The Alpha King's Cursed Pacifier

CHAPTER 1 ELARA I still remember the day my world ended. The guards dragged me out of our family home while my father’s body lay cold on the floor. My uncle had killed him — or at least, that was what the whispers said. I was only nineteen, shaking in my thin dress, when rough hands pushed me forward. “Move, girl!” one guard barked. “Your uncle sold everything. The lands, the title, even you. The Alpha King owns it all now.” I stumbled, tears burning my eyes. “Please… where is my mother? My little brother?” “Dead or sold,” the second guard laughed cruelly. “You belong to King Darius now. Be grateful you’re still breathing.” They shoved me into a black carriage surrounded by armed guards on horses. The door slammed shut with a loud bang. I pressed my face against the small window, watching my home disappear in the dust. “No! This can’t be happening!” I cried, banging on the wooden wall. “Let me out! I want to see my family!” “Shut your mouth, maid,” the driver shouted from outside. “You’re lucky the king needs servants. Most of your kind end up in the mines or worse.” The journey to Blackthorn Palace felt endless. Every bump on the road made my stomach twist. When the huge dark gates finally appeared, my heart sank. The palace was cold stone and shadows, nothing like our warm little manor. Guards pulled me out roughly. “Name?” one demanded. “Elara Voss,” I whispered. “From now on, you’re just Elara. No last name. You’re a maid. Keep your head down and your mouth closed if you want to live.” They marched me through long hallways. Servants stared but said nothing. A tall woman in fine clothes stopped us in the corridor. Her black hair was perfect, her eyes sharp. “Who is this?” she asked, her voice smooth like honey but cold. One guard bowed. “New maid, my lady. From the Voss lands the king just acquired.” Lady Isolde — I learned her name later — looked me up and down slowly. A strange smile curved her lips. “She’s… quite pretty for a maid. Too pretty. Take her to the servants’ quarters. I’ll decide her duties myself.” “Yes, my lady,” the guards said together. Days passed in blur. I cleaned floors, washed clothes, and served food without speaking. I kept my head low and my beauty hidden under plain gray dresses and a tight bonnet. Only Mira, the quiet healer-maid, spoke kindly to me. “You’re new here,” she said one evening while we folded sheets. “Be careful. The palace is dangerous, especially on full moon nights.” “Why?” I asked softly. Mira glanced around nervously. “Just… stay invisible. That’s the safest thing.” I tried. But Lady Isolde kept watching me. Every time I passed her, she frowned like I had done something wrong. Then came the full moon night. I was scrubbing the hallway floor when Isolde appeared with two guards. “You,” she said, pointing at me. “Come with me.” My hands shook as I stood. “My lady?” “Don’t ask questions. You’ve been chosen for special duty tonight. The king needs a maid in his chambers. Serve him well.” “But I’ve never—” “Silence!” she snapped. “Do as you’re told or you’ll be whipped. Many girls would kill for this chance.” The guards took me to a bathing room. They gave me a clean white dress that was thinner than my usual one. My hair was brushed until it shone. I looked in the mirror and felt afraid. I looked too beautiful. “Why me?” I whispered to Mira when she snuck in to help me. Mira’s face was pale. “Because she hates how pretty you are. Be strong, Elara. Whatever happens tonight, survive.” Before I could ask more, the guards returned. “Time to go,” one said. They led me through dark corridors until we reached massive wooden doors carved with wolves. My heart pounded so hard I could barely breathe. The guard knocked once. A deep voice answered from inside. “Enter.” The doors opened. The room was huge, lit only by moonlight and a few candles. King Darius stood near the window. He was taller than I imagined — broad shoulders, black hair with silver streaks, and eyes that glowed icy blue in the dark. Something wild and hungry burned in them. I stepped inside, trembling. “Your Majesty… I’m here to serve—” The heavy chamber doors slammed shut behind me with a loud bang. The sound echoed like a death sentence. I jumped and turned, but there was no way out. The guards had locked me inside. King Darius turned fully toward me. His eyes glowed brighter. His voice came out low and rough, almost like a growl. “You’re the one they sent tonight.” I backed up until my back hit the door. “Please… I don’t know what I’m supposed to do. I’m just a maid. If I’ve done something wrong—” He took one slow step closer. The air felt thicker, hotter. “You don’t need to know. Come here.” My legs wouldn’t move. Tears filled my eyes. “My lord, I’m scared. I’ve never been with anyone. Please, if you could just tell me what you want—” “I want you,” he said simply. His voice had no warmth. Only raw hunger. “Now stop talking and come closer.” I shook my head, pressing harder against the door. “Please don’t. I’ll do anything else. I can clean, I can bring wine, I can—” “Enough.” He moved faster than I expected. One moment he was across the room, the next his hand gripped my wrist. His skin burned hot. “You were chosen for this. Accept it.” Tears rolled down my cheeks. “Why me? Lady Isolde said… she said many girls want this. But I don’t. Please, Your Majesty, I’m begging you. Let me go back to the servants’ quarters. I won’t tell anyone.” His glowing eyes stared into mine. For a second I thought I saw something else — pain, maybe — but it disappeared under the feral hunger. “The moon demands it. You will give me what I need.” He pulled me toward the large bed. I tried to pull away, but he was too strong. “No! Please stop!” I cried. “You’re hurting me! I don’t understand what’s happening!” “You don’t need to understand,” he growled. His free hand tore at the thin dress. “Just submit.” I screamed as the fabric ripped. “Help! Someone help me! Mira! Anyone!” But no one came. The thick doors kept every sound inside. King Darius pushed me onto the bed. His body covered mine. His breath was hot against my neck. “Please…” I sobbed one last time. “I’m innocent. Don’t do this.” He paused for the smallest moment. Then the feral light in his eyes flared brighter. “Too late,” he whispered.