Marked

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 25

I woke up feeling groggy, as if I had slipped into a deep sleep and was just now clawing my way back to consciousness. I knew I had trying not to think about that man's head blowing up. The first thing that hit me was the sheer size of the room I was in. It was nothing like the monarch dorm. And I thought that place was grand. This place was massive and felt almost like a castle, with high ceilings that seemed to stretch into infinity. The walls were painted in rich, warm colors, and beautifully crafted furniture filled the space, each piece more extravagant than the last. I could see an enormous bed draped in soft, silky fabrics, and sunlight streamed through tall windows, casting a golden glow over everything.

I sat up, my heart racing as I took in my surroundings. My mind was a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief. Where was I? Why was everything so lavish? I swung my legs over the side of the bed, the cool marble floor sending a little shiver up my spine. I stood up, feeling a little unsteady, and walked over to the door, my curiosity pulling me along despite the nerves bubbling in my stomach.

Taking a deep breath, I grasped the ornate handle and pushed the door open. What greeted me was a long hallway, stretching endlessly before me, lined with portraits of people dressed in royal garb. The floor was polished to a mirror finish, and I could see my reflection staring back at me, wide-eyed and bewildered. My heart pounded as I stepped into the corridor, the sound of my footsteps echoing against the walls.

"Your Highness," a voice interrupted my thoughts, and I turned to see a woman in a long black dress that covered her completely. She moved with an elegance that made me feel a bit clumsy in comparison. "Me?" I asked, pointing at myself like an idiot. She nodded, her demeanor calm and poised. "Follow me. The princes and their father request your presence once you've awakened."

My stomach twisted a little at the mention of princes. What prince's my mate I'd not what did they want with me? I hesitated for just a moment before following her down the corridor, each step heavy with uncertainty. As we walked, I couldn't help but think, "How long is this place?" My legs were already starting to feel a bit wobbly, and I hoped I wouldn't cramp up halfway through this mysterious palace.

After what felt like an eternity of walking, we finally reached a grand spiral staircase. It was breathtaking, with intricate designs carved into the railing. I took a deep breath and began to descend, each step making me feel more and more like I was entering a different world. At the bottom, another hallway stretched out before us, lined with more lavish decor.

Eventually, we arrived at a set of double doors that looked like they belonged in a fairy tale. The woman pushed them open, and my heart raced as I stepped inside. There, sitting next to each other, were Lysander, Cassian, and Viktor. They looked up as I entered, and I felt my cheeks heat up under their gaze.

Feeling relived that I wasn't alone in some unknown place. So the princes that she mentioned was them. Looking around not knowing what to do.

"Come here," Viktor said, his voice smooth but commanding. I walked toward him, feeling like I was moving in slow motion. He pulled me onto his lap, and my heart leaped into my throat. "Eyes forward, don't speak, and be obedient. This place is not the monarch dorm, and absolute obedience is required."

I nodded, trying to keep my gaze fixed ahead. I felt the weight of their eyes on me, and I couldn't help but wonder who the other three men were sitting on
the other side of the table. Who are they? I can tell there important, glancing sideways at one of them.

"Hmm, he's not bad looking but not beautiful," said the man who looked a lot like Viktor. My face flushed at the comment, and I couldn't decide if I should feel flattered or embarrassed.

"The fertility is what matters, not looks," the brown-haired man chimed in, his tone matter-of-fact. I felt completely out of my depth, what the hell dis he mean fertility knowing I understood what he meant was not a good feeling.

"Shut up; we didn't come here to have tea time," Cassian snapped, his impatience clear.

Then, the blonde-haired man spoke up, a serious look on his face. "Semon ate a pill created by Lysander's mother to turn himself into a hyper-dominant alpha, which he's using to gather supporters. His claims are there are more stacked away in a warehouse which we know is false information. We know recreating another pill is impossible without the blood of an omega marked by three hyper-dominant alphas."

My mind raced. What did that even mean? A pill to change someone orientation that's like changing your gender. That shouldn't be possible and what did he mean that Lysander mom created it? Why would she create it whose blood did she use?

"That's our mate," Viktor said, glancing at me, "but we haven't marked him yet, so his blood is useless."

I opened my mouth to say something, but before I could, I felt Lysander's hand grip my thighs, his gaze steadying and intense. "Shit, I really want to ask the moon goddess what she's thinking," the brown-haired man muttered, studying me with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Looks like your mate has very little discipline," he continued, his expression shifting to one of scrutiny. "But we haven't introduced ourselves. I'm Chavez, Cassian's father."

"Howerd is my name," the blonde man added, his tone surprisingly warm. "And that man, who you're sitting on, is Sullivan, your mate's father."

Wait, what? Sullivan was Viktor's father? The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. My mind raced with the implications. So, I am in a castle but who's, feeling a mix of disbelief and confusion.

The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on me. I was in a place filled with power and expectation, so did  that mean I was in danger? No, since we haven't mated. What about my parents I haven't been able to contact them. Bitting my lips the rest of there conversation blurred away. When I came back to reality I was holding hands with Cassian as we followed Lysander and Viktor somewhere.

"You finally came back to reality huh" Cassian said. I nodded slightly "Don't worry you'll be safe your our mate after all"