As soon as Gavriel finished cleaning her, he washed up quickly, dressed in haste, and left the chamber. Althea watched him move with sharp, deliberate speed, as if he wanted to get away from her fast enough.
The sudden change confused her. Just moments ago, he had acted like he wanted nothing more than to keep her trapped in the bedchamber, making love to her endlessly.
With a small shrug, Althea pulled on a robe. The door opened just after Gavriel left, and Melva slipped inside, followed by the wolf. The creature padded across the floor, circled once, then settled comfortably near the corner. Its golden eyes lingered on Althea and Melva for a moment before it closed them, dozing off with a quiet sigh.
“I’ll help you get ready, My Lady,” Melva said with a teasing smile.
Althea only nodded, letting her assist.
When Melva removed her robe, she gasped softly. “Look at these marks. My goodness.”
“Melva,” Althea muttered with a half-hearted complaint.
“He was in such a hurry,” Melva continued with a grin. “Kept cursing under his breath, running a hand through his hair like he was trying to cool off. Honestly, I think he rushed out because if he stayed any longer, he wouldn’t have been able to stop himself.”
Althea furrowed her brows. “So that’s what you think? He left because he was afraid he wouldn’t stop?” she asked curiously.
Melva gave her a pointed look. “Didn’t you read his thoughts?”
Althea shook her head, her voice low. “I can’t. He’s the only person whose mind I’ve never been able to read, ever since we first met. And now... I can’t read Trudis, Ben, or Rudy either. I believe he gave them something—a potion, maybe—that blocks me from entering their thoughts.”
“That’s what you get for telling the Alpha King about all your abilities,” Melva replied with a frown. “Why reveal that you can read minds? Wouldn’t it have been wiser to keep it secret, something only you could use to your advantage?”
Althea sighed again and sat down before the vanity. Melva began working on her hair as she stared at her own reflection.
“I let my guard down,” she admitted softly. “But I thought it was the best way to win his trust. Gavriel values loyalty, honesty, and sincerity... I believed showing him that side of me was the right strategy.”
Melva sighed dramatically and said, “Well, I hope you’re right, My Lady. But to be honest, I believe, the Alpha King does care about you. When you were unconscious, he came often to check on you. He made sure you were cared for properly and even had Lakan check again to confirm you were truly stable.”
Althea smiled faintly at that. Deep down, she could feel it too, but she refused to expect anything. Emotions were fleeting, and the Alpha King was known for never letting his own rule him.
Her gaze shifted to the wolf resting nearby. “That wolf looks so tired,” she murmured.
“Well, it spent nights beside you, keeping you warm,” Melva replied. “Did you think of a name yet? It would be easier to call him properly.”
Althea tilted her head in thought. “Hmm... how about Ash? It’s a male wolf, right?”
Melva smiled. “Short and strong. Yes, he’s male. A perfect name, My Lady. Now, look at you—so gorgeous.” She stepped back after fixing Althea’s hair. “Many people wanted to thank you. They’ve been coming here from time to time, asking if you’ve woken up. I think it’s working, My Lady. Your sincerity... people are starting to see the real you.”
Althea rose to her feet with a small smile. “Well, we can’t please everyone. It’s natural for some to focus more on the bad than the good.”
The wolf stirred at the sound of her movement, opening its eyes. With a wide yawn, Ash got up and padded toward her.
“Ash, get more rest and stay here,” she told him. But the wolf only nudged her dress insistently, as if to say he wasn’t about to be left behind.
Althea chuckled softly. “Fine, come with us then.”
Ash wagged his tail, circling her with clear excitement, as if thrilled she had given in.
She stepped out and walked through the long corridors. Servants bowed respectfully as she passed, their greetings warm and sincere.
Althea swallowed hard. It was the first time she had ever been treated with such genuine respect. None of their thoughts carried bitterness or contempt.
For once, she didn’t feel the heavy shadow of her father looming over her, branding her as the traitor’s daughter. To them, she was their savior.
Outside, a man in his late fifties approached her. “Lady Althea,” he greeted with a polite bow.
His thoughts brushed against her mind, and Althea almost faltered.
‘Who would have thought Cain had such a daughter? Not only beautiful on the outside, but with a heart willing to sacrifice for the good of others... The Alpha King is fortunate to have her as his fated mate. Why should she bear the sins of her father? Cain wronged him, not her.’
Althea blinked rapidly, trying to steady herself as tears threatened to rise.
“Oh, My Lady, this is Alpha Abner Reed,” Melva introduced quickly, stepping forward with a smile. “He rules the Nightwalker Pack. Azath Town is under his protection.”
The man extended his hand, and Althea clasped it with quiet grace.
“I’m glad to see you awake and well, My Lady,” Abner said warmly. “You don’t know how grateful I am that you saved members of my pack.” His smile was genuine, the kind that reached his eyes.
“Oh, it wasn’t just me, My Lord,” Althea answered humbly. “Archmage Uriel cleansed the whole town, and the Alpha King ensured everyone’s safety.”
Abner chuckled softly. “Such modesty. Lord Uriel already explained everything, and my people saw it with their own eyes. You pushed yourself to exhaustion, shielding their homes and hiding places with your protective barrier. That sacrifice won’t be forgotten.”
Just then, a group of little boys and girls shyly approached her, each holding a handful of flowers.
“For me?” Althea gasped softly, her eyes widening. The children all nodded eagerly.
“Thank you, My Lady, for saving us,” they said together, their voices bright and innocent.
Althea’s heart swelled. She bent down to their level and accepted the flowers with gentle hands. Before she could say more, one small boy suddenly threw his arms around her, hugging her tightly.