Entering the border from the Silver Valley into the Shadowpeak Kingdom was like passing from civilization into a dark legend for Evelyn. The stone fences had given way to towering, gray, and terrifying walls surrounding the Castle Complex. These structures did not just proclaim the Lycans' power; they screamed the insignificance of humanity in this world.
Evelyn gripped her small leather satchel tighter as she waited for a convoy of mounted Alphas to pass through the main gates. The Aethel Root inside and her desperation for her family were the only things giving her the courage to proceed into this terrifying place.
She approached the armored, formidable Guard Alpha standing at the gate.
"What do you want, Human?" The Alpha's voice was deep enough to vibrate the bones in Evelyn's body.
Evelyn made sure her voice didn't tremble: "I have come to see the Chief Healer. I have brought an important herb."
The Alpha looked at Evelyn's tired, plain clothes and seemed momentarily amused. "You think the Chief Healer will take something important from an insignificant human? This is a palace, girl, not an herbal market."
"This herb... only grows in our cursed lands," Evelyn whispered. "And Alpha King's soldiers, wounded in the latest war, may need something like this. Its name is the Aethel Root."
The mention of the Aethel Root instantly wiped the sneering expression from the Alpha's face. Very few knew of this herb's existence, as it was almost impossible to cultivate.
Evelyn's wrist was grabbed and she was harshly pulled toward the Infirmary, located in the castle complex's rear courtyard.
The Chief Healer's Doubt
The Infirmary was hidden in a secluded corner of the massive castle. The air inside was heavy with the scent of earth and dried herbs, overpowering the smell of humans. Evelyn immediately recognized the woman who met her as the Chief Healer, Lysandra. Lysandra was middle-aged, powerful, and utterly authoritative. Her eyes scanned Evelyn from head to toe.
"The Aethel Root?" Lysandra asked, her voice as sharp as a whip. "Show it to me."
Evelyn pulled out the root. It glowed with a faint silver light in her palm. Lysandra's suspicious gaze instantly gave way to momentary astonishment upon recognizing the root's rarity. With a brusque gesture, Lysandra waved away the surrounding Lycan nurses.
"Alright, Human," Lysandra said, lowering her voice. "I know how important this root is to you. And I know you didn't bring it here just for silver. You want to join us."
Evelyn held her head high. "The only thing I want is silver. My family... is ill. Only your silver kingdom can help me. In exchange for this root... I want to work here. At the lowest rank. Whatever it takes."
Lysandra studied Evelyn carefully. "We have no need for a human. Our people will not trust your weak hands to heal them."
"But in my weak hands, I have a talent," Evelyn countered. This was the most intimate secret she dared to share. "My touch... neutralizes elemental poisons. That is why I could grow the Aethel Root. Its power is aligned with mine."
Lysandra's eyes locked onto Evelyn's for a moment. Lycans being wounded by poison and dark magic was not uncommon. And this small human was offering a little-known solution.
The Secret Contract
"We have a deal," Lysandra said, her voice icy. "Your contract is simple. You will be the lowest-ranking healer. You will obey me. I will pay you enough silver each month to ensure your family's survival for a year. However, on one condition:"
Lysandra leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "No one, especially... the King, is to know about your ability to neutralize elemental poisons."
"Why?" Evelyn asked.
"King Damon carries a cursed power. His curse is dangerous to anyone he cares for. If a human is thought to be able to alleviate his curse... you become a weapon. Or worse, a target. I am here to give you silver, not to make you a pawn in the hands of the palace concubines or enemy kingdoms. Do you understand?"
Evelyn's eyes widened in realization. In this silver kingdom, the only way to remain invisible was to guard her biggest secret.
"I understand. Silence for silver."
The Shadow of the Alpha King
That day, Evelyn's new life in the palace began. She was cleaned, dressed in simple linen garments, and assigned the quietest, most secluded room in the infirmary. Her duty was straightforward: cleaning, preparing herbs, and treating only minor wounds under Lysandra's watchful eye.
On her first night, she heard a muffled sound rise from the castle. It was a howl, but one filled with deep agony and immense power. Evelyn covered her ears.
The next morning, everyone was on edge. As Evelyn went out to the kitchen courtyard to gather herbs, as ordered by Lysandra, she saw a powerful Lycan figure mounting his horse in the center of the courtyard.
Alpha King Damon.
He was clad in a dark, embroidered tunic, his shoulders muscled. His face was like a statue; handsome, but cold and devoid of emotion. His eyes were the sharpest and deepest shade of brown Evelyn had ever seen. It was as if those eyes were made only of ice and authority.
Evelyn held her breath as he passed. The King ignored every concubine in the courtyard, advancing with a fierce intensity, looking at nothing.
Evelyn stood there. She was only a shadow, a mortal, a temporary laborer. And to the Alpha King at the peak of the castle, she would go completely unnoticed.
"Just the silver," Evelyn whispered to herself. That was her only belief.