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!

EVELARA

The air in the room thickened, perhaps just for me. Standing like a frozen statue, I stared at the cold, arrogant man in a daze, hoping to be doomed sooner.

He was not only a rude, decisive guy but turned out to be the Supreme Leader.

'Yeah, great.' Dravara frowned, muttering to herself. 'No wonder, he was ten times more asshole than that stupid Callum.'

Well, I do agree with her.

He probably sensed my nervousness, which had already filled the air in the room, as I could see the arrogant smirk at the corner of his lips.

He walked past me, leisurely so. He stood near a wide window draped with gray silk. Sunlight traced his sharp features, making the silver strands in his midnight hair gleam like frost. His presence filled the chamber, raw, suffocating, and regal.

Then he turned to me. His gaze pinned me like a predator sizing up prey. Beside him, the department head kept his head lowered; he didn't raise his head even for a second.

'Show-offs, eh!' Dravara mocked. Although she was also affected by his presence, it's an inborn quality within us; we had never been intimidated or had any urge to bow before the Alphas. However, I didn't expect this to continue before the Supreme, to be honest.

"Go out." He spoke after a while.

Although at first I thought he said it to me, when my department head quietly obliged, I realized it wasn't for me. Before going out, he gave me a hard look that again warned me about my nearing doom.

Once the door was closed, it was only him and me-I swear it's so strangely suffocating!

"You walk away after insulting me." His voice fell, chilling the air in the room. "Do you know what wolves here whisper about you?" Each of his words is deliberate, slow as if he was calculating his words, which in reality, was definitely not the case!

'Not new.' Dravara rolled her eyes, recalling our past encounters with other Alphas.

I met his gaze, refusing to cower as always. "I guess so," I nodded, "that I dared to do what none of your guards could? Save a child, or precisely, a life."

The air thickened instantly. And his jaw tightened. Yet, instead of anger, something flickered in his steel-grey eyes. Something I didn't understand, yet clearly dangerous.

"You don't fear me." He said and it was not a question. Or at least it didn't sound like one.

"Well, I did nothing to be scared," I said simply, and I didn't lie either. "I'm a healer. We have an oath to serve whenever we are needed, and a true healer never sees the person or the situation."

No matter what happens to me, I regret nothing. I love my work and have done it very sincerely.

Dravara stirred within me. 'We're created for this and no one can take our pride. This is our identity.' Her voice dripped with pride.

Generally, being a healer is a normal profession for other wolves, but not for me. My healing ability is extended to my wolf. My wolf is a healer, and she has abilities others don't. Dravara always says that we're always meant to be healers. But she never really let me tell this specific secret to anyone.

"I should dismiss you from this institute immediately," he said, breaking my thoughts with his sharp voice.

He stepped closer. His towering frame loomed over me, the scent of pine and steel invading my senses. It's too intoxicating and messes with my senses.

'Damn this man.' Drave murmured.

"But my boy seems. attached." His eyes flickered at the mention of the little boy.

The word settled heavily between us, and for the first time, I saw the tiniest crack in the Supreme's armour. A man who feared nothing, yet looked vulnerable when it came to the little boy.

At that moment I realised that this man could go to war for his child. Well, at least I gave him that.

My mind filled with curiosity, I looked up at him. "If so, then I feel you should hire more efficient guards who would act according to the situation and not wait for orders."

A dangerous silence followed as soon as my words fell.

To my surprise, a very subtle curve, like a smirk, graced his lips. It was cold and calculated, yet undeniably amused.

"You're bold, Evelara Stormrune," he commented. "Let us see if that boldness serves you, or ruins you."

His words coiled around me like a vow as if he were declaring a determining factor.

I couldn't help but smile at him, which seemed to astound him more. "I am a healer, Alpha Supreme. With due respect, if we don't have confidence, no patient would have walked out of our chambers with relief."

"If that's all, then I'd like to take my leave." I gave him a respectful bow before walking out of the chamber, feeling his burning gaze on my back, colder than ice yet hotter than boiling lava.

Sigh-what had I just walked into? I couldn't help but wonder.

--------

Having departed the chamber, my footsteps seemed to echo rather prominently upon the polished marble. My heart was racing, perhaps more than was warranted, given that I had merely rescued a young boy without knowing who he was. No more, no less.

Yet the weight of his stare still pressed against my skin, cold and searing at the same time.

As I approached the corner that led to the main hall, I couldn't help but overhear hushed voices. Two of the new interns were standing near a tall pillar, whispering with such intensity that they seemed unaware of my presence.

"Did you see her? She walked out of the chambers."

"Shh! Do you want your tongue cut out?"

"But. she saved the boy, right?"

A nervous laugh came. "Save or not, but any woman who crosses paths with the Alpha Supreme ends up either buried or broken. His heart is colder than ice, and his enemies stretch farther than the seas."

The words slid like a blade into my gut. I froze. I wanted to leave but I couldn't.

"He doesn't thank people. He uses them. And when he's done, he disposes of them..."

A harsh silence followed, and then the soft shuffle of their steps as they hurried away.

I, however, stood rooted, my pulse was too loud for my own ears.

Dravara stirred faintly, her voice low, edged with warning. 'See, Eve? Wolves in marble halls have sharper fangs.'

I clenched my fists, forcing my spine straight. 'No, I won't let whispers frighten me. I had already survived betrayal, exile, and heartbreak. No man-Supreme or not, could crush me, not again. Besides, I plan to not cross paths with that man ever again.'