Chapter 14

ALAN’S POV

The bell of the cafe jingled as I stepped outside right after the strange woman.

The cold wind hit me hard as I walked through the door, a stark constant from the casual warmth of the cafe.

I straightened my back, still reeling from the confrontation inside. I followed her, her quick footsteps echoing on the sidewalk until she stopped at a quiet corner of the street, and whipped around to face me.

I was a little taken aback just like before by her beauty, her clear blue eyes and plump lips. I stared at her, still very surprised that such a distinguished-looking young lady would go so far as to stand up for a homeless beggar that she hadn't met before.

Her expression was calm and filled with determination as she held out the pouch of money Cain gave her towards me.

“What–?” I questioned, narrowing my eyes at the brown leather pouch, swelling with coins.

“Take it,” she said firmly.

I shook my head, taking a step back away from her. “No, I certainly do not want charity,” I muttered under my breath.

Her lips curved into a small, knowing smile, her gaze never leaving mine. “It’s not charity Alan. You just need to see it as nothing more than an investment. And when you eventually succeed one day, you can pay me back in full.”

I shook my head, still resolved to reject the money but without hesitation, she tucked the pouch into one of my tattered pockets.

I glanced down at her, feeling a little overwhelmed. It wasn’t just the money—it was the pure kindness and care she was showing me, all from a woman I don't know and have never met. The feeling was so foreign to me, something I hadn’t felt in years.

My heart warmed as I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. “Why are you doing this?” I whispered.

She shrugged off my question, her eyes scanning my face with dissatisfaction. “You don't look so good, your complexion is so pale and you could fall over with just one little push.” She remarked with a frown.

“Use this money to get something decent to eat and also don't forget to take care of yourself.”

With that she spun around, walking away gracefully.

I watched her retreating figure as she walked away, a question bubbling to the surface. “What’s your name?” I called after her.

ISABELLE’S POV

I couldn’t help but the self-satisfied smile that crept into my face as I walked away. My wolf hummed with approval.

‘Clever move, Princess.’ She whispered with respect. ‘You were not only smart but you also showed compassion.’

“I only did what felt right,” I replied.

I was also proud, I survived the ordeal without any scratch and also made some money out of it.

"I’m so great. Rowan must have been blind not to see it." I muttered smugly.

‘Now Isabelle, you should take this opportunity to build a good relationship with Alan.” She replied.

The more I stared at him, I wanted to genuinely help him, handing over all the money I had gotten from that scumbag.

He tried to refuse but I dropped into his pocket with a smile.

After a graceful turn, I started walking away, but in my heart, I crossed my fingers, hoping Alan would call out to me.

Sure enough, as I expected and hoped for, Alan bit the bullet and asked for my name.

I paused, a sly smile forming on my lips. I turned my head slightly towards him but not facing him fully.

"Don’t worry, when you succeed, you’ll recognize me. We’ll meet again.” I whispered.

For me finding someone wasn't so hard, but I knew Alan wasn't someone to settle for mediocrity.

I was giving him hope, a spark to guide him towards success.

“If I can be the light in someone's life, then why not.” I thought. “And besides, there is still Kael to win over.

My wolf nodded in agreement, ‘You’ve mastered the art of winning hearts. He would certainly remember you.”

I shook my head. “He’ll remember me, sure. But that wasn’t the point. If he succeeds, he’ll look back and realise someone believed in him when no one else did. That’s enough for me.”

My wolf chuckled.

As I turned a corner, the sound of familiar voices made me pause. I glanced over my shoulder to see Rowan and Kael standing by a sleek black car, waiting for someone. Me

“Rowan,” I greeted as I approached the car. Then my gaze shifted to Kael, standing ramrod straight with a stoic expression. “Was it you who intervened back there?”

Kael didn’t respond immediately, his expression unreadable. After a second, he nodded.

“Thank you,” I whispered sincerely. I watched him for a moment before I finally asked, my curiosity getting the best of me, “Can you teach me to fight? Maybe even use a sword?”

His brows shot up, his lips twitching as he stared at me to figure out if I was being genuine. “Can you wake up early?” He asked.

I blinked, caught off guard. “Early? How early?”

“Before dawn,” He replied immediately, clearly amused.

I mused over the thought for a moment and then waved my hand dismissively. “Forget it, then.”

Turning to Rowan, I added, “ As Beta of the pack, I would need you to speak with the headmaster of the Royal Academy. His son is a huge liability. If he keeps abusing his power, it would cost him much more than his reputation or authority.”

Rowan’s eyes widened slightly at her boldness, but then he nodded. “I’ll handle it,” he whispered in response

I shot him a satisfied smile, my mind already moving to the next steps. The pack members and others may see me as weak or insignificant, but I had my strength. It wasn’t brute force or a quick sword—it was knowing how to use my wit to manipulate situations to my advantage.

“This is only just the beginning.” I thought with a smirk