Chapter 5
Ashina’s POV
I placed my palm against the mirror, trying to identify the creature staring back at me.
I was familiar with how an omega's eyes turned golden during our werewolf transformations, but my own eyes displayed a unique blend of golden and crimson-red shades.
I kept my true identity a secret from my mom, not wanting to burden her with worries.
Deep down, I longed to discover the identity of my biological father.
The thought of a cold Alpha prince waiting for me outside the bathroom filled me with worry and fear.
I had imagined tonight as a grand evening of waltzing and jazz, where couples swayed to the rhythm of music, laughter filled the air, and friends enjoyed each other's company.
My heart ached, and I fear my family is anxiously waiting for my return. I slowly removed my thorn-red gown, letting it slip to the floor, leaving me exposed.
I gently slid my barefoot into the tub. I instantly relaxed as the warm water cascaded over my skin.
Slowly, I leaned back against the tub, closed my eyes, and let the soothing warmth permeate through my body. It was my first time bathing in a tub, and the experience was delightful.
After thoroughly scrubbing and cleansing my body, I swiftly dried myself with a towel, including my hair with a smaller one.
Wrapping the towel around me, I took a deep breath before stepping out of the bathroom.
I hoped he was already asleep so I could rest well beside him.
I moved quietly toward his cabinet, searching for a loose t-shirt to wear.
Suddenly, I jumped in surprise when I heard his voice break the silence.
"What are you doing in my cabinet?" he asked, quickly rising from the bed while rubbing his eyes. I thought he had really fallen asleep, but how could his senses be this active?
I turned around, hiding my pale face and trembling hands. I furrowed my brow.
"I don't have a dress! What should I wear then?"
I noticed him arching his eyebrows at me, but I felt strange when his unusual smirk spread across his face.
"Why bother wearing clothes? You can sleep naked beside me," he sneered, extending his arms widely on the bed.
I gulped twice as his biceps seemed as solid as rocks.
Any girl would be mesmerized by his attractive and strong masculine body, especially myself. I didn't know if this was natural, but his wolf scent was overpoweringly strong, and my own wolf couldn't resist it.
I was doing my best to control her since he had rejected me as his mate.
I raised my eyebrows at him.
"What?
Are you kidding me?
Please, if you want to do this, just kill me instead," I warned him, though deep inside, fear gripped me.
He laughed. "You know what, you're unbelievable! That's why I love teasing you.
Okay, I'm just joking. Besides, you belong to me now. I own you."
Before I could utter a word, I heard a knock on the door.
"Alba, come in!" I didn't know who Alba was or why he called her.
I was still wrapped in a towel, feeling exposed. I quickly covered my chest with my arms when a young and pretty girl named Alba entered.
She looked like she might still be in her teens.
"Good evening, my Lord. These are the clothes I prepared for your guest," she said softly as she placed them on the bed.
Prince Dante stared at me and gestured for me to pick up the clothes. "Go, wear it! He commanded me.
Alba, you can go now. Thank you," he mumbled as he waited for her to close the door.
Afterward, his eyes bore into me with intensity.
"Dress now, and I will watch," he ordered, leaving me stunned by his command.
"What are you—" I began, but he abruptly rose and forcefully pushed me onto the bed. My eyes widened in shock as he tore the towel from my body.
"Why are you so resistant? I'm the celebrant, and you're my gift, so I have the right to unwrap you whenever I want!" he yelled, and I attempted to shield my modesty, but he was too strong.
Tears welled in my eyes as he reluctantly revealed my nudity.
He stopped when he saw my tears streaming down my cheeks.
"Damn it! I despise Omegas!" were his final words before he stormed out, leaving me half-naked, feeling like a slave he wanted me to be.
The Next Day…
Queen announced another activity for the day, marking Prince Dante's twenty-first birthday with a traditional duel between the Alpha Prince and his Beta, Enzo, as mandated by the law of the Shadowborn Kingdom.
This duel serves as a test of the Alpha Prince's suitability for the Alpha King's crown, evaluating his power, agility, and active senses. If the Beta emerges victorious, the Alpha Prince must commit to an additional year of training before he can rightfully claim his position, having to prove himself over his Beta counterpart.
Dante checked the time and quickly rose, realizing that today was the day of his duel with his Beta, Enzo.
"Damn it! Woman, wake up and prepare my bath!" he exclaimed as he shook my shoulders impatiently.
I was bewildered, unaware of what was happening until my senses returned. I had become the Prince's servant, and my freedom was now in the hands of the Alpha Prince.
Groggily, I left his bed and, despite being half-asleep, i obeyed his commands with courtesy.
I nearly collided with the floor when he forcefully pushed me. "Hurry! I'm running late for my Duel Game today!" he yelled.
I winced, touching my scratched skin, then shuffled into the bathroom and filled the tub with warm water.
I hung his towel on the wall, resigning myself to this new life as the Alpha Prince's servant.
"My Lord, you may enter now!" I called out, but my voice caught in my throat as i saw Dante standing naked before me.
I noticed everything, especially the imposing figure between his thighs.
Quickly, I covered my eyes, but i could feel his presence nearby. His wolf scent was particularly attracted to my wolf. I closed my eyes, anticipating his kiss.
"Oh my, please don't do this to me," I whispered in a prayer, but it was all a product of my imagination. In reality, he merely passed by my side.
"Move out of my way! You're so lazy," he scolded me, and I felt an overwhelming urge to slap him in anger.
I patiently waited for him on the bed after preparing his clothes.
Glancing outside through his window, I noticed a crowd gathering outside the palace. My eyes widened when I saw the Queen glaring directly at me.
I hastily closed the window and clutched my chest, wondering why the Queen was looking at me like that.
Did she recognize me?