setting up for the evening feast.

"Move faster, Carly!" Alpha Arnold snapped as he passed by. "I don't have time for your daydreaming."

"Yes, Alpha Arnold," Carly replied, quickening her pace. She couldn't afford to draw any attention to herself.

"Are you going to stand there like a statue? Hurry up and have a proper bath!" barked Mrs. Elizabeth, the Chief Maid, whose gray hair was visibly seen.

Carly looked around the filthy bathroom, noticing numerous stains, feces, and even dead rats scattered throughout. This was the place where deceased omegas' bodies were washed before finally being burned at the sacred pack tomb. She wondered why Alpha Terry had instructed her to bathe in such a location.

She delicately began bathing, wanting to look presentable for Alpha Terry, taking a significant amount of time to finish.

Afterward, she was escorted by one of the maids, who persistently pushed her and made fun of the scars on her back, visible because she had a towel around her chest, yet it failed to completely conceal the marks inflicted by the ruthless people in the Blue Lamine pack.

"You should be quick; I'm not here for this rubbish," said Alpha Terry.

Carly muttered, her voice filled with irritation. She snorted in response and returned her attention to her phone. She was nearly ready for the ritual. Her thick brown hair had been pulled up into an elegant twist, with the veil neatly tucked into place.

She hadn't worn any makeup, so she was left with no choice but to embrace her natural appearance. It didn't bother her much, although her skin was not flawless, adorned with beautiful scars.

"What the hell are you smiling about?" Alpha Terry snarled, interrupting her thoughts. Carly shook her head, choosing not to respond. Alpha Terry narrowed his eyes at Carly, He stood up and approached her, his hands on his hips as she cocked her head to the side.

"You know, slave, I think you could use a little color in your cheeks for your mating ritual today," he said abruptly, a wicked smile spreading across his face.

Instinctively, Carly sprang up and attempted to bolt out towards the door, knowing what was coming next. Alpha Terry was quick. He grabbed her arm, spun her around, and delivered a vicious slap to Carly’s left cheek. Before she could recover from the shock, Alpha Terry repeated the action on her right cheek. Tears welled up in Carly's eyes as the stinging pain radiated across her face.

“What? You should thank me for putting natural makeup on your face. It will make you look more unique!” Alpha Terry said, and Carly bit her lower lip. She had no option but to endure it. However, she had gotten an Alpha mate; all this maltreatment would soon come to an end.

"You will always be nothing but a stupid slave!" he spat, before releasing her grip and walking out of the room. Carly breathed out heavily and fell to the ground, tears rolling down her eyes, but that didn't change her mood; today was the last day they would torture her this way.

She took a deep breath in and out, attempting to regain composure. After a few minutes, she walked out of the room, heading towards the hall. Suddenly, she stopped and looked around the place, cursing the earth king for bringing her to such a wretched place. What kind of pack would punish someone like this?

“Slave Carly!” The Alpha's husky, deep voice made her flinch, and she looked at him.

“Alpha,” she mumbled. Alpha Michael grabbed her arm forcefully, tightening his grip.

“Listen well, slave. You will forever be a slave. He will take you as nothing but a breeder!” he said, but Carly was still processing the situation.

“Huh? What…I don't understand,” she said, and when her emerald green eyes landed on Maxwell, she felt her soul leave her.

“I hope you die soon. Idiot!” Maxwell rolled her eyes, leaving.

Alpha Terry remained silent for a moment, his eyes turning black and emitting a low growl. Before he could act on his aggression or harm her, the large doors in front of them began to open.

Alpha Terry resumed his fake smile. As they proceeded into the hall, Carly was hit with the most incredible scent. It was that of her mate, and she couldn't explain how she felt. His fragrance was so strong that it filled the hall, and she couldn't help but scan the place until her eyes landed on him.

He was smiling at the altar; this was the first time Carly had seen him in a better view. He had a sharp jawline, muscles irritatingly cool, and his deep blue eyes were so magical. However, at the same time, they looked darkened like charcoal.

At that moment, she couldn't see anyone else in the room. There were no other guests, only the elders who would officiate their union standing at the platform alongside her mate.

"What are you waiting for? Go!" Alpha Terry hissed, still maintaining his fake smile as he pushed Carly forward. A growl escaped from Alpha Michael indicating that he had witnessed Alpha Terry's mistreatment of Carly.

She turned to steal a glance at Alpha Terry whose face had gone pale. He bowed his head in apology and quickly made his way to his seat.

---

The hall was filled with anticipation as Carly took her place next to her mate. She tried to steady her breathing, feeling the weight of every gaze upon her. The elders began the ritual, Just as the ceremony was reaching its peak, the doors burst open. A figure, cloaked in shadows, strode into the room. Gasps rippled through the crowd as the intruder removed his hood.

"Liam," Carly whispered, her heart palpitated.

"Enough of this farce," Liam declared, his voice strong and defiant. "Alpha Terry, your tyranny ends now."

Chaos erupted as Alpha Terry lunged at Liam, but Liam was ready. He moved with the agility of a trained fighter, dodging Terry's attacks and striking back with precision.

"Stop him!" Alpha Terry screamed, but the crowd was frozen in shock.

Carly seized the moment. She ran towards Liam, her eyes filled with determination. "I'm with you," she said, her voice being steady.

Liam nodded, handing her a dagger. "We fight together."