I killed the Alpha's son?!

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.