(Alen's memories)"Father, where did Kral's parents go?"I asked, leaning against my father's chest as we made our way home from the palace."Don't call him Kral; he is His Royal Highness, the Prince," Father said, giving my ears a gentle pinch, his expression serious.I made a face playfully. I was just a child, still holding onto my mischievous nature."Okay, then. Where did His Royal Highness's parents go? He hasn't seen them for a whole week. During today's lesson with the elders, he couldn't hold back his tears."In my heart, I called him Kral. He was taller and stronger than me, but he never bullied me.When my father sent me to study at the palace alongside Kral, I felt nervous. The palace was grand, filled with intricate stone sculptures. As I cautiously entered the study, I remembered my father's advice: "Don't oppose the Prince."I expected the Prince to be proud and aloof, but as soon as I opened the door, I saw a young boy with golden eyes fixed upon me. He patted my shoul
Delia's POV"Woo~" I opened my eyes under the brilliant sunlight.Before me lay an endless expanse of a lake.A gentle breeze softly rustled my hair. I glanced downward and saw my own reflection in the water—a young, white puppy.!I widened my eyes in astonishment, and the young wolf in the lake also tilted its head, staring at me in surprise.What's going on?!I confirmed that my memory was intact. I remember passing the Queen's trial. Guided by the Moon Goddess, I found my wolf. Her name is Pearl. But why has Pearl become so young? Why have I become smaller after shifting?"Woo!"I howled at the lake's surface, but there was no response.I gazed at my reflection. The mirrored image in the water gazed back at me. In my childhood, I yearned to succeed in shifting so that my father wouldn't abandon me. But now, I no longer care about my father's opinion.There was a vast stretch of grassland by the lakeside. Sunlight illuminated the water, casting shimmering golden ripples. Anxiously,
Delia's POVWhen Alen brought that man before me, I could hardly recognize him as my once proud father.Oh no, I no longer wish to call him father; he is now simply Mr. Orban.Unlike our encounter in the temple, this time I could scrutinize his appearance more directly.He looked completely aged. His partially white hair lay limp against his scalp. His once upright posture had slouched. There was no longer a longing for power in his eyes, only a sense of elderliness that hardly resembled an alpha."Your Royal Highness... and Delia, greetings to you both."I was adorned in a specially tailored royal attire, seated on a gilded high-backed chair, while my father—Mr. Orban—stood before me with eyes cast down, visibly restless.Who would have thought we would meet under such circumstances? During the pack, I was the overlooked, ridiculed girl, wearing a face of fear, while he was the towering alpha. Now, I have finally captured his attention, but I realize that I no longer care much about
It was late at night and the entire palace was immersed in a profound slumber. However, I still couldn't sleep. I took off my nightgown and slipped into a simple dress, then picked up my black hood, quietly awaiting the arrival of that person.The cool moonlight shone through the garden, casting a glow upon the dressing table beside the window. Concealed in the dark corner by the curtains, I saw my pearl necklace carefully stored in a box."Meow~" A feeble meow resonated, breaking the silence of the night, acting as a peculiar warning."How can there be a cat in the palace? Guards! Quickly remove these intruders!" Susanna's stern voice carried through the night.Without any delay, the sound of guards' footsteps echoed down the corridor.Seizing the opportunity, I pushed open the window and concealed myself beneath the black hood. Just before I made my escape through the window, an inexplicable impulse compelled me to take the necklace with me.I minimized the sound of my footsteps. Th
In Kral's study, a luxurious desk sits between two individuals. One person is dressed in black clothing, while the other is dressed in a red outfit. They stood facing each other.With a furrowed brow, I tightly gripped my clothes, wondering why they were in the room. Kral's study is tucked away in a secluded corner of the palace, a location so discreet that even the palace guards are not allowed to appear there. Furthermore, Susanna had once informed me that Kral despises any interruption to his contemplation. Therefore, without an invitation, no one is permitted to enter his study. Why would Catherine be present here?An uneasy feeling surges through my heart.Instinctively, I take cover behind a vase. The study door is not completely closed, allowing a glimpse of the light inside, which is sufficient for me to see everything within.Catherine is dressed in a deep red gown with slender straps. The clothes showed her perfect figure. Her long hair is casually tied up, and her eyes shim
I listened in bewilderment, unable to comprehend their conversation. Catherine raised her head from the shadows. The anger on her face receded, replaced by astonishment."How did you know?" Catherine asked, her eyebrows raised."You have a slight mark on your neck," Kral arched an eyebrow, "and there's a scent of Bud on you."Catherine immediately reached for her neck. She covered it with one hand, her complexion darkening as she muttered under her breath."... Did you already know it?" Catherine inquired."I had a hunch the moment you entered this room," Kral walked to the window, gazing at the moon before turning his gaze to Catherine's expression."I can hardly ignore your behavior, Catherine. Ever since you came of age, you've always been at odds with Bud. We grew up together, and I know your personality. If you're not interested in a man, you won't waste any time on him."Catherine stood still for a moment, then asked with a hint of annoyance, "Hmph, even if you've found my secre
Vivian's POV"Delia!"I called out Delia's name with excitement and pushed open the door to her bedroom.But as soon as my foot crossed the threshold, my smile froze on my face. Oh, how unfortunate I am! I sighed in my mind. Instead of finding Delia, I found myself surrounded by people I disliked."I don't believe it's appropriate to directly address the future queen by her name, Vivian," Susanna's voice sounded calm but laced with a warning."Yes... ma'am."Though her tone was gentle as she spoke my name, it carried an insincere politeness to my ears. As a witch, I abhorred hypocrisy!I shouted in my mind. Despite my discontent, I couldn't help but feel a pang of submission whenever Susanna glared at me.It was as if I were being pricked by needles, forcing me to obediently comply. I suppose it stems from a sense of insecurity. After all, this isn't my home. It belongs to the werewolves.I had assumed Delia's room would be empty, but I forgot that her engagement ceremony with Kral wa
Vivian's POVEverything that happened today was strange. I found myself perched on a grand tree in a secluded corner of the palace, supporting my chin as I pondered recent events.It was the first time I had witnessed Delia wearing such an expression. In my eyes, she had always been gentle, but today she exuded an aura of unfamiliarity.I still vividly recall the initial encounter with her, where her innocent gaze left an indelible impression on me. However, everything has now undergone a transformation. Her eyes contained a trace of something different. Letting out a sigh, I found a suitable position, reclining against the tree trunk. Through the gaps in the foliage, I gazed at the azure sky, while the dialogue between us resurfaced in my mind."Vivian, I know the wondrous abilities possessed by you witches. You have the Silver Robe of Magic, magical elixirs, and even the power of shape-shifting. Therefore, you must have a way to help me, right?"Delia clutched my hand tightly, her u