Chapter 4

** The city, pack, and kingdom's names used here are the author's invention and have no connection with reality. ** ———————— VALENTINA “Drinks, ma'am?” The polite voice of the air hostess caught my attention. “No, thanks.” I shook my head at her, flashing a smile that hid beneath my black mask. The air hostess politely approached the other passengers with a nod. I sighed and gazed out the small window of the aeroplane. I am returning to my home, the place where I truly belong… Except for the white clouds in the bright daylight, I could see nothing. It is basically pointless to look out. So, pulling down the cover, I carefully picked up the magazine I had taken from the airport. The new Ohio actress has been in the news lately. She's trending on all news channels and in magazines. However, the second I turned the page, I discovered a different face—a man with devilish charm. He is Andres Donovan, the Supreme regent of all wolves—he's the Lycan King. This magazine recently published an interview with him that somehow overshadowed the trending actress. My attention was drawn to his image. Even in the photograph, his golden eyes blazed with an intensity that was quite unsettling. He exuded an aura of both danger and refined elegance, his commanding presence possessing a captivating allure. Women crave him, yet he is forbidden fruit. He remains unattached, with no pressing interest in taking a mate—not yet, at least… "Hey, are you reading it?" An excited female voice brushed my ears, and I turned to the female passenger beside me. Her eyes were fixated on the king with extreme interest. Feeling my gaze, she smiled sheepishly. “Actually, I wanted to buy a magazine, but unfortunately, they were all sold out.” Well, no wonder why… “Not really, here, take it.” I handed her the magazine, and her eyes sparkled. “Thanks! I’ll return it to you after reading.” She added with a grateful smile. "It's fine; I won't need it anymore," I said, closing my eyes to avoid further conversation. The girl's excitement was unbounded, and she thanked me again. Although the Lycan King was undoubtedly charming, I no longer bothered him. Honestly, the betrayal shattered me within. Nothing excites me anymore. I fell asleep after a while until the flight attendant woke me up. The plane had landed in Grimaker City. I took my backpack, which did not have many things. I practically left Shadow Crust with the only belongings I owned with my money. After completing the airport procedures, I stepped out of the airport. A soft, subtle breeze kissed my face, shivering me with discreetly controlled emotions. I hailed a taxi and entered, “Ebbon Moon Clan.” I informed the driver. Once the car started, I reclined in the seat. Atlas and Sienna awakened me by crashing my heart. I realised that I was just a blind fool for not valuing the people who truly loved me. Two years have passed, and I am unsure whether my family and pack will accept me in this state. Yet, after losing everything, my family are the only people I want to return to… "We've arrived, ma'am," the driver said, breaking my thoughts as I looked out the window. The huge entrance to the pack graced my view. My heart tightened against my ribcage as I glanced at the most familiar place in my life. My sweet home—Ebbon Moon Clan—where I truly belong. Tears clouded my vision, yet I held them back. I never learned to be weak. Perhaps for love I had once restricted my true nature, and lost my way; within, I am still a warrior and my father's heiress. But, what if they don't want me back? The sudden thought shuddered me, yet I controlled myself with clenched fists. Paying the taxi fare, I stepped out of the car with a tight heart. I looked around. The border guards were standing in their usual places and maybe, there were more than I had known. I didn't suspect it, though, after all, the Ebbon Moon Clan is one of the most powerful packs in Grimmaker City. My father, Alpha Victor, is the current leader of the pack. He is a born leader, running the pack with strength and precision. Indeed, I'm the Alpha's daughter and the young Alpha heiress of the pack. This was my true identity, which I had hidden from Atlas, and I am glad I did. He never deserved me. I walked toward the pack's entrance and stopped by the guards. "Who are you? What are you doing here?” One of the guards asked in a steely voice. Who am I?—The question stiffened me. For a second, I felt unfamiliar and useless. When I left this place two years ago, I vowed never to return and use my identity, yet here I am, unsettled and suspected. "Remove your mask; you need to provide your identity," one of them said again. "You're wolfless, yet you bear the scent of a wolf." One frowned, throwing me a sharp gaze. "Are you a lone omega? Where did you come from?” His words twisted my heart with an unbearable ache as I was suddenly reminded of my circumstances. Yes, I am wolfless; I couldn't protect my precious companion. Those who once immediately bowed to me in submission now question me. This only made me smile sadly. How fast and drastically life changes… "Speak," he snapped. Their stance was threatening; "or we'll arrest you.” I felt defenseless before their questions. A wave of restlessness washed over me. There was no point in arguing; I needed to move my mask. However, given the way my face had been disfigured, I wonder if they will recognize me. "Hey, remove your mask," one of the guards urged me as a few of them started surrounding me, their sharp gazes filled with doubt and alertness. With a sigh, I raised my hand to remove my mask, when a heavy, pointed tone pierced the air, drawing our attention. "What's going on here?" The cold voice fell as I watched the tall, good-looking man whose strong presence made my heart pound with both fear and excitement. Bundles of memories reopened in my troubled and wounded heart. “Uncle Samuel,” I couldn't help but whisper with a tearful gaze…