THE SHADOW OF THE KING VALERIA She turns her back and finally leaves , abandoning mepletely alone , staring into nothingness and lost in thought over her words .


    I got up before nightfall ; I didnt want to be left alone so close to that eerie forest .


    I was hangingrge white sheets on the clotheslines , needing to clitub onto a small stool to reach the rope and secure them with wooden pegs .


    The cold breeze blew , making the sheets billow while also clearing my mind .


    I lowered my head to search for more pegs in the apron I wore , and when I lifted it again I saw him .


    On the other side of the sheet , the massive shadow of a lycan stood silently , and I knew very well it was him .


    The wind howled through the trees , like a sorrowful wail echoing from the forest .


    I stayed still for a few seconds , staring at that terrifying and powerful presence , knowing that the King was watching me too from the other side .


    He had every reason to be angry , as he had made perfectly clear .


    I had no right to touch the precious belongings of his loved ones .


    I was nothing but an intruding maid .


    I turned my back on him without speaking , pretending not to know he was there , and walked back into the castle , into that dark ce that I no longer knew if it was my home … or my prison .


    The next day , I went back to being nothing more than furniture in the Kings chambers no speaking , no eye contact , no listening .


    I focused mechanically on my tasks , the tension in the air so thick it was impossible to ignore .


    Truthfully , I just wanted to leave , to find another way to survive .


    But then I remembered I was cursed , and my best chance of finding a cure was staying close to King Aldrics power .


    I remembered all too well that overwhelming sensation , that unbearable need burning me from the inside , and I didnt want to be the prey of some bastard during one of those fits .


    Better the devil you know than the one you dont .


    Valeria , I received an invitation to visit the Silver Lake pack , and well use the opportunity to look for clues about the next Altar .


    Prepare everything for the trip , he ordered while I finished clearing the breakfast table , and I nodded silently in response .


    I picked up the tray and was about to leave when I felt his hand grabbing my arm , pulling me close to his chest .


    Wait , Valeria .


    We need to talk , his warm breath brushed my ear , but I tried to take a step back , to escape his hold except he tightened his grip , not letting me go .


    Does Your Majesty need something for the trip , something … No , Its not about the trip .


    Its about what happened yes- 12 # 4 .


    THE SHADOW OF THE KING  Knock , knock , knock .


    Suddenly , someone knocked on the door , interrupting his words and giving me the perfect chance to yank my arm free .


    The dishes ttered dangerously , but I didnt care as I hurled to open the door , hearing his frustrated huff behind me .


    Forgive the interruption , Your Highness .


    The seamstress has sent word that everything is ready , said the housekeeper , and I stepped aside to let her into the room .


    I was about to slip out through the door when Aldrics deep voice stopped me cold .


    Valeria , go with Sasha , he ordered from behind me .


    I didnt understand what he meant , but I obeyed , waiting silently in the hallway for the housekeeper .


    Through the door, I heard him return from his room and hand her something metallic .


    Judging by the sound , it seemed like gold coins .


    Do everything as I instructed no less than three pieces , no excuses .


    I might join youter , hemanded with his usual inflexible tone .


    The housekeeper left , and I followed her , a swirl of thoughts filling my mind .


    A spark of hope lit inside me , and I felt strangely d to visit the Silver Lake pack .


    Id been here for a while now , working in the castle maybe they wouldnt reject me as much as a foreigner anymore .


    Could it be possible to find another job in the Golden Moon pack ? Mrs.


    Sasha , weve been expecting you , a cheerful , slender woman with chestnut hair greeted us warmly .


    Hello , Mrs.


    Betty .


    Wevee for His Majestys order , the housekeeper replied while I stepped down from the carriage and nced up at the sign above the shop : Elegant Stitches Tailor Shop .


    Disyed in the windows were beautiful gowns for women and tailored formal suits for men , perfectly crafted .


    Despite the gloomy atmosphere from the fog and the dark forest surrounding this pack , Golden Moon seemed very prosperous .


    The few times Id had the chance to glimpse its streets , I had noticed it was the most advanced pack I had ever seen .


    We entered the workshop , which was spacious , with a cozy waiting area and a long counter where a friendly young woman attended customers .