Chapter 12

I jumped out of bed at the sound of a knock on my door. Realizing it was just a dream, I took a deep breath and got up to open the door. Martha stood before me, holding a tray of food on a silver platter. We exchanged greetings and shared a brief moment of eye contact, where I could sense the sadness and tears in her eyes. Taking her to my room, she placed the food on my small table.

"Martha, is something bothering you?" I inquired.

"No, I'm fine, Amelia," she replied, though it was evident she was lying.

"It's written all over your face, even if you don't say it. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here to listen," I reassured her with a smile.

"I appreciate it, but really, I'm fine," she attempted to smile and left the room.

Taking a deep breath, I proceeded to eat and then took a shower and got dressed. Wanting to explore the castle, I decided to step out of my room and wander around. I took a moment to admire my appearance, applying lipstick and combing my hair.

As I walked down the corridor towards the grand room of the castle, I encountered several wolves who greeted me with respect, treating me as their Luna. Passing by a room, I overheard the voices of a man and a woman. Curiosity got the better of me, and I discreetly peeked inside to find Norman and Alice engaged in a conversation. Alice was in tears as she confessed her love for Norman.

"I've loved you for so long, Norman," Alice emotionally expressed.

"But I don't feel the same way, Alice. I don't want to hurt you by forcing something that isn't there," Norman replied sincerely.

I felt sorry for Alice after hearing everything. I can't blame Norman for not wanting to rely on her. He just doesn't want to depend on something he can't reciprocate.

"Why, Norman? Do you have feelings for someone else? Are you in love with another?" Alice questioned him.

I felt guilty, remembering Norman's confession to me in the forest. Am I the reason he can't love Alice?

I wanted to comfort Alice, but I had to leave to avoid revealing that I overheard their conversation, especially Norman's. She needs to move on from her feelings for me because I can never love a werewolf, the creature that took my parents' lives and is none other than their Alpha. I walked through the Corridor and headed towards the Tower, craving the cold night air. It was peaceful, with everyone asleep, including Alpha Damien.

As I reached the Tower, I gazed into the distance, feeling the chill on my skin. I closed my eyes, contemplating what was to come.

I heard footsteps behind me and turned around to see Alice, who quickly turned away. I called out to her, stopping her in her tracks.

"Alice," I spoke softly.

"You can confide in me. I'm here to listen and support you," I reassured her.

She turned back to me, approaching me swiftly. She hugged me tightly, finally letting out the emotions she had been holding back. I pitied her, understanding her pain as a woman. But I couldn't control Norman's feelings.

I comforted her, allowing her to cry until she felt relieved. It was a while before she released the embrace.

"Have you ever loved a man, Amelia?" she inquired.

I was caught off guard by her question. The man I despise suddenly came to mind for some reason. However, I shifted my thoughts to my first childhood crush, Bryle. He was just a friend back then, nothing more.

In truth, I've never truly loved a man. I've never experienced the heartbreak and pain like Alice did, and I take pride in that.

"I haven't yet. I'm not the kind of woman who pursues a man. Falling in love isn't easy for me, Alice. I'm quite selective, so I've never had a boyfriend in my life," I replied.

"A boyfriend?" she inquired with curiosity.

"A boyfriend, as in someone you love or have a relationship with," I clarified.

"Like a mate?" she innocently asked.

"Yes, exactly," I responded with a smile.

I almost forgot that wolves seek mates rather than boyfriends or girlfriends. Alice poured her heart out to me about her feelings for Norman. Little did she know, I overheard everything she confessed to him.

"All the girls here dream of Alpha Damien, but I seem to be the odd one out because I only dream of an ordinary man. Why is that? Why can't he love me?" she asked emotionally.

"Perhaps we can't control who we love," I replied.

"But isn't love something we learn? Why won't he even give it a chance?" she questioned.

"It varies," I replied.

I felt like I was running out of answers for her. She took a deep breath, and our eyes met. She had a serious expression, as if she wanted to ask me something else. I allowed her to ask one more question, hoping to bring her some comfort. But her next question caught me off guard.

"Do you already have feelings for Alpha?" she asked, a smile on her face.

I hesitated, unsure of how to respond. It's complicated. How can I love someone who caused so much pain in my life?

"No," I replied simply.

"No? Even after all the kindness he has shown you and his undeniable charm? I find it hard to believe that you're not in love with him," Alice said, clearly surprised.

I took a deep breath, trying to explain that love isn't something that can be forced or easily obtained. But Alice seemed even more intrigued, pressing me for more details.

"You're different, Amelia. He has everything and yet, he chose you. You're the only one who has captured his heart," Alice remarked.

"You're right, which is why I decided to give him a chance to change my mind," I responded with a smile.

"You're incredible, Amelia. Just think, an Alpha like Damien is pursuing you," Alice exclaimed.

"That's true. But I don't believe that a woman should chase after a man. So, don't let yourself be consumed by sadness just because of a man," I advised her.

"You're right, but how long will Alpha wait for you? When do you plan on accepting him as your mate?" Alice inquired.

"He'll probably go crazy waiting and suffer until he dies," my mind sarcastically remarked.

"It depends, Alice. But wait, why did the conversation suddenly shift to me? Are we talking about your problem?" I changed the subject.

I couldn't understand why the conversation had shifted to Alpha Damien and me. I didn't even want to talk about him because he annoyed me. My blood boiled whenever I saw women lusting after him. Wait, why was I annoyed?

I quickly redirected my attention and invited Alice back inside the castle. From that night on, we became close friends. And I realized that I could also bring comfort to someone's heart.

After our lengthy conversation, we bid each other farewell and retreated to our respective rooms.

As I lay on my bed, my eyes wide open, my mind continued to race, trying to plan my next move. I was confused, unsure of what steps to take next.

I don't want to linger here any longer, so I must devise my plan. It's time to take the next step, as seeking revenge on the Merciless Alpha for my parents' murder is my purpose here. All I seek is justice, but why is this so?

Even though my mind urges me to swiftly complete my mission, a part of me hesitates to leave. I must not let emotions cloud my judgment, as my enemy could exploit it.

The following morning, I rose early, showered, and prepared for another day at the castle. Upon leaving my room, I was startled to find Alpha Damien standing before me.

"You caught me off guard, Alpha," I remarked.

"I apologize, Amelia," he replied softly.

"Have you been waiting long?" I inquired.

"I believe so, but let's not dwell on it. How is your wound?" he asked with concern.

"It's nothing serious, just a minor sting," I reassured him with a smile.

"Are you certain?" he pressed.

"You're quite protective, Alpha," I teased.

"Perhaps that will be your downfall," my inner voice chimed in.

I flashed him a sweet smile and moved closer, contemplating a playful tease.

"You're overly protective of me. I might just change my mind," I teased mischievously.

As we drew nearer, I could sense his deep breaths. I smirked at the plan forming in my mind, thinking I could manipulate his protectiveness to my advantage.

"How far will you go to shield me, Alpha?" I whispered provocatively.