Alpha King Versus Vampire King
20.The truth

My father left me.

Dad’s assistant called him, notifying him of a crucial meeting in Paris. Despite his insistence on taking me along, I declined. It’s still hard to believe that the person who loves me so much chose to leave me in this unfamiliar place.

Part of me feels guilty for this, as he left due to my decision. He tried his best to convince me, but I stood firm in my choice.

After numerous arguments and discussions, my dad eventually gave in, and Swez offered to stay with me here.

I understand that my dad is concerned about me, but I can’t quite grasp why both he and Swez keep talking about danger. I mean, where is a place that isn’t dangerous? If we want to live, we have to face risks, right?

And then there’s this lingering sense of purpose that’s keeping me here, though I can’t quite comprehend it.

Two days later, I was discharged from the hospital, and Cres took me to their home – not mine, but it strangely felt comfortable enough. Swez and I shared a room, and she acted strangely. When I inquired about it, she deflected, but she eventually opened up about her adopted parents.

They were the ones who had called her while we were in the hospital. I didn’t press for details regarding her issues with her parents, as she didn’t appear at ease discussing it.

When she’s ready, she’ll tell me the story. I offered her advice to make wise decisions and to avoid causing harm to herself or others that she might regret later.

Then there’s that recurring dream, or rather a nightmare, that’s been haunting me during the nights. Gradually, the image of a guy beside me is becoming clearer, and his voice seems somewhat familiar, resembling Anord’s.

I’ve been preoccupied with it, wanting to confide in someone, but I haven’t been able to articulate it.

During the five days of my recovery here, almost everyone has visited me except Anord. It seems he’s forgotten about me.

“Anord,” I whispered with a sigh.

Shifting my gaze to the other side of the bed, I saw Swez sleeping soundly. I chuckled softly at her peaceful slumber; she had only just retired to bed after helping me into the wheelchair.

Deciding to take a stroll in the wheelchair, I rolled myself out. Cres had conveniently arranged for us to be on the first floor, allowing me to move around without needing assistance.

After a time, I halted at the juncture where the forest met, and the invigorating cool breeze brushed against my skin, revitalizing me. Suddenly, I detected a rustling sound, and my senses instantly went on high alert.

Swiftly turning my head, I observed two sizable dog-like creatures fixating their attention on me. I pressed my lips together to stifle any screams, remaining still in the wheelchair.

These creatures advanced toward me, but then a larger dog arrived, lunging at them. My senses returned, and I carefully retreated to a safer distance.

A clash ensued among them, the newcomer fiercely clamping down on the necks of the other two, emerging victorious.

In the blink of an eye, the triumphant dog darted into the nearby thicket, leaving me to grapple with what I had just witnessed.

Out of the blue, my wheelchair was abruptly pulled, whisking me away. I emitted a startled yelp, urging the person to cease, but my pleas fell on deaf ears.

Clutching the wheelchair’s handle tightly, I turned to see the irate elderly man whom I had encountered at Anord’s birthday celebration. Just as I was about to address him, he halted near a serene lake, and I was awestruck by the existence of such a breathtaking place, previously unbeknownst to me.

“Ahem,” a throat-clearing sound shattered my reverie, drawing my attention back to the large dog I had seen earlier.

I gazed up at the man, my eyes reflecting my inquiry. Seemingly comprehending my unspoken questions, he took a deep breath and met my gaze, his eyes holding mine in a meaningful exchange.

“Listen, Ukrine. I’m Jack, Anord’s uncle, and I’m about to share something both new and shocking. Pay close attention and save your questions for after.”

“What were those?” I asked, somewhat disregarding his introductory statement.

“Do you have any knowledge about supernatural beings? Like werewolves, vampires, witches, fairies,” he inquired, assessing my reaction.

“Um... sort of. I’ve read about them in school. Anyway, what about them?” I found myself growing curious, though I knew I needed to remain composed.

“They’re not mere stories. What you’ve read about is real. That world of enchantment exists, and now you’re in a realm inhabited by werewolves, vampires, and more,” he explained, pausing briefly to let his words sink in as I gazed at him.

“The creatures you just saw were werewolves – part human, part wolf. You’re currently in the world of werewolves,” he stated matter-of-factly.

“Werewolves? How is it possible that we weren’t aware of them?”

Werewolves?

Is he serious?

He was about to elaborate, but he stopped and then resumed after studying me. “We’ve kept our true nature hidden from humans. Revealing ourselves would endanger both our race and humanity. So, we live secluded in the deep forest, far away from human settlements. Only a select few are privy to our existence, and now you’re among them,” he added, his gaze fixed on me.

“I understand,” I replied, trying to process the information he had shared.

“I never imagined those fantasies could be real. I promise you, though, that I won’t disclose this to anyone.” I had no choice but to make that promise.

They didn’t seem like malevolent creatures... well, malevolent supernatural beings. After all, they’d provided me shelter when I was homeless.

“And Ukrine, you must stay here. Returning isn’t an option anymore. This place requires you, and Anord needs you. It’s time you knew the truth,” he asserted firmly.

“Why do I need to stay here? I already assured you that I won’t utter a word to anyone. And why would Anord need me?” My voice conveyed my confusion.

“Anord is the werewolf king, and you’re his queen,” he declared, maintaining eye contact.

“I... What?” I struggled to believe what I’d just heard.

That’s an overwhelming amount of information to digest in a single day.

“How can I be his queen when I’m a human and he’s a werewolf?” I took a deep breath, seeking to calm myself and think logically.

“You’ll learn more about it soon. For now, let’s return. Anord is beside himself.” He guided me back toward the house, muttering something about a “stupid mate bond.”