CH1 AMBER
Having grown up among werewolves, I've often heard tales of mating, soulmates, and true love. Yes, we exist. We live hidden among humans and transform into wolves starting from our 18th birthday to find our partner, chosen by the moon goddess. However, the quest for this partner is becoming increasingly rare due to human hunters.
My parents were among the lucky ones. My father met my mother during an inter-village gathering and fell in love with her instantly. Unfortunately, she died giving birth to me. My father remarried, and my stepmother took over the Cry family.
My father, a warrior in our pack, died five years ago. A few days before my 18th birthday, I was nervous about meeting my wolf and my partner. My stepmother, Mathilde, reminded me that it was important to find a job to contribute to expenses. She put my name forward to help at Alpha Tyler's birthday party, which deeply irritated me.
(After a tense discussion with her), I went to my room and called my best friend, Emmie, who was excited about my birthday and the possibility of meeting my partner. (I shared my doubts and dissatisfaction regarding the task imposed by Mathilde).
Later, I fell asleep thinking about the importance of finding my partner. I woke up alone, with Mathilde gone, and without an appetite, I went straight back to my room.
As usual, my stepmother wasn't home, so I didn't have to interact with her. Yet, her words still echoed in my mind.
What if I met my partner tonight? Would I leave with him immediately?
Would he really like me? Would I like him?
These questions worried me. The next day, I was pulled out of my thoughts by a noise knocking at my bedroom door.
I'm up, I'm up! I jumped out of bed, stumbled to the door, opened it, and met my stepmother.
What do you want? I asked.
Honey, you should be dressed by now. You have to be at the leader's house in an hour, she said with a smile.
Why? I asked, puzzled.
What do you mean "why"? We've already discussed this, Amber, she replied.
No, we haven't! You decided for me, I retorted. Well, I hope I find my partner so he can take me far from here and from you!
I shut the door in her face.
An hour later, I was dressed and on my way to the leader's house, pondering my situation.
I should probably apologize to Mathilde on the way back, I murmured to myself.
Approaching the leader's house, I was impressed by its opulence. It was extravagant.
How many people live there?
A guard was posted at the entrance. He observed me carefully before speaking.
What is the purpose of your visit?
I am hired as a maid to help with the event celebration.
Alpha, I replied, feeling somewhat intimidated.
Name? he asked, taking out a notebook.
Yes, Amber Cry, sir. My voice was clear.
He checked the list and nodded. It took me a moment to realize this meant I was allowed to enter.
I had visited the leader's house only once before, when my father was still alive. I was about six years old, and we were both playing in the park when he was called to an urgent meeting. Unable to find someone to watch me on short notice, my father decided to take me with him.
I remember him placing me on a chair outside the meeting room. "Stay still, Amber. I won't be long." He patted my head before entering the room where other high-ranking members were.
While I waited, a tall man approached me. He had long black hair, eyes as dark as onyx, and a prominent scar on his face. Beside him was a young boy with similar black hair and piercing blue eyes. The boy seemed to be arguing with the older man.
"But I'm the future alpha, dad! I should attend this meeting with you!" protested the young boy.
They were clearly the pack's alpha and his son.
"You're not ready for such meetings yet," the alpha responded in a calm voice and with an impassive expression.
As they got closer, I quickly left my chair and bowed my head in respect, as my father and other villagers did when meeting the alpha. They didn't even notice my presence.
I stood right in front of them. The two continued conversing.
- They killed my mother! They killed my mother and I want them to pay for it! the boy shouted.
He was trembling, and tears threatened to spill from the corners of his eyes.
His father stood there, impassive, before finally speaking.
- My son, the time will come when you will join us in the meeting room. But for now, focus on your defense training, the man said, turning the door handle.
- I will avenge your mother, completed the alpha in a threatening tone before disappearing behind the door.
I slightly raised my head to look at the boy staring at the door. His eyes were red with unshed tears, his fists clenched.
He finally noticed my presence. He turned to me and observed me, quickly wiping his tears with his arm.
- How long have you been here? Who let you in? he asked, still scrutinizing me.
- Um... My father was called to an important meeting with the alphas and elders, sir, I quickly replied, bowing my head once more.
- Who is your father? What's his name? he asked, still skeptical.
- Ronn Cry, sir, I replied, nervously waving my hands.
- Cry? Is your father the gamma? he asked, calmer this time.
At the time, I wasn't very familiar with the pack statuses. I knew there was the alpha, the leader, then the beta, his second-in-command, and the gamma, responsible for strategy and organizing all events and meetings.
There were also the elders, healers or werewolf doctors, warriors, seekers, and peacekeepers.
I knew my father's role in the pack was crucial, but not to that extent.
Yes, I replied.
Is that a statement or a question? he asked with a slight smile.
It's a statement, sir. My father is gamma, I replied, trying to speak more confidently.
He looked me in the eyes for a moment, then shook his head and waved his hand to dismiss me.
Continue what you were doing there. With that, he turned on his heel and walked away.
Hey, you there! I was pulled out of my thoughts by a voice calling out to me.
A lady in her fifties was walking towards me as fast as she could, her face showing a frown.
Are you one of the volunteer maids for the gala?
Yes, ma'am. Amber Cry at your service, I replied, bowing my head.
I felt a light tap on my shoulder and looked up to see the lady covering her mouth with her hand.
Amber? she asked.
Yes, ma'am, I replied, confused by her change in tone. She surprised me by hugging me.
Amber! The last time I saw you, you were just a child. Look how you've grown! She pushed me back, observing me from head to toe.
Have you found a partner yet? she asked.
No, ma'am. I won't be 18 for a few days. Do I know you? I asked.
Oh! Sorry, my child. I'm Nala, the head maid of the leader's house and the village midwife. I knew your father when he was the pack's gamma. And I knew your mother too.
Her expression turned sad. "I was there the day she..." Nala couldn't finish her sentence. "I'm sorry I couldn't save you, my dear."
I placed a hand on her shoulder: "It's quite alright, Mrs. Nala," I said with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"So you're here to help us for the big evening tomorrow?" she asked, walking away.
I followed her. "Yes, ma'am. My stepmother put my name forward. I didn't even know so much help was needed," I admitted.
"Thank the Goddess she did. We need all the support we can get," she replied, opening two large golden doors revealing a vast hall.
No wonder they needed so much help, I thought. The place was huge!