Chapter 3

The surrounding air seems to vibrate with an aura of power and authority.

"Mighty ruler," says the young master with his head bow.

As he approaches, the echoes of their footsteps fade away, leaving behind a sense of expectant silence.

The moment the footstep owner makes physical contact with the barrier, it disappears. The servants who stood near the already broken barrier take gentle steps into the room, and finally halt, near the table. They both place the tray on the table.

The king signals the servants to leave.

As they leave, the king clears his throat.

"I have to resort to this to save the park from impending doom," says the king.

"Father, how much more must you do to your immediate family in honor of the park?" he shrieks

"You, of all people, should know better. If you have no regard for the legacy our ancestors left behind, then at least think of your mother, " he says, with a scowl on his face.

"I didn't ask for all this, I didn't ask to be your son, I'd rather be a mere mortal and leave in…" Before he could complete the statements, the Alpha king lands a slap on his cheek.

"How dare you, how dare you! Your mother sacrificed her Luna spirit to reform the bearer which the Rougarous attempted to split apart. She couldn't survive it. She was already in a weak state with both old and new scars, not to mention the fetus she was caring for. Your sister's essence is still in the Retribution Tower, and you stand before me spouting rubbish. You.. " The alpha king growles, with his right index finger pointing at the young master.

"Exactly my pinefathers, how much more do you plan on losing, how much more can we sacrifice?"

He interjects his face wearing a flush.

"If only my life could wipe out the claws of doom hovering around I would, but…"

"Father, we have lost too much, way too much. If the park needed royal blood cleansing, Mother's blood could have done the trick. "The crown is way too heavy on the head it lies on" he retorts.

"Let's put our hopes under the mercy of the moon goddess who watches over us. For now, you have to remain here, " the Alpha king concludes.

The young master signs and buries his face in his hands.

The Alpha king leaves.

RAVENSWOOD PARK

"Gua, what are you doing here while your brother is in the kitchen, " Gua's mom ,Flora, asks.

"Mom, you know how much I hate cooking, uh! I hate the kitchen. In general, one has to cook in the kitchen for hours only to eat for less than ten minutes… It's just an unrewarding activity, " Gua responds, rolling her eyes.

"What in the name of the moon goddess are you talking about? Women are born to edify the household Gua. I hate it when I go to the park women's meeting only to come back and find Ray in the kitchen. "Flora

"And who made such a dumb rule ?" Gua retorts.

"Mom, why should the girlchildren remain domestic? "Ray loves cooking unlike me, and I think it's pretty normal. "Instead of wasting my time in the kitchen frying and boiling, I'd rather go into the woods and train with Fu; he taught me fire spells today… look Mom, I'll make the tea in this tea server hotter " Gua reveals with a smile on her face.

"I would prefer you didn't", Flora retorts.

In contrast, with her words, Flora's eyes seem rather inquisitive.

Gua flings her hand in the air, staring intensely at the tea server. At first, the tea server releases air, but in the end, it falls on the floor.

"Do I have to send Fu into exile before he stops teaching you such manly skills?"

"But mom"

"No but young lady, just look at you, look at the way you're dressed, every day you go outside parading yourself in male clothing… your brother cooks well, but that didn't stop him from being a skilled fighter."

At the park's meeting today, the Luna of Moonshine Park boasted about how her girls were great at sewing beautiful embroidery patterns, cooking edible food, and all the girly stuff, but guess what your Mom did?"

"Hmm.. Boasted of how I am doing pretty well at practicing swordsmanship….and how my penmanship is second to none"

"Are you planning on being a bodyguard at the head of Alphas palace( Dark Hunter park)? "

Gua smiles and claps her hands.

" Mom, I never thought about it, you know, fighting Rougarous… protecting the central palace. It's such an amazing idea."

"Other girls have their eyes on the title of "the young mistress", but you.." hold her head in distress and pretend to lose her stamina.

"I am not falling for that, Mom" she says with both hands on her waist.

"From today, you aren't allowed to go out, not until you learn how to cook, sew embroidery, and carry yourself like a lady."

Flora signs, with a raised eyebrow

"Flora, let the young lady be", says Fuzuro, her father, who happens to be the Alpha King's Beta.

"It's one problem after another in this house, dear , Gua just won't listen," she says while sitting on the chair-like structure which looks like a wooden tree split in half.

Fuzuro sits in the empty wood near Flora.

Gua picks up the tea server and enters the kitchen.

The kitchen, nestled deep within their cave, is a cozy haven. Soft, golden light flicked from lanterns, casting a warm glow over the rough-hewn stone walls. The air was thick with the savoury aromas of cooking food.

At the center of the kitchen, a large wooden table stood, scarred and worn from countless meals. Ray, Gua's brother, stood at the table, his hands moving deftly as he chopped vegetables and stirred the simmering pot.

A small fire crackled in the corner, casting shadows on the walls. The sound of sizzling meat and the gentle clinking of pots and pans created a soothing melody.

Despite being deep within their cave, the kitchen felt warm and inviting. Ray's cooking skills transformed the space into a cozy retreat filled with the promise of a delicious meal.

Gua watches as Ray expertly chopped vegetables for the evening meal.

"Why do you like cooking so much, Ray?" Gua asks, curiosity getting the better of her.

Ray smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I love seeing a dish come together," he said. "From the ingredients to the finished product, it's like creating something new every time."

Gua raises an eyebrow. "I don't get it," she said. "Cooking is just so... domestic."

Ray chuckles, "That's exactly why I love it," he said.Cooking is a way to show love and care for others. Plus, it's an art form – you get to be creative and experiment with new flavors and ingredients."

Gua shook her head, smiling. "You're such a nerd, Ray."

Ray grinned, unfazed. "Hey, someone's got to keep the family fed."

They both chuckle.

Ray wiped the sweat from his forehead, satisfied with the spread before him. Gua helps him carry the dishes to the table, and they all sit down to enjoy the meal.

The food was delicious, and they ate in comfortable silence, savoring the flavors. After they finish, Fuzuro, their father, clears his throat to get their attention.

"Children, we have a visit to make," he said, his expression serious.

Gua and Ray exchanged a curious glance. "Who are we visiting, Father?" Gua asked.

Gua's expression turned solemn. "We are going to pay our respects to the Alpha king."

Ray's eyes widened slightly, and Gua's brow furrowed. They knew that visiting the Alpha king was a significant occasion, one that required the utmost respect and caution.

As they make their way to the Alpha king's palace, Fuzuro briefs them on the reason for the meeting.

"The alpha king is seeking a suitable mate for his son," Fuzuro reveals, his voice low and serious. Many sub-alpha kings and their children will be in attendance. We must show respect and courtesy."

Gua's eyes widened with excitement. "This sounds like a grand gathering!" she exclaims,

Ray's expression was more subdued. "I've heard rumour that the alpha king's son is quiet... particular," he said, his brow furrowed.

Fuzuro's expression turned stern. "Regardless of the prince's preferences, we will show him the respect due to his station. Remember, children, we are representatives of our family and our pack."

As they approached the palace, Gua could feel the air thickening with anticipation. She had heard stories of the Alpha king's palace, of its grandeur and majesty. She couldn't wait to see it for herself.

The palace gate opens, and as they enter the palace, Gua's eyes widen in wonder. They walked through a serene garden filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The sound of gently flowing water and chirping birds created a soothing melody.

Next, they pass through a beautifully crafted corridor adorned with intricate carvings and stunning tapestries. The walls seemed to whisper tales of ancient history and legends.

As they continue, they enter a grand courtyard surrounded by majestic stone pillars. The courtyard was filled with exotic flowers and trees,

Finally, they reached the grand staircase, which curved elegantly upwards like a dragon's claw. The staircase was lined with glittering crystals and precious gems, casting a collaboration of colours across the floor.

As they ascend the staircase, Gua feels as though she is walking into a dream world. The beauty and grandeur of the palace were almost overwhelming.

At the top of the staircase, they enter the grand foyer, where the sub-alpha kings and their children are gathered. The room was filled with the rustle of fine silks and the murmur of polite conversation.

Fuzuro nods to the other guests as

they make their way through the crowd. Gua and Ray follow closely behind.