Chapter 3: Under the Ayla.

I groggily returned to consciousness unaware of how long it had been since I blacked out. My head was throbbing with pain as I brought my one hand to hold it and the other to sit up on the bed. As soon as my vision cleared, I found myself in a room that neither belonged to me nor my parents. 

Where was I? Am I dead? Is this what heaven looks like or am I in hell? But I don't think watching K-pop concerts online illegally is a sin. My gibberish thoughts were interrupted by the door as it cracked open revealing an old lady. Lady Ember. I know her and even everybody in our pack does. 

Lady Ember is an omega but is as respected as one of the higher wolves in our pack because of her immense knowledge in medicines and ayurveda. She had studied ayurveda and botany for her whole life and had saved thousands of lives, hence the honour to live in the palace. Ironically, the woman couldn't save her mate when his back was scraped through by a silver sword. It is rumored that since then she had been looking for the cure for it. Well, this story is more than fifty years old and so is our Lady Ember but who knows if she could create a history? As a matter of fact, we werewolves tend to live longer than humans. 

"So how are you feeling, Ayla?" She said keeping a bowl at the bedside table. I frowned, being surprised that she knew my name but the mere thought went away when my focus went onto what had occurred at the entrance of the palace. 

"Where a-am I, Lady Ember? And y-you know my name?" I stammered my words out still feeling a burning sensation through my entire body. What is happening to me? Is my end near, already? 

"It's the guest room, Ayla and your friend seemed very worried about you. She even asked me not to leave your side until she returns." The old lady chuckled, recalling the event from before. 

I instantly knew she was talking about Diana and then it struck my mind. "F-for how long have I been passed out?" I asked as she placed the warm bowl in my hands, gesturing me to drink the soup in it. 

"Maybe an hour or so? But don't worry Alpha Gray has permitted you to stay in until you recover." I tightened my grip on the spoon as soon as I heard the name. 

A ticklish sensation rushed through my spine when I recalled what had occurred before I passed out. Was it Alpha Gray whose body I fell onto? Stupid Ayla. 

Hurriedly, I sipped the soup which I assumed was a homemade remedy because it had perfectly done its magic on me. It was just a minute or so and my head already felt lightheaded with the fever vanishing away from my body. 

"I have to leave. Thank you for your care and the soul, Lady Ember. I am so honoured to meet you." I said, keeping the bowl on the table and removing the duvet from myself. 

"Oh no, where do you think you're going, little girl? You are still not fully recovered and you might sh-" She was speaking worriedly but I interrupted her whilst looking for my heels or any sort of footwear that could do the bare minimum for me. 

"I am really sorry, Lady Ember but I shouldn't be staying in a place where I don't belong." I blurted with no filter on my tongue all while wearing my heels. 

She simply chuckled like I had just cracked a joke and told me not to expose myself under the full moon tonight. 

Suspicious, I agree but I couldn't think of anything else but my job for the party tonight for which I was running late. The entrance and the foyer was all empty with faint noise of blaring music coming from the loudspeakers at the terrace. It was already eight and my parents must be worried to not see me around. All I could do was hope that the two don't act too strongly about my bruises or scratches that I might be having right now. Making my way to the elevator, I pressed the button for the terrace. Stairs weren't an option, duh! 

I wasn't feeling very well but jolted up as soon as I saw my reflection on the polished interior of the lift. "Is it really gone or am I merely hallucinating?" I muttered touching the corners of my lips and turning my face sideways, looking for at least a single cut that could be the proof that I wasn't dreaming. Well, of course I wasn't dreaming, it was all real. All fucking real! But maybe because of that apparently magical soup of Lady Ember. 

The doors of the elevator dinged and opened revealing the lively celebrations. I silently took steps towards the refreshments area where I knew my mother would be. It was busier than I thought. The party was in full swing and packs from across the globe had arrived with the mateless high-rank wolves. 

"Mom!" I whisper-yelled as soon as I spotted her figure. "Lala, where were you for the last two hours?" She asked, engulfing me in a side hug as she was busy with loading the trays of food on the counter. 

I chewed my bottom lip before reassuring her that I was at the palace undoubtedly keeping Mara's part to myself. She nodded and gave me an once and overall look before handing me the apron I protested for. 

Picking up a tray that I had to top up with the champagne glasses time and again, I glanced at the bar which was busy with five omegas serving drinks there. All females, again. A way for my pack to show off their female population. 

My eyes scanned the crowd but neither really saw through the mass of bodies nor heard far due to the music blaring from the speakers. The fairy lights covering the pillars and the railings were eye-catching but what stood at the spotlight was the moon. I might have forgotten it was a full moon night today. How magnificent it felt, to be under the moonlight that seeped through the clouds, falling on us from time to time. 

A male gestured me over, and despite my nerves, I approached him with a curtsy when I sensed the power coming from him. He smelt of gamma blood, a third in command or the warrior wolf. 

"Champagne, sir?" I asked, keeping my head low, thankful my stutter was at bay. 

"No thank you, sweetheart. Could you please bring me a whiskey on the rocks?" He asked. 

I nodded without looking at him and made my way over to the bar. Another blink of an eye and they handed me a glass of whiskey. Thanking the girl at the bar, I took the glass on my tray and made my way back to the male. 

I didn't meet his gaze as I offered him his order, "Your d-drink sir." 

"Thank you.. "

 When I realized he was gesturing for my name, my eyes flew to look into his. "S-sorry sir, I'm not s-supposed to.." 

"Oh doesn't matter, sweetheart. You really think I ordered the whiskey. There's the pretty eyes I wanted to see." He smirked while taking a sip from his glass and the man next to him laughed. 

I dropped my gaze instantly and asked before chewing onto my lips, "Anything else I can get you, s-sir?" 

"No, sweetheart." He darkly chuckled. 

Just as I was about to walk off this uncomfortable scene, I felt a burn on my skin. The moonlight had escaped the drapes of the clouds finally and it was lighting up the terrace with its own enigma. But why burn? Isn't the moon an epitome of cool and calm? I shrieked when I realised the burn that was flaming on my skin was actually, under my skin. With a clatter, the champagne glasses on the tray shattered on the floor. Luckily, the sound of music drowned it out but didn't stop the fact it poured all down the back of someone. 

I hiccuped, tears threatening to stain my cheeks. I didn't know what to focus on. The flames under my skin or the fire of rage I might have just ignited in the male in front of me. 

The male with the blue-gray hair turned around with a harsh growl that had a strong whimper. A whimper of an Alpha. Shit! What did I just do? 

"I'm s-so sorry.." I was so close to blurt my apologies out until my eyes fell into his hazel ones. 

"Mate!"

I was alarmed at the intruding voice in my head. My eyes went wider when he took a step forward as I tilted my head up only to come face to face with angry hazel eyes. My mind fuzzed over as the vibrance of sage and gold colours swirled and encompassed my stupid brain. 

"Mine." A low purr vibrated through my head. 

A head peeked behind that Alpha's head that belonged to Diana calling out her brother's name and I instantly knew who this male wolf was. 

"Alpha Gray."