Chapter 4. Words of warning

☉NAIDA

“Come on out,” The merchant said, as the door of the compartment slid open, allowing the inflow of some much-needed breeze. “We're here. Didn't think we'd get past all the heavy protection of the Ravthorn border.”

I sat up from my lying position, my spine cramping from squeezing in a tight space for the whole journey. From beyond the carriage door, I could see that it was nighttime, with some lights dotting the distance.

He reached out to me and I took his hand, forcing my aching limbs to function as I climbed out. The breeze was stronger outside the carriage, and I gladly took in lungfuls of the chilly, clean air, which resulted in a series of sneezes.

“The maids' quarters are in the farthest corner of the courtyard.” The merchant was speaking, even if I was absolutely transfixed by my new and strange surroundings, “Follow the trail of Magnolia trees through the back garden, and you'll find your sister. Good luck.”

“Thank you.”

He moved back to his carriage and rode away. Moments after he left did I realize that he had dropped me off in a dark, secluded corner of the palace walls to avoid being seen. Sending a grateful prayer to the old merchant, I snuck along the walls towards the noisy guards at the main gate.

Hidden by the shadows, I peered at the long line of caravans, carriages, and shipments being carted into the palace court through the gate. Too bad my friendly merchant hadn't been delivering to the palace, that would have meant an easy entry for me.

It was common knowledge that Ravthorn was the largest and wealthiest pack in all the lands, and it was also ruled by the Alpha King. The Alpha of all Alphas, second only to the Eldermagyn.

And I was about to sneak into his court.

The court was built on a hill that overlooked the rest of the pack, so from here I could see the large expanse of darkness, dotted by a million tiny flames from different homes. Like a swarm of fireflies, in the most beautiful way possible. It wasn't just cottages and forests, but actual buildings that didn't overshadow the beauty of nature.

And the court? The gates and high walls alone told me what kind of wealth resides within. I definitely wasn't expecting this much opulence and splendor.

Training my eyes back to the line of caravans, I counted the guards supervising them. About a dozen of them, but they seemed distracted. Good for me. I waited for the right timing, and jumped out of the shadows, sidling close to a pair of donkeys pulling a cart full of fruits, as if I was some servant girl delivering the goods.

Maybe my dusty dress and matted hair solidified the role, but they didn't even spare me a glance that lasted a second.

My heart raced as we walked through the gate, with my head down, hiding my face in the shadows of my hair. The last thing I'd want was a guard catching a glimpse of my face and trying to get me into his bed.

The trail of Magnolia trees wasn't hard to spot, so I slid into the back garden, following the trees. When I got to the maids’ quarters, there was a flurry of women moving in and out of the building, transporting woven baskets around the grounds. Now how was I supposed to find Eolia?

I hid within the trimmed hedges when two young maids ventured too close.

“You won't believe what I heard at the marketplace today.” One of them said conspiratorially, “The alpha of the Ivorythorn pack was murdered by his mistress. According to the rumors, his uncle has become Alpha, taking his Luna as well.”

“Anything goes wrong with the Alpha, they always blame the mistresses,” the second maid scoffed, “I think the Eldermagyn probably assassinated him. They are fond of killing off alphas who refuse to obey them. That's why our alpha keeps absolutely no direct contact with them, he's smart to avoid them.”

“He avoids everyone. Besides, the mistress was found guilty and executed immediately.” The maids turned the corner, their voices fading away, “I just think their Luna is a cheap whore, jumping from nephew to uncle…”

I shook my head in disbelief. Of course, they'd let everyone believe I was executed for murdering Cassian, while secretly having their guards hunt me down. Letting news of my escape out would cause an uproar among the pack, and make Ivorythorn look weak. That could attract new enemies.

The Eldermagyn were already the number one enemy of all of Nyxdoria. The tyrants lorded over us all, lesser and higher creatures alike, sucking off every bit of power the realm had to offer. With five old werewolves and one ageless witch making up their “council”, they were far too powerful to take down, so everyone just did their bidding.

I was so far gone in my musings, that I didn't hear the footsteps until it was too late.

“Who's there?” A sweet, soft voice inquired.

I whirled around, only to come face to face with a curvy maid with dark hair and familiar brown eyes, holding a basket full of laundry. The resemblance was so great that recognition surpassed my shock. Nuala had sent me to her daughter?

I whispered, “Eolia?”

She blinked, “Do you know me? I've never seen you around here before.”

I nearly cried with joy that it was truly her. My voice was weak as I tried to explain, “My name is Naida. Nuala— she sent me to you. She helped me escape Ivorythorn and said you would help me…”

She gasped, “Mother sent you? Oh, you must have been through a lot, you look terrible!”

I was stunned when she dropped her basket and hugged me warmly, eyes filled with concern. When she broke the hug, her eyes were stern, “We can't stay here for long. I'll sneak you into the maid's quarters, and you'll blend in and act like you're one of us. I'll take care of everything else. There are many maids here, none would be the wiser.”

I was unsure of staying here, but in a second I figured it was the best I could hope for. So I nodded eagerly, as anything was better than staying out there running and hiding from Ivorythorn guards. At least in here, within these walls, I was under the Alpha King's protection and safe.

“There's something you should know.” Eolia continued. “Under no circumstance should you come in contact with Freya, the head maid. Avoid her at all costs, as she knows every maid here, and would immediately see you as an imposter.”