Chapter 1

Sharmaine's POV

Today's class was boring. The old teacher was usually very enthusiastic about teaching but now seemed impatient for something; Every few minutes, he looked at his watch.

The atmosphere in the classroom was extremely gloomy. No one was listening to the lecture; a few people were lying on the table to sleep, and others were on the phone or something like that. The whispers of a group of people huddled together to discuss the ongoing war. The tumultuous chatter drowned out the teacher's lecture.

An empty can suddenly flies into my head, accompanied by an excited voice, "Bingo!"

The mocking laugh followed it. Even without looking up, I knew who that person was. Drake, the leader of a group that bullies me.

They hate me just because I'm not like them; I'm not originally a member of Dead Forest. I joined because my mother married Alpha David. Even though she has become the new Luna of the Pack, she is not respected, and neither am I. Since the first day I came here, I have suffered from their cruel jokes, but when I brought it to my mother, she told me to be patient. I went from being a lively girl to being reserved and quiet just because I didn't want to cause trouble for my mother.

"Don't tease Sharmaine!" The old teacher spoke up.

I know he's just speaking out of respect because even if my bullies do more outrageous things, he won't blame them.

The bullies ignore the teacher's words. They laughed even louder and continued their cruel joke by throwing rolls of paper or trash at me.

I clenched my fist, and the empty can in my hand became distorted. Before my anger flared up, causing me to do something crazy, the sudden sound of the school's loudspeakers stopped all activities in the classroom.

"EMERGENCY NOTICE! All teachers and students quickly dispersed. Ask everyone to return home quickly, do not wander the streets because the war situation has taken a turn for the worse. Red Ocean's army is moving towards the center of the Pack."

The message is replayed three times. Immediately after that, everyone became agitated. Drake and my bullies can no longer laugh and joke around. Their faces became extremely worried and bewildered. Their speed of packing up and running out of their class was as fast as rockets.

Soon, the classroom became empty, leaving me alone.

I slowly packed up my things and leisurely left.

On the way home from school, I found the atmosphere so quiet and lonely that it was suffocating. The road is always crowded with cars and people passing by; now, it has become deserted, without a shadow of people.

Contrary to my calm face on the outside, I was terrified on the inside. The war had only begun two months ago. I didn't expect Dead Forest to lose so quickly. It happened so suddenly that I couldn't adapt in time.

Going from afar, I saw many soldiers standing in front of my house. They seem to be waiting for something. I felt surprise mixed with a little bit of anxiety in my heart.

Previously, I lived in Alpha David's villa with him and my mother, but because Alpha David and I didn't get along four years ago, I moved out. I haven't seen him and his mother for a long time. My mom and I usually talk on the phone.

I don't know why those soldiers came looking for me. Several possibilities popped into my head; my steps slowed down.

While I was still thinking, those soldiers saw me. Two of them ran towards me.

"Alpha David invites you to his mansion. He said that he is not assurance when you are outside. You'll be safer in Alpha's mansion." The soldier spoke in an urgent tone.

I pursed my lips, thought momentarily, then replied, "I don't want to go there. Please tell Alpha that I will stay home, close the door and not go out, so there is no need to worry about me."

I remember the days of living in the same house with Alpha David, the atmosphere between us was always dark and stuffy. So I don't want to go to his mansion. I wouldn't be comfortable going there.

"No! You have no right to object. That is the command. Do you want to cooperate with us, or will we use force to take you away?" The soldier said seriously.

I feel that I am not Alpha's daughter but a criminal in this soldier's eyes. I panicked and took a step back. I said, "I'll call Alpha. You wait for me a bit."

I was about to take out my smartphone from my backpack to call Alpha David, but before I could, the soldier beside me said, "Don't trifle away our time! Catch her!"

I panicked, and two soldiers grabbed my hands before I could react. They easily lifted me. I tried to struggle and scream but to no avail. In the end, I was crammed into the car.

I talked to the soldiers on the way, but no one answered me. Their faces darkened; some of them looked at me with disdain and disgust. I'm used to those eyes, so I don't feel angry; I'm just worried about being kidnapped.

My worries disappeared when the car actually stopped in front of Alpha David's mansion. I breathed a sigh of relief in my heart. Although facing Alpha David made me uncomfortable, it was still better than being kidnapped.

I obediently entered the mansion; the soldiers were still following behind me as if they were afraid that I would suddenly run away. I don't understand why they act so weird.

"Mom!" I called out loudly. I think my mother is here right now.

My response is silence. A soldier behind me said, "Alpha invites you to his study to talk."

I was bewildered, unsure of Alpha David's intentions, but I had a bad feeling in my heart. I faltered, turning to run away, but behind me were four strong soldiers.

Their faces were ferocious, looking at me with stormy eyes. They urged me to hurry to David's study.

In my heart, I didn't want to, but there was no way to resist these soldiers.