The palace was colder than the execution ground.

Elara hadn't expected that.

She'd imagined warmth-fireplaces, servants, polished wood, gold accents like the storybooks described.

Instead, the halls were carved from stone so dark it swallowed the light. Torches flickered in long corridors, throwing shadows that twisted across the walls like restless spirits. Her footsteps echoed with every step as the guards escorted her inside.

She didn't know where they were taking her.

No one spoke.

Every turn felt like descending deeper into the lion's den-into the heart of the predator who had taken everything from her yet spared her out of some twisted sense of justice.

Or cruelty.

They finally stopped before a heavy iron door.

"Inside," a guard ordered.

Elara hesitated. "What... is this?"

The guard's jaw tightened. "Your quarters."

Quarters.

A laugh almost escaped her lips.

It sounded too pretty a word for a cage.

They pushed her inside.

The room was small, windowless, and lit by a single lantern. A narrow bed stood against the wall, stiff and cold. Beside it was a basin and a folded piece of cloth. No blankets. No warmth.

Just a cell.

Elara stood in the center of the room, breathing shallowly, her hands trembling as the door slammed behind her.

Her father was dead.

Her life had ended with him.

And now...

Now she belonged to the Alpha.

Kane Blackthorn.

The man whose eyes held a storm she didn't understand.

The man she feared more than death.

But tonight, all she felt was empty.

She slumped to the floor, hugging her knees as the lantern burned, releasing thick, dark smoke into the air, casting faint shadows on the walls. The cold seeped into her bones until she couldn't tell where she ended and the stone began.

"Papa..." she whispered, her voice cracking. "Why?"

Silence was the only answer she got.

And thousands of distant footsteps, heavy, moving through the palace.

Not guards.

Not servants.

Him.

They stopped outside her cell.

Elara's heart pounded, her breathing heavy and fast.

The latch shifted.

The door opened an inch.

And Alpha Kane's silhouette filled the doorway, tall and intimidating.

"Elara," he said quietly.

Not harshly.

Not cruelly.

But in a way that made her heart twist painfully, as if her name tasted bitter on his tongue.

"Your punishment begins now."

**** ALPHA KANE'S CHAMBER

Inside the royal chamber, Kane was getting dressed by the maids. His face was totally expressionless and cold as they did all that. It's not a new thing anymore; even though nobody would dare look straight at his face, they were used to his cold and dark expressions.

They put the royal black attire on him, a robe known and feared by many for the terrible memories it held. His long hair was styled and packed in a loose ponytail.

"Where is Luciano?" he suddenly asked.

The maids all stepped away from him with their heads bowed.

"We are all done, Alpha," they said at the same time...

"Leave," he scoffed and mind-linked his beta.

**Assemble the elders!**

The maids bowed once again and sprinted out, not wasting a second.

Almost immediately, Luciano, his beta, walked in. A young man in his early thirties, he was wearing his usual black outfit. Aside from being his beta, he was the closest family to him and also his childhood friend.

Kane was already staring out the window with his two hands behind him when Luciano entered his chamber. He bowed behind him, even though Kane had told him to stop bowing before him when they were alone.

"Alpha, it's time for the meeting; the elders are all waiting in the throne room," Luciano reported.

"Stop bowing when we are alone; it doesn't look good on you," Kane scoffed and stormed away.

Luciano chuckled and followed him behind.

**"You're the Alpha; he should always bow before you," **Tyrant, his wolf, said.

"Fine," Kane rolled his eyes and cut off the link.

*

*

*

*. ROYAL HALL

The elders were all on their feet, standing and waiting for Alpha Kane. They had been discussing the right punishment to be served, not just to judge but also to please the affected families. Of course, all those girls, after being sold, were killed, turned into sex slaves and breeders, losing their freedom, while the unfortunate ones died.

The judgment must be fair enough. Even though the daughter wasn't the one who committed the crime, those young girls didn't do anything wrong either.

Moments later, Alpha Kane appeared, with Luciano beside him and five able-bodied warriors.

All the elders bowed until Kane and Luciano took their seats.

Kane gave the head warrior a sign, and immediately Elara was brought out before the Alpha and the elders.

"Kneel!" Luciano snapped.

Elara swallowed and went on her knees, far away from where the elders stood. She couldn't even see their faces clearly, but she knew them, and none could breathe when her father stood.

Silence stretched until Kane cleared his throat, staring at the elders.

"We, the elders, have already discussed this, and we have come to a conclusion," one of the elders said.

Another cleared his throat. "We have decided that the Alpha's judgment will please and satisfy the affected families."

The throne room fell silent once again, all eyes on Kane, expecting him to speak up and give the final verdict.

Elara was trembling where she knelt; she would take any punishment except for death.

"Please, goddess, let him spare my life," she prayed in her head, her heart beating fast, fear and agony written all over her.

Finally, Alpha Kane spoke.

"Beta Draven has been executed," he said.

Elara swallowed.

"He has paid for his sins, and his daughter, Elara, will become the pack's sex slave; she will experience what those young wolves of my pack experienced." Kane paused, and there was total silence.

Her pains will be doubled; my verdict will be passed down from my reign to the other Alphas to come. Sorrow shall be her second name.

Anyone among you who wishes to share her with me should step forward," Kane muttered.

The elders blinked at each other in silence.

"Step forward or remain silent!" Alpha Kane roared.

Nobody moved.

"Elara will become the royal sex slave and will never know peace until her eyelids close in death," Alpha Kane declared.

"This is my verdict!"

**MAID'S QUARTER**

The maids were gathered in the quarters. Lady Claribel, the head maid, addressing them sternly, her loud voice sharp as a blade, until the door opened without warning.

The head warrior shoved Elara in without warning.

Lady Claribel paused mid-sentence and turned.

"Is she the one?" she asked the guard, and he nodded.

"The Alpha's sex slave?" someone said from behind.

"Shut up!" Lady Claribel snapped, silencing the room.

"You can leave; I will train her," Lady Claribel said.

The guard walked out, and Claribel walked closer to Elara, who was still seated in the spot where she had fallen. She hesitated, then walked closer and helped her up.

"Thank you!" Elara whispered.

"What's your name?"

"Elara... Draven," Elara said, her last name tasting bitter in her mouth.

Lady Claribel nodded.

"Come with me," she said, leading the way. Elara followed immediately.

"Is she a new maid?"

"Alpha's Kane's sex slave," another corrected.

"Sex slave? "She's so pretty, please."

"She looks rich..."

"Did you see her smooth skin?"

"She's still a sex slave!"

"Lady Anika won't be happy about this!!"

The maids murmured among themselves as they walked out of the hall.

Elara followed Lady Claribel in silence.

"I was told you're Beta Draven's daughter," Claribel said.

"Yes, ma..." Elara whispered.

"His new slave girl..."

"Sl...slave girl?" she asked in surprise.

"Yes... You're paying for your father's sins," Lady Claribel said, and Elara nodded.

"Sex slave?... Slave girl?" Elara muttered inwardly.

"What does it mean to be a slave girl to the Alpha?" Elara asked.

"That's up to Kane; all I know is he has power over you. You have to do everything he wants every time. Whatever he does to you is nobody's business," Lady Claribel explained.

Elara bit her bottom lip and folded her sweaty hands.

"If you're thinking about sex, stop it. The Alpha has a mistress; I've never even seen him take a girl against her will."

"Any girl?" Elara bit her lips.

"Yes," Lady Claribel said. "He's a good Alpha!"

"But I'm his sex slave!" Elara pressed her hands together, not a pack member," she sighed.

"He said that?" Lady Claribel faced her.

"Yes!" Elara nodded.

"Like I said, he's a good Alpha!" Lady Claribel said.

"Stay here," Claribel said to Elara and went into the inner room. A minute later, she returned with a uniform in her hand.

"Change into it right away. I don't know when the Alpha will send for you. Your duties are to the Alpha only, so get dressed, and I will start by showing you a few things you need to know," Claribel said.

"You deserve it, Elara. Pay for your father's sins," she said inwardly and sighed out before taking the uniform from her. It's a piece of shirt and top, blue and black in color.

"You can go and dress behind that curtain," Lady Claribel directed, and Elara nodded and went behind the curtains.

She took off the only clothes that reminded her of who she used to be and put on the uniform. She came out after that, and Claribel smiled at her appearance.

"It fits perfectly; you've got a nice ass, though," she said, and Elara's cheeks turned pink.

"Why is she staring at my ass?" she asked no one and frowned immediately.

'Nice ass? Oh please,' she said inwardly.

"Time to serve the Alpha his meal. Follow me," Claribel muttered and led the way out.

********

"I'm starving," Anika pouted, her fingers roaming over Kane's chest before slipping lower.

Anika, Kane's mistress... not just an ordinary mistress. She was chosen among many others who applied for that position.

29 years old... nine years older than Kane but madly in love with him.

Lady Anika was seen by many as the uncrowned Luna because, aside from warming his bed, she had some responsibilities the Alpha left in her charge; everyone respects her a lot.

Nobody ever disrespects Kane's woman, no matter how low-ranked she is.

Where is your slave girl? I'm starving.

"She's my personal maid!" Kane muttered.

"You sound like you care about her?" Anika rolled her eyes.

"If you're starving, go down and suck my dick," Kane said flatly...

Anika wet her lips and pulled down his panties, and his [member] sprang out without hesitation.

"Fuckkkkkkkkkk!" she cursed, licking his tip like a lollipop before shoving his length down her throat. Moaning, she pulled him out, wet and hard, stroking him gently with her hand, her tongue licking his balls before thrusting down her throat. Her choking moans soon filled the entire chamber.

Kane's expression was cold and calm, his hands in her hair matching her rhythm.

He didn't moan, didn't move, or cough until he came into her mouth; his cum spilled down her throat.

He grabbed her throat and slammed his lips on hers...

After a minute of intense kissing, he broke the kiss, ripped off her top, and took one of her pink nipples into his mouth.

Anika let out a smile and looked up at him.

Watching him suck her... That was her joy and reward as his mistress.

Anika kissed him greedily.

Kane smiled and squeezed her ass.

She tucked his dick back into his panties, took off her pants, and walked towards the bed...

"Get dressed and leave!" Kane said, turning to leave.

Anika ignored him and lay on the bed, spreading her legs.

"Kane!" she purred. "Can't I just sleep over tonight?"

"Alpha...

"Get out, Anika!" He cut her off, and Anika frowned.

Why is he asking her to leave? She always sleeps over in his chamber whenever she wants...

"Get out, Anika! I don't want to repeat myself."

"Then, can I ask for something?"

Kane raised his brows, and she started.

"It's about the Beta's daughter... Is she for the guards or you?" she asked, trying to make sure he wasn't planning to make her his second mistress; she wouldn't share that position with anyone else.

"She's mine, and I do not share," Kane replied, and Anika frowned; that means... Elara is only for him.

"Goodnight... Alpha," she muttered and bowed.

Alpha Kane rolled his eyes and entered his inner chamber.

Anika's heart scattered as she watched Kane walk away without sparing her a glance. She dressed up and left the chamber, clenching her fists.

"Elara, you just dug your grave," she clenched her jaw.

**KITCHEN**

The maids all glared at Elara as Lady Claribel taught her a few things she needed to know about being the Alpha's personal slave.

When did Lady Claribel ever act nice to us?

What's with the special treatment?

"Shhhh... We all know Lady Claribel has always had a thing for the Beta, Draven."

"That's all. Now shall we?" Lady Claribel faced Elara, and she nodded as she carried the Alpha's meals and set them carefully into the food cart.

They both left the kitchen together, and in no time, they got to the Alpha's chamber.

Luciano arrived just in time.

"Everything smells delicious," Lady Claribel, he said.

Lady Claribel smiled.

"Are you coming with her?" he asked, glaring at Elara.

"No!" Lady Claribel smiled and faced Elara, who was already trembling like a leaf in cold weather.

"Come with me," he said with his usual blank face before going in.

"Remember all I taught you," Lady Claribel said to Elara. "Good luck," she rubbed her cheek before walking away.

"Enter!" Luciano ordered, and Elara followed behind him.

He took her to the dining room.

"I will fetch Kane," he said and went out again.

"By the goddess," Elara's eyes widened at the beauty of the chamber.

She began setting the table carefully, like Lady Claribel had taught her a few hours ago, and finally, she was done. She stood there waiting for the Alpha to arrive while roaming around the dining room.

Ten minutes later, Luciano returned with Alpha Kane.

"Good evening, Alpha," Elara immediately bowed.

Kane looked at her closely.

"Alpha?" Kane raised his brows.

Elara swallowed, her hands shaking.

"Sorry, my lord!" Elara bit her lips.

Kane ignored her, sat down, and Elara served his meal.

"You must taste each meal," Luciano said, and her eyes widened.

"Huh? I should taste the Alpha's food?" she asked, staring at Kane.

"Yes, go on," Luciano said, and Elara stood there looking confused.

"What are you waiting for?" Kane snapped, and Elara flinched.

"I can't..."

"Taste the meal, Elara," Kane said in a calm voice.

Elara almost smiled at the way he called her name.

"I... I will... taste it," she stammered.

Alpha Kane only stared at her without saying a word.

Elara said a silent prayer and took the spoon, tasting from the first plate.

Her eyes widened; it was like the most delicious food she had ever tasted in days. She went ahead to the second plate.

Like that, she kept on eating, but when she got to the last plate, she lost control of herself and began eating the food hungrily.

Luciano's eyes widened in total shock as he watched her eating like she had never tasted food.

Alpha Kane also couldn't believe his eyes; he gave Luciano a sign to leave.

Elara suddenly looked up to see Kane staring at her.

The spoon in her hand dropped; she blinked her eyes twice and gulped. She immediately wished the ground could just swallow her at that moment.

"Are you done?"

Elara gulped and said nothing...

Kane stood up, and in a second, he covered the space between them.

"How about you begin your second duty?" he smirked...

"Strip, Elara Draven!" he blurted out...

Elara's breathing hitched...

And everywhere went blank.

ALPHA KANE'S CHAMBER - NIGHT

Elara woke with a sharp, panicked gasp.

Her chest rose and fell rapidly as air burned in her lungs, and for a terrifying second, she didn't know where she was-or who she was.

Then the cold bit into her palms.

Smooth marble.

She was on the floor.

Not lying down.

Not kneeling.

Her head throbbed violently, a dull ache pulsing behind her eyes as she swallowed and lifted her gaze slowly.

Alpha Kane stood across the room.

Still. Silent. Watching.

He hadn't moved an inch.

Elara swallowed, gasping for air.

She stood up immediately, ignoring her lingering dizziness, and bowed her head so fast her forehead nearly touched the floor.

"I-I'm sorry," she stuttered, her voice shaking. "Please forgive me, my lord."

The silence pressed down on her like a physical weight.

"You fainted," Kane said at last.

His voice was calm. Too calm.

"I didn't give you permission to faint, Elara."

Elara flinched at her mention of her own name.

"I'm sorry," she repeated, her hands trembling where they rested against her thighs. "It won't happen again."

"Look at me."

Her heart skipped.

Slowly, painfully, she raised her head.

Their eyes met.

Kane's gaze was sharp, like he was looking through her rather than at her. Not in desire. Not in anger.

Ownership.

"You're awake now," he said. "That means you're bound to obedience."

"Yes," Elara breathed.

"Stand."

Her legs protested as she pushed herself up; her knees felt like rubber, but she didn't hesitate. She stood on her feet and stood straight, shoulders back, eyes lowered to the floor, exactly as she had been taught.

Kane stepped closer.

The air shifted with each step he took, his presence swallowing the space between them until she could smell his cologne.

"You know why you're here," he asked.

"Yes."

"Say it."

Her throat tightened.

"I belong to you," Elara whispered. "I am your slave."

Kane's eyes darkened slightly.

"And?"

"I am... your sex slave."

The words tasted bitter and humiliating, but she uttered them anyway, this was her life now. Denial would only make it worse.

"Good," Kane said softly.

He touched her gently, his boots echoing faintly against the marble floor. Elara stayed perfectly still, her hands clenched at the hem of her clothes, her breathing shallow.

"You are not a pack member," he continued. "You do not have rights. You do not have protection."

She nodded.

"You are not to expect kindness."

"Yes, my Lord."

"You are not to expect affection."

Her chest tightened.

"Yes, my Lord."

"You exist to obey my every command."

"Yes, my Lord."

He stopped in front of her again.

"If I give an order," Kane said, "you follow it immediately. You do not hesitate. You do not argue. You do not faint."

"Yes, my Lord."

"Strip, Elara."

The word fell like a blade.

Elara swallowed.

Fear surged through her, choking and suffocating, but it didn't paralyze her this time.

She had already crossed the point of no return. Resistance would only humiliate and endanger her.

She bowed her head once in acceptance.

"Yes."

Her fingers shook as she reached for the hem of her uniform.

She moved slowly... She had been taught to undress with care, not desperation-to show submission, not panic.

The fabric slid down her shoulders.

She folded the uniform neatly, her movements swift and respectful, and placed it carefully on the nearby chair.

She stood still.

Naked.

Exposed.

Her skin prickled under Kane's intense gaze, drowning in shame. She pushed the urge to cover herself away, resisting the instinct to curl inward.

She stood exactly where she was.

"I'm ready, my Lord," she said softly.

Kane didn't answer right away.

He simply looked at her.

"Good," he said eventually.

He turned away from her without another glance.

"Climb the bed," he ordered. "Kneel."

Elara obeyed instantly.

She approached the bed and immediately climbed onto the edge of the large bed and knelt as instructed-her back straight, her hands resting lightly on her thighs, her eyes lowered.

Behind her, she heard the faint sounds of buttons being undone.

He was undressing.

Was that why he wanted her to back him? Was she not supposed to see him just the way he saw her?...

Not rushed. Not aggressive.

Controlled.

"This does not make you important," Kane said from behind her. "And it does not make you loved."

"I understand."

"This is not a reward."

"Yes."

"You are not here to be comforted."

Her fingers curled slightly.

"Yes, my lord."

A long pause followed.

Then Kane spoke again.

"You will learn discipline."

"Yes."

"You will learn silence."

"Yes."

"You will learn what is expected of you-and you will meet those expectations."

"I will," she promised.

"Failure has consequences."

Her heart thudded painfully.

"I understand."

He stepped closer.

"Raise your head."

She did.

Their eyes met once more.

Kane's expression was unreadable-cold, composed, unyielding.

"This is your first night," he said. "Do not embarrass yourself again."

"Yes, Alpha."

"My Lord, Elara," he corrected coldly. "I am not your Alpha."

Elara nodded.

Kane turned away.

"You will remain here until I touch you," he said. "You will not leave this room unless instructed."

"Yes."

"You will speak only when spoken to."

"Yes."

"You will sleep when I allow it."

"Yes, my lord."

He nodded once, as if satisfied.

Then he walked toward his inner chamber, the door closing behind him.

Elara remained kneeling.

Her knees ached. Her body trembled faintly. Her mind raced with fear, confusion, and humiliation-but beneath it all was something worse.

Acceptance.

Tears burned her eyes, but she didn't let them fall.

She stayed exactly where she was.

Waiting...

To be touched by him.