Chapter 5

EMAL

A cool breeze brushes against my cheeks, stirring me awake. The dark clouds in the sky begins to brighten as the sky gradually become blue. Stretching my limbs, I feel something damp against my skin. Touching it, I realize it's morning dew.

With a deep sigh, I take in the tranquil atmosphere, allowing the calm it brings wash over me –a rare moment of peace. But as I glance around, memories of the previous night flood back. I had fallen asleep at the lakeside. Alone. Again.

Turning my back at the lake, I face the castle's direction pondering on what my next step should be. I'm definitely not ready to see anyone at the moment. Especially not anyone from the pack. It's too early for me to be ridiculed again.

Taking a few steps forward while deciding where to go and what next to do, my stomach grumbles. I pause. Right. I haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon. The thought of returning home for food makes my chest tighten. No, I can’t. I won’t.

The maids would probably be preparing breakfast or mum would. Still, I don't want to step my feet into the castle or smell the air in the castle but my stomach grumbles yet again.

Instead, I turn toward the outskirts of the pack. Staying anywhere around the castle or the pack will give the same result as going into the castle this morning and I do not want that. I vaguely recall hearing about a small canteen nearby, one that serves decent food. The few coins Matilda gave me yesterday are still in my pocket. It’s not much, but hopefully, it’s enough.

As I walk, a tantalizing aroma wafts through the air, making my mouth water. I quicken my pace, following the scent until I arrive at a small eatery. It’s nothing fancy—old wooden tables, rustic chairs, a setup that echoes Alacia’s deep-rooted medieval traditions. My father is obsessed with preserving the old ways, so medieval establishments are not so rare despite the modern establishment.

I linger by the entrance, cautiously peering inside. The place is empty—perfect. If I’m lucky, I can eat and leave before anyone recognizes me. Everywhere I go, I have to be extra careful as I do not know who or whatever awaits me there.

The fact that I didn't sleep home last night, father would have sent his guards searching for me and they can easily find where I am with their noses. Their senses of smell are quite heightened, especially my father's second in command, Master Aldrien, the White Fur Beta.

I step inside and scan the menu on the wall, calculating what I can afford.

"It's early, lad. We just opened," a gruff voice interrupts my thoughts.

I turn to see a man of average height, a tray of freshly chopped meat in his hands. His sharp eyes study me.

"Good morning, sir," I say, keeping my tone polite. No matter how I feel, I must maintain the royal decorum.

"Morning. No food's ready yet, unless you're willing to wait."

I nod. "I can wait. I can tell it’s almost done."

With that, I pull out a chair and sit.

Just then, a girl appears from the back. She’s about my age, wearing a neat but worn-out pair of jeans and a black top. An apron hangs over her frame, and her dark hair is pulled into a messy bun, secured with a simple black tie. She doesn’t notice me at first and I do not see her face clearly because of her posture. She stands facing the man, making only her side turned at me.

"Old fogey," she calls out, hands on her hips.

I arch a brow. Did she just—?

"What is it now, Little Lilly?" The man sighs, setting down the tray.

"I need an advance payment for this week's work," she says firmly.

"Why?"

"I need to buy groceries for Grandma. She shouldn't go hungry."

The man studies her, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "Are you sure this isn’t about—?"

"I'm not doing that again!" she quickly cuts in, shaking her head.

He sighs. "I’ll see if I can pay you before the week ends."

I watch the exchange in silence, curiosity piqued. Clearly, she works here, but she seems oddly familiar with the owner. How close are they for her to address him in that manner?

I stifle a cough as my voice croaks. The man turns, seemingly having forgotten my presence.

"Lilly, serve the young man his meal," he instructs.

"Alright, fogey," she calls back.

She soon emerges with a tray, setting it down in front of me.

"Here," she says simply.

Something about her voice catches me off guard. It’s smooth, melodic—different. I always thought Matilda had the most soothing voice, but this girl’s… it’s unlike anything I’ve ever heard.

I raise my eyes to look at her and our eyes meet. For a moment, I forget everything else.

She’s breathtaking. Crystal-blue eyes, a perfect contrast to her sun-kissed skin. Pink lips, curved into a thin line. There’s an old wooden vine hairpin in her hair, adding a touch of uniqueness to her already striking appearance. I don't think I've seen someone as beautiful as that before. I will have to admit I admire her beauty. Whether she's a werewolf, I can't tell at the moment as my senses aren't developed.

Then, suddenly—

"You?" she exclaims, pointing at me, her eyes wide.

I blink, startled. "Me?"

"Yes, you!" she repeats, stepping back.

"Do… do you know me?"

"Of course! Aren’t you the powerless royal pup of the Alpha King?"

The words hit me like a slap.

Powerless.

She said it so casually, so easily, like it was just a fact of life. My jaw tightens. She could have just said she recognized me. Did she really have to describe me like that?

"Shhh!" I glance around, motioning for her to lower her voice. Not everyone outside the pack knows who I am, and I’d rather keep it that way.

I open my mouth to speak, but before I can say anything else, the owner calls for her. With one last glance at me, she turns and disappears into the kitchen.

I exhale sharply, pushing aside my irritation. There's no time to dwell on this. I need to eat. Quickly, I dig into my food, finishing it in record time. I drop my remaining coins on the table and rush out of the canteen.

The sky is brighter now, the sun fully rising.

"It's time for school," I mutter under my breath. "And if I don't get going, I might end up being punished again."

I let out a heavy sigh. If only I had powers… or at least, the authority of a true royal.