Chapter 4
Night had fallen over Mayari Pack.
Hallia quietly carried a stack of folded blankets down the long hallway. Most of the manor had gone silent. She had spent the entire day cleaning rooms, polishing floors, and avoiding hostile glares. But she had survived.
And that was enough. As she turned a corner, she collided with someone. The blankets scattered across the floor. Hallia gasped.
" I'm so sorry__"
Her words froze in her throat. Standing in fornt of her was Alpha Oron Rigel.
Up close, he looked even more intimidating.
Tall.
Powerful.
He watched her carefully. Hallia quickly knelt to gather the blankets.
"I didn't see you, Alpha."
Orion didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he studied her.
Most people trembled when they stood this close to him.
But this woman only looked embarrassed. Not afraid. Interesting really.
"You work late," he said finally.
Hallia stood, clutching the blankets.
"The head maid said the guest rooms must be ready for tomorrow."
Orion crossed his arms.
"You could have refused."
"I need the job."
Her answer came without hesitation.
Again.
The same simple honesty from yesterday. His wolf stirred.
There was something unusual about this woman.
Something calm and steady beneath her human scent.
"Does the pack intimidate you?" Orion asked suddenly.
"Yes, a lot," she admitted. Then she added softly,
"But fear doesn't pay my bills."
For a brief moment, silence filled the hallway.
Then something surprising happened, the corner of Alpha Orion Rigel's mouth lifted slightly.
A rare smile.
"Go finish your work, Hallia Delan."
She nodded quickly and walked away.
But neither of them noticed the old pack elder watching from the shadow. His ancient eyes followed Hallia carefully.
Then he whispered to himself.
" The prophecy has begun."