The Alpha King’s Hybrid

Astrid ran blindly through the thick green bushes of an unfamiliar forest. She was not being pursued, at least, not by a person. All she wanted, was to escape the overwhelming grief that consumed her. She had just lost Selene, the only woman she had come to know as a mother. Astrid's stomach growled with hunger, her body was weary, but her heart held greater sorrow as she began reminiscing all Selene told her about her biological parents, just before she died. Luna Jerome, Astrid’s mother, had died immediately after giving birth to her, leaving her in the care of her father, Alpha Orion. But instead of embracing her, Alpha Orion harbored resentment towards his own child because he viewed her as nothing but a painful reminder of his lost love. He cruelly ordered Astrid to be cast out into the wilderness, insisting she was an “evil child.” Thankfully, Selene, Luna Jerome's best friend, ran away with the child, to a distant kingdom beyond Alpha Orion's reach. For years, they lived in peace, until tragedy struck on Astrid's 16th birthday. The kingdom came under attack by a band of rogue werewolves, leaving Selene gravely injured. In the chaos, Astrid summoned courage, rescued Selene, and found them a temporary refuge in the woods. Unfortunately, soon after, Selene died, but not after telling Astrid the truth about who she really was, and where she came from. Two days past and Astrid just laid on the floor beside the shallow grave she had just buried the only family she truly knew, confused about how to continue living, where to start from and where to go. Until the third night, lost in a trance, Selene's words echoed through the depths of Astrid’s heart. “You are more than who you think you are. Rise up my dear child, I didn’t name you Astrid by mistake, the gods will guide your path.” These words gave Astrid the encouragement she needed, so the next morning, Astrid set off on her journey. All she had in her heart was the knowledge that she was Princess Astrid, the forbidden child of Alpha Orion, the man she vowed to seek revenge on. ***** Astrid continued to run in solitude, until suddenly, she bumped into an old lady, causing her to drop the firewood she was carrying. "Sorry, I apologize," Astrid hurriedly exclaimed as she began to gather the scattered firewood. “Beautiful child, what are you doing wandering in the forest. Are you alone?” The woman asked kindly "Yes, I am," Astrid admitted after a moment's hesitation. By this time, she was done arranging the firewood. "Where do you live? I can help you carry these," Astrid offered. "Not too far from here, my child," the old lady replied with a gentle smile. As Astrid placed the bunch of firewood on her head, her stomach growled. “Oh my poor child, you must be starving. Don’t worry, i will treat you to a good meal when we get to my home.” This made Astrid happy and, after walking for a while, they finally arrived at the woman’s place. Astrid, grateful for the offered meal, thanked the old lady before expressing her intention to continue her journey, but the old lady insisted she stayed the night. At midnight, Astrid was awoken by the sound of murmurs. As she opened her eyes slightly, she saw the old lady conversing with an unknown man who gave her what seemed like a bag of coins, and soon after, the man began to walk towards Astrid. She immediately understood the situation. The old lady was one of the slave merchants who hovered around, looking for vulnerable people to lure and sell off. In an attempt to escape, she kicked the man who was about to grab her, and began to run, but he quickly caught up, tied her up and led her away with a rope. ***** Two days later, they arrived at a kingdom, Northville. Astrid was then sold into slavery to her master, Vexen. Her life as a slave to Vexen was filled with unimaginable hardships and constant struggles. From the moment she arrived, Astrid was stripped of her freedom and subjected to the cruel whims of her master. She toiled day and night, enduring backbreaking labor and enduring harsh punishments for even the slightest mistake. But it was not just the physical demands that tormented Astrid; it was the constant fear of Vexen's wrath that truly consumed her. His punishments were swift and merciless, each punishment more severe than the last, leaving Astrid trembling in terror at the mere thought of displeasing him. And yet, no matter how hard she worked, no matter how diligently she obeyed, it was never enough to appease Vexen. Things got even tougher for Astrid when Vexen's son, Rafe, showed up in Northville. Since Rafe had been away for a while, Vexen wanted everything to be perfect for his return. That meant Astrid and the other slaves had to work twice as hard to give Rafe a grand welcome. From the very first day Rafe arrived, Astrid noticed his persistent and unsettling stares. Despite her discomfort, she couldn’t dare confront him about it. One day, Rafe summoned Astrid to his chambers and led her into his bedroom. "I’m sure you have noticed the way I look at you," Rafe began. Astrid interrupted, "No, master," she refused. "I find you attractive, and I desire you," Rafe continued, disregarding her objection. "Undress and join me on the bed." Astrid understood the weight of her response, knowing it could shape her fate in Northville. However, she was definitely not going to let Rafe have his way with her. "I cannot, master," Astrid replied, lowering her gaze. "You mean you refuse me?" Rafe's tone grew harsh. "Yes, master. I do not want you," Astrid affirmed, her head bowed. "How dare you refuse me? Do you know the implications of that?" Rafe asked, his anger evident. "I would rather face the implications, master," Astrid replied, and knelt. Accepting her response, Rafe spoke. "Well, if you say so. Help me bring those beads," he said, pointing at the ones hanging on the wall. As Astrid reached for the beads, Rafe suddenly rushed to the door, and shouted, "Thief! Thief!" Instantly, three guards entered the room. "Where is the thief, my lord?" one of them inquired. Rafe pointed at Astrid. "Me?" Astrid asked in disbelief, turning to confirm Rafe's accusation. "I caught her stealing my precious beads. Arrest her and throw her in the dungeon," he commanded, falsely accusing her. The guards swiftly seized Astrid, despite her continued protests of innocence. They tossed her into the dungeon and slammed the gate shut, but Astrid persisted, screaming and banging on the bars. "Hello, roommate," a voice emerged from the shadows. "Who's there?" Astrid called out. "Shouting won't help. The sooner you adapt to your new home, the better," the voice replied as a man, also dressed in slave attire, stepped into the light cast by the room's single lamp. "And who might you be?" Astrid inquired. "A fellow prisoner, like yourself." "And what landed you here? Were you also wrongly accused?" "False accusations against slaves are unfortunately common here," the man said. "That's unjust. How long have you been imprisoned?" "A long time, my dear." "A long time? Why haven't you been released? Is that my fate too?" Astrid asked with concern. "Well, that’s if you’re lucky. If not, a worse fate awaits," the man replied ominously. "But I'm innocent," Astrid protested. “You see girl, here in Northville, slaves are often right, but who would believe the word of a servant over the word of the master? As he spoke, the prison gate creaked open, and Astrid's fate took a dark turn. She was grabbed by the hand and returned to her master, who, influenced by his son's insistence, ordered her immediate execution by burning. Dragged out into the public square, Astrid was stoned and spat on by passers-by. Soon after, she was tied to the fuel-laden woods, but just as it was about to be set ablaze, a commanding voice from the crowd intervened. “Free the young lady!” As everyone turned in shock, they saw the one who uttered those words. Immediately, they all bowed before Alpha Asher, the esteemed ruler of Northville