SILVER LAKE VALERIA Tell me if you can comply with that condition , or I will leave my position right now , King Aldric . I am not your prisoner , I confronted him for the first time , raising my chin , ready to resist his whims and selfishness . However , Aldric just stared at me in silence . I could feel his entire body tense , as if he were struggling with an internal enemy , resisting with all his strength . In his gray eyes , the beast inside him flickered , tinged with red , like his lycan form . Fine , he finally relented , stepping back , clenching his teeth so tightly I thought his jaw muscles might snap . I accept . He responded , and we were left facing each other in a battle of wills . If someone had told me a month ago that I would do something like this , I would have called them crazy . You need these clothes . You have nothing else to wear . The women in that pack are extremely snobbish , and 1 dont want anyone looking down on you . Just think of them as extra uniforms if it makes you feel better , he said , turning away without waiting for my reply , storming out the door just as he had entered . I sank onto the bench beside the table , my legs weak , but feeling proud of myself . I could only hope the walls around my heart were strong enough to withstand His Majestys siege . The next day , we departed for the Silver Lake pack in a carriage I shared with the woman who always accompanied Guardian Quinn . Outside , on horseback , rode His Majesty , while Quinn was driving the carriage . I knew he had brought them along on this trip because of the Altars . The lycan Quinn seemed to be the only one capable of deciphering them . I felt uncomfortable , not just because of the silence but because I could sense that womans constant gaze on me . There was something very strange about her . I couldnt quite explain it , but she seemed different from the others . During this trip , keep as far away from my brother as possible . Excuse me ? I lifted my head from my embroidery book when she spoke in a low voice . Hes my brother , and I dont want him getting into trouble with His Majesty because of you , she said , staring at me with cold , dark eyes . I would never cause him any trouble … The King is interested in you . I dont know what kind of relationship you have , but hes jealous of Quinn . I think youve already noticed that . Please , Im asking you politely stay away from Quinn , her tone was becoming increasingly hostile , and it was starting to irritate me . Im just the Kings maid . If Guardian Quinn doesnt approach me , I wont seek him out either . Were not friends or anything like that . So spare me the threats . I have no intention of causing problems for anyone , I replied in a quiet yet firm voice . It was obvious neither of us wanted this conversation to be overheard . 47 SILVER LAKE +25 BONUS The wornan , who I was now certain was a rare female Alpha , kept staring at me , and I held her gaze . Then she nodded and looked away , turning her attention to the curtain by the window . I lowered my head to return to my reading , thinking the awkward conversation had finally ended , when she added : The Lycan King doesnt see you just as his maid . He has never looked at another woman the way he looks at you or treated anyone the way he treats you . Even if you dont notice , hes always watching you … possessively . Lycans dont share their favorite person with anyone . But be careful , Maid Valeria . No matter what feelings His Majesty might have , betrayal and lies are something he never forgives . She warned me before closing her eyes , remaining silent for the rest of the trip . I shivered , thinking about all the strange things I carried inside me things even I didnt understand . It was yet another reason to speed up the search for my cure and leave King Aldrics side before I completely lost my mind . In the distance , I heard the sound of flowing water and peeked my head out the carriage window , curious despite the chilly weather , My eyes widened in awe as we approached the packs territory , surrounded by towering mountains and grand waterfalls , with narrow lakes and rivers winding between the beautiful stone structures .. Its beautiful , I heard a male voice close to me . yes , it is . Its a very lovely pack , I replied with a smile , but my cheeks heated up as I realized the intense gaze Aldric was giving me from his horse , riding close to the window . The Alpha womans words echoed in my mind , and for some reason , it felt like he wasnt talking about the pack- but about me . I quickly pulled back inside , avoiding the view . We would be arriving soon , and I would finally see Silver Lake . Your Majesty , welcome to our humble pack . Its an honor to have you here , I heard a mans voice greet us as the carriage came to a stop. Alpha Garret , thank you for your invitation , Aldric responded diplomatically , and soon the carriage door opened . I thought Quinns sister would be the first to step out , but instead , she opened the door on the other side and descended silently . I glanced at the door Aldric had opened and saw him standing there , hand extended toward me . Since when does a King help his maid out of a carriage as if she were his partner ? Resigned , I took his hand and stepped down the stairs , clutching the heavy cloak around me , the hood covering my hair and partly concealing my face . Were tired from the journey , so Id appreciate it if you would take us to our accommodations , Aldric said , shielding me from the curious stares as he stood protectively in front of me . The Alpha immediately arranged for us to be taken in hand pulled carts by his servants . Finally alone , I peeked through the thin gauze curtains , observing life in this prosperous pack . 25 BONUS The King had been right every woman here was elegant , wearing makeup , jewelry , and fine clothes . So my new uniforms would at least prevent me from being utterly earrassed . After winding through narrow streets filled with curious onlookers and climbing a slightly steep hill , we finally arrived at a beautiful stone mansion the Alphas resident 1 disembarked , trying to remain discreet , staying close to Alirics tall frame while my eyes wandered over the breathtaking scenery , While Aldric spoke with the Alpha and greeted his Luna , I noticed , far in the distance , a child and a young man playing in a simple park near the pine forest . The boy , who looked about seven years old , was swinging awkwardly as if he couldnt properly move his legs . Suddenly , the young man behind him pushed him far too hard , despite the boys protests and near tears . I covered my mouth , stifling a gasp , watching in horror as the man deliberately shoved the child so hard that he was flung off the swing , landing face first in the dirt . Not satisfied , the young man grabbed the metal swing and , just as the child tried to get up , he swung it again , striking the back of his head viciously . The sharp edge of the swing hit the boy , and he collapsed unconscious on the ground . The scent of blood began to fill the air . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!