I nearly went to my knees begging Mrs. Vikki, "Mrs. Vikki, is there no other way for me to enter the palace?” But no matter how much Mrs. Vikki wanted to follow my requests, the timing was simply too harsh because it was not the perfect time for that.
I clenched my eyes tight as tears streamed down my face. "I'm sorry, Amara. You know that the palace is in chaos right now, so even the housekeeper is not accepting people. The war between North Snow and Rema was too bloody," said Mrs. Vikki. In that case, it will be difficult for me to save Shena from the hands of that old man.
I shook my head. No. I won't let Shena stay in that old man's hands for too long. "I know this is hard for you, Amara, but Shena is strong. I know she can do this. She won't confront this situation if she can't do it." Mrs. Vikki held me tightly.
I broke down sobbing, "It's my fault, Mrs. Vikki.” If only I hadn't been crammed to see the prince, all of this wouldn't have happened. If only I hadn't insisted on seeing the prince again.
“It's just that people are nasty to someone like you or Shena, and we can't do much about it because they are blinded by power,” Mrs. Vikki remarked, "It's not your fault, Amara."
I started crying more after what she said.
I've simply loathed being poor ever since I entered this world. I just cursed my life. This wouldn't have happened if we weren't homeless and had a family to go home to. Shena would not have experienced this.
Mrs. Vikki invited me to temporarily reside in her home while she searched for a method for me to access the palace when she found out the truth. I paid her back by doing some free labor on her land.
However, Mrs. Vikki found it challenging to arrange a time for me to enter the palace because of the continuous war between Rema and North Snow. I knew the old man lived in the palace, so I was determined to go in. I could see from his attire right away what level he held within the palace. He is an omega, which explains why he is strong among us. If our path is obscured, I will undoubtedly find him and continue to save Shena.
When the news of Luna and Alpha's deaths, Prince Greyson’s parents, in the conflict went throughout the kingdom after months of trying to find a way inside the palace, we grew even more frustrated. The instability amongst the kingdoms became much more as a result. It also became more difficult for me to enter the palace, especially when Mrs. Vikki turned seriously ill.
I looked up to the night sky to catch a glimpse of the half-moon. Although the woodland is silent and appears ominous, I find it simple to travel through it.
One of the most significant occasions in the kingdom is taking place tonight in the palace. The kingdom's new alpha monarch will be anointed as Prince Greyson Ruiz. I had earlier seen women attending the event dressed formally because they had been invited. They're really fortunate. They have a very abundant life, unlike me.
Other than with their shining clothes and dresses, they don't have any other issues. My skin is being brushed by the wind. I kept turning my head to look at the half-moon. I also celebrate my birthday this evening. I'm seventeen now. Even though Shena was taken from me two years ago, I continue to miss her, especially on the day of my birthday.
Shena never fails to remind me of my birthday and even makes me simple dinners when I forget it.
My eyes started to tear up. I missed her so badly. I was desperate to see her right now. And suddenly, I feel like my body has transformed and my insides are burning with frustration! Running over to the little pond, I peered into the water to see my wolf form. It has golden fur with dazzling green eyes. I've never changed into a wolf before. The want to run wild and free finally came to me, so I gave in. I made a quick, powerful pass through the forest. I could feel the wind's ferocious blast on my fur. Now, I feel stronger. In this state, I feel like I can defend my loved ones.
I imagine Shena would be overjoyed to learn that I can transform into a wolf. I wonder what kind of wolf Shena has. I also went home that night and took care of Mrs. Vikki. However, a very tragic occurrence occurred a month later.
"Amara... I'm sorry because I can no longer be with you... in this life," remarked Mrs. Vikki as she lay palely on her bed. My heart was gradually breaking as my eyes kept tearing up.
“The doctor will arrive shortly. Please, Mrs. Vikki, don't say anything more—"
“The doctor can't do anything about my condition, so I'm using my last strength to say this to you, Amara.” I closed my eyes tight at what she said. Why is it like this? Why is everyone that I love in life taken from me? Why do I have to be hurt again and again? Why do I have to go through this again and again?
She remarked, "You are a strong woman.” She stroked the tears from my cheeks, "...and very beautiful and wise; that's why I'm convinced that with every challenge you'll face, you'll win it all."
How many more times will I see someone say goodbye? It hurts so much.
"Mrs. Vikki..." I sobbed and clutched her hand, not wanting her to go. "I... have finally arranged for you to work in the palace," she added, shocking me. I didn't want this at all. While she waits for me and Shena to return, I want her to live!
"I have a friend…working there, and I already told her your name. Just mention my name, and she will probably admit…you into the palace.” She added weakly, "Her contact is in my drawer, and you'll also find her name there. Leave this place and find Shena, and when you find her, you may retain my house and make it your home, o-okay?" Her eyes are bulging now from weakness. I sobbed even harder in her presence and fiercely clutched her. I always remember Mrs. Vikki and her words no matter what.
“I-Is there a way for you to continue staying, Mrs. Vikki?” She was crying, and I could see it as I cried out.
"Amara... I have faith in your independence. You're resilient, so keep that in mind, and if you ever feel hopeless…” I clutched her tightly as she closed her eyes because, after that, her final words were ones I will always cherish…"I will always be alongside you, guiding and watching you."
After Mrs. Vikki's burial, I hastily got ready to leave. In order to stay warm, I wrapped a hooded cape around my body and pulled my blonde hair back into a ponytail. I need to be protected, so I need to wear thick clothing. The snow is falling harshly outside as the wind blows coldly shivering through my bones.
I locked the house after taking my bag. As I took in my surroundings around the house, I thought back to the times Shena and Mrs. Vikki was still with me. I'll see to it that Shena returns here. I turned and left the house, promising that I’ll do what Mrs. Vikki’s dying wish.
"I'll see to it that what you said happens," I whispered to myself.
I pulled the piece of paper out of my pocket and examined the name. I let out a loud sigh as the snow showered all over me. I walked for a number of hours until I arrived at the palace's high gate. I observed many guards, including some wolves.
I looked up at the high wall and the tower of the palace that I could see. Instantly, I felt uneasy. I should be ready because I know a lot will happen in my life at this time.