Chapter 6 - Shadows in Human Town

The bustling streets of Human Town felt chaotic and overwhelming, yet they offered me the freedom I so desperately craved.

In the crowd, I was just another face, another stranger trying to make a life. For once, I wasn’t Zela Humphreys, the daughter of an Alpha or the object of anyone’s expectations. I was no one and there was peace in that anonymity. 

                But peace doesn’t pay the bills.

The handful of cash I’d stuffed into my bag before fleeing the Kingdom was nearly gone. The cramped boarding house where I’d spent my first few nights was little more than a temporary refuge. If I didn’t find steady work soon, I’d be out of options. 

                Determined not to let panic consume me, I spent hours poring over the classifieds section of a local newspaper, my finger circling potential job opportunities. Each listing brought its own set of doubts.

Bartender, could I keep up with the hustle of a packed bar?

Shop assistant, what did I even know about retail?

Dog walker, well, that one felt ironic, considering my wolf, Era, was far from amused at the thought. 

“It’s not about finding the perfect job,” I muttered to myself, folding the paper with a sigh. “It’s about getting food on the table and a roof above my head.” 

                Early the next morning, dressed in a simple blouse and skirt, I began my rounds.

My first stop was a small boutique tucked away in an alley filled with quirky shops. The window display was adorned with mannequins wearing vintage dresses, and a sign in the corner read ‘Help Wanted’.  Inside, the air was perfumed with lavender and citrus. A tall woman with impeccable posture stood behind the counter, her critical eyes scanning me as I approached. 

“I’m here about the job,” I said, trying to inject confidence into my voice. 

She raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “Do you have any retail experience?” 

“Well, not exactly,” I began hesitantly, “but I’m a quick learner, and I—” 

“Thank you,” she interrupted briskly, her tone polite but dismissive. “We’re looking for someone with experience.” 

I forced a smile and nodded before stepping back outside, my shoulders sagging. The day continued in a similar vein. 

At a bakery, the scent of freshly baked bread was almost enough to make me forget my nerves. The owner, a middle-aged man with flour dusting his apron, was kind enough to listen as I stumbled through my explanation of why I’d be a good fit. But when he asked if I had any baking experience, I could only offer an awkward laugh. 

“Thank you for coming in,” he said, his expression regretful. “But I really need someone who knows their way around an oven.” 

                Rejection after rejection piled up, each one chipping away at my resolve. By midday, I found myself in a small café, nursing a cup of coffee I could barely afford. My feet ached, my confidence was in tatters, and Era wasn’t helping with her sarcastic commentary. 

                ‘Humans are relentless about qualifications,’ she quipped. ‘You could run circles around them, literally, and they’d still ask for your résumé.’

‘Not helpful,’ I muttered, earning a curious glance from a woman at a nearby table. 

By the time the sun began to dip below the horizon, I was desperate. Wandering aimlessly, I stumbled upon a modest office building tucked between towering skyscrapers. A simple sign on the door caught my attention: ‘Assistant Wanted. Excellent work environment, competitive Pay. Apply Within.’ 

I hesitated.

The stylish exterior and polished glass windows made it clear this wasn’t the kind of job I’d been aiming for. But what did I have to lose? 

Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside. The receptionist at the front desk glanced up, her expression neutral but not unkind. 

“I’m here about the assistant position,” I said, hoping my voice didn’t betray the exhaustion I felt. 

She nodded, pushing a clipboard toward me. “Fill this out, and someone will be with you shortly.” 

                I settled into one of the plush chairs in the waiting area, filling out the application form with practiced efficiency. When I handed it back, she took a moment to examine it before gesturing towards a door at the end of the corridor.

“Second door on the left. Good luck.” 

The office I stepped into was spacious but not flashy. Director Harding sat behind an elegant wooden desk, his salt-and-pepper hair neatly combed. He looked up as I entered, his sharp eyes assessing me in a way that made me feel both exposed and intrigued. 

                “Zela Humph …” I stopped myself just in time. “Celia. My name is Celia.” 

He raised an eyebrow, motioning for me to sit. “Celia. Alright. Let’s get straight to it, your résumé is… unconventional. Why should I believe you can handle this position?” 

                I swallowed hard, my fingers gripping the edge of the chair.

“Because I’m organized, resourceful, and good under pressure. I may not have traditional office experience, but I’ve dealt with challenges that require quick thinking and adaptability. I’m ready to prove myself.” 

His gaze didn’t waver. “And that makes you think you’ll be able to keep up in a fast-paced environment like this?” 

                “Yes, I don’t quit,” I said firmly, my steady eyes meeting his. “Whatever I lack, I make up for with determination and a willingness to learn.” 

For a moment, silence hung between us. My fingers curled into fists, my nails biting into my palm.

Then, to my surprise, his lips curved into a faint smile. “You’ve got confidence, I’ll give you that. You’ll start Monday. Don’t disappoint me.” 

The distraught I’d been carrying for days lifted slightly as I thanked him.

He handed me the appointment letter, the crisp paper rattling softly in my hands. My eyes darted over the neatly typed words detailing my job description, along with the day and time I was to report. I clutched it tightly, like a lifeline thrown to a drowning sailor.

For the first time since fleeing the Kingdom, I felt a spark of hope…