Chapter 33

ISABELLE'S POV

Alan’s cheeks were still flushed and red as I broke into a soft hearty laugh, breaking through the silence and nervousness.

“Relax Alan, I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” I said lightly, with a dismissive wave. “I admire your artwork and advanced skill. I was hoping you could…maybe tutor me.”

Alan blinked, caught off guard by my sudden request. “Tutor you?” He echoed, raising his eyebrows. “I didn’t even know you could paint.”

I shrugged, my lips tugging into a faint smile. “Painting is like a hobby to me, but I’d like to learn more from someone as talented as you,” I responded.

For a moment, Alan watched me closely, narrowing his eyes, probably trying to figure out if I was actually serious.

He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly dropping his mug on the wooden table with a thud.

“I... I’d be happy to teach you. But are you sure you want to do this? Painting takes a lot of time, patience and focus.”

“I have a lot of time on my hands and I can focus,” I replied simply, leaning back in my chair.

Alan nodded slowly, his gaze lingering on me. “You are full of many surprises,” he said finally. “But I have just one thing to ask.”

“Yes?” I questioned with a raised brow.

His eyes met mine, filled with confidence and a small hint of interest ” You never told me your name, who are you really?”

My composed and calm expression didn’t falter, but my mind raced. Alan has always been curious about my name and who I was.

I could just tell him my name and he would immediately know I was the princess, but I don't want him to act differently towards me or have a ridge between us because of my status.

I leaned forward, resting my chin on my hand as I studied him. “If I told you who I was really, you might not want to talk to me anymore,” I whispered, my tone playful but evasive.

Alan’s brow furrowed. “Why would you say that? What could be hiding?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Nothing like that. Let’s just say my life is a lot more complicated.”

Alan’s brows furrowed towards me, and I could see his curiosity deepening, but surprisingly he didn’t press me any further.

Instead, he flashed me a warm smile. “Alright, then. How about this? If I win first place in the Artist Competition and become the assigned court painter, will you tell me your real name and who you are?”

I shot him a surprised look, narrowing my eyes at his sudden confidence. “So you are that sure you would win?” I asked, teasing him.

Alan nodded with insane confidence. “I may not have much else, but I know for sure painting is something I am very good at. I would win.”

There was something in his eyes—a quiet determination that I found captivating. He never lost any hope no matter what happened to him, he was always confident and it showed how he carries himself.

For a moment, I didn't feel so much pity for him as I did before. Alan was not someone to be pitied.

Then I flashed him a smile, surprised I agreed to this. “Alright, that's a deal. If you win, I’ll tell you everything.”

Alan’s lips curved into a genuine smile, and for the first time, I saw a glimmer of hope in his expression.

I finished the cup of tea in silence, just sipping and watching Alan closely with interest. There's so much more I want to know about him, he was so mysterious I couldn't wait to unravel him.

Once I was done, I rose, setting the cup gently on the table. “I need to leave.” I muttered to Alan, glancing at some of his paintings hanging around the room, with appreciation.

He stood up too, towering over me with a warm smile. “Thank you.” He said with a barely audible whisper.

I nodded solemnly, feeling a little awkward as I walked through the door. Alan stood in the doorway for a moment, looking down at me with an unreadable expression.

I hesitated for a moment and I walked away from Alan’s house, my maid joined me and followed closely behind.

After a while, her usual silence was broken by a hesitant, “My lady…” He called out.

I stopped in my tracks and turned around to face her, her eyes were filled with concern. “What is it?” I asked.

My maid hesitated, her eyes darting to the ground and her shoes before finally meeting my impatient gaze. “You seem... different from how you used to be. It’s as if you have suddenly changed completely.”

My tight expression immediately softened, and I nodded thoughtfully. “You’re not wrong. I know I have changed.”

My maid’s eyes narrowed in concern and I knew exactly what she meant, since my wolf had appeared, my approach to my relationships has indeed changed drastically.

In the past, I had tortured myself by fixating on just one person with all my mind and affection. But now, I have refused to compromise and even saw everything as a game.

After all, my life now depended on something as absurd as bonding and mating with multiple men.

My voice was tinged with bitterness. “In this world, the bond between wolves was once sacred. But how many have forced it to break? How many have betrayed their mates for power or lust? What is the significance of this so-called sacred bond? Is it because we pledged it under the moon goddess? Feelings change, just like people. Hearts change too.”

The maid’s lips parted as if to protest, but she couldn’t find the words and shut it back.

“Don’t worry about me,” I finally said, my tone softening but firm. “I know exactly what I’m doing.”

The maid nodded reluctantly, though the worry in her eyes didn’t fade. I left her behind, still stunned, approaching the car.