Chapter - 2 " Devil Return "

Alice POV 

***

Painted in orange and blue, teamed with the golden rays of the emerging sun, the sky promises freedom to fly high.

Driving through the sea of people in Manhattan is quite a challenging task, but it also gives me the illusion of a normal life.

It's just a foolish thought because my life is anything but normal.

---

I’m Alice Michaelson, a royal member of The Originals.

The Originals are the first family blessed by the moon.

As the moon goddess’s first creation, the royals are gifted with special abilities—they can shift into a mighty beast called a Lycan.

Since I am the sole heir of the great Queen Amelia of Entalia—the realm of werewolves and Lycans—that makes me the crown princess of Entalia. I am the next in line to rule after my mother and her half-sister, my aunt Luciana, who passed away due to major complications during childbirth.

This responsibility is arriving sooner than I’d like.

Tomorrow night, I will become the new queen of Entalia after performing a sacred ritual. This ceremony involves taking a vow to protect my subjects—wolves and Lycans who pledge their allegiance to the new ruler.

The moon goddess herself will conclude the ritual by sealing a bond between me and the submitted packs, blessing us with her favor.

---

After driving for half an hour from my apartment, I reached my destination at exactly 10:30 a.m.—on time, as always.

I park my car in my reserved spot and make my way inside, greeted by a sweet “Good morning” from one of the security guards.

Thomas, with his mess of blond hair and warm grey eyes, is about the same height as me. Despite being in his mid-fifties, his tough build makes him look younger than his age.

I offer a gentle smile and a nod in reply before heading toward the elevator.

The elevator doors open with their usual bing, and I step inside, pressing the button for the 13th floor.

Upon reaching my boss’s office floor, I make my way toward his cabin. His secretary, William, greets me cheerfully.

“Good morning, Alice.”

William, with his gray hair, wrinkled face, and bright brown eyes, has been working here for as long as I can remember. He’s always treated me like his own daughter—a kind-hearted human through and through.

I wish him good morning in return and ask if the boss is alone. He nods in confirmation.

Turning the knob, I step inside the office. My eyes immediately land on the boss of E&D Inc.—and the honorable King of Entalia—my dad.

David Michaelson sits behind his magnificent black glass desk, glaring at his computer screen with a coffee mug in hand. As usual, he wears his signature busy billionaire expression.

He picks up on my scent immediately and glances over the top of his screen. A warm smile spreads across his face.

No one dares to enter his office without permission—except me. An old habit that’s hard to break, though he doesn’t mind.

With his dark eyes, midnight-black hair (much like mine), and tall, muscular frame, my father’s unshakeable presence is well-suited to his role. But only those close to him know what a softie he truly is.

Unlike my mother, who was a strict leader to everyone, including family.

Sometimes I wonder if her personality stems from her being a pure-blood Lycan, while my father remained in his wolf form.

Typically, after marrying a Lycan, the other partner transforms into a Lycan within a month of completing the mating process.

But my father’s case was one of a kind. Perhaps it’s because he comes from a pure line of werewolves that his form couldn’t be altered.

This unique lineage makes me the first hybrid. Unlike other royal members, I can shift between wolf and Lycan forms at will.

Additionally, I was born with supernatural abilities known as Spirit, further solidifying my claim as the rightful queen of Entalia.

I walk toward his desk, engulf him in a hug, and greet him.

“Morning, Dad.”

“Morning, my little princess,” he says, kissing my cheek. “Always on time, little champ,” he adds, patting my hair.

“Yes, sir,” I reply with a mock salute. He chuckles and shakes his head.

“I have a meeting with Ms. Riley at 11 a.m.,” I say, glancing at my wristwatch. I still have 15 minutes to get to my office.

“See you tonight, Dad.” I kiss his cheek and head toward the exit.

“Alice, the Red Moon is tomorrow night. Are you sure you’re ready for this?” His careful tone stops me in my tracks.

A tight knot settles in my chest at his question.

I keep my gaze on the door, avoiding eye contact. It’s too hard to look at him and answer.

“Of course, Dad. You know I’ve moved on—all thanks to you and Ellyn’s support. You have nothing to worry about.” With that, I open the door and walk out, ending the conversation.

I’ve fought hard to escape the demons of my past. Moving on hasn’t been easy, but I tell myself I’m done with it.

It’s a lie.

I still have nightmares about my personal demon from hell every single night.

Nightmares—visions of my tormented past.

This phenomenon occurs in Lycans who fail to complete the mating bond. Some say it’s the moon goddess’s way of urging them to fulfill the bond with their mate. Others claim it’s a curse on those who reject their fated or chosen mate.

I don’t know why I have these nightmares, but I’ve never told anyone.

I don’t want Dad worrying more than he already does.

It’s been eight months. Eight months. How much longer can I keep running from my responsibilities to my realm?

After Mom’s death, life has only gotten harder. But Entalia needs its queen, and I have to step up sooner or later.

Dad and Ellyn have done an amazing job handling Entalia’s matters, and I love them both for their unconditional support.

But in the end, I know it’s up to me to lead. I just hope the moon goddess never makes me revisit my past.

---

After finishing work, I leave my office building and walk toward my car in the parking lot.

That’s when the scent of forest rain and masculine cologne fills my nostrils.

My wolf, Rhea, howls with happiness in the back of my mind.

She’s overjoyed by his mere presence.

Him.

The devil. My fated mate.