THE RUTHLESS ALPHA’S SECRET ASSASSIN

Chapter 4

Ella's POV

I have been feeling restless ever since I almost got caught near the dungeon, I haven't slept peacefully. Every sound outside my room made me think the guards had finally come for me. Every footstep make it seem I'm being followed. I don't know if I should prepare for death or something worse than that. The pack was even invaded a few days ago, some died and some were injured.

"Am I safe here or I should leave?"

"I don't want to die now," I said to myself.

I was still thinking about this, when I saw a man talking to the head of the female maids. I was curious and wanted to know what they were talking about, and thank to the Moon Goddess for my sharp hearing, I could hear the man telling her to tell all the female servants to move to the field.

"...tell all the female servants to move to the open field now. My Lord is waiting for them," he said.

Without another word, the warrior turned on his heel and strode away, his heavy boots echoing against the stone path.

The head maid remained where she was for a moment, watching him disappear before letting out a long sigh.

"Everyone!" she called, clapping her hands loudly to get the servants' attention.

The chatter around the servants' quarters came to an abrupt stop.

Female servants emerged from every direction. Some stepped out of the laundry room with damp hands, others hurried from the kitchens still wearing flour-stained aprons, while a few abandoned the gardens with baskets of freshly picked herbs resting against their hips.

I quickly blended in with the growing crowd, keeping my head lowered as though I had only just arrived.

The head maid stood in the centre of the courtyard, her stern gaze sweeping over each of us until complete silence settled over the gathering.

"I've just received an order from Gamma Richard," she announced. "He came on behalf of Alpha."

The moment the Alpha's name left her lips, a wave of unease rippled through the servants.

Several exchanged nervous glances.

Others lowered their eyes immediately.

No one dared speak.

"The Alpha has ordered that every female servant report to the open field immediately," the head maid continued. "No one is to remain behind. Leave your duties where they are. They can wait."

A murmur spread through the crowd despite everyone's efforts to remain quiet.

"Why would the Alpha summon us?"

"Did something happen?"

"Is it because of the recent attack?"

"I heard they're looking for someone..."

The whispers grew louder until—

"Silence!"

The head maid's sharp voice cut through the crowd like a whip.

Every servant fell quiet instantly.

"I don't know why you've been summoned," she said firmly. "Gamma Richard didn't explain, and none of us are in a position to question the Alpha's orders."

She paused, her expression hardening.

"So whatever concerns or fears you may have, keep them to yourselves."

Her eyes swept across us one last time.

"Form two lines and proceed to the open field immediately. Do not wander off, and no gossip. Whatever happens, show the Alpha the respect he deserves."

"Yes, Head Maid," we answered in unison.

The gathering quickly dissolved into organised movement.

The older servants urged the younger ones into neat lines, while those who had been carrying baskets, buckets and laundry hurried to set them aside before joining the procession.

The usual bustle of the servants' quarters disappeared within moments.

I silently took my place near the back of one of the lines.

Around me, anxious whispers continued despite the warning.

"What do you think this is about?"

"I don't know..."

"I've never seen all the female servants summoned before."

"Do you think another attack is coming?"

"Moon Goddess, I hope not."

I remained silent.

Every word only made the knot in my stomach tighten.

This isn't just a random gathering...

My palms had begun to sweat.

Have they discovered it?

Did someone see me near the dungeon after all?

Is the man from that day the Alpha?

Several questions came to my mind.

My breathing became shallow as the line slowly began to move.

One by one, we followed the head maid across the pack grounds towards the open field, where the Alpha was waiting.

With every step I took, it felt as though I was walking closer to my own execution.