The Alpha's Seeress

Chapter 17

Olivia Isla

I tried to be as obedient as I could after what happened days ago. The witches hadn’t bothered me since, but I overheard that they’d perform the ritual again on Monday. That meant I had four days to figure out who I truly was and why I was bound.

"The library is in the left wing, right?" I asked, hoping the servant might answer.

The servants in this place refused to give me any useful information. They were likely too afraid to defy the King. In a place like this, defiance meant death.

The servant, an omega, nodded silently. As she turned to walk away, I swung the empty plate I had hidden from my last meal, hitting her hard enough to knock her unconscious. Guilt tugged at me, but I couldn’t afford to be caught, not now. I quickly undressed her and put on her clothes, placing her body carefully in my bed to avoid suspicion.

It was nearing midnight, and my heart pounded as I crept through the dimly lit hallway. I wasn’t familiar with this place, but if I didn’t act now, I would be at their mercy forever. The thought sent shivers down my spine.

“Oi, Marcella! Where are you going? It’s almost midnight. Go and serve the Prince.”

I froze, my heart leaping into my throat. I didn’t know where the Prince’s chambers were, and if I hesitated too long, they would suspect something. Forcing myself to act calm, I nodded and hurried in the opposite direction, hoping to avoid further questions.

I had no idea where I was going, but I knew I had to find my way quickly. My steps echoed in the silent halls as I turned down a corridor that seemed less traveled. The air was cooler here, and the heavy scent of candles filled the space.

Just as I passed a corner, I heard voices approaching. I ducked behind a pillar, pressing myself flat against the cold stone as two guards walked by. They were talking about a meeting with the King, but I was too distracted by the thudding of my heart to catch the details. When their footsteps faded, I exhaled shakily and continued forward.

The deeper I went into the castle, the more lost I became. Every turn felt like a gamble, and every shadow seemed to conceal someone who might recognize I didn’t belong. Twice, I had to duck into alcoves as guards made their rounds.

As I ventured farther, I realized that I had no idea where the Prince's chambers were. The only thing I knew was that I had to avoid getting caught at all costs.

I reached a large door, slightly ajar, with soft candlelight spilling out. I peeked inside, hoping it wasn’t the Prince’s room. The library? No, it was a study. A figure was seated at a desk, their back turned to me, deep in thought.

Suddenly, the door creaked loudly as I pushed it further open, and the figure turned. My breath caught in my throat—this was no servant or guard.

It was the King's son— the Prince.

My heart nearly stopped as his eyes narrowed at me. I immediately lowered my head, trying to hide my face, my mind racing. What do I do? How does one even serve a prince? Stupid! Why hadn’t I thought this through?

"What are you doing here? Have I not told you not to disturb me when I'm in my study?" His voice was cold and commanding, every syllable dripping with authority.

I saw him pick something up from his desk—a dart. My stomach clenched in fear. If I hadn't noticed what it was, I might have been dead. On instinct, I dodged just before he could throw it. My heart raced in my chest, adrenaline coursing through me.

He hadn’t seen my face. Thank the moon goddess! I kept my mouth shut, offering no apology, no excuse. Instead, I quickly backed out of the room and closed the door behind me. My hands trembled as I pressed my back against the wall outside, trying to catch my breath.

Now what? I had no idea where I was or how to get back to the servant quarters. The hallways all looked the same in the dark, and I couldn’t risk wandering aimlessly or bumping into another royal or guard. My mind scrambled for a plan as I listened for any sign of the Prince following me. Nothing.

I crept back the way I came, but soon I was hopelessly lost. The corridors seemed to twist in endless loops. Every time I thought I was on the right path, I ended up in an unfamiliar section of the castle. I couldn't ask anyone for help, and each moment I spent in the open increased my chances of being discovered.

Just then, a flicker of movement at the end of the hall caught my attention. I ducked behind a column, watching as two cloaked figures glided past, whispering to each other. They didn’t notice me, too absorbed in their conversation. I strained to hear snippets of their words—something about the King and a meeting tonight.

I waited for them to pass before slipping into the shadows once more. But just as I thought I was safe, I heard the Prince’s voice echo from his study. "Marcella! Get back here, now!"

Panic surged through me. I couldn’t go back—he would recognize me if I did. But if I didn’t, he’d know something was wrong.

What should I do now?

I wanted to just evaporate. I didn’t know the way back to my room. And now the Prince wanted me back in the study. Great, what a stupid idea this was.

"Hey, Marcella. The Prince is calling for you." A sudden tap on my back jolted me. I was caught.

My blood ran cold as I turned slowly, facing the person who had tapped me. It was one of the other servants, a tall, stern-looking woman. Her eyes flickered with suspicion as she glanced at me.

"Marcella, are you deaf? The Prince is calling for you. You know better than to keep him waiting," she said in a low, annoyed tone.

I forced a nod, trying to mask my panic. How long could I keep up this act? My mind raced, trying to think of a way out, but nothing came. I couldn’t run, and I couldn’t reveal my identity.

"Right... I’ll... I’ll go now," I stammered.

She gave me a sharp look but stepped aside to let me pass. I swallowed hard, every step toward the Prince’s study feeling like a march toward my doom. My hands were sweaty, and my heart pounded in my ears.

When I reached the door, I hesitated. I could feel the weight of the servant’s gaze on my back. I had no choice now but to enter and face whatever awaited me inside.

I pushed the door open slightly, stepping into the room. The Prince stood by the window, his back turned to me. He hadn’t noticed me yet, which gave me a small moment to gather myself.

"Marcella," he said without turning around. "I’ve been waiting."

I didn’t dare speak, terrified my voice would betray me. I stepped further inside, closer to his desk, and that’s when I saw it. A note—no, a letter—open and partially written on his desk. Something about it made my stomach drop. I couldn’t read the full contents, but I saw enough to make my heart race faster.

There was a mention of me. Of Olivia.

The Prince turned around, his eyes meeting mine. There was no mistaking the calculating look in them and slowly his brow creased.

"Olivia?"