Chapter 17: Chapter 17

Chapter 15

I still can't believe what happened. I watched as the color of blood mixed with the warm water from the shower that was running down my body. I'm most likely in the Alpha king's chamber right now. And I can't even think about how I got into this situation.

I'll never forget what he said. From what he said, he made it clear that I was just prey, and he didn't want anyone else handling me. I can't stop being angry. I can't help but be annoyed by the Alpha king.

Why does it seem as if he owns everything the way he speaks? He acts as if he doesn't care about other people's feelings. He can kill in an instant without hesitation. I was reminded of the woman who nearly begged him to save her child. But no matter how much mercy Alpha Greyson professes, there is none to be found.

I still can't believe it. Alpha Greyson's heartlessness, mercilessness, and cold-bloodedness astound me. But why is that? I'm well aware of Alpha Greyson's bad behavior, so why does my heart continue to protect him?

When I got out of the shower, there was a woman waiting for me. She is one of the Alpha king's wardrobe women. She handed the long robe to me.

"Where is my uniform?" I'll inquire. I'd rather wear the housekeeper's uniform than receive the Alpha king's dress.

"Your clothes are being washed right now, so please wear them for the time being, your lady," she said politely. My jaw dropped at the way she called me. Your lady? I am nothing more than a lowly housekeeper, and to refer to me as such is demeaning.

"Don't call me your lady; I'm just a housekeeper," I clarified. I noticed surprise in her eyes. She appears to have been surprised. When I took the dress, she was holding it out to me, she said nothing. I went into the walk-in closet and changed my clothes there. After that, I took a look at myself. The dress is simple, but I don't think it suits me.

I've never dressed like this before. I only wear dirty clothes the majority of the time. The dress has long sleeves, a square neckline, a waistline that is close to mine, and a long flowing skirt. I emerged from the walk-in closet to find Alpha Greyson sitting on a couch, reading a book.

The girls quietly left, leaving us alone. I'm feeling a little more at ease now, and I believe I can properly talk to Alpha Greyson.

"T-Thank you for...this dress, your Majesty," I said politely, slightly bowing. His gaze was drawn to me. When he remained silent, I swallowed hard. I bit my lower lip and stared at my fingers as they interacted in front of me. Before speaking, I mustered all of my courage.

"Forgive me for causing you that trouble, your Majesty, but you don't have to go that far," I said, closing my eyes tightly because I knew he'd be angry with me again. I have no right to lead him, but I can't let what happened earlier go unpunished.

When I felt him stand up, I was nervous. I could hear the book on the table and his soft footsteps approaching me.

"Did you hear what I said earlier? I told you...whoever messed with my prey will face death," he said coldly. I took a deep breath. Something throbbed in my chest again. I shouldn't be affected like this.

"Is this your way of...punishing me? " I inquired, a little nervously. I felt him come to a halt an inch away from me. I kept my head down because even a passing glance at him was a sin for a menial housekeeper like me.

"I don't like people who correct what I want, Miss Amara," he said coldly. It gnawed at my bones. I know I'm on the verge of death this time. How can I save and find Shena?

"Do you know why you're still alive?" he asked almost in hushed tones. I didn't say anything. What is the true reason I am still alive? I know his hand is itching to kill me in the same way he mercilessly kills others. And damn! Why am I in pain just thinking about it?

When I felt his fingertip brush against my cheek, I swallowed hard. I can't help myself, but I can feel the heat rising throughout my entire body. Damn!

"...it's because...something there's I want to know about you; you'll eventually die when I'm done with you, so if I were you...I'd just shut my mouth and obey my orders," he said coldly before letting go of me.

I can't help myself. My eyes welled up with tears. I had no idea it was so painful to hear such words from someone you care about. But what else can I hope for? I don't know much about him. I'm screwing up, right? I loved him even though I didn't know him very well.

And now...I don't know why I still love him when he continues to hurt my feelings.

"I want you to get up early tomorrow because there are visitors coming, and I want you to serve my table, do you understand?" I quickly nodded. "Yes...your Majesty," I said.

"Leave," he said coldly. I nodded and exited the room quickly. I took a deep breath and proceeded to the housekeeper's quarters. When I arrived at the housekeeper’s hall, I noticed that everyone was eating dinner.

“Amara!” Yna and Gina called me. I quickly approached them and even though I was weak I still smiled at them.

"How are you? Didn't you have a hard time?" Gina inquired. If I could answer her question honestly, I would have answered sooner, but I don't want them to be worried about me.

"I'm fine," I replied, noting that everyone else had food in front of them, which surprised Yna and me because I still didn't.

"Mrs. Clea! Amara has no food yet!” Yna called. Mrs. Clea looked at me apologetically. I can see the guilt in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, Amara, but I'm simply carrying out the orders of the Alpha king," she explained.

"What? But—" I grabbed Yna's hand to get her to stop talking. I assured her by shaking my head and smiling.

"I'm fine, Yna...Gina. I can handle this and one more...we can't disobey the Alpha king," I said, as Yna and Gina looked at me with sadness.

I even persuaded them to eat quietly before I left, and I decided to go behind the housekeeper's quarter and spend some time there before climbing the tree again to rest.

My stomach is grumbling but I have to endure. Alpha Greyson desires this. Perhaps he truly wishes to punish and kill me, but this is the only option he has because he still requires something from me. I'm not sure what he wants from me, but I'll take advantage of the opportunity to find Shena.

I know I'm going to die, so I'm going to find Shena while I'm still alive. The palace will host a large party tomorrow. Yna predicted that Alpha Greyson would find a mate at this party.

Tomorrow is also my birthday. It's heartbreaking to think that this is my second birthday without her. Why is my life in such disarray?

"Miss Amara?” I was taken aback when someone called me. When I saw Beta Miguel, my eyes widened. I was about to go down but I was surprised when Beta Miguel quickly climbed a tree right next to the tree I climbed. He moves very quickly. It's no surprise he's a Beta and Alpha Greyson's, right-hand man.

"What are you doing here, Beta Miguel?" I'll inquire. He smiled at me and raised his eyes to the dark sky. Beta Miguel is also attractive. He has gentle features. Even though it's dark outside and only the moonlight serves as a light, his brown eyes are still bright.

"You must be hungry now," he thought, pulling out a sandwich. I couldn't stop drooling over the food he brought. He handed it to me, but I didn't immediately take it.

"If Alpha Greyson finds out what you're up to, you'll be punished," I warned. I don't want him sympathizing with Alpha Greyson's rage at me.

He laughed. "Why? Are you going to report me?" he asked lightly. I was taken aback by what he said; I didn't think he was very nice. In the end, I accepted the sandwich and bit into it. Damn! This is so yummy! I'm hungry!

"Thank you for this Beta, Miguel!" I remarked joyfully. He laughed, but I don't care if I appear stupid. I chewed until my mouth was completely full. While I was eating, Beta Miguel was quiet.

I couldn't take my eyes off him, who was now gazing at the stars in the sky. I didn't pay much attention to him back then. I only know that he is Alpha Greyson's, devoted right-hand man. Alpha Greyson only has faith in Beta Miguel. Beta Miguel acted as Alpha Greyson's brother because he was an only child.

I returned my attention to him after I had finished eating. "Beta Miguel..." I addressed him. He looked at me.

"Do you know…what the Alpha king needs from me? Why hadn't he killed me before now? " I asked directly, and he was taken aback by what I said, only to smile briefly.

"I can't tell you everything, but...just let's say...you are one of Alpha Greyson's keys to forgetting the past," he said thoughtfully, and I frowned.

"What past?” I'll inquire.

"Miss Amara, Alpha Greyson has a lot of dark pasts...one of which he's having trouble escaping," he explained further. I was even more perplexed. But...the thought of something interfering with Alpha Greyson's mind breaks my heart.

Is this the reason he is so cruel? Is that why he's so distant? So...his cold eyes conceal the sorrow and pain of the past?

"H-How...could I help him in escaping that past?" I wondered out loud. If I am the only way for Alpha Greyson to get out of there, I will agree to anything he wants. Everything I want is for Alpha Greyson to change. I want him to be...free.

"We never know," he said, shrugging.

I bit my lower lip. More confusion in my mind. How did I become the key to Alpha Greyson's past? What exactly am I? Is that why he questioned my parents? Is that why he's curious about who I am?

But how will I find out? I didn't know who I was either. I only know who I am: Amara Brooks. What exactly am I? What...are my ties to Alpha Greyson's past?