SHE'S ALIVE?

Asterion’s POV

I strode down the steps, my footsteps the only sound echoing in the vast Alpha castle I now called my own. The torches lining the walls flickered as I made my way toward the throne room.

As I passed, guards stiffened at attention with their heads bowed, too afraid to meet my eyes. Maids scurried away like frightened mice or pressed themselves against the walls, trembling in fear—a fear I had come to enjoy.

I turned a corner, almost at the throne room, when a pitiful little thing—a maid—came rushing out from a side corridor. Before she could stop herself, it was too late. Her body slammed into my chest, sending a stack of linens tumbling to the floor.

I stopped, staring down at her as she looked up, horrified, her face drained of color. I furrowed my brows, but before I could say a word, she dropped to her knees, bowing so low her forehead nearly touched the cold stone floor.

“My lord… please… forgive me,” she said, her voice trembling as she pressed her forehead against