Chapter 3: The Recognition

Chapter 3: The Recognition

I wake up in a huge room I am not familiar with. The room is in plain black and the furniture are not only expensive at first sight, but also expensively organize and pleasing to the eyes. A long black settee, a king-sized bed, and a man firmly standing by the window.

His upper body was naked, helping the blinds block the sun creeping in. My body stiffens at the realization. I immediately sit up and knelt down on the cold marble floor, slightly bow down.

I was not supposed to be in bed. I was prohibited to even touch the mattress. After the realization, I was like a demon from hell who had been showered with holy water. I quickly got up and apologize for my intrusion.

But, on the other side of my mind, I had to lift my eyes. His upper body is muscled and toned. Seeing him this closely with a clear mind, I felt that I had known him before. Not in the abandoned underground building, not anywhere else. It is as if my heart recognized the alpha of the town. Have we met before?

I am completely aware of their existence. They were werewolves from Northcrest who were cursed for not shifting and other innate skills shoiwered by the Moon Goddess. Unlike other werewolves outside Northcrest, Apollo’s pack was the kind that used physical combat, weaponry, and tricks in winning a battle.

Samael makes sure that we know our possible nemesis because other packs, according to him, likes meddling into others’ businesses. To prtect the syndicate, we study hard about them and how to recognize them in just one sight. But I failed terribly in that sense.  

I am perfectly drawn from his back, tracing the lines with my sinful eyes. From the side of his face to his sharp jaw, and the lump in his throat going up and down. I have never seen such a salivating masterpiece ever. If he is not god, then he is not human either. His long sleeves slid perfectly on his shoulders, buttoning them down.

“Enjoying the view, human?” he asked, smirking.

As if he knew I am examining him the whole time.

I jolted up as his voice coursed through my system. Oh God! What am I thinking? I should have not peek at him. What if he will kill me because of it?

The alpha is in front of me indeed. It is true and I was not imagining it. No one knew who the alpha was. At least by his name. But why did he disclose himself at the abandone building and save us all? And in the first place, it is not his under his jurisdiction.

According to legend, the alpha only resurface when the situation is needed by his prowess. It was always the beta—Andrius—who faced the people. I do not know why he revealed himself at the abandoned building and saved everyone. But that not what in my mind right now.

I have never imagined that I would be able to see him this close. As much as possible, Samael would refrain us from meeting these kind of people because they tend to be part of those aristocrats who like political servant. And their job would be at stake.

And now, he is in front of me. I really hope that the alpha forgot what I said to him earlier. I do not want to die yet. I need to get Riley first. If needing and serving him were the only way to keep my life, I had to swallow everything just to keep my breath.

Riley has been retelling stories about the alpha and how he is as the leader of the pack. Once, when we were alone in a caged-cell, he used to tell me that the alpha of Northcrest was never lenient in punishments and he believed in the traditional way of sentencing. That is why his pack warriors feared and looked up to him the most.

No one has ever tried betraying him. But that is impossible. In the world right now, betrayal is like a commodity. It has a price.

From behind, I knew Riley was telling me the truth. I could not seem to distinguish if he was expressionless or that he was just naturally emotionless. I can not see emotions in him, even if I am just facing his side profile. Naturally, I can see through the soul of a person, but him, he is perfectly hidden, like a clam.

But, one thing caught my attention. I did not see it earlier, but now it is clear. His back was burnt. After sliding his sleeves up to his elbow, he put a bandage on his wound on his wrist.

“Good morning, alpha. It is time to dress your wound,” the man in his white gown, I believe is a doctor, announces from the door.

With him were two women nurses bringing medicine kits and record books on their hands. They smile and bow down which I did back.

The alpha turned his back but did not face the doctor. I feel like he is staring at me now from his peripheral vision. I suddenly felt so little like myself.

“I do not need any of that. Throw that away!” he spoke nonchalantly. His words carry weight for the alpha.

Indeed ruthless. He could not even acknowledge the doctor’s job.

“But, Alpha—“

The doctor was cut off by a sudden growl. “Yes, alpha. I will attend to him right away.”

I sat on the stool near the bed. All of a sudden, I am the one who is being treated. They checked my temperature, my breathing, and the burns I got from the explosion. He dressed them slowly but the doctor seemed to be nervous that he touched my wound unintentionally.

“Ah!” I gasped at the sudden sting. “Awe!”

The doctor is easily agitated. He blurted, “I am sorry, Sir Elias. I am really sorry. Please forgive me. I did not mean to do it.”

I saw him peeking at the alpha’s side, fear consuming his system. Even the nurses who were with the doctor felt nervous as their eyes were unsteady and they held their stuff trembling.

I did not see much, but I heard the alpha take a step forward, tilting his head. Is that how fearful he is? Even the slightest mistake could bring someone’s life at stake?

“It is okay, doctor. You do not have to say sorry,” I said, assuring him. “Do not call me Sir, either. It does not suit me. I am only a slave.”

I squeezed his hand but I heard the alpha groan. So I stopped.

Is comforting someone bad in this place? Why do I feel like I am being watched even if they’re not watching?

“Thank you for treating my wound, doctor.” I smiled at him.

After the doctor dressed my wounds and left the door, Andrius, whom I know is the beta—second in command leader—hurriedly went inside. He bowed down at him and took a little glance at me. He, also, slightly bowed down at me, which I found confusing. So, I bowed down in response.

“Alpha, the council is now waiting for you at the sentencing hall.” Andrius leaned forward and whispered. “The Senior Council is here, too. And they are so adamant about your answers regarding this matter.”

The alpha glanced at me on the bed before he left with Andrius. They left as if I am just a prisoner waiting to be released from this expensive cell I am in. Now, that I am free from Samael’s abusive hands, I do not know what to do nor what I want to do with my life. Where am I supposed to start?

I have the right to rule my life. However, thinking that now makes me sad because I am free, but Riley is not. And I don’t know how I’ll get him back. I just hope that the alpha will help me after saying bad words to him.

I pulled the covers from me and walked around the room freely. I went to the bathroom, which is like in a prominent building away from the town. I cannot contain myself from complimenting the interior because never in my life have I touched and lived like this.

“Woah! They are so beautiful.”

I always have a thing for structures. It touches my heart if my eyes catch an exquisite style of art.   

When I was done there, my foot took me to the walk-in closet and saw custom-made suits, clothes, and men's accessories inside. Each of them has a family pin to acknowledge their title. I was pulling in and out of every drawer inside when my eyes caught something in the top drawer.

It was an old knitted rectangular box. I sat down on the floor and opened it but a loud knock on the door stopped me from peeking in. I immediately stood up and put them inside as to where they were exactly. I ran towards the stool and acted as if I was just waiting there.

“Good morning, Sir Elias. This is your snack for today.” An old woman carried sliced fruit and biscuits with juice.

She placed it in front of me on the small table.

Why does everyone like to address me Sir? Is there something I’m missing?

I refused to eat what she served. It’s not because I don’t like it, but it’s odd to eat expensive food for a slave like me.

I shook my head. “I think water will do. This food… is too expensive for a slave.”

The old woman narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean by that? Anyone can eat food regardless of their status in society. Here. Have a taste. I have made this myself.”

“I am not allowed to accept things from the owners or aristocrats. I am sorry,” I said truthfully. I couldn’t risk my life here after I was lashed after accepting a gift from a wealthy friend.

The old woman’s face fell. Her confusing look turned into a concerning one.

“We do not own you, Sir Elias. You own yourself. What makes you think we were going to hold your neck while you stay here?”

“Isn’t that my job description for life?” I asked confusedly.

Samael taught us to be knowledgeable when it comes to serving owners. And hopping from one home to another, we should acknowledge what we have learnt.

“No, of course. Apart from being a slave, you are also a human. And humans should eat.”

I was about to shrug when she gave me a cookie and smiled. I was left with no choice but eat what she gave. I felt for refusing it, too, as she was too nice for me.

As I was about to eat, a young lady dressed in a sunflower summer dress entered the room. Even the old woman was shocked as the young girl deliberately stomped her feet on the floor. She’s throwing her tantrums, perhaps.

“Aunt Isadora…” she cries. She held the old woman’s arm. “Brother does not want me to take her to the sentencing hall. I want to see those people who killed my tutor.”

“Okay, don’t cry, Shahida. You’re such a crybaby. Know that you’re in your legality. I will go with you later,” Isadora assured her as she was placing all the food on the table. “Act like a grown-up woman. You’re so childish.”

Shahida seemed to be throwing tantrums at Aunt Isadora but she didn’t mind as she was used to it. I feel envy at the sight of them. Isadora seemed to be caring towards Shahida like her own.

When Shahida felt my existence, she stared at me closely as if it feared me.

“Who is he? And why is he in my brother’s room? Aunt Isadora, you’re doom. My brother doesn’t want someone to step on his bed.”

I was about to stand up when Isadora stops me. I leaned back. And from a sea of blue eyes, Shahida’s orbs turned to radiant gold caused by the flicker. I froze.

She gasped when she remembered something and covered her mouth. She snapped her fingers in the air. She is recalling something in her head. She even covered her mouth in disbelief, but both I and Isadora were confused by her actions.

“Shahida, stop it. You are scaring him.” Aunt Isadora lectured her as she tapped Shahida’s waist lightly. “What are you doing? Stop, young woman.”

I tapped Aunt Isadora lightly and said, “It’s fine… Aunt Isadora.”

“Aunt Isadora? Don’t you recognize him? Does this situation ring a bell?” Shahida asked, as if there was a bomb inside her that was about to explode. “Aunt Isadora, he is… he is—“

Isadora cut her off. “Who? Who? The last time I remember you always mistook people from her. Do not do this, Shahida. Our visitor might run away.”

“This time I’m sure. He’s really—“

My eyes were transported from Shahida and Isadora. I was so confused about what they were talking about. I’m here yet I feel like I’m invisible to their sight.

All of a sudden, Shahida blurted out her recognition to me. Who would have known the name she will utter? Everyone knows her.

“Aunt Isadora, she’s the late mate of the alpha.”