"Humans had once lived in peace and harmony, each person in their own place, their lives following simple routines. That was before the creatures who had never been seen or heard of invaded every human land. They killed kings and royalty, taking their thrones and ruling over humans as masters, forcing them into servitude. So..."
A little girl's voice piped up among the children gathered around Odesse. "Odesse, do you think we will ever get back to our land?"
Odesse paused, considering the question. "Hmm, I do not know, Mage," she said gently. "I had always asked my dad that same question. I do not want to give you false hope the way he once gave me."
Another child looked at her curiously. "Odesse, where are your parents?"
Odesse smiled softly. "Well…" she began, but before she could continue, a gentle knock echoed through the room. The doors opened, and a young lady stepped in, her smile warm. "You little ones need to go to sleep now, okay?"
One by one, the children obeyed, gathering their blankets and yawning as they made their way to bed. Odesse watched them, her heart warm yet heavy. When the last child disappeared behind the bedroom doors, she exchanged a glance and a quiet goodnight with the woman.
"You keep telling them those stories," the young lady said as they walked through the halls, passing others going about their evening routines.
Odesse smiled, her steps light despite the weight in her chest. "It is important for them to know their history, even if things are not going to change," she replied.
The woman's hand rested gently on Odesse's cheek. "Everything will be all right. Just give it a day," she said softly.
Odesse shook her head, a small frown crossing her face. "Cara, my dad always said that, but look. He is not even here."
There was a pause. Then Odesse's gaze shifted. "I need to go check on Aron."
"Oh, yes, please," Cara replied, worry flickering in her eyes.
Odesse nodded and left, her steps purposeful as she made her way to a room door. She approached the room quietly, pushing the door open. The room was dark, shadows stretching across the floor. She moved toward the bed. "Aron, how are you feeling? Is your body still hurting?" she asked softly.
The bed was empty. Her heart skipped a beat.
She rushed outside the room, finding Cara waiting anxiously. "Cara, he is not in the room!"
"What? How? Where could he have gone?" Cara exclaimed, panic rising in her voice.
"I do not know," Odesse replied, running her hands over her face in frustration. "What if he went outside?"
"That is even worse. Today is the ceremonial mating ceremony," Cara said sharply, realizing the danger.
Odesse straightened, determination flashing in her eyes. "I cannot leave him alone. I need to find him."
"No, Odesse, you will be in trouble," Cara warned.
"I do not care. Cover for me. If Miss Miris asks about us, make up a believable excuse," Odesse insisted.
Cara nodded reluctantly. "Be careful," she said.
Odesse slipped out of the servant compound and headed toward the royal mansion. She bent low to examine the ground, spotting footprints in the damp earth. "These must be Aron's," she whispered.
Following the trail, she came upon the mansion kitchen, bustling with servants preparing for the gathering. A man holding a tray spotted her. "Odesse, what are you doing here?"
"I am looking for Aron," she replied.
"Aron? What would he be doing here?" the man asked, confused.
A wealthy-looking woman, dressed in fine garments, approached. "Are you going to stand there or do your work?" she demanded.
"May I join in and search for Aron?" Odesse asked, her voice pleading.
"You will get both of us into trouble," the man warned.
Odesse's earnest eyes softened him. "Take this tray and be careful," he finally said, handing it to her.
"Thank you," she whispered and slipped into the party.
The hall was alive with movement, laughter, and the rustle of luxurious fabrics. Werewolves of high rank mingled freely, their presence commanding attention. Odesse searched for Aron, weaving through the crowd, but he was nowhere in sight. Exhaustion tugged at her muscles, she sank onto a velvet-cushioned seat to rest, unaware of where she had chosen to sit.
The moment her weight settled, a searing pain ignited along her neck. She screamed, clutching at the glowing mark that had appeared. Every head turned in shock. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the room.
"Who is this girl?" someone whispered.
"Has she sat beside the Cursed Alpha?" another voice asked, fear threading the words.
"The mark has appeared!" a few shouted, pointing toward her.
The elders stepped forward, faces grim. "What is this atrocity?" one demanded.
Odesse's head drooped in pain, the room spinning around her. Trembling, she finally lifted her gaze and saw him. The Cursed Alpha, Valex, his dark eyes locking onto hers.
"Stand up," the elders shouted. "This girl, how dare you! You are to be burned, stoned, and prosecuted. This is a bad omen that shall not be excused!"
Odesse tried to speak, to explain, but the elders closed in. Desperation prickled at her skin. Then, through the chaos, a familiar face caught her eye. "Aron!" she called.
Valex rose from his seat, his presence filling the hall with a chilling weight. Odesse felt her world tilt, dizziness sweeping over her. Her knees buckled, and she fainted. Strong arms caught her before she could hit the floor.
The hall went silent. Every eye turned to the pair, whispers dying to a stunned hush. Then, a voice echoed, smooth and commanding, "Well… well… well…"
A man who looked like he owned the room pushed forward through the crowd. He walked up to Valex, who still held Odesse in his arms, stopped, and glanced back over his shoulder. "Mother," he said with a sharp edge, "do you see why I never wanted to invite him? You insisted I do." He turned again to Valex, voice cold. "I invited you here once. Now you cause chaos. What is this?"
An elder stepped forward. "King Malrik," he said, "This girl is vile. She should not be here, and she should not bear that mark."
Murmurs swelled around the hall. "How can a human have the sacred mating mark?" someone whispered. "Is she a wolf?" another asked.
Malrik's eyes were flat as stone. "Return her," he ordered. "We will punish her and deal with this." He made a dismissive motion toward Valex. "You may leave."
Valex's jaw tightened. He set Odesse down, his voice low and steady. "Why should I leave her," he said, fixing Malrik with a stare, "When she is mine?"