Four.
1102 Words
Chapter Four.
Love's POV.
I pulled the hood lower over my face as I walked through the crowded market. My heart pounded in my chest, but I forced myself to keep moving, to blend in like Sefina had taught me to.
Weeks had passed since I left the cave, since I made that promise to myself to bring down the Alpha. Sefina had been reluctant at first, but in the end, she helped me. She showed me how to walk unnoticed, how to speak without drawing attention, and how to disappear when needed.
I missed her.
But now, here I was, standing in the middle of the Rheyan territory, walking among the people who almost had me become a sacrifice.
They didn't even recognise me. I was just another commoner in worn out clothes and my hair hidden beneath a tattered scarf. My real name, my past, everything had been buried beneath this disguise. Not that it would matter, these people had no regard for humans, but if they ever found out that I was one, it would be over with for me.
So I had to stay this way if I wanted to survive.
"You must come back to me one day." Sefina had said before I left. "No matter what happens, promise me."
I had nodded. I wasn't sure if I could keep that promise, but I had made it anyway. I wanted to keep the promise.
Now, my first step was to find a way into the Alpha's household. That was easier said than done.
No ordinary person could just walk into an Alpha's estate and expect to get close enough to strike. But I had overheard something earlier that gave me hope.
Alpha Hanma was looking for a new house manager.
It was a rare opportunity. The Alpha's household was a fortress, and only a few people had the privilege of working inside. If I could get in, I could watch him, learn his weaknesses, and strike when the time was right.
It was a long shot, but it was also the only chance I had.
I arrived at the estate just before noon. The large iron gates stood in front of me, guarded by two men who barely spared me a glance as I passed through with a number of other applicants. Most of them were women, dressed in simple but neat clothing, and their expressions ranged from excitement to nervousness.
I kept my head down and followed the group into a large courtyard. It was filled with people, all hoping to be chosen. The Alpha's household was one of the most powerful places to work, and a position here meant status and security.
But I wasn't here for that.
A tall woman stood at the front of the crowd, her arms crossed over her chest. She had long dark hair pulled into a tight braid and sharp, piercing eyes that scanned us with open suspicion.
Althea.
I had heard things about her and seen her only once before this. She was one of the fiercest warriors in the pack, trusted by the Alpha himself. And she looked like she didn't want any of us here.
"This is not a place for the weak!" Althea announced, her voice carrying over the murmuring. "If you think you can slack off and get by with laziness, leave now. The Alpha has no use for weaklings or fools, and I will make sure to dispose of you accordingly."
A few people shifted uncomfortably. No one left.
"Good." Althea said. "Then let's begin."
She started walking through the crowd, her eyes studying each of us like she was looking for the first person to throw out. When she reached me, she slowed down, looking me up and down with thinly veiled contempt.
"Who are you?" She asked.
I kept my voice low enough to not seem disturbing but loud enough to convert some confidence.
"Destiny."
Her eyes narrowed.
"Destiny. Where are you from?"
"North of the territory." I lied. "I came here for work."
She didn't believe me. I could see it in her face. But she didn't push, at least. Instead, she smirked and moved on, muttering.
"We'll see how long you last."
I let out a breath I didn't realise I was holding, but my relief didn't last long.
Althea led us into a large hall where we were to begin our tasks.
"You'll be tested today. If you fail, you leave. No second chances."
We were split into groups and assigned different tasks. Some cooking, cleaning, organising, and other household duties. I was placed in a group responsible for setting up the dining area, polishing the floors, and preparing the room for the Alpha's evening meal.
"These may not be your jobs if you get the position, but it is important that you know how to do these tasks perfectly, just in case."
I worked quickly and quietly, trying not to draw attention to myself. But Althea was watching.
I could feel her star burning into my back as I wiped down the long wooden table. She didn't say anything at first, but then I felt a sudden shove.
I stumbled forward, barely catching myself before I hit the table. My hands clenched into fists as I turned to see Althea standing there, arms crossed, a fake look of innocence on her face.
"Watch your step or leave." She said. "We don't have space for complainers."
My blood boiled, but I forced myself to stay calm. I couldn't afford to lose control. Bigger things were on the line.
Instead, I nodded.
"Yes, ma'am."
Her smirk deepened, and I wanted nothing more than to wipe that smug look off her face. She stood there for a bit and said nothing else before she walked away.
The rest of the day went the same way. Every time I turned around, Althea was there, watching, like waiting for me to make a mistake. She wanted me gone.
It was quite sad for her that I wasn't going anywhere. I was determined to get this job.
By the time evening came, the remaining applicants were gathered in the hall, waiting for the final decision. Most had already been dismissed, and now there were about five of us left. Now, it was time to see who would stay.
Althea stood before us again.
"The Alpha will choose who stays."
My blood froze. If he looked too closely at me, would he recognise me? Would he see through my disguise?
The large doors at the end of the hall opened.
Alpha Hanma came in.
- Writer
