Amera's POV
And that was it.
The moment I stepped onto that plane, my days of running began.
My first destination was the country of Greevally, where I stayed hidden for two long years. Those years passed slowly, each day blending into the next as I lived under constant fear. I avoided attention, avoided questions, avoided people. I learned quickly that survival depended on being invisible.
It was in Greevally that I saw the news.
My mother, the Viscountess of Vinland,was convicted of treason and thrown into prison.
The news spread like wildfire. It became a global spectacle, debated endlessly across news channels and political forums. The fall of a noblewoman from grace fascinated the world, but to me, it felt like my chest was being crushed. I watched from a small rented room, my hands trembling as the screen replayed her face over and over again.
My brother never came looking for me.
Neither did he leave Vinland.
That hurt more than I expected, but I couldn't leave, I remember my mother's word every night "do not let our sacrifice be in vain"
The first few weeks were the hardest. I was constantly looking over my shoulder, expecting someone to recognize me, to drag me back. Every unfamiliar sound made my heart race. Being in class terrified me the most. I hated sitting among my classmates, pretending to be someone else, especially when they whispered things like,
"Are you sure you're an alpha?"
"You're too beautiful to be one."
Each comment felt like a blade scraping against my nerves. I laughed it off when I could, swallowed my discomfort when I couldn't. At night, I searched tirelessly for underground clinics that sold contraband suppressants. Because I needed them desperately. The last thing I want is to be discovered after my mother made me promise to stay hidden. She even took the fall for my sake.
I stayed away from gadgets and personal phones, refusing to leave digital footprints behind. I focused solely on my studies. To survive, I took on menial jobs—cleaning studios, organizing materials, working late hours for little pay. I declined every invitation to social gatherings and learned to say no without guilt.
Isolation became my shield.
Despite everything, I thrived academically.
I graduated as the overall best student of the design academy I attended. My final project won Best Design, earning praise from professors and industry representatives alike. I was offered a job immediately after graduation, but I rejected it without hesitation.
I knew my time in Greevally was almost up.
Using a borrowed computer at a public library, I submitted my design draft and application to the first reputable design company I found online. Days later, I received an interview invitation.
I packed my bags that same night.
My next destination was Zorak.
With the little savings I had left, I rented a small place when I arrived at Zorak and prepared myself for the interview. Nothing could have prepared me for the shock that followed.
The company was located on Rowland Avenue.
The imperial city.
The territory of Alpha King Ace. I don't know much about him but I heard of him. I don't even know how he looked but his reputation precedes him.
For a moment, I considered turning back and forfeiting the interview entirely. Fear gripped me, cold and suffocating. But reality hit harder—I was running out of money, and I needed work.
Against all odds, I passed the interview.
It felt surreal, like walking through a dream I didn't trust. I promised myself it would only be for a few months. I would keep my head down, do my job, and disappear again before anyone noticed.
The first day at the Zorak Royal Design Department was hectic.
So was every day after that.
Thankfully, Sophia wasn't around during my first week, which kept things drama-free. But the peace didn't last. The following week was hell.
She refused to do anything herself.
I ran errands for her nonstop, on top of assisting
Mr. Blaine. I returned home each night exhausted, sore, and irritable, barely able to eat before collapsing into bed.
I didn't know when it would end, but I never imagined it would end so soon.
One afternoon, Mr. Blaine called a department meeting to announce an upcoming royal fundraiser.
The moment he mentioned it, every woman in the room perked up with excitement. I rolled my eyes internally and tuned them out.
I wouldn't be part of it anyway, and I was grateful for that.
"Listen carefully," Mr. Blaine said. "King Ace and several nobles will be visiting tomorrow morning. There's a royal fundraiser coming up, and His Majesty wants a jewelry display worthy of nobles and business moguls."
The room buzzed with anticipation.
"It will be loud," he continued. "The Prime Minister will be proposing that day, using one of our pieces. I want everyone in the jewelry department to work together and make this a success."
After work, I went home on time for once—stress-free. Sophia spent the entire day ordering a dress from the royal clothing department, completely forgetting to torment me.
I planned to relax and watch old home videos, but then I remembered Mr. Blaine's warning about my shabby clothes. With a groan, I dragged myself out of bed.
I went through my wardrobe carefully and chose a white, knee-length gown. It was fitted at the sides and cinched at the waist with a belt, simple, neat, and appropriate. I ironed it, hung it neatly, then rolled my hair and covered it so the curls would hold overnight.
The moment I lay down, sleep claimed me.
The next morning, I got dressed and loosened my curls.
I stared at my reflection longer than I wanted to.
I hated how beautiful my eyes were.
Applying minimal makeup, I tried to ignore the striking image in the mirror. I slipped on my heels and hurried out. I arrived almost late, forcing me to sprint toward the elevator.
I didn't notice the stares. I didn't notice the people standing frozen outside.
I slipped into the elevator just before the doors closed and smiled triumphantly.
I never noticed the intense gaze burning into my back.
When the elevator stopped at my floor, I stepped out without looking behind me. I entered my office, dropped my bag, and sighed in relief. I had beaten the clock by five minutes.
I was still basking in my small victory when the door opened.
Mr. Blaine walked in.
"Miss Greene," he said, clearly irritated, "you'll be taking over for Sophia. She won't be available for this afternoon's jewelry testing."
He paused before continuing, forcing calm into his voice.
"I'll ask HR to give you a bonus for all the extra work you've been doing since you arrived, including this. Are you in?"
"Yes, sir," I answered immediately.
Why wouldn't I be? Saving money and building a name were the only ways I could ever return to help my family.
"Good. This is the seating chart and the number of pieces ready for display. The meeting starts in ten minutes. Get every designer and their work ready in the conference hall."
"Yes, sir."
I slipped on my glasses to hide my eyes and rushed out, unaware that my quiet life was about to change forever.