Chapter 42: 41

Chapter 41

'No.'

That was Amber's answer at the back of her mind.

Five years?

That means she'd be twenty by that time, and her goal was to leave River Severn at the age of legality to search for her father.

Alpha Severus is fully aware of that fact, too.

Though it would seem as if she was being ungrateful to leave the pack just like that, she made a pact with herself that as long as she was still under the Alpha's wing, she was to guarantee that she was of use to him, especially during the missions.

That was the only way to give back to the person who took care of her unconditionally after she lost her family.

She knows it's silly to hold onto something uncertain, but right now—her heart refuses to waver at the thought of her father being alive, and just caught up in someplace atrocious.

And perhaps, it's just wishful thinking.

But…

Is it proper to accept things as they are without having the need to confirm them herself?

Her father had always returned.

Though he'd come back to her and her mother a bit late sometimes, he made sure to return in one piece.

He's the only blood-related family that she's got now.

Just thinking about the fact that she may be the last member of their clan clenches her heart in ways unimaginable. No matter how good she is at pretending that she's okay, the fate of the West Crescent still remains as a sore topic for her.

Bringing up her family reminds her of 'that' day's painful memories.

No matter how she convinces herself that the annihilation no longer affects her…

That's an obvious lie.

She could only imagine the pain their pack members had to go through that day.

The idea is making her skin crawl. It feels awful. She feels sick in the stomach.

She feels… vengeful.

Why was the incident not investigated thoroughly?

Ah…

It's because of 'that', isn't it?

The West Crescent Pack wasn't treated a legitimate pack under the Werewolf King's regime… yet.

That's why, it was easy for the entire Akkad to turn a blind eye to the massacre that happened.

Amber mustered up the courage to meet the man's deep gaze. "Why is Alpha Ludwig asking me this?"

She wants to know.

Why is there a stranger who's interested in her business?

Is he a person who knows her history?

Ludwig took a deep breath. "I do the questioning here, Amber," he spoke lowly. "In case you've forgotten…"

Amber bit her lower lip in apprehension, and stood down. "I… I understand, Alpha," she whispered, her voice almost inaudible that if it weren't for a wolf's hearing, Ludwig wouldn't have been able to catch that.

"I'll allow up to three questions—but only if I'm satisfied with the answers that I get from you, Amber." He tilted his head to the side, smiling briefly. "It shouldn't be a bad deal."

What…?

He gets to ask her about basically anything, and as many times as he wants to… and she can only limit hers up to three?

How in the world is that fair…

"No," Amber firmly said.

Ludwig raised a brow at her. "No…?"

"The Alpha asked if I could see myself staying for another five years here… and that's my answer."

Hmm.

Interesting.

'This isn't as hard as I thought,' he thought.

"Did you know that there existed a process in absorbing pack members of a previously dissolved pack?"

"Dissolved?"

Oops.

'It seems like I used the wrong word…'

Ludwig noticed the sudden change in the girl's demeanor.

Amber Santiago…

She took offense.

Is she trying to show her displeasure on purpose, or she's just having a trouble with controlling her emotions?

Which is it?

The corner of his mouth twitched. "That was insensitive of me. I'm talking about packs which sadly didn't make it to the end. Here's a suggestion, Amber. I understand that lingering feelings are… inescapable. As time goes by, some people are no longer bothered by the sentiments that they hold, while some others are haunted by the memories for the rest of their lives. Sure, moving on takes time, but…" Ludwig stared directly into her fervent eyes, "…ask yourself, do you really want to live in the past? This talk won't be easy if you'll get triggered by anything that comes out of my mouth, Amber."

"I wasn't triggered, Alpha."

"You gave your word that you would be honest all throughout the session, so… why are you lying now?"

"I wasn't triggered, Alpha."

Just like a robot, Amber used the same exact words as a response.

Ha.

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Ludwig shook his head, slightly amused. 'Lying isn't your best suit, is it?'

"Then, shall we continue?"

She fidgeted in her seat, and nodded stiffly. "Yes, please."

"Let me repeat the question for you. Are you aware that there's a process for taking in wolves from other packs?"

"Yes, Alpha. Otherwise, the other members and I wouldn't be here."

"That may be the case for everyone, but I'm afraid you haven't been included in the process at all, Amber."

Her palms grew cold.

What is the man talking about?

"It appears to me that Severus hasn't told you."

"Hasn't told me about…?"

"The Werewolf King, Rego, was quite impressed of the Santiagos' feats. Let's say… he wasn't very happy when he heard what happened to West Crescent. Your survival is news to Rego. He'll want to confirm your existence. You're bright, Amber. I know you get my point." Ludwig stared at her intently. "Will you come to the Midlands with me?"

Amber could only stare back at him in disbelief.

This Alpha…

He's practically saying that taking her to the Capital is no trouble for him.

Besides…

That's part of her dream.

To meet with the Werewolf King.

The permission to explore the entire nation legally is something that only the King can grant.

Amber felt a heavy feeling settling deep within her chest.

That's… no different from taking the easy way out.

Asking her such a question means that she can say no.

But…

Saying no to a tempting offer?

This is her chance to meet the Werewolf King!

"I… I'm going to have to regretfully decline, Alpha."

Ludwig could only gape at her in shock. "You do realize that not everyone gets an opportunity to meet Rego in their lifetime, right?" He was positive that she'd say yes! She said it herself—she had no plan to waste away in Severus' pack.

Whatever her dream is, it's certainly bigger than simply becoming a strong pack warrior for River Severn.

Throw Rego into the mix, and he'll get a done deal!

Did he read the situation wrong?

"I would have been jumping in joy if the Alpha asked this question years later…" Amber closed her eyes tightly. Why now? Making a huge decision that might secure her future… "however, I don't think I'm ready to meet the King. I'm not qualified enough to meet him at my current level."

Ludwig smirked. "I don't think you have a complete grasp of your position here, Amber. You're from a strong bloodline, and it's common knowledge to every wolf in Akkad that Rego… seeks the strong. I shouldn't be explaining these things to you. As Cain's child, you know your skills better than anyone else."

That's right.

As a Santiago, you're born to be naturally stronger than your peers.

You don't have to be the Alpha's daughter for you to stand above the others in terms of strength and power.

Being a Santiago is your advantage.

Suddenly, a sense of longing graced the girl's soft features. "You knew my father?"

"We used to participate in joint missions."

"You were allowed to work with people from unregistered packs?"

Ludwig let out a chuckle.

She clearly has no idea about the ropes here…

It got him thinking.

Amber hadn't been formally introduced to West Crescent, had she?

Well…

To be fair, she was indeed quite young when the tragedy befell their pack.

"I'm sure you've heard of the saying… there's always an exception to the rule. The council committee could overlook certain situations as long as the country would reap greater benefits from bending the rule. I don't know the specific details, but I heard that West Crescent had no plan to legitimize themselves at first."

Amber's breathing hitched.

The person in front of her wasn't just an Alpha.

He was a man who personally knew her father…!

"Papa…" she muttered, lost in thought.

'Papa? Is that how she calls Cain?'

"Tell me, Amber. Am I able to convince you now to come with me?"

"Alpha Ludwig said I came from a strong bloodline…"

"I'm glad you were able to follow."

"That's a fallacy, Alpha."

Ludwig's grin froze. "A fallacy…?"

"You're only saying that I'm strong because of my origins—not because you've observed me for years."

His expression grew serious. "Where are you getting at, Amber?"

"It's possible that the Alpha is only assuming things here. Without any prior observation and reliable data to back it up, you'll be disappointed in me once I fail to meet your standards. My mind is made up, Alpha. And… if it's not too much to ask for, please come back in three years, and ask me the same question." Amber gritted her teeth, and smiled at him—though it didn't reach her eyes.. "I'll be much stronger by then."

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