The Lycan Slave Princess

CHAPTER 5: Forbidden Night

“I trust you are… attentive to your surroundings?”

Neriah lifted her gaze slightly. “I am, my Luna.”

Luna studied her for a brief moment before stepping closer. “I want you to keep an eye on Freya, watch her movements. Who she speaks to. Where she goes.” Her voice lowered slightly. “And report everything to me.”

“It will be done, my Luna.”

A faint, satisfied look crossed Luna’s face. “Good.” She turned away again. “You may go.”

Neriah bowed. She turned and walked away.

***

Two weeks had passed. Freya was back on her feet, her body still tender but stronger, and she had resumed her duties. The morning sun bathed the pack grounds in golden rays, and the scent of fresh linen filled the air as she spread out the washed clothes to dry.

Hanging each piece as she hummed softly to herself, a sound of rustling leaves was heard from within.

Alpha Valrik stood by the high window of the main hall, his gaze fixed on the courtyard as he watched her every move.

Freya didn’t notice him, but a sudden, almost instinctive feeling prickled at the back of her neck. She paused, slowly turning her head, scanning the windows of the hall. “No one is there. Maybe I just overthink it.” She shook her head slightly, dismissing it, and returned to her work.

***

It was two moons already. The hall was now a hive of activity as preparations for the Harvest Feast began in full. Servants moved quickly across the polished floors, hanging drapes, arranging seating, and polishing every surface until it gleamed under the light.

Outside the hall, the courtyard bustled as maids worked tirelessly to prepare for the coming feast. Among them stood Freya, carefully adjusting and arranging the decorations.

Not far from her, Neriah worked as well, her eyes occasionally flicking towards Freya before looking away.

Inside the palace kitchen, it was warm from the roaring stone hearths. Copper pots hung neatly from iron hooks, while rows of fresh spice, onions, and garlic were spread across long wooden tables.

Among them, Elira carefully sliced carrots into even pieces, her sleeves rolled above her elbows as she worked alongside the other maids.

The tap of a wooden ladle against a table silenced the chatter.

The Head Maid straightened her back and cast a gaze across the kitchen.

“Listen well, all of you. The royal family will soon gather; not a single dish is to leave this kitchen lacking in flavour or presentation. Mira, tend the bread before it burns. You,” she pointed to another maid, “fetch water from the well. Elira, once you've finished those vegetables, carry them to the stew pot and see that the broth is stirred well.”

“Yes, ma'am,” she replied. Elira wiped her hands on her apron.

***

From a distance, Alpha Valrik and Beta Bane approached, their footsteps slow as they walked towards the hall.

Valrik’s gaze drifted across the courtyard as they neared; his eyes settled on Freya.

Something in her presence had drawn his attention since the day of the punishment.

A faint shift crossed his countenance as he watched her.

*There is something about her I can't place my hands on…* he thought quietly. *But why does she keep drawing my attention?*

Beside him, Beta Bane noticed the subtle change in the Alpha.

Valrik’s gaze lingered longer than usual. “Her,” Valrik said suddenly in a low voice, not taking his eyes off Freya. “What is her name?”

Beta Bane followed his Alpha’s line of sight, his eyes landing on the maid. “That is Freya, my Alpha,” he replied respectfully.

Valrik repeated the name under his breath. “Freya…” Without looking away from her, he added, “Have her sent to my chamber tonight… after the feast.”

Beta Bane looked at him. “As you please, my Alpha.”

With that, they continued walking, their figures moving past the courtyard.

By evening, the entire pack had gathered.

Torches lined the walls, their flames flickering softly as darkness settled over the surroundings. Tables were arranged in long rows, covered with freshly prepared food and drinks. The scent of roasted meat, spices, and warm bread filled the air.

Alpha Valrik, Luna Seraphine, and Prince Darius sat down on the same row.

The crowd gradually fell into silence as Alpha Valrik rose from his seat. He stepped forward slightly, his gaze sweeping across the gathered pack.

“For many seasons, this pack has stood through war, hardship, and sacrifice.” He paused. “But tonight we stand for something else.” He looked across them all. “Tonight, we celebrate.”

A faint murmur rippled through the crowd.

“The harvest has been gathered. The work has been done. And now… we honour it with unity.” He lifted his chin slightly. “This feast is not just for the strong. Not just for the privileged. It is for everyone.”

A moment of silence followed. “Let the Harvest Feast… begin.”

The crowd erupted into applause as dancers started dancing.

Among the moving crowd, Freya moved carefully, balancing a tray as she approached the table where Alpha Valrik sat. She placed the tray before him, her gaze lowered.

Elira moved towards the same table, serving Luna Seraphine and Prince Darius.

Freya poured a drink for Alpha Valrik.

Alpha Valrik’s eyes lingered on Freya longer than they should have, studying her quietly as she worked.

Along the table, Luna Seraphine noticed. Her eyes narrowed, her face tightening with clear disgust as she watched Freya serve the Alpha.

Prince Darius noticed briefly but said nothing. His gaze drifted over her for a moment before he turned his attention back to the crowd, losing interest.

His eyes moved across the people, scanning the maids serving the tables.

Then, someone caught his attention.

A new maid he did not recall seeing before.

His gaze lingered on her for a brief moment.

The music continued as the dancers moved.

After the feast, the hall gradually emptied, the echoes of laughter and music fading into the night. Freya walked along the dim corridor leading to the maid quarters, her steps slow from exhaustion. The soft glow of torches cast long shadows along the stone walls.

As she rounded a corner, she nearly collided with Beta Bane, who stood there in the half-light.

“My Beta,” she whispered, bowing quickly. “Greetings.”

Beta Bane’s eyes flicked towards her. “Freya, deliver this to the Alpha immediately.” He handed her a small, sealed scroll, its wax stamp glinting in the torchlight.

Freya’s fingers trembled as she took it. Her thoughts darkened. *The last time I served Prince Darius at night… it turned into hell. Now this? And it’s the Alpha.* She swallowed hard. “I… I will deliver it,” she whispered.

Beta Bane gave her a faint nod. “Do not delay. The Alpha expects it.”

Freya bowed again, her heart pounding violently. There was no way to refuse.

With each step towards the Alpha’s chamber, her fear and nervousness settled deeper into her bones.

The guards opened the doors as she arrived. She hesitated for only a moment before stepping inside.

Outside, Beta Bane turned to the guards. “From this moment on, no one is to enter this chamber,” he ordered. “Not even the Luna.”

The guards straightened and bowed. “Yes, Beta.”

Inside the chamber, the room was spacious and refined, with tall stone walls engraved with symbols. Thick dark curtains framed the windows, and candlelight cast a warm glow across polished wood and stone. A large bed rested at one side, while a desk stood at the corner, stacked with scrolls and documents.

Seated in the chair was Alpha Valrik.

Freya stepped forward cautiously. Her hands trembled as she approached, and she lowered her head. “My Alpha.” She stretched out the sealed scroll towards him.

Valrik took it, briefly scanning her before setting it aside. “Sit,” he said calmly.

Freya hesitated; every instinct told her to remain standing, but the weight of his presence left no room for refusal. Slowly, she sat in another chair close to him. Her heart was racing.

Valrik leaned back slightly, studying her for a moment before speaking. “I will not waste time. I have been watching you.”

Freya’s breath caught.

“There is something about you… that draws my attention, and I find myself wanting to keep you closer. I want you to spend the night with me.”

Freya froze. Shock, fear, and disbelief hit her at the same time, her heartbeat racing. *Last time… with Prince Darius… it was hell,* she thought and swallowed hard. She was not comfortable. But fear held her still; rejecting him was not an option. After a tense moment, she spoke. “…I… I accept, my Alpha.”

Outside the chamber, the night air was still and quiet, except for the flickering torchlight and guards.

Luna Seraphine moved towards Alpha Valrik’s chamber. As she approached the chamber doors, her gaze lifted slightly.