"They're coming! Hurry!" shouted the Head Maid, rushing in with her skirt gathered in her hands. "Get those desserts out immediately! Hailey, move aside! We need all hands on deck!"
Hailey brushed a tear from her cheek and left the unwashed dishes to Layla, who shot her a disdainful look, muttering under her breath about Hailey's seeming naivety.
With two trays thrust into her hands, Hailey was quickly swept into the line of maids making their way to the Main Hall, the venue for the most prominent gatherings. Her chest tightened, her breaths sharp and shallow. Despite another tear escaping, she pressed onward.
She was jostled until they reached the hall, where it felt nearly impossible to breathe. The women there were strikingly beautiful, moving with a poise she could hardly imagine. Their voices were melodic and their laughter carried an air of power and grace.
A significant decision had loomed over the pack for weeks. Alpha Rowan had yet to find his mate, accepting the gloom possibility he might never succeed. Hailey hoped this would grant her a chance—that he might one day notice her in her simple dress, always observing from the shadows.
But that hope was fading. Today, Rowan was hosting female Alphas, searching for his Luna.
Meanwhile, Hailey was stuck washing dishes that these invited women would soon use. The clatter of glassware in the sink mirrored her frustration, her whole being trembling with indignation. She found it unbearable. Why couldn't she be the one? Was it her lack of Alpha lineage? Because she hadn't yet shifted? Was her beauty lacking?
Her mother always assured her of her captivating eyes, eyes that could seize attention and charm. She claimed one day they'd be valuable, but it seemed doubtful when Rowan never looked her way.
Frustration burned inside Hailey as she recalled others mocking her. Everyone knew how she felt, except the one her feelings were for. She was branded foolish, deluded for thinking she could be noticed. Women flocked to the castle, vying for Rowan's attention—beautiful women from powerful families and packs. They all wanted him.
Rowan was the richest, most commanding Alpha in Maldivian, his looks as if chosen by the Goddess herself. But that was never why Hailey fell for him.
Desperation gnawed at her. She couldn't fathom waiting twelve years since first seeing him, only to lose Rowan to one of these cunning contenders.
Alpha Rowan belonged to her. He just didn't know it yet. Call her delusional or out of touch, but being an Omega didn't mean she was weak-minded. Hailey knew she could dream, desire, and fight for what she loved. She aspired to be the Alpha's partner.
Her gaze swept over the crowded hall, taking in the maidens dressed resplendently, gowns with cinched waists and elegant necklines. She noticed Beta Ruel overseeing and checking off names of the new arrivals.
She had a plan.
Her mind overflowed with ideas, often landing her in trouble.
As she served, her fingers slipped, and tea spilled onto one of the candidates. The woman reacted immediately and harshly; she stood abruptly, her fan striking Hailey across the forehead. "Clumsy fool! Do you know the value of this dress?!"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"Ruel?" the woman called, her gaze dismissive and scornful. The Beta appeared swiftly at her side. "Is this how your servants show respect to guests?"
Hailey frowned. "But I didn’t even—"
Beta Ruel's stern look silenced her. "Apologize to Lady Moressett."
She resisted the urge to empty the teapot over Lady Moressett's pristine hair. Knowing she needed to execute her plan before Rowan and his mother arrived, she bowed her head. "I apologize for my error, Lady Moressett. Is there anything I can do—"
Lady Moressett brusquely dismissed her mid-apology. When she looked up, she met Beta Ruel’s critical gaze. She attempted a smile but received a sharp rebuke. "Not today, Hailey. Behave."
As he moved away, her eyes remained fixed on the scroll he carried—the list of prospective Lunas. Her name had to be on it.
"Don't even consider it, Hailey," warned Lovie, her only friend there, while they placed trays on another table. Lovie frequently scolded or warned her about her impulsive plans.
Feigning ignorance, Hailey responded, "What are you talking about?"
Lovie narrowed her eyes, wiping sweat from her brow. "You've got that look again."
Hailey offered a sheepish smile. "What look?"
"The kind that says you're about to do something reckless. For the love of the Goddess, please not today," Lovie pleaded, pulling her out of the hall.
Once outside, Hailey freed her hand. "I'm not up to anything," she insisted, pouting. "Nothing beyond the usual, anyway."
Lovie scoffed. "That's what you said before sneaking into the Alpha's room and getting locked in his bathroom. If I hadn't been cleaning that day, you'd be in the dungeons now!"
Hailey covered her mouth with her hand. "Do you want the whole world to hear?!" She released her grip as passing maids and sentries began to take notice.
Grasping Lovie's shoulders, she whispered, "Just cover for me, five minutes after Rowan arrives."
"Why?" Lovie's gaze drifted to the bustling hall where elegantly dressed maidens were gathered. "You can't be serious, Hailey! Joining the selection? Only those with Alpha blood qualify!"
Hailey bit her lip, nerves evident. "This might be my only chance for him to notice me, as someone of significance. Today, Lovie, he'll truly see me!"
A small laugh escaped Lovie. "You've lost your mind."
Hailey brushed it off. "I've got nothing to lose. He'll either reject me or acknowledge me."
"Oh, he'll definitely reject you. Are you insane? If this backfires—and it will—you'll be exiled."
Hailey heard her friend, but love and determination eclipsed caution. "Rowan is worth the risk. Please promise you'll help."
Lovie sighed. "I better not get in trouble for this, Hailey."
......
Stealing the scroll turned out to be surprisingly easy. Hailey provoked a skirmish between another contender and Lovie, prompting Beta Ruel to intervene. Amid the chaos, he unwittingly slipped the scroll into his back pocket. With a smug grin, she retrieved it, scribbling her name in a secluded corner just beneath Alpha Rowan's official stamp. After a gentle caress of the parchment, she returned it to its resting place.
As she set down another tray of desserts before a male Alpha in his mid-thirties—who eyed her with interest—an unmistakable tension filled the room, prickling her skin.
Hailey always seemed to sense when Alpha Rowan was near. His presence was as essential to her as air, sending warmth coursing through her body and making her heart skip a beat.
His scent was intoxicating—a mix of snow, musk, and something earthy. Whenever he was near, the aroma enveloped her, causing her insides to melt. On three occasions, she had sneaked into his room to "borrow" his clothes; he had so many, he wouldn't notice a few missing. She'd wrap his garments around her pillow, falling asleep to his irresistible scent.
Hailey was unabashedly in love with him and felt no shame in wanting the world to know it.
"Clear the way! The Alpha is here! Exit the hall!" ordered Head Maid Lesley, ushering everyone out the back door. With a quick glance at Lovie, Hailey discreetly slipped behind a broad pillar, grateful for its cover to keep her concealed.
Hailey remained perfectly still until the grand double doors closed behind Alpha Rowan's entrance.Peeking around the pillar, she let out a wistful sigh. There sat the love of her life, her only dream. His fiery red hair cascaded over his shoulders, and his full lips curved into a confident smile as his mother whispered something in his ear. His keen hazel eyes scanned the room, seemingly searching for someone. He was breathtakingly beautiful; each contour of his face was flawlessly sculpted. Just a glance at Alpha Rowan ignited an intense longing within her—a yearning that left her gasping for breath.Dressed in a regal black and gold jacket and pants, he looked magnificent.Beta Ruel ascended the dais and leaned in to whisper something to Alpha Rowan, who nodded curtly in response.Turning to the gathered crowd, Ruel began, "Welcome..."Hailey didn’t hear another word of his speech; her attention was solely on Alpha Rowan. As if sensing her gaze, he turned his head towards her, sendi
Hailey, overwhelmed, sank to her knees, her forehead touching the cold stone floor. "I've overstepped," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I apologize, but I can't deny my feelings. Is love ever truly wrong? My heart belongs to him, always has, always will." Whispers slithered through the air behind her, casting doubt on her sanity. "Such a foolish woman! Look at her rags! Can't the Alpha see she's mad?" "Absolutely shameless! A worthless girl like her dares to dream of Alpha Rowan? This is what happens when peasants have delusions of grandeur." Their cruel words felt like stones pelting her. A guard's boot grazed her hand, but before she could react, strong arms lifted her. Alpha Rowan raised a hand, silencing the jeers. "Leave her," he commanded. Hailey's eyes widened as the hands retreated. His mother, exasperated, turned to him. "Rowan, we have important matters. A conniving maid's words won't derail this event." Ignoring his mother, Rowan rose and approached Hailey
Turning, Hailey saw Lady Moressett ascending the stairs, flanked by a throng of competitors. Moressett stood out among them, exuding a beauty and grace that the others lacked. Her skin glimmered under the soft light, and her dress was the most exquisite Hailey had ever seen—light and ethereal, a soft pink that suggested both innocence and allure.Competition. This goddess-like figure was one of the women competing for the Alpha's attention. Hailey felt a tight knot in her chest. How could she possibly compete with that?Moressett halted in front of her, smirking as she took in Hailey with a glance. "One would think that after your performance, you'd be ready for the ball."A questionable sound came from one of the women beside her. "She reeks of hay and dung.""Don't forget desperation," another chimed in, and they burst into laughter."Is there a reason you called for me?" Hailey asked, struggling to control her irritation, determined not to let it escape or risk shoving these women
"The attacks have escalated this week," Ruel said, sniffing Rowan's drink before passing it to him. No matter how many times Rowan insisted it was unnecessary, Ruel had made it his mission to do so ever since the poisoning incident with wolfsbane last year that nearly cost Rowan his life.Luis clapped him on the shoulder. "You really shouldn't discuss rogue attacks with so many beautiful women present." He paused to sip from his drink. "So, who will be your choice tonight, Alpha? Moressett? Hanna looks rather appealing as well."Ruel scoffed, handing Rowan his drink. "Hanna's too timid for Rowan. He'd break her within a week."Rowan chuckled at that and took a sip from his glass, his eyes scanning the crowd for another option. It was a futile effort; no one eclipsed Moressett."You'll have to make a decision soon, Alpha," Luis remarked.He was right. The guests were starting to direct their attention toward him, the women blushing and adjusting their bodices to make themselves appear
As Hailey made to pull away, she felt his fingers grip her waist tightly, causing her breath to catch as the warmth of his touch seeped through her dress, marking her skin. A shiver ran through her as he held her against his chest, gazing down at her with eyes darkened by desire. "Who are you?" he asked.Her lips parted in response, but before she could speak, he bent slightly, sending a gasp from her lips as his hand slipped under her knee, lifting her leg to hook it around his waist—entirely a part of this seductive dance. Yet, she sensed a boundary had been crossed, moving from mere dancing to igniting a hunger within him.Anger flared within her, mingling with the heat as his fingers traced up her thigh, moving higher toward her hips, and settling at her waist as he dipped her low, as if she might tumble. But his grip tightened around her waist at the last second, holding her steady, and she found herself lost in his striking gaze that shimmered with an intensity she couldn't comp
Arrogant. Demeaning. Patronizing. Being the daughter of the next formidable Alpha after him had given her an inflated sense of confidence that she didn't deserve. This was yet another reason Rowan found himself unwilling to accept her as his Luna."I don't have anything to be sorry for," he replied coolly, locking her with a frigid glare.Her eyes filled with tears. "You picked her! That should have been my place! That dance belonged to me. Your mother promised—""My mother does not make choices for me, Lady Moressett, and I recommend you modify your tone when addressing me. I won't accept any disrespect from you, no matter who you believe yourself to be."He let her see Zeres flash in his eyes as he allowed a portion of his aura to escape, saturating the room with palpable pressure.She paled and quickly bowed her head. "I apologize for upsetting you. I was frustrated that you chose the maid for your first dance, and I reacted poorly. I'm sorry.""Good," he responded after a brief pa
Asked Hailey approached the front, she noticed Gamma Luis leaning against the entrance door with his arms crossed. A proud smile lined his lips, making Hailey's cheeks flush, but her smile diminished when Lovie caught her eye from afar.As soon as Lovie saw her, she turned and walked away. Lovie was still upset with Hailey and refused to engage or even meet her gaze, leaving Hailey feeling lonely. She had attempted to apologize multiple times but had run out of methods to repair their friendship.True to his promise, Gamma Luis had persuaded Beta Ruel to lighten Lovie's punishment. Now they were both cleaning the stables every day without breaks in between their shifts.Honestly, Hailey couldn't fault Lovie for her anger.Luna Renesme narrowed her eyes as she handed Hailey her sheet, which bore a single word: "Neither."Staring blankly, Hailey responded, "I selected neither option. As Luna, it is not my duty to determine which life holds more value or whose should be sacrificed for th
Rowan closed the distance again, kissing her lightly. The scent of the other woman flooded his senses once more. His mother was right; he needed to put a stop to this. He couldn't be drawn to the touch of an Omega. He couldn't lose his mind over a callous woman.He deepened the kiss, and Moressett moaned, grabbing his jacket tightly enough to tear it. Searching for the doorknob behind him, he twisted it as he held her waist firmly.Her fingers tangled in his hair as he kicked the door shut, and just as he began to lead her toward the bed, a soft yawn broke the silence behind them.Moressett yelped, startled by the figure at the foot of his bed, and Rowan jerked back, staring down in disdain.Violet eyes met his and held. Hailey Griffin was lying in his bed, covered by his duvet, her blonde hair cascading down her shoulders as she sat up, her creamy skin exposed."Hey, Rowan," she muttered, her voice heavy with sleep.Was he in some alternate reality where Hailey Griffin just called hi
Rowan POV.Rowan's footsteps echoed through the desolate hallway, the silence between each step filling him with unease. He seldom ventured into this part of the castle—the dungeons. It reminded him too vividly of the visits he had made to his father before the execution.A soul-chilling howl sliced through the air, followed by a desperate cry. Luis walked ahead, signaling the guards to let them pass. Rowan glared at him, battling the anger boiling within.It had been four days since he had last spoken to Hailey, four days since he tucked her in for the night. She wouldn't even spare him a glance, the ungrateful witch, nor would she engage with him. For four long days, he had been on edge, dreading what she might do next and when she would next invade his stu
Attempting to speak, her face crumpled as searing pain shot through her throat. She wanted to tell him she was fine, that it was just tea and grapes—she'd endured worse. Yet, despite her resolve, she didn't feel right. The day's events had dragged her back years, to a time when her mother attended to the wounds she herself had inflicted.Her body trembled with fear, hatred, and sorrow. Her fingers clutched the tub's edge as she tried to pull herself out, only to slip back in. Alpha Rowan reached for her, but she pushed his hand away. She wasn't weak; she could manage to get out herself.He let her try, again and again, until she finally broke down in sobs, attempting to crawl out. She avoided his gaze, afraid of the pity she'd find in his eyes. One final attempt saw her falling forward, bracing for the impact of the tub
That did the trick, and Ava hurried to comply.Hailey steadied herself, rising to her feet. "I really wouldn't—" But a sudden blow silenced her, sending shockwaves through her body. She stumbled back, gasping as she struggled to focus. Her head throbbed from the previous day's pain, feeling as if it might explode at any moment."Hold her," she vaguely heard Moressett order, and Hailey swung her fist blindly, aiming for anything in her path. Perhaps she should have stayed in her room and eaten breakfast there. Even if she screamed, there was no guarantee anyone would hear her—no one that mattered. Alpha Rowan, Beta Ruel, Gamma Luis, and the other officials had been in a meeting all morning.No one would come for her. It was just the eleven of them in the room,
"What other gift?" he asks, anger flashing in his eyes, which have taken on a warmer hue.Hailey realizes that his ire indicates he didn't send her the note, and a wave of worry tightens around her heart. Who did, and why? "A dress," she lies, gently caressing the roses. "It's a lovely piece. I assumed it was from you. Perhaps someone else admires me in court." She glances up from the flowers with a shy smile. "If that will be all, then..."Rowan pushes the door further open, inserting himself into the doorway, and she stifles a shiver when he unexpectedly touches her cheek. "I'm here, just as you always wanted, yet you won't invite me in."His thumb traces a line down her temple, continuing along the curve of her neck. Her fingers tighten around the flowers, and a thorn
Rowan Castle."Not now, Mother.""When then? She won the Hunt! How could an Omega possibly win the Hunt?!"Rowan turned, his jaw tightening. "I don't know, and I really don't care, Mother! I have more pressing matters, like the rogues that attacked. If you have questions, ask the lady herself!"It was all so tiresome. Rowan had never wanted the selection in the first place. He didn't even wish to be mated yet. No one seemed to notice that he was injured and still feverish from wolfsbane. Not when Hailey held up the lock of hair they had been tasked with retrieving at the Hunt, and Elder Balmond had begrudgingly named her the winner.If she won two more tasks, there would be no question—she would undoubtedly claim victory in the selection. But for Rowan, it was no longer about the selection. It was about getting her into his bed and out of his mind. He felt an overwhelming need to be with her. He could visit the brothel again, but he knew that bedding the owner wouldn't suffice to quel
Light CityIt had been two years since Nerissa had returned home, yet all she felt was a sense of dread as she yanked on the horse's reins, causing it to neigh and come to a stop by the stables."Not on the hay!" Corazon, the stablemaster, shouted, stomping his feet as he approached her. "Do you have any idea how long it took to gather that, peasant?!"Nerissa narrowed her eyes at Corazon and pulled off her hood. "Say that again, Corazon."He stopped abruptly, as if an invisible wall had blocked his path. His lips parted in shock, and his maroon gaze widened. With a shout that echoed through the stables, he proclaimed, "The Princess has returned!""Where is Father?" Nerissa asked as the servant attempted to fix her hair. Stupid lot. She missed her former chambermaid, Cazandra. While she was just as inept as the others, the woman did have a skillful touch. Apparently, everyone had assumed Nerissa had fled again, prompting her room to be cleared out and her servants relieved of their du
"Hailey." She jolted awake, sitting up so quickly that stars exploded in the back of her head. Squinting through the darkness of the cave, she realized the fire had died down, but moonlight seeped in, casting a dim glow. The rogue had vanished, along with her bow, her daggers, and Alpha Rowan's tailored jacket. Alpha Rowan was awake, his head leaning against the wall and an elbow resting on his knee. Tears of relief welled in her eyes, prompting her to look up at the cave's hollow ceiling to keep them at bay. "How do you feel?" "Dead," he breathed. After a moment of awkward silence, he added, "Thank you." "There's no need for that. I protect those I consider mine." He snorted. "You're delusional. I belong only to myself." A small smile crept onto her lips as she recalled the silliest thing she used to say to her mother as a child. "You are me, and I am you." "What?" Her grin widened. "You'll understand on the night we consummate our marriage." His blank stare made her smile f
The acrid scent of burning flesh permeated the air, and a tear slipped from Hailey's eyes, landing on the bloodied yet healing skin of Alpha Rowan."You love him," the rogue remarked from behind her as she stoked the fire. "Father says love is a weakness. You are not weak."Hailey's fingers trembled as she pressed the burning branch against Rowan's skin again, and he groaned, thrashing in pain. Despite his suffering, his eyes remained shut. An ache filled her heart and soul; it pained her to inflict pain on him. "Is that a question or a statement?" she asked, surprised by the steady, chilling tone of her own voice."Why did you help me?" the rogue shifted the topic abruptly. Hailey had no desire to discuss her feelings or her life with her. "I was meant to die. For two years, I've languished in that dungeon, waiting for death. I hoped for a swift execution every night. I never imagined I'd be used for sport by your foolish—""Keep talking, and I will gut you," Hailey interjected witho
Hailey pushed herself away from her hiding spot just in time to see the man raising his sword, merciless intent gleaming in his eyes. "I serve no king," he declared, bringing the blade down. In that moment, she closed her eyes and released her arrow.A sharp growl jolted her awake, and she found herself staring into a furious pair of black eyes. Her gaze dropped to his chest and saw her arrow embedded in it, but he seemed completely unfazed—only angrier. He snapped the arrow in half and lunged forward, but then he suddenly roared, glancing down to kick the woman into the water. A dagger was lodged in his foot, and Hailey hadn't even noticed her move.Her instincts urged her to flee, but the sight of the woman struggling to break the surface made Hailey drop her bow and plunge into the water. Regret filled her; she felt like she was swimming toward her own demise.Her mother would certainly disapprove of such reckless behavior if she were here.Did she mention how bad she was at swimmi