Mated To The Alpha King (Raven and Ethan) novel Chapter 55

Chapter 55

Raven’s rov

I got off the bed as the early morning sunlight spilled through the open curtains. It poured like golden ink onto the polished floors, illuminating the shame I carried on my skin. My body ached–not from physical strain, but from the weight of guilt wrapped around me like a second skin. I turned to glance at Alpha Ethan, still lying on the bed, his chest rising and falling with every breath, his features peaceful and composed.

I hated how effortlessly handsome he looked–even in sleep.

Why did I let him touch me again? I thought bitterly. I had sworn to myself that I wouldn’t allow this to happen again. That no matter how he blackmailed or demanded, I would resist. But I didn’t. I gave in like I always did–because some twisted part of me still craved him. The bond that should never have existed kept dragging me to him, and I hated it. I hated him.

I picked up my clothes from the floor, dressing silently and avoiding the mirror. I didn’t want to see my own reflection. It would only reflect a girl who kept betraying her own heart, who let herself be used and tossed aside.

I cracked the door open, glancing both ways down the hall before slipping out. The hallway was quiet. Thank the Moon Goddess. If any of the other maids or guards had seen me sneaking out of Alpha Ethan’s room again, I would never hear the end of it.

I hurried to the maids‘ quarters, my heart pounding like a drumbeat echoing in my ears. When I reached the door, I exhaled in relief–until I stepped inside.

There she was.

Olivia.

My half–sister.

She was standing near one of the dressing cabinets, and the look of surprise that crossed her face as our eyes met was quickly replaced by something colder–calculated.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, stunned.

Her brows lifted ever so slightly as she turned to face me fully, crossing her arms over her chest. “I should be the one asking you that,” she said, her eyes scanning me from head to toe. “Where are you coming from this early?”

My mouth went dry. I shifted under her gaze, trying to find the right lie, one that wouldn’t give away my shame.

“I went for a run in the woods,” I said. My voice lacked conviction, and I knew she could hear it. She always could.

“Wearing perfume and looking like that?” she asked, stepping closer. “Your hair’s a mess, and your blouse is buttoned wrong.”

My heart skipped. I looked away, trying to avoid her gaze, but I could feel it burning through my skin.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t play dumb, Raven.” Her voice dropped, and I could see the way her lips curled into a knowing smirk. “Don’t tell me you were with a guard all night because that’s what cheap whores like you do.“,

I flinched at her words, anger bubbling over. “Don’t call me a whore! If there’s a whore between the both of us, then it’s definitely you!” I spat at her.

“Don’t you talk to me like that! Yes, he is yours, and I have him, and there is nothing your pathetic self can do about it! And come to think of it,” she said, “I don’t think he would want to be with a worthless-”

Before she could complete the sentence, I slapped her hard across the face.

I stood in shock.

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Chapter 55

“You slapped me, Raven,” she spat in anger. “I will make you pay for this,” she said.

But before I could respond, she turned away, picking up a set of towels.

“Clean my room,” she said flatly. “And don’t mess anything up. My jewelry is in there.”

I opened my mouth to protest, but something in her tone made me pause. There was mischief there–an edge I didn’t trust. But I brushed it aside. I was too tired to argue. Too broken to fight.

Igrabbed the cleaning supplies and made my way to her room.

The moment I stepped inside, a wave of bitterness hit me.

Everything about this room screamed luxury–plush rugs, a velvet headboard, satin sheets in rich tones. Olivia had everything I used to dream about. A room like this. A title like Luna. A mate who was strong, feared, and powerful.

The life that should have been mine.

I clenched my jaw and got to work, scrubbing, dusting, organizing–my hands moving faster than my thoughts. I was angry. Not just at Olivia, or Alpha Ethan, or even fate.

I was angry at myself.

Angry for staying silent all these years. For letting Olivia take what was never hers. For letting Alpha Ethan touch me, use me, even after all the pain he caused.

My mind drifted back to the night before–the way his lips trailed down my neck, the way his body pressed into mine, claiming what he had no right to claim. I had tried to resist him, but the bond… the damn bond pulled me in like it always did.

And I hated myself for it.

By the time I finished cleaning, my shirt was damp with sweat, and my anger had morphed into quiet exhaustion. I left Olivia’s room and made my way to the kitchen, joining the other maids in preparing breakfast. The scent of eggs, herbs, and freshly baked bread filled the air, and I focused on my task to keep my mind busy.

No one spoke much to me, which was a relief. I could feel some of their eyes on me–some with pity, some with suspicion. Maybe they knew. Maybe they didn’t. But I didn’t care. I didn’t owe anyone anything.

When breakfast was ready, I carried the trays to the dining room.

Alpha Ethan was already seated at the head of the table, dressed in his usual commanding black attire. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes lingered on me for just a second too long. My heart stuttered, but I looked away, pretending not to notice.

Next to him sat his kid sister–the one I had mistaken for one of his girls.

I moved towards her, dropping the plate of food in front of her.

“Thank you, Raven,” she said sweetly.

“You’re welcome,” I whispered back.

Just then, the door to the dining hall slammed open.

Olivia stormed in, her cheeks flushed with fury and her eyes blazing.

“Where is it?!”

I turned, confused. “Where is what?”

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Chapter 55

“My bracelet! The one with the emerald gem. The one I wore last week. You were in my room, weren’t you?”

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