The Witch and Her Four Dangerous Alphas

Selene's POV

~

More giggles followed from the table behind me.

I didn't answer.

I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand, stood up slowly, and carried my tray toward the washing counter.

"Aw, come on," the other one cooed, following behind. "Don't be so cold. We just wanted to know how it felt—being dragged like that in front of everyone. Or is the new slave mark too sore to talk about?"

I paused. My hand tightened around the tray, the metal groaning faintly under my grip. I turned with a calm gaze.

"You should go back to your table," I said softly, my voice was low and steady.

She blinked, clearly not expecting a response.

"Oh? And if I don't?"

I took a slow step forward.

"I don't bite unless you try to rip my skin first," I said quietly. "But if you do... I won't stop at a warning."

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed.

"Don't—don't think you're special just because Alpha Luca didn't punish you," she said with a sneer.

"Lana! the head maid is still unconscious, you know...right?" someone shouted from the kitchen door.

The girl went pale.

The confidence drained from her face in a second, and her lips parted in panic. She looked around as if realizing just how many had been watching.

I tilted my head slightly and offered her a simple smile—one that quietly agreed with the man from the kitchen.

The kind that said, I see you now. And next time, I won't warn you first.

She spun on her heel and stormed off, but not before throwing me one last glare over her shoulder. Her hips swayed as she walked away, the exaggerated strut an act of pride, but her steps were too quick.

Fear always left traces. Even in those trying to walk away like they won.

I turned back to the sink, washed my tray in silence, and left the hall.

But they'd seen it now, I am not easy to mess. And the more they tried to test me, the more they'd learn:

After that I walked away from there and headed to report my new head maid,as she had asked me.

I stood quietly before the new head maid, hands folded, gaze low but alert. Mariam didn't waste time. She handed me a dusting cloth, a pale blue apron, and a soft-bristled broom. There was no cruel smirk on her face, no mocking tone like the previous maids. She simply said what needed to be said.

"You're assigned to clean the private chambers of the Alphas today," she stated bluntly.

My hands froze around the cloth.

The private chambers.

I remember it is the very core of the Duskdraven estate. The personal space of the quadruplet Alphas. Sacred territory where only trusted staff were ever permitted to step. A place the rest of the servants only whispered to visit one day.

I opened my mouth. Not to protest—just to ask, to understand—but the question died before it reached my lips. Mariam's face remained unreadable.

I didn't sense any ill intent from her. Her commands were stern but fair. She didn't watch me with hatred. If anything, she barely looked at me at all. Maybe she didn't even know who gave the order or maybe she knew and was only carrying it out.

Still… my chest tightened. I swallowed hard and gave a silent nod.

As I walked through the twisting corridors of the estate, I passed a group of omega maids gathered near the central garden. Their voices were low at first—then one of them squealed, unable to contain her excitement.

"Did you hear? The heir to the throne is arriving today!"

"What?! Today? You mean before the coronation?"

"Yes! He's coming early to personally attend and stay in the estate until the ceremony!"

"Oh goddess, I hope we catch a glimpse of him. Can you imagine? The royal family here?"

Their laughter and squeals filled the corridor like sharp glass digging into my skin. I stopped walking.

The words echoed again in my mind. The heir to the throne is arriving today.

The breath left my lungs in a painful rush. My fingers curled tightly around the broomstick until my knuckles turned white. I couldn't move. I couldn't think.

The blood drained from my face.

No. Not now. Not here. Not in front of them.

The maids noticed my presence just as quickly. Their excited expressions twisted into something uglier when they spotted the fresh uniform I wore. Their eyes dragged across the fabric with unmistakable jealousy. I didn't understand why. The clothes weren't luxurious. But their glares burned with silent accusations.

One of them gave a harsh snort, muttered something under her breath, and tugged the others away. They walked off, tossing glances over their shoulders, eager to gossip elsewhere.

I stood there for a second longer, feeling the floor sway under my feet.

The prince, he was coming here. To this estate. To this pack.

I turned and walked quickly, almost stumbling in my haste to get away. I couldn't let anyone see my face.

I reached the central wing and pushed open the heavy double doors that led into the private quarters of the Duskdraven Alphas.

The hallway here was quiet. Every tile gleamed, every wall lined with banners bearing the sigil of their house—silver and black, sharp edges and clean lines. It was the heart of their power.

Mariam had given clear instructions: I had two hours to clean, and the Alphas wouldn't be back until after that. I would be alone.

No one would see.

I pushed open the last door and stepped inside.

Their private chamber was grand—nothing like the servant quarters. Polished stone floor, dark wood furniture, bookshelves stacked with journals and weapons. Four adjoining rooms branched off from the central hall, each no doubt belonging to one of the brothers. The space smelled of pine, smoke, and something distinctly male—an overpowering fragrance.

I closed the door behind me slowly and carefully.

I let the latch fall into place with a soft click. Then I stepped back and leaned my back against it.

The broom fell from my hand.

My legs gave out.

I slid to the ground, my body trembling in silence until the first sob clawed out of my throat.

It was low but filled with desperation.

I pressed both hands to my face, curling my knees to my chest, and cried like a child who had nowhere else to go.

The Lycan prince was coming.