Evaline:
Morning arrived just as quickly as I expected. The moment I opened my eyes, I found myself recalling everything that happened the night before.
Today, I needed to sneak into Alpha Kieran’s room before noon. But the reality of this plan was proving to be a nightmare.
I started my day as usual, getting ready, grabbing a bread from the kitchen, and heading to start my work. But as I scrubbed floors, polished furniture, and cleaned the guards’ quarters, my mind was focused on only one matter - how was I going to get to the Master Floor without being caught.
But no matter how many scenarios I played out in my head, none of them felt foolproof.
The Master Floor was off-limits except for a selected few, and I was definitely not one of them. There were also guards stationed at key points to ensure that no one wandered where they shouldn’t.
Yet, despite all the troubles awaiting me on the way, I had no other choice. Alpha Kieran had made it very clear, if I wanted his help, I had to go to him before noon.
I kept checking the time every chance I got. My nerves were twisting tighter as the minutes ticked by. By the time mid-morning arrived, I knew I had to make my move.
I swallowed my fear and grabbed a stack of freshly laundered linens from the storage room. I was planning to use this as my excuse to wander through the halls with the belief that no one would question a servant carrying laundry.
I kept my head down and walked with purpose, making my way through the giant mansion. My heart was thundering by the time I arrived near the stairs that led to the Master Floor.
Two guards were stationed at the bottom of the stairs.
I didn’t break my stride. Instead, I shifted my grip on the linens and acted like I was heading toward the rooms on the second floor. At the last moment, just before I reached the staircase, I pretended to trip and sent the linens spilling across the floor.
Without wasting any time, I started gathering the scattered sheets while also frantically apologizing.
"Stupid girl," one of the guards muttered with an unhappy groan.
"Get out of here before you cause more trouble," the second one snapped.
I mumbled another apology and ran from there. But instead of heading toward the second-floor rooms, I slipped into a small servant passageway. I had recently discovered another staircase from here that led to the upper floors. It was rarely used as it was mostly meant for emergencies.
This was my best shot.
My heart was racing crazily as I moved quickly. I was praying to not come across anyone at all on my. Not only that, but to keep my footsteps as silent as possible, I had even taken off my shoes which was now proving to be a good idea.
By the time I reached the third floor, my palms were sweaty, and my breath was coming in fast, shallow bursts. I pressed myself against the wall to listen if there were any movements.
But I was greeted with pure silence.
Letting out a shaky breath, I peeked around the corner and found the hallway completely deserted.
It was now or never.
With this thought in mind, I rushed toward the room that belonged to Alpha Kieran. I was just about to knock when my ears registered the sound of footsteps.
I instantly froze once I realized that someone was heading my way.
As panic surged through me, I didn’t bother to think. I just grabbed the handle, twisted it, and slipped inside the room before shutting the door quickly behind me.
I pressed my ear against the door, trying to listen, but I could no longer hear anything. I didn’t even got a second to steady my breathing before a voice murmured right against my ear.
"What are you up to, little troublemaker?"
Shocked, I yelped and spun around only to have a warm and firm hand slapping over my mouth to muffle the sound.
My eyes went wide as I found Alpha Kieran standing there in front of me. He was way too close and his eyes were half-lidded with sleep. His hair was messy and falling over his forehead. It seemed like I had woken him up from his sleep.
It took me a second, or probably longer that that, to register the fact that he wasn’t wearing a shirt. And before I could have stopped myself, my gaze dropped lower.
Oh.
Oh, dear moon.
My brain instantly stopped working as my eyes traced over the defined muscles of his chest, the sharp lines of his abdomen, and the deep V that disappeared beneath the low-hanging black trousers that were sitting dangerously on his hips.
I had seen men without shirts before, but none of them looked anything like this.
Alpha Kieran had the kind of body that was carved by riches and power. He was lean but impossibly strong. His skin was flawless and his muscles were firm. And the way he was standing - completely at ease while pinning me with a knowing look - made it clear that he was well aware of what I was doing.
And then, I made the situation even worse as I lingered despite knowing better.
I knew I shouldn’t. I knew I should have looked away immediately, but my traitorous eyes took their time in absorbing every inch of him, every ridge, every curve...
The low chuckle that rumbled from his chest, finally pulled me out of whatever spell had taken over my sanity.
"I knew you had guts," he mused as his lips curled into a lazy, amused smirk. "But I didn’t expect you to be this bold."
Heat instantly flooded my face and I snapped my gaze up to his. I felt mortified. "I-I wasn’t-"
Before I could finish defending myself, he arched an eyebrow, making it clear that he didn’t believe me.
"I see," he drawled as he finally removed his hand from my mouth, but didn’t step back. "So, you break into my room and immediately start appreciating the view? Should I be flattered?"
I let out a strangled sound. At this point, my entire body was burning with embarrassment.
"I didn’t-" I started shaking my head furiously. "I wasn’t appreciating! I was just-"
"Admiring?" he supplied helpfully while his smile widened.
"NO!"
My horrified reaction made him chuckle again. The sound was so deep and warm, and for some reason, it made my stomach twist.
I took a step back as I needed space, but realized there was barely any as I was nearly pressed against the door.
He tilted his head as he continued to watch me carefully.
"Well?" he began, breaking the silence. "Are you going to tell me why you are here?"
"I came to give you my answer," I replied firmly.
He crossed his arms over his chest, making his muscles shift in a way that I pretended not to notice.
"And?"
I swallowed hard and took in a deep breath before finally speaking, "I accept your offer. I want to enter the academy."
For a moment, he didn’t say anything. He just kept watching me in silence as if he was assessing me. But then, with the smallest nod, he spoke, "Good."
Relief flooded me at his response. A part of me had almost started worrying that he might no longer want to help me. But it turned out I was overthinking as always.
Then, he added, "But you should know. Once you make it in, there’s no turning back."
I met his gaze as I answered in a firm voice. "I know."
His smirk returned, but there was something different in his eyes now, something unreadable.
"Then, let’s get to work, little troublemaker."