Rina sat quietly on the edge of her bed. Gilly was folding clothes, humming a soft tune.
Rina didn’t speak for a long time. She just stared at the floor. Her heart felt heavy. Her thoughts were running in circles.Gilly looked up. “Are you alright, Lady Rina?”Rina blinked, then turned to her. “I want to be alone, Gilly.”Gilly paused. “Are you sure? I can stay with you. I don’t mind.”“No,” Rina said softly. “I need to think.”Gilly stood. “Alright then. I’ll be close. Just call me if you need anything.”Rina nodded slowly.When Gilly left, Rina got up and walked to the window. The air outside was cool. Quiet. But something inside her was not quiet. It pulled at her, like a small voice in her chest.Without really knowing why, she opened her door.She stepped out.Her bare feet touched the soft rug in the hallway. The torches on the walls gave a soft light. She walked slowly. She didnKendrick strode along the sloping meadow near the Sauna Pack border. The grasses brushed his boots, and the pine-scented breeze rustled gently in the tall trees. He was searching for the plot where Rina once lived—a place now lost to time, overgrown by thorn and vine. He believed villagers knew the way and hoped to confirm her history before he left.It would take a long time to find out everything he needed to find out in order not to make him look too eager to find out these things. He didn't want to bring unnecessary attention to himself on this. He didn't want them to start wondering why he was so interested in the past history of Rina.He paused near a small clearing of brambles and asked a passing farmer, “Excuse me… do you know of the place where Rina’s home was?”The farmer, wiping sweat from his brow, pointed across the land. “That over that way,” he said, indicating a break in the forest. “Rina was the girl who came over to Crystal Pack. The old
Stacy and Mara entered the drawing room early the next morning. They came to see their friend after she had sent for them regarding her failed attempt at seducing alpha prince Kendrick. When she had sent for Mara and Stacy, the message had sounded urgent and the girls had met and come to her directly. The sunlight was pale through the curtains. Chairs stood empty around a small table. Leah sat, her shoulders slumped, eyes a little red from crying.Mara moved to her side and gently touched her arm. Stacy offered tea quietly. They both sat gently, curious and concerned.Stacy cleared her throat. “Leah… how are you feeling after last night?”Leah looked up tiredly. “It was a disaster and now I might just have my reputation hanging on a thin thread. If they hear about it…. especially Doria. She is going to mock me. They'll say I'm the most unfortunate woman there is. Despite being the daughter of the alpha of the Sauna pack.”
The next morning, breakfast in the great hall was bright and quiet. Sunlight spilled through tall windows, lighting wooden tables heaped with fresh bread, cheese, fruit, and steaming porridge. Servants moved gently, and a soft hush lingered.Leah entered the hall slowly, dressed in a pale gown. She moved with quiet steps and sat at her usual place near the tables. She kept her head down, avoiding everyone’s eyes. She especially never looked at Kendrick, seated across the head table with Alpha Glint.Her chest felt tight, her cheeks still stung from last night’s shame. She picked at a piece of fruit and refused to taste anything else.She remained silent for a long moment.Then Kendrick spoke.He looked directly at her, voice steady but teasing.“Lady Leah,” he said softly. “You were very insistent on seeing me last night before you went to bed. I did promise you’d see enough of me at breakfast. I hope you’re doing that now.”
Leah paced in her drawing room, the candle flickering on a low table. Across from her sat Stacy and Mara. The room was heavy with silence.She stopped, faced them, and spoke with purpose.“I’m going to seduce Kendrick. Tonight,” she said, voice cold but firm. “I don’t care if it is shameful. I just want him.”Mara looked alarmed. “Leah, you must think carefully.”Leah shook her head. “I’ve waited too long. I’ve been polite and kind. He hardly notices me. So tonight, I will make him see me.”Stacy leaned forward. “Finally. You should have done that before. There are many ladies who want him. If you wait, you’ll lose any chance you had.”Leah’s eyes flashed. “I know. Doria Welsh will show up and charm him. Doria is so pretty, so confident. She knows what to say. I saw her smile at him once and he listened more to every word.”Mara frowned. “You worry about Doria, even though she is not here?”Leah nodded. “Yes. Sh
The day was overcast at Crystal Pack. Soft light filtered through grey clouds. Inside, Rina wrapped Mira in a blanket and stood by Rowland’s door.She knocked softly.Rowland opened the door. He looked at her with cool eyes. “What is it?”Rina took a breath. “Prince, I… I want to take Elara around the pack. Let her see the place. Because I’m in charge of Elara and Mira now.”Rowland stared at her. His voice was low but harsh. “You are supposed to stay in my room. You must always be within reach. I don't need my breeder wandering away.”Rina bowed her head. Her heart pounded. “Yes, Prince. But… Elara and Mira need fresh air. I won’t pass Kendrick’s chambers.”Rowland frowned. He closed his eyes. Then he remembered—Kendrick was gone. No worry of seeing him again. This time he was sure that no one was going to dare touch his breeder. The only person who dared to touch his property was his brother, Kendrick. Now Rowland would handle
Leah sat in her drawing room with two close friends, Stacy and Mara. The fire crackled softly. Their dresses were fine but simple. The lantern light made their eyes glow.Leah’s eyes were bright with worry. “I’m not sure what to do,” she said. “Alpha Kendrick is here now. He stays at Sauna Pack. Yet he does not look at me.”Stacy tilted her head kindly. “You have been graceful and polite. Give it a few more days. Let him observe your kindness and your respect and then he will be naturally drawn to him. He'll be here for long enough for you to win him over.”Mara frowned. “Days? That’s too slow. Other women in the pack admire him. If you wait, someone else will take his attention first.”Stacy placed a hand on Mara’s arm. “Patience is a virtue. She must move with dignity. She is the daughter of the alpha and she can't be found being needy.”Mara shook her head. “He is two years away. He might choose someone else quickly. Leah, if you want