**Alpha’s Chamber**
The guards bowed as Carla approached with Samantha at his side. He didn’t spare them a glance, pushing the heavy doors open. Samantha followed gracefully behind him.
Inside the large living room, Samantha paused and took in the opulent space. Even in her early fifties, she was breathtaking — the kind of beauty that only deepened with age. They called her the Beauty Goddess for a reason. Thick golden-blonde hair cascaded down her back, stirring at the slightest breeze. Her lips were painted a deep, seductive black, and one look into those
piercing eyes could drop any man to his knees. A complete vision.
She settled onto the couch, letting her silk robe flow around her like water. “Where’s the Alpha?” she asked.
Moments later, Alpha Ace strode in. He and Carla exchanged a quick glance before Ace took his seat. Carla sat on the third couch, leaving the three of them spaced apart like pieces on a chessboard.
“You sent for me, Alpha,” Samantha said smoothly.
“Let’s get straight to business,” Ace replied, voice low and serious.
“There’s a problem—” Carla began.
“I’d rather hear it from the Alpha himself,” Samantha cut in.
Carla released a low, irritated growl.
“It’s fine,” Ace said, shooting Carla a warning look. Then he turned to Samantha, tone firm. “Wise One, I am your Alpha and leader of all the werewolf clans. Carla is my Beta. You will accord him the same respect you give me.”
Samantha inclined her head. “Yes, Alpha.” She glanced at Carla. “My apologies, Beta.” A tiny smirk played on her lips as she said it.
Ace nodded. “Go on, Carla.”
Carla explained everything — the breach in the city walls, the creatures that shouldn’t have been able to pass through the magic seals, the growing threat.
When he finished, Samantha leaned back. “So you believe dark powers are being used to manipulate the gates?”
“That’s why we called you,” Carla said, irritation still thick in his voice. “To confirm if we’re right.”
Samantha smiled, clearly enjoying his frustration. *I love it when you’re angry,* she mind-linked him.
Aloud, she said, “You’re correct. Dark magic was used.”
Ace muttered a curse and stood, fists clenched tight. “What do we do?”
“Reinforce the seals with something stronger,” Samantha answered without hesitation. “I can handle the new wardings myself.”
Ace and Carla exchanged another look.
“That’s it?” Ace asked. “You’re sure?”
“For now,” she replied. “There’s no need to panic yet. Everything is still under control. I’ll take care of the gates.”
Ace exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Thank you, Wise One.” He gestured toward the door. “Carla will see you out.”
Carla rose and led the way. Samantha followed, her robe whispering against the floor.
As they walked down the corridor, she asked casually, “And how is Sabrina these days? The Alpha’s beloved mistress?”
Carla scoffed. “I’m the Alpha’s Beta, not his mistress’s personal escort. Ask her maid if you’re so curious.” He quickened his pace.
Samantha opened her mouth to reply when rapid footsteps echoed behind them. Jim, the head warrior, came sprinting down the hall, breathing hard.
Both Carla and Samantha stopped at the same time.
“What’s wrong?” they asked in unison.
“An omega tried to bite one of the guards,” Jim panted. “She’s been brought to the palace.” Samantha’s brows lifted. “An omega?”
“Yes, Beta,” Jim replied, then added under his breath, “Though I doubt his story.” “What did you say?” Samantha asked sharply.
“Nothing, Wise One.”
“Where is she now?”
“Locked in the castle dungeons.”
Carla glanced at Samantha. “I’ll go take a look. Lady Samantha, please see yourself to your chambers.”
He turned to Jim. “Let’s go.”
As the two men hurried off, Samantha stood still for a moment, then sighed. *What is this strange feeling?* she thought. *Who is in the castle?*
She replayed Jim’s words in her head. *An omega tried to bite a guard…* She shook her head. “An omega wouldn’t carry a scent like that,” she muttered. Turning to the nearest guards, she commanded, “Lead the way to the dungeons.” They bowed and immediately started walking.
---
**Luna’s Chamber**
“Why is the Wise One here?” Luna Cleo asked, sitting up as Lisa delivered the news. “She was summoned by the Alpha,” Lisa replied.
Cleo’s eyes narrowed. “Tell the Alpha I wish to see him immediately.”
“Yes, Luna.” Lisa bowed and hurried out.
Cleo stared at the closed door, fingers drumming against the bed.
“That boy…” she whispered.
---
**Castle Dungeons**
Jim led Carla down the damp stone steps to the cell where Amora was being held. Several guards and maids lingered outside. The same guard who had brought her in stood by the iron bars, glaring at the girl huddled on the cold floor.
Amora sat with her knees drawn up, body covered in blood, head bowed so low her long hair spilled across the dirty ground and hid her face.
The maids whispered about her flawless skin even through the grime. The guards stared with open lust.
The moment the guard spotted Carla, he rushed forward. “Beta—”
Carla raised a single finger. The entire corridor fell silent.
He studied the small figure in the cell. She looked so innocent, even broken and filthy. *Such a beautiful omega,* he thought.
“Is this her?” he asked.
“Yes, Beta,” Jim answered.
Amora slowly lifted her head. Her bright, tear-filled eyes met Jim’s. He shifted on his feet, suddenly unable to look away. It was his first time seeing her face clearly. Those eyes… he could drown in them.
Carla turned to the guard — Billy. “What exactly happened?”
Billy straightened. “I was only doing my job. She wasn’t working, so I asked her to show me to the restroom. That’s all. Next thing I knew, she shifted and tried to attack me.”
Carla looked back at the trembling girl. She didn’t look like she could hurt anyone. “That’s… a lie,” Amora whispered, voice weak and hoarse.
“Are you okay?” Jim asked softly. Without waiting for permission, he unlocked the gate and stepped inside. His eyes widened when he saw the deep cuts on her arms — still oozing, skin burned black at the edges. “Silver,” he breathed. “She’s dying, Beta.”
“She was making advances at me,” Amora continued, tears slipping down her cheeks. “When I refused… he did this.”
Carla’s expression darkened. He turned to Billy, voice dangerously calm. “Get out.”
“But Beta—”
“Get. Out!” Carla roared.
Billy flinched and bolted from the dungeon.
Jim knelt beside Amora, checking her temperature. Her eyes were already fluttering shut. “Beta… the silver is spreading fast.”
“Call Samantha,” Carla ordered. “Take her to the Wise One. Now!”
Jim didn’t hesitate. He scooped Amora’s limp, bloodied body into his arms and rushed out of the dungeons, moving as fast as he could.
As he ran past the corridor, Samantha stood frozen in the shadows, eyes wide.
“She’s the Alpha’s mate,” she whispered to herself, watching them disappear. “This… this is not going to end well with Lady Sabrina.”
Her fingers tightened around her robe.
“I must inform her.”