Part I Reborn
Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I still can’t believe I’m alive. The pain of being stabbed by the silver knife lingers in my memory. I can vividly recall how my flesh was lacerated and the metallic taste of blood in my mouth. The Alpha King stabbed me not just once but dozens of times, his fury blinding him as he avenged the death of his beloved fated mate—whom I had killed.
My hand instinctively touched my stomach, tracing the spots where the silver blade had repeatedly pierced me. My skin was flawless, no trace of any stabbing from the past. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, trying to suppress the flood of emotions.
My maid, Larah, stood nearby, staring at me with bewilderment. She seemed just as confused as I was. She was with me since a little, she also died trying to protect me.
“What important event is happening today?” I asked, trying to focus on the present.
“Your brother, the Chief Scout, is returning home,” Larah replied. “You’ve been so busy preparing for his arrival that you barely slept, which is why you fainted earlier, Miss Helene.”
In my past life, I had eagerly awaited this day. My eldest brother had been promoted to Chief Scout a year ago and lived in the capital. It had been a long time since he visited our father’s mansion. With our mother gone when we were young and our father never remarrying until recently, my brother had always been my anchor.
A Chief Scout was the equivalent of the head of the imperial guard, responsible for the security of the Alpha King’s palace and nearby estates. In my previous life, I had begged my brother to take me to the capital so I could meet the Alpha King—a meeting that marked the beginning of my downfall. This time, I vowed to avoid him at all costs.
Instead, I decided to visit my father and prevent him from marrying my stepmother. In my past life, my connection to the Alpha King had doomed my family. He ordered the execution of every wolf related to me. My brother was killed by a silver arrow, and my father fell in battle—not to an enemy, but to the royal hunter under the Alpha King’s orders.
The alpha king, completely unsatisfied, ordered their beheading and had their heads displayed publicly on the capital wall.
Our family had served the Alpha King’s lineage for generations, tracing back to the first shapeshifters. Because of me, our legacy crumbled. This time, I would do everything in my power to change the course of events.
When Henry arrived, he looked dashing in his maroon uniform. The color suited him perfectly. Overwhelmed with emotion, I ran to him and threw myself into his arms. Surprised by my uncharacteristic behavior, he nonetheless smiled and hugged me tightly.
“You missed me this much, little sister?” he asked, clearly touched.
Tears streamed down my face, and my soft cries turned into weeping. Henry looked unsure of how to console me, so he simply scooped me up and carried me inside the mansion.
“I’m sorry, Henry. I had a terrible dream last night,” I stammered between hiccups. “You were killed outside the palace gate. It felt so real that I woke up crying.”
Henry chuckled and gently wiped my tears with his thumb. “My little sister has turned into a crybaby. Last time I visited, you tripped me, and I nearly choked on a bun!”
“You stole the buns,” I retorted, laughing weakly. “But this time, I’ve cooked plenty of your favorite dishes, so just promise me you won’t die.”
“Alright, little sister. I swear I won’t die. But you’re awfully ugly when you cry,” he teased.
In the past, I would’ve scolded him for such a remark, but now I didn’t care. All that mattered was that Henry stayed alive.
Henry’s vacation was cut short when the Alpha King summoned him back to the capital. Before leaving, he suggested I accompany him. “The capital wouldn’t be so harsh for you, sweetpea. I have my own mansion, granted by the Alpha King himself.”
Thinking of the Alpha King, I declined immediately. “I’m bored of books, music, and chess. I want to enhance my martial arts skills instead,” I explained.
Reluctantly, Henry agreed and assigned five scouts to escort me to the border, where our father was stationed. A week later, I arrived, greeted by my father’s warm embrace. Though I fought back tears, I couldn’t help feeling overwhelmed by the memories of the tragedy that had befallen us before.
Determined to stay strong, I began training with the sentinels, honing my skills in swordsmanship, horse riding, and archery. I also befriended the camp cook, helping him prepare meals for my father.
From the sentinels, I learned how my father met my stepmother—saving her from rogues in a nearby village. She had offered to help in the kitchen, which ultimately led to their relationship.
One day, I volunteered to accompany the cook to the village market for provisions. While there, rogues attacked, and fate brought me face-to-face with the two women who had ruined my life in the past: my stepmother and her daughter, Stella.
“Thank you for saving us, Miss,” my stepmother said, bowing low. Despite their rough commoner’s clothes, both women’s beauty was undeniable.
“If you’ll allow us, we can repay your kindness by helping at the camp,” she offered.
“No,” I replied firmly. “We don’t need more mouths to feed, especially on a tight budget. Stay at the inn tonight; I’ll pay for your food and lodging. Tomorrow, officers will pass by the Chief Sentinel’s abode for supplies. You may accompany them. My carriage will be at your disposal.”
“Thank you for your generosity, Miss,” they both said.
As I turned to leave, a smirk crossed my face. I would ensure they stayed far away from my father—and will remain in the capital.
Alpha King and Royal Consort Helene Bella
