Chapter 47 The Alpha Had Changed
Selene and Ryzen talked for hours.
At first, she hadn’t noticed how much time had passed. The shock of recognizing Ryzen had slowly faded into something easier to hold. Confusion turned into questions. Questions turned into stories. Stories turned into quiet laughter and moments of silence where neither of them felt the need to speak.
Ryzen talked about small things at first. About the university. About how strange it felt to pretend to be someone he is not in someone else’s territory. Selene listened, leaning back in the chair, her body still aching but her mind awake and alert. Shealso told him about the days she spent staring at the ceiling, about Cariel’s endless chatter, about how Jenna always pretended not to laugh but failed every time.
Sometimes, they argued lightly. Sometimes, they laughed. Sometimes, they just sat there, the air calm between them.
Selene shifted slightly, wincing when her ribs protested. She glanced toward the window, then toward the clock hanging on the wall.
Her eyes widened.
“…Oh,” she said.
Ryzen raised an eyebrow. “That doesn’t sound good.”
She straightened carefully. “It’s almost five.”
“And?” he asked.
“I have a scheduled check-up with the doctor at five,” Selene replied. “I should go back to my room.”
Ryzen looked at the clock, then back at her. “Already?”
She sighed. “Time flies when you talk to someone you’re familiar with.”
A small smile tugged at his lips. “That’s true.”
She pushed herself up slowly, making sure her balance was steady. “I’ll come back later when you’re available. We can continue talking then.”
Ryzen stood as well, stretching slightly. “Or,” he said casually, “I could accompany you.”
Selene paused. “You… want to?”
“I want to know your condition too,” he replied. “And I don’t have anything more important than that right now.”
She stared at him for a moment, then nodded. “Alright.”
As they stepped out of the office together, the heavy wooden door closing behind them, Selene didn’t notice the shift in Ryzen’s expression.
Cariel was standing just outside, pretending to adjust a nearby vase. When she saw the door open and the Alpha step out beside Selene, her eyes widened so much it was a miracle they didn’t fall out.
Her mouth opened.
Then closed.
Then opened again.
She straightened so fast she nearly tripped over her own feet.
“A-A-Alpha!” Cariel greeted quickly, bowing deeply.
Selene blinked in surprise. “Cariel?”
Cariel slowly lifted her head, her eyes darting between Selene and Ryzen. Her excitement was obvious, but she somehow managed to hold it back, though her hands were clenched tightly at her sides.
Ryzen nodded calmly. “You may relax.”
“Yes, Alpha,” Cariel replied, still stiff.
Selene glanced at Ryzen, confused by the sudden change. The playful man from moments ago was gone. In his place stood the Alpha—cold, distant, unreadable.
She frowned slightly.
As they walked down the hallway, Selene leaned closer to Cariel. “You don’t have to look like that,” she whispered. “You’ll hurt your neck.”
Cariel nearly choked. “S-Selene!”
Ryzen continued walking, his face calm, eyes forward, every step measured. Guards bowed as they passed. Maids paused in their work, lowering their heads respectfully.
Selene noticed it all and she also noticed how different Ryzen looked now.
She slowed her steps just enough to walk beside him. “You don’t have to look so scary, you know.”
He didn’t look at her. “I’m not.”
She snorted quietly. “You are.”
Cariel’s heart nearly stopped.
A maid nearby dropped the cloth she was holding.
Ryzen glanced down at Selene, one brow lifting slightly. “Is that so?”
“Yes,” Selene replied without hesitation. “It doesn’t suit you.”
The guards stiffened.
The maids froze.
Cariel looked like she was about to faint.
Ryzen stopped walking.
The entire hallway seemed to hold its breath.
He turned fully toward Selene.
For a moment, his expression was unreadable. Cold and sharp then a small smile appeared.
“Really?” he asked. “I think it makes me look cool.”
Selene stared at him then she laughed.
“You’re ridiculous,” she said.
The maids gasped.
One of them whispered, “Did the Alpha just… joke?”
Another whispered back, “I’ve never seen him smile like that.”
Cariel’s hands trembled. She wanted to scream.
Ryzen resumed walking, completely unbothered. Selene followed, still smiling.
As they continued, Selene spoke softly. “Thank you.”
Ryzen glanced at her. “For what?”
“For Cariel and Jenna,” she said. “They’ve been the best companions. I’ve never been bored with them around.”
His steps slowed slightly.
“I’m glad,” he said calmly.
She tilted her head, studying him. “You sound cold.”
“I am just speaking properly.”
She smirked. “That’s your facade, isn’t it?”
His eyes flicked toward her.
“The one you wear in front of your people,” she continued. “It’s not suitable for you.”
Cariel’s breath caught.
The guards exchanged looks.
Ryzen stopped again.
Slowly, he leaned closer to Selene. “Careful,” he said quietly. “People are listening.”
She smiled sweetly. “Then they should know you’re not that scary.”
For a heartbeat, Ryzen said nothing.
Then he straightened and said loudly, “I suppose being cool has its advantages.”
The hallway erupted into whispers.
“Our Alpha…”
“He’s different with her.”
“I’ve never seen this before.”
Selene laughed under her breath. “You enjoy this too much.”
Ryzen glanced at her. “Only with you.”
They reached Selene’s room soon after.
By the time they stopped in front of the door, Selene could feel the weight of exhaustion settling back into her body. Her steps slowed, and she leaned slightly against the wall, careful not to strain herself.
Ryzen noticed immediately.
“You’re tired,” he said quietly.
“A little,” Selene admitted.
Before either of them could step inside, the door opened.
The doctor was already there.
The moment his eyes landed on Ryzen, he froze. His eyes widened, and he immediately straightened, bowing deeply.
“A-Alpha,” he greeted, clearly startled.
Selene blinked, a little surprised by the reaction.
“I’m here for her scheduled check-up,” Ryzen said calmly. “Proceed as usual.”
“Yes, Alpha,” the doctor replied quickly, still visibly shaken.
Selene was guided back to her bed, and the examination began. The doctor checked her injuries carefully, asking a few questions. Selene answered calmly, used to this by now. Ryzen stood nearby, silent and unmoving. His gaze followed every movement, every pause, every small change in Selene’s expression. Nothing escaped his attention. After a while, the doctor straightened and let out a small breath.
“She’s recovering well,” he said. “But she still needs rest. No standing for too long, and no pushing herself.”
Ryzen glanced at Selene. “You hear that?”
She rolled her eyes slightly. “I do.”
The doctor cleared his throat. “If she continues to recover like this, her mobility should improve soon.”
“Good,” Ryzen said simply.
Once the door closed behind the doctor, silence settled over the room.
Cariel remained standing near the door, hands clasped together in front of her. Her eyes stayed fixed on Selene, as if she were checking whether Selene would need her assistance anytime soon. She didn’t speak, didn’t move, only watched closely.
Selene noticed.
“Aren’t you tired standing all day, Cariel? You can sit, you know,” Selene said softly.
Cariel startled. “Ah—! R-right!” She hurried to the nearby chair and sat, though she still looked tense, her back straight and her hands resting stiffly on her lap.
Ryzen stepped closer to Selene’s bed. The moment he did, the room seemed to shrink slightly—not from fear, but from his presence. He pulled a chair closer and sat beside her, resting his forearms casually on his knees.
“You should rest,” he said, his voice lower now. “Talking for hours isn’t exactly what the doctor ordered.”
Selene smiled faintly. “You’re the one who kept talking.”
“That’s because you kept responding,” he replied smoothly.
She let out a quiet laugh. “That’s unfair.”
He tilted his head. “Is it?”
She looked at him for a moment.
“I’m glad you came with me today,” she said.
His expression softened slightly. “Of course.”
“Is this a payment because you avoided me for almost a month?” she pointed out.
He shrugged lightly. “No. I came because I was worried about your condition.”
She rolled her eyes. “Really tho.”
Cariel watched the exchange with wide eyes, her mouth opening just slightly before she caught herself and shut it again. Her thoughts were loud, even without words.
They’re really talking like this…
Ryzen leaned back a little. “I’ll visit you once in a while,” he said. “To check on you. And talk.”
Selene blinked. “Once in a while?”
He nodded. “I don’t want you to get bored.”
She smirked. “You’re already assuming I’ll miss you.”
“I know you will.”
Her cheeks warmed. “You’re confident.”
“I have reasons.”
She turned her head away slightly. “You’re annoying.”
“But tolerable,” he added.
She laughed again, softer this time.
Cariel cleared her throat loudly.
Both of them looked at her.
“I—um—!” Cariel flushed. “I was just… checking if you needed water.”
Selene smiled. “I’m fine, thank you.”
Cariel nodded quickly and stood again, returning to her post near the door like a loyal guard.
Ryzen glanced at Selene. “She’s worried.”
Selene’s smile softened. “I know.”
He hummed. “Good.”
A knock suddenly echoed through the room.
Cariel jumped and rushed to open the door.
A tall man with ash-gray hair stepped inside. His posture was straight, his eyes sharp and observant. The air around him felt calm.
“Alpha,” he greeted respectfully, bowing his head.
Ryzen stood immediately. “Shaux.”
Selene glanced between them. “Who’s that?”
Ryzen turned slightly. “My Beta.”
Shaux’s eyes flicked to Selene, assessing but not hostile. “The council meeting will begin shortly,” he said. “The reports are ready.”
Ryzen nodded. “I’ll be there.”
Shaux hesitated for a brief second, then added, “The elders are… curious.”
“I expected that,” Ryzen replied calmly.
Shaux bowed again and stepped back, leaving the room quietly.
As the door closed, Selene shifted slightly. “You should go,” she said.
Ryzen turned back to her. “You’re sure?”
She nodded. “You have duties.”
He studied her for a moment, then stepped closer to the bed.
Before Selene could react, he gently took her hand.
Her breath caught.
His touch was warm. Careful. His thumb brushed lightly over her knuckles, slow and reassuring.
“I’ll come back,” he said quietly. “Rest properly.”
Selene froze.
Her cheeks burned.
She quickly turned her head away. “Y-you should go,” she said, trying to sound casual. “And don’t come back too soon.”
He chuckled softly. “Is that an order?”
“Yes,” she replied, still not looking at him. “A very serious one.”
Ryzen laughed—an open, real laugh.
Cariel’s jaw dropped.
She stared at the Alpha like she was witnessing the end of the world.
Ryzen released Selene’s hand gently and stepped back. “I’ll see you later.”
He turned and walked out, his expression shifting back into calm authority the moment he crossed the doorway.
The door closed and silence followed.
Then minutes later Cariel screamed.
“SELENE.”
Selene flinched. “What?!”
“DID YOU SEE THAT?!”
Selene buried her face into the pillow. “Please stop shouting.”
“THE ALPHA—HE—HE TOUCHED YOUR HAND.”
Selene groaned. “Lower your voice!”
Cariel paced the room like a storm. “He laughed. He smiled. He talked. He—he—!”
Selene peeked at her. “Breathe.”
“I CAN’T.”
Selene sighed and leaned back, exhaustion finally pulling her down. But her heart felt strangely full.
Outside, footsteps faded.
Ryzen walked down the hall, his expression once again unreadable.
But for the first time in a long while. His steps felt lighter and behind him, whispers followed.
The Alpha had changed.