Chapter 1

Two months ago.

"You two, go check that way!" The man says roughly from across the road, sending his men the other way.

"Oh lord, it's all my fault! I should have just gone with her!" The old lady cries, making my heart ache. "How could I not know she was running away? She said she was scared of him, but I didn't take it seriously! The Alpha and his Luna will never forgive me!"

The night I finally decide to run away, it is enveloped in an eerie darkness. It is raining heavily outside, and clouds swirl menacingly in the sky.

My clothes are soaking wet, but I do not care. I need to leave this place as fast as I can. I race desperately through the woods, my heart pounding with fear. My long, raven-black hair clings to my drenched face, partially hiding my tear-streaked cheeks. I can hear my previous pack members shouting as they hunt for me.

With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I push forward, not knowing where I am going.

I keep running until I find a hidden cave and take shelter there. Thank goodness the smell of rain has hidden my scent so Alpha Gabriel's pack members couldn't track me down.

After I make sure I'm safe here, I close my eyes for a bit, even though I feel like I'm too anxious to fall asleep.

But shockingly enough, I slowly drift into a deep slumber.

I wake up the next morning, and the storm has passed. I blink away my sleep and sit up. The cave kept me safe last night, but I can't live here. If I do, they will eventually find me and who knows what will happen to me then? So I start running again.

I stop to a halt as I see another wolf territory in the distance. I recognize it immediately by seeing their symbols all over the landmarks. I realize I stumbled across the Misty Hollow Pack.

I see a group of men and women lined up in front of the entrance and a man looking at a notepad and frowning. I stay hidden and eavesdrop in their conversation. Soon, I realize that the man is picking out servants for the house.

That's it! I can pretend to be one of the employees!

I quickly look for an opening and then eventually insert myself in the crowd without anyone noticing me.

I lower my head as the line moves forward, desperately attempting to stay unnoticed. My heart is pounding hard in my chest.

Even though I'm thrilled to get away from my old pack, I still feel bad for causing trouble for Mrs. Ida. She was my nanny when I was just a baby and has been by my side since then.

I don't want to break her heart or bring trouble to her, so I have left a letter for her to explain everything. Still, it hurts when I have to part from her like this.

But I can't stay. I need to run. I had been planning for months and I knew it would be my only chance to escape.

The memories of my old life haunt me, causing me to tremble uncontrollably. I remember how I suffered at the hands of the Alpha and how hard it was to escape his wrath. So I made my decision, I will never return to that horrible place.

My heart is racing with a mix of fear and anticipation as I approach the entrance. I keep my gaze fixed on the ground, avoiding eye contact with anyone who might know me. So far, I haven't seen anyone with a familiar face.

The bustling activity around me provides comfort, knowing I could easily blend into the crowd. The rain is also helping me to hide my scent so they won't find my trace. Everything is within my calculation, including the Silverblade pack.

"Move along, girl," one of the pack members barks at me, breaking me out of my trance.

"S...sorry," I mumble and keep walking. Shoot, I didn't even realize the line was moving again.

I keep my head low, trying to remain unnoticed. My heart whispers silent prayers, hoping that my past wouldn't catch up with me. I want to start a new life, to shed the chains of my previous life, and embrace a brighter future.

Even if it starts with being a maid or kitchen hand.

"Name?" an elderly woman asks me once I get inside.

I almost slip and tell her my real name but stop myself in time. "My name is...Sylvia."

That's it. I'll go with this name because it sounds nice.

"Sylvia." the woman murmurs and looks through her list. "I don't see that name here."

Panic settles in my chest. I've come this far, I can't be turned away now!

"Could you check again, please? I really need the job. I can do all the cleaning, and I am also skilled at making herbs!"

I stand there, my heart pounding, desperately hoping the woman would reconsider. She studies me for a moment, her eyes softening with sympathy.

"Alright, Sylvia," she finally says, her tone gentler. "I'll make an exception this time. We do need some extra help around here. But remember, if you cause any trouble, you will be kicked out immediately."

Relief washes over me, and I nod gratefully. "Thank you, ma'am. I won't let you down."

"My name is Rosemary and I will assign you your duties," she says. "You are to follow all my directions. I won't accept any arguments, do you understand?"

"Yes, ma'am," I reply, trying my best to sound confident.

She nods. "Good, we can always use an extra hand. Follow me, and I'll show you what needs to be done."

I trail behind Rosemary, breathing slowly to calm my racing heart. I couldn't afford to slip up. The scent of the pack lingers in the air, a mix of earthy musk and a hint of pine. I wonder if it's because of the rain or if it always smells this good here. I don't dare to relax now, but I hope I can soon wander here without concerns.

Following Rosemary, my senses stay on high alert. I suddenly catch a glimpse of movement in the distance. There stands a figure exuding strength and authority. It must be Alpha Xavier, the pack's leader. His aura can be sensed here, even from a distance away.

My heart skips a beat as I watch him, his presence commanding respect from those around him.

His eyes, piercing and intelligent, scan the area, surveying his pack members with a watchful gaze.

And suddenly, I can't help but feel a flicker of worry ignite inside me.

What if he is not a nice person? Will he punish me if he knows I'm not on the list?

I can't risk letting him know.

I shrink behind Rosemary, seeking shelter within her presence, desperately hoping to remain unnoticed by Alpha Xavier.

"What is wrong with you, girl?" Rosemary barks at me.

"I... I'm sorry," I stammer, my voice barely audible. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I just...I'm just nervous."

"What are you so nervous about?" Rosemary asks curiously.

"I don't know." I decide to play dumb. "Is that the Alpha?"

Rosemary glances in the direction I'm pointing, her gaze fixed on Alpha Xavier. Her brows furrow as she considers my question, and then she turns back to me. "Is he the one making you nervous?"

I nod in agreement.

"Well, you should be nervous. Alpha Xavier is tough."

Oh, great...

Rosemary's response catches me off guard, causing my anxiety to intensify. The mixture of fear and anticipation swirls within me, leaving me unsure of what to expect. I had hoped for reassurance, but her words only fueled my worry.

"Oh..." I manage to utter, my voice barely audible. The knot in my stomach tightens as I contemplate the implications of Alpha Xavier's reputation.

Rosemary must sense my growing unease because she quickly adds, "But tough doesn't mean cruel. He's fair, just, and he values the well-being of his pack members. If you show respect and follow the rules, you'll find that he can be understanding."

I don't believe Rosemary for one second. The wounds of my past are still fresh, and it's difficult to imagine a leader who is both tough and fair. I need to stay away from Alpha Xavier.

I have made the decision. From this point on, I must stay hidden from Alpha Xavier no matter what.