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Methis Delis POV

The next morning, I was up and out of my room before anybody else, seeking to enjoy my own company for some time. The great hall of the palace beckoned, and I wanted to see it alone.

As soon as I set my eyes on it, I knew I was never going to get tired of this view. Ever. It was quite easily the most beautiful place I had ever seen, heck, it was the most beautiful place in the world.

Call me biased, but nothing beat a magnificent castle surrounded by grassland as lush and as green as life itself.

From the walls to the very carpet I walked on, it felt like I had been transported into a fantasy world, and in a way I was. It looked so beautiful I very nearly forgot how I got here, and why I was here.

I didn't spend much time indoors anyway, almost immediately ushered outside where some of the pups, in their wolf form ran around, looking like they were having the time of their lives. For a fleeting second, I wished I was one of them, without a care in the world, just being... me.

I joined them, in my own awkward manner, and after a few glances, scoping out the newcomer in their midst, they let me in.

As I played with the young wolves, the beta approached me. "You seem to be enjoying yourself," he said with a smile.

I looked up at him and grinned. "I am. This is amazing. I never thought I would be playing with wolves."

Beta chuckled. "We are not just wolves. We are wolf people, and we have a deep connection with our animal form."

I nodded, still petting one of the young wolves. "I can see that. It's incredible how you can transform like that."

Beta sat down next to me and watched as the young wolves continued to play around them. "It is a gift, but it also comes with great responsibility. We must always remember who we are and not let our animal instincts take over."

I looked at him curiously. "What do you mean?"

Beta sighed. "Sometimes, when we are in our wolf form, we can become too wild and lose control. It is important to maintain our human consciousness and not let the wolf take over completely."

"I see," I said softly, still petting the young wolf in his lap. "It must be difficult to balance both sides."

"It can be," Beta agreed. "But it is a part of who we are, and we embrace it."

We sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, watching the young wolves play. Then Beta spoke up again. "I must ask you something, Methis."

I turned to look at him, curious. "What is it?"

Beta hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I know that you are human, and we are wolf people. But I cannot help but feel drawn to you. You have a kind heart and a gentle spirit, and I find myself wanting to protect you."

I was taken aback by his words. I had not expected this kind of confession from him, even worse I wasn't particularly sure what he was talking about. "Beta, I...I don't know what to say."

He looked at me with earnest eyes. "Don't misunderstand." He said, chuckling slightly, "It's nothing like that, I just wanted to keep things open with you."

I smiled softly at him. "Thank you for being honest with me, Beta."

Beta nodded, understanding. "I respect that. But know that if you ever need anything, I am here for you."

"Thank you, Beta," I said sincerely.

We sat in silence once again, watching the young wolves play. I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort in Beta's presence. He was still a loyal and trustworthy friend and in the current situation I found myself in, I needed them, as few and as in between as they were.

As we sat there, we heard some heavy footsteps approaching us. I turned around to see Jamal striding towards me, feeling uneasy almost immediately, his eyes were fixed on me, and even though he was a few metres away, I could already feel the intensity of his presence. It was almost overwhelming. "What are you two doing?" he asked with a smile as he got up to us.

I stood up and mustering strength, walked over to him. "Just playing with the young wolves. They're so cute."

Jamal chuckled. "They are. But we should probably head back to the palace now. It's getting late."

Beta stood up as well and nodded in agreement. "Yes, we should."

As we walked back to the palace, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the wolf people's hospitality and kindness. I had been wary of them at first, but now I felt like I had made true friends. That doesn't sound like much, I know, but considering the fact that I wasn't only a stranger to them, I was also practically alien, it was just about the best I could hope for.

When we reached the palace, we said their goodbyes to Beta and Jamal led me back to our chambers.

* * *

Jamal's POV

The moment she walked into my room, a mixture of surprise and anticipation washed over me. Methis moved with a certain grace one I couldn't resist, determined to help me change. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I observed her. She seemed to adapt to our lifestyle quite well, surprising me once again with her ability to embrace the unfamiliar.

Rumors of my ruthless and bloodthirsty nature had plagued my reputation over the years. Rumors I had done very little to dispel, I found people tended to offer a bit more respect when they believed you were capable of doing horrible things to them.

But those who believed them knew little of the truth. To them, I was nothing more than a means to an end. After the tragic events that had unfolded fifteen years ago, I had vowed to protect the wolf clan, to ensure our strength and survival. Love and other frivolous emotions were nothing more than distractions, hindrances to my mission.

However, as my eyes met the Methis', I couldn't help but feel a flicker of something unfamiliar. She possessed a certain innocence and caution that intrigued me. Unlike the Black Witch, whom I had encountered in my youth, bold and confident, she was a delicate yet resilient soul. Her presence within the pack stirred something within me, pulling me closer to her, against my better judgment.

As she awkwardly attempted to help me change, I could feel her warmth, physically and emotionally. Her touch sent shivers down my spine, and for a moment, I allowed myself to indulge in the connection we shared. Time seemed to slow as we exchanged glances, a silent understanding passing between us.

With a soft chuckle, I finally spoke, breaking the spell that had enveloped us. "Thank you for your assistance. It seems you have adapted quite well to our ways, considering the circumstances," I remarked, my voice laced with a hint of amusement.

She blushed, a rosy tinge gracing her cheeks. "I...I'm trying my best," she stammered, her eyes meeting mine briefly before she looked down, a nervous smile playing on her lips.

I approached her, closing the distance between us. "You don't have to try so hard. Just be yourself," I assured her, my voice gentle yet firm. "The wolf people have taken a liking to you. Even the young ones are charmed by your presence."

As if on cue, a chorus of excited barks echoed from outside the window. I led her to the balcony, where a group of young wolves playfully frolicked in the moonlit grasslands. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity as they caught sight of her. Without hesitation, they bounded towards her, their wagging tails a testament to their delight.

Laughter bubbled out of Methis, and it filled the night air. She crouched down, joining their joyful play, their little paws pawing at her, their playful yips and yaps creating an atmosphere.

As I stood there, watching her interact with the young ones, a wave of warmth washed over me. In that moment, all thoughts of my initial indifference and detachment were swept away. She had woven herself into our pack's fabric surprisingly easily, charming even the most skeptical of hearts.

The young wolves chatted and danced around her, mesmerized by her easy-going nature. It warmed my heart to witness the spark of connection she effortlessly forged. She was proving herself to be much more than just someone who could bear my name; she could be a true companion, someone who understood and embraced the essence of our wolf clan.

Lost in my thoughts, I couldn't help but acknowledge the duality within me. On one hand, I remained determined in my commitment to the wolf clan's survival. On the other, the tender emotions growing up inside me threatened the carefully constructed walls I had built.

But for now, I would allow myself this newfound connection. And I could do nothing but hope to heaven it wouldn't come back to bite me in the ass.