Hazel's pov

As if waking up in a strange room with a life that isn't mine wasn't enough-now I have to have sex with a man I don't even know.

A man who apparently hates his queen.

What could possibly be worse than this?

I bit my finger hard enough to hurt, trying to stop the panic crawling up my throat. My hands ran through my hair, again and again, like I could somehow brush the madness away. I sat down, stood up, sat again-but nothing worked. Nothing was calming me down. How could I even be calm in this situation?

The women were gone. It was just me now-me and my raging thoughts bouncing off the walls.

I'd told myself a thousand times this had to be a dream, but the more I said it, the realer it became. The feel of the silk against my skin, the cold air, the smell of flowers that weren't from anywhere near my college dorm-it all screamed real.

Finally, I sat back on the bed and buried my face in my hands. My eyes burned, but I didn't let the tears fall. What was the point of crying? It wouldn't wake me up. It wouldn't fix whatever this was.

No, I needed to think. I needed to figure out what the hell was going on.

I angrily wiped my eyes, took a deep breath, and stood up. Enough sitting around. Enough panicking.

I marched toward the massive double doors and shoved them open. The sound echoed through the wide hallway.

Two guards standing outside immediately straightened, their backs snapping like rulers. They both bowed low.

I just... stared at them.

They were dressed in all black from head to toe. Their faces were blank-like carved stone. Their eyes were sharp, watching my every move.

"What the..." I muttered under my breath, making a face that clearly said what the hell?

When I stepped forward, they instantly fell into step behind me.

I spun around. "Why are you following me?"

One of them didn't even blink. "King's order, my Queen."

King's order.

I turned back around and groaned. "Fantastic. Just fantastic."

They didn't answer. Not even a twitch.

I sighed and kept walking. My bare feet were silent on the marble floor as my eyes took in everything around me.

The palace-because that's what it had to be-was enormous. Every wall was carved with strange symbols. Chandeliers sparkled above my head, and long curtains the color of blood framed tall windows.

Every time I passed someone-a maid, a servant-they froze, bowed, and whispered "Your Majesty" before scurrying away.

I had never felt so out of place in my entire life.

None of them looked surprised to see me alive, but they did look terrified.

My stomach turned uneasily.

I walked for what felt like forever before stopping at a wide balcony that overlooked the world beyond.

The sight hit me like a punch to the chest.

A vast stretch of forest spread out below, endless and green. Trees so thick they looked like a living sea. Mist rolled over the canopy like waves, hiding whatever lay beneath.

A shiver ran down my spine.

I gripped the stone railing, trying to calm the pounding in my chest. "Okay," I whispered to myself. "Think. You went to bed. You woke up here. That doesn't just happen. But...maybe someone drugged you? Maybe this is some kind of experiment?"

I laughed softly, but it came out shaky. "Or maybe I've completely lost it. Great. Perfect."

The guards stood a few steps behind me, still silent. It was unnerving-like being shadowed by ghosts.

I turned to them. "Hey," I said, trying to sound casual. "Quick question-where exactly are we?"

The taller one hesitated, then answered, "The Kingdom of Valnera."

I stared at him. "I'm sorry-what did you just say?"

"Valnera, my Queen," he repeated, completely serious. "Hidden deep within the secret forest."

I blinked at him. Slowly. "No, no-like... what country. You know, on Earth. France? Mexico? The freaking North Pole?"

The other guard exchanged a glance with him before saying quietly, "We're somewhere in northern Italy, my Queen."

Italy.

Italy?

I turned back toward the forest, my heart hammering. Then I turned to them again, my voice barely a whisper. "Oh my God," I breathed. "I've been kidnapped."

They both stiffened, but I didn't care. My hands were trembling so hard I had to clutch the railing to steady them.

This couldn't be happening. I was thousands of miles from home-in another country-with people calling me queen and talking about blood rituals and kings who hated their wives.

This wasn't real. It couldn't be real.

But before I could scream or ask another question, a deep, low sound rolled through the air.

It wasn't human.

It was a growl.

Not the kind a dog makes-this was deeper, darker. It rattled through the ground beneath my feet and crawled straight up my spine.

I froze.

The guards didn't move. They just exchanged another one of those unreadable looks, like this was... normal.

My gaze dropped to the forest below-and that's when I saw it.

A massive black wolf stood at the edge of the trees.

My breath caught.

It wasn't just big. It was huge-easily twice the size of any wolf I'd ever seen in a documentary. Its fur shimmered under the bright sky, thick and dark, and its eyes... God, its eyes were golden. Intelligent. Cold. Watching.

For a second, I thought I was hallucinating.

But then it moved. Slowly. Gracefully.

And the people walking below? They didn't even flinch. A few bowed as they passed it.

What the actual hell.

My heart jumped to my throat. I stumbled back from the balcony, shaking my head. "Nope. Nope. Nope. That's it. I'm done."

Then, as if it heard me, the wolf turned its head-straight toward me.

Its golden eyes locked on mine.

And it growled again.

The sound vibrated through my bones.

I screamed. I didn't even realize I had until the guards tensed. Without thinking, I spun around and ran back the way I came-bare feet slapping against the cold marble floor.

I didn't care if the guards followed or if I looked insane. I just ran.

By the time I reached the room, my chest was heaving. I shoved the doors closed, pressed my back against them, and slid down until I was sitting on the floor.

My heart pounded so hard it hurt.

"What the hell was that?" I gasped, my voice shaking. "A wolf? A-no, that's impossible. That thing was huge. People don't-people don't bow to wolves!"

I pressed my palms to my temples, squeezing my eyes shut.

"I'm going crazy," I whispered. "I must be going crazy."

I laughed again, a broken, desperate sound. "Right? That's what this is. A mental breakdown. Hallucinations. Maybe I hit my head and I'm in a coma somewhere."

But the floor beneath me was solid. The air was cold. I could feel my heartbeat pounding against my ribs, and no dream had ever felt this real.

My breathing slowed, but my mind didn't.

I stood and started pacing, muttering under my breath. "Okay. Okay, let's think. Either I've been kidnapped, or I'm part of some super messed-up simulation. Or... this is real. Which it can't be. Because there are giant wolves and blood-drinking kings and people calling me queen-"

I broke off, staring at my reflection in a mirror across the room.

The woman staring back wasn't me.

She had my face-but softer. Paler. Her eyes looked sadder. Her hair was long and perfect.

And the crown of faint bruises around her throat made my stomach twist.

"What happened to you?" I whispered.

Silence answered me.

For a moment, I just stood there, staring into that mirror, watching this stranger who looked like me but wasn't. The air felt heavier. The walls seemed closer.

Outside the window, thunder rolled.

"What the hell is happening?" I whispered. My voice cracked, and tears I'd been holding back finally burned down my cheeks.

"Where...where the hell am I?"

Hazel's POV

The sound of the door opening nearly sent me into cardiac arrest. My heart jumped to my throat, and I almost screamed-until I realized it was just the women again.

Only this time, they weren't empty-handed.

Each carried something-a tray stacked with the richest food I'd ever seen, and several glossy boxes tied with gold ribbons. The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread hit me, warm and buttery, so real it made my stomach twist painfully.

But did I look like I had an appetite right now?

"Your Majesty," the eldest woman said softly, setting the tray on the table. "We've brought your meal, and your nightgowns. You are to choose one for tonight."

"Nightgowns?" I repeated, blinking. "For what?"

Her eyes flicked to the others before meeting mine again. "For the King," she said. "You'll be meeting him tonight. Did you forget already?"

My stomach dropped. "Meeting him?" My voice cracked. "As in-tonight? Like tonight tonight?"

"Yes, my Queen. We'll help you prepare when it's time."

Prepare. As if I were some offering being dressed for sacrifice.

Before I could say another word, they bowed low and slipped out of the room, silent as ghosts.

I stared at the boxes. Then at the food.

My brain screamed don't eat it. But my stomach growled loud enough to echo.

I sighed. "Fine. If this is a dream, at least it's a dream with nice food."

The first bite hit my tongue, and I nearly moaned. Whatever this was-chicken? heaven?-it melted in my mouth. I didn't realize how hungry I was until I was scraping the plate clean.

And then, like the idiot I apparently was, I turned to the boxes.

The first one popped open with a click-and I froze.

Inside was silk. Black, thin, and scandalous enough to make a stripper blush. My face burned.

"What the actual hell is this?"

I opened the second box. Worse. The third-don't even ask. By the fifth, I was staring at a pile of lace and regret.

They expected me to wear this... for a man who hates his queen?

I kicked the boxes off the bed and flopped backward, staring at the ceiling. "This is insane. Completely insane."

I didn't know when I drifted off, but the next thing I heard was a knock.

I shot upright, breath catching.

"Come in," I said, trying to sound brave.

The women entered again, the eldest speaking first. "It's time, my Queen."

My throat went dry. "Time for what?"

"To prepare you," she said simply.

My heart pounded so hard I thought it might burst. I stumbled to my feet, my mind spinning. I wanted to run, scream, anything-but instead, I found myself walking to the bathroom as they instructed.

The moment the water hit my skin, I wished I could drown in it. The steam filled the air, warm and heavy, and I pressed my hands to my face. This was really happening.

My first time. With a stranger.

A king who didn't even want me.

I wanted to cry-but no. No.

I was Hazel Truman. And Hazel Truman did not cower.

When I stepped out, they were waiting with towels, perfume, and lotions that smelled like money. Their hands worked fast-rubbing oil into my skin, twisting my hair into something soft and elegant. Every second felt heavier, like I was being wrapped in fear.

"Perfect," the eldest woman whispered as she tied the sash of my robe. "You look beautiful, my Queen. The King won't be able to resist you."

I forced a smile. "Yeah. What a joy."

They didn't catch the sarcasm-or pretended not to.

When they finally led me through the hallways, I tried to focus on breathing. The palace was even larger than I expected, with endless corridors. The scent of burning candles and fresh roses filled the air.

My heart thudded in time with my footsteps.

Then we stopped.

Before me stood two tall brown doors-each carved with the head of a wolf. Its eyes seemed to glint in the dim light, almost alive.

"The King is waiting," the eldest said quietly.

The guards stepped forward and pushed the doors open.

My pulse roared in my ears.

I swallowed hard and stepped inside.

The doors shut behind me with a deep, echoing thud.

The room was dim-candles flickered in corners, casting golden shadows over the walls. The air smelled like roses and something darker I couldn't name.

Then I saw him.

A tall man stood by the window, his back to me.

Bare from the waist up. Only dark pants hung low on his hips. His hands rested in his pockets, shoulders broad and tense, muscles shifting with every breath.

For a moment, I just... stared.

The air between us was thick-like even the silence had weight.

Then, slowly, he turned.

And my world tilted.

The breath left my lungs in one violent rush. My body went still, completely frozen.

Because standing there-bathed in candlelight, eyes sharp and familiar-was a face I knew.

A face I could never mistake.

My voice came out in a whisper, barely audible.

"Professor...Nicholas?"

Hazel's POV

For a full five seconds, my brain refused to process what I was seeing.

No. No way. That couldn't be him.

I blinked once. Twice. My eyes didn't lie.

Standing before me-half-naked, skin lit by candlelight, muscles shifting under smooth golden skin-was my psychology professor.

"Professor Nicholas?" I whispered again, my voice barely a breath.

He turned fully now, blue eyes piercing into mine with a look so sharp it felt like a blade. But it wasn't the gentle, kind professor who used to smile when I answered a question in class. This man's gaze was cold. Hard. The same eyes, but with something cruel swimming behind them.

My knees wobbled. "What the hell..." I muttered, staring at him. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

Nothing made sense. My heart pounded so fast it almost hurt. The man I'd secretly crushed on for a year-the one who told me once that I "had potential"-was standing here, shirtless, in a king's chamber, looking like sin and damnation rolled into one.

His lips curved slightly, but it wasn't a smile. It was mockery. "Let's get this over with," he said flatly, taking a step toward me.

My breath hitched. "Get... this over with?"

And then it hit me.

The look in his eyes. The palace. The women preparing me.

No.

This wasn't Professor Nicholas.

This was the King.

The Alpha King I was supposed to-oh, God.

I threw my hands up. "Hold your horses!"

He stopped, brows furrowing slightly as if I'd spoken another language.

"What now?" His tone dripped irritation. "Isn't this what you wanted?"

I blinked. "Excuse me?"

His eyes darkened, voice low and cruel. "You tried to kill yourself to get my attention. You wanted me to touch you, didn't you? You wanted to bear my child."

I stared at him, speechless for a moment. Then the shock burned away-and anger took its place.

"What I want," I snapped, "is for you to stop being a jerk and keep your fucking hands to yourself."

The King froze.

For a heartbeat, his expression was pure disbelief. Then, just as quickly, it vanished-buried under that same cold mask.

I could tell he wasn't used to being spoken to like that. Maybe the real queen never dared.

He stepped closer, eyes narrowing. "What game are you playing now, Hazel?"

My stomach dropped.

Hazel.

That's my name. I don't remember telling anyone my name here.

For a second, my brain short-circuited. Wait-the real queen's name was Hazel too? What the hell kind of twisted joke was this?

I didn't even have time to think because the next thing I knew, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me toward him.

I crashed into his chest.

Hard.

The air whooshed out of my lungs as I stared up at him-his jaw tense, his eyes inches from mine. His skin was hot, muscles hard beneath my palms. The scent of him-smoke, forest, and something darker-wrapped around me, dizzying.

For a terrifying second, I forgot everything. The anger. The fear. The reason I was here.

I just... stared.

His eyes flickered down to my lips, then back to my face. "The sooner we do this," he said coldly, "the sooner you can get the hell out of my sight."

And just like that, the spell shattered.

Right. He wasn't my professor. He was a jerk. A King who hated his queen.

I shoved against him, hard enough that he stumbled back a step.

"What makes you think you deserve me?" I demanded, my voice shaking but loud. "What makes you think you deserve to touch me?"

His jaw clenched.

I didn't stop. "Why don't you go to your mistress instead?"

The air in the room changed.

His blue eyes turned to ice. A muscle in his jaw twitched as he stared at me, like he couldn't believe I'd just said that.

"Don't test me," he said, voice dropping an octave, low and dangerous.

I tilted my head, smiling sweetly. "Oh, I'm not testing you."

He blinked.

I let my eyes roam over him slowly-from his sharp jaw to his sculpted chest, down to the V line that disappeared under the waistband of his pants. Then I looked back up and said, "I'm just saying it's such a pity. You've got a handsome face and a nice body-but absolutely no brain. What a shame."

For a moment, the room went silent.

Then his expression turned murderous.

The look on his face could have frozen lava. Good thing I wasn't lava.

His voice came out like thunder. "How dare you interrupt me when I speak to you-"

I cut him off, smirking. "Did you forget? I'm your queen. Which means I'm your equal."

The shock on his face was almost funny.

Almost.

He looked at me like I'd just grown a second head. Like he was trying to figure out who the hell was standing in front of him.

"When," he asked slowly, his voice dripping suspicion, "did you get so bold?"

I shrugged. "The moment I realized the King would rather protect his mistress than his Queen."

That hit him. I could see it in the flicker of his eyes.

He scoffed, stepping closer again. The heat coming off his body was unbearable. "I don't care what rubbish is going through your head," he said coldly. "But we're going to consummate this marriage whether you like it or not."

I smiled. It wasn't a kind smile. "I'd like to see you try."

Something in his expression shifted-just slightly. His jaw tightened, and the vein in his neck pulsed.

He took another step forward. His voice dropped, darker now. "Get on the fucking bed, Hazel."

I didn't move.

I looked him straight in the eyes.

And then, slowly, deliberately, I said;

"In your dreams."