The Lycan King Slave Princess

Chapter 2

Lyra Pov

After the ordeal with Victoria, I returned to my quarters for a change of clothes. The wet clothes stuck to me like a second skin, making me uncomfortable.

As I strolled the hallway absentmindedly, I couldn’t help but be grateful to Lady Matilda. She was the only one who looked at me differently—with something close to compassion. And I couldn’t tell if it was my luck or a mere coincidence, but she always showed up whenever I desperately needed help.

For now, life would return to normal—or at least, as normal as it could be for a slave.

Morning came too soon, golden rays slipping through the tiny window of my quarters. I stretched lazily on my tiny mattress, exhaustion weighed heavy on me, but I could not afford any delays. There was work to be done.

My life was an endless cycle of chores that defined my existence. Each day, I hoped for something new—an exciting adventure, anything to change the course of my life—but it never happened.

The cool morning air hit my face the moment I stepped in the yard. The compound buzzed with slaves moving about, busy with one chore or the other.

It was my turn to work the pigsty, and as much as I hated it, I could not escape it. With a heavy sigh, I grabbed my bucket and shovel and made my way toward the filthy pen.

Just when I thought it wouldn't get any worse, my foot tripped on something, and I stumbled forward with a sharp gasp. I barely managed to find my footing, my hands shooting out to steady myself to stop the fall.

My heart raced.

I lifted my gaze, expecting to find out the cause, and there she was.

Tracy stood before me, a slow, sinister grin spread across her face.

“Careful Lyra.” She sneered, tilting her head mockingly. “You just might feast on pig’s poop if you move carelessly like that,” she mused.

I let out a sharp breath, rolling my eyes. “I don’t have time for this.” My shoulders brushed over hers as I continued my walk.

“Oh no, you don’t.” Tracy hissed, grabbing me by the hair, pulling me back. “I’m not done with you yet.”

“Let me go.” I protested, dropping the bucket and shovel as I turned to face her.

My jaw tightened. I took a defensive stance, ready to fight back.

As if on cue, the bell rang, cutting through the chaos.

Its loud chimes echoed in the air, drawing our attention and that of the other slaves. Tracy shot me a warning glare before turning to leave.

I lost sight of her in the midst of the crowd that was starting to gather. An important announcement was about to be made.

I rallied along with the confused crowd to the courtyard, eager to know what the call was for. Hushed whispers surrounded the air around us until a loud voice broke through, followed by absolute silence.

“By order of Alpha Augustine,” he began, “all slaves turning eighteen will be given the chance to find their mates.”

There was a long pause, as if he was waiting to see our reaction.

My stomach dropped.

Mates for slaves? This was absolutely unheard of–first of its kind. The news sparked widespread excitement among the slaves.

With my eighteenth birthday being only a few days away, I had no idea how to take the news. Finding a mate was something no slave ever dared to dream of.

The news sounded too good to be true, but it didn’t matter. There was something to finally look forward to for a change.

With the new decree in place, I would be able to escape this harsh life of a slave. More importantly, the cruel Alpha and lunatic daughter who treated slaves like animals–pawns in their hands.

Everything was about to change. I finally had a shot at a better life.

I was lost in thought the entire time, barely noticing the shift around me. By the time I came to, I was greeted by a deafening silence. The crowd had dispersed, leaving me by myself in the empty yard.

Quickly, I darted out of the premises, back to my chores with a silent prayer lingering in my heart—for the days to pass swiftly, and for my freedom to come.

The decree was all I could think about for the rest of the day. It was already nighttime, and still, it remained a hot topic amongst us slaves, especially the other lucky ones who were about to come of age.

There was no telling what would happen to those who were past the expected age.

Would they also be given a chance at a better life?

The thought would not leave my mind. Not until exhaustion overtook me, and I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

*****

Finally, the day for the awakening—also known as the mating ceremony—arrived, and everyone gathered at the courtyard. Alpha Augustine and Victoria were present, seated high above on the royal platform, watching the proceedings.

One of the elders emerged at the center of the yard, dressed in ceremonial robes as tradition demanded. His eyes scanned the crowd intently. His presence carried an aura of authority, commanding silence in the crowd. The murmurs ceased as everyone gave him their undivided attention.

Everyone watched with bated breath, waiting for him to declare the ceremony open. My anxiety was over the roof with each passing moment.

I wondered who my mate would be. Would he be kind? Cruel? Handsome?

My cheeks flushed red as I pictured my mate having the features of a Greek god—a chiseled jawline, gorgeous blue eyes, and a smile that could erase years of turmoil in an instant.

As long as my freedom depended on it, I would welcome him with open arms, even if he fell short of my expectations.

After a long pause that seemed like an eternity, the elder’s voice reverberated in the air, firm and steady. “Let the ceremony begin.”

Loud cheers burst through the crowd. My heart pondered in my chest.

This was it. The moment I had been waiting for.

Those of us who had come of age advanced forward to the center of the courtyard, anxious eyes followed us as we moved in careful, uncertain motion.

One by one, the slaves shifted into their wolf forms. The cracking of bones and muscles stretching filled the air. Some cried out in pain as the transformation took place, their true selves emerging—only a handful bore through it with gritted teeth.

Some were lucky to find their mates, while others were rejected. It was a sight unlike anything I’d ever seen. The pain of those who were rejected reflected on their faces, and I couldn't help but pity them.

Panic gripped me.

What if my mate doesn’t want me? The pain would stick with me for a lifetime.

Torn between finding my mate and the fear of rejection, my heart hammered against my ribs.

A sharp pain crashed through me, bringing me to my knees. An intense heat burned beneath my skin, my breath coming in short gasps. I clutched my hand to my chest, the pain becoming unbearable.

My body trembled as the shift took place, a loud scream erupting from my throat.

“This can't be!” I heard Alpha Augustine's loud whisper as he stood up from his seat staring at me, watching me with intensity that scared me.

And just as quickly as it began, it was over.