Chapter 2

The palace stole the air from my lungs.

Even with my wrists bound and blood drying against my skin, I couldn't look away.

Moonlight spilled across towering white walls. Glass windows caught the light and scattered it over trimmed gardens, marble paths, and silver fountains. Guards stood at every entrance, their armor gleaming beneath rows of lanterns.

I had never imagined a place like this existed.

"Move." They hollered at me, jerking the ropes.

The guards carried me through enormous gates carved with wolves rearing beneath a full moon. Every servant who crossed our path stepped aside. Every guard lowered a fist to his chest.

No one looked at me with pity, only contempt.

We climbed a flight of polished marble steps before stopping inside a grand hall.

The floor shone so brightly I could see my reflection beneath the blood smeared across my face.

At the center of the room was a very beautiful young woman.

She wore a flowing emerald gown that hugged her slender frame before spilling around her feet like water. Soft brown hair rested over her left shoulder. Her tender green eyes swept across the room with quiet confidence.

I believe she was Luna, or close.

Nobody spoke until she did.

"What brings you here?" It was the most tender voice I had heard lately.

The Chief Supervisor stepped forward.

"Your Highness." He bowed.

"The treasury was attacked by rogues tonight. Most escaped."

He nodded toward me. "Except this one."

Her eyes settled on me, just once. They traveled from my tangled red hair to the dried blood staining my clothes. Then they moved away.

Everyone said Lunas were different from Alphas. Gentle, patient even merciful.

I clung to those stories.

Surely she would listen before judging me.

My lips parted.

"I..."

No sound came.

She didn't waste another glance at me either.

"As the future Luna," her voice as calm as dawn, "I believe the Alpha should decide the punishment himself."

A flicker of hope stirred inside me, till I heard her next words.

"Until he returns, chain her in the dungeon."

Those words struck harder than any beating I've had.

I stared at her even though she still hadn't looked at me.

"Carry her," she added.

"I won't have a thief's filthy blood staining the palace floors."

Every foolish hope I had carried through the gates vanished as she ended her speech. Beautiful faces could hide cold hearts, I knew that now.

The Chief Supervisor inclined his head. "As you wish, Your Highness."

He turned to the Royal Guards.

"Take her."

Strong arms lifted me before my knees could fail again. For that alone, I whispered silent thanks.

Behind me, the palace doors closed with a heavy boom. It felt less like a door and more like the world sealing itself behind me.

The guards carried me across the courtyard. As we passed, the sound of a car engine entering the palace compound faded into the background.

All that clouded my mind was the doom waiting for me.

***

Axel's POV

The palace gates swung open ahead of me. The engine of my SUV died as I stepped out and drew a long breath.

The journey from Red Valley Pack had stretched longer than expected. My shoulders ached and my temples throbbed. Even the cool night breeze failed to ease the pressure behind my eyes.

Behind me Jerry, my Beta climbed out of the second vehicle with his mate, Sophie.

"You look terrible." His words were not wrong.

"I feel worse."

He laughed.

I loosened the collar of my shirt and walked towards the palace when I saw two Royal Guards cross the courtyard. They carried someone between them.

The small figure hung limply in their arms.

Long strands of red hair spilled over one guard's arm, glowing beneath the lights like threads of fire. It was a young woman.

My steps slowed. Something about it didn't seem right. The thought lingered for a moment but I refused to further entertain it. Besides, Hazel would know.

Soon she would become Luna so I had insisted she spend the day familiarizing herself with palace affairs. She needed to understand every duty that came with the title, every decision that shaped this pack.

If something serious had happened, she would brief me.

I watched the guards disappear into the darkness beyond the eastern corridor.

Whatever it was could wait until tomorrow.

Right now, all I wanted was a hot bath and some rest.

I climbed the palace steps, servants bowed as I passed. Arriving my room, I shut the door and reached for the knot of my tie.

A sweet scent drifted through the room, dark chocolate. That scent didn't belong here.

My gaze swept across the bedroom.

Fresh sheets covered the bed. The dark linen I'd left behind this morning was replaced by crisp ivory silk. The pillows had been rearranged. Fresh flowers stood beside the window.

Someone had been inside, someone other than the staff.

The bathroom door opened as Hazel stepped out.

Her loose yellow nightdress clung to her shoulders before falling freely to the middle of her thighs. Damp strands of hair framed her face. Her eyes brightened the moment they found me.

"You're back already, my love. I drew you a bath."

I watched her without saying a word.

She crossed the room and brushed a kiss against my cheek.

"I know how exhausting official ceremonies can be."

She rested a hand against my chest.

"Enjoy your bath"

I looked past her. Steam curled from the half-open bathroom door. The hot bath tempted me more than the conversation.

A headache pounded behind my eyes.

"Thank you," I said.

Relief softened her smile.

"And afterward..."

Her fingers slid slowly down my arm.

"...we can spend the rest of the night together."

I knew exactly what she meant but I didn't answer. Instead, I walked into the bathroom.

As the water poured over my shoulders, the heat loosened the tightness in my muscles. Even the headache eased.

I stepped out with a towel wrapped around my waist.

Hazel lay across my bed with a seductive smile.

"My bed is off limits."

Fury filled my bones but my voice stayed calm.

"I've told you that before.

She sat up without hurry.

"Axel..." She smiled again.

"I'm your future Luna."

"Future." I emphasized without losing her gaze.

Using my Alpha voice, I commanded.

"I want to be left alone."

Disappointment flashed across her face before she lowered her head.

"As you wish... Alpha."

I tried sleeping after she left but sleep was far from my reach. The headache I'd buried beneath the hot bath crept back, pounding behind my eyes.

With a frustrated sigh, I threw the blanket aside and climbed out of bed. Maybe food would help.

No matter how late I returned from official duties, Mrs Gracy, the Royal Chef, always left a few freshly made burgers in the refrigerator.

Thick, meaty, dripping with creamy sauce, just how I liked it. I headed straight for the kitchen.

My hand had barely reached the refrigerator door when I heard it.

An enchanting song floated through the night. The melody drifted between each note with effortless grace, gentle enough to calm a restless heart.

A woman was singing, her voice came from far away. Much farther than any ordinary wolf could have heard.

But I was no ordinary wolf.

As Alpha, every instinct, every sense, every ability had been sharpened beyond theirs.

I closed the refrigerator and followed the melody.

The night air wrapped around me as I stepped outside. Each step drew me deeper into the palace grounds.

Guards patrolling the courtyard immediately lowered their heads. I acknowledged them with a brief nod without slowing.

The voice grew clearer, stronger and more beautiful.

Then I stopped, the path beneath my feet led toward the dungeons.

The image of the red-haired girl I'd seen earlier flashed across my mind. I had meant to ask Hazel about her but I thought it could wait till dawn.

The song rose again.

Without thinking, I quickened my pace. Stone walls climbed around me as I approached the dungeon entrance.

Two Royal Guards stood outside, or rather, they leaned against the wall struggling to stay awake.

The moment they noticed me, both straightened so quickly their spears nearly slipped from their hands.

"Alpha!"

I glanced at them once before my attention returned to the song echoing beyond the iron gates. It was even more melodious up close.

I looked back at the guards.

"Who is in the dungeon?”