To my greatest surprise, it was actually Master Cyrus who had clasped his hand over my mouth, muffling any sound I might have made.
Master Cyrus is one of my father's trusted chiefs that knows and runs the main affairs of the Moondawn pack. My eyes widened in terror as I felt his grip tighten, but there was a glimmer of reassurance in his eyes. The fear and confusion swirled within me, but I trusted him enough not to struggle against his hold.He motioned for me to follow him as he led me away from the palace, away from the imminent danger that lurked within its walls. We moved swiftly and silently, our footsteps barely making a sound against the cobblestone paths. The chaos that erupted behind us served as a chilling reminder of the peril we had narrowly escaped.As we ventured outside, the night enveloped us, the darkness providing a cloak of protection. Master Cyrus, ever vigilant, scanned our surroundings, his eyes searching for any signs of pursuit. The moonlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees, casting eerie shadows on our path.But fate seemed determined to test us further. A sudden rustle nearby shattered the silence, followed by a guttural voice calling out to others. We were not alone in our escape; the assassins who had come to attack our pack had noticed our presence and alerted their comrades. Panic surged through me, and I felt my legs go weak, but Master Cyrus's strong grip on my arm gave me the resolve to keep moving.We broke into a sprint, our footsteps pounding against the forest floor. The trees whizzed past in a blur as adrenaline coursed through my veins. Each step brought us closer to the safety of the hidden cave, our sanctuary in this treacherous wilderness.Finally, the mouth of the cave appeared before us, an inviting darkness beckoning us inside. We stumbled into its depths, gasping for breath, the sound of our pounding hearts echoing against the cold walls. I collapsed to the ground, tears streaming down my face, unable to contain the overwhelming mix of fear, relief, and confusion.Master Cyrus knelt beside me, his hand gently resting on my trembling shoulder. "Anna," he said softly, his voice filled with empathy, "we're safe for now. Take a moment to catch your breath." His words were a balm to my shattered nerves, and I clung to them desperately.As I gradually regained control of my breathing, I allowed myself to take in the surroundings. The cave was dimly lit, its walls adorned with ancient markings and moss-covered stones. It held an aura of secrecy and sanctuary, a place where we could find solace and regroup.I turned to Master Cyrus, my voice shaking as I managed to speak. "Why... Why did they attack us? What do they want?"Master Cyrus sighed, his eyes reflecting a mix of sorrow and determination. "There are many things you don't yet know, Anna, but I promise you this: we will uncover the truth together. For now, let us rest and gather our strength. We have much to do and much to face in the days to come."I nodded, finding comfort in his words. Despite the uncertainties that lay ahead, I knew I had found an ally, a guiding light in this dark and treacherous journey. And together, we would uncover the secrets hidden within the shadows and fight for our survival.Seven Years Later…The early morning sunlight seeped through the crevices of the cave, casting gentle rays upon the damp stones. I stood there, sweat dripping down my forehead, no longer the helpless 10-year-old girl who had lost everything seven years ago. I had grown, both in age and strength. Now at 17 years old, I was determined to avenge my pack and bring justice to those who had caused their demise.Master Cyrus, my mentor and guide in this treacherous journey, had pushed me beyond my limits. Our training session had begun hours before the world woke up. We had delved into the ancient arts of combat, honing our skills and preparing for the mission that lay ahead. The cave had witnessed our relentless efforts, its walls echoing the sound of strikes and the rustle of training gear.As the clock neared 7 am, I knew I had to leave soon. The Sunshine pack palace awaited my arrival, and I couldn't afford to be late. The massacre that had torn my pack apart had been meticulously planned and executed by the very pack I sought to infiltrate. Determined to uncover the truth, I had embarked on this perilous path with Master Cyrus by my side.Disguised as a maid, I had gained entry into the Sunshine pack palace. It was a precarious position, but it provided me with the perfect cover to search for clues and expose the masterminds behind the massacre. Dressed in a simple, worn-out uniform, I blended seamlessly among the palace staff. My training had prepared me not only for physical combat but also for the art of deception."Master Cyrus, thank you for today's training. I've learned so much," I said, expressing my gratitude to the wise old man who had become a father figure to me.He smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You've come a long way, Anna. I'm proud of the warrior you've become. Remember, the key to success lies in patience and perseverance."I nodded, absorbing his words of wisdom before gathering my belongings and preparing to depart. The journey back to the palace was always a bittersweet one. It reminded me of the mission that brought me here, seeking justice for my fallen pack.After bidding farewell to Master Cyrus, I made my way back to the palace to carry out my duties as a maid. The other staff members went about their tasks, unaware of the storm brewing beneath the surface of my obedient façade. With each chore I completed, I observed the palace, studying its corridors, eavesdropping on conversations, and piecing together the puzzle that hid in plain sight.When the day's work finally drew to a close, I retreated to my small room, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of the palace. It was a modest space, just enough to provide a respite from the relentless demands of my undercover role. I sank onto the bed, exhaustion creeping through my bones, and closed my eyes, allowing my mind to wander.Thoughts of my pack, their faces etched in my memory, fueled my determination. I recalled their laughter, their camaraderie, and the love we shared. Their spirits guided me forward, propelling me toward my ultimate goal of justice and retribution. In this room, away from prying eyes, I reaffirmed my purpose, promising myself that I would not rest until the truth was revealed and the guilty were held accountable.As I closed my eyes, ready to drift into a well-deserved rest, I heard a knock on my door. Wearily, I rose from the bed and approached the door, curious about who would disturb me at this hour. As I opened it, I found the head of the maidservant standing before me, holding a bunch of clothes."Anna," she said, her voice filled with urgency, "I need you to deliver these clothes to Leo's room immediately. It's important." Her eyes were wide with a hint of worry, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on.Leo, the Alpha's son of the Sunshine pack. I had seen him around the palace, a handsome and enigmatic figure. He is every girl's dream but not mine though. I only see him as the son of a traitor. "Of course," I replied, taking the clothes from her. "I'll deliver them right away."When I got to his room, I realized that the door to his room was not locked. I opened it and placed the clothes on a table. Just as I was about to leave, I noticed he was so fast asleep that he didn't even notice my presence. Hatred filled my heart and I felt like avenging my parents death that moment. I brought out the knife I had always kept with me. Filled with anger and hatred, I moved closer to him ready to take his life. Just as I was about to do that, Leo shifted the position of his body. I froze at that moment. As I stood there, the small knife clenched tightly in my hand, Leo's eyes fluttered open. My heart pounded in my chest, and time seemed to stand still as our gazes locked. In that moment, the weight of my anger and grief collided with the reality of the situation. I saw fear in Leo's eyes, and for a fleeting second, my own resolve wavered.I hesitated, the knife trembling in my grasp. The room was filled with a heavy silence, broken only by the sound of our ragged breaths. It was as if the universe itself held its breath, waiting to see what choice I would make.But then, as I stared into Leo's eyes, something shifted within me. I saw not only fear but confusion and vulnerability as well. He was just a young man, burdened by the expectations of his lineage. The sins of his father were not his own, and to take his life in a moment of blind vengeance would make me no better than those who had destroyed my family.Slowly, I lowered the knife, the weight of it slipping from my fingers. It clattered onto the floor, a stark reminder of the darkness that had consumed my soul. I took a step back, my body shaking with the conflicting emotions that raged within me. Leo watched me, wide-eyed, his voice trembling as he spoke."What... what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice laced with confusion.I struggled to find my own voi
Leo was standing in front of me. I couldn't believe my eyes. What was he doing here in the first place? My mind raced as I tried to make sense of the situation. It was then that it occurred to me what was actually going on. The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning.Leo stared at me, his eyes filled with disbelief. He uttered words that sent a chill down my spine. "So you are my mate?" His voice trembled with a mix of shock and confusion. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Wait, who are you?" With a fierce look, Leo asked me.I mustered up courage to reply to him and told him my identity in the palace. I stammered and replied "I… I am a maid in the palace."Leo's expression changed, his gaze hardening. "I can't believe a maid is actually my mate, a whole Alpha's son like me." His words struck a nerve, reminding me of the vast divide between our statuses in the pack.His words stung, and I felt a surge of hurt rising within me. I had never asked to be a maid, nor did I choo
I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw her—a woman in a sorcerer costume standing beside Master Cyrus in our secluded training ground. My heart skipped a beat as I tried to process the sight before me. Who was she? What was she doing here? The questions swirled in my mind like a relentless storm.Master Cyrus, ever perceptive, must have noticed my surprise. He called out to me, breaking the spell of astonishment that had taken hold of me. "Anna!" he called, his voice laced with urgency. I quickly gathered myself and made my way towards them, my eyes never leaving the mysterious woman.Master Cyrus introduced her to me, revealing that she was a sorcerer who would aid us in our mission. It was a daunting task—to infiltrate the Moonlight pack and convince the Alpha that his son, Leo, must not reject me as his mate.Mixed emotions surged within me. Excitement tinged with trepidation coursed through my veins. This mission held immense significance, but its success was far from certain. The
Leo paced restlessly in his room, his thoughts consumed by Anna's sudden disappearance. He had searched every corner of the palace, desperate to find her, but she seemed to have vanished without a trace. Unable to ask others for help, as he didn't even know her name, Leo felt the weight of his helplessness bearing down on him.He decided to search for her again. After what felt like an eternity of fruitless searching, Leo's spirit began to waver. He considered giving up, resigning himself to the idea that he might never see her again. But just as he was about to abandon hope, a flicker of movement caught his eye. Leo's heart leaped in his chest as he rushed toward her, stopping her in her tracks. "Stop there!" he exclaimed, "I've been searching for you everywhere."*******My eyes widened in surprise as Leo stopped me. "You were looking for me?" I asked, my voice filled with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty.He nodded, a sheepish expression on his face. "Yes, I... I want to apo
When I was done cooking, the aroma of the midnight snack filled the air, making my stomach grumble in anticipation but unfortunately, I won't taste out of it. With a tray in my hands, I quietly made my way down to Leo's room. As I approached Leo's room, my steps slowed, and my heart skipped a beat. I wondered why I felt that way. Pushing the thoughts aside, I reached the door and gently pushed it open. The soft creaking noise reverberated in the silence of the room.To my surprise, Leo was engrossed in a book, his attention entirely consumed by its pages. I had expected him to be asleep, but seeing him wide awake brought mixed feelings. I didn't want to interrupt his reading, so I silently placed the tray of food on the nearby table. But just as I turned to leave, Leo's commanding voice broke the silence."Put it on the side bed stool, Anna," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.Caught off guard, I carefully moved the tray to the indicated spot, all the while feeling hi
As I lay in my bed, overwhelmed by the depths of slumber, a terrible dream swept over me like a hurricane. In my nightmare, I found myself standing amidst a raging inferno. The flames destroyed everything in their path, their searing heat blistering my skin. But it wasn't the fire itself that shocked me to the core; it was the agonizing cries that pierced the darkness.Through the rising smoke, I saw the forms of my parents, engulfed in the flames, their anguished shouts reverberating in my ears. They pleaded for mercy, their tear-filled eyes yearning for a savior amidst the pandemonium. My mother's voice, strained and desperate, broke through the roaring fire, shouting out my name, asking me to save her, to avenge her.My heart raced with terror and sorrow as I frantically strove to rescue them, to remove them from the jaws of the terrible blaze. But no matter how hard I tried, my efforts were in vain. The scorching heat forced me back, the flames dancing viciously between us, an imp
I made my way through the huge corridors of the palace, my white apron fastened firmly around my waist. My day, like any other, had began early with my morning chores as a maid. Dusting the great chandeliers, straightening up the beautiful sitting rooms, and ensuring everything was in its place dominated my mornings.As I was fixing the drapes in one of the guest bedrooms, a colleague maid appeared at the door, her eyes bright with panic. "Anna," she said, "Leo has requested your presence in his room."My heart accelerated its pace at the mention of his name. What could he possibly want from me? I followed the maid down the corridor. We reached Leo's door, and she gestured for me to enter.Leo sat on a chair near the window, his dark eyes impenetrable as they met mine. The room was softly lighted, casting fascinating shadows across his features. My heart raced as I approached him."Anna," he began in his rich, silky voice, "I observed something unusual last night. You didn't deliver m
The soft light of early morning streamed into the cave, sending dappled shadows across the rocky floor. I treaded the familiar path to our training grounds, the sound of my footsteps echoing in the quiet solitude of the forest. Our training began with the rhythmic clash of wooden practice swords. The resonance reverberated off the stone walls, a testament to the countless hours we had spent in perfecting our combat skills. Beads of sweat formed on my face, and the strain in my muscles was a welcome reminder of the progress I'd made under Master Cyrus's watchful eye.Lowering my practice sword, I turned to Master Cyrus. "Do you think there's a way we can interrupt the anniversary, Master? To reveal the Alpha's true colors to the pack members?"Master Cyrus regarded me carefully, his practice sword now sheathed. He leaned against the cave wall, his piercing blue eyes focused on a faraway point. "Anna," he began, his voice low and measured, "vengeance is a dish best served cold. Since L