Valkyrie POV
The night felt unnaturally quiet.
Fever raged through me, leaving me weak and restless on my thin mattress in the tiny room I called mine. My head throbbed with every heartbeat, and breathing hurt.
If I didn't wake up tomorrow, no one in Blood Fang Pack would notice or care. No one except maybe Lucien, my stepbrother.
The door creaked open softly. Lucien stepped inside carrying a thick blanket, a bowl of soup, and a small vial of medicine. "You're burning up," he said in a low voice.
He helped me sit, draped the blanket over my shoulders, and handed me the vial. I swallowed the bitter liquid while he stood there waiting. Then he pushed the bowl toward me. "Eat."
I forced the soup down even though my throat felt sore. He didn't leave until the bowl was empty. He made sure the blanket covered me properly before slipping out without another word.
By morning the fever had eased, but the pack didn't slow down for anyone. Work waited as always.
I was sweeping the courtyard when the roar of engines shattered through the morning calm. A sleek black SUV rolled through the gates. Servants froze where they stood. Guards snapped to attention. Even the warriors training nearby lowered their weapons.
I caught the royal crest on the vehicle. These weren't ordinary guests. They were emissaries from the palace.
The car stopped in front of the main house. Two men stepped out first, with blank expressions. Then a third man emerged, he was taller, and broader, with a presence that pressed against the air like a storm. From across the courtyard I felt his command without him saying a word.
Alpha Draven appeared at the entrance with Luna Valerie at his side. Leonardo and Azura followed close behind. Lucien was already nearby.
The tall man bowed respectfully. "Alpha Draven."
They exchanged brief words before he turned to face the gathered pack. "Everyone, your attention." The courtyard went dead silent.
"By order of His Majesty King Elias Blackwood, all unmated omegas who have not awakened their wolves are summoned to the Royal Palace. The order takes effect immediately. Failure to comply is defiance against the throne."
Murmurs rippled through the crowd.
Then the whispers shifted and landed on me.
"She's the only one without a wolf."
"Of course it's her."
"That dirty runt."
My fingers tightened around the broom until my knuckles ached.
Of course it was me. I was the only omega in the pack who had never shifted.
Azura stepped forward with confidence. "Father. Beta Damien," she said, nodding toward the tall man. "I checked the pack records yesterday. There is only one omega here without a wolf."
Beta Damien raised an eyebrow. "And who is that?"
"Valkyrie."
The courtyard fell quiet again, then the whispers returned sharper.
"That bastard girl."
Alpha Draven's voice cut through like a whip. "Enough." Silence dropped instantly. "Valkyrie. Step forward."
I set the broom down and walked toward them slowly.
Beta Damien's cold gaze swept over me from head to toe, sizing me up like I was livestock to be slaughtered. After a long moment he turned to Draven. "It's settled. She is expected at the Royal Palace in two days."
He gave a slight bow. "I will take my leave, Your Excellency."
The royal vehicles soon disappeared down the road, but the whispers followed me like shadows.
By noon I returned to my room and started packing. There wasn't much, just two worn dresses, a thin shawl, and my old boots. That was my entire life in a small bundle. Pathetic.
A knock came at the door. A servant stood outside. "The Alpha requests your presence."
The walk to Alpha Draven's study felt longer and heavier than usual. I knocked once. "Enter."
The room smelled of polished wood and old books. Maps of pack territories covered the walls. Alpha Draven sat behind his large oak desk, sharp eyes lifting to meet mine.
"Do you understand the decree announced earlier?"
"Yes, Alpha."
He leaned back slightly. "It is rare for the crown to issue such an order. It may mean nothing dangerous, but it is not something to celebrate either."
"I understand."
He studied me for a moment longer. "Whatever awaits you at the palace, I hope you survive it."
I lowered my head. "Thank you, Alpha." "Dismissed."
The hallway felt colder when I stepped out. I was halfway to the stairs when a familiar voice stopped me.
"Well, look at that." Azura pushed off the wall she had been leaning against.
"Azura, I'm not in the mood."
"Oh, but I am."
She smiled thinly and stepped closer. "Tell me, Valkyrie. Do you think you're important now that the palace has summoned you?"
I tried to walk past her. Her hand shot out and grabbed my wrist, yanking me back. Pain flared up my arm.
"Answer when someone of higher rank speaks to you."
"Let go."
She leaned in, voice dripping with mockery. "Everyone's already saying it. The moment you reach the palace, you'll open your legs for the first royal guard who looks your way."
My chest tightened. "That's enough."
Azura laughed softly. "It's the truth. You're the daughter of that desperate, lying woman after all."
Anger surged. "Don't bring my mother into this."
Her smile widened. "Did I hurt the bastard's feelings? Defending the woman who abandoned you at five?"
My hands clenched into fists. "You're a bitch."
The slap came fast. Fire exploded across my cheek.
"How dare you insult me!"
"You're a bitch," I repeated through gritted teeth.
Her eyes blazed. She slapped me again, harder. We struggled as she tried to overpower me. I scratched her arm deep enough to draw blood. That only made her angrier. Her foot slammed into my stomach, knocking the air out of me. She hit me again and again.
"Azura, stop!"
Luna Valerie's voice echoed down the hallway.
Azura froze mid-strike. Lucien rushed forward and pulled me to my feet.
"Mother," Azura said quickly, "I was only teaching this bastard a lesson."
"Enough."
Lucien steadied me with a firm grip. "Mother, I'll take her to rest," he said quietly.
Valerie nodded, then turned to Azura. "Come with me."
She walked away without waiting. Azura followed reluctantly, throwing me one last venomous glare over her shoulder.
Lucien kept his hold on my arm to keep me upright. Blood trickled from my lips.
In two days I would leave this pack forever — the place that had hated me my whole life. But deep down I knew the Royal Palace would be far more dangerous