**SAMANTHA’S CHAMBER** 

The second I walked into Samantha’s healing room, my wolf started groaning and pacing inside my chest. Amora was lying there, face twisted in pain, that ugly silver cut still fresh on her cheek. Something hot and painful shot through me, like my blood had been set on fire. I couldn’t breathe. I turned around and walked out fast before I did something stupid. 

Carla followed right behind me like he always does. 

I stopped in the hallway and faced him. “Carla.” 

He raised an eyebrow, waiting. 

“That girl… Amora. Is she a wolf or just an omega?” 

Carla let out a short laugh. “She’s an omega. Why?” 

A heavy feeling settled in my stomach. I looked away, not wanting him to see it on my face. “You look sad,” he said quietly. 

I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck. “Listen, Carla… I can’t do this. I can’t be mated to a mere omega. Even if I wanted to accept her—which I don’t—she’d only be a weakness. My enemies would come for her first. There’s no law that allows an Alpha to bond with an omega anyway. And honestly… she’s not even my type. I’ve felt nothing but irritation toward her since the moment I saw her yesterday.” 

Carla smirked. “Is she your mate?” 

I narrowed my eyes at him. “How did you know I was thinking that?” 

He shrugged. “Alpha, you’ve never cared if a girl was wolf, omega, or anything else, as long as she had a hole. So when you suddenly start asking about her bloodline, it’s pretty obvious something’s going on.” 

I took a deep breath and looked down the empty hallway. “I’m still not sure. It might just be curiosity. I’ll find out for certain tomorrow.” 

Carla’s voice dropped. “And if she really is your mate… will you reject her?” 

I glared at him hard. “You really think the Alpha of Snow Pack is going to be stuck with a lowly omega?”

Carla didn’t back down. “She’s sexy though. Beautiful. And even with that silver blade mark, her skin is flawless.” 

I shot him a dangerous look. “I haven’t confirmed anything yet. But the way Roa keeps acting whenever she’s close…” I shook my head and sighed. “Just leave me alone for now.” 

Carla bowed slightly. “Yes, Alpha.” He turned and walked away without another word. 

I stood there in the quiet hallway, fists clenched, feeling like my whole body was burning from the inside. 

--- 

**SAMANTHA’S CHAMBER** 

“Wise One,” Sabrina called as she stepped into the inner room. 

She stopped when she saw Samantha mixing a thick green paste in a small bowl. “Who is that for?” Sabrina asked, eyes narrowing. 

“My patient,” Samantha answered calmly. “The Alpha’s mate.” 

“I forbid you from calling her that!” Sabrina screamed, covering her ears with both hands. “The Alpha hasn’t accepted her and he never will! She’s just an omega. Don’t you dare put that on her without his permission!” 

Samantha looked up slowly, her expression steady. “I believe you don’t want the Alpha finding out about your part in her failed escape plan… do you?” 

Sabrina’s face turned red with anger. “Are you threatening me? I am still the Alpha’s mistress, Samantha. You will speak to me with respect.” She stepped closer, voice sharp. “We shall see who comes out on top.” 

With that, she spun around and stormed out, slamming the door so hard the walls shook. 

Samantha stared at the closed door for a moment, then shook her head and turned back to the sleeping girl. Amora looked so small and broken lying there. 

“Poor child,” she whispered softly, gently spreading the herbal paste over the silver cut on her face. “You’ve already been through so much… being born an omega in this harsh world. This will help with the pain.”

--- 

**SABRINA’S CHAMBER** 

Sabrina stood in front of her mirror, staring at her reflection. 

“Mara,” she said, voice sweet but unsteady. “Tell me… have I lost my beauty?” 

“May the Moon Goddess forbid it, my lady!” Mara answered quickly. “You are as beautiful as Goddess Athena herself. No one can compare to you.” 

Sabrina smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “You always know the right words, Mara.” She straightened her shoulders, determination filling her face. 

“I’m going to the Alpha tonight. He didn’t call for me, but things between us have gone past that. Dress me in my finest, most revealing gown. When he sees me, he’ll remember exactly why I should be his Luna.” She turned to her maid. “Prepare a warm bath. Right now.” 

“Yes, my lady.” Mara bowed and hurried off. 

--- 

**ALPHA ACE’S CHAMBER** 

“Alpha?” the guard called from outside. “Lady Sabrina is here to see you.” “Let her in.” 

I stood up from the bed and glanced at myself in the mirror, a small smile on my lips. But the moment Sabrina walked in, that smile faded. 

**ACE’S POV** 

She was wearing one of those gowns that left almost nothing to the imagination. Normally, I would have been all over her in seconds. But tonight… something felt completely off. 

“You look troubled, my lord,” she purred, moving closer. 

I sighed. *Roa, what the hell is wrong with me?* I asked my wolf silently. *Our mate is in the castle,* he growled back. *That’s what’s wrong.* 

*I snarled at him. Don’t call her that. I haven’t even confirmed it yet.*

*There’s nothing to confirm, Ace. Bring her here. I want to feel her—* 

I cut the link with Roa and looked at Sabrina. 

“Alpha…” she whispered, slowly dropping to her knees in front of me. 

“Not tonight, Sabrina.” 

Her eyes widened in shock. “But you always enjoy my company. What’s changed?” I ran a hand through my hair, frustrated. “I’m just tired. I don’t have the energy for this right now.” She pouted, reaching out to touch me. “Then let me help you relax, my love.” I gently pushed her hand away. “No. Not even your hands can help me tonight.” 

Sabrina’s face hardened. She stood up quickly, clearly annoyed. “Fine. I’ll leave you to your brooding then.” 

As she turned to go, I caught her arm. “Don’t be upset. I do appreciate you, Sabrina. I just need some time alone.” 

She softened a little and nodded. “Very well, my lord. But remember… I’m always here for you.” 

The second she left my chamber and the door closed behind her, her expression changed completely. 

Walking back to her own room, one bitter thought kept repeating in her head: *Have I lost favor with the Alpha?*