Zoya's maids scrubbed Lakshmi raw. Their rough hands peeled off her torn dress and dumped scalding water over her cuts. She bit her tongue hard, refusing to cry out. Don't let them win.
"Pathetic," one maid muttered, yanking a comb through Lakshmi's tangled hair. "The Alpha King's never kept a human. She'll be dead by dawn."
The other giggled. "Maybe he'll rip her throat out during the inspection"
Lakshmi stared at the wall, her hands gripping Meera's doll under the bathwater. Survive. For them.
The doors slammed open. Zoya strode in, her antler crown glinting. The maids froze.
"Out," Zoya said.
They scrambled away. Zoya circled the tub, her red silk robe trailing. "You look better clean. Less like a sewer rat."
Lakshmi didn't look up. "Why am I here?"
Zoya laughed. "You're joining the harem today. All women who catch Kael's eye get… inspected." Her nail traced the scar on Lakshmi's arm—the crest she'd carved herself. "He likes scars. But don't worry. I'll make you presentable"
She snapped her fingers. Two warriors dragged in a trunk, spilling silks and jewels onto the floor. Zoya held up a sheer black gown, slit to the hip. "Wear this. Let him see your legs."
Lakshmi stood, water sloshing. "I'd rather walk naked. Less itchy."
Zoya's smile sharpened. "Oh, little queen. You think you have a choice?" She tossed the dress at Lakshmi's face. "Put it on. Or I'll burn that doll."
*
The harem hall smelled like cheap perfume and sweat. Dozens of women lined the walls—shifters with glowing eyes, a trembling winged fae, a warrior with snake scales. All wore thin gowns, their bodies on display.
A wolf-eyed girl snarled as Lakshmi entered. "Human trash. You'll die first."
Lakshmi smirked. "At least I'll die interesting."
Zoya shoved her into line. "Stand straight. Don't speak unless he asks." She leaned close. "And smile. He hates cowards."
Lakshmi raised an eyebrow. "Does he hate bad jokes too?"
Zoya didn't answer.
Drums boomed. The doors crashed open.
Alpha Kael walked in.
He wore no shirt, his scars rippling like maps of old wars. The women swayed, some fluttering lashes, others baring their necks. Like a pack of hungry vultures, Lakshmi thought.
Kael stopped at the first girl—a brunette with claws. She purred, trailing a hand down his chest. He gripped her wrist, sniffed her skin, then shoved her away. "Weak."
Guards dragged the girl out. Lakshmi's pulse spiked. What happens to the weak?
He moved down the line. Rejected a shifter for trembling. Bit a fae's shoulder, then tossed her aside when she screamed. The wolf-eyed girl stepped forward, chin high.
"My Alpha," she crooned.
He backhanded her. She crumpled against the wall, unconscious. "Too loud."
Zoya clicked her tongue. "Harsh today, husband."
Kael ignored her. His gaze landed on Lakshmi.
She stopped breathing.
He stalked closer, heat rolling off him. His fingers dug into her jaw, forcing her head up. She glared, refusing to blink. Do it. Kill me.
His thumb brushed her split lip—the one Varun had given her. A growl rumbled in his chest. "Who hurt you?"
The hall froze. Even Zoya stiffened.
Lakshmi clenched her fists. "A dead man walking."
His eyes burned gold. For a second, she thought he'd hit her. Instead, he leaned down, inhaling at her throat. "Liar," he muttered. "You're still afraid of him."
"I'm afraid of you" she spat.
Wrong answer.
He yanked her against him, his hand sliding up the gown's slit to grip her bare thigh. The women gasped. Lakshmi's face burned, but she didn't struggle. Stay calm. Don't fight—yet.
"No," he said softly. "You're not."
Zoya stepped forward. "Well? Will you take her?"
Kael's claws pricked her skin. "Mine."
*
Zoya's chambers smelled like wine and roses. She poured a goblet and offered it to Lakshmi, who didn't take it.
"You did well," Zoya said. "He likes fire. Almost too much."
Lakshmi tugged the torn gown over her thighs. "Why do you care? Normal wives don't gift their husbands concubines."
Zoya smirked. "Watching Kael unravel amuses me. And you…" She flicked Lakshmi's scarred arm. "You're more useful alive."
"Useful how? As a chew toy?"
Zoya opened her mouth, but the doors burst open. Kael stormed in, his glare sharp. "Out," he told Zoya.
She raised a brow. "So soon? I'd planned to teach her how to—"
"Out."
Zoya left, laughing. The door slammed.
Kael crowded Lakshmi against the wall, his breath hot. "Why lie?"
She held her ground. "About what?"
"You're not afraid of me." His hand slid to her throat. "You're afraid of wanting me."
Lakshmi snorted. "You're delusional."
He pressed closer, his voice low. "You tasted like fury in that hall. Like you wanted to bite me back."
"I wanted to kill you."
"Same thing." His mouth hovered over hers. "Tomorrow. My chambers. Come willing, or I'll drag you."
He left. Lakshmi's legs wobbled, but she steadied herself.
Zoya slipped back in, grinning. "Oh, little queen. You've won."
"Won what? A lifetime supply of creepy gowns?"
Zoya's eyes gleamed. "The first battle."
Later That Night, Lakshmi lay on the cold floor of her new cell, clutching Meera's doll.
Why would Zoya help her husband take a concubine? It made no sense. Wives didn't do that—unless they wanted something.
Maybe Zoya hated Kael. Maybe she wanted Lakshmi to weaken him. Or maybe she just liked chaos.
Lakshmi frowned. Either way, I'm a pawn. But pawns could become queens if they played smart.
She traced the scar on her arm.
What game was he playing?