Plan

Autumn’s POV

I wanted to speak to the King, but the warriors wouldn’t allow it.

“You’re just an omega,” they sneered. “The King doesn’t entertain despicable creatures like you.”

But I didn’t care about their words. I needed to see him. I had to. For Hannah. For her future. If she became a slave, her life would be over before it even began. I refused to let that happen. My parents had wanted us to be educated, to live with dignity. I wouldn’t let their dreams die along with them.

Today, the head maid assigned me a task—to serve drinks to the warriors in the evening.

I knew what that meant.

I knew exactly what would happen to me if I stepped into that hall.

But before that could happen, I needed to talk to the King. No matter what it took.

Guards stood everywhere, their sharp eyes scanning every movement. Getting into the Lycan King’s chamber was impossible. But I had no choice.

I had spent the entire day gathering information. By now, I knew his routine. The King was in his chambers. Alone. If I wanted to speak to him, this was my only chance.

Do or die, Autumn.

I took a deep breath, steadying my shaking hands. Fear would not save Hannah. I had to do this.

I pulled the hood of my maid’s cloak lower over my face and waited for the right moment. When a group of servants walked past the guards carrying trays of food and wine, I slipped in behind them, keeping my head down.

The hallway leading to his chambers was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of power and dominance. Every step felt like walking into the jaws of a beast.

I reached his door.

This was it.

One chance. One moment.

I clenched my fists, took a deep breath, and pushed the heavy doors open.

Surprisingly, there were no guards outside his chamber.

A chill ran down my spine. Was this a trap? Or was the King so powerful that he didn’t need protection?

Maybe I will die today…

The thought settled in my mind, but I refused to let fear ruin my plan. I had come this far. I needed to speak to him. For Hannah. For our future.

Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside.

The chamber was enormous—larger than any room I had ever seen. The air smelled of burning wood, leather, and something uniquely masculine. A grand fireplace flickered on one side, casting eerie shadows against the stone walls. The furniture was dark, rich, and intimidating. Tall shelves lined with books and weapons stood against the walls, a contrast between intellect and brutality.

At the center of the room was a massive bed, draped in black and gold. The sheets looked untouched, but the lingering scent of perfume and something sinful told me otherwise.

A long table held a jug of wine, a few maps, and a dagger resting carelessly on the wooden surface. Everything about this place screamed power, dominance, and danger.

When I entered, the room was empty.

Silence hung in the air, broken only by the distant crackling of the fire. My heart pounded as I took hesitant steps forward, scanning the massive chamber. Maybe… he wasn’t here? Had I come at the wrong time?

I waited for a few minutes, my breath shallow.

Maybe he left…

Relief flooded me. If he wasn’t here, I could leave before getting caught—before this reckless decision turned into my death sentence.

Just as I turned to leave, the heavy sound of a door opening echoed through the chamber.

I froze.

Slowly, I turned toward the sound.

And what I saw made my breath hitch.

Oh. My. God.

The Lycan King stepped out from an adjoining room, a towel slung loosely around his waist, his damp hair falling over his forehead. Droplets of water trailed down his bare chest, accentuating the sculpted ridges of muscle beneath. He looked like a god—tall, powerful, and breathtakingly lethal.

I had imagined a king in his late forties, someone graying and battle-worn. But Zane Valerian Blackhowl was young.

Too young.

And dangerously handsome.

His golden eyes locked onto me, sharp and unreadable.

"Where is my coffee?" he asked, his voice low and commanding.

Before I could react, he closed the distance between us, now standing directly in front of me. The air around him carried a mix of fresh cedarwood and something darkly intoxicating.

He waved a hand in front of my face, snapping me out of my trance.

I stared at him, completely lost, as if the entire world had disappeared around me. My lips parted, but no words came—only a breath of air.

Frustrated, I swallowed and cleared my throat, forcing myself to speak.

"I... I..." My voice trembled as I struggled to speak.

Suddenly, my knees gave in, and I dropped to the floor, bowing my head low.

Zane’s piercing gaze burned into me. His presence was overwhelming, his dominance suffocating.

“How did you enter my chamber without my permission? Without the guards seeing you?” His voice was sharp, demanding.

I kept my head lowered, my fingers digging into the fabric of my dress. “I am one of the omegas captured from the Dimlight Pack, Your Highness.”

Silence.

Swallowing hard, I gathered my courage. “Please, just two minutes. Let me speak… Please.”

I heard movement—the rustle of fabric, the soft creak of a chair. My heart pounded as I realized he had taken a seat.

And he was waiting.

"I... We are 32 omegas, appointed as slaves from yesterday," I began, my voice shaky but determined. "But, Your Highness… in our pack, we lived separately from the main village. We cultivated vegetables, spices, crops, and even medicinal plants."

I took a deep breath, steadying myself. "We don’t just farm—we do it in a scientific way. We analyze the soil, use biofertilizers, and maximize growth with different techniques. If… if you allow us to do the same here, we can provide valuable resources for your kingdom."

I hesitated for a moment before gathering my courage. "And in return… please, Your Highness, let us work with dignity. Avoid the slave position."

I kept my head bowed, waiting, hoping. The silence in the room stretched unbearably long.

Zane let out a deep, mocking laugh. The sound sent a shiver down my spine.

“Do you really think we lack capable people in my kingdom?” he scoffed, amusement lacing his tone. “You omegas believe you can bargain with me?”

I clenched my fists against my dress, keeping my head bowed. “Please, Your Highness… we will serve you until our last breath.”

Silence.

Then, I heard the slow, deliberate sound of footsteps approaching. My heart pounded as his presence loomed closer.

Zane placed a firm finger under my chin, forcing me to lift my head and meet his piercing golden eyes. His touch was cold, commanding, making it impossible to disobey.

“Look at me, omega,” he ordered, his voice deep and unwavering.

I swallowed hard, my eyes locking onto his. A tear welled up, threatening to fall, but I refused to let it. I wouldn’t show weakness.

“We will work hard, Your Highness,” I whispered, my voice laced with determination.

Zane smirked, his golden eyes gleaming with amusement. “And tell me, omega… when did I allow mere slaves to bargain with me?” He tilted his head, his grip on my chin tightening just enough to make me uneasy. “What do I gain from allowing you to work in agriculture?”

I took a shaky breath, my mind racing. “Your Highness… we have nothing of value to offer,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “But we can grow crops, vegetables, and medicinal plants that will benefit your kingdom. If you allow us to work, we will prove our worth.”

Zane chuckled darkly, his grip on my chin firm as he leaned in slightly. “You entered my chamber without permission… and now you dare bargain with me?” His voice was laced with mockery, a dangerous edge beneath his amusement. “Do you truly think I will spare your life?”

I clenched my fists, my body trembling—not with fear, but with determination. I lifted my chin despite his hold and met his gaze with unwavering resolve.

“Then kill me,” I said, my voice steady. “I refuse to live as a slave. But… spare my sister’s life.”