"I have told you several times not to go to the woods on your own!!!" With a harsh and loud voice, Alpha Lee, the Alpha of moonlight pack, my father, scolded me.
"Anna, I know you love being adventurous but you are still small. You can't just leave the palace without letting me know about your whereabouts.""Where have you been?" He enquired. "I… ermm… I" I kept on stammering and did not know what to say to my father. I went back to my room crying and weeping as my dad was just too harsh on me. He is always so sensitive anytime I go out. I continued sobbing on my bed, my tears staining the soft cotton bedsheet. It felt like the weight of my questions and frustrations was suffocating me, and I couldn't make sense of why my father was always so strict with me. "Why can't I go out like other kids?!" I muttered to myself, my voice muffled by the fabric. "Why must I always study and be in the palace all the time?!" The words echoed in my mind, a chorus of discontentment.As I cried, lost in my thoughts, I heard a faint sound of someone attempting to open the door. I quickly wiped my tears and stood up, my heart pounding with curiosity and hope. The door handle jiggled, but it wouldn't turn. I hurriedly unlocked it and swung the door open, revealing my mother on the other side.She entered my room with a warm smile, her presence instantly calming my troubled heart. She approached me with tenderness in her eyes, understanding the pain I felt deep within. Without a word, she gently embraced me, and I nestled into her comforting arms, seeking solace in her love."Why does Daddy always keep me confined to the palace?" I managed to utter between sobs, my voice filled with confusion and longing. My mother's touch and presence had a way of making me open up, even when my emotions overwhelmed me.Her soothing voice filled the room, washing away the chaos in my mind. "Anna, your father loves you more than words can express," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "He worries about your safety. The woods can be dangerous, with wild animals and rival packs. He doesn't want anything to happen to you.""But I want to play like other kids," I said, my voice trembling with a mix of determination and vulnerability. "I want to explore, to feel the freedom they have. Why is it so hard to be the child of an Alpha?"My mother's embrace tightened as she held me close, her voice laced with empathy. "I understand your desire, my dear. And your father does too, deep down. But his duty as an Alpha comes with the responsibility to protect our pack and our family. Sometimes, that means making difficult choices."Her words began to soothe the ache in my heart, and I listened intently as she continued. "Your father is doing what he believes is best for you, even if it doesn't always seem fair. He loves you more than anything, and he wants to shield you from any harm that may come your way."Feeling the warmth of her embrace and the love in her words, I gradually calmed down. The storm of emotions subsided, replaced by a sense of understanding. I pleaded with my mother to tell me a story, to distract me from the weight of my concerns. She obliged, spinning tales of enchanting lands and courageous heroes, lulling me into a peaceful slumber.As I drifted off to sleep, my mother quietly left my room, her love lingering in the air. ********I stopped going to the woods after Father scolded me. He said it was dangerous, that I could get hurt or lost. So, I stayed within the palace walls, playing in the grand halls and lavish gardens. But today, I couldn't bear the monotony any longer. I yearned for adventure, for the freedom the woods offered. Despite the risks, I decided to leave the palace once again. I craved the touch of nature, the whispering wind, and the secrets hidden within the trees.With careful steps, I slipped away, making sure to avoid the watchful eyes of the werewolves on duty. They were tasked with protecting the palace, but I couldn't let their presence deter me. I darted past them, my heart pounding with excitement, and ventured into the depths of the woods.The early morning greeted me with a gentle breeze, carrying the fragrance of blooming flowers. The sun's rays danced through the leaves, creating a mosaic of light and shadow. I ran freely, my feet carrying me deeper into the forest, as I relished the melodies of birdsong that echoed around me.Immersed in the enchanting world of nature, I couldn't help but mimic the various sounds. I whistled like a nightingale, chirped like a sparrow, and howled like a lone wolf. Laughter escaped my lips as I reveled in the joy of this secret performance. Time slipped away unnoticed, and as the sun climbed higher, I realized it was time to return to the palace.Fear crept into my heart as I contemplated the consequences of my absence. Father would be furious if he discovered I had left without permission again. I quickened my pace, navigating the familiar paths that led me back to the safety of the palace walls.But as I neared my pack, a strange silence hung in the air, shattering the peaceful ambiance. The usual rustling of leaves and the songs of woodland creatures were absent. An unsettling feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. I cautiously stepped forward, my eyes scanning the surroundings.My heart skipped a beat as I stumbled upon a lifeless body lying motionless on the forest floor. Panic surged through my veins, and I gasped in horror. Dead bodies littered the area, their lifeless eyes staring blankly at the sky. My pack had been attacked, and I was too late to prevent it.Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision as I moved from one fallen comrade to another. My grief was overwhelming, and I cried out in anguish, unable to comprehend the senselessness of this tragedy. The only sounds that filled the air were my sobs and desperate pleas for my loved ones to wake up.In a daze, I stumbled back towards the palace, driven by the desperate hope that my parents had somehow escaped the massacre. But as I entered the grand halls, my worst fears were realized. The once vibrant and lively atmosphere had transformed into a haunting scene of death and destruction.There, lying before me, were the lifeless bodies of my dear parents. Their faces, frozen in eternal rest, held no trace of the warmth and love that had defined them. A primal scream tore itself from my throat as I crumpled to the ground, my world crumbling around me.I wept uncontrollably, my tears mingling with the bloodstains on the marble floor. How could this have happened? Who could have committed such a heinous act? Questions swirled in my mind, but answers eluded me. I was alone, the sole survivor in a once-thriving palace.As I wept, my heart pounding in my chest, the sound of approaching footsteps broke through the deafening silence. Panic gripped me as I realized that I was no longer alone in the desolate halls of the palace. Fear mingled with grief, intensifying the ache in my chest. Who could these people be? Were they responsible for my parents' massacre, or were they here to harm me further?As the voices drew nearer, I mustered every ounce of strength to stand up, wiping away my tears with the back of my trembling hand. The once regal surroundings now seemed like a labyrinth, filled with shadows and secrets. I knew I had to hide, to find a place where I could evade their gaze and perhaps gain some insight into their intentions.With cautious steps, I moved towards a nearby corner, my eyes darting around for any possible escape routes. The sound of my own breathing seemed deafening as I pressed my back against the cold, stone wall. I tried to slow my racing heart, my mind racing even faster. My instincts screamed at me to stay hidden, to stay alive.Suddenly, before I could fully comprehend the situation, a firm hand clasped over my mouth, muffling any sound I might have made. My eyes widened in terror as I felt the hand. My brain stopped walking and I didn't know what to do. Am I also dying?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 thro
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