Chapter 04~ A Step Too Close to the Monster

ASHLEY

I was going to be his maid. In a way all of this was what I wanted but at the same time there was this sense of fear, or was it anxiety that I couldn't describe.

It kept on occurring to me that all this camouflage at the end of the day could merely be a waste of time, and he would recognize me at a glance. So when I was called to serve him later in the morning, it was with a gravy heart.

On getting to the Lycan King's quarter, I met two guards at the door. They had this expressionless look that almost made me want to turn back and forget serving the king his meal.

Even as I stopped and bowed at them, they didn't act like someone was right in front of them.

One of them looked at me. “Name?”

I thought of a perfect name. I wouldn't want to risk exposing my name, even though they had no idea who I am, or where I am from. I figured out it was better to keep my identity to myself.

“Arin,” I answered quietly, stuttering.

“Purpose?” he asked still with this intense gaze like they knew who I was.

“Breakfast for His Highness.” I whispered, my voice a bit audible.

The other guard sniffed the air. “You’re new.”

“Yes, sir.” I answered.

They looked at each other, then nodded. “Go in. Be quick.”

I gave a polite nod and pushed the door open slowly with my shoulder, careful not to spill anything from the tray. I wasn't fully in, but the number of gasps I had released was uncountable.

The walls were painted deep grey, and tall silver curtains hung tall on both sides. The carpet under my feet felt like I was walking on clouds. A large table sat at the side, and it was close to looking like heaven's table. By the side of the room was a tall, brown shelf, filled with about hundreds of books, if not mistaken.

Everything here felt so heavenly, that I almost forgot why I was here, and who the room belonged to.

"Careful, Ashley. Or you'll only create suspicions." I told myself while I carefully dropped the tray on the table.

I was about to leave the room, when my eyes fell on the photos on the large drawer.

It was a photo of a young woman, maybe in her twenties. She was beautiful, no doubt. And her smile reminded me of my mum, back when she was younger. The lady didn't look like a werewolf, not even close.

I hated that I admired her this much like she was my own mother. Then beside was another photo of her with a young boy, probably in his eighteen. He wasn't putting on a smile, like he had just walked out from a fight.

I was about to return the frame when the door opened. I still held the photo in my hand, turning to see who it was.

At first, I thought it was the guards outside, probably wondering why I was taking longer. But as the figure walked in, my heart seemed to pause for a second.

"Who are you? And what do you think you're doing here?”

I placed the photo back on the drawer. “I-I was just…” My voice came out like a whisper. “I was just about leaving.”

The young lady stared at me, her brows furrowed like she didn't believe a thing I said. "Leaving? Well, I saw you doing something totally different from just leaving."

I lowered my head. I had no words to justify myself, so I was ready for whatever words she was going to throw at me. "By the way, those aren't part of your duty. You were told not to touch anything, weren't you?"

“I’m sorry,” I apologized, with my head still lowered. “I didn’t mean to—”

“You did.” She said without hesitation. The look on her face told me she was someone with anger issues, and I had carelessly walked into her trap.

I looked at her, swallowing hard. “I won’t touch them again.”

She walked slowly towards me, stopping right in front of me. "The next time you lay your filthy hands on anything in this room, I will personally have you thrown out of this mansion. Understood?"

I nodded. "Understood."

"Now, get the hell out of my sight!”

My heart raced within my chest soon as I walked out. I had barely taken more steps when my heart stopped completely.

I froze, every part of my body screaming in fear as I saw him across the hallway. In a snap of an eye, I was hiding behind a wall so he wouldn't see me. I felt stupid doing this, but I had to do everything it took me to avoid him from recognising me.

"Any information from the Crimson Moon Pack yet?" I heard him ask in his baritone voice.

"Not yet, sir." Said the man beside him. "But we'll be getting one before nightfall. Our spies have been facing difficulties in getting closer to the Alpha. But we are certain Alpha Dan is doing something."

He let out a deep breath and didn't say anything after.

"You should get some rest, Alpha. We'll take it from here."

"Let me know when you get information–" he stopped talking, like he could sense something.

Just before he could turn toward where I was, Madam Hilda yelled my name. “Arin,” walking towards my direction. "What in heaven's name are you doing there?"

“Oh. Not now, Ms. Hilda.” I cursed.

As I stepped out from my hiding place, with my heart pounding so loud, I silently hoped he wouldn't figure me out the moment he'd see me. But then, he was gone.

"There will be a grand ceremony tonight," She started, the anger in her face surfacing clearly. "While the others are working their ass up and down, you decided to hide behind the walls?"

"I–"

She didn't let me speak, she cut in. "You what?!" She barked. "Who the hell were you even hiding from? And you think I wouldn't find you?"

Why would she even think I was hiding from her? Does it mean... she didn't see him?

"No, ma'am. I would never hide from you." I explained. "I was only..."

Again, she snapped the words off my mouth. "You know what, just get your ass in the kitchen and don't make me repeat myself again."

"Yes, ma'am." I quickly left her, running down to the kitchen.

"Phew. That was so close."