The palace of the Supreme Alpha king gleamed with golden lights and polished obsidian walls. Long tables carved from Blackwood overflowed with rich meats, roasted game and fruits dipped in honey and wine.

Goblets clinked and laughter echoed though a battle had just ended outside the palace walls, the halls roared with celebration as if blood hadn't stained the ground hours ago.

Tonight wasn't about war.

It was about Lucian. The future Supreme Alpha king, who had returned.

He sat at the head of the banquet table, clad in a dark ceremonial armor polished to a cruel gleam, his piercing blue eyes scanned the room with cold detachment. The throne behind him remained empty, his father was yet to join the celebration.

  Alphas from all corners of the realm sat in order of dominance, the banners of their packs hanging boldly from the marble columns.

Each Alpha has brought their daughters, adorned in silk and jewels hoping to catch the eye of the heir. Beauty filled the hall, perfumed and painted.

But Lucian's gaze lingered on none of them.

His mind wandered back to the battlefield, not of the fight but of the girl.

The blonde haired maid girl.

An omega way too beautiful to be called one. He felt an instant attraction towards her. Lucian had acted on instinct. Pushing the General aside before he could drag her away.

He had expected fear in her eyes.

What he hadn't Expected.... Was something else.

Something that still haunted him.

The sound of the great oak doors creaking open sliced through the festivities like a blade.

The hall fell into a hush.

She entered. The omega. Dressed in a simple maid gown of green, her long wavy golden hair loose, framing her face. The color of the dress was the color of her eyes, the color of nature.

She carried a silver tray with goblets of wine, her eyes cast downward with practiced humility.

And yet...

Lucian wasn't the only one who looked.

Even the music faltered. Mouths stopped mid sentence. The air shifted.

She was radiant.

But it wasn't just her beauty.

It was how unaware she was of it.

A rustle of fabric came from further down the table.

A sharp voice cut the silence.

"Who is that?" Selene, the daughter of the Alpha of Ravens-pack asked. Her black hair was twisted into a crown of braids, her eyes sharp like a hawk's.

An omega girl dressed in the same green attire as the blonde maid, leaned toward Selene and answered.

"She's no one. Just a maid. An omega."

Selene's stoic expression shifted into a cruel smile. She gave a quiet, derisive laugh.

"An omega?" She said louder, "Then why does she look like that?"

With a flick of her wrist, she picked up a silver fork and fling it across the room, casually as if tossing away scrap.

The fork sliced through the air, aiming for the omega's shoulder.

Clang.

Lucian's hand snapped out, catching the fork inches from its mark.

The hall went dead silent again.

He rose slowly from his seat, the power of his presence radiating like a storm building on the horizon. His eyes, hard as tempered steel locked onto Selene.

"Do not test my patience, Selene of Raven pack. I find cruelty unbecoming especially from those who are desperate to impress."

Selene's face went pale. Her lips parted, trembling with words that never made it past her throat. The Raven pack Alpha Micheal shifted uncomfortably in his seat, casting a cold glare at his daughter.

Lucian turned toward the omega girl. He remembered now. She was frozen, eyes wide, hands trembling with the tray in it.

But when she looked at him.

Their eyes locked for a moment.

And Lucian felt the world fade away.

It wasn't just lust. Though he felt it deeply for her.

It wasn't pity.

It was something deeper. Something he chose not to name.

A bond stirring.

He returned to his seat with the fork in hand, eyes never leaving her.

"Serve." He ordered softly.

She moved forward, and the feast resumed but everything had changed.

------

Later that night....

The maid was summoned to Lucian's room. The walls were carved from the same black obsidian as the rest of the palace, but the room felt warmer. More lived-in.

  A fire crackled low in the hearth, throwing flickers of gold and shadow across the polished floors. With thick blankets draped across the king sized bed.

Rain tapped softly against the tall arched windows. The humid air fogging the glass.

Lucian stood before one of them, shirtless, wearing only his dark trousers and a half- buckled leathered belt.

  His hands were classed behind his back, his blue eyes scanning the drenched kingdom below, a land soaked in blood hours ago, now peaceful beneath the storm.

Behind him the logs plopped in the hearth.

Then-

A Soft Knock at the door.

He didn't turn.

"Come in." He said, voice quiet but firm.

The door creaked open, the girl stepped in hesitantly, then closed it behind her. Her presence was like the rain-quiet, soft, but impossible not to notice.

She had changed from her serving dress, to a simple linen nightdress, loose and ivory colored, modest yet delicate. Her hair was down it's golden waves cascading down her shoulders.

  Barefoot on the stone, she looked like a dream that didn't belong in a palace. Yet here she was summoned by the future king.

Lucian finally turned his back.She reached Lucian beneath his chest. Just watched her, eyes lingering, hungrily, also watching her as if trying to understand something ancient etched into her skin.

She looked uncertain.

"Sit." He said, gesturing to the cushioned chair near the fire.

Athena obeyed, brushing her nightdress under her knees and sitting straight despite the comfort. The flickering light painted her face in gold shadows. She looked fragile but not weak. Her Emerald eyes shone brightly like jewels staring up at Lucian who pushed a strand of her hair behind her ear and touched her face.

Lucian moved to the table across from from her, pouring himself a drink but he didn't touch it:

" Who raised you?" He asked, voice low.

She hesitated, but there was something in his voice, something not demanding but curious.

"I... I don't know how my real parents were. I was left at the doorstep of the old palace maid when I was a baby. She raised me. Trained me to work the halls. To keep quiet. To survive."

Lucian said nothing for a moment. The fire crackled and the rain whispered against the glass.

He stepped forward, the space between them growing smaller

"She teach you to lie too?" He asked

Startled she replied "No..."

Lucian's lips curved slightly, not quite a smile, but close. He stepped closer to her, she still sat down so her face was merely inches away from his crotch. He raised up her chin.

"Then tell me the truth."

She looked up at him and stood up.

" what's your name?"

She parted her lips to answer, but he moved suddenly.

Fast. Deliberate.

He reached as if to brush something from her shoulder, but then tugged lightly at her arm, tipping her balance. She gasped stumbling forward straight into his chest.

Lucian held her effortlessly, one hand on her waist and the other bracing her shoulder.

The world still.

They were close now. Too close. Her palms pressed nightly against the heat of his bare smooth chest.

He stared down into her eyes, blue meeting the green of her eye like nature.

"Your name." He murmured

"Athena. My name is Athena."

He felt serene. The name suited her.

The name echoed itself in his mind.

Ancient. Fierce. Soft on the surface.

He asked a question that shattered the peaceful moment.

He exhaled, rubbing her waist and said:

"Finally. Now for my final question. Athena.... Have you ever had sex?"

The palace rose like a mountain carved from moonlight and shadow. With towers that scraped the heavens and marbled walls. It pulsed with ancient magic of the first bloodline. The birth place of the Alphas of Alphas.

The sprawling palace grounds shimmered in the morning dew, gardens stretching into the mist, guarded by black ironed gates etched with ancient runes and below,nestled near the eastern wing, stood the royal kitchens. Where the scent of warm bread, spiced meat, and fresh herbs danced through the corridors.

  Athena, stood at the basin near the window, wearing her maids uniform. She rolled her sleeves as she scrubbed the porcelain dishes, the water now tepid and flecked with soap and oil.

But her hands moved without direction.

Her mind was far away lost in the memory of last night.

Prince Lucian.

She had never know a prince to be so...gentle.

Their conversation last night in his bedroom. Their proximity. The way he wrapped his arm around her waist and held her close. The feeling of his breath on her cheek. The hunger in his eyes.

He asked for her name. Her background.

She hadn't expected the Prince to show such interest in her.

She blushed innocently. Recalling his rather brazen question.

"Athena... have you had sex before?"

Crash

The plate in her hand slipped, shattering against the polished floors. The sound echoed like thunder.

Athena's heart stopped.

The bustling kitchen fell silent. All eyes turned.

Before she could say anything-

SLAP

"You useless girl! This is the third plate you have broken today! You've lost yourself in that clouded head of yours." Ysolde hissed

 " Your relieved of your kitchen duties. But don't think your free. You'll serve your punishment where even pigs smell sweeter than you. The stables."

She didn't argue.

She only bowed her head, whispered. " Yes, madame."  And quietly walked out, holding her burning cheek.

------

Later that morning....

The stables were nestled at the far edge of the palace grounds, where wild flowers met the forest, and the scent of hay, sweat, and horses lingered thick in the air.

Athena entered the stables, with a broom in her hand. She had never worked here before.

The horses were enormous. Powerful war beast. Bred for royalty. Most were wild blooded, trained only by Elite handlers. Her eyes landed on one in particular-a black stallion, his coat gleaming like midnight silk.

He stood apart from the others, nostrils flaring, eyes proud and watchful.

They called his Onyx. And he belonged to the prince. He had been with the prince ever since he was a little mare. The prince took him to Russia with him. And brought him back.

Ever since the onyx's return, no Elite handler has been able to get close to him.

Athena approached him slowly. Whispering soft words.

"Easy... I won't hurt you."

She held out her hand. The stallion neighed, stomping and tossing its head violently.

Athena gasped startled and stepped back. Her boot catching the edge of the hay pile.

She fell.

But didn't hit the ground.

Arms caught her. Strong and Familiar.

Her breath caught in her throat.

She looked up.

Prince Lucian stood above her, dressed in fitted black slacks tucked in leather black boots, and a black dress shirt open just slightly at the collar.

His long Raven dark hair was pack to a low ponytail, a few strands falling across his high cheekbones and sharp jawline. His blue eyes bore into hers. Fierce and unreadable.

He hadn't shaved. The faint shadow traces his jaw. He looked every inch of the Royal Alpha. Regal. Dangerous.

And Devastatingly beautiful.

She looked down avoiding his gaze.

" Your Majesty." She bowed

"It was foolish of me. I'm here as punishment. I broke some plates in the kitchen."

Lucian tilted his head "And they sent you here for that?"

She nodded "I accepted it."

Silence stretched.

Lucian stepped closer "They strike you for accidents?"

"It's not my place to to question it. My Prince."

He studied her. Really studied her. She felt the heavy weight of his gaze on her.

"Tell me Athena." He said slowly " Do you often accept punishment that aren't deserved?"

She blinked "I... I don't have a choice."

Lucian was silent.

Then he did something unexpected.

He reached out tugging a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His fingertips grazed her cheeks, and she flinched slightly, her skin still tender from Ysolde's slap.

His eyes darkened. "Who struck you?"

She didn't answer.

"You shouldn't be treated like that." He whispered. His breath fanning her face.

He was too close now. Too near. And she was just a servant. His gaze fell to her lips.

He looked at her like no one else in the world mattered.

His lips was merely inches away from hers.

She whispered stepping back

" I should return back to work."

But Lucian gently caught her wrist. His voice was low. "Stay a moment."

She met his gaze.

And for one trembling heartbeat. Neither of them looked away.

------

  The scent of pine and horse hair still lingered on the air as Athena leaned against the outer fence, a soft smile curving her lips. The wild ride through the outer palace had left her wind tossed and breathless. Not just the speed of the stallion beneath her.

But the closeness of the prince behind her, his arms steady at her waist, guiding the reigns with a quiet authority that made her heart ache in ways she didn't understand.

Her laughter still echoed faintly in the wind, and her eyes shimmered with joy.

Lucian stood beside her now, brushing down onyx, who had miraculously allowed the ride.

She glanced at him smiling

"Thank you... Your Highness. That was... incredible."

Lucian turned to her, one eyebrow raised, a subtle smirk at the corner of his lips. "I thought you might enjoy it."

"I did." She said, the words bubbling with genuine excitement. "Actually, it's kind of perfect timing. Tomorrow is my birthday."

Laura paused mid-rush.

"Your birthday."

She nodded "Mhm. I turn eighteen tomorrow."

His gaze shifted, watching her closely now.

"You'll be able to sense your mate."

Her eyes sparkled

"Yes. All the girls wait for it like the sun rising after a long winter. Tomorrow I'll finally know who he is. My fated mate."

  She laughed lightly her voice full of innocence

Lucian smirked watching her. He thought

"She's so innocent. I'm going to taint her innocence. I will be the first to touch her."

"I'm nervous... but I'm excited too. I always wondered what it would feel like. That moment." She said hoping for her mate to be like she's heard.

Lucian smiled but it didn't reach his eyes.

Inside something twisted.

The idea of her looking at another man with that light in her eyes, touching him, belonging to him, igniting a slow burning ache in his chest.

He kept his tone easy

"And if he's a boring scholar from the eastern hills?"

She laughed "Then I suppose I have to learn to love books."

He forced a grin, but it faltered. He turned away briefly, hiding the shadow of his expression.

Without speaking he swung himself onto Onyx's back, and then reached a hand down toward her.

She blinked "you want to go again?"

"No." He said, the wind brushing the looses strands of his hair across his face. "I want to give you an early gift."

She hesitated then took his hand.

The stallion snorted at her as she approached, still wary, his hooves pawing the dirt.

Athena froze "he doesn't want me up again."

Lucian leaned forward whispering something in onyx's ear. Something low, commanding yet affectionate.

The stallion huffed then stilled.

Lucian turned to her "He'll allow it just this once."

She mounted slowly, trembling slightly and she settled in front of Lucian again, his arm as wrapped around her secure and protective.

They rode through the forests paths once more , this time slower as if he wanted the moment to last.

------

The sky was bustling with shades of rose and gold as they returned. Lucian dismounted first, then helped Athena down. She landed lightly, brushing her dress off, her cheeks flushed and hair windblown. She looked up at him breathless.

"Thank you.... This-this was the best gift I could ask for."

Lucian didn't answer right away.

Instead he stepped closer, voice low.

"Do you remember the question I asked you last night?" She blushed "Would you like to know what it feels like?"

Her heart slipped a beat.

Before she could answer-

"ATHENA!"

The harsh voice of The head maid Ysolde cracked across the yard like a whip. She stormed towards them arms folded watching Athena with suspicion and disdain.

"Good evening. Your Majesty."

Lucian's jaw clenched he didn't reply to her greeting.

Athena curtsied and said " I have to go." She stepped away from Lucian.

He watched her disappear through the stone archway.

------

In the Kings office....

The Alpha king sat behind a vast Blackwood desk, the silver threaded robes pooling around him like smoke.

Lucian entered, his posture stiff. Face unreadable.

"You called for me, father?"

The king didn't look at him, he continued reading the paper he was holding "you were seen in the stables."

Lucian didn't respond

The kings voice was calm, but heavy with meaning

"With a maid. Athena."

Lucian's jaw ticked "she was tending to the horses."

"And you chose to take her on a ride."

Lucian stepped forward "She was being punished unjustly. I offered kindness. Nothing more."

The king looked up now. His blue eyes sharp, glowing faintly with Alpha power. " When will you take a mate, Lucian?"

Lucian stiffened.

"Last night. We hosted every Alphas Daughter but you didn't even look at them."

"None of them interest me."

The king Leaned back, dropping the paper and folding his hands " your the heir. Just pick one. I don't have much time anymore."

"I know." He said firmly turning toward the door.

But before he could reach-

"Stay ways from the maid."

The Kings voice dropped lower.

"That Athena girl. She's an omega. If you need someone to warm your bed, pick one with standard."

Silence.

Dead thick silence.

Lucian's hands clenched.

In his mind he made a declaration even if he finds his mate. He would not stay away from Athena. He wanted her and he would go for her.

She was his.

The day dawned heavy with gray clouds and a promise of storms, but Athena had barely registered the weather. Today was supposed to be special, her eighteenth birthday, the day the Moon goddess would allow her sense her fated mate the one destined to be hers.

Instead, she was handed a list of double chores by madame Ysolde before the sun had even risen.

"Since you've proven yourself so forgetful." Ysolde sneered " let see if hard-work will shake the foolishness inside your head."

Her tasks began immediately.

First, she was ordered to the laundry hall, where of the mountains of the garments, noble cloaks, soiled linens, even royal hunting leathers, awaited her.

The steaming cats of water burned her arms red as she scrubbed and rung out fabrics one by one. Her fingers stung from the soap, her wrist ached.

Next, she was sent to the garden terraces, where she spent hours kneeling on sharp gravel, pruning the thrones of the late queens private gardens. She pricked herself a dozen times, her blood mixing with dirt as she worked in silence.

After that, she was made to clean the bathroom floors, all four of them alone. Her knees were raw by the end, her arms were trembling from scrubbing the polished black marbles. She could barely lift the bucket.

Still, no one offered her water. No one asked if she'd eaten.

The only acknowledgment for her birthday came in passing whispers, a few kitchen girls who noticed her eyes glowing faintly with the promise of a coming mate. But they said nothing. There was no celebration. No hug. No rest.

Just... work.

------

Mid afternoon...

   Later that day, as she carried fresh linens through the west corridor, the sound of heels echoed against the polished floors.

One of the maids whispered." She's here. Lady Celeste, daughter of Alpha Eric of Nothern peaks."

Athena turned a corner, and there she was, Celeste. Regal, tall with long wavy dirty blonde hair braided down her back and eyes like frost.

Dressed in pale blue silk embroidered moonstone threads she looked like she belonged in a fairytale.

Athena offered a pilot bow as she passed.

Celeste stopped. "You-maid."

Athena turned "Yes, my lady?"

Celeste tilted her head, studying her. "You've served here for long?"

"Yes."

Her tone was neutral, but Celeste's next question cut deeper than Athena expected.

"Do you know if Prince Lucian has a favorite flower? Or color? I wish to make a favorable impression."

Athena's heart twisted not in jealousy, but in something sharper. Still she kept her expression calm.

"I wouldn't know, my lady."

Celeste stared at her a moment longer and gave a dismissive smile then walked off, her silk trailing like mist, behind her.

Athena stood for a heartbeat.

Then she carried on. Silent. Focused.

------

By the time the sky turned purple and the palace lit its braziers for nightfall, Athena was tired with exhaustion. Her body ached, her body screamed and her stomach rumbled.

  But just as she was finishing her last errand, one of the maid girls. Melina. Tapped her arm and smiled gently.

"I saved you a slice." She whispered.

She handed Athena a wrapped cloth containing vanilla honey cake baked that morning for a nobles celebration. It was barely the size of her palm, but it glistened with sweet glaze.

Athena's eyes softened. "Thank you." She said quietly.

She didn't eat it then.

Instead, she tucked it away and made her way through the servants hall to the old maids cottage,hidden just behind the west wall.

------

The warmth of the fire greeted her first followed by the scent of lavender and old wood.Mara, the retired maid who had trained Athena since she was a newborn, opened the door before she could knock.

"My sweet girl." She gasped, pulling her in. "Look at you. Stars. You've grown."

Athena laughed tiredly and placed the cloth on the table. " I brought something. Nothing much but..."

"Cake? For us?" Mara gasped

Athena nodded "For my birthday."

The old woman's eyes misted immediately "Of course... today is the day."

They sat beside the hearth, sharing the tiny piece of cake with reverence. Afterward Mara lit a small candle and pulled Athena's hands into hers.

"Let us pray to the Moon goddess." She whispered.

Together they closed their eyes, head bowed.

"Bless my child. Moon Mother, Bless her with a mate of Kindness. A wolf with a noble soul. A protector. A true companion. Let her be loved and cherished... not because she is beautiful, but because her spirit is rare."

A tear slid down Mara's cheek. She reached forward and cupped Athena's face.

"My baby has grown into a woman."

She kissed both her cheeks, then pulled her close into a soft warm hug. Athena held her close, heart full.

And then-

A loud knock ponded on the door.

They startled.

Mara quickly stood, limping slightly as she opened it.

A palace guard stood under the moonlight, torchlight glinting off his armor.

"Athena of the palace kitchens?" He asked

"Yes?"

"You are summoned. By Prince Lucian himself."

Mara paled "What for? What has she done wrong?"

The guard shook his head "We weren't told. Only that the Prince doesn't like to wait."

Athena's heart jumped in her chest.

She stood slowly. Nerves swirling. "I'll go."

Mara gripped her hand tightly " Child... be careful."

Athena offered a soft smile " I'll be fine. I promise."

------

The corridors to the Royal wing were dark, lined with classy lights and velvet drapes. The guards led her to a familiar tall double door carved with a sigil of the royal house. A crescent moon and a wolfs head howling skyward.

They knocked once.

A deep voice called from within. The sound sent shivers down her spine."Enter."

They pushed the door and Athena walked In alone.

The scent hit her.

Dark chocolate with fresh wine.

It was intoxicating. Heavy. Addicting. Her knees nearly buckled from the intensity of it.

And then she saw him.

Prince Lucian.

Standing at the far end of the room, dressed in loose black tunic, his hair unbound, falling past his broad naked shoulders in dark waves. His blue eyes were Locked on her. Intense. He eyed her body hungrily.

She froze.

His chest rose and fell, nostrils flaring as if he could smell her. But not the way she could.

And then a voice deep within Athena blurted out through her lips.

"MATE."

Lucian moved in a flash in front of her. He grabbed her by her waist and pulled her flush against himself.

Before she could even gasped he sealed her lips with a deep, long, hungry kiss.