The Alpha's Secret Blood Oath

The awful scent of blood has a way of always lingering in the air and contaminating the surroundings when death is somewhat close.

Tonight was not different, it even smelled thicker. Richer than I can remember. It was more of the fate of sharpening its claws.

I had found my hiding, crouched behind the terrifying sight of the crumbling walls of the assigned Omega quarters. The cold winds weren't merciful either. Rather, they sliced cruelly through my thin but overworked - out dress. The full moon had appeared now, hanging above as it cast a silver-lining shadow across the courtyard, exactly the spot where the Alpha's heartless guards insensitively dragged another yet broken soul into the midday of their gathering.

It was another awful sight to behold, another execution. And as I stood watching from a distance, I got reminded yet again that Omegas, just like me, had no value in the pack, we never mattered.

But tonight, something different happened, and it mattered.

This was not a special occasion, it was because the great Alpha himself had dimmed me fit to be summoned.

It was none other than Alpha Kael Draven.

At first, just hearing the name alone made me shiver, and my heart tightened. Stories flew from poles to pillars, rumors of his legendary; how he brutally murdered his own fated mate. However, after committing the sin, the Moon Goddess in fury cursed him. How the curse drove him to rule over the Shadow Keep without mercy, like a dying king whose throne faces extinction.

No one since then has had any need for an Omega. It has always been the case when a servant is needed or used asa sacrifice for the renewal of a covenant.

My fingers on their own curled in fear around the edges of the remains of my skirt. I should run, I suppose, at least to remain alive. Disappear deep into the thick forest and never attempt looking back. But my legs betrayed me, they wouldn't move despite all I narrated.

I kept hearing a deep voice within me, whispering that I should be calm and not run:

There is no need for alarm, take this chance of yours!

I was totally confused. What chance is that all about? A chance at survival? Will I finally be free? Or would new powers be apportioned to me?

Or worst of all, death is calling?

The guards had appeared swiftly, not giving me any room to collect my thoughts, their stares piecing but blank. "The Alpha awaits your arrival."

Alpha Kael is waiting for me.

I was dumbfounded, lifting my chin to steady my posture. "Kindly take the lead."

The Shadow Keep was still a few meters away, there were black stone, jagged towers standing high in the night sky. It is a perfect castle for harboring a monster.

My footsteps were the only noise I could hear as it echoed through the quiet halls. The throne room was cold, emitting wickedness, and empty except for his presence.

The great Alpha Kael Draven, ruler of Shadow Keep.

He sat like an immovable figure on the throne, and one could quickly think the shadows themselves kept bent in that position. He was tall, very huge and still. Not forgetting how dangerous he is. His silver eyes radiating as the moonlight became full. On close examination, I observed his coldness, his calculating nature and curly black hair all fitting his facial appearance, not forgetting the scar on his collarbone, returning deep into his shirt.

The room immediately shrieked to an unrecognizable size as those eyes roamed and pinned me in place.

"The one and only Selene Vale."

My precious name on his lips was strange, it sounded more like a sentence. Who knows the type of sentence?

"Yes, my Alpha and my lord." My voice surprised me as it barely wavered.

He rose from his great throne.

I felt a ripple of intimidating power sweep through the room, all in resonance with each step he took toward me. The air became thinner. My wolf vibrated, all of my beings stirring up for submission.

But I made no effort to bow.

His brow arched slightly. Was it amusement? Or was he warning me?

"Do you have any idea why I summoned your presence?" His voice came out surprisingly smooth, way too smooth to comprehend. It was exactly like silk soaked over a blade.

"No, I don't have any idea" I said. "But I strongly doubt it would call for rejoicing."

A smirk plastered on the corner of his lips, it was cold and very sharp. "You're very right, you said the truth. "I am in deep need of something which only you happen to hold the key to."

My stomach turned uncontrollably. "What exactly could a great Alpha possibly be in or from an ordinary Omega like me?"

He moved closer to me, ensuring to stop a few inches away, but his huge form was already towering over me. As he moved closer, I could perceive the scent of pine mixed with something cruel, something darker, maybe an iron or perhaps, power.

"A contract, for a specific time" he whispered in my ear. "It won't be any type of contract, it's a blood oath."

I stiffened in fear. Blood oaths have always been sacred. Not only that, it is very dangerous as it binds the parties involved.

"Why did you choose me?" I demanded before I could stop myself. "As the Alpha, you have the liberty to choose anyone..."

His silver eyes became unreasonable. For a split second, I thought I noticed something different from his usual cruel self, maybe pain, or something relatable to regret, or hunger.

"You'll soon understand everything."

My pulse skyrocketed, thundering continuously, non-stop.

This isn't fair, he wasn't going to give me a choice.

A contract involving blood oaths? With not just anyone, but the Alpha?

My mind was no longer at peace. The birthmark, which is crescent-shaped, sitting in a balanced position on my back suddenly burned in memory. It was a symbol of bloodlines, a sign long forgotten and buried. It is of royal blood. The kind which should for no reason be disclosed to anyone.

Why choose me for this exercise?

Alpha Kael Draven moved back, just a few inches enough for breathing, but never breaking eye contact.

"The contract is a privilege many are looking for. This won't only give you protection, you will have all the power you could ever wish for, freedom to soar beyond these restricted walls. Accept, and you will have no reason to regret this decision. Your fate won't remain the same ever again."

"And what if I choose to reject the offer?" I asked, fighting to keep a fearless face.

The Alpha only smiled, it came out slow, but very dangerous, and I knew without being told the implication.

"It pleased me to inform you, dear little wolf, there are worse things that could happen other than death. But I'm sure you are wise enough not to refuse."

He leaned closer, his voice a whisper, making me shiver at the voice.

"Because, unlike what you know about yourself, you're not just an ordinary Omega, or are you aware of that?"

I froze immediately.

How did he find out?

No, this is not possible. It's not possible for him to know such information. No one is supposed to find out.

He kept his gaze focused on me, waiting and keenly observing me.

If you finally accept, freedom will be all mine, not to mention the power that follows.

A life that would give me the privilege to go beyond these chains.

Or I can decide to choose a date which will be worse than choosing death.

If anything, the next words would determine my fate and seal my future.

My lips involuntarily parted, as I tried to form the right words.

"I have decided to do it."

Kael's smile widened, obviously turning into a wicked smile.

"Good girl making a good choice."

But what I failed to understand was the moment I agreed to his plan, I had already been trapped by him.

Alpha Kael Draven can't possibly stay without having secrets. He may have something in the contract he didn't want me to know of.

And from years of existence, I have come to know that oaths come with a certain price.

Not just a price, it would be one you never expected, and would never be ready to pay. What would be my case is what I'm yet to know.