The Wolf King’s Omega
By Midnight Sparkles
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Lyra returned to the servants’ quarters long after sunset. Her arms felt heavy and her steps were unsteady. She moved quietly, hoping to reach her room without anyone noticing.
A small voice called out behind her.
“Lyra?”
She turned. A girl stood there, maybe thirteen or fourteen. Brown hair, uneven braid, clothes too big for her small frame. Her eyes were wide with worry.
“My name is Elin,” she said quickly, as if afraid someone would stop her from speaking. “I… I saw what Mistress Serena made you do.”
Lyra lowered her gaze, too tired for questions or attention. Elin stepped closer anyway.
“It was wrong,” she whispered. “They should not treat you like that.”
Lyra didn’t answer at first. She didn’t know what to say. No one had spoken to her kindly in days except Ronan.
“I am fine,” Lyra said softly. It was easier than explaining anything else.
Elin shook her head. “You do not look fine.”
Lyra forced a small smile, though her eyes looked dull and tired. “Thank you for saying something.”
Elin nodded quickly, nervously. “If you ever need help, I can bring you water. Or bandages. I do not care what the others say.”
Lyra blinked. It took effort to speak. “You will get in trouble.”
“I get in trouble anyway,” Elin muttered. “At least this trouble will mean something.”
Footsteps echoed in the corridor. Elin jumped back like she’d been caught stealing and hurried away, leaving Lyra alone again.
Lyra stood still for a moment then she walked to her room, shut the door quietly, and slid down against it.
Her arms trembled. She rested her forehead on her knees. No tears came. She felt too tired even for that.
A soft knock touched the door.
Lyra didn’t answer. She didn’t have strength for more scolding.
The door opened anyway.
Ronan stepped inside, carrying a plate and a small flask. He set them on the small table without waiting for permission.
“You did not eat,” he said simply.
Lyra looked at the food but didn’t move. “I was not hungry.”
“That is not true,” Ronan said. “You are hurt, tired and hungry. You only say you are not because you think you should accept this.”
Lyra didn’t look up. “It is safer to stay quiet.”
“For who?” Ronan asked. “Them or you?”
Lyra didn’t answer.
Ronan crouched down in front of her so he was on her level. His eyes softened, just a little.
“You do not have to talk,” he said. “Just eat. Then sleep.”
He pushed the plate a small bit closer. Warm bread, roasted root vegetables, and a small piece of meat. Real food, not scraps.
Lyra finally lifted her head. “Why are you doing this?”
At first, Ronan didn’t respond. He studied her face, the tired eyes and the raw skin on her hands.
“There are two reasons,” he said quietly. “One is simple. I do not like seeing cruelty.”
Lyra looked away, unsure how to hold that kind of honesty.
“And the second?” she asked softly.
Ronan hesitated, then spoke like the words weren’t supposed to leave his mouth.
“You remind me of someone.”
Lyra’s eyes lifted slightly. “Who?”
“A girl who lived here once,” Ronan said. “She was kind even when everyone pushed her down. It did not end well for her.”
“So I bring you food,” he finished. “Because I could not help her. And I will not fail twice.”
Lyra stared at him, unsure what to feel.
Ronan stood and walked to the door.
“Eat,” he said. “I will come back tomorrow.”
He stopped for a moment, hand on the door frame.
“Do not lose yourself here. You still look like someone who remembers who she was.”
He left before she could answer.
Lyra stared at the food for a long moment. Her stomach ached. Slowly, she reached for the bread and took the smallest bite.
It tasted better than anything she’d had since she arrived, but it also hurt to swallow.
She ate in silence. Then laid down on the thin bed and closed her eyes.
For once, sleep came quickly.
***
In the highest tower of the castle, candles burned low.
Serena sat across from Queen Althea, Kael’s mother. She wore deep green silk and gold bands on her wrists. She always looked calm and Cold. Like nothing surprised her.
Serena held her cup carefully. She smiled, soft and perfect.
“I believe it is time,” Serena said. “Kael should announce me as Luna soon. The packs are restless. If we wait too long, rumors will start.”
Althea studied her for a moment. “You think waiting is a danger.”
“I know it is,” Serena answered. “Victory makes men bold. And bold men question power. If they do not see a Luna by his side, they may think Kael is weak. Or unsure.”
“Kael is not unsure,” Althea said.
Serena’s smile did not move. “Even kings need the right picture to hold their throne. And wolves? They follow strength. They follow order.”
Althea leaned back in her chair. “Many believe Kael does not need a Luna to lead.”
“Many believe things,” Serena replied calmly. “Belief is not truth.”
The queen tapped one finger on the table. “And why the rush, Serena? We have only returned from war. The kingdom must breathe.”
Serena did not break her gaze. “Because wars end, but enemies do not. We must show unity. Now. Before anyone thinks they can challenge us.”
Althea’s face stayed still, unreadable for a moment, there was only the sound of the wind and the soft crackle of fire.
“You are ambitious,” she said finally.
Serena lowered her lashes slightly. “I am loyal. To the crown, to Kael, to our future.”
“And what of the kingdom’s doubts?” Althea asked. “Some think you are… harsh.”
“Harsh keeps peace,” Serena answered. “Soft hands cannot rule wolves.”
Althea’s lips curved a little. Not a warm smile. More like she had tested Serena and found the answer she expected.
“Very well,” she said. “I will speak to Kael. The crowning will happen soon.”
Serena’s fingers tightened around her cup, but she did not show excitement. She only nodded once.
“There is another matter,” Althea continued. “Some smaller packs refuse to bend after Kael’s victory. They will need to be dealt with. Quietly.”
Serena’s smile returned. “Leave them to me.”
“And the court wishes to hold a feast to welcome peace,” the queen added.
“Good,” Serena replied. “Let the people celebrate. Then they will kneel easily.”
Althea raised her brow. “Celebrate and kneel. You sound like a queen already.”
Serena did not deny it. “I am only preparing for the role I was born for.”
The queen’s gaze lingered on her face. “Many women say that. Few survive long enough to prove it.”
Serena held her eyes without fear.
“I will.”
Wind brushed the windows. A wolf howled far below in the night. Serena looked toward the sound,
Soon, the kingdom would bow.
Soon, she would wear the crown.
She said reassuring herself.
***
The servant dorm was quiet, lit only by one small candle. Most girls were already asleep, but Elin and Alin sat on their shared bed, whispering so they wouldn’t wake anyone.
Elin hugged her knees. “I like her,” she said softly. “Lyra is kind.”
Alin pulled her blanket tighter around herself, shaking her head fast. “You do not understand. Being near her is trouble. Everyone hates her.”
“Not everyone,” Elin whispered.
“Yes, everyone,” Alin insisted. “You saw how Ephra looked at her. And Serena? She will destroy her if she wants. Why risk it?”
Elin looked down at her hands. “Because she is alone.”
“So what?” Alin snapped quietly. “That is not your problem.”
Elin pressed her lips together. She didn’t argue. She just stared at the floor like she was thinking very hard.
Alin sighed. “Please listen to me. Do not try to be her friend. It is not safe.”
“I already spoke to her,” Elin said. “I cannot pretend I did not.”
“You can,” Alin argued. “Just stop talking to her now. Before the others notice.”
Elin shook her head. “I don’t want to. She looked like she needed someone. I want to help her.”
Alin’s voice rose a little, tight with fear. “And what happens to you when they start hurting you too? Will she save you? She cannot even save herself!”
Elin didn’t flinch. She didn’t argue either. Her voice stayed calm.
“That is not why I want to be her friend.”
Alin stared at her like she didn’t understand her at all. Her face tightened.
“You are being foolish.”
Elin looked up finally, “Maybe. But I don’t want to be like the others.”
Alin stood up suddenly. Her chair scraped the floor. Some girls stirred in their beds.
“Well I will not join you,” she hissed. “If you become her friend, you are alone. Do not pull me into it.”
Elin didn’t answer. She just sat there, fingers twisting her blanket.
Alin shook her head in anger, then walked to the door. She paused as if she wanted to say something else but didn’t. The door closed hard behind her.
Silence filled the room again.
Elin stayed where she was, staring at the candle flame. Her shoulders were tight, and she look sadder than before, but she didn’t move or call her sister back.
She just whispered to herself, barely audible
“I like her. And I am not leaving her alone.”
Then she blew out the candle and lay down, eyes open in the dark.
TBC
