Six.

*TEN YEARS AGO*

ALTALUNE.

"Wait! You're- injured!" I heard the strange boy I'd been watching for days now yell from behind as I ran, pushing through the woods as fast as my wounded leg could carry me. I was bleeding, and that was the most unfortunate thing that could ever happen at the moment. If the other packs saw my blood, I'd meet an abrupt, tragic end. If only that stupid branch hadn't broken, he would never have discovered my presence.

I remember the first time I'd seen him lurking in the woods, and out of plain curiosity, I watched him do the pointless things he did—this one yelled at the river and glorified rocks as though they meant more than what they were. The SilverBow crest on his cloak was the perfect giveaway that he was a Pureblood, probably from the Alpha's Bloodline and I knew well enough to stay away. I stopped after I'd run a reasonable distance, pausing to catch my breath, I seemed to have lost him. Too bad, he was becoming a hobby.

The rustling of leaves snapped me into alertness, I made to run but my legs had given up since I hadn't recovered from the fall. All I could do was wait for whatever it is in the woods to walk out, and probably feed on me. Maybe I never should have left home in the first place— Mother had told me countless times how unfriendly the woods could be but I always tried to take my chances, I'd rather die exploring than in a hut where we could barely breathe properly.

I yelled at the top of my voice when the figure finally emerged from the thick, foggy darkness. Even though I was reckless, I didn't think I was prepared to die, not when Mother and Harding are waiting for me.

"Shh- d- don't yell. It is dangerous to yell at this time!" The same boy whom I'd run away from said as he leaned forward, his soft palm gently resting on my mouth. It disgusted me so I bit him and shoved him off me with all the strength my frail arms could muster. Before he could recover, I easily ripped a part of my already tattered dress and tied it around my bleeding leg so he doesn't see me bleed. It took a while but he recovered faster than I expected, wincing in pain as he stood before me, barely a foot away as he studied me.

"You're way stronger than you look, it's interesting," he checked his palm as he spoke before his eyes drifted back to me. "Do you live around here? I'm from SilverBow, what about you?"

In the glow of the moon, his features came into view, rather chiseled and defined, he was one of those they addressed as the gods' favorites. I didn't know what to say to him but for some reason, I'd like to run my fingers through his dark, tousled hair to see if it was as soft as he looked. The moonlight played on him, his eyes reflecting the serenity of it while his lips curved into a subtle smile as though he was in perfect harmony with the world around him, he looked older than I was. I could barely tear my gaze away from him.

"You can hear me, right? Do you not like to talk to people? My name is-

"I do not want to know your name," I pointed out as I tried to get off the floor, it hurt like crazy. "And you do not have to know mine." I finally got my body off the floor and leaped away from the strange boy.

"Ouch, you're the first one to ever tell me that. Most people are always pleased to meet me. So you can talk, after all, I was thinking of diving into sign language. He paused, I could feel his eyes prick my back. "Can you walk?" He pushed on as he walked behind me, "Your leg looks pretty swollen."

I said nothing, I might begin to cry If I had to explain how bad my leg was hurting, it felt as though my bone had cracked in two. Even as I leaped, it'd take me a long, torturous hour before I got back to the hut— Mother would have gone bald with worry by then. Nothing seemed to be working out.

He increased his pace and walked past me till he blocked my path, his smile still intact. "Let me help you-"

"I'd kill you if you touch me."

He shrugged, his smile growing into an annoying grin. "Then I'd die trying to save a damsel in distress, just like the gentleman that I am."

"Gentleman, my foot."

##

Does he remember any of that? Or even what happened after? Does he remember that I lost everything the same night we met? I didn't think he did, and I was happy he didn't. Standing before him, not much has changed. He was still the god's favorite that I took him to be, except age at doing its thing. He seemed a lot different now, but how would I know? I'd only met him for one night. One tragic night.

"What makes you think you're fit to be my maid? You seem rather excited, why?" His brow arched as he asked, I was still adjusting to the hoarseness of his voice compared to that night ten years ago— when he was just a boy, and I was just a girl. Fuck- I wanted to punch him hard across the face.

"Because...you need me," I responded and veered towards Ultrika who looked rather amused than shocked. I already pictured what she'd look like when her eyes were fluttered shut and her skin a cruel white and she drew breaths no more, then my eyes fluttered to her belly, I didn't seem to be getting used to her pregnancy...I hadn't planned for it or expected it.

"Need you?" He burst into a condescending laughter. I couldn't say I was surprised. "And why would I need...you?"

"Y-yeah no...I mean, you need a maid, not me in particular. I'm s-sorry," I stuttered, "You need a strong diligent maid who can fearfully perform her duties and I'm well experienced in that field. I'd want nothing more than your satisfaction...Alpha." I lied.

I felt like my path was getting aligned and it happened at an incredibly fast pace. First, I get to meet the murderer in person. Second, there was a chance of getting closer to the and ripping them apart from the inside. I wanted nothing more.

"I see..." He muttered tapping his chin then he turned to Tala. "What about her? Why can't she be my personal maid?" Was he really asking? I didn't know what he was driving at but if he as much as laid a finger on her, he'd have a second chance at castration— this time with my hands. What was he playing at?

"Because I'm stronger. Tala isn't as experienced as I am and I fear there might be issues or complaints so I'd rather do it while she-"

"She'd work with me," Ultrika interrupted. "From what I'd noticed, Altalune seems capable of being your maid, Alpha Conri. I have a feeling that she can perform her duties succinctly. Tala, on the other hand, would work with me. Lowe needs someone too, and seeing as things are going... I'd need all the help I can get. I think the girl chose right."

I still hated her and everything that came out of her mouth. Her words annoyed me and I hated that it burned into my skin. Even though I didn't act it, the air was stifling and heavy and my dress began to feel as though I had cactus on.

"I'd be the one who decides that, but I'd let it be so at the moment, like the gentleman that I am." He cleared his throat. "Have them return to their chamber, I'd call for the one you recommended when the time comes." Alpha Conri turned to us, "I hope our hospitality doesn't become a mistake."

Oh, it was. It was the biggest mistake of their lives. I just hoped my face didn't show it.

"Thank you," Tala muttered as she bowed slightly while I took pride in admiring my fingers to pass time. I didn't know the next thing to do or say but I sure as hell wasn't about to appreciate their foolishness.

"Good then, since this is done, I'd ask one of the maids to show you to your room, the rest would be decided after you two settle." Ultrika finalized before turning to Conri, "Can we have a brief discussion, Alpha?" He nodded and they both exited the room.

Tala sighed as she fell tiredly into the seat, then she turned to me as though she studied my expression. I wondered what could be going through her mind, I felt bad about dragging her into my mess.

"Is that him?" She finally asked her eyes lingering on the corner Ultrika and Conri had walked into.

I nodded. "Yes, that's him."