Chapter 6: His Slave

Rose

I glare at the Beta from where I am at the back of the line, fists clenched.

Going deeper inside the Lycan King’s territory is far from my plan. Dread settles in the pit of my stomach.

How do I escape this place now?

They lead us through residential areas with homes and arenas used for the popular Luna games, but I’m not awed by anything because I know how fierce the competition amongst slaves is.

Everyone wants to control and not be controlled.

The air around me tightens, and my chest heaves. I just want to leave.

“Show them the dressing room,” the Beta says once we arrive at the grand palace made of glass and gold. “I will choose the Lycan King’s slave on his behalf.”

My heart skips a beat. I don’t know if that news should fill me with thrills.

I’m certain the Beta saw me eavesdropping; that’s how I found myself on his radar.

Now I have to do something about that. I can’t get stuck here. Rhi needs me.

Flashes of how the Lycans came at her, even though she was innocent, make me shiver. I bite my lip to hold back tears.

“Gods! Look at these clothes!” Someone shouts as we enter the dressing room.

My mouth opens in shock, too. The fabrics available for all ten of us are so pretty. I try to touch one of them.

But suddenly, a contraction happens in my stomach, and the room starts spinning. I grab the edge of the table next to me.

Then I huddle up in a corner discreetly, touching my stomach with a shaky hand. A deep sense of emptiness settles within me.

“Are you okay?” the girl who stood beside me on the row at the guard base asked.

I nod. “Yes…I’m just famished.”

“If you get chosen, you’ll eat feasts for the rest of your life.” Her face lights up at the thought of being the one.

“Oh, no, it fits you more. I can’t dream of being his slave,” I say, and she fakes a humble smile, playfully nudging me with her arm.

She points at the moveable hangers. “Do you think I’d look good enough for the Lycan King in that purple one?”

I stare at the beautiful dress that caught my attention first, sparing her a half smile.

“Yes, you should wear it.” I nod again, and she finally leaves me alone.

When the chief warrior returns, he takes us to a grand hall. The Beta’s clothes are different now, no longer the leather he used for battle.

I stand at the end of the row, keeping my head down as usual.

I’m still wearing my old dress. It’s soiled and torn at the seams. But I need them repulsed by me.

The Beta points at me. “You. Why didn’t you change?”

I lower my head immediately, praying to the moon goddess; he sends me away for disobeying their order.

“What’s your name?”

“Rose.” I’m trembling, taking in short breaths.

Everyone gasps unexpectedly, and I raise my head to find a handsome man walking into the hall. His dark regalia literally shimmers. And his deep blue eyes and mid-length golden brown hair were made to perfection.

It’s him.

“Stand over there,” the Beta quickly tells me, and I follow the direction of his hand.

I stifle a smile when I see it’s at a far end, rushing over there, knowing I succeeded with my plan.

Now that the Lycan King is here, they won’t present someone in rags to his highness. I almost laugh out loud.

Then I clear my throat, lowering my head again while a smile splits my face in two.

“Lycan King Darius,” the beta says, “I wasn’t expecting you to come yourself.”

“For some reason, I can’t think of any other way to spend my evening,” the Lycan King replies, sighing.

Gods…his voice.

Deep and smooth like butter. I drool while hearing it. Can someone really be so perfect?

“I prepared these nine just for you,” the Beta tells him, and I hear their footsteps, indicating they are on the move. “These two are my personal favorites... But—”

The room is suddenly silent, such that I can only hear the hammering of my heart against its cage.

My breath hitches in my throat when I finally understand what the warm presence next to me is.

The Lycan King is standing right in front of me!

“Lift up your head,” he whispers, and I can’t pretend not to feel his voice on my toes.

Trembling, I slowly lift my head, and his pupils dilate when our eyes lock, a vague glimmer crossing his face.

My lips part. I feel bare under his blue stare, toes tingling.

His eyes narrow as he takes a step closer. My lungs forget how to work. Everything fades except his gaze.

“I choose you.”