TWO

I stood in the kitchen, the warm smell of eggs and bread filling the tiny house. The sun peeked through the curtains, spilling light onto the wooden floor. My hands moved quickly, flipping the eggs and stirring the porridge.

My mother sat at the small table near the window, knitting as usual. Her hands worked fast, but I could tell she wasn’t really focused.

“Mama,” I said, breaking the silence, “have you ever had a mate before?”

My mother’s hands froze mid-stitch, and she turned to look at me with a raised brow. “Why are you asking that?” she teased, a knowing smile spreading across her face. “Have you found your mate?”

I nearly dropped the spatula. “No, Mama! It’s not like that!” I said quickly. My cheeks felt hot, and I turned back to the stove. “I was just wondering... what does it feel like?”

mother’s smile softened, but her gaze lingered on me for a moment longer, as if trying to read the unspoken thoughts behind the question. “It’s… it’s a feeling like no other,” mother finally said, her voice quieter now. “Like your whole world shifts, and suddenly, you can’t imagine it without that person. It’s scary but beautiful , because you know you’d do anything for them, even if it hurts.”

I stirred the porridge , letting my mother’s words sink in before asking cautiously, “Was my father your mate?”

The room fell silent. I glanced back at Mama, and her face had gone pale.

“Why are you asking about him?” she said, her voice suddenly cold.

I swallowed hard. “Because you’ve never told me much about him. All you ever say is that he was an enemy Alpha and that we shouldn’t talk about him. But, Mama, I’m grown now. I want to know the truth , please tell me.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line, and I could see the battle in her eyes. I put down the spoon and turned to her, giving her my best puppy-dog look, the pure picture of innocence.“Please, Mama?” I said softly. “I just want to understand.”

Mama sighed, rubbing her temples. “Fine,” she said after a long pause. But what I’m about to tell you doesn’t leave this house, Sirella.”

I nodded eagerly, pulling up a chair and sitting down.

mother’s gaze grew distant as if she were looking back at a memory that was both sweet and painful. “Your father was... different,” she began. “He wasn’t like the others. He had this way of commanding a room without raising his voice, of making people listen. He was strong, confident, and stubborn as a mule”.

He didn’t follow rules—not even his own. I met him at a council meeting between packs. He wasn’t supposed to notice me, let alone talk to me. I was just a servant, helping with the event.” She smiled faintly, like she was seeing it all again. “But he did. He spoke to me like I mattered, like I was someone special. For a while, it felt like we could have everything. But things got... complicated.”

She paused, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her shawl. “Our packs were enemies. When people found out about us, they weren’t happy.

“They made attempts to kill me saying I had bewitched their Alpha,“ It wasn’t safe for me to stay, so I left. And that was the end of it.”

I frowned. “You never tried to go back?”

Mama shook her head. “I couldn’t, Sirella. It wasn’t just about me. It was about keeping you safe.”

I wanted to ask more, but Mama’s expression made it clear she wasn’t saying anything else. Instead, she reached into the small box on the table and pulled out a necklace.

“This was his,” she said, placing it in my hand. “He gave it to me before I left. I think it’s time you had it.”

It was simple, a silver chain with a charm shaped like a crescent moon. I stared at the necklace, my fingers brushing the cool metal. It felt heavy, like it carried secrets I didn’t fully understand yet.

Later that morning, I dressed carefully. picking out one of my favorite dress, a soft blue one that hugged my frame modestly but flattered me in all the right ways. Though my wardrobe was small, my clothes were always neat and pressed, a habit my mother had instilled in me.

“Always look your best,” my mother would say, “because you never know who’s watching.”

I whispered to myself as I slipped the necklace around my neck.

With a final glance in the cracked mirror, I stepped out into the crisp morning air and made my way to the palace.

The walk wasn’t long, but every step felt heavier than usual. My mind was anything but calm. My thoughts were a jumble of questions about my father and my feelings for Lucian. By the time i reached the palace gates, i was almost grateful for the distraction of work.

Inside, the day went by in a blur of tasks—cleaning, carrying, organizing—but my heart jumped when I finally spotted Lucian. He was across the room, talking to one of the nobles, but his eyes met mine for a brief second. It was like the rest of the world faded away, and it was just the two of us.

“Good morning,” he murmured when no one else was around.

“Good morning,” I whispered back, my cheeks warming.

But when someone walked by—a noble, perhaps, or another servant—Lucian’s gaze shifted, and he acted as if i wasn’t there. The coldness stung, I bit my lip, holding back the hurt that threatened to spill out.

Later, when we were alone in one of the hidden corners of the palace, I couldn’t hold back anymore.

“Why do you do that?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly. “Act like I don’t exist when others are around?”

Lucian sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. “Sirella, it’s not because I don’t care about you. I do. But things are... complicated.”

“I don’t want complicated,” i said, my voice firmer now. “I just want to be with you. Openly. Not hiding in shadows.”

Lucian stepped closer, his hand brushing against mine . “I promise you, Sirella, I’ll talk to my father. Before the day ends or tomorrow at the latest. I’ll make this right.”

His words sounded so sure, but a part of me couldn’t help but doubt. Even as he kissed me, his hands gentle and reassuring, I wondered if he truly understood what he was promising.

After he left, I leaned against the cold stone wall, my heart heavy.

Was I being naive ?, would his father really accept me ? a mere maid like me ?. I thought bitterly.

But then another thought crept in, one that sent a shiver down my spine. Unless... unless I wasn’t just a servant. If he knew who my father was, maybe things would be different.

Determined to find answers, I made my way to the royal library.

The guard at the door frowned as I approached. “What’s your business here?” he asked, his voice gruff.

“I’m delivering this,” I said quickly, holding up a scroll I had grabbed from the hallway.

He looked at me suspiciously but eventually stepped aside.

Once inside, I let out a breath of relief. The library was massive, with rows and rows of shelves that seemed to stretch into forever. I felt small standing there, but I couldn’t let that stop me.

I started searching, my fingers brushing over the spines of books as I looked for anything that might hold the answers I needed. My mother’s story echoed in my mind, giving me clues to follow.

Finally, I found it—a book about old alliances and rivalries between packs. My heart raced as I flipped through the pages, scanning for anything that matched what Mama had told me.

And then I saw it. A name. A description. Details that lined up perfectly.

My hands shook as I traced the words on the page. There was no doubt in my mind. This was him. Alpha Salvatore of the Moon Blood pack .

Clutching the book to my chest, I took a deep breath. I had to find him. I need to know him and if he’s willing for me to claim his last name.

With one last glance around the library, I slipped out, my mind made up.