Luna of the Cursed Alpha King (Helga and Siegren) novel Chapter 4

“PULL UP YOUR HOOD,” Ezra’s command pierced the air, causing Helga to startle as they made their way to the main palace’s entrance. Miranda, who nestled closely against him, shot her a taunting smile, her gaze fixated on the red wavy hair cascading down her back.

“We merely wish to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to your appearance.” Miranda’s voice dripped with mockery, her smile widening. “Given the similarity in our hair and eyes, it would be rather embarrassing if anyone were to question your authenticity, especially within the palace walls, don’t you think?”

Helga simply offered a serene smile, reaching up to draw the hood of her cloak over her head as they wanted.

“I understand,” she said with a knowing smile, fully aware that her obedience was getting on their nerves. No matter how tough or degrading the task, Helga always followed their orders without a hint of protest. She knew they were trying to provoke her, but she refused to give them the satisfaction of a reaction from her.

“We’ll head in first.” Luna Viola chimed in, taking Alpha Aldous’ hand as they gracefully made their way towards the stairs. The night breeze picked up, causing the leaves of the trees outside to rustle and dance freely in the wind as they disappeared from view. As the silence settled in, the air grew thick and suffocating, almost as if a fog had surrounded the three.

“Make sure you attend to Miranda’s every request and don’t even think about standing out,” Ezra warned, his cold gaze lingering on Helga from head to toe. Despite her plain dress and cloak, her beauty still managed to catch his eye, much to his chagrin. He clenched his jaw, unsettled by the unwavering gaze and the smile that tugged at Helga’s lips.

“Yes, young master,” she replied obediently, causing Ezra to frown before Pulling Miranda by the waist and continuing walking. Helga sighed and watched them go, unfazed by their treatment after enduring three months of relentless torment. She had learned to let go of any feelings she once had for Ezra; after all, it was all a facade, and she had no reason to cling to illusions. Her only focus now was survival, knowing that her life was in danger.

“Wow,” Helga marveled, her words slipping out in awe as she took in the grand hall, three times larger than Incarnadine’s. The space was filled with guests, music floating from various instruments, and decorations adorning every corner, creating a breathtaking sight. It brought back memories of a place she had seen as a child.

“Fetch me some water,” Miranda’s demand broke Helga’s reverie, prompting her to look at her and spring into action. She quickly retrieved one glass of water from the refreshment table and turned to find them no longer in the crowd.

Perplexed, Helga scanned the room, searching for any sign of them amidst the bustling guests. With so many people around, spotting them was like finding a needle in a haystack.

“Where could they have disappeared to?” she pondered silently, her curiosity piqued. Suddenly, she caught sight of Miranda making her way up to the second floor, heading towards the balcony. Without a second thought, Helga swiftly weaved through the crowd, her intuition urging her to hasten her steps. As she neared the door leading to the balcony, where Miranda had vanished, Helga gently peeked through the curtains and caught a glimpse of her with a mysterious man.

“Is this poison as potent as you claim, Dad?” Miranda inquired, prompting Helga’s eyes to widen in alarm. The mention of poison sent a chill down her spine, indicating that Miranda meant serious business.

“Of course,” the silver pack beta assured confidently. “One drop and the victim is a goner for good.”

A mischievous grin adorned Miranda’s face as she eyed the small bottle in her hands before slipping it discreetly into her purse.

“But who’s the unlucky target?” the beta asked with a hint of curiosity, observing Miranda intently. “Is it that orphan?”

“No… It’s Alpha Aldous,” Miranda responded without a moment’s hesitation, leaving Helga dumbfounded as she eavesdropped on their conversation from a safe distance. “I’ll frame that wench for the deed and kill two birds with one stone. Once Ezra ascends to Alpha, I’ll become a Luna, and I can finally rid myself of that pest, Helga. Perfect plan, don’t you think?”

A sinister chuckle escaped the beta’s lips, sending shivers down Helga’s spine. Swiftly and silently, she retreated before they could detect her presence, her heart racing in her chest and hands trembling with apprehension. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she steadied her nerves and returned to the table, placing the glass of water on which she had been holding all this while.

“You certainly have nerves, young lady,” Siegren’s voice rumbled ominously as he reclined in his armchair, resting his cheek on his knuckles. “Remove your hood”

“What are you doing?” Stella’s voice echoed in Helga’s mind, questioning her sanity, but she paid it no heed. Slowly, she pulled back the hood, revealing her fiery red hair, and met the Alpha King’s gaze unflinchingly. Her heart raced, drowning out the murmurs of the guests behind her.

“Good evening, Alpha King. I am Helga, from the Incarnadine pack,” she greeted with poise and grace, earning a chuckle from Siegren. His eyes flickered towards Miranda, who flinched, before returning his gaze to Helga, a sly smirk playing on his lips.

“Ah, so you’re the rumored future Luna of Incarnadine who was replaced by another she-wolf,” Siegren mused, studying Helga intently. “What is your motive in volunteering yourself?”

“Do you wish for me to speak truthfully, Your Majesty?” she inquired, locking eyes with Siegren in a manner that took him aback. Fear typically prevented anyone from meeting his red eyes, but Helga seemed unfazed by it. Her boldness piqued his interest, but it also pissed him off for unknown reasons.

Helga noticed the displeasure on his face and took a deep breath, steeling herself as she met the intense gaze of the Alpha King. At that moment, the grand hall seemed to hold its breath, the air heavy with tension and anticipation. And with a nod of confirmation from Siegren, Helga continued, her voice steady yet laced with an underlying current of desperation.

“Because no one is willing to be your Luna, but me,” she admitted, her fiery gaze locking with his, causing the guests to shift uneasily, whispers rippling through the hall. The she-wolves from various packs watched in a mix of awe and fear, their eyes darting between Helga and the Alpha King, uncertain of what the outcome would be.

“So, please make me your Queen Luna.” Helga’s voice resonated as she added, “I promise I will help you with your duties, all the while proving myself worthy enough to be your mate.”