Alpha Devon And The Last Keeper

The odd one

Moon's POV

The carriages finally ground to a halt after a long ride, and I heaved a sigh of relief. The last time I rode a long distance in a carriage was when I was being brought from my pack after being bought by Gamma Lancelot.

The guards and I alighted, and I let out a yawn.

“You can't even exhibit ladylike attitudes. That's why you're better off as a slave.” I heard Sophie's annoying voice from behind and decided to ignore her.

There was an unending trail of luxury carriages, and I couldn't help but gawk.

“Just how wealthy are the members of this pack?” I wondered. I was jolted out of my reverie by a malicious hit from Lady Helen.

“Remember why you're here.” She voiced out to my hearing, and I nodded obediently.

She led the way with her head and shoulders high. Gamma Lancelot, who was chubby and pot bellied, couldn't even meet up with her pace. Only Sophie, who was enthusiastic about ‘meeting the King,’ ran after her mother.

The compound was flooded with ladies and gentlemen clad in clothes made from fabrics meant for the elites. Meeting new people felt like a good idea, but with the way I was dressed, I knew only the maids would be willing to talk to me. I noticed almost everyone had a touch of red in what they were putting on, including the maids who were moving around with trays.

I glanced sideways at the guards who were also putting on red pants, which was different from their usual white pants, but I brushed off the thoughts. I stopped in my tracks, and my heart skipped a bit the moment the guards at the entrance of the hall crossed their swords when it was my turn to enter.

“The colour for tonight is red. You're putting on purple.” One of the guards said, and I looked at the dress I was putting on and glanced at everyone around. I was actually the odd one.

Lady Helen noticed what was going on and came back to question the guards.

“She's nothing but a servant. She has to be distinguished from the elites, that's why I purposely instructed her to wear purple.” She said to them with a sheepish smile, and I couldn't believe she could be so petty. How could she make me appear odd when I never wanted to be here? She clearly asked me to come.

After deliberating for a while, the guards decided to let me in, and I wished the walls could absorb me. Everything in the magnificent hall had a touch of red, including the covers of the table and the carpet. Red ribbons were tied beautifully to the chandelier, and I took a moment to admire the surroundings.

“I'd advise you to stay still because, as you can see, you're the only odd one in this event. So, you have to conceal yourself and be unnoticeable.” Sophie said as she settled on her seat. A table with their family name was reserved for them, and Lady Helen sat in all glory.

“You two can stay back in the carriage. You're not needed here.” Gamma Lancelot said to the guards before turning towards me. “You'll be of good use to my wife and princess. Find yourself somewhere to sit amongst peasants. We'll call you when you're needed.” He said, gesturing towards the back of the hall.

I thought of a way to slip through the crowd without drawing too much attention, but there was no better way than to walk gently because I'd cause damage by trying to move quickly. I felt like an outcast in the hall as I made my way towards the seats that were isolated at the back, and I settled on one of them. I buried my face in my palm and broke out in cold sweat. I was feeling extremely nervous.

“What if the King notices that I defied his orders by dressing in purple?” I asked myself.

“He won't notice an insignificant slave like you.” I heard a voice in my head.

I suddenly felt a light tap on the shoulder, and I lifted my gaze in shock. I took a deep breath after finding out it was a maid. She was holding a tray with wine glasses.

“You seem lost. Are you okay?” She asked, and I shook my head honestly.

“I'm the only odd one here, and I'm scared I might anger the King. What's even the purpose of this event? I never wanted to be here,” I reeled off.

“I even wanted to ask why you were dressed this way. Well, rumour has it that the reason why Alpha Devon organized this event is to see if he'd find his mate in this gathering today.” She said, and I could only press my lips in a thin line.

“Thanks for the information, but I’m more concerned with something else. please, can I get something else to put on?” I asked with a pleading gaze, and I could see a look of hesitation in her eyes.

“I promise I won't ruin your dress. I'll give it back immediately after the event.” I pleaded, and she heaved a sigh.

“I don't have a red dress, but there are two extra uniforms like mine, made by the royal designer. You can put one on, but you're gonna be seen as a maid.” She said, and a smile quickly spread across my face.

“Who cares about being seen as a maid? Please can I have it?” I asked eagerly, and she led me out of the hall. Lady Helen was so engrossed in the discussion she was having with another lady that she didn't notice my departure from the hall.

We stepped out of the hall, and the maid paused.

“These wine glasses are quite heavy, I need to drop them, please. You can go get the dress. Walk towards that direction, the first large building you come across. Just step in and tell anyone you come across that Anne sent you to get a dress, and they'll show you where the dresses are.” She instructed, pointing in a particular direction and walking back into the hall.

I stood in confusion as I looked towards the direction she had pointed. The pack house was very large and it had several buildings. I walked towards the direction and came face to face with 3 different buildings. One stood out, and it was in the middle of the compound. I looked at the angle from which she had pointed at it, and it only seemed right that she was talking about this particular building.

I walked closer to the building and tried to get in, but I was stopped by two guards.

“Who are you?” They chorused with a stoic expression, and I swallowed.

“A–Anne sent me.” I stuttered.

“Who's Anne?” One of them asked the other.

“The headmaid, don't you remember?” He asked, and realization hit the latter.

“She's probably here to clean,” They said and stepped aside.

“Aren't you going in?” One of them asked before I could object, and my legs acted faster than my mind. I walked into the building, and for the hundredth time that evening, my jaw dropped.

‘You're definitely in the wrong place, Moon. Leave before it's too late.’ A voice sounded in my head.