Mira stood by the sink, her hands scrubbing a plate over and over without realizing it. Her mind wasn't even in the kitchen. She couldn't stop thinking about what she saw the day before.
Alpha Alex's wounds healing by themselves... It felt like something from the old stories the villagers used to whisper about. But this wasn't a story. She had seen it with her own eyes.
"Mira!" a loud voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
She jumped, almost dropping the plate. It was the head cook, arms crossed, looking annoyed.
"You're being too slow. Anyway, there's a change," the woman said sharply. "You're no longer serving meals in the Alpha's quarters."
Mira blinked in surprise. "I'm not?"
"No. Starting today, you'll work in the garden instead. Someone else will take over the kitchen duties."
The cook didn't wait for her to reply. She turned and walked away, barking orders at the other servants.
Mira stood there for a while, confused but strangely relieved. She didn't know why they changed her position so suddenly, but she wasn't going to complain. Maybe it was a blessing or maybe it was for the Alpha's good .
She didn't want to get involved in whatever strange things were happening with the Alpha or anyone related.
At least in the garden, things were simple. Plants didn't heal themselves or grow cold, terrifying eyes.
The next morning, Mira woke up earlier than usual. She washed quickly, wore a simple brown dress, and tied her hair back. With a small smile, she grabbed the watering can and made her way outside.
The garden was wide and beautiful. Flowers of all colors stretched across the fields. Butterflies danced between the petals, and the air smelled fresh and sweet. It felt peaceful—like a place far away from the fear inside the castle walls.
Mira moved carefully between the flowerbeds, watering each one patiently. She hummed softly to herself as she worked, getting lost in the simple joy of tending to the plants. Time slipped by, and before she knew it, the sun was already climbing higher in the sky.
She finished watering and wiped her forehead, smiling. She truly loved the garden. It was the first time in a long while she felt happy and glad she was posted there.
Meanwhile, inside the castle, Alpha Alex was getting ready to leave. One of his packs had sent an urgent message. They needed him for a serious meeting.
Without wasting time, he pulled on a black jacket, strapped a sword to his waist, and went outside to the stables.
He climbed onto his black stallion, a strong and restless beast. The horse neighed and stomped, eager to run. Alex pulled the reins and gave a sharp command, sending the horse galloping toward the main gate.
At the same time, Mira finished her work and decided to head back to the servant quarters. She took a small side path that led to the main road, not realizing it crossed the gate area.
Just as she stepped onto the road, the sound of fast, pounding hooves reached her ears.
She turned her head—and froze.
Alpha Alex's horse was coming straight at her, moving so fast she couldn't even scream.
But Alex reacted just in time.
With a powerful pull, he stopped the horse just a few inches from Mira. The horse reared up, snorting loudly. Mira stumbled backward, her face white with fear—and then she collapsed onto the ground, fainting on the spot.
Alex looked down at her, raising an eyebrow.
He sighed and muttered, "I guess fainting is part of your hobby now."
Without waiting for help, he got off the horse and lifted her easily into his arms. She felt so light, like a fragile doll. Some guards ran over, offering to take her from him, but Alex's cold glare stopped them in their tracks.
"No one touches her," he said firmly.
He carried her all the way back into the castle, ignoring the curious and shocked stares of the servants. Inside his chambers, he laid her gently on the large bed and called for the physician who usually treated him.
The physician arrived quickly. He checked Mira's pulse, her breathing, and her temperature. After a few moments, he straightened up and looked at Alex.
"She's fine, Alpha. She fainted from shock. And... she's been overworking herself. Her body needs proper rest."
Alex nodded without a word.
The physician packed his things, bowed, and left the room quietly.
Alpha Alex sat down beside the bed, staring at Mira. She looked so small lying there, her chest rising and falling softly.
He should have left her. He should have gone to the meeting like planned.
But instead, he picked up his phone and called his pack members.
"I'm not coming today," he said simply.
"My Lord, the meeting is important," the voice on the other end protested.
Alex ended the call without another word.
The news traveled fast. When his mother heard that he canceled the meeting, she was furious. Even more furious when she learned Mira was the reason.
She stormed toward his chambers, but the guards blocked her way. Alex had given strict orders. No one was allowed inside.
Inside the room, all was calm.
Alex sat quietly, watching Mira. The only sounds were the soft wind against the windows, the gentle rise and fall of her breath, and the steady thump of her heartbeat.
He leaned back, resting his head against the chair.
What am I doing? he wondered.
He didn't know. Something about her pulled him in—a strange, quiet force he couldn't explain.
His eyes moved over her features. She wasn't dressed in fancy clothes. Her hair was messy. Her hands were rough from work.
But still, she looked... peaceful. Untouched. Real.
A long time passed. The quiet and the soft rhythm of her heartbeat worked like a lullaby. Without realizing it, Alpha Alex's eyes closed, and for the first time in many days, he fell into a deep sleep.