EVELARA

"Are you sure about this, Eve?" Selene's soft voice rolled out as I was packing my bags.

I looked up at her. She was standing on the other side of the bed, holding her favourite coffee mug where her coffee had perhaps turned cold by now.

Her expression was calm, but her eyes betrayed her worry.

"I mean, you can stay here with me, right?" She suggested, her lips trembling with hesitation. "Make your career while ignoring those-ungrateful pigs."

Sigh-she's reluctant to let me leave the pack and be away from her. Zipping my bag, I went toward her, keeping the coffee mug aside. I held her hands. "If there's anyone to call family, that's you for me, Selene. You've always been my greatest support, and I know you'll always support me no matter what. But this time, I must leave," I said with surety.

A soft sigh slipped from her lips, her gaze lowered, "I-I'm just worried for you." She murmured.

Honestly, I know her concerns. Since I have stepped into the skirts of the Shadowfang Pack, I have never stepped outside. My entire life grew here with few people around, until those same people decided to claw out my soul.

Without a word, I pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry about me. I'll always be in touch with you. Besides, you've already arranged my stay in the city."

I've decided to leave for the capital of the Kingdom and pursue my career there with a new beginning. while Selene, through her connections, had kindly arranged accommodation for me, and the savings I have accumulated over the past five years would, in fact, sustain me for several years, I am uncertain about how to begin. Nonetheless, I am optimistic that a path will reveal itself to me.

Selene hugged me tightly. "I'll miss you bitch."

As our emotional moment carried on, a sudden call broke the ambience. It was my Dean and mother-like mentor, Healer Rebecca Duskbane.

I received the call, only to- "how dare you decide to leave without even informing me!? You little ungrateful brat!" And I got scolded.

I chuckled softly; even in her scolding lies her care and warmth. "I was about to visit you before leaving."

"Whatever! I'm very disappointed! Come to my office right now!" She snapped at me and hung up.

"Wow, you'll have a long class dude," Selene muttered in amusement.

"Well, it seems so."

After a while, I stood before her office with a tight heart. I wasn't scared about the scolding I was about to get, but it's the goodbye I fear that's awaiting me after that.

Inhaling a deep breath, I knocked on the door before pushing the door open and going inside. Dean was sitting behind her desk, her brows furrowed over a few reports of the patients.

She glanced up at me, and her brows furrowed even more tightly. Immediately she stood up from her seat and stormed toward me.

Oh no, here she comes.

I expected a motherly beating, but-she pulled me into a tight hug, almost melting me immediately.

"Thank Goddess, you didn't leave." Then breaking the hug, she crossed her arms, back to her dean mode. "How can you just leave like that, girl? Did you not even bother about this old Dean once?" She sounded pretty upset.

"It's not what you think. It happened all of a sudden." I tried to explain. "I would have visited you anyway."

Her eyes squinted, and then her arms dropped to her sides. Sighing, she held my hands. "It was a shock to me when Sister Carol handed me your resignation. How did it happen? How did-your mate agree?" She looked unsettled at the last question.

A very few people knew about my marriage to Callum, and one of them was her. However, although Callum was the Alpha of the pack, she never really liked him, and certainly not as my mate. She never said it too clearly, but her actions and expressions had given it away.

I smiled at her, holding her hands tightly, "I don't need his agreement anymore. I've walked out of that bond. I rejected him."

"What!?" She gasped out, her eyes turned wide, "Really? Yo-you rejected him!? The-" She swallowed down her tone, and whispered, "the Alpha?"

"Yes, I did." I gave a firm nod.

She stared at me for a few seconds and then pulled me into a deeper hug, "Oh my Goddess! Finally, you've made the best decision! I've always known he's the biggest barrier in your life!" Her excitement knew no bounds at the moment.

I couldn't help but chuckle.

Breaking the embrace, she watched me with her glinting eyes. "This means you're completely able to take up the offer!"

"Offer?" I raised a brow, slightly confused.

"Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention." She steadied herself, turning back her Dean mode and went to her desk. She picked up a paper and came to me again.

"A few days earlier, the city hall arranged for a Healer's programme all over the kingdom. The seat was open for only five candidates."

I remember this and I had an urge to apply as well after Dean informed me, but at that time, I was blinded by Callum and Alex, thus the opportunity was missed.

A bitter bile rose into my throat. What a pathetic fool I was.

"However," Dean continued, "even though you denied, I have applied for you and-"

My jaw dropped. She applied for me!?

"-And you've been selected."

As her words rolled out, I stood like a statue. "What?" My tone shook, barely a whisper.

Dean's lips curled softly, "Yes, Eve, you've been selected to join the program. I was hesitant to tell you because I knew you would reject it. Still, I thought about speaking after returning from my last conference, but as I returned, I heard that you're leaving, and trust me, I couldn't be happier with that news."

"Dean." My voice choked with emotions and I embraced her tightly this time. "I'm so grateful I've met you!"

She caressed my back, "Yeah, yeah, I know. But now, don't be late! Tomorrow is the last date to join the program! You must leave today!"

Tears spilt down my face as I nodded with a grin, "I. I won't disappoint you," I promised and dropped a kiss on her chubby cheeks before hurrying out..

Half an hour later, I stood before the taxi as the driver helped put my suitcase inside.

Clutching the invitation paper in my hand, I glanced at it. My name was written in bold words. I still couldn't believe my eyes that it was actually happening!

Seems, Goddess truly wants me to start over. Perhaps a better one.

"Finally," Selene spoke, her worry had dissipated a lot once she had learned about my selection. "I'm so happy for you!"

"Yeah, finally." I muttered. Removing my gaze from the paper, I turned to her and hugged her for the last time.

"You've carried too much for too long. Go. and take the world by storm." She said.

"I'll miss you so much, bitch." I whispered.

"I know and I'll sue you if you don't!" Her voice choked, yet she tried her best to hide it.

"Keep your heart strong, Eve. And don't let anyone dim your fire." Those were her last words.

After bidding farewell to Selene, I looked around at the place I grew up. And then, with a heavy heart and a broken soul, I entered the cab.

As the cab drove far away from the familiar entrance of Shadowfang Pack, Dravara's presence hummed through my consciousness as she padded around in my mind.

Dravara flickered behind my vision, her fluffy tail brushing her spine. 'Dreams. finally yours to chase.'

With a final glance at the city skyline, I nodded with a whisper, "New dreams, new life, a new beginning, and certainly, no man." I vowed determinedly.

At that moment, I wished I knew that a much bigger and more intense storm was waiting ahead for me in the city centre; perhaps I would have changed my mind.

EVELARA

'Whoa-If this is the centre of Valtherion, we've missed enough with that piece of shit!' I gasped within my head, as I stared at the huge building of the Royal Healer's institute.

'Wow, weren't you too late to express your emotions?' Dravara narrowed her eyes, 'You were wiping just a while ago!'

I gave her a sheepish smile, 'Well, new beginning, new emotions!'

She just rolled her eyes and lay flat on the back of my mind. I pulled my suitcase, entering the huge double gate of the institute.

I looked in awe, my breath catching at the tremendous beauty. This was the healer's institute I had dreamt of since childhood -no, since the first time I had ever set a bone or used herbs for an injured warrior back in Shadowfang.

My mentor's voice lingered in my head: "The capital is more than just buildings and prestige. It'll show if your gift is meant for the world, or if you'll let it fade away quietly."

Even a few days earlier, I would have faded away my cherished dreams, but now-not anymore. It seems betrayal has opened a door for me to live my own dreams.

"Okay, let's find a way to the reception area. Need to settle in the girls' quarter." Muttering, I pulled my suitcase with me.

Although Selene had already arranged accommodation for me, I cancelled it once I accepted the invitation to the Royal Institution. They also offer accommodation for the new interns.

It was actually easy to find a way to the reception. The huge, luxurious area was open, and a neatly dressed woman stood behind the desk.

Having verified my ID and invitation, she then provided me with the key to my room. It is a shared room with another candidate, which I found to be perfectly acceptable.

"Thanks," and then I went to the girls' quarters. Although the institute was quite huge, the sections were perfectly defined, so it didn't take me long to find the quarter and my room. Besides, the nurses here were all quite helpful.

When I reached my room, the other girl had not arrived yet. 'I hope she arrives soon because today's the last day.'

'Hopefully.' Dravara muttered, sounding a bit off.

'What's wrong?' I raised a brow.

She leaned on the back of my mind, 'I don't know, but-something will happen I feel.'

'What?' I asked, frowning, walking out of the room and walking toward the garden.

'Not quite sure, but. Hey, stop!' She suddenly stirred, snapping at me.

I almost stumbled at her sudden screech, but somehow balanced myself and stood straight.

'What the hell!?!' I glared at her.

'Don't get lost in their marble and flowers. Wolves hide sharper teeth here than in Shadowfang.' She warned me.

'.....' Seriously?

'And how do you know?' I hissed at her. 'We just came here!'

She only shrugged, 'This is the city centre, Eve, you must be careful and don't get lost. I was just warning you.'

'Yeah?' My lips curved into a faint smirk. 'Paranoia suits you, Dravara. But let me have this one.'

She only shook her head but said nothing, seemingly again fallen into worry-no, it was more like deep thought.

'Good!' Muttering, I stepped into the beautiful garden.

I passed rows of carefully arranged medicinal plants. Belladonna beside night-blooming violets, wolfsbane kept carefully under wards.

I knelt to brush my fingers over a cluster of silverbloom petals, rare and potent in cleansing wounds. For a moment, my heart swelled with quiet triumph.

Yet, my peace didn't last long, when a shattered, gagging noise cut through the silence.

And then-a child's strangled gasp.

What's going on?

My head whipped toward the far corner of the garden. A little boy was clutching at his throat, his fair complexion turned red, and his eyes were wide with terror as he collapsed to his knees.

A polished entourage of black-suited bulky men surged around him instantly, but none touched him. They barked orders, fumbled, panicked, and were highly useless!

What the bloody!-

My eyes flashed, my healing instincts growled within and I moved faster than I knew. My steps were practised, I'm well practised with high-profile emergencies and surgeries.

"Move!" I almost barked with a sharp tone when one of the guards barred my path, his hand raised to stop me.

"This area is restricted," he growled, towering over me.

The little kid was still gagging and he was giving me his theories, this guy gotta be kidding me! What are they? Paid killers!?

"Then undo it, unless you want him dead!" My tone pierced the air and seemingly knocked some sense into him as well.

His stance faltered, and a different type of fear flashed across his face as though his life was at stake. It only angered me more.

"Move away!" I shoved past him and dropped to my knees before the boy, noting at once the bluish tinge to his lips, the rigid panic in his little body.

He was losing his breath and more than harm, it panicked him. And panic attacks are bloody life-threatening!

"Shh, I've got you," I murmured, my voice steady as I tilted his chin up slightly. "Open for me, sweetheart. Just one breath." I coaxed him.

I pressed my fingers gently against his throat, and invisible heat hummed from my palms. 'Dravara.' One silent call and her eyes glowed for a split second, pushing a sliver of power through my veins.

With a steady hand, I carefully dislodged the piece of fruit which was stuck in his vital cord. The boy then began to convulse, followed by a violent cough, and finally, he cried out as air filled his lungs once more.

Thank the Goddess!

Relief swelled through me as I steadied him by carefully holding his back, cautious so he didn't feel unwanted or sudden pressure in his spine, and slowly I rubbed circles on his back. "There kid, you're alright. Just breathe."

He didn't fuss around like usual children. And slowly, followed my words as though he had been strictly trained for that.

When he finally lifted his gaze, wide silver-grey eyes met mine, and yet they were the mirror of another's. Something flashed, or perhaps a glimpse of someone that immediately dissipated.

Dravara stirred within, and I blinked. That shade-it's very rare and somewhat familiar, though I had never seen it before.

However, I didn't have enough time to ponder when-

A chill fell around the garden. All the 'men in black' now lowered their heads as though their God had appeared. The same fear that reminded them of death shadowed their faces.

'What's going on?' I muttered within.

'Not good.' Dravara frowned, she was too vigilant.

And then, I felt a presence behind. A strong scent of pine, wood and power hit my nostrils, forcing me to turn around. And, I froze.

It's a man. Tall, broad-shouldered, with hair as black as the midnight sky streaked faintly with silver. His steel-grey eyes burned through me as if he were looking right into my soul.

Without asking I knew this guy was related to the boy. Well, the resemblance is undeniable. But what struck me the most was that the very few people nearby were also lowering their heads in his presence, except-me.

He didn't utter a single word; his gaze lingered on my hands for a while before he stretched his hand to the little boy. Although the man was tremblingly cold, the boy seemed to find warmth in him and immediately melted.

His eyes again turned to me, swelling my inner soul with a strange sensation.

"You saved him." His tone fell, it was deep, dark and mercilessly cold.

I rose slowly, stretching my hand toward the kid. For some reason, he let go of his and hugged my waist. My heart warmed up, a flicker of ache coiled within as he reminded me of Alex. If only he had treated me this way once.

Swallowing the tight knot in my throat, I

smoothed his hair, ignoring the frost in his guardian's tone. "He's fine now. Next time, don't let your guards waste time."

The boy stifled a giggle and the guards stiffened. Well, they deserve that much.

Despite this, the man's expression remained unchanged, although a hint of something unsettling seemed to appear in his eyes. With deliberate movements, he retrieved a black card with silver edges from his inner pocket and extended it to me, conveying an air of authority.

"Take this."

I blinked at it, then at him. "What is it?" I was so damn confused.

"The price of your work," he said flatly. "You did your part. Now accept and leave."

Eh! I, with wide eyes stared at him and then at the card. Did he just treat me that way? What the-!?

The first day in the main city, and I already encountered a man like Callum. Wow, seems like the world is full of his kind.

'Is he stupid!?' Dravara growled.

Anger and insult flushed within me, yet I used my practised cold and calm smile. Then, I looked up at him, directly staring in those heart-ripping eyes that almost shattered me, yet I didn't give up.

Having a glance at it, a bitter smile twitched against my lips. "If that's how you repay care in Valtherion, then I pity your kingdom, Mr."

A murmur of shock rippled through the guards as if I had committed a crime. Yet, I didn't care. I only squeezed the boy's hand gently before letting go. "Be careful next time, little man," I whispered with a smile meant only for him.

The child's silver eyes widened, his lips trembled. He seemed to have words to speak, but then he chose not to and nodded like the most obedient.

I truly felt bad for the boy; it seems like his guardian was not really fit to be a guardian. And the saddest part, I can't even do anything.

Sighing once I stood straight and without sparing a single glance at the stupid, arrogant man, I turned around and walked away.

Never letting a man walk over me ever again.

--------

If she had turned around for once, she could have seen how his gaze stayed fixed on her retreating figure, his jaw tight, his fingers curling around the rejected card, and no one dared to breathe, yet-amidst the darkness of cold those silver eyes flashed with a flicker of interest for a woman for the first time in his 33 years of life.

Oh, and his introduction?-well, he's the man who is feared, abided and respected by the entire Valtherion-the Alpha Supreme, Lucien Virek.

EVELARA

'Bloody wretched man! What does he think of himself?' Dravara hissed inside me, still fuming like a hot kettle. 'How dare he ridicule you like you were some street beggar even after you saved his son?'

'Yeah,' I muttered, rubbing my temple. She's a little proud wolf who hates the idea of being insulted, and that man just crossed the line.

'But did you see the boy? He clung to me like. like he needed someone. Goddess, Drave, it almost felt like Alex again-only. different. Very different.'

I wish Alex had 10% of the attitude of that little boy.

Dravara became silent, appearing uncertain about how to reply. Her anger, for once, subsided into a quiet murmur.

I lay back on my bed, staring at the ceiling. The girl beside me hadn't yet arrived.

"Well, my first day in Valtherion and I've already been offended. Sigh-what more have you've preserved for me, Valtherion?"

As I lay, soon my eyes felt heavy and I almost fell into drowsiness, when suddenly-

A rather sharp knock was heard upon the door, startling me out of my sleep which was full of stupid snakes.

I hurried to the door and opened it, only to see a girl around my age standing there. Her large brown eyes innocently watched me before she gave me a sheepish smile, "Umm-Evelara Stormrune?" She asked, sounding hesitant.

"Yes?"

"I am Carolina Doris, your roommate."

"Oh!" I hurriedly opened the door wide. "Please come on in! I was really hoping you'd arrive soon since tomorrow is the last date."

She stepped inside but gave a slightly shocked look. "Tomorrow's the last day?" Then shook her head, I don't think so. "It's the day after tomorrow." She replied, showing me her invitation.

And she was right. Then-why did Dean lie to me?...

"But I don't think the faculty will wait anymore." Carolina continued, "I've heard everyone has arrived."

After a bit more conversation, she went to freshen up as I took out my invitation form, and she was right: the end of the joining date was the day after tomorrow.

Am I upset? Not at all! But curious why Dean lied.

'Maybe ask her?' Dravara suggested.

The idea was good, so I took out my phone, but I didn't have to send a text, as Dean had already texted me an hour ago, which I had missed.

'By now you've probably realised that I lied to you about the joining date, but I did it for your own good, Eve. I didn't want you to pause and rethink your step, so I just drove you away! And I am not sorry for that at all!' - Your Dean, who wants to shine as a diamond.

The text brought both tears and a smile to my face. I've truly started missing Shadowfang because of Dean and Selene.

'Thank you for being so sweet to me. I promise you, I'll shine like a diamond and the credit always goes to you.' - your favourite student who loves you so much. And send the text to her.

___________

The night passed with sheer excitement that I almost couldn't fall asleep, same for Carolina as well. Most of the time we spent talking and learning about each other-obviously, I didn't share my tragic heartbreak all at once. I believe she also didn't share serious matters with someone she had just met.

Carolina is from a small pack in the east, Healing Souls, where most people have healer backgrounds. They're the tribe from an ancient pack called Mountain Healers. Though Mountain Healers are true descendants of the Moon Goddess, Healing Souls aren't. They're just the grave followers of the Mountain Healers.

The name Mountain Healer intrigued me, and I wanted to know more, but she seemed to avoid the topic, so I let it go. However, her secrecy actually aroused my curiosity even more, and I decided to look into it later.

In the morning, we were all summoned to our new dean's office. All five of us were present: two males and three females. The new Dean seemed to be very strict, it would be uncomfortable, but fine with me. I'm more concerned about my future.

After her lecture, she distributed our duties-well, more precisely, the four candidates' duties.

"Now, get back to your work, all four of you." She announced.

They gave me side eyes, and Carolina gave me a sympathetic look before walking away.

What's happening? I felt confused.

"Evelara Stormrune?" Her crisp voice rang, forcing my eyes up at her.

'Wait-is it something about yesterday?' Dravara muttered.

'Don't know.' I said but felt like Drave was right. I just came here yesterday and was involved in that one incident.

"Yes, ma'am?" I blinked.

"You've been summoned to the department head's office, The Alpha Supreme has summoned you."

My stomach twisted strangely. 'What the hell!? Did that man drag this topic to the Alpha Supreme? Are they related?' The questions struck me like lightning.

'Damn it!' Drave growled within. 'I bloody knew!'

'What do you mean?'

She chuckled bitterly. 'Didn't you learn from the past? These men have super king-size egos. How can he forget?'

'Wow, what a great beginning.' I muttered, feeling sour in heart.

_________

Smoothing my robe, I opened the door. The walk through the institute's marble corridors felt endless. Every healer and nurse I passed lowered their voices, Their hushed whispers seemed to follow me.

"Is that her? The girl who talked back?"

"Is that why he is here today?"

"They say she saved the young boy with her bare hands."

"She's doomed. No one speaks to him like that and lives unscathed..."

I swallowed hard as fear crept within me. I mean, who is that guy actually? Even bigger than Alpha Supreme that he even came down to question me?

Dread twisted my gut yet I forced my head high. I wasn't going to let anyone see fear in me, not at all. Even if I die today, I'll accept it with pride.

'Yeah, we must!' Dravara snarled. She's very angry and on the verge of coming out.

The walk finally ended as I stopped before an oak door carved with Valtherion's crest-a wolf encircling a flame. One knock, and the sound echoed like thunder.

"Enter." Came a cold, middle-aged voice.

The door opened and I came face to face with a dark-suited man, just like yesterday, but not one of them. His bulky and cold ways almost half-banished me, yet I still held back and stepped inside.

However, the moment I stepped in, I froze as I felt a sudden chill rushing down my spine. As though eyes were following me.

Inside, on a chair, sat a middle-aged man. The desk has a plate 'Department head: John Howard'.

'So, he's the Department head.' I murmured, stepping completely into the room.

The door behind me was closed immediately as I entered; the guards all went out without a word.

I looked around, 'Where is the Alpha Supreme?' I thought. Then I glanced at the department head, who was clearly in discomfort. He was slightly pale, as though he wanted to run away but couldn't.

He stood up from his chair and lowered his head, taking me off guard.

'Is he nuts? What's he doing?' Drave frowned.

Then suddenly, "she's here, your Highness." He said and immediately the room turned even colder.

My bones felt a familiar chill as I felt a presence behind. Stunned, I turned around and as soon as I did-my feet froze to the floor, when my gaze met the coldest eyes that could ever exist. The same steel-gray eyes, stared right at me.

'Bloody-!' Drave rumbled. 'Wait-your Highness?' She narrowed her gaze.

And immediately the realisation struck upon me like a cruel reality. It's him, this man-he's the Alpha Supreme of Valtherion!

And at that moment I realised one truth-Evelara Stormrune, you're officially doomed because the first day in Valtherion and you've offended the Alpha Supreme himself!