The Alpha's Human Maid

Hazel had wandered the palace halls for what felt like the hundredth time that morning. The corridors, no matter how grand, all looked the same: polished stone floors, tall windows, and portraits of Night Walker Alphas staring down as if judging her every step. Her fingers brushed along the walls, tracing the cold carvings, but even the walls felt empty.

"I'm so bored," she muttered under her breath, kicking at the tip of her slipper.

Alessia, who had been quietly observing from the doorway, grinned. "Bored, are we?" she said, stepping closer. "Then I have the perfect plan."

Hazel tilted her head, curious but cautious. "What plan?"

Alessia's eyes sparkled with mischief. "We sneak out. Just for a little while. There's a river at the outskirts of the park. You'll love it."

Hazel froze. Memories of her parents flooded her mind-the river where they had spent her birthdays, throwing flowers into the water, laughing as the sunlight danced on the waves. Her heart tightened with longing. "I... I want to go," she admitted softly, "but... maybe we should ask your dad first."

Alessia rolled her eyes playfully. "Hazel, don't worry! We'll only be gone a little while. No one will even notice. Trust me!"

Hazel hesitated for a moment, the weight of obedience pressing against her curiosity. Alessia grabbed her hand and tugged gently. "Come on. For me. For a bit of adventure."

Before she could think further, Hazel found herself nodding. "Okay... but only for a little while," she whispered, a nervous smile tugging at her lips.

The path to the river was winding and quiet. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, creating patterns that danced across the forest floor. Hazel's heart pounded with excitement and fear. Every shadow made her glance over her shoulder, but Alessia's laughter, light and carefree, eased her tension.

When they arrived, the river sparkled like a ribbon of liquid silver under the sun. Hazel's chest tightened as she stepped closer, toes brushing the cool water. Memories came rushing back: her parents' laughter, the feel of mud between her fingers, the smell of wet grass after rain.

"I can't believe it's really here," Hazel said softly, kneeling to touch the water.

Alessia crouched beside her, watching the ripples. "I knew you'd love it. Come on, let's play!"

And they did. They skipped stones, splashed water at each other, and ran along the riverbank, the sound of their laughter echoing in the clearing. Alessia's hands worked deftly as she braided Hazel's thick, wavy hair, teasing her gently.

"Your hair is... like silk," Alessia said, running her fingers through the braid. "It's beautiful, Hazel. No wonder everyone stares at you."

Hazel flushed, unsure how to respond. "I... I don't think it's that special," she murmured, tugging at the braid shyly.

Alessia smirked. "Oh, come on. Even Asher can't keep his eyes off you sometimes. I see the way he looks."

Hazel's heart skipped. She looked down at the water, embarrassed and unsure if she wanted to admit that she had noticed too. "H-He's... just... careful," she stammered.

Alessia laughed, teasing but affectionate. "Sure, sure. Careful. That's one way to put it."

Time slipped away unnoticed, and Hazel felt almost like herself again, a child free from grief and rules, laughing beside someone who had become her sister in every way that mattered.

"I think we should head back soon," Hazel said, glancing toward the palace in the distance.

Alessia shook her head stubbornly. "No way. Not yet! I want to stay a bit longer. Just a little. Please?"

Hazel hesitated, torn between obedience and the rare warmth of freedom. "Okay... a little longer," she finally agreed.

Then chaos struck.

Shouts tore through the quiet of the forest. Shadows moved faster than the eye could follow, and a cold sense of danger froze Hazel in place. She barely had time to scream before hands grabbed her, strong and unyielding, pulling her away from the riverbank.

"Hazel!" Alessia cried, lunging forward-but just as quickly, she froze, fear gripping her.

"No! Run!" Hazel's voice broke as rogue figures surrounded them. Alessia hesitated only for a moment before turning, her instinct for survival overpowering the need to stay. She sprinted into the trees, leaving Hazel behind.

Hazel struggled against the arms that bound her, panic clawing at her chest. "Let go of me!" she shouted, but her cries were swallowed by the night.

The river, the laughter, the fleeting moments of freedom-all of it vanished in the blink of an eye.

Hazel was captured.

And the world she had just begun to call home became a cage.