THE REJECTED OMEGA CROWN

Lyra's POV

The cold stone floor pressed against my knees as I knelt before the towering gates of Ironfang Palace. My wrists ached where the ceremonial ribbons cut into my skin, marking me as nothing more than property. A gift. A peace offering wrapped in silk and false promises.

"Keep your head down, omega." The guard's voice was harsh, but I had heard worse. Much worse. "The princes do not like their gifts to show defiance."

I forced my trembling hands to still. Twenty-two years of planning had led to this moment. Twenty-two years of hiding, training, and dreaming of revenge. The violet eyes that marked me as Moonspire royalty were hidden behind brown contacts. My silver-streaked hair was dyed the color of mud.

"Rise." Another voice, deeper and commanding, cut through the morning air like a blade.

My heart hammered against my ribs as I slowly lifted my gaze. Crown Prince Kael Ironfang stood before me, every inch the future king. His midnight-black hair caught the sunlight, and those piercing gray eyes seemed to see straight through my carefully constructed mask. The scar across his left temple only made him more terrifying.

"So this is what the Crescent Moon Pack considers a worthy tribute." His voice held no warmth, only cold assessment. "She looks half-starved."

"My Prince, she is untouched and trained in all the proper ways," the escort stammered. "She will serve your needs well."

Kael circled me like a predator studying prey. I kept my eyes downcast, playing the role of the broken omega. But inside, rage burned like silver fire. This man wore the crown that belonged to my bloodline. He lived in the palace built on my family's bones.

"What is your name?" His fingers caught my chin, forcing me to meet his gaze.

"Lyra, My Prince." The lie tasted bitter on my tongue. My real name died with my family that horrible night.

"Look at me when you speak." His grip tightened, not enough to bruise but enough to show his power. "You belong to House Ironfang now. You will learn our ways, or you will suffer the consequences."

I nodded, letting fear show in my eyes. It was not hard to fake. Standing this close to my family's destroyer, breathing the same air, made my skin crawl. But I had a job to do.

"Take her to the omega quarters," Kael commanded, releasing my face. "Have her bathed and prepared. I want to see what we have acquired."

The servants who led me away whispered among themselves, thinking I could not hear. They spoke of the three princes and their appetites. Prince Darius, the middle son, who could break a man in half with his bare hands. Prince Rhett, the youngest, whose green eyes missed nothing and whose tongue was sharper than any sword.

I would have to face them all. Seduce them. Make them trust me.

Then I would destroy them.

The omega quarters were better than I had expected. Clean beds, warm blankets, and windows that actually let in sunlight. The other omegas watched me with curious eyes as I was led to a private room.