her heart thundering in her chest with a rush of emotions she didn't fully understand. Why was she running? Why was she smiling like a child seeing the sun after a
do you?" Lysander hesitated. "I'm your father's younger sister. I promise to raise you after they were gone, didn't I?" she continued, voice dropping with emotion. "I would never harm you. And yet you always seem to keep me at arm's length. It hurts, Lys." "I trust you," he said, though the words felt strained. "I know you're my family. So stop judging me." She took a step back, her eyes studying him in silence for a long moment. Then, unexpectedly, she smiled. "I heard you had some guests last night," she said casually, shifting the conversation. "They're no one important," Lysander replied, brushing past her. "Just a few rogues." "Oh," she said, a note of interest in her voice. "Should I make your favorite breakfast for you? I still remember-sunny side eggs, burnt toast, and black coffee, right?" "The maid can do it," he said, walking toward the door. "I made a promise to your mother that I'd take care of you," she said softly, her voice following him like a ghost. "But you make it so hard sometimes." He paused at the door. "You can make it," he said over his shoulder, his voice quiet but firm. Then he left the room without another word. Remi stood alone, watching the closed door with a wistful expression. Slowly, she smiled-bright and warm, though her eyes remained distant, as if seeing someone who wasn't there. --- Downstairs, Lysander made his way through the grand hall of the estate. The sunlight poured through the tall windows, illuminating the carved columns and portraits that lined the corridor. His boots echoed against the marble floor with each step. He passed by the room where she was held. The scent of her still lingered-soft, delicate, maddening. He paused for just a second, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind. "Don't be weak," he whispered to himself, jaw tightening. "She is not innocent. Her blood is the same as his." Yet, the image of her eyes-looking at his, pleading-flashed unbidden in his mind. His hands clenched at his sides. He hated how they affected him. How she affected him. --- The loud, persistent banging at the door jolted Astra from her sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, squinting against the morning light that trickled in through the ornate window. She sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes as the last traces of sleep clung to her. Beside her, Indigo stirred and let out a soft groan, stretching her arms lazily. Another knock-louder this time-rattled the door again. "I'll get it," Indigo murmured, swinging her legs off the bed. She padded barefoot across the marble floor and opened the heavy door with a creak. An elderly woman stood outside, arms folded, her expression carved from stone. "Didn't you hear me knocking?" she snapped, her gray eyes sharp and disapproving. "Sorry," Indigo said with a polite smile, but the woman only scoffed and stepped aside. "You both-follow me. Now." Indigo shot a questioning look back at Astra, who shrugged and slipped out of bed. They both followed the woman through a long, grand hallway. The palace was magnificent-high vaulted ceilings, walls carved with ancient markings, and gold chandeliers glittering with early morning light. The floors gleamed as if freshly polished, and soft music played somewhere in the distance. As they walked, Astra slowed to admire a mural depicting wolves and warriors locked in battle. Despite her confusion, a spark of admiration flickered in her eyes. She had grown up in royal halls, but this place held a deeper, older magic. They reached a room with tall double doors. The woman opened them with ease and motioned them inside. "Get dressed," she said, pointing at two mannequins adorned in modest uniforms-simple gray dresses with aprons. "Meet me outside in five minutes." Before Astra could ask anything, the woman turned and walked away, leaving the door open behind her. Astra frowned and crossed her arms. "What is going on?" "I'm not sure," Indigo said as she moved toward the dresses. "But I don't like the sound of it." The two girls reluctantly dressed. The fabric was rougher than what Astra was used to, and the color dull against their complexions. When they stepped outside, a courtyard full of similarly dressed girls came into view. Most were already sweeping, scrubbing, or tending to the plants. The clatter of brooms and chatter filled the air. "I think... we're maids," Indigo whispered, her voice filled with disbelief. Before Astra could respond, a broom was thrust into her hands. "Make sure this place is clean," the stern woman ordered. Astra blinked in confusion, then let out a disbelieving laugh. "There must be some mistake. I'm the Alpha Princess. I've never even held a broom before." Vs He said. The woman's lips curled into a sneer. "Here, you are nothing. Get to work quickly, or you won't eat." She said. Astra's mouth fell open. "Who gave you the right to treat me like this? Do you even know who I am? I-" "It was the Alpha's orders," the woman interrupted coldly. "He said you're not just a maid. You're his slave." The word landed like a slap. Astra froze, stunned. "He... what?" Indigo looked just as shocked, eyes wide. "That can't be right." "He's made a mistake," Astra said through clenched teeth. "I'll speak to him myself." Without another word, she stormed off toward the palace entrance. Indigo hesitated only a second before running after her. They moved quickly through the stone corridors until Astra's sharp eyes spotted him-Lysander, walking through the hallway with two guards at his sides. His long coat trailed behind him like a shadow. "Lysander!" she called, her voice desperate. She started toward him, only for a hand to grab her hair and yank her backward. Before she could react, a sharp slap landed across her cheek, snapping her head to the side. "Your Highness!" Indigo cried, racing forward. Astra turned in stunned silence, eyes burning, her hand pressed to her stinging cheek. A girl stood before her, dressed in fine silks, her expression smug. Behind her were several maids who looked both nervous and eager to please. "What do you think you're doing?" Astra demanded, her voice shaking with fury. "You don't raise your voice here, and who are you to call the Alpha by his name," the girl said coldly. Indigo stepped between them, glaring at the stranger. "How dare you hit Her Highness?"She demanded angrily. Gasps echoed through the courtyard. "Watch your tongue," the older woman barked, stepping forward. "This is Mistress Gwen, the Alpha's betrothed. You will show her respect." She added. "Betrothed?" Astra's voice cracked. "That's impossible." Mistres