Craving the Alpha king

Chapter 4

Marra vale

The first thing I felt was the ache on my neck,sleeping on the cold marble floor was a mistake, but I couldn’t bring myself to lie on his bed not after the way he had cornered me last night, I didn't want to sleep but I reminded myself I need all the strength I can gather so I can escape from this.

My eyes fluttered open slowly my vision adjusting to the golden morning light spilling through the massive arched windows The air was still heavy with his scents and it was dangerously intoxicating I sat up rubbing my arms realizing my body had stiffened from curling up in the same spot all night. Every sound seemed amplified the distant clang of metal and the muffled footsteps in the corridor outside. My heart skipped when I heard the creak of the door opening.

My instincts screamed to retreat but instead of him three women in flowing silken dresses swept into the room. Their movements were graceful yet purposeful as if they had rehearsed this entire moment before it had even happened “You are to be made ready for the ceremony” the eldest maid said her tone neutral though her eyes darted over me as if assessing something unspoken.

Two of them knelt beside me their soft hands urging me to stand I tried to resist...just for a second..but the thought of what awaited me beyond the door sent a wave of cold through my veins, I looked up at the oldest maid who was walking towards me "what ceremony?" I questioned although I already knew what they were talking about.

No response came though,she just handed me a gown it was white and delicate but laced with gold threads that shimmered like sunlight the fabric felt too fine..too intimate for someone who hadn’t chosen this.

The maids bathed me with warm cloths scented faintly of lavender they combed out my tangled hair until it fell in soft waves and applied a subtle gold dust along my collarbones and shoulders. Every brushstroke felt like I was being prepared as an offering not a bride.

When they stepped back, I barely recognized myself looking at my reflection in the tall polished mirror was of someone regal, someone who belonged here but inside my heart was pounding like a wild animal desperate for the forest again the maids didn’t speak much after that. They simply guided me out of the chamber down endless hallways lined with black marble and carved wolves whose stone eyes followed me Each step I took echoed as though the palace itself was listening and judging me.

The double doors of the court loomed ahead taller than any I had ever seen it was carved with intricate scenes of battles and blood, I looked down taking in deep breaths The guards pushed the door open after announcing my arrival "Marra vale" my entire life changed in one day..

The space beyond stole the air from my lungs The court was vast illuminated by shafts of sunlight breaking through stained glass windows, painting the black stone floor in streaks of red and gold dozens of eyes turned to me some filled with curiosity, some cold and there he was.

The Alpha King stood at the far end dressed in deep black and gold, his crown catching the light like a weapon his gaze locked on me Instantly I tried to breathe steadily as I was led to the center, where a silver chain lay coiled on a pedestal I didn’t need to ask what it was for.

In less than a minute the ritual began. words in an ancient tongue filled the air heavy with power the chain was wrapped around my wrist then his, I have to play along for now, after all this is done I will find a way to escape.

Heat pulsed through the metal as our eyes met the sound of my own heartbeat was deafening the court erupted in a final chant, and the chain was sealed.

And that's it I was bound to him forever then kaien stepped forward his hand slid under my chin tilting my face up to face his“You are mine now" he said quietly but the words coiled around my spine like a chain“Before the sun rises again our bond will be sealed… and nothing can break it" he leaned down closer and that was when I could finally see his face.

He had sharp features his long black hair was combed back, with a jawline so sharp it could cut through a stone "tell me Marra vale... what exactly should I do with you?" He questioned looking directly into my eyes as if he was searching for an answer "don't touch me" I managed to whisper, his hand that was on my chin is making me lose focus.. why am I feeling this way, has the bond already taken place?

Kaien's lip curled up to an evil smirk "the ceremony has been completed" he announced pinning his body closer to mine his golden eyes still on me, something dark flickered in them. The elders and everyone in the room roared their approval their voices blending with the low growl rumbling from his chest the sound vibrated through me..part threat... part promise.

The chain burned against my wrists as the final knot was tied and the chanting finally stopped then the hall went silent.

And just like that… I belonged to him, anger burned in my chest and I spinned on my heels heading for the door, I could feel tears forming in my eyes threatening to roll down from my eyes "you are not weak Marra" I whispered to myself clunching onto my dress tightly, the guards Opened the door and I rushed out of the room walking down the hallway back to the room, I need to think.. I need to think carefully before trying to escape again if not it will just end up being another failed attempt.

"Tribute?" A voice came from behind me, I stopped walking before I quickly turned,the man standing a few feet away from me smiled before he crossed his arms "you are more beautiful than I thought" he whispered his smile widening, my brows furrowed "who are you?" The man didn't respond he just placed a hand on his head as if trying to remember something.

I looked at his blonde hair, before I slowly began studying his facial features.. he doesn't look like he belongs here.. I mean he doesn't fit in, he looks cheerful and colorful unlike all the people I have met in this cursed palace "I go by the name Ash" why is he telling me his name? I glared at him one last time before I turned and continued walking.

I heard footsteps rushing towards me before Ash began walking beside me "you are from the court room right?" He shook his head "tell me about the ceremony was it painful?" He questioned suddenly jumping in front of me stopping me death in my tracks, my hands curled into a fist before I looked up at him again, can't he see how angry I am right now? "Leave me alone" I bit out walking pass him.

I thought he was going to leave but he ran after me again "I will see you around tribute" with that he ran past me winking at me before he turned a corner, I stared at the corner for a while trying to figure out who he is and why he is calling me "tribute".