Chapter 6

Otsana

As I stepped through the ornately carved door to my new quarters, I felt like I had been transported into a world of luxury and beauty.

"Welcome, Alpha Breeder Otsana," two maids greeted me, curtsying low. "I am Nina, and this is Laila. We will be your personal attendants while you are here."

The room was decorated with plush carpets and velvet drapes, with a four-poster bed that looked like it belonged in a palace. I felt a wave of astonishment wash over me.

I took a moment to take it all in, my eyes roaming over the rich tapestries and ornate furniture. A pair of exotic birds fluttered in a gilded cage, chirping and trilling a haunting melody as they watched me with curious eyes.

I smiled at the birds, feeling a flutter of hope in my chest. Perhaps this new life would not be so bad after all.

"Alpha Breeder Otsana," Nina said, her voice filled with excitement. "Alpha Ralph has sent us this beautiful red dress for you to wear to the welcome dinner. He wants you to look your best for the occasion."

Laila rushed over, carrying a steaming bath and delicately scented soaps. "You must freshen up and relax before the festivities," she said, smiling warmly. "Let us take care of everything for you."

"Thank you," I said, my heart fluttering with nerves and excitement. "This is all so new to me. Tell me, what can I expect at the welcome dinner?"

Nina and Laila exchanged a smile. "Oh, it's a grand affair," Nina said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "The Alpha and his most trusted advisors will be there to welcome you to the pack. You'll be treated like royalty!"

"And the food!" Laila added, a dreamy expression on her face. "The cooks have been preparing a feast fit for the gods.

"You'll have to watch out for one person, though," Nina warned, her voice dropping to a hushed whisper. "Nicole, the last Alpha's breeder. She's not happy about being replaced, and she's been causing trouble for everyone."

Laila nodded, her expression growing serious. "It's best to avoid her if you can. She's not to be trusted."

I felt a twinge of unease at their words, but brushed it off. Surely I could handle a little drama, given the luxurious life I would be leading here.

"Tell us about your pack, the Moonlight Pack," Nina said, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Was it as luxurious as here?"

"Oh, not at all," I replied. "It was much more modest, but my stepfather, Alpha Grayson, was a good leader. He cared deeply for his pack and wanted only the best for us."

I didn't want to reveal the harsh truth about my life there, not wanting to tarnish Alpha Grayson's image in their eyes. After all, he'd always be my step father…

The maids nodded in understanding, accepting my explanation.

They gently helped me into the steaming bath, pouring scented soaps over my skin and scrubbing away the dirt and grime of my journey. The warm water enveloped me, soothed my aching muscles, and calmed my racing heart.

As they massaged fragrant oils into my hair and skin, I felt a wave of gratitude and acceptance wash over me. It feels good to live a good life, I muttered under my breath.

I wrapped myself in a thick, luxurious towel, still damp from my bath, and studied myself in the mirror. My skin seemed to be glowing, almost as if it were glittering. I blinked, wondering if it was some trick of the light, but it was still there.

"Why is the Alpha being so nice to me?" I asked the maids, my voice filled with confusion.

They exchanged a look of surprise. "We are equally stunned," Nina admitted.

"Alpha Ralph has never been so generous to a breeder before. Perhaps you are special to him."

My heart skipped a beat at the word "special." What makes me special?

But then, a glint of silver caught my eye. I rushed to the window and peered down, my breath catching in my throat. A beautiful unicorn stood in the courtyard, its mane and tail shimmering with silver and gold.

"Whose unicorn is that?" I asked the maids, breathless with excitement.

They exchanged a sad glance. "It belongs to Alpha Ralph's late brother," Laila said, her voice low.

"Oh, that is heartbreaking," I murmured, watching the unicorn prance in the courtyard, its silver horn gleaming in the fading light.

"I'll be right back", " I said to them, as I made my way out of the room.

"Alpha Breeder Otsana!" the maids called out. "You can't touch the Unicorn, you must come back and get dressed! The welcome dinner will be starting soon!"

But I was already halfway down the stairs, my heart pounding with excitement. I had to see the unicorn up close.

"I won't be long," I called back, a smile stretching across my face. "I just have to see it!"

I hurried down the stairs and out into the courtyard, my heart racing with anticipation. The unicorn was even more breathtaking up close, its silver coat shining in the fading light. It nickered softly and inclined its head, allowing me to approach.

I reached out a tentative hand, my fingers trembling with excitement as I touched its soft, velvety coat. It whickered again, nuzzling my hand gently.

I smiled, my heart overflowing with wonder. "You're beautiful," I whispered.

"What's your name?"

"Punishments," I heard a deep voice say, and I whirled around to see Alpha Ralph standing behind me, his eyes like burning embers.

"Alpha," I stammered, pulling my hand away from the unicorn and smiling nervously. "I didn't know you were here."

He stepped forward, his gaze piercing and intense. "Punishments is what you're getting, right away," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Nobody touches the unicorn."

My heart froze in my chest.

Alpha Ralph lifted his hand and snapped his fingers, a sharp, commanding gesture.

"Guards!" he barked, and within seconds, several burly men clad in leather and steel flooded into the courtyard, their expressions grim and determined.

"Take her," Alpha Ralph ordered, his voice like ice. "Flog her."

I felt my blood run cold as the guards seized me by the arms, their hands like iron manacles.