A Failed Plan

I made sure no one heard me when I left the library. I tiptoe around the interior of the palace in the dark. I gape at the marble sculpted statues lined along the hall of the palace. There are regal paintings of other men and women that share the same blue eyes at the Alpha Rhys. If I think about it, I feel like he is watching me as I roam along the hall. But I don't bother to care as I am entranced by the beauty of the palace. Everything in this palace is so pleasing to look at that I almost forget that I am taken prisoner. A prisoner that needs to break out of her cell.

I take the lamp from the kitchen with me and approach the door to ask someone on the other side to let me out. But no one replies. I suck in my breath, and with a twist of the handle, the door opens fully to my surprise. The maids must have come to check up on me but saw I was asleep.I walked down the dim hallway with no signs of life other than me. I come to think about where everyone had gone or how long I slept. Regardless of where I wonder where the maid or the guards are, I hold the lamp out to every dark crevice in the hall. One thing I hate after these wolf people in the dark.

It's not darkness itself. It's what is hiding in the dark that scares me.

"Hello?" My small voice echoes in the hallway.

No answer.

As I follow the white and black designs on the floor pointing to the door at the end, I stumble on her own feet from how dizzy my head has become. I push the heavy door open and I meet the same hall that I was escorted to. I begin to think this might be my chance to escape–

Growl.

"Ugh." I hold my abdomen from the pain that surges in me. I don't know if I'll be able to go to the runway as this hunger grows deeper by the second. Perhaps I should find something to eat while I plan my escape route from this forsaken place.

But I have to be quick.

I tiptoe through the dimly lit kitchen, my stomach grumbling in protest. Hunger gnaws at me, urging me to find sustenance within the confines of this unfamiliar place. The scent of food lingers in the air, enticing and promising. I open the cupboards one by one, my eyes scanning the shelves for any sign of edible provisions. My heart leaps with joy as I spot a loaf of bread tucked away at the back, its familiar shape a welcome sight.

I grab the bread, feeling its softness beneath my fingers, and quickly retreat to a corner of the kitchen. As I tear off a piece and bring it to my lips, a noise shatters the stillness. Footsteps. Heavy and purposeful. Panic washes over me, and I instinctively seek shelter, ducking down behind the countertop. My heart pounds in my chest, the sound reverberating in my ears. I hold my breath, praying that whoever approaches doesn't discover my presence.

The footsteps draw nearer, echoing through the kitchen. Each step feels like an eternity, heightening my anxiety. Time stands still as I strain my ears, desperate to catch any hint of their intent. And then, as suddenly as they appeared, the footsteps fade away, their sound swallowed by the vastness of the palace. I release a sigh of relief, the tension slowly leaving my body. It seems I have escaped detection this time.

Cautiously, I peek my head out from behind the countertop–. "Oh my–"

I clutch my chest where my heartbeat thumps at the sound of drums. In front of me, draped in a silk and velvet robe is the Alpha. His eyes glint with excitement when he sees me in my current state, gasping at the fact that he scared me.

"I thought you went to sleep."

"I thought the same." The Alpha's eyes flicker to the lamp and the original clothes I wore when I was taken.

"What are you doing up?" I ask to distract him from the idea that I am plotting my escape.

"The people of Wolvendom are nocturnal creatures. Let's say we have a harder time sleeping at night unlike you humans."

"Interesting..." That's all I can say. I clear my throat. "Well, goodnight. Again."

Before I can leave, Alpha Rhys grabs my arm. I glare at him but it is subdued by his stare searching at my face. He draws his hands out to my lips and wipes the corner of my mouth with his thumb.

"You've got a little something on your lips." He says in a low whisper. I shudder when he licks his thumb after.

"Thank you," I say, feeling embarrassed about him removing breadcrumbs from my lips.

"Oh, and Melanie?"

"Yes?" I stop in my tracks once more. What does he want!

"If you are going to be roaming the palace at night, at least be quiet. Most of the other servants are trying to sleep."

I recoil from his boring eyes. I know he knows. Now what is he going to do about it? The Alpha moves toward me and I stand my ground. He lowers his knee to meet my level. I close my mouth mid-gap at the sudden threat in his tone of voice. My family. He's telling me if I don't agree to work for him then there is a chance he might kill me. And I'll never see my family ever again. I bite my lower lips. Whatever I must do, I must try my best to survive.

"Also, go to bed early. Tomorrow is going to be a special day for you."

"Like what?"

"It's your debut party."

"My de-what?"

The Alpha grins. "Don't be coy, you know exactly what I mean by that."

I don't know what he means by that. Debuting to what? Marriage. Society. Ugh. I hate when the Alpha is so aloof with me sometimes. It;s like he doesn't want me to know anything. "Does this have to do with what you and the councilmen were talking about?"

"So you were spying on me?"

"No. You just talk really loud."

"Well, whatever I am discussing with my men is none of your concern." The Alpha moves away from my face and I breathe again. "Solaria will be at your door tomorrow to walk you through the process."

"You never told me what the debut party is all about?" I want to make sure he doesn't change his mind and keep me here forever.

"It is the day you are introduced as a member of my pack."

The hope that swelled in my heart is not crushed. This is it. This is when I am officially cemented into this society. I need to leave while I can. I glance at the Alpha's face spread with a lazy smug look. Leavings means he will come for me, killing my family– Nesa in the process.

"Sweet dreams, my beauty."

The hairs on my arms rise at him eying my dress. I shoot him a glare when he isn't looking and remain stoic when his invasive gaze meets my eyes.

"Get plenty of rest," he says, turning away. "You're going to need it."

And like that Alpha leaves me alone in the kitchen along with the rest of my desire to escape this place. I pack out my things and take a walk of shame out of the kitchen. I almost get scared seeing a figure come out of nowhere.

"Oh, hi Melanie." Ophelia jumps in front of my face. She wears an awkward smile.

"Ophelia? What are you doing?"

"Couldn't sleep."

"Really you couldn't sleep? I thought you people stayed up all night."

"Umm…" She sounds, not saying anything else again.

A glint of silver flickers in the corner. There was Oscar fixing his iron-clad fists, and I suddenly feel threatened just by his presence. I pull Ophelia to the side whispering to her ear. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?"

"Because you were just with that man. He's no good."

"Oh, Oscar? He's not that kind of guy. He's a very kind man. And I am glad to call him my mate."

My face heats up from embarrassment. "Wow, I never knew that. Makes sense. You're pretty."

"Awe, Melanie you are so sweet. I'd say the same for you."

A shadow looms over us. "Ophelia, what is the alpha's mate doing here? She should be in her bedroom sleeping by now."

"Don't worry my love, she just wanted to get some water. Isn't that right Melanie?"

"Uh, yes," I cough tinto my mouth, "I'm a bit parched."

I purse my lips, feeling a twinge of guilt as I lie to Oscar, pretending that I just need a drink of water. He looks down at me for a moment, a flicker of suspicion crossing his gaze, but then rolls his eyes in exasperation.

"Okay, hurry up and get back to your room," he grumbles, his tone laced with annoyance. "If something happens to the human, the alpha will break my neck."

I nod, pretending to comply, as Ophelia steps forward, her hand intertwining with mine. The touch brings a sense of reassurance, and I can't help but feel a rush of gratitude for her presence.

"Okay, my love," Ophelia says to Oscar, planting a quick kiss on his cheek. As he turns to leave, she casts a glance over her shoulder, ensuring that he's gone before letting out a sigh of relief. It's only then that I realize how tense I've been, holding my breath until we're alone.

"Thank you," I tell Ophelia, my voice filled with genuine gratitude. She's risking so much by helping me, by allowing me to navigate this unfamiliar world of Wolvendom.

She smiles, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "You don't need to thank me, Mel," she says softly. "We're friends, and friends help each other."

I take a moment to let her words sink in, appreciating the depth of our bond with someone that I just met. Together, we navigate the intricacies of this world, taking each step with caution and resolve. The path may be treacherous, but with a friend like Ophelia, I find the strength to face the unknown.

"Are you excited for tomorrow?"

"No," I say flattery. "I don't want to go to this debut."

"You have no choice. It is when you make yourself known to be officially part of the Alpha's pack."

I don't argue with her Ophelia instead I just groan. Most of my energy has been zapped out worrying about everything down right to my horse back at home. Knowing my father, he probably sold her already. The only thought that trails in the back of my mind is what will be happening to me on the debut.