Main Character Morning

The sun had the nerve to shine through my window like everything was fine.

Rude.

I didn’t even remember falling asleep.

The last thing I recalled was curling into the softest bed I’d ever touched, salty tears soaking the pillow, my heart aching with too many things I didn’t want to name. But when I blinked awake, sunlight was gently spilling through the sheer curtains, casting warm streaks of gold across the room like nature’s way of saying, “Hey girl, new day. Try again.”

My eyes wandered, adjusting slowly. The room really was beautiful—high ceilings with carved wooden beams, floor-length velvet drapes in forest green, a plush chaise lounge by the window. A small kitchenette sat in the corner, all gleaming brass and marble countertops. It looked like the kind of place royalty might stay during a diplomatic vacation.

Me? I still felt like I’d snuck in through the back door.

Or maybe this is just how Alpha Alex treats his housekeepers.

How many were here before me?

But… maybe it was mine now.

Even if just for a while. If we don’t screw it up.

Cherry stirred lazily in my head.

“Well, damn. We really out here living like elite werewolf sugar babies, huh?”

I snorted. “Let me enjoy my main character moment, please.”

Rolling off the bed, I stretched with a groan, every bone cracking in protest.

Crying yourself into a human puddle did wonders for your spine, apparently.

A small basket sat at the edge of the bed with a note in cheerful handwriting:

“Basic toiletries! I wasn’t sure what you liked, but I hope this works for now. —Daisy <3”

Inside were neatly folded towels, travel-sized containers, a rose-gold hairbrush, and a bottle of strawberry-scented shampoo.

“Oh, Daisy,” I mumbled, smiling despite myself. “You tried.”

How did she even get this inside? I don't remember opening the door.

Maybe you were just too knocked out to notice, Cherry replied dryly.

I rolled my eyes at her.

Cherry piped up again.

“If we survive long enough to get a paycheck, I’m ordering something with argan oil. My mane is crying.”

“You and me both.”

The bathroom was just as grand as the bedroom—black stone tiles, a clawfoot tub, a glass shower big enough to fit an entire wrestling team. I let the water run hot, steaming up the mirror, and washed away every trace of yesterday’s nightmare.

Well, almost every trace.

The strawberry shampoo wasn’t my usual pick—it smelled like cotton candy and middle school—but something about it made me smile. Maybe I needed a little softness today.

After drying off and slipping into the spare clothes Daisy had left—a soft oversized shirt and leggings (my ass looking extra round, yeah go girl)—I tied my hair into a bun and stepped out into the hallway.

The same guards from yesterday stood at attention near the Alpha’s quarters. This time, they looked at me like they recognized me.

Cherry, never missing a chance, cooed,

“Oh, now they remember our face? Mmm. Maybe they just needed a little strawberry-infused encouragement.”

I smirked, biting back a laugh. “Stop it. They’re professionals.”

“Hot professionals. Just saying.”

We giggled like high school girls with a crush, which felt borderline criminal considering how much I'd cried last night—but maybe laughter was allowed.

Maybe it was healing.

As I passed, one of the guards gave a short nod. I returned it with a smile that didn’t feel as forced as yesterday.

Progress.

The Alpha's study was... well, beautiful. Black velvet curtains. A fireplace big enough to roast a bear. A bed carved from obsidian wood that screamed brooding warlord.

I cleaned everything—shelves, the polished daggers above the mantel—without incident. And minding my damn business.

Ain’t no way I was about to touch something and land myself in trouble.

“No sexy sightings?” Cherry whined.

“Where’s our ‘hulking shadow-daddy with rage issues’ moment?”

“Gone, hopefully,” I whispered, adjusting the last cushion.

Even though I was lowkey sad I didn't get to see him.

And with that, I bolted.

The smell of food hit me the second I reached my room again—savory, spiced, and fresh. On the small table near the window sat a tray: eggs, roasted potatoes, a chunk of warm bread, and some kind of berry compote. Next to it, a silver teapot and a delicate porcelain cup.

My stomach growled like an animal freed from its chains.

“Whoever brought this is getting a handwritten thank-you card,” I muttered, sinking into the chair and digging in.

Even though they got into my room again—I guess there ain't no privacy for a lady here.

But who was I to complain? All they did was feed me.

Which made my mind wander.

What was Alex doing today?

“Hmmmmm,” Cherry hummed.

“What? I can’t help my mind,” I muttered around a mouthful of eggs, cheeks warming.

After finishing every last crumb, I rinsed my face, tied my hair back, and decided it was time to explore.

If I was stuck here, I might as well know where here was.

The hallway was quieter today, the air less tense. As I wandered, I passed a massive oil painting. It stopped me in my tracks.

Alex.

He stood in full uniform, black and silver armor gleaming like obsidian. His expression was unreadable, eyes stormy and sharp. Regal. Cold. Beautiful. And unmistakably dangerous.

My fingers twitched like they wanted to trace the lines of his face.

“Ugh. That’s our Big D Energy mate,” Cherry exhaled dreamily.

“Shut up.”

“You were thinking it.”

I walked away, trying not to feel like I was walking away from him.

Be cool, I reminded myself.

We barely know the man. And he’s… not yours. It’s not even mutual. Remember what happened last time you thought you had a chance?

Ronan’s words burned in the back of my brain. I flinched.

“No more of that,” I whispered. “Not today.”

Eventually, my aimless wandering led me to a grand pair of double doors, slightly ajar. I pushed one open.

A library.

Books towered from floor to ceiling, the walls covered in shelves. Wooden ladders lined the edges, and light filtered through stained glass windows in soft colors. The air smelled like ink and dust and secrets.

“Okay,” I whispered, stepping in reverently. “Now we’re talking.”

Three floors of spiraling staircases and floating lanterns. The scent of old parchment and magic filled the air. I wandered, fingers trailing along spines, until a thick, aged tome caught my eye:

The Rift: The Blood Feud Between Shadowmoor and Nightfang.

Curiosity burned. I sat, flipping through tales of broken treaties, stolen land, and one chilling entry about a Luna from Nightfang who was assassinated by a Shadowmoor spy.

No wonder these packs hated each other.

“I wouldn’t start with the war crimes,” a voice drawled behind me. “The poetry section’s less likely to give you nightmares.”

I looked up sharply.

A woman leaned against the bookshelf, arms crossed, expression wickedly amused. She wore combat boots, a half-buttoned uniform jacket, and a smirk that could slice steel. Her dark blonde curls were pulled into a high ponytail, and a scar traced the curve of her jaw like jewelry.

“You always sneak up on people reading ancient war texts?” I asked.

“Only the cute ones,” she shot back.

My face heated. “Excuse me?”

She laughed.

“Relax, newbie. I’m Chloe. Nightfang’s best archer and second-best flirt.”

“Penelope,” I said, standing awkwardly. “New housekeeper.”

She chuckled.

“Nice to meet you, Penelope. So, how’s the new housekeeping job? Boring?”

“No. I swing swords and daggers every day ‘cause I’m a warrior.”

“And part-time smartass?”

She laughed.

“You’ll do just fine here.”

There was a beat of silence before she added,

“You know, there’s a market night happening later. Food, music, stuff to buy. Locals show up. You should come if you’re interested.”

“Why?” I asked, half-teasing, half-curious.

She shrugged.

“Because you look like you need to breathe. And maybe get a drink. And because Daisy says you’ve been through some serious shit.”

I hesitated. I didn’t like pity. It made me feel weak.

It must’ve shown on my face.

“She didn’t really say anything, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Chloe added gently. “I just figured it out. Doesn’t take that many brain cells. And no, I’m not inviting you out just ‘cause Daisy suggested it. I want to.”

I liked her.

I smiled. “Alright. Show me what this place has to offer.”

Chloe winked.

“Atta girl.”

Cherry purred.

“I like her.”

“So do I.”

And for the first time in days, I didn’t feel like I was barely holding it together.

I felt like maybe, just maybe…

I could start again.

And be free from my past—

Even if it was temporary.