The soft light of early morning streamed into the cave, sending dappled shadows across the rocky floor. I treaded the familiar path to our training grounds, the sound of my footsteps echoing in the quiet solitude of the forest. Our training began with the rhythmic clash of wooden practice swords. The resonance reverberated off the stone walls, a testament to the countless hours we had spent in perfecting our combat skills. Beads of sweat formed on my face, and the strain in my muscles was a welcome reminder of the progress I'd made under Master Cyrus's watchful eye.Lowering my practice sword, I turned to Master Cyrus. "Do you think there's a way we can interrupt the anniversary, Master? To reveal the Alpha's true colors to the pack members?"Master Cyrus regarded me carefully, his practice sword now sheathed. He leaned against the cave wall, his piercing blue eyes focused on a faraway point. "Anna," he began, his voice low and measured, "vengeance is a dish best served cold. Since L
The pack anniversary, a time of celebration and revelry that energized the entire palace, was rapidly coming. All hands have been on deck for days, and the palace is humming with bustle in every nook and cranny.As one of the palace maids, I had always had a busy existence, but the anniversary preparations added a whole new level of busyness. There was nowhere to take a break or pause to collect one's breath. Every nook and crevice of the palace needs to be decorated, making it sparkle with the occasion's enthusiasm.I was scurrying around with the other maids, draping colorful banners, laying the tables, and carrying armfuls of flowers like busy ants. In addition to the subtle hum of whispered directions and the rustling of silk garments, the aroma of fresh flowers filled the air. Every aspect had to be ideal, and each arrangement had to arouse the sense of grandeur that was appropriate for such an event.The lofty ceiling was draped with chandeliers that produced a cozy and welcomin
Finally, the eagerly awaited pack anniversary day had come. The air we breathed seemed to glitter with anticipation as the palace was alive with a vivacious energy. The entire pack came together to rejoice and thank the Moon goddess for another year of harmony, power, and prosperity on this day of thanksgiving.The enormous hall, which had undergone a painstaking transformation, was breathtaking. It was covered with glittering banners and exquisite decorations as a result of the persistent efforts and commitment of my fellow servants.Like any other day, mine had started with errands and obligations filling the hours. However, there was a sense that today was different from the rest, and excitement could be felt permeating the palace. Knowing that the party was waiting for me at the end of the day gave me new energy as I tackled my tasks.I moved into the center of the crowd, where the party was in full swing. The moon hung like a brilliant jewel in the bright night sky. The features
My small room was illuminated by the sun's first rays as they entered through my window. I woke up with an odd sense of renewal and vitality, along with a deep-seated sense of gladness. I felt something that I hadn't felt in a while, and it made me grin.The planning for the pack's anniversary celebration had taken up all of my time for several weeks. I had little free time because I was one of the palace maids and had a lot of responsibilities. But now that the celebrations were over, I had a rare opportunity for rest—a chance to take a deep breath, to think, and to reconnect with a part of myself that I had put on hold.I carefully snuck out of my room. At this early hour, the palace was empty, a tranquil haven of calm before the hustle of the day started. The familiar aroma of the forest welcomed me as I walked further into the pack's domain, calming my senses. I eventually arrived at the cave we normally practice. Master Cyrus was waiting for me. As I got closer, his keen and a
The day had been a whirlwind of activity, but I was preoccupied with a duty I had been given by Master Cyrus that lay ahead.As I performed my maid responsibilities, taking care of the pack members and making sure the palace ran efficiently, his commands resounded in my head. I was instructed by Master Cyrus to enter Leo's room and look for a book that held the pack's secret route. It was a dangerous mission, but it might yield crucial details for our preparations for revenge.I was contacted by the chief maidservant who had a request. We need someone to bring dinner to Leo's room, Anna," she added. Are you able to?The chance made my heart jump for joy. I had been waiting for an opening, and here it was. Of course, I nodded in agreement. "I'll take it to him."I went to Leo's room while carrying the dinner tray. I couldn't afford to squander this chance because it might be my only opportunity to look for the book if I am lucky not to meet Leo in his room.I inhaled deeply to slow my
I carried a heavy burden of failure with me as I traveled to my private meeting with Master Cyrus. The effort to find the book that contained the pack's hidden path had come dangerously close to failure. My interaction with Leo had been a dangerous near-miss that might have revealed our genuine motives.Master Cyrus asked "Anna," scarcely raising his voice above a whisper. "Tell me what happened."I described the evening's activities, the stressful moments in Leo's room, and how I had just barely avoided being discovered. Master Cyrus listened carefully without showing any emotion on his face. He nodded when I was done, as though anticipating this result.He said, "Leo is no fool," with a hint of despair in his voice. "We must not underestimate him. I apologized to Master Cyrus in a voice choked with regret. "I tried my best, but I couldn't find the book."My sense of reality was restored when Master Cyrus put his steadying hand on my shoulder. He remarked, "You did good, Anna. But
I was surprised that the Alpha summoned me, which made me feel anxious. I couldn't help but wonder why the Alpha had called me as I moved through the palace and made my way to see the Alpha. My mind was always racing with numerous, perplexing options.My chest beat as I moved closer to the Alpha's room. I felt the weight of the situation fall over me like a thick shroud, and I realized that whatever was waiting for me inside those doors was very important.I bowed respectfully as I entered the room and kept my gaze on the powerful Alpha who was seated in front of me. His presence exuded wisdom and power, and I couldn't help but feel humbled by him. "Anna, Welcome." The Alpha acknowledged my presence as I entered his room.I replied, "Thank you, Alpha," with a steady but slightly tense voice.The Alpha looked at me with a piercing, razor-sharp gaze. I felt vulnerable as he looked at me, as if he had seen through the layers of secrets I had painstakingly concealed.The Alpha suddenly s
I walked into my new room and was struck by the grandeur and richness of it. Contrary to the little, modest room I had previously resided in while working as a maid, the area seemed to go on forever. As my gaze moved over the room's width, I noticed how big it was. The benefits of my new position included things like the plush bedding, the opulent furniture, and the large windows that let in the moonlight.However, as I scanned the area more, I began to feel sad. This room reminded me of my room at Moondawn Pack, where my life had tragically changed. Images of loss, misery, and treachery flooded my head and threatened to drown me in sorrow.Because the space was filled with symbols from my past, I was unable to escape the terrible memories that were flooding through me. I felt like leaving this room and go back to sleep at my former room due to the fear that has found it's way into my life. However, I was conscious that doing so would entail caving in to my fears and avoiding the ch