Elena is an invisible Omega in the royal court, destined to scrub floors and remain unseen. But in the early hours of the morning, when she thinks she is alone, she dances. She never expected the ruthless Alpha King Damon to be watching from the shadows. Instead of punishment, he issues a shocking command: "Bring her to me."
Moved into the King’s private quarters to soothe his nightmares, Elena finds herself at the center of a dangerous political game. With jealous rivals plotting her demise and a rival Alpha threatening war, Elena must find the strength to stand beside the most feared wolf in the kingdom. Will the bond between a King and a servant destroy the kingdom, or save it?
Listen to this full-length, emotional werewolf romance story about forbidden love, betrayal, and the fight for destiny.
#WerewolfRomance #AlphaKing #Omega #ForbiddenLove #LoveStory #Audiobook #FantasyRomance #WolfShifter #MaidToQueen #RomanticDrama #Storytime #NarratedStory #TrueMate #Soulmates #RoyalCourt #EnemiesToLovers #ParanormalRomance #EmotionalStory #Suspense #AlphaMale #Luna #PackLife #Booktube #RelationshipGoals #HappyEnding
Moved into the King’s private quarters to soothe his nightmares, Elena finds herself at the center of a dangerous political game. With jealous rivals plotting her demise and a rival Alpha threatening war, Elena must find the strength to stand beside the most feared wolf in the kingdom. Will the bond between a King and a servant destroy the kingdom, or save it?
Listen to this full-length, emotional werewolf romance story about forbidden love, betrayal, and the fight for destiny.
#WerewolfRomance #AlphaKing #Omega #ForbiddenLove #LoveStory #Audiobook #FantasyRomance #WolfShifter #MaidToQueen #RomanticDrama #Storytime #NarratedStory #TrueMate #Soulmates #RoyalCourt #EnemiesToLovers #ParanormalRomance #EmotionalStory #Suspense #AlphaMale #Luna #PackLife #Booktube #RelationshipGoals #HappyEnding
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FunTranscript
00:00The marble floors of the southern courtyard were always coldest just before dawn.
00:05I dipped my rag into the bucket, the water turning gray and murky.
00:10Splash!
00:11The sound echoed off the stone columns, sharp and lonely in the silence.
00:16The air smelled of wet earth and the dying lavender in the garden beds,
00:21a heavy, damp scent that clung to my uniform.
00:25I preferred this time the ghost hour, I called it,
00:28before the palace truly woke,
00:30before the high-ranking wolves emerged from their chambers with their pressed uniforms,
00:35their gold-trimmed cloaks, and their judgmental stares.
00:39My hands moved in practice circles.
00:42Scrub, rinse, scrub.
00:45Being an omega in the king's court meant invisibility was a survival skill.
00:50We were the dust beneath the rug, the grout between the tiles.
00:53We were meant to serve quietly, to blend into the background like the wallpaper or the potted ferns lining the corridors.
01:01My blonde hair, too pale, they said, like winter wheat instead of the rich golds and browns favored among our kind,
01:08was tied back in a tight, severe braid.
01:12My uniform, a plain gray dress that marked my status as clearly as a cattle brand, hung loose on my small frame.
01:20But this morning, with no one watching, I allowed myself a dangerous moment of freedom.
01:26A melody I hadn't thought of in years slipped past my lips.
01:31Sleep now, little wolf.
01:33The winter is long.
01:35My mother used to sing it.
01:36Back before the fever took her.
01:39Back before I was left alone in this massive stone fortress with nothing but memories and the ache of her absence.
01:46As I sang, my body betrayed me.
01:49My hips swayed.
01:50My feet, usually heavy with exhaustion, felt light against the cold marble.
01:56I forgot the bucket.
01:57I forgot the rag.
01:59I stood up.
02:00I spun.
02:01Twirl, step, breath.
02:04I danced past the fountain, the water trickling in harmony with my humming.
02:09For a few stolen minutes, I wasn't Elena, the orphaned Omega who slept on a cot in the servants' quarters.
02:16I wasn't the runt.
02:17I wasn't the invisible girl.
02:19I was just... me.
02:22I closed my eyes, extending my arms, spinning faster, feeling the ghost of my mother's hands in mine.
02:28The air rushed past my ears.
02:31I felt a smile, a genuine smile, crack the mask I wore every day.
02:36Then, I felt it.
02:38The weight.
02:39It hit me like a physical blow to the chest.
02:42The air in the courtyard changed, charged with static, heavy with dominance.
02:47My eyes snapped open.
02:49I froze mid-spin, stumbling slightly.
02:52My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird.
02:56Thud.
02:57Thud.
02:58Thud.
02:58Three figures stood at the northern archway, backlit by the rising sun.
03:03They were silhouettes, shadows cut from the light.
03:07But I knew the one in the center.
03:09Every wolf in the kingdom knew that silhouette.
03:12King Damon, the Silvercrest.
03:15He was a wall of muscle and power, radiating an aura that made the hair on my arms stand up.
03:21They said he was ruthless, cold, a strategist who unified three warring packs by crushing the dissenters under his boot.
03:30And he was staring directly at me.
03:33I dropped to the floor instantly, my knees cracking against the stone.
03:38I bowed so low, my forehead touched the cold, wet marble I had just polished.
03:44Trembling breath.
03:45Your Majesty, I whispered, my voice shaking.
03:48I-I didn't mean to-
03:51Silence.
03:53The only sound was the fountain and the blood rushing in my ears.
03:57What is your name?
03:59His voice was deep, a rumble of thunder that vibrated through the floorboards.
04:03It wasn't a question, it was a command.
04:07I couldn't breathe.
04:08Omegas never spoke to the king.
04:10We weren't even supposed to look at him.
04:13Elena, Your Majesty.
04:15I choked out.
04:16Look at me, Elena.
04:18My stomach twisted.
04:21Please don't kill me.
04:22Please don't exile me.
04:24Slowly, painfully, I raised my head.
04:27My eyes traveled up the polished black boots, the dark fitted trousers, the military-style shirt that strained against broad shoulders.
04:36I met his gaze.
04:38His eyes were gray.
04:40Storm cloud gray.
04:42Turbulent.
04:42And they were studying me with an intensity that felt like he was dissecting my soul.
04:48There was no anger, which terrified me more.
04:50There was only curiosity.
04:54Cold, predatory curiosity.
04:56You were dancing, he said flatly.
05:00I-
05:01Yes, Your Majesty.
05:03I apologize.
05:04It was inappropriate.
05:05It won't happen again.
05:07He took a step forward.
05:08The two guards flanking him, his beta, Cade, and the head enforcer, tensed, their hands hovering near their weapons.
05:16Why?
05:17Damon asked.
05:19I blinked.
05:20Your Majesty?
05:22Why were you dancing?
05:24You are a servant.
05:25You are cleaning a floor at four in the morning.
05:28What is there to dance about?
05:30My mouth went dry.
05:31I could lie.
05:33I could say I was crazy.
05:34Because-
05:36The truth slipped out before I could stop it.
05:39Because it makes me feel less alone.
05:42A flicker of emotion crossed his face, too fast to catch, a twitch of the jaw, a narrowing of the eyes.
05:50Alone, he repeated, testing the word.
05:53He stepped closer.
05:55I could smell him now.
05:56Pine, wood smoke, and the metallic tang of fresh rain.
06:00It was intoxicating and terrifying.
06:03My instinct screamed at me to submit, to roll over, to flee.
06:08But I held his gaze.
06:10He turned to his beta, Cade.
06:12Cade had auburn hair and a face carved from granite.
06:16Cade?
06:17The king said softly.
06:18What is the protocol for omegas who neglect their duties to dance in the royal courtyard?
06:24My heart stopped.
06:25This was it.
06:27The punishment.
06:28Typically reassignment to the scullery, Your Majesty.
06:31Or a flogging, depending on the severity of the delay.
06:35Flogging.
06:37I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for the order.
06:41I see, Damon said.
06:43He was silent for a long moment.
06:46The tension in the courtyard was thick enough to choke on.
06:50Bring her to me.
06:51My eyes flew open.
06:53Your, Your Majesty?
06:56Damon didn't look at me.
06:57He was looking at the horizon, where the sun was just beginning to bleed red into the sky.
07:03Not now, he clarified.
07:06Tonight, after the evening council.
07:08Have Elena brought to my private study.
07:11Cade's eyebrows shut up.
07:13Even the stoic beta looked surprised.
07:16To your study, sire?
07:18Is that necessary for a disciplinary matter?
07:21You hurt me.
07:23Damon looked back down at me.
07:25For a second, the storm in his eyes cleared, and I saw something else.
07:31Exhaustion.
07:32Bone-deep weariness.
07:34You will come to my study tonight, Elena.
07:37We will speak further then.
07:39Yes.
07:40Yes, Your Majesty.
07:41He turned on his heel, his heavy cape swirling around him, and strode away.
07:47The guards followed, leaving me kneeling in a puddle of dirty water,
07:52my heart racing so fast I thought I might pass out.
07:56The rest of the day was a blur of anxiety.
07:58Word spread through the servants' quarters like a plague.
08:03The king summoned the runt.
08:05He's going to make an example of her, whispered a scullery maid as I carried linens through the hall.
08:11Maybe she stole something, another sneered.
08:14Look at her, shifty eyes.
08:16I kept my head down.
08:18I scrubbed until my fingers were raw.
08:21I polished silver until I could see the terror in my own reflection.
08:26Why me?
08:27Why the study?
08:28If he wanted to punish me, he could have done it there.
08:31If he wanted to fire me, Cade would have done it.
08:35The sun set, casting long, bloody shadows across the palace walls.
08:40At 7.59 p.m., Cade appeared at the servant's entrance.
08:44He didn't say a word.
08:46He just jerked his chin.
08:48Follow.
08:49I smoothed my gray dress.
08:51It was the cleanest one I had, but it was still threadbare.
08:54I felt small, insignificant.
08:57We walked through parts of the palace I had never seen.
09:01Corridors lined with velvet tapestries.
09:04Floors covered in plush carpets that swallowed the sound of our footsteps.
09:08We passed the council room where muffled shouting could be heard.
09:12Finally, we stopped before a heavy oak door reinforced with iron bands.
09:18Cade knocked once.
09:20Enter, came the deep voice from within.
09:24Cade pushed the door open and stepped aside.
09:27Elena.
09:28Your Majesty.
09:29I walked in.
09:30The door clicked shut behind me.
09:33Click.
09:34The sound of a trap closing.
09:37The study was massive.
09:39Walls lined with thousands of books.
09:41A fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows on the dark wood.
09:47King Damon stood by the window, staring out into the darkness.
09:51He held a glass of amber liquid in his hand.
09:54He had removed his heavy coat.
09:56His white shirt was unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled up to reveal muscular forearms.
10:02He didn't turn around.
10:04Do you know what I see when I look at this kingdom, Elena?
10:07He asked quietly.
10:09I don't, my Majesty.
10:12I see teeth, he murmured.
10:14I see wolves who smile with their mouths and hold daggers behind their backs.
10:19I see ambition.
10:21I see hunger.
10:22He turned slowly.
10:24The firelight caught the sharp angles of his face.
10:27He looked dangerous, but he also looked haunted.
10:32Do you know why I didn't have you flogged this morning?
10:35No, sire.
10:36He walked toward me.
10:38He moved like a predator, silent.
10:41Fluid.
10:41He stopped three feet away.
10:44Because when you were dancing, you were the only real thing I have seen in this palace in five years.
10:50I stared at him, confused.
10:54I'm just an Omega, sire.
10:56Exactly, he whispered.
10:58You have no power.
11:00You have no ambition to take my throne.
11:03You have nothing.
11:04He took a sip of his drink, his gray eyes locking onto mine.
11:08I have a proposition for you, Elena.
11:11A reassignment.
11:13To the kitchens?
11:14I asked, my voice trembling.
11:17No.
11:18He set the glass down on a mahogany desk.
11:21My personal attendant.
11:23You will maintain my private quarters.
11:25You will organize my schedule.
11:27And when the nightmares come, you will sit with me.
11:32Your, your nightmares?
11:35He looked away, a muscle feathering in his jaw.
11:39It was a sign of weakness, and he was showing it to me, to a nobody.
11:43I do not sleep well, he admitted, his voice rough.
11:48The silence.
11:49It gets too loud.
11:51I need someone I can trust.
11:53Someone who isn't trying to manipulate me.
11:56Someone who just... exists.
11:59He looked back at me.
12:01I need your peace, Elena.
12:03I want to buy it from you.
12:05My mind reeled.
12:07This was dangerous.
12:09If I accepted, the court would eat me alive.
12:11The high-ranking females, Lady Sienna, who had been trying to seduce the king for years,
12:17would skin me.
12:19People will talk, my majesty, I whispered.
12:22They will say, let them talk, he growled, stepping closer, his shadow falling over me.
12:29I am the king.
12:30I take what I want.
12:32And right now, I want to know if you are brave enough to survive me.
12:37He held out a hand, not to shake, but a gesture.
12:41An offer.
12:43Well, Elena, do you want to scrub floors until you die?
12:47Or do you want to step into the fire?
12:49I looked at his hand, then at his eyes.
12:53I took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of pine and smoke.
12:58I'll take the fire, I whispered.
13:00The east wing smelled different.
13:04It didn't smell like bleach and boiled cabbage, like the servants' quarters.
13:09It smelled of beeswax polish, dried lavender and power.
13:14Old, accumulated power.
13:17Cade led me to my new door.
13:19It was right next to the king's.
13:21A connecting door, thick oak, stood between my room and his sanctuary.
13:26Here, Cade grunted, handing me a heavy iron key.
13:31Don't lose it, and lock it from the inside.
13:35Why?
13:35I asked, gripping the cold metal.
13:38He looked at me, his eyes hard.
13:41Because you have just painted a target on your back, Elena.
13:44The king has favored you.
13:46That makes you pray.
13:48He left me standing in the hallway.
13:51My room was larger than the entire cottage I grew up in.
13:55A four-poster bed, a velvet armchair, a window overlooking the royal gardens.
14:00But I didn't feel lucky.
14:03I felt like an imposter.
14:06The next morning, the war began.
14:10It started quietly.
14:12I was sent to the royal seamstress, Meredith,
14:15a stern delta with pins in her mouth and judgment in her eyes.
14:19Arms up, she commanded.
14:22She measured me roughly, the tape measure snapping against my skin.
14:26The king requested modest but refined.
14:29Dove gray, blue, colors that fade into the background.
14:34She looked at me in the mirror.
14:36Her reflection sneered.
14:37Don't get used to the silk, girl.
14:40Trends change.
14:41Kings get bored.
14:43I bit my tongue.
14:45Yes, ma'am.
14:46By midday, I was in my new uniform.
14:49A soft gray gown, high-collared, elegant.
14:53It fit perfectly.
14:54For the first time in my life, I looked.
14:57Dignified.
14:58I walked to the king's chambers, holding a tray of strong coffee.
15:03My hands trembled slightly.
15:05Knock, knock.
15:07Enter.
15:08Damon was at his desk, buried under a mountain of parchment.
15:12He looked exhausted.
15:14Dark circles bruised the skin under his eyes.
15:17He hadn't slept.
15:19Again.
15:20He looked up.
15:21His eyes widened slightly as he took in the new dress.
15:24Better, he murmured.
15:27You look like you belong here.
15:29I feel like I'm wearing a costume, Damon.
15:32The name slipped out.
15:34I froze.
15:36Your Majesty.
15:37I meant Your Majesty.
15:39He leaned back, rubbing his temples.
15:42No.
15:43Keep it.
15:43When we are in this room, I am just Damon, and you are just Elena.
15:48That week fell into a strange, fragile rhythm.
15:53By day, I was his shadow.
15:55I organized his scrolls.
15:56I filtered his visitors.
15:58I stood silently in the corner during meetings, ignored by the generals, but watched closely
16:04by the courtiers.
16:05I felt their stares.
16:07Lady Sienna, the beta female with the ambition of a viper, watched me like a hawk circling
16:13a field mouse.
16:14She never spoke to me directly.
16:16She just smiled.
16:18A cold, thin smile that promised pain.
16:22By night, the real work began.
16:25The nightmares.
16:27Damon would wake up shouting, his wolf fighting an invisible enemy.
16:30I would rush in from my connecting room, barefoot, terrifyingly intimate.
16:36I wouldn't touch him.
16:38I would just sit by the fire and talk.
16:41Tell me about the river.
16:42He would rasp, sweating and shaking.
16:45And I would talk.
16:46I'd tell him about the way the water froze in winter, about the sounds of the wind in
16:51the pines.
16:52My voice was the anchor that pulled him back from the dark.
16:57For a week, we were safe.
16:59Then, the palace struck back.
17:01I returned to my room one afternoon to find the door ajar.
17:06My stomach dropped.
17:07I pushed it open.
17:10My room had been destroyed.
17:13The pillows were slashed, feathers covering the floor like snow.
17:17My new dresses, the silk, the wool, were shredded.
17:21Strips of gray fabric hung from the wardrobe handles like hanged men.
17:25And on the mirror, scrawled in red lipstick, know your place, runt.
17:30I stood there shaking, not with fear, but with a cold, hard rage I didn't know I possessed.
17:38Elena?
17:40Damon stood in the connecting doorway.
17:42He saw the feathers.
17:43He saw the feathers.
17:43He saw the dresses.
17:44He saw the message.
17:46A low growl started deep in his chest.
17:49It vibrated through the floorboards.
17:51His eyes flashed gold, his wolf rising to the surface.
17:55Who?
17:56He snarled.
17:58Who did this?
17:59It doesn't matter, I said, my voice surprisingly steady.
18:04I walked over to a torn dress and picked up a piece of silk.
18:08It matters, he roared, stepping into the room.
18:12The air grew heavy with his alpha command.
18:14I will have the guards tear this wing apart.
18:17I will have them flogged.
18:19No, I turned to face him.
18:22If you react, they win.
18:24They want to see if they can get to you through me.
18:26They want to prove that I am a weakness.
18:29I bawled the torn silk in my fist.
18:32I won't be your weakness, Damon.
18:35He stopped.
18:36The gold faded from his eyes, replaced by that stormy gray.
18:41He looked at me with a mixture of shock and admiration.
18:45You are stronger than you look, little dancer.
18:48I have to be.
18:50But the attacks didn't stop at vandalism.
18:53They escalated.
18:55Two days later, the northern delegation arrived.
18:58Alpha Rowan Frost.
19:00He was the opposite of Damon.
19:03Where Damon was dark and brooding, Rowan was ice and sharp edges.
19:08Pale blonde hair, pale blue eyes, and a smile that looked like a jagged wound.
19:13He had come to renew the peace treaty, but the tension in the great hall was thick enough to cut with a knife.
19:21At the welcome banquet, I stood behind Damon's chair, pouring wine.
19:25It was a position of honor, but also servitude.
19:29Rowan's eyes kept flicking to me.
19:31Predatory.
19:32Your majesty, Rowan drawled, leaning back in his chair.
19:37He swirled his wine.
19:39I must say, the decor has changed since my last visit.
19:43You keep interesting pets now.
19:46The table went silent.
19:48Damon's hand tightened around his goblet.
19:51The metal groaned.
19:53Elena is my personal attendant, Alpha Rowan.
19:56Not a pet.
19:58Rowan laughed.
19:59A harsh barking sound.
20:01An Omega attendant in the war room?
20:04Come now, Damon.
20:05We all know what she is really for.
20:07Does she warm your bed well?
20:09Glass shatters.
20:11Damon slammed his goblet down.
20:13Red wine spilled across the white tablecloth like blood.
20:18Careful, Rowan.
20:19Damon's voice was a whisper, but it carried to the back of the hall.
20:23You are a guest.
20:24Do not make me forget that.
20:27I'm just asking.
20:28I mean, look at her.
20:29Fragile, pale.
20:31What use is she?
20:32She would snap like a twig in a real storm.
20:35He looked directly at me.
20:37Tell me, little runt.
20:38What is your talent, besides looking scared?
20:42Every eye in the room turned to me.
20:44Lady Sienna was smirking behind her napkin.
20:47Cade looked ready to draw his sword.
20:50I took a deep breath.
20:51I stepped forward.
20:52My talent, Alpha Rowan, I said, my voice ringing clear and steady, is seeing clearly.
21:00Rowan blinked.
21:01Excuse me?
21:03I see clearly, I repeated.
21:04I see a king who leads with strength and burden, and I see an Alpha sitting across from him who feels the need to belittle a servant to make himself feel tall.
21:15The entire hall froze.
21:18You could hear a pin drop, and Omega had just insulted an Alpha.
21:23Rowan's face turned purple.
21:25You insolent little...
21:27Enough.
21:29Damon stood up.
21:30He didn't look at Rowan.
21:31He looked at me.
21:32And there was pride in his eyes.
21:35Burning, fierce pride.
21:36Elena speaks the truth, Damon said coldly.
21:40If you have an issue with my household, Rowan, take it up with my steel, not my staff.
21:46Rowan stood slowly.
21:48He smoothed his tunic, regaining his composure, but his eyes were cold, dead things.
21:54My apologies, King Damon, said Rowan, his voice dripping with venom.
21:59I see I touched a nerve.
22:01He looked at me one last time.
22:04Enjoy your position, girl, while it lasts.
22:07The dinner ended in strained silence.
22:10That night, I couldn't sleep.
22:12The adrenaline was still pumping through my veins.
22:15I paced my room, the events of the evening replaying in my mind.
22:19I had made a powerful enemy.
22:22I checked the lock on my door.
22:24Secure.
22:25I checked the window.
22:26Latched.
22:27I laid down, pulling the heavy quilt up to my chin.
22:30The fire had died down to embers.
22:33The room was dark.
22:35Creak?
22:36My eyes snapped open.
22:38It came from the window.
22:40I sat up.
22:41Damon?
22:42No answer.
22:43A shadow detached itself from the curtains.
22:46Tall, broad.
22:47It wasn't Damon.
22:48The scent hit me.
22:50Musk and wet fur.
22:52Northern pack.
22:52I opened my mouth to scream, but a hand, heavy in smelling of leather, clamped over my face.
23:00Hush, little pet.
23:01Alpha Rowan sends his regards.
23:04I thrashed, kicking out, but he was too strong.
23:07He dragged me off the bed.
23:09I clawed at his arm, my nails digging into flesh.
23:12Ugh!
23:13He dragged me toward the window.
23:15The cold night air rushed in.
23:17I was going to die.
23:19I was going to disappear and no one would know until morning.
23:22No.
23:23I bit down.
23:25Hard.
23:25I tasted copper.
23:27Ugh!
23:28The man grunted.
23:29His hand loosened just a fraction.
23:31I sucked in a breath and screamed with everything I had left.
23:35Damon!
23:36The connecting door didn't open.
23:39It shattered.
23:40Crash!
23:41Splinters of oak exploded into the room like shrapnel.
23:45Damon stood in the wreckage.
23:47He wasn't the king in that moment.
23:49He wasn't a man.
23:50He was pure, unadulterated violence.
23:53His eyes were burning gold, glowing in the dark room like two suns.
23:58The assassin froze.
24:00That single second of hesitation cost him his life.
24:04Damon moved faster than my eyes could track, a blur of shadow and rage.
24:09Thud.
24:10He tackled the intruder, slamming him into the stone wall with enough force to crack the masonry.
24:16You touched her, Damon roared.
24:19It wasn't a voice.
24:20It was a growl from the depths of hell.
24:23You dared to touch what is mine.
24:26Bone snaps.
24:26The assassin didn't even have time to scream.
24:30Damon tossed him aside like a broken doll.
24:32The man hit the floor and didn't move.
24:36Silence.
24:37The only sound was Damon's heavy, ragged breathing.
24:41He turned to me.
24:42The gold in his eyes was fading, but the terror remained.
24:46Elena.
24:47I was huddled on the floor, shaking, clutching my torn nightgown.
24:52He crossed the room in two strides and fell to his knees in front of me.
24:56His hands, hands that had just broken a man, hovered over me, trembling.
25:02He was afraid to touch me, afraid he was still too dangerous.
25:07Did he hurt you?
25:08He choked out.
25:10Tell me.
25:10Did he hurt you?
25:12I...
25:12I'm okay.
25:14Damon, you came.
25:16I heard you scream.
25:18He pulled me into his chest.
25:19He buried his face in my neck, inhaling deeply, checking for the sense of blood.
25:25His heart was hammering against my own, a frantic, terrified rhythm.
25:31I thought I was too late, he murmured into my hair.
25:34I thought...
25:35Your Majesty!
25:37Cade and the guards burst into the room, swords drawn.
25:40They stopped dead when they saw us.
25:42The king, on his knees, clutching an omega.
25:46The broken body of a northern assassin in the corner.
25:49Damon looked up.
25:51The vulnerability vanished instantly, replaced by cold iron.
25:56Get that filth out of here, he commanded, gesturing to the assassin.
26:00If he lives, take him to the dungeon.
26:03If he dies, feed him to the crows.
26:06Yes, sire.
26:07Cade signaled the guards.
26:08And Elena?
26:10Damon stood, pulling me up with him.
26:13He didn't let go of my arm.
26:15Elena stays with me.
26:17Cade paused.
26:17Sire, the protocol.
26:20Burn the protocol, Damon shouted, his voice cracking.
26:24They came into my home.
26:26They came through the window.
26:27No one is safe.
26:29She sleeps where I can see her.
26:31That night, the boundaries broke.
26:34I didn't sleep in the guest room.
26:36I didn't sleep in the servants' quarters.
26:37I sat on the edge of the king's massive bed, wrapped in one of his fur cloaks.
26:43Damon paced the room.
26:45He checked the window locks three times.
26:47He checked the door.
26:48He added wood to the fire until the room was sweltering.
26:51You should sleep, I said softly.
26:55He stopped pacing and looked at me.
26:57I can't.
26:58Every time I close my eyes, I hear you scream.
27:01He sat in the armchair facing the bed.
27:03He had a dagger in his hand, resting on his knee.
27:06I will watch, he said.
27:08Sleep, Elena.
27:09I didn't think I could, but the scent of him, pine and safety, was overwhelming.
27:16I drifted off, watching the firelight dance in his gray eyes.
27:20The next morning, the palace was a hornet's nest.
27:23The news had broken.
27:25Assassination attempt and the east wing.
27:27And worse, the Omega spent the night in the king's bed.
27:31The whispers weren't whispers anymore.
27:33They were shouts.
27:35She's bewitched him.
27:36I heard a maid hiss as I walked to the kitchens.
27:39She's using dark magic.
27:41I ignored them.
27:42I had a job to do.
27:44I found Cade in the dungeon.
27:46The air was damp and smelled of mold.
27:48Did he talk?
27:50Cade looked up from his clipboard.
27:52He looked tired.
27:53He died before he could speak.
27:55Cyanide pill in his tooth.
27:57Northern standard issue.
27:59So we have no proof it was Rowan.
28:02We know it was Rowan, Cade growled.
28:04But without a confession, it's just an accusation.
28:08If Damon attacks the north without proof, the council of alphas will revolt.
28:12They'll say he's a tyrant starting a war over a...
28:16Over you.
28:17Over a servant, I finished for him.
28:20I was going to say over a woman he cares for.
28:23But yes, to the council, you were just an excuse for war.
28:28I went back to the study.
28:30Damon was staring at a map of the kingdom, his face grim.
28:33We strike tonight, he said as I entered.
28:36I'll send a legion to the border.
28:38No, I said.
28:40He looked up surprised.
28:42No?
28:43If you attack now, you prove them right.
28:46You prove you're unstable.
28:48You prove that I'm a liability.
28:50I walked over to the desk.
28:52I placed my hand on his.
28:53His skin was fever hot.
28:55You have to be smarter than them, Damon.
28:58Rowan wants you to lose control.
29:00Don't give him the satisfaction.
29:02He turned his hand over, interlacing his fingers with mine.
29:06Then what do we do?
29:07I can't just wait for them to try again.
29:10We forced them into the light, I said, my mind racing.
29:14Call the council here.
29:16A public hearing.
29:17Accuse Rowan in front of everyone.
29:20Make him deny it while looking you in the eye.
29:22Damon studied me.
29:24A slow smile spread across his face.
29:27You're dangerous, Elena.
29:28I'm learning from the best.
29:31The council gathering was set for three days later.
29:33Those three days were a blur of tension.
29:36I stayed in Damon's chambers.
29:38We ate together.
29:39We worked together.
29:40The intimacy was suffocating and wonderful.
29:44We didn't touch.
29:45Not really.
29:46No kisses.
29:47No promises.
29:48But the air between us was electric.
29:51One night, standing on the balcony, he stood so close his chest brushed my back.
29:55Do you know why I never took a mate?
29:58Because you were waiting for someone strong?
30:01No, he said, his breath ghosting over my ear.
30:04Because I was afraid I would destroy her.
30:07My life is blood and steel, Elena.
30:10It destroys soft things.
30:12I turned to face him.
30:14I put my hand on his chest, right over his heart.
30:17Then it's a good thing I'm not soft anymore.
30:19He leaned down.
30:21His forehead rested against mine.
30:23For a moment, he thought he would kiss me.
30:26I wanted him to.
30:27I wanted to burn in the fire he had offered me.
30:30But he pulled back.
30:32Not yet, he breathed.
30:34Not until you are safe.
30:35I won't claim you just to make you a target.
30:39The day of the council arrived.
30:41The great hall was packed.
30:43Every alpha from every territory was there.
30:46The air smelled of ozone and aggression.
30:48Rowan stood at the front, looking smug.
30:51He was flanked by Lady Sienna.
30:54Sienna.
30:55I realized it then.
30:57The key to my room.
30:58The unlatched window.
31:00An assassin couldn't get into the east wing without help from inside.
31:04She met my eyes and smiled.
31:06It was a shark smile.
31:08Damon sat on the throne.
31:10He looked magnificent.
31:12Terrifying.
31:13I stood at his right hand.
31:15Not behind him.
31:17Beside him.
31:19We are gathered.
31:21Alpha Magnus, the elder of the council, announced.
31:24To discuss the allegations against the northern pack.
31:28And to address the king's fitness to rule.
31:32Damon didn't flinch.
31:34Fitness to rule?
31:35Explain.
31:37Rowan stepped forward.
31:39King Damon, you accuse me of sending an assassin.
31:42I deny it.
31:44But what we cannot deny is that you have been compromised.
31:49He gestured to me.
31:51You have elevated a servant to the status of a queen.
31:54You share your bed with her.
31:56You threaten war for her.
31:58You are not thinking with your head, silver crest.
32:02You are thinking with your instincts.
32:05Murmurs of agreement rippled through the hall.
32:07And Omega has no place in the council, Magnus agreed.
32:13She is a distraction, a weakness.
32:16Damon stood up.
32:18The silence was instant.
32:20Elena, he said clearly.
32:22Step forward.
32:23I froze.
32:24What was he doing?
32:26Step forward, he repeated gently.
32:29I took two steps.
32:30I was now center stage, surrounded by wolves who wanted to tear my throat out.
32:37This woman, Damon said, his voice booming, saved my life.
32:42Confusion.
32:43She saved me from the madness that was eating my mind.
32:48She brings clarity where there is chaos.
32:50She shows mercy where I would show cruelty.
32:54He walked down the steps of the dais and stood next to me.
32:58You call her a weakness?
33:00He looked at Rowan.
33:02She fought off your assassin with nothing but her teeth and a scream.
33:06She is stronger than any of you.
33:10Prove it, Rowan sneered.
33:11If she is so strong, let her stand the test.
33:16The gasps echoed in the hall.
33:19The test?
33:20Kate stepped forward, horrified.
33:22She's an Omega.
33:23The test of silver is for Alpha Warriors.
33:27It will kill her.
33:28If she is worthy to stand beside a king, Rowan said, his eyes gleaming with malice, she should
33:35survive it.
33:37If she dies, well, then she was just a weak little Omega after all.
33:43Damon looked ready to rip Rowan's head off.
33:45I will not allow it.
33:48Then you admit she is weak, Rowan countered.
33:51And if you knowingly choose a weak mate, you forfeit your right to lead the pack.
33:57That is the old law.
33:59It was a trap.
34:01If Damon refused, he lost the throne.
34:04The council would depose him.
34:06If he agreed, I would die.
34:09The test of silver involved navigating the wolf's run, a forest maze filled with traps and wild,
34:16feral wolves, unarmed.
34:19Damon looked at me.
34:20His eyes were frantic.
34:21He was about to refuse.
34:23He was about to give up his crown to save me.
34:27I couldn't let him do that.
34:28He was a good king.
34:30The kingdom needed him.
34:32I reached out and took his hand.
34:34His skin was cold.
34:36Damon, I whispered.
34:37No, he pleaded softly.
34:39I won't let you.
34:41If you lose the throne, Rowan takes over and he will kill us both anyway.
34:47I looked at Rowan, then at the council.
34:50I raised my chin.
34:51I accept.
34:53Dead silence.
34:54Elena, Damon choked out.
34:57I accept the test of silver, I announced, my voice trembling but loud.
35:03And when I survive, I want Rowan's head.
35:06The rite of dominance was held in the hollows, a circular stone amphitheater deep in the ancient forest bordering the palace grounds.
35:15The air here was different, heavy, charged with old magic.
35:21Hundreds of wolves lined the stone amphitheater, alphas from every territory, the high council, and at the very bottom, in the pit of white sand, stood the two combatants, King Damon and Alpha Rowan.
35:35I stood in the royal box, flanked by Cade and the guards.
35:39My hands were gripping the railing so hard, my knuckles were white.
35:44He will be fine, Cade murmured, though he looked pale.
35:48His mind is a fortress.
35:51The rite doesn't attack the walls, Cade, I whispered.
35:54It attacks the foundation.
35:57The high priestess, a woman with eyes like milky glass, stepped into the center of the pit.
36:02She held a censer of burning herbs.
36:04The smoke was purple, thick and cloying.
36:08The mist of truth, she announced, her voice echoing unnaturally.
36:13It will show you your greatest fears.
36:17The wolf who breaks the illusion rules.
36:21She swung the censer.
36:22The purple smoke billowed out, engulfing Damon and Rowan instantly.
36:27There was a low, humming sound.
36:29The crowd went silent.
36:31We couldn't see what they were seeing.
36:33To us, they were just men standing in smoke.
36:36But their bodies told the story.
36:39Rowan stood tall, a cruel smile on his face.
36:43He had no attachments, no love.
36:45He had nothing to lose.
36:47So the mist had little ammunition against him.
36:50But Damon?
36:52Damon fell to his knees, gasps from the crowd.
36:56He clutched his head.
36:57He screamed, a raw, tearing sound that made my heart stop.
37:02No, he shouted at thin air.
37:05I saved her.
37:06I saved her.
37:08He's seeing his mother, Cade whispered, horrified.
37:11Or...
37:12Damon looked up, his eyes wide and unseeing.
37:16He looked directly at the royal box.
37:18Directly at me.
37:20Elena, he roared, reaching out.
37:23Please don't take her.
37:25Tears streamed down my face.
37:27He was seeing me die.
37:29He was living through his worst nightmare, failing to protect me.
37:34Rowan laughed.
37:35He walked through the mist toward Damon, drawing a ceremonial blade.
37:39Look at him, Rowan shouted to the crowd.
37:42Look at your king, brought to his knees by a fantasy.
37:46He is weak.
37:47He is broken by love.
37:50Rowan raised to the blade.
37:51I will put him out of his misery.
37:53No, I didn't think.
37:56I didn't plan.
37:57I just moved.
37:59I vaulted over the railing of the royal box.
38:02Elena!
38:03Cade shouted, grabbing for me.
38:05But I was gone.
38:07I dropped 10 feet, hitting the sand hard.
38:10I rolled, ignoring the pain in my shoulder and scrambled to my feet.
38:14The crowd erupted.
38:16An omega entering the right was death.
38:19It was sacrilege.
38:20I ran toward the purple mist.
38:22The smell was suffocating, like rotting flowers.
38:26Damon!
38:27I screamed.
38:29Rowan spun around.
38:30You foolish girl.
38:32You've just forfeited your life.
38:34He slashed the blade at me.
38:36I ducked, feeling the wind of the steel pass over my head.
38:40I wasn't a warrior, but I was fast.
38:43I was a dancer.
38:44I spun past him, my dress swirling, and threw myself at Damon.
38:48I grabbed his face.
38:50His eyes were glazed, terrified.
38:53Damon!
38:54Look at me!
38:55You're dead!
38:57He sobbed, flinching away.
38:58I let you die.
39:00There was so much blood.
39:02I am right here!
39:04I slapped his cheek, hard.
39:07Feel this!
39:08I am warm!
39:09I am alive!
39:10The contact shocked him.
39:12The hallucination flickered.
39:15Elena?
39:15Listen to me, I commanded, my voice fierce.
39:20Fear means you have something to lose.
39:22Fear means you have a heart.
39:25Use it, Damon.
39:26Fight for me.
39:27Rowan was behind us.
39:29How touching!
39:30You can die together!
39:33He lunged.
39:34But he never made contact.
39:36Damon's hand shot out, catching Rowan's wrist midair.
39:40Bone cracks.
39:42Damon stood up.
39:43The terror was gone from his eyes, replaced by a cold, golden fury.
39:48The Alpha King had returned.
39:51You made a mistake, Rowan, Damon growled.
39:54The purple mist swirled around him, reacting to his power.
39:58You thought she was my weakness.
40:00Damon twisted Rowan's arm.
40:02Rowan screamed, dropping the blade.
40:05She is my shield.
40:07Damon struck.
40:08A single, powerful punch to the chest.
40:11Rowan flew backward, crashing into the stone wall of the arena.
40:15The mist began to clear.
40:16The High Priestess lowered her staff.
40:19The rite was over.
40:21Damon didn't look at the defeated Alpha.
40:23He looked at the crowd.
40:25He looked at the council.
40:26He pulled me to his side, his arm heavy and possessive around my waist.
40:30You wanted to know if I was fit to lead, Damon shouted, his voice booming.
40:36You said an Omega would make me soft.
40:38Look at me.
40:40He gestured to Rowan, who was groaning in the dirt.
40:43A king without a heart is just a tyrant.
40:46A king without fear is a monster.
40:48I have fear.
40:50I have love.
40:52And because of that, I will fight harder than any of you.
40:56He looked down at me.
40:58This is my mate.
40:59This is my queen.
41:01Anyone who challenges that, challenges me.
41:05Silence.
41:07Then, a slow clap.
41:09It was Cade.
41:10Then, the generals.
41:12Then, the high council.
41:14Within seconds, the entire arena was roaring.
41:17A chant rose up, shaking the trees.
41:20Silver Crest.
41:22Silver Crest.
41:23Damon sagged against me, the adrenaline fading.
41:27We did it, he whispered.
41:29You did it, I said.
41:31No.
41:33He kissed my forehead, right there in front of everyone.
41:36We.
41:37Six months later.
41:39The winter snow had melted, revealing the vibrant greens of spring.
41:43The southern courtyard was blooming.
41:45The fountain trickled merrily.
41:46I walked through the archway, my steps clicking on the marble.
41:50I wasn't wearing a gray uniform anymore.
41:53I wore a gown of deep midnight blue, embroidered with silver thread.
41:58A thin circle of platinum, a crown, rested on my head.
42:02But the bucket and rag were still there in the corner.
42:04A reminder.
42:06I smiled.
42:07You're not thinking of cleaning, are you?
42:10I turned.
42:11Damon leaned against the column.
42:13He looked younger.
42:14The dark circles were gone.
42:16He slept now, every night, as long as I was there to hold back the dark.
42:21Old habits, I teased.
42:24He walked over and wrapped his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder.
42:29The council is waiting, and the northern emissaries are here to sign the new trade deal.
42:34Let them wait, I said softly.
42:38Oh?
42:38He raised an eyebrow.
42:40And what does the queen command instead?
42:43I hummed a melody, the same melody from that first morning.
42:47Sleep now, little wolf.
42:49Dance with me, I said.
42:52Here?
42:52In the open?
42:53Why not?
42:55We run this kingdom.
42:57Taman chuckled, a deep, rich sound that warmed my bones.
43:01As you wish, my queen.
43:03He took my hand, and there, in the morning sunlight, the Alpha King and the Omega Girl danced.
43:10We spun past the fountain.
43:11We twirled between the columns.
43:13I wasn't invisible anymore.
43:15I wasn't a ghost.
43:16I was Elena.
43:18I was loved.
43:19And for the first time in my life, I was home.
43:23Damon?
43:24Yes?
43:25I think?
43:27I think I'm happy.
43:29He spun me close, dipping me low, his gray eyes shining with that peace he had searched for so long.
43:35Good, he whispered, because you saved me, Elena.
43:40Now, let me spend the rest of my life saving you.
43:43The music of the fountain played on.
43:46And we danced until the sun was high in the sky.
43:50Fade to black.
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