pte

ipped my attention to my nervo

ile others were uninviting. Their gleaming faces died down in an instant they noticed me. As much as I yearned to adore the intricate buildings of the kingdom, the sharp stares I was receiving imposed my distasteful appearance. I fail

ching stares. They wanted to at least have a flash or glimpse of the unknown stranger Alpha was accompanying

metal chains reverberated, the steed slightly jerked in action. And as soon as the gates were holster

was yet another village house

lanced at our figure. Though I could feel their burni

nce! Alpha Str

t this moment, I warned myself to breathe, not worry, and stay

you...you are nothing

bask in the kingdom's beauty. Alpha Strevus remained neutral and wordless, despite the gaping folks praising his highness. As an inaudible pain slowly crept dow

. And when he prodded, he helped me get off his horse and land myself against the grou

prince...you bro

ng in his presence, his demeanor carried a certain authority. Trailing behind the nobleman was a boy, his frame slender and his complexion pale. He held an array

ary person...lo

up to me before he pulled my veil. And

n enemy!" H

e swept over the assembly of vigilant and cautious guards. Alpha's presence held a commanding assurance as he cast them a significant glance, his

attention. I need to talk to my fat

t...What will

mpliant. She won't atte

rust in an enemy!? Let alone, p

lding the reins of the frontier as its commander. Re

held worry and contemplation, but it only too

t. I shouldn'

e's f

ur father is in the Riverwood pack, managing

ill he

oximation...about

enance. "In that case, it seems we're left with no altern

High

ther wor

ing his head to bow to the Alpha before storming off with new orders. Meanwhile, the boy struggled to maint

t going to s

silent reveries. Gulping, I fo

your strength is already formidable? After all, y

o address me by my surname. Use '

quick to apologize,

us impervious to weaknesses. We still require swords-weapons to safeguard ourselves

pse of him. We had been exchanging the briefest of words. Sinking int

ircase that connected the second story and the grand hall. I never knew the power an intricate architecture might bring to the eyes of the beholder. Sprawled with a m

is unexpecte

niscent of golden sunshine, adorned the corridors of the solitary palace. In contrast to my own attire, hers was a resplendent gown, reminiscent of the hue of berries. I found it c

ngdom...though this wasn't as planned," She said, e

lover...my heart qu

d the sway of ocean waves, calm and courtly. There was a smile on her f

e inquired, her gaze settling on

e stinging pain buried in my heart; like a dagger pierc

barely rolling a w

ienced a disconcerting flip, akin to an unwelcome somersault, as his pupils expanded in a display of exaspe

ypical guest...otherwise,

t. Alpha was still looking at me, though his attention didn't span f

a captive... albe

ld yearn for the position I hold, and I don't wish to be exposed to threats from

love. Once the ritual is done, we

inty. At any moment, their decisions might waver, altering the course of our agreement. As their conversation alternated between dialogue and bri

first, before bowing to courtesy. Alpha Strevus gest

d him to send a maid t

to provide her with attire an

e commanded. Nodding, the woman sank i

fiance seldomly brings strangers-or just people in general, a

the woman, Alpha's lover, was referring to

added. "I can't simply

lpha seemed poised to elucidat

ut a last name.

have a fa

at I kn

me, it is somewhat helpful since it is my weakness. I still needed to keep my walls up to survive in this place. M

sire," the serv

h something suitabl

, especially when Alpha Strevus walked out of the enormous hall, hand in hand with the woman who seemed to be his fiancee and lover. I don't know what got into

ed to envelop the space, particularly as Alpha Strevus and the woman exited the grand hall together, their hands entwined. I couldn't fathom what came over me, but with every pas

here at least. Then maybe

." The ser

ike the mansion at the camp, paintings found on the castle walls held portraits of persons within them, probably r

following the portrait as wide and large as a room. It was a portrait of Alpha Stre

s with ember-like remains from burn

dy.

y snapped at the s

or

e place was veiled by white linen. The servant carefully dusted and swatted each linen and soon after revealed a room with a sofa, a bed, and a

ng that you need, you can ring the be

corner of the ceiling. Wondering from where it

with that. Only use it when

nd..." I re

, I finally allowed myself to catch up with sleep and rest. It didn't matter what time it was. All I needed was to immerse myself in slumber. After eve

lves still lurking at

*

o my awakening, but it was mainly my own attunement that roused me. Adjacent to me, the windows allowed the breeze to enter with impudence. I could no longer tolerate the cold, prompting me to rise and seal their

s goi

ithin my running mind before I could prevent myself; the opport

ay. Seizing the opportunity, I emerged from my concea

u doing loit

art pounding. I turned and lo

ome against the stray light of the moon. With a slight