Chapter One

The Drunken Maiden

~Orion~

"Do you have to wear this assassin's attire every time we visit a tavern? Especially this one!" Gabriel exclaimed, his hands picking at pieces of meat as he voiced his disapproval.

"Gabriel, you should know better than anyone that this is my favorite haunt, and I quite enjoy the rum here. As for the cloak and hood, it's to avoid those persistent women who seem to flock towards me," I replied with a hint of annoyance.

"You can't blame them, my friend. If I were a lady, I would have fallen for you long ago," Gabriel said, winking mischievously.

"You must be out of your mind. Just the thought of it makes me cringe. Eww," I retorted, making an exaggerated face of disgust.

Gabriel, my best friend, is a simple yet fun-loving guy. We have been inseparable since we were twelve years old. His father was the former Beta of Moonstone Haven, a position now held by my cousin, Tristan. Despite being a powerful werewolf, Gabriel always chooses peace over violence. That's why he didn't compete for the beta position, allowing Tristan to claim it after defeating other contenders. He has often tried to persuade me to be less rigid in my leadership, but I've always believed that one cannot lead a people without firmness.

Many names are thrown my way—beast, the wicked Lycan, the tyrant—but I pay them no mind. I have a town to lead, and for things to run smoothly, law and order must be maintained. Some neighboring towns have severed ties with us, accusing me of being too unsavory to associate with. But they are mere obstacles on my path.

My focus is solely on Kane, a deadly Lycan and the Alpha of Wolfshade town. We have been at war for years, and although we have both suffered losses, his side has borne the brunt. The land we fought for, the Starfall land, is now under my control. Its riches are all mine—for Moonstone Haven. If my father were alive, he would be proud to know that I have finally secured Starfall, just as my mother always tells me she is proud to have me as her son.

While many say my father led the people with love and warmth, I am not my father. I made it clear that anyone who couldn't respect the law should find another place to live. Thankfully, the council of elders is active, and everyone plays their part in ensuring that Moonstone Haven remains a great town.

But my authoritative ways haven't stopped the maidens of Moonstone Haven from attempting to win me over with their seductive tricks—swaying hips, jiggling breasts—every chance they get. It's utterly annoying.

Visiting this tavern is how I choose to spend my leisure time. Despite my brutish demeanor and my constant struggle to balance my human side with my beastly instincts, I am still a believer in love. I have witnessed the way my mother was loved and cherished by my father. I yearned for a similar connection.

I remember when I was younger, a war broke out at the borders. It coincided with an annual hunting game, a longstanding tradition. Unknown to my father, the enemy was lurking in the forest. An arrow was fired towards him. My mother, absentmindedly speaking to me while holding my hand, caught sight of the arrow. Without a second thought, she stepped in its path, shielding my father. I thought she would die as the arrow pierced her. My father was stunned.

With lightning speed, my father leapt and caught her in his arms, his anguished cry filling the air. A dozen guards who accompanied us to the forest sprang into action, chasing after the enemy. Unfortunately, the foe managed to escape.

But my mother survived. I have never been so terrified in my life. It was then that I realized how deeply I cared for my mother. Her selfless act of risking her life for my father reaffirmed my belief in love. If I find a woman who makes my heart race, I will follow my instincts and pursue her, no matter the obstacles. Father said that was the way he found my mother, through his racing heart.

Lost in my thoughts, Gabriel's voice snapped me back to the present. "You seem lost. What's on your mind this time? Has the ship from Starfall arrived yet?"

"No, I don't expect them to reach Moonstone Haven for at least another week. Raymond sent word that one of the mines collapsed, but luckily, it wasn't a disaster like the last one. There were no casualties," I replied, my mind still lingering on my mother's act of love.

"That's a relief," Gabriel said, reclining back in his seat.

"Yes, it is," I agreed, my thoughts momentarily distracted by a commotion nearby.

A young woman abruptly pulled up a chair and sat down without any regard for our reaction. She gazed at us with an expressionless face before grabbing the container of rum and swiftly gulping down its remaining contents. She continued speaking to Gabriel, stealing glances at me in between.

"Sir, can I have some more of these? I seem to have misplaced mine," she slurred, her drunkenness evident.

"Miss, are you supposed to be here alone? And why are you so intoxicated?" Gabriel inquired, his tone concerned.

"Hmm, who is intoxicated? Me? No way. By the way, why is he dressed like an assassin?" she hiccupped, licking her lips and pointing at me. I remained still, observing her with intrigue. Her audacity fascinated me.

Gabriel burst into laughter, his infectious mirth filling the air. He laughed so hard that he held onto his stomach. "Even the intoxicated lady recognizes your appearance as that of an assassin. She's quite skilled at descriptions, I must say."

As Gabriel continued laughing, I couldn't help but join in. This unexpected encounter had added an unexpected twist to our evening, providing a temporary rescue from the weight of my responsibilities. Little did I know that this drunk maiden's presence would have a strong effect on me.