Maybe it was Elijah’s kindness a few days ago, but I felt a spark of motivation to do what he suggested. I go into the forest every morning and climb to the peak alone. Though I’m not yet brave enough to take the steep path down, I return the same route and run until I reach the mansion. Slowly, I managed to reach the mansion faster each time. What I’m doing might seem effortless to high-level wolves, but I’m doing my best, even if I’m slower.Afterward, I meditate, believing that quieting my mind and connecting with nature will sharpen my senses. Right now, for example, I can feel someone approaching. The scent of candy—that must be Flo.“My queen?” her call interrupts my concentration.I turn to face her. “Yes, Flo?”“Oh, aren’t you done meditating? I’m sorry to have disturbed you,” Flo says, looking apologetic. “I thought you were done.”“I just finished.”Flo comes over, picks up the towel draped over the back of the chair in the pavilion, and hands it to me.“There are presents
Why does Delilah’s smile make my heart race? It’s annoying. I haven’t felt this way for a long time. There was a time, but that was ages ago, with... “My king?” Vincent’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts. “What did you want to talk about?” We were already in my office, and I was standing there like a fool, staring blankly out the window. How did we even get here? Was I so distracted by Delilah’s image dancing through my head that I walked in a daze? “Did Delilah really go to the hill alone? Exercising every morning?” I asked. Vincent paused briefly. “Yes, my king. Queen Delilah has been doing this for almost a week now. She’s very determined.” “Good.” Vincent’s look seemed to say, “Is that all you wanted to ask? I quickly added, “Find Delilah, a private tutor, to teach her etiquette. I think Victoria could handle it.” “Beta Victoria?” Vincent looked surprised. “My king, it might be better if someone from Sigma or Phi did this; they handle matters of education.” I
Has Elijah lost his mind? He comes in, hugs me, curses me, and then just leaves.I don’t need to be reminded of our different ranks; it’s painful enough. It’s not that I love Elijah, but his constant put-downs make me feel suffocated. If he wants me to be his slave, why doesn’t he treat me like one? If I have to suffer for the rest of my life, I’ll become numb to it. Any pain will only make me stronger.But instead, he’s nice one moment, even encouraging, and then he tears me down. And if this cycle repeats itself, I’ll be broken, all because of the alternation between hope and pain.Before I know it, tears are streaming down my face. Once again, I’m crying because of that evil Alpha King! “Elijah, you cursed king!” I mutter angrily.What am I supposed to do now? Should I go back to square one? Should I give up training? I have no idea what Elijah really wants.Annoyed, I left my room and got some fresh air outside. The back garden should be empty except for the guards patrolling th
My conversation with Vincent fizzled. He didn’t want to share more, and I didn’t want to push him, so our conversation faded into the shadows. There were many things I didn’t want to know, especially since I wouldn’t be at Elijah’s side forever. Why should I care about that hotheaded king? Although, I’ll admit, sometimes my curiosity gets the better of me.A few days later, Vincent came to my room to tell me I had been assigned a new etiquette tutor.“A tutor?”I could hardly believe it. Elijah had never mentioned anything about a tutor, but suddenly I had one.“Yes, my queen. Your tutor is waiting in the living room,” Vincent nodded.I put down my knitting - one of the gifts given to me, a complete set - and quickly straightened my hair before following Vincent into the living room.My heart was pounding with anticipation. I was both nervous and excited to learn proper etiquette. As Vincent opened the living room door, the air felt tense, and my eyes met those of an older woman sit
Actually, I’m curious about Elijah’s statement about punishing Victoria. I don’t know what kind of problems they had in the past, but seeing the way Elijah acts towards her, it must have been something serious.I wait until the right moment—after Elijah’s coffee break. Usually, Vincent brings it to his study and then goes to the kitchen to return the tray. This is the perfect time to intercept Vincent, who’s already on his way to the kitchen.“Vincent!” I call, practically running to catch up with him.He stops and nods politely. “My queen.”“I need to talk to you. It’s really important,” I whisper.“What matter would you like to discuss, my queen?”I gently pull him away from the kitchen. We’re in the middle of the corridor now, where there’s little chance of anyone eavesdropping.“What happened between King Elijah and Victoria in the past?” I ask bluntly.Vincent doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, he looked at me, puzzled, and shook his head.“Wouldn’t it be better if you asked Ki
The sound of people talking outside the door grew louder. I quickly ran into the closet and closed it gently but hastily. My heart pounded faster as I heard the door handle turn and footsteps enter the room.The biggest regret of my life was being trapped here. Elijah was supposed to be out by ten, but now all I could do was hide, not knowing how long I'd have to stay like this.Please, Moon Goddess, don't let me be caught in here! Save me!"What kind of urgent business makes you come all the way to my mansion?" Elijah asked. "I was on my way to the castle.""We believe this meeting would be better kept private, my king."I didn't know who was speaking; Elijah's voice was the only one I recognized. But there were three others in the room. I could smell different perfume scents and feel the distinct auras they carried."What matter could be so serious that the other royal alphas don't need to know about it?" Elijah chuckled softly. "I don't make exceptions. No one has ever been my favo
“Playing hide and seek?” I answer hesitantly.“With who?” Elijah leans closer to me. “Me?”He tugs on my arm, and I stumble out of the closet. When I lift my head, I see Vincent staring at me in shock, his face as pale as the moon.“Get out, Vincent,” Elijah commands.“But, my king...”“GET OUT, NOW!”I’m definitely finished. If I don’t die, I will surely suffer Elijah’s wrath. My mistake is too big to even think about defending myself. I’ll just have to accept whatever punishment he gives me.As the door closes, I remain silent, trying to concentrate despite my growing fear.“What are you looking for? Wealth?” Elijah asks. “I don’t keep it here.”I don’t answer.“Answer me, Delilah Ramones!”“Information.”The room falls silent. Elijah doesn’t use his power to intimidate me, but I know he’s watching me from where he stands, which makes it all the more terrifying.“So you’ve come into my life looking for information about me?” he asks.“What?”“Who sent you? The Royal Alphas? Or some
We had just shared a tender moment and were about to return to the bedroom when Elijah suddenly entered the closet. Maybe he still suspected me, but I had nothing left to hide. Hadn’t Elijah said he could feel what I was going through all the time? How could I deny it if he could feel my body and soul?I adjusted my clothes and glanced at Elijah, standing in the closet, looking at an old photo album in his hands. Suddenly, he looked over at me, his expression surprised.“You looked at these pictures?” he asked.“I didn’t mean to.” I approached Elijah, feeling a pang of guilt. “Forgive me, my king.”“Why?”I wasn’t sure if he was asking me or himself. Instead, he turned his eyes back to the old photos in the album. If this was some big secret, I wouldn’t look again. Besides, if he didn’t want anyone to know about his past, why keep it in a closet like this? Didn’t he have a safe to hide his secrets in?“How many have you seen?” Elijah showed me the album.I began to feel uncomfortabl
The guards took me out of the cell a few hours later. I didn't know precisely how long it had been, but the sky was dark when I looked out the window on the way to the hall. All the royal alphas, along with Wanda and Bishop, were already gathered there. I was ordered to kneel before the empty throne, my head bowed low.The doors to the hall opened again, and I caught Elijah's scent. A shiver ran down my spine as he passed me. I could feel his anger, though I couldn't tell who it was directed at. Elijah took a seat on the throne and stared at me intently."You poisoned Queen Catherine, I've heard. Delilah, how many more times are you going to cause trouble?" Elijah asked.I swallowed hard and shook my head. "Even if I protest my innocence, the accusation will stick to me. So, my king, I've accepted whatever sentence you decide."Wanda cleared her throat. "Just have her beheaded, father."What? Beheaded? If I were really to die, she and Catherine would be the first to come after me. An
Dinner was ordered, and I, along with the other maids, promptly went to the dining room and set the dishes on the table. As we left the room, Elena walked past us, entering first, followed by Catherine and the Lunas on their way to the dining area.We maids lined up neatly to let them pass. The Lunas looked at me with disdain; they knew who I was, the fraud.How long will that label stick to me? If they knew the truth, these Lunas would bow down to me."Or maybe they'd try to eliminate you," Lona muttered. "You're a descendant of a pack that was destroyed. More like wiped out on purpose."I ignored Lona's words and followed the other maids back to the kitchen. Once there, I quickly searched for my bag and was relieved to find it still there. There was no way it could have been lost or stolen. I decided to leave it where it was."Hey, what's your name?" one of the maids called out."Delilah.""Come join us in the kitchen. We need a break, too," she invited warmly.I sat awkwardly in a
The air duct seemed endless, narrow, and stifling. Sweat poured down my body, but curiosity overcame fear and exhaustion. I saw a speck of bright light ahead—it must be the end. I pushed open the air duct cover and crawled out.I found myself surrounded by a wood. This must be outside the palace walls. There was no visible path, but I noticed a patch of grass shorter than the rest. It looked trampled, probably the intruder's trail."Stop! We must return to the palace, or you'll be in trouble!" Lona warned."But this is my way out, isn't it? If I'm going to escape, now is the perfect time.""Don't be ridiculous! We don't know what lurks in these woods! Don't be reckless!"I took a deep breath. "Okay, okay..."There was no way I could wander through the woods like this, even in daylight. But at least I'd found the way of the intruders. No wonder they escaped so easily. Who would have thought there was a secret passage in the laundry room?I climbed back into the air duct and returned to
"Camden, Arlington, Fergus, and Orson."Michael said the names without hesitation. Regardless of whether his suspicions turned out to be true, he couldn't afford to voice them recklessly. He could lose his head for it if he accused someone without proof.And that was the problem—evidence. What kind of evidence did Michael have?The royal wolves had immense power. They could twist the truth to their advantage, and a young wolf like Michael could be easily disposed of."Do you have solid proof to accuse them?" I asked."Not yet. But I've pieced things together from the last decade's events." Michael rubbed his chin. "I do my homework, Deli."Did Michael seriously say that? I don't understand why he should bother thinking about the traitor. Was Bishop's discussing this with his youngest son? Until Michael was obsessed with it?"You're playing detective because your life is boring. Before you start making accusations, you should have something solid.""I will. It's just a matter of time."
The following day, at dawn, I carried a basket of laundry from the Queen's chamber to the outer part of the palace.I passed through the gates that led to the Bishop's chamber and his family's residence and headed for the garden. His chamber faced the garden, and I tried to remember which window belonged to Michael's room."Which one is his room?" I murmured, scanning the row of windows."Try the one that's open," Lona suggested. "You could climb in.""Good idea.""In case you get caught and beheaded, maybe I should say farewell now," she added sarcastically."That won't happen."I set the basket down near the bushes and climbed up the ledge. It wasn't too tricky; I could do it.After a few minutes, I reached the open window and inhaled a familiar scent. Michael!I slipped inside and found Michael fast asleep on his bed. I hurried over to him."Michael," I whispered, shaking his shoulder.His eyes fluttered open, and our eyes locked for a moment before he jerked awake."Shit! What are
Returning to the maids' quarters and celebrating this small victory felt satisfying. As I left the hall, I caught sight of Catherine's sour expression, and it felt so good to see her utterly defeated."You're asking for trouble," Nana said worriedly. "Queen Catherine could come after you, Delilah.""I only did what I had to do," I replied."You shouldn't have defended Gema."Of course, hearing Nana's words, Gema and Cassie immediately fell silent. Especially Gema, whose face turned red with suppressed anger."You're the one who caused the trouble, so you should take responsibility for it!" Nana accused. "Queen Catherine will be watching all of us now, and it's all because of you!""I had already accepted my fate when Queen Catherine ordered me to lie, Nana!" Gema snapped. "But Delilah stood up for me! Now I know who my true friends are and who aren't!""I'm not against you! But your actions have put us all in danger!"The tension between them escalated, and I quickly stepped between t
I awoke with a dull ache all over my body, yet it felt strangely satisfying. My sleep had been deep, dreamless, and restful.And now I was fully aware I was in the King's chamber. Then, the memory of me trying to seduce Michael, only to end up with Elijah, hit me like a thunderbolt. Had I lost my mind?"Welcome home," Lona's voice echoed in my head. "You're finally awake.""What happened?""It seems Catherine tried to slip a stimulant into Elijah's tea. Next time, just throw it out. You never know—it could be poison.""That was an accident, Lona. I never meant to drink it myself if it hadn't stopped Cassie."I let out a small sigh and touched the empty spot beside me on the bed. Cold. Elijah was gone.Heat rushed to my face as flashes of last night came flooding back. Even though my consciousness had been hazy, I could still remember everything. Our bonding had been intense—pleasurable, even. I couldn't say it was beautiful, not under the influence of that cursed potion.But it had fe
My steps trembled as I walked down the hallway, feeling like I couldn't take another step. The world seemed to be spinning, my stomach twisting in pain.When I reached the gates, the guards gave me a confused look."Hey, are you okay?" one of them asked."I need to see Elder Bishop," I whispered."All right. If you're sick, go to the healer."I just nodded and forced myself to walk to Bishop's chamber, which was quite far from the Queen's quarters.Cold sweat soaked my body, and my vision blurred.What kind of potion was Catherine planning to give Elijah? Was she going to poison the king?When I arrived at Bishop's chamber, two guards blocked my way."I need to speak with Elder Bishop. It's urgent," I pleaded."Elder Bishop isn't here. Come back tomorrow."Ah, this isn't happening!I didn't know what would happen if I didn't see Bishop. If I went to the healer, they would find out what I drank and who gave it to me. That wo
What had I done wrong this time?For days after the Luna meeting, Catherine acted irritated with me. Well, she was always cold and displeased. But to blame me for her frustration just because Elijah never visited her chambers wasn't my fault.I was never assigned to guard the small chamber, which made me feel free. If I ever had to be there, even if I didn't hear anything, I could still be accused of something ridiculous.How did I know that Elijah never visited? From the other maids. They pitied Catherine because Elijah was too busy handling royal affairs during the king and queen's mating season.For example, tonight, Cassie and Nana brought up the subject again. The two of them loved gossip more than anything."I can't imagine what it's like to be a queen. It must be exhausting, always having to put the kingdom before yourself," Cassie whispered as we ate dinner."Well, that's the price you pay, right?" Nana shrugged. "I'd rather have that life than