“Seize this bastard! King Lee Kang-ryeol wants him dead or alive!” Yells a soldier from the top of his voice as he charges forward on his horse. His men follow suit, chasing the now rogue wolf. The traitor of Kingdom Vornhollow. That’s what he is and always will be.

The bloodied, bruised, barely breathing bastard runs for his worthless life.

‘What a traitor!’  ‘How dare an alpha betray his class!’ ‘Kill this knave!’

Their wretched wishes were little to nothing; they screamed at him as the physical punishments grew harsher by the second. Not only was he whipped by his king, but it seemed like the Moon Goddess took it upon herself to discipline the alpha as well. 

Rain poured down endlessly, the cold droplets beating harshly against his bloodied, battered and bruised back that couldn’t seem to stop oozing the thick, maroon, metallic liquid from the lashes he obtained prior to his escape. His thumping footsteps were far louder than the sound of the whip cracking into the medium and onto his now tainted skin.

The sound of hooves filled his ears, his heart raced faster than the sound of the thunder that cracked in the sky above him. Please, please. It wasn’t me. His mind screamed at him, over and over again, the desperate plea to force himself to believe the truth.

It wasn’t me! They came up with the plan! It wasn’t me! They recruited their clan! It wasn’t me! They over- 

“Halt!” The royal guard commanded, roughly clutching onto his horse’s reign, stopping abruptly which caused the tanned horse to let out an ear piercing neigh. “Let his bastard run, he’s in Lunareth’s territory.” He mocked, hating that kingdom with all his heart. Even the way Lunareth rolled off his tongue made him spit at the traitor that kept running to save his worthless, miserable life.

“Fall back, we’ll report to King Lee that the rogue has been attacked by wolves. Lunareth wouldn’t dare to seek help from us.” The royal guard uttered before he led his men back to Vornhollow, ready to lie carelessly to their merciless king. The men, as ordered, followed the royal guard back to their kingdom where their new fate awaited.

For the rogue, he was so caught up in his thoughts that after tripping over the oak tree’s branch, he realised that he was no longer being chased by the men he once fought alongside. His legs buckled. He fell to his knees, trembling under the weight of both the storm and his fate. His body shivering in the cold, not even his power as an alpha could help him find the warmth in the cold.

He was struggling to catch his breath, his chest heaved up and down and he could feel the way his powers were trying to heal his harsh wounds, but it was taking up too much of the energy he currently lacked. Not to mention, he was far too out of his mind to realise that as the guards of Vornhollow who retreated, there were now the guards of Lunareth who were patrolling. 

Their scents were sour, bitter, and the rogue was far too faint and fatigued to even lift his own muscles to save himself once more. His noirette hair sticking to his sweaty forehead, eyelids heavy as he failed to keep his eyes open, his hands clutching onto his chest that throbbed in pain. 

He crumpled beside the base of the oak tree, leaning heavily against it as the storm continued its merciless assault. 

The cold seeped through his torn, bloody clothes, burrowing into his bones like ice. Every breath was a struggle, his body rattling from the sheer exhaustion that had him on a chokehold. The forest around him blurred, twisted shadows dancing in the corners of his vision.

How ironic. The mighty alpha, reduced to nothing but a shivering, desperate man praying for mercy that would never come.

Please, I didn’t do anything wrong. Someone.. Anyone.. Save me from this hell that I didn’t create.

His desperate pleas repeated in his mind like a broken mantra, he knew what he did yet he was an alpha, not wanting to ever believe that he was in the wrong.

The sound of footsteps rustled nearby, but his heavy-lidded eyes refused to open. Was it Vornhollow? Lunareth’s soldiers? Or perhaps wild beasts lurking for prey? He didn’t care anymore. Let them come. Whether they dragged him to his death or left him to rot beneath this tree mattered little. 

Either way, he would not fight. Not this time.

-

The queen hummed quietly, a soft smile playing on his sweet, plump lips as he inhaled the floral aroma of the tea prepared for him. The porcelain cup, painted delicately with gold filigree, rested lightly in his hand, warm to the touch. The steam curled up lazily, mingling with the faint scent of rose candles and the soft breeze drifting through the window. "Thank you, my dear. You may take your leave," he whispered, voice tender and warm. 

His eyes, dark as molten chocolate, lingered on the servant for just a moment, offering a small nod of gratitude. The servant, a young boy with a nervous yet affectionate smile, bowed deeply before slipping out of the room, the door clicking softly behind him. Silence settled once more, wrapping around the omega like a comforting shawl. He took another breath, savoring the tranquility that so rarely came. 

His eyelids fluttered closed, the long lashes brushing his cheeks as he allowed himself the briefest peace. Stacks of papers lay in neat piles on his desk, whispering demands of his attention, but for now, they could wait. He had decided that work could wait. The peaceful stillness of the moment was worth far more than the urgent scribbles of diplomats or the endless council requests.

Outside the tall arched windows, the gardens of Lunareth stretched out in full bloom, petals heavy with morning dew. The soft chirping of birds intertwined with the rustling leaves, painting a scene of serenity. Yet, as if the universe dared to disrupt his fragile peace, the sky darkened without warning. The distant rumble of thunder echoed ominously, rattling the glass panes. A sudden flash of lightning illuminated the room, followed swiftly by the crack that followed. The queen flinched, his hand tightening around the cup until his knuckles turned pale.

His gaze darted to the storm brewing outside. Swollen grey clouds layered upon one another like blankets of steel, their shadows creeping over the land below. A flicker of concern passed through his heart, coiling tightly around his ribs. Lunareth was a kingdom blessed by the Moon Goddess, yet fragile under the mercy of nature's wrath. He knew all too well that a simple storm could spiral into chaos. The rivers could swell, the fields could flood, and his people, his beloved people, could suffer.

His thoughts drifted to the knights patrolling the borders. Brave and loyal, each one left their homes and families to safeguard the kingdom. He prayed that they would return unharmed, that no tragedy would find them beneath the rain.

With a soft sigh, the queen rose from his chair, careful not to disturb the tea that remained untouched. "Another time," he murmured, though disappointment lingered in his voice. Just as he turned to retreat into the hallway, a sharp knock broke through the quiet. It was frantic, hurried, the sound of knuckles rapping against wood like drumbeats of urgency. Before he could grant permission, the door swung open with force, and a knight stepped in, armor glinting faintly in the dim light.

"Your Majesty," the knight, Seojoon, bowed swiftly, rainwater dripping from his cloak and pooling onto the marble floor.

The omega tensed at another clap of thunder, but his gaze remained steady. "Speak," the queen urged softly, folding his hands before him.

"The patrol team has found a rogue wolf near the southeast borders. He was injured, but alive."

A cold, invisible hand gripped the queen's chest. His heart quickened, pressing hard against his ribcage as if seeking escape. Rogues were not uncommon near the borders, but injured? It rang bells in the queen’s heart, worry enveloping his mind.

 "Thank you, Seojoon. Bring him to the courtroom. Follow procedure, but ensure he is treated with care." The knight's brows furrowed in hesitation but he nodded nonetheless. 

"As you command, Your Majesty."

Seojoon departed swiftly, his heavy boots echoing down the corridor. The queen lingered at the window, hands resting on the sill. His fingers brushed against the petals of white lilies placed delicately in a vase. His gaze lifted to the sky, where the moon struggled to shine behind thick clouds. 

Bowing his head, he whispered a prayer, "Moon Goddess, Our Luna, please protect them all. Let no harm befall this kingdom or those beyond."

The omega wasted no further time. He strode out of his office, not bothering to change from the soft silk robe draped around his slender frame. His long, dark hair cascaded down his back, the strands bouncing gently with each hurried step. The soft fabric of his dress brushed against the cool stone floors, and the faint click of sandals marked his descent down the spiral staircase. Sweat beaded his brow, a combination of urgency and the humid storm air that seeped through the cracks in the castle walls.

By the time he reached the courtroom, the heavy double doors loomed before him, sealed shut. Placing his palms against the smooth wood, he pushed with all his strength, stepping inside. The room was dim, lit only by flickering torches lining the walls. The scent hit him instantly. metallic and sharp, the distinct stench of blood mingled with rain and dirt. His heart seized, but his relief was palpable upon seeing his knights unharmed.

His eyes, however, found the rogue immediately.

The wolf knelt in the center, chains binding his wrists to the floor. His skin, bruised and battered, bore the evidence of hardship. His back was littered with red lash marks, his tattered clothes barely clinging to him, drenched and filthy. A low, wet sob escaped the queen's throat. Despite the necessity of restraint, the sight of the rogue caged and beaten filled him with sorrow.

"Unchain him. Now," the queen commanded, his voice firm, yet trembling with emotion. The knights hesitated but obeyed, releasing the iron binds with swift movements. The rogue collapsed, arms falling limp to his sides. The queen hurried forward, dropping to his knees and cradling the wolf's face with gentle hands.

"Thank you for your vigilance," he spoke softly to his knights. "Now, see to the villagers. Ensure your families are safe tonight."

The knights bowed and departed, leaving the queen alone with the battered wolf. He examined the rogue closely, brushing aside strands of dark hair stuck to his forehead. A strange feeling gnawed at the edges of his mind. Hidden beneath the dirt and blood was the scent, faint, yet undeniable.

Alpha.

The wolf stirred, teeth bared as he snarled instinctively. The queen released a soft pulse of omega pheromones, the calming aura weaving through the air and taming the frightened creature. "Rest easy, little one. You're safe here." But the wolf's eyes snapped open, burning with rage. He growled low, and the queen felt his breath hitch. He can sense the wolf’s bitter scent, the change in mood instantly as he realised that there was no king here.

“Tell me, Alpha,” the queen’s voice was soft, but his gaze was anything but gentle. Cold, blue eyes gleamed like ice under the silver moonlight, fixed on the ragged creature kneeling before him. “Your name.”

"Ryu Minjae," the wolf growled, his gaze flicking to the armed guards who still lingered in the shadows. 

“Do you know where you are? Do you know who I am?” The queen questioned, hands now dropped to his sides, slender fingers gently tracing the wounds that littered the alpha’s skin. Minjae was so close to leaning into the omega’s touch, but he fought against it. He shook his head no, and he answered truthfully, he genuinely didn’t know where he was, who found him or who was speaking to him.

“I am Seo Hanuel, the Queen of Lunareth.” Taehyung answered softly, his chocolate eyes peering into Minjae’s raven ones. Their breaths mingled for a moment, Minjae’s weak frame shivered as Haneul moved his warm hand onto his cold, bloody chest. Their hearts thumped louder than the sound of the thunder rumbling outside.

“You are in my kingdom, you bow to me, you obey me, my word is law.” Hanuel mutters loud enough for Minjae to hear, yet the more the alpha listens to the omega’s words that sounds like smooth silk, he feels like he’s closer to heaven. The heat of his touch, the gentleness of his actions, the softness of his voice, the warmth of his gaze and the concern of his emotions drove the alpha closer to the brink of insanity.

“Yes, your majesty. Anything for you.” The alpha answered submissively, before his eyes fluttered shut, he allowed himself to lay in the omega’s embrace as the queen openly welcomed it to him. And for the first time in his life, twenty seven years of barely surviving, he felt like he was finally given a chance to live.

-

creator's note:

hi everyone, it's dumpy, i hope you evjoy my story <3