Alpha Hole

As I woke, the first sensation that registered was the softness of the bed beneath me. I blinked, trying to shake off the lingering fog of exhaustion. The room around me was bathed in a golden light that seemed to come from nowhere in particular, casting a soft amber glow over the space.

I sat up, my limbs feeling heavy and stiff. The bed was large and covered in luxurious fabrics—silk, perhaps, though I couldn't be sure. The room itself was adorned with intricate tapestries depicting unfamiliar scenes of landscapes and rituals. The air was tinged with a subtle fragrance—floral, but with a hint of something else I couldn't quite place.

I glanced toward the window, framed in deep green curtains. Pulling them aside, I saw the city below, its splendor magnified by the early morning light. The waterfalls and ancient buildings were breathtaking, but a gnawing sense of unease settled in my stomach. This place was too pristine, too perfectly serene.

I pushed aside the heavy duvet and swung my legs over the edge of the bed. The wooden floor was cool against my feet, and a plush rug covered part of it. I noticed a small table with a pitcher of water and a delicate glass. I took a cautious sip, trying to quell the parched feeling in my throat while my mind raced.

A soft knock on the door startled me. Before I could react, the door creaked open, and a woman entered. She was dressed in a flowing robe of deep blue, and her silver hair was styled in a loose braid. Her presence was calm, but I noticed the way her eyes assessed me, as if weighing my every reaction.

"Good morning, Layla," she said, her voice smooth and measured. "I trust you slept well?"

I eyed her warily. "I did, but I'm still trying to get my bearings. This place is... very different from what I expected."

She smiled gently, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I see—Well, I'm Aria, one of the elders here. We've been anticipating your arrival for quite some time now. How are you feeling?"

"Confused and still a little tired," I admitted, still on edge.

Aria's expression didn't change. "Understandable. You've been through a great deal, and it's natural to be cautious. Perhaps you'll allow me to show you around and answer any questions you might have."

I followed her out of the room, my nerves still on edge as I took in my surroundings. The corridors were adorned with more tapestries and lit by the same unnaturally soothing light. The architecture was elegant but felt strangely alien, like something for another world.

She led me through an enormous library filled with ancient looking books, a garden lush with unfamiliar plants, and a dining hall that seemed more ceremonial than practical. Each space was meticulously arranged, creating an atmosphere that felt both impressive and disconcerting. The people I saw moved with a serene grace that only deepened my suspicion. Their calm, almost rehearsed demeanor made me wonder if it was part of an elaborate show.

When we reached a large, circular room filled with scrolls and artifacts, Aria gestured for me to sit at a round table. Her demeanor remained composed, but I could sense an undercurrent of tension in the air.

"This is where we hold our discussions and ceremonies," she explained. "You'll find that we place great importance on maintaining our traditions and preserving our history. And you will play a significant role in preserving that history."

I sat down, struggling to make sense of her words. "So what happens now? What exactly is expected of me?"

Aria's gaze grew serious. "Your arrival is significant. The nocturnals are a threat, and we've been preparing for this. Your presence adds urgency to our plans. We need to discuss your role and how we can best support you."

I frowned, my confusion deepening. "Support me?"

Aria's expression remained unreadable. "As I am sure you are aware, you are the final female of the royal Lycanthari bloodline."

A chill ran down my spine. "No," I started, "I don't think I'm part of any royal bloodline."

Aria's eyes studied me closely. "Child, you are the granddaughter of our reigning queen. We have gone through great lengths trying to recover you after your parents disappeared with you."

"I'm sorry," I said, shaking my head, my voice trembling slightly. "Until a few months ago, I didn't even know werewolves were real. I've been through a lot. So maybe can you please just tell me what you think I know because I don't." The frustration in my voice was unmistakable as I held my head in my hands. This was the same as with Dominic.  People telling me that my parents had fled with me.  So I guessed this was why.  They hadn't wanted to surrender me to my grandmother.

Aria waited for a moment, then took a deep breath. "Your mother was set to marry within the Lycanthari, but she fell in love with your father. She made a deal with your grandmother—she could leave to be with him, but when she had a child, she would return them to the royal city so they could continue the family line."

I stared at Aria, struggling to process her words. "I don't know if I can believe this. My whole life has been turned upside down. Why should I trust you?"

Aria's gaze softened slightly. "It's natural to be skeptical, especially after what you've been through."

"Well can I at least see this grandmother that you say I have?" I found myself asking.