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"Ahh!" The cry left my lips before I could stop it as I stepped in front of my little brother, blocking the blow meant for him. "That kid just insulted the Alpha of your sector’s pack. Step aside," one of the pack warriors ordered. His eyes flicked from me to where my brother huddled behind me. "He's only six! He didn’t mean -" Before I could finish, the sharp crack of a whip cut the air, followed by a sudden sting across my face. My hand flew up instinctively. "You want this to happen in public? Because that’s where it’s going if you don’t move aside, human," the warrior warned. I’d had enough punishments in my life to know not to test them, but there was no way I was moving. My brother was shaking, holding onto the hem of my shirt. "He wasn’t being disrespectful—he’s just a kid," I said. Another sharp sound silenced me, and pain shot down my arm. Before I could recover, the warrior struck again, sending me stumbling backward. I lowered my head, forcing myself to stay calm. If I gave in to anger, it would only get worse. "To the courtyard!" someone barked. I bent down and whispered quickly to my brother, "Go home. Lock the doors. Stay with Mom." Two wolves grabbed my arms and began to pull me away. I looked back just in time to see Rhett running toward the safety of the human district. Relief washed over me—at least he was safe. I was marched through town, the eyes of strangers following us. When we reached the main square, I was tied to a post as a crowd gathered. Public discipline was always a spectacle here, and people were made to watch whether they wanted to or not. The punishment began. Each strike stole my breath, but I stayed upright, refusing to cry out. The usual number of blows came and went, but they kept going. By the time they stopped, my legs could barely hold me. Someone untied me, and I collapsed forward, my arms limp at my sides. A heavy boot pressed between my shoulders. "This is what happens when humans forget their place," the warrior’s voice rang out. "Werewolves are the dominant species. You will show respect. Is that clear?" A few voices murmured agreement. Then my hair was yanked, and I was pushed off the stage. No one moved to help until the wolves left. Then a warm coat fell across my shoulders, and a familiar voice cut through the haze. "Liora!?" I turned weakly. Zane Hollowell—my best friend—was striding toward me. "What happened?" Still leaning on the two men who had lifted me, I managed a single word. "Rhett." Zane nodded, understanding immediately. I’m Liora Vale, seventeen years old. My hair’s almost black, my eyes plain brown. I’m about five- foot-six and still in high school. Rhett’s my six-year-old brother, and I’m always pulling him out of trouble—like today. Five years ago, our dad was killed when the lycans invaded. He tried to fight back, but there was no chance against them. That same day, I received the first public punishment this town had ever seen. I was twelve. They’ve kept watch over me ever since. "Is Rhett okay?" I asked Zane, my voice fading as my knees buckled. The men hurried me to Nora, the human nurse for our district. She cleared her table and helped me lie face-down. I felt her gently lift the coat from my back before she hurried to gather supplies. "I’m giving you something for the pain," she said softly. A moment later, the tension in my body began to melt away, and the room faded into darkness. Chapter 2 Liora’s POV When I slowly opened my eyes, the stiffness in my neck told me I’d spent the night lying face- down on a hard wooden table. My back ached in a deep, throbbing way, and I winced as I sat up. A thick bandage was wrapped across my upper body, covering me fully. At least I wasn’t still exposed. The first light of morning poured through the window in soft orange rays. I took a careful breath and stood, only to nearly lose my balance as my legs wavered beneath me. A small glass of water sat nearby. I grabbed it and drank it all in one go, as if I’d been in a desert. Remembering I had school, I found a scrap of paper and left Nora a note, thanking her for looking after me and explaining where I’d gone. The walk home was slow. By the time I reached my room, I was already worn out, but I went straight for my uniform. After the lycans took control, they enforced strict rules for humans—including what we wore. Gray long-sleeved shirts with high collars, gray pants, and black flats. Wolves could wear whatever they liked. Personal expression, they said, was a “privilege” of the dominant species. Once, a girl at school asked to wear a skirt. The punishment they gave her was humiliating enough that no one’s dared to ask since. When I finally dressed, I headed out. The 20-minute walk to school took nearly 30. By the time I reached the human entrance, I was late. “Name and year,” the lycan on duty barked, his eyes cold. I dropped my gaze automatically— submission was expected. “Liora Vale, senior year.” He tapped something into his tablet, then suddenly grabbed my arm. Without warning, he pressed a needle into my skin, injecting the daily serum they claimed kept us “safe.” “Get to class. One more late mark and you’ll be doing gym.” Humans weren’t allowed in wolf gym classes—it was basically volunteering to get hurt. “Got it,” I muttered without thinking. His glare told me my tone hadn’t gone unnoticed. “Get moving, before I decide to escort you myself,” he warned. I didn’t argue. I hurried toward the human wing, keeping my head down. When I reached the classroom, I knocked and waited. All eyes turned to me as I stepped inside. “Liora? Why are you even here?” someone asked. I gave a tired smile toward Mr. Harlow. “Sorry I’m late.” He shook his head. “Take a seat. And you don’t need to apologize.” I nodded, grateful for his understanding. “What happened yesterday, Liora?” I sighed. “My little brother, Rhett, got into trouble with the Alpha. It was either him or me.” “Where was your mom?” Kayla asked from the front, her gaze drifting to the mark on her own neck. “None of your business,” I shot back before I could stop myself. “Liora!” Mr. Harlow’s voice was sharp. I clenched my jaw. There was only one thing I disliked more than the lycans—the humans who sided with them. Kayla used to be my friend. That changed the day the pack’s beta singled her out. Within days, she bore his mark and started sitting with the other mated humans. They got better treatment—special clothes, meals with wolves—but they were no longer one of us. “Liora, we didn’t choose this!” Kayla’s voice wavered. “A wolf can’t mark someone without their consent,” I said flatly. “You said yes.” “I hope you get a mate,” she whispered, tears in her eyes. “Then you’ll understand.” I met her gaze without flinching. “If one of them ever tried, I’d rather be gone than bound to them.” Gasps echoed through the room, but I didn’t take it back. “Don’t talk like that,” Mr. Harlow said firmly. After a tense silence, he tried to move on. “No one here is going to harm themselves. Let’s get back to the lesson.” But my patience was already fraying. “They threatened a child,” I snapped, standing abruptly. “They humiliated me in front of the whole town for protecting my brother. What’s the point of following their rules if they punish us anyway?” Zane stood beside me, followed by half the class. The mated ones stayed seated. “Enough,” Mr. Harlow said. “I’m on your side, but this isn’t how we fight back.” I rolled my eyes but sat. Before more could be said, the intercom crackled. The principal’s voice came through: “Humans, tomorrow the Alpha twins celebrate their birthday. All students will be lined up to greet them. Mated humans will stand at the front of each line, by year. That is all.” The room buzzed with talk. “We haven’t had a gathering since the Alpha King visited three years ago,” Zane said. I scowled. “They’re turning seventeen. Perfect chance to pick out their mates. The second they choose you, your life changes forever—and not for the better.” Not me. I’d never be claimed. I’d grow old free, and love on my own terms. No one was going to take that dream away from me. Chapter 3 Liora’s POV “Mom? I’m home!” I called as soon as I stepped inside. She came rushing down the stairs, wrapping me in a tight embrace before I could even set my bag down. Her shoulders shook with quiet sobs. “Liora, I’m so sorry about yesterday. I stayed with you for hours, but you weren’t waking up. I had to get back to Rhett.” I stood there stiffly. I’ve never been one for hugs, and my mom… well, she feels everything a little too strongly. “I’m okay,” I said quietly. She loosened her hold, wiping at her eyes. “Your dad would be proud of the young woman you’re becoming.” I offered a small smile and turned toward the stairs, but she called after me. “I made your favorite.” The scent from the kitchen confirmed it—beef broth. A rare treat. She must have traded for the ingredients. “Thanks, Mom.” Our relationship has never been simple. She’s gentle, cautious, and always leans toward keeping her head down. I… don’t. She wanted a soft, girly daughter, and instead she got me—loud, stubborn, and always ready to push back. “Lio!” Rhett’s voice rang out just before he jumped into my arms from halfway up the stairs. “Oof—careful,” I said, wincing as the pressure hit my back. “Sorry!” he giggled. I set him down and followed him to the dining table. My mom came in holding two steaming bowls. But her expression shifted when her eyes dropped to my back. “Your bandage…” she murmured. I reached behind me. Sure enough, the fabric felt damp. “Guess I’ll need the nurse again after we eat.” “I’ll help,” she offered quickly, setting the bowls down. I hesitated, then gave a small nod. “Alright. Thanks.” We ate together, Rhett telling us about his day. It almost felt normal. Afterward, I sat on the small stool in the storage room while Rhett worked on homework nearby. Mom came in with a bowl of warm water and fresh bandages. She unwrapped the old ones slowly, her face tightening as she worked. “This… is more than I thought,” she said softly. “I’m fine,” I replied, avoiding her gaze. Her voice wavered. “I should have protected you.” And there it was—mentioning Dad again. Every time, like it would change something. “Stop,” I said, sharper than I intended. “He’s gone. He didn’t have to live in this world. We do.” She pressed her lips together and focused on rewrapping the bandage. The water stung against my skin, but I kept quiet, breathing through it. When she finished, she tied the cloth snugly. “Please, keep your head down this week. You can’t afford another run-in.” I didn’t answer. Just walked over to ruffle Rhett’s hair. “Night, squirt.” “Night, Lio,” he grinned. Upstairs, I closed my door and lay face-down on my bed. The weight of the day settled in all at once. I buried my face in the pillow, letting the tears come quietly. No one could know—not Mom, not Rhett. They needed me to be the strong one. She was right, though. I had to keep out of trouble for a while. One more push too far, and I might not get back up. Chapter 4 Liora’s POV After what felt like the longest night of my life, we were finally lined up in the school hallway for the arrival of the Alpha twins. “Mine!” The word cut through the air like a strike of lightning. Silence fell instantly, every senior going rigid. Zane and I were near the back of the human line, while the mated students stood at the very front across from their wolf counterparts—like some strange, controlled parade. Thalia walked with deliberate confidence, her gaze fixed on Zane. She stopped directly in front of him. His eyes darted to me, silently asking what to do. “Look at me, mate,” she said smoothly. He hesitated, but at her command, he finally met her eyes. I caught a glimpse of the intensity in her gaze before two wolves stepped forward, grabbing him by the arms and pulling him away. “Hey!” The word burst from me before I could think. Every head turned toward me just as Theron—Thalia’s twin—closed the distance. “I know who you are,” he said coldly. “You were disciplined two days ago.” “And?” I shot back. “I also heard about your little speech in class yesterday.” My eyes scanned the line until they found Kayla, who avoided my gaze. “You told them?” I accused. Before I could say more, Theron’s fist connected with my cheek. Gasps rippled down the hallway. That was it. I planted my feet and met his eyes. “You don’t even know what disrespect means.” I swung at him. He dodged, but my follow-up kick caught him off guard, making him step back. “You actually hit me,” he said, more surprised than angry. He brushed off his shirt and turned away. “Everyone, get to class.” “What about Zane?!” I shouted after him. “He’s my sister’s mate now,” Theron said simply. “He belongs with her.” Later, in science, the tension lingered. Mrs. Violet gave me a sharp look. “What were you thinking, Liora?” I glanced at Zane’s empty seat. “I was thinking he’s wrong. Humans aren’t property.” The room went still. Speaking like that about an alpha was dangerous. A knock came at the door, and Kayla entered with her usual group. They chatted with the teacher, and I couldn’t help but make a pointed remark about their outdated ideas of “lineage.” The looks I got told me I’d crossed another invisible line. By the time we were called to the gym for an assembly, I already knew where this was headed. “First, congratulations to the alpha twins on finding their mates,” the principal announced. Then came the reminder of the New Order’s anniversary and the Alpha King’s upcoming visit. Finally, names were called for “disciplinary reinforcement.” Tony went first, followed by Kara. Then— “Liora Vale.” I walked forward without hesitation. “You attacked an alpha?” the principal demanded. “Technically, no,” I said. “He hasn’t taken the title yet.” That was enough to make the principal’s expression darken. He ordered the security wolves forward. They restrained me while he pulled back my sleeve. Instead of the usual lecture or formal mark against my record, he decided to make an example of me. Theron spoke up suddenly. “This isn’t necessary. She can’t hurt me.” But the principal ignored him, delivering a punishment meant to humiliate. When he stepped back, I glanced at my arm—now bearing a message I didn’t choose. The crowd murmured, some in shock. “This is what happens when a human dares to rebel,” the principal said. I lifted my chin. “I’d rather be called that than be anything like you. At least I know who I am. Can you say the same?” Gasps spread through the room. Without waiting for permission, I walked straight down the aisle and out the doors. No more bending to their rules. The day their control slips, I’ll be ready. Chapter 5 Liora’s POV “Easy! Not so rough,” I hissed as the school nurse applied antiseptic to my arm. “If you’d just kept quiet, this wouldn’t have happened,” she said—not unkindly, but with a firmness that told me she’d said it before. I turned my head toward the window, watching clouds drift in the pale afternoon sky. “Like I said, I’m proud to be human.” My hands tightened into fists as she started wrapping the bandage. “Now everyone knows exactly what I am.” It had been hours since the scene in the gym. I’d tried rinsing the wound, but it wouldn’t stop bleeding. Eventually, someone sent me here. “You’re impossible,” she muttered. “Could you just once stay out of trouble?” The nurse was a wolf—but unlike most, she wasn’t cruel. She believed in equality, in something better. “I’ve been trying to avoid trouble,” I said flatly. “But it doesn’t matter. They’ll humiliate me anyway.” Her voice lowered. “The pack council even discussed… more permanent punishment. You need to be careful. For your family’s sake.” So they saw me as enough of a threat to talk about removing me entirely. A grim kind of compliment. “Well… I’m flattered,” I said with dry sarcasm. She tied off the bandage neatly. I stood, pulling down my sleeve. “I’m serious, Liora,” she said, but I was already heading for the door. By the time I got home, I was dreading the conversation that awaited me. “Lio, why’d you say that?” Rhett asked over dinner, cheeks puffed out with bread. “Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Mom told him. “I said it because it’s the truth,” I replied. “The wolf race is a pathetic excuse for a—” “Liora!” Mom’s voice cut like a whip. “They have ears everywhere. One more word like that and you’re grounded.” “What more can they do? They’ve already ticked every box.” I slammed my hand on the table, instantly regretting it when pain shot through my arm. Mom’s eyes narrowed. “What was that?” “Nothing,” I said quickly. But when I tried to walk away, she grabbed my forearm. My sleeve shifted, and the edge of the bandage showed—already spotted with red. Her expression shifted from irritation to fear. “What happened?” “It’s nothing. A school accident,” I lied. “Liora…” “Fine!” I snapped. “It was from the assembly. I spoke out, and this was the punishment.” Her breath caught. “They… marked you?” I sighed. “They carved the words ‘human scum.’ That’s the whole point—they want everyone to see.” She muttered, “You’re just like your father,” and I wasn’t sure if it was meant as praise or warning. Later, I went upstairs—only to stop cold in my doorway. Laid neatly on my bed was the new uniform. The trousers were the same as always. But the shirt? High-neck, sleeveless. Every other human uniform had sleeves. This wasn’t a mistake. They wanted the mark on display. They wanted every person I passed to be reminded of my place, to see me as they’d labeled me. And that label was now a part of me—whether I wanted it or not. Chapter 6 Liora’s POV The past week had been… exhausting. In class, I spoke out constantly—loud, unapologetic. I had something sharp to say to almost everyone, human or wolf. It didn’t matter to me what the consequences were. I hadn’t seen Zane once since Thalia claimed him. And now, today, was the day of the royal visit. The wolves and their mated humans had been in a frenzy all week, polishing floors, pressing clothes, practicing smiles. The rest of us? We’d rather disappear into the floorboards. “Liora, you’re going to be late!” Mom’s voice carried up the stairs. She was right. I’d been dragging my feet, staring into my mirror for far too long. My eyes landed on the brand. The skin around the carved letters was still tender, still bruised, but it had begun to heal. I grabbed my bag, went downstairs, and found Mom helping Rhett into his jacket. “You ready, sport?” I asked, giving his hand a squeeze. He nodded, grinning. “Remember what I said,” Mom warned, eyes serious. “Don’t upset the king.” She’d been saying it all week. Everyone seemed to think I was going to do something reckless. And… maybe they weren’t entirely wrong. Still, even I knew better than to provoke the king. If he decided to make an example of me, no one would intervene. My plan was simple: stay out of his way. I dropped Rhett off at his school, watching as he got his daily neutralizer injection, then headed to mine. With my scar on full display in the sleeveless uniform they’d “assigned” me, I walked through the gates. The stares started immediately—some pity, others smugness. Every other unmated human wore long sleeves. Just me? Bare-armed. And then I turned the corner. Thalia and Zane were there—practically glued together. My stomach twisted. “What the hell, Zane?!” He pulled away from her, looking startled. He was dressed to match her perfectly. I shook my head and walked past, but his footsteps followed. “Liora, wait—” “She marked you?” I asked, already knowing the answer. “Forget it. Don’t even say anything.” I sped up, but he cut in front of me. “Kayla was right,” he said. “It’s almost impossible to resist a soulmate.” I kept moving, ignoring him until we reached the classroom. Sliding into my usual seat, I pointed across the room. “Traitors sit over there.” His eyes widened. “You can’t be serious.” I didn’t answer. I just started my notes. “Liora, please—” I didn’t look up. “Kayla was right,” he said again, softer this time. “If you keep pushing people away, one day you won’t have anyone left.” He muttered something under his breath and walked away. Mr. Harlow came in, glancing between us, clearly noticing the empty space where Zane used to sit. But he didn’t ask. “As you know, the king will arrive shortly. Until then, we proceed with lessons,” he said. When he mentioned the mated students leading their year’s line, my name came next. “…and Liora, due to your recent branding—” “Back of the line. Got it,” I cut in. He gave me a look that was part apology, part warning. I ignored both. The rest of class passed in a blur. When the bell rang for lunch, I was the first out the door. Today wasn’t about making a stand. Today was about surviving. Chapter 7 Liora’s POV I wandered through the corridors and into the lunch hall. Most of the people I’d usually sit with had already been claimed, so I grabbed my food quickly and made my way to the far end of the human tables. The lunchroom was split like two different worlds. One side—ours—had long, rigid benches and dull metal trays. The other side was all round tables, cushioned chairs, and polished cutlery. Wolves and their mated humans sat there, enjoying real food, sparkling drinks, even dessert. I’d have given a lot for a simple pudding cup. “Liora, can we talk?” Zane slid onto the bench beside me. His plate wasn’t a tray at all—it was a pristine white dish, complete with silverware. The food smelled incredible, and I didn’t resist swiping a small forkful. “You’ve got two minutes,” I said. He leaned in slightly. “After I left school, I was taken to the pack house with Thalia. We talked. I got to know her. Eventually, I accepted the bond. Since then, life’s been… different. Better, even.” I cut him off with a small wave. “If you’re happy, good. But that doesn’t mean I’m fine with what you chose. You’ve crossed over, Zane. I can’t pretend otherwise.” The hurt in his eyes was obvious, but before he could respond, a low growl cut through the room. Thalia was standing by the drink station, glaring in our direction. Her tone was sharp. “You sit with me now. Away from her.” I met Zane’s eyes. “Go on. Be with your new world. But don’t act like you didn’t turn your back on mine.” I stood and left the cafeteria without looking back. On my way to Mr. Harlow’s classroom, I caught voices around the corner. “…is it wise for her to be here when the king arrives? Perhaps a few days in the dungeon would… adjust her attitude,” the principal said. “If she crosses a line,” another voice replied—deep, commanding, and unmistakably the district’s Alpha—“I’ll see to it personally. She’s been a problem from the start. One wrong move, and she’ll learn her place.” They were talking about me. I took a step back—and collided with someone. I hit the floor and looked up… and froze. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with eyes so sharp they felt like they could see straight through me. And for a brief, suspended moment, we just stared. “Mate,” he said quietly, almost like it was only meant for himself. My stomach dropped. I’d heard that word enough to know exactly what it meant. “No,” I whispered under my breath, scrambling to my feet. He took a step toward me, but I was already moving. I bolted down the hallway, his footsteps and low growl echoing behind me. I didn’t stop until I pushed through the lunch hall doors, breath quick and uneven. He didn’t follow. The bell rang soon after, and I blended into the tide of students heading to our next class. Mrs. Violet’s room was buzzing with activity. Everyone was fixing their clothes, straightening hair - clearly, word had spread. “The king arrived during lunch,” she announced. “In five minutes, you’ll be in formation. Heads down, uniforms straight. No mistakes.” I stayed slouched in my chair until we were marched into the corridor, where humans and wolves faced each other in two long lines. At the far end, next to the principal, stood a man wearing a crown. The King of the Wolves. He moved slowly down the rows, greeting students and speaking briefly with the Alpha twins. Everything was going as expected—until Barbara, the girl beside me, sneezed. The king’s gaze snapped toward us. His eyes locked with mine. His expression changed— recognition, then certainty. I lowered my head immediately, but it was too late. “Mate,” he said, his voice carrying down the entire hall. My eyes lifted before I could stop myself. It was him. The wolf I’d bumped into moments earlier. The King. And in front of everyone, he had just claimed me as his mate. Oh… no. 😍Click to continue reading https://www.thenovelo.app/en/landing/a