CARRISA'S POV
The castle is alive with the feeling of excitement as the evening approaches. I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting the black-and-white uniform they've given us. The white apron tied tightly around my waist is paired with the dark skirt that falls just below my knees. My hair is pinned back neatly, the few rebellious strands I can't tame framing my face.
I take a deep breath, smoothing the fabric down with trembling hands. This isn't my first time serving at a noble event, but tonight feels different. There's an intensity in the air, a pressure to perform perfectly.
I glance at the clock. Time to go.
Down in the servant's hall, the others are already gathered. We line up in neat rows as the head of the staff, Mrs. Elvira, briefs us on the evening. Her sharp gaze sweeps over us, making sure every uniform is spotless, every smile rehearsed.
"You know the drill," she says. "Serve the drinks, smile, be polite, and don't draw attention to yourselves. This is a ball for the nobility, not a night off for you."
I nod along with the others, feeling my nerves tighten. She lists off the tables we're to attend, the important guests we need to pay special attention to. The ballroom is filled with the highest-ranking members of the pack, the elite of society. For me, an omega, being in their midst always feels like walking on thin ice.
"Remember," Mrs. Elvira says, her eyes narrowing on me for a second too long, "be invisible. Do your job, and leave. No unnecessary conversations."
Invisible. That's what omegas are supposed to be, after all. Seen when needed, but never acknowledged. I press my lips together, giving a small nod as I file out with the others.
The moment we enter the ballroom, I feel the air shift. The music flows from a live orchestra in the corner. Chandeliers sparkle above, shining a golden light on the scene below. Everywhere I look, there are gowns of satin and lace, dripping in jewels, and men in perfectly tailored suits. The wealth and power in this room is suffocating.
I keep my eyes down as I start serving drinks, balancing the tray with practiced ease. The clink of crystal glasses and the murmur of aristocratic voices surround me. Everything is going smoothly, just as it always does—until I hear his voice.
"Excuse me, servant."
I freeze mid-step, my heart skipping a beat. Slowly, I turn to find myself face-to-face with Sir Arnold Belcrest, an important noble, and unfortunately, the father of my best friend, Amy. His cold, sharp eyes rake over me with disgust. He recognizes me, but he doesn't care. To him, I am just an omega—a servant, and nothing more.
"You don't belong here," Sir Arnold sneers "An omega serving in the presence of nobles. How disgraceful. You should leave the castle immediately."
I swallow hard, my throat tightening with the effort to hold back my frustration. His words sting, but I force a smile, the kind I've perfected over the years. I can't afford to show weakness or argue with him. I wouldn't dare to. I would be punished if I dared to say anything.
"I'm sorry, Sir Arnold. I'll go." I say.
I turn on my heel, ready to disappear into the shadows like I always do, when a soft voice stops me.
"Issa?"
I recognize it immediately. It's Amy. I turn to see her hurrying over, her face flushed with embarrassment as she glares at her father. She is dressed in an exquisite red gown. Her hair is swept up in elegant curls. Her skin glows under the soft lights of the ballroom. As she approaches, her hands reach for mine.
"I'm so sorry," she says quickly, her eyes wide with apology. "He shouldn't have said that."
I shake my head, forcing a smile. "It's okay, Amy. I know how he feels about me being… well, you know."
She squeezes my hands tighter "I don't care what he says. I'm so happy to see you"
"Me too. You look beautiful."
She flips her hair, smiling" Thank you. So do you"
I laugh softly, glancing down at my uniform. "Yeah, in this?"
Amy grins. "Trust me, Issa, you always shine through no matter what you wear."
Her words make me feel a little better, but before I can say more, she grabs my arm gently. "Please don't go. Stay. I'll talk to my father, make sure he doesn't bother you again."
I hesitate, biting my lip. "I don't want to cause any trouble…"
"You're not," Amy insists. "You're my friend. You belong here, no matter what anyone says."
Her words mean more than she could ever know. I smile, nodding as she lets me go and disappears back into the crowd. Just as I turn to resume serving, a shiver runs down my spine—a sensation unlike anything I've ever felt before. It's as if the air itself has shifted, the energy in the room suddenly more charged, more intense.
I look up and see them.
Two men, standing just across the ballroom, their eyes locked on me. They are unlike anyone I've ever seen before. Tall, powerful, commanding. The air around them practically buzzes with authority, and I don't need anyone to tell me who they are.
The twin Alphas.
Their aura is unmistakable—dominant, raw, electric. My breath catches in my throat as I take in their appearance.
The one on the left is taller, his body rippling with muscles that strain against his tailored suit. His long, black hair is braided back, framing his handsome features. His emerald green eyes gleam with an intensity that makes my wolf stir inside me, more alive than she's ever been. Tattoos snake up his neck and arms, just barely visible under the sleeves of his shirt.
The other one is tall as well. Although, his brother is a bit taller. His eyes are a darker shade of green, and his jet-black hair is styled perfectly, slick and smooth. He is leaner, more athletic, but no less powerful. The way they carry themselves, the way they move, exudes a confidence that could make anyone tremble.
My heart pounds in my chest, and suddenly, my wolf is wide awake, pushing against my mind. Mates, she whispers.
I freeze.
No. That can't be right. I've heard stories of Alphas having omegas as mates, but it's rare. Unheard of, even. And yet, standing here, feeling their gaze pierce through me, I know. I feel the bond between us, tugging at my soul, making it impossible to look away.
My wolf howls inside me, and I can barely contain the emotions rushing through my body. Desire, longing, confusion—it all hits me at once, and I struggle to keep my composure. My hands tremble, my pulse races as i stare at them.
What am I supposed to do? What can I do? I am an omega—a servant. They are Alphas. Powerful. Untouchable.
And yet, in this moment, it feels like the world has shrunk down to just the three of us.
I want to move, to run, but I can't. My feet are rooted to the spot, my heart hammering in my chest as we stare at each other. My wolf growls low in my mind, but it isn't a sound of fear. No, it's something else.
My heart skips several beats. They're both looking at me like I'm something precious, something they'd been searching for all their lives. And I… I feel it too. The bond, the connection. It's undeniable.
I'm frozen, lost in their gaze, trying to process everything that was happening. My wolf is practically clawing at me, urging me to move, to do something, anything. But all I can do is stand there, my mind racing with thoughts I can't quite form.
This can't be real. Can it?