ARRIVING TO THE PACK VALERIA The Kings carriage was spacious and comfortable , lined with soft red and black velvet . We had left the castle that morning , traveling along winding roads toward a distant pack . As soon as we emerged from the dark mist surrounding the forest , I tensed slightly , nervously watching out the window . It was absurd to think they might still be hunting me outside the Golden Moon pack . Maybe they didnt even realize I was still alive . His Majesty sat across from me , absorbed in reading several manuscripts , fully focused on his task . He wasnt a man of many words , and the trip was quickly becoming dull . At some point , I closed my eyes , but a sudden jolt of the carriage startled me awake . A comforting warmth was pressed against my side my head resting on a broad , muscular shoulder . Im so sorry , Your Majesty ! I shot up , stiff as a board , realizing I had been sleeping against the King Wasnt he supposed to be sitting across from me ? Why are you apologizing this time ? For breathing ? Or for drooling on my shirt ? he asked sarcastically , tilting his head to glance down at me . My eyes immediately searched for any stain on the dark fabric , but it seemed His Highness had also learned how to mess with me . Go back to sleep , Valeria . We still have a long way to go , he muttered , his rough hand settling on my hair , gently pushing me back against his shoulder . The journey continued , mile after mile . Outside , the temperature was freezing , but nestled between the carriage wall and Aldrics massive body , his protective warmth surrounded me , and I eventually drifted off to sleep again . When I stirred much later , still half drowsy , I realized the carriage had stopped and I was alone . Voices echoed from outside . Blinking the sleep from my eyes , I noticed the Kings heavy cloak draped over me , almost covering me from head to toe . Carefully , I folded it , fixing my messy hair before peeking out the window . Youre awake ? his deep voice cut into my thoughts , suddenly filling my view : Come . Get down . Were staying here for the night . I nodded , pulling on my own dark cloak , which shielded my face somewhat from view . I hated how people stared at me like I was some kind of freak Looking around , I realized we were inside a courtyard . There was a stable in the back and , ahead , an old wooden and stone building with several floors . Stay close to me , Valeria . Dont stray , he ordered firmly short , precise commands I obeyed without +25 BONUS ARRIVING TO THE PACK question . I followed the King and the coachman as we left through the gate and rounded the front of the inn . Sunrise Inn , the sign read above the door . Aldric gestured for me to enter before him . We were immediately greeted by a cozy hall filled with tables where people were eating , while the innkeeper stood behind a long counter on the side . We headed straight for the counter , all eyes turning toward us . It was impossible to go unnoticed with a towering figure like him beside me . Few had ever seen King Aldric in person . There were plenty of exaggerated rumors about him , but the wolves in the room could clearly sense his power . They recognized a Lycan when they were in the presence of one . Lycans were rare but the Guardians and the King werent the only ones in the kingdorn . I need three adjacent rooms , Aldric demanded in his usual blunt tone . I … Im sorry , Your Excellency , but I dont have three rooms available . Only two and theyre … separate , the thin innkeeper stammered , visibly shaking with fear . Is there another inn in this pack ? Aldric asked , his brow furrowing in annoyance . N No , Excellency . But if you wait until tomorrow , perhaps- Im not traveling back to return tomorrow . Give me the two rooms , Aldric interrupted , his voice sharp enough to make the poor man flinch . I almost felt sorry for the innkeeper . But I should have been worrying about myself because clearly , I was going to be the most affected by this . Valeria , youll share a room with me . The coachman will take the other , he stated , turning to face me with a disturbingly calm expression . What ?! I wanted to scream in frustration . Is there a problem ? He raised a brow , noticing my obvious discomfort . S Sir , I think its … a bit irrational for us to share a room . You might feel uncomfortable- Would you rather sleep with the coachman , then ? No ! I blurted instantly , shooting a sideways glance at the poor coachman , who was watching me with a silent plea , clearly terrified . L..I could sleep .- in- Where could I sleep ? S Sir , I can stay in the stable … with the horses- Did I ask for your opinion ? Aldric snapped , turning toward the coachman like a predator . The man nearly wet himself on the spot . ARRIVING TO THE PACK We were stuck , and the growing tension was drawing attention . So , as usual , I gave in to the whims of t insufferable man +25 BONUS Ill stay with you , sir , I muttered , seething with frustration . If my hands were strong enough to wrap around his thick neck , I would have strangled him right then and there . The innkeeper looked relieved as he hurriedly handed over the keys , eager to get rid of us . But before we could leave , the front door burst open . A tall , burly man with chestnut hair rushed inside , pale faced , wiping sweat from his forehead with his arm . The moment his eyes landed on Aldric , his face drained of all color , and he approached cautiously , bowing with reverence . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!