7
The sun was peacefully peeking in the early hours of the morning, its light filtering through the velvet curtains. Unlike yesterday, the events today are rather fruitful. Last night, I remembered the parade of maids and servants bedecking the castle grounds for today's festivities. I thought the Western Kingdom had no business with me for this upcoming occasion, but I was gravely mistaken. Seems like I was invited.
In the short span since waking up, I was tended to by a succession of palace maids. I must have tried on at least ten of the finest silk and fabric dresses, the kind that would appease any aristocrat—though they all felt uncomfortably tight. They didn't even consider what I was at ease with; they simply went through the motions of enhancing my appearance to some semblance of acceptability. The maids paid me little at
8The rustling of forest trees reverberated in my ears. I could almost picture it—groups of people darting and leaping, or perhaps even humans, moving through the dense foliage. Resonating with the ominous sensation that had gripped my heart during our journey through the woods, I instinctively swung around and let out a startled shout. However, my reaction was met with an immediate outpouring of indignant protests."Sit down, girl!""What a rascal,"I pridefully stepped forward, almost touching the padded carpet aisle. I regarded Alpha Knight standing up from the podium in my peripheral vision, gaze holding a sense of familiarity."What is she doing?
9I glared at him with fury, my fists tightly clenched at my sides. It required immense self-control to keep myself from delivering a swift and resounding slap across his face. Yet, a voice inside me cautioned against such a reckless action.The moon shone through the dusty, tinted glass window, but its illumination was obscured by the yellow tinge of the candle-lit mantles. I tried my hardest to conceal the pain prowling; however, the man in front of me had unparalleled eyesight. Immediately, my countenance lay bare to him.And for a moment of heart-wrenching thinking, his gaze pinned onto mine, breathing heavily as he held our sight. There was a pause before I cast my eyes off to the side. A slither of rationality passed, and I remembered what we were."What makes you think I wanted you?"His brows rose up, seemingly surprised by what I said. Alpha Knight's expression darkened. Feeling his temper rising, I subtly redirected my attention elsewhere."So it's true? My brother is your n
10Endowed with his stunning looks, turning away from him was probably a crime. The man maintained his neutral expression. There was only one thing that had to be steadfast, and that was avoiding the budding feelings I may have for this man. Don't even think about it, I thought, occasionally reminding myself when he clouds my thoughts."Is there something important that you have to say?" I pried on.For a second, he didn't respond, but he did turn to look at me before resuming his work. I can't help but tug at the hem of my dress, feeling awkward and forgotten."Did you follow my orders?"Orders? Did he give me one?
11 "This man...when can I meet him?" He inhaled sharply. "Tomorrow. Although I remain unsure... He's remarkably stubborn, yet he finds your instincts intriguing." "Instincts?" I inquired. While Chance's demeanor appeared open, it left numerous questions swirling in my mind. He spoke freely but provided minimal explanation. Perhaps it wasn't intentional; it might have slipped his mind. What truly mattered was effective communication regarding the subject at hand. "You detected the impending attack long before anyone else did. In fact, none of us were even aware of it. As I mentioned, those attackers were already dead, and our sense of smell can only detect the scent of the living... Yours is undeniably exceptional.... Even if you haven't turned, maybe you could even outdo most of our pack warriors," He trailed on. Remarkable as it seems, I was convinced that there wasn't anything special to it. Instead of probing further, I remembered my agenda as of today. "I should be going. I a
12 "Strange...nothing," Confused, I urged him with my questioning eyes. "You mind if I may compare, yours is not an open book to read...I must say this is a first," I don't know what to make about that. I close my eyes, letting my thoughts run freely. Perhaps, he could reach into something with a bit of help. I don't want to end this session with absolutely nothing. Wells seemed too focused, his chest heaving and then dropping. By the time he opened his eyes, I had expected an answer, anything that could bring me closer to knowing who I was, but instead, he slunk back in his seat. That alone was very telling. "This is quite mysterious...Did Alpha Chance mention how difficult you were to read?" I try rummaging through my mind. He hasn't mentioned anything, but he does effectively hear my thoughts. "He can read my mind, but not my memories, though," "That I established...," He briefly paused. "—I can't seem to find anything else. And I'm an expert when it comes to unlocking certa
13Peace once dominated this world. And sadly, the only proof of its existence is engraved on deteriorated papers.The once beautiful realm is now divided into four kingdoms, governed by each of their ruling classes. The Vampires from the Northern, the Werewolves from the Western, the Magicians from the Eastern, and outcasts from the Southern. Fates intertwine with each other, and yet they stray far from each other's orbits, almost but never touching.Many yearn for the union, but some terrible mistakes cannot simply be bypassed, and thus, the ruins and the scars inevitably ruin all hope—perhaps, it may never mend. But there will always be dreamers, they say...
14It was wrong. Absolutely wrong to lambaste him with words. And every passing second, I shudder each time I remember.However, that thought caved in. I huffed. What was the point? Lorraine clearly stated the reason for his intentions. He continued to shake my emotions violently to the extent I acted unrulily.My teeth clacked. "Playing with me? You're not supposed to entertain the enemy..." There was a hint of dichotomy in my words. But he knew what I was trying to say.Alpha Knight didn't look pleased when he heard Lorraine speak. Maybe it was the way she intervened or the way she had professed the truth. I felt my heart constrict at the thought they were planning to lure me. Make a fool out of me."Cancel the meeting, Cha
15 Samos Lemir. The man that Chance wanted me to meet, was a rather shabby but enigmatic-looking man. He's a few inches shorter than Chance, with matted hair, and a gritty stubble. I could almost note the wrinkles on his forehead, making his age more apparent. After being invited inside, the door slammed behind us. Samos gestured his hand towards his wooden table and we obliged to his amenity. When we were finally settled, I couldn't help the gush of questions. "Kaleya? Why did you call me by that name? Do you know me?" Samos shook his head, tucking inside one of his wooden drawers. My gaze instantly landed on the bottle of whisk he pulled out of his hand. He held it out mid-air as if offering us a drink. I looked at Chance and realized we were thinking of the same thing, we kindly declined the offer. "No, I don't know you girl...but I may have what you're looking for," Samos replied, popping the bottle cap with his teeth. Absentmindedly, my eyes wandered to Chance who was also