Mira's Point of View

Never in my life have I been more confused. One moment I was walking through the dense forest, trying to find a way out, and the next I was being dragged along by a group of women I'd never seen before. Their grips were firm, their movements swift, and they didn't say a single word to me.

I fought, but it was useless. These women were strong, much stronger than any normal human. You could tell by the way they moved: graceful, strong, and determined.

As they dragged me away, my heart pounded in my chest. Where were they taking me? And why weren't they speaking to me?

Finally, we reached a large balcony overlooking the vast lands below, and I saw Prince Perry stop. I looked around and took in a breathtaking view, but at that moment I didn't have the luxury of enjoying it.

My gaze returned to the Lycanthrope Prince, who was waiting for us, and I wondered what was wrong. He was silent for a few moments, and since I couldn't see his face, I took the opportunity to observe him closely. I had heard of him before: Prince Perry, the most powerful lycanthrope in the Blue Ivory Pack. He was known for his strength, his ruthless nature, and his strict and unwavering discipline with the pack members. Many feared him, and now, standing before him, I understood why.

His tall figure was intimidating, his silver eyes piercing. His dark hair fell in soft waves over his forehead, and his sharp jaw made him look both regal and dangerous. Why had he brought me to the kingdom? I couldn't help but wonder.

On second thought, I knew I was going to be punished. Although I didn't understand why he had let me out of the dungeon, I knew I couldn't avoid his punishment for trying to escape the other time.

Suddenly, I saw him turn to face us.  

"Clean yourselves up," he ordered. "Change her clothes and make sure she looks her best."

The women glanced at me before turning back to him.  

—What… what did you say, Prince…?

—Do as I command!

His words were simple yet authoritative, and they left me stunned. Clean me up? Change me? I stared at him, and our eyes finally met, but he quickly looked away, leaving me wondering what he was up to.

The women nodded slightly and quickly led me away again. This time it was just us. They showed me to a beautifully decorated room, filled with warm candlelight. They had already prepared a large bath with steaming water and the scent of lavender.

The women worked quietly, helping me undress and get into the bathtub. The warm water soothed my aching body, and for the first time in days, I felt good.

No one said anything; they just continued bathing me. The bath lasted a long time, but as soon as they finished, they took me out and dressed me in a soft silk dress whose fabric lay delicately against my skin. They brushed my tangled hair until it shone and even applied a little natural perfumed oil to my wrists.

I couldn't understand what was happening. Why were they treating me like an honored guest instead of a captive? It was incomprehensible, but something told me to remain calm, and so I did.

Once I was ready, I was shown to a beautifully furnished room. The large bed was covered with soft fabrics, and the fireplace crackled warmly in one corner. The windows were open, letting in the cool evening breeze that carried the scent of the nearby lavender fields.

I stood in the middle of the room, unsure what to do. Now I was alone, alone with my thoughts. Why had the Werewolf Prince done all this? Why hadn't he punished me?

The cold wind brushed against my skin as I stood near the open window, gazing at the distant moon. The scent of lavender filled the air, but it did little to calm my troubled thoughts. Why had the Werewolf Prince done all this? Was it truly an act of kindness, or merely a way to lull me to sleep before the worst came?

Too strange. And just as I had begun to question everything, there was a knock at the door.

One of the maids entered, with an unreadable expression.  

—My lady, the prince has requested your presence.

My breath caught in my throat. A new fear crept into my heart. Had he just called me "my lady"? What on earth was going on?

"My lady?" Her voice interrupted my thoughts, and I glanced at her. She gave me a reaction that said she was sure of what she was saying.

At first my legs refused to move, but the other maids around me made it clear I had no choice. If I hesitated any longer, they would drag me to him. Taking a deep breath, I lifted my chin and walked forward, my heart pounding with every step.

The moment I stepped onto the large balcony, a wave of lavender-scented air enveloped me. But my eyes didn't linger on the flowers; instead, they scanned the space, taking in the unexpected scene before me.

The entire balcony was filled with maids and guards. Too many people. My fingers clenched into fists as confusion and fear washed over me. Why were they all there?

At the center of it all was the Werewolf Prince himself. His silver hair shimmered in the moonlight, and his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine.

My breath caught in my throat. Why was he looking at me like that?

—Come closer—ordered his deep voice, firm but undecipherable.

I hesitated. All my instincts told me to run, but there was nowhere to go. Slowly, I approached, my mind racing.

The prince remained silent until I was only a few steps away.

"You must be wondering why I've summoned you here," he said, without taking his eyes off mine.

I swallowed hard. Yes. Yes, I wondered. But I didn't dare speak. Then I heard the unexpected:  

—From today onwards, I declare that you are free from being a slave.

I froze, my heart pounding in my chest. Had I heard right? Was this a dream?

The prince's voice echoed once more in my mind:  

—From now on, Mira is free. She is no longer a servant.

Tension filled the great hall. The guards and maids murmured among themselves, their eyes wide with surprise, while I watched some nobles exchange glances and ask each other questions in hushed tones.

My hands trembled as I gripped the hem of my dress. Freedom? After years of scrubbing floors, carrying heavy trays, and serving without question, was I finally free?

I dared to look at the prince. His expression was calm, yet resolute. His deep brown eyes showed no remorse. It was as if he had made the easiest decision of his life.

I wanted to speak, to ask him why, but my voice failed me. I couldn't question him, not in front of everyone.

A lady who seemed more elegant than the other maidens stepped forward.  

"Your Highness," he said, lowering his head. "Forgive me, but why have you released this servant, and does the King know anything about it?"

Because of his audacity, something told me he must have a higher rank in the Pack to dare to confront him in that way.

The prince turned abruptly towards her.  

“Because I decided it, and the King has nothing to do with my affairs,” she replied sharply, as murmurs spread through the crowd. Some looked at me with envy, others with curiosity. I felt their stares like a heavy weight on my shoulders.

My heart was pounding. Was this some kind of test? A cruel joke? It was unbelievable. Since childhood I had served, obeyed, and expected nothing from anyone.

Change. Freedom had never been an option, and to make matters worse, it came from the ruthless Prince.