Fated and Claimed by Four Alphas

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~Author's POV~

Serissa didn't need to turn to confirm it. She felt it. The change in the air. The chill settled in the corners of the hallway. The sudden silence of even the maids down the hall.

A moment later, the deep, familiar cadence of her father's voice echoed again, closer this time.

"Face me when I speak to you."

Serissa turned slowly, her fingers clenching and unclenching.

And there he stood—King Apex Winter.

Cloaked in gold-trimmed royal black, his crown a subtle glint of iron and obsidian resting on his brow. His expression was unreadable as ever, regal and sharp.

One couldn't tell if he was furious, pleased or just watching.

Stella dropped into a deep, immediate curtsy beside her. Serissa inclined her head respectfully, eyes meeting her father's with careful calm.

"You seem… troubled," King Alaric said after a long pause, his voice deceptively quiet. "Was your mother not satisfactory company?"

"She was… her usual self," Serissa replied tightly.

King Alaric raised one brow. "Ah."

He began descending the stairs slowly as his gaze never left her.

"I assume your return means your assessments are over?"

"Yes, Father."

"And you've come regarding the witch."

Serissa straightened. "You know?"

"I know everything that happens in this palace," he said coolly, and finally came to a stop in front of her. "You're my daughter, Serissa. You don't think I'd monitor the details of your discomfort?"

A flicker of something like shame passed through her features. "Father, I…"

His tone was neutral but uncruel, just as matter-of-fact as he cut in. "I trust your mother has made the proper arrangements," he added.

"She did. Tomorrow evening."

"Then rest until then." His gaze swept briefly to Stella before settling on Serissa once more. "And perhaps next time, do not raise your voice in a chamber that isn't yours."

Her throat tightened. "Yes, Father."

"Good, and next time, behave like a proper princess and never disrespect any Alphas just because of your rank."

Without him saying much, Serissa turned towards Alpha Vox and dipped her head. "My apologies, Alpha. I shall remember His Majesty's teachings next time."

"All is forgiven, child."

Serissa's lips twitched at how he addressed her. Still, when she lifted her head, all she had were smiles on her face.

The king nodded once and turned, his robe sweeping behind him as he walked past Alpha Vox, who followed at a respectful distance.

It wasn't until both men had disappeared beyond the arching doorway that Serissa finally breathed again.

Stella's voice came hesitantly beside her. "Your Highness, are you alright?"

Serissa didn't answer at first, but when she did, her voice sounded tired. "I will be."

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~Spring's POV~

Saturday Morning—Rhys' Mansion

"I am thankful for another day, Jade," I groaned as I rose from my bed, stretching with a tired sigh.

My joints ached just slightly, the familiar fatigue of a long academic week still clinging to my limbs.

Somehow, the school's test week had been more uneventful than I imagined. Unlike the emotional chaos of the week before, this one passed with a strange, almost suspicious calm.

No fights. No threats. Just pencils scratching against paper and gossip drifting through the air like sleepy lullabies.

But despite the dull pace, I had something else to look forward to—something my heart couldn't stop fluttering over.

Tonight, I had a date with Storm.

Just thinking his name made something warm bloom inside my chest.

It had happened yesterday, just after my final test. I'd been laughing with Chloe and the girls during lunch break, basking in that sweet, delicious moment of academic freedom, when I felt his presence.

That unmistakable aura enveloped me like a pressure and warmth. I turned to find him walking toward me—his steps slow, gaze unwavering, as if I were the only thing he saw in the world.

"Can I talk to you for a moment?" he asked, his voice low but clear, cutting through the chatter around us.

I blinked, glancing at the others before nodding and following him. We stepped away, just the two of us, until we reached the balcony that overlooked the east garden.

The breeze ruffled his hair slightly, golden strands catching the sunlight like spun fire.

He turned to me, keeping his face neutral at first. "I've been thinking," he began, but his straight face almost made me laugh. "About everything. About you."

My pulse quickened. My lips parted, but I said nothing. I let him speak.

He inhaled slowly, then looked at me fully. "Would you go on a date with me? This Saturday. Seven p.m."

I'd smiled—so much my cheeks hurt—and said yes without hesitation.

Now, back in my room, the memory still left a slow grin stretching across my face.

Tonight was our night, and deep down, I couldn't wait.

The soft aroma of freshly brewed coffee floated through the morning air as sunlight poured in through the open windows of my room.

Saturday mornings were meant to be sacred. Quiet, peaceful, and for once, I had that.

The sound of birdsong drifted in from the open window, mingling with the faint scent of fresh coffee and Rhys's overly pristine furniture polish.

At once, I knew Rhys' head maid had prepared coffee for us. I stood up from the bed, went to wash my face and brush my teeth, and then, after gently wiping my face clean, I headed downstairs.

I met her halfway with the coffee on a tray and took it from her.

I stood barefoot in the living room, still in one of Rhys' oversized T-shirts that I had stolen from him, my mug cradled between both hands.

My hair was a mess, but I felt… oddly okay. This house—clean, modern, and too quiet—was starting to feel like a safe pocket between worlds.

I sipped, sighed, and thought about how blissfully uneventful everything had been—until the doorbell rang.

It was loud and sudden, jolting me like a slap of cold air.

I stared at the door, hesitating. Who even visited people this early on a Saturday? Still half-asleep, I padded to the entrance and opened it.

And there she was.

Tall. Perfectly dressed. Not a strand of her silky black hair out of place. Her makeup was subtle but expensive, her blazer too sharp for this hour.

Her eyes scanned me, from the bare legs to the mug to the stolen T-shirt I hadn't thought twice about.

Then she smiled, the kind of smile that never reached the eyes.

"I'm River," she said in a smooth, velvety voice with a hint of frost underneath. "Rhys's girlfriend."

I blinked. And blinked again.

Girlfriend?