We walked over to the side of the library where there was a large wooden, spiral staircase. The second floor mirrored the first in terms of layout, but with slightly fewer bookcases.
"All of our historic records are kept up here. Well... not all of them. The more delicate documents are with the Elders in the Sanctum. But you'll easily find anything from the founding of our nations to the beginning of the war..."
Her voice trailed off, and she looked at me in sudden horror.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to be insensitive."
I raised an eyebrow. 'Do they know that they're at fault? Then why is she looking at me with...pity?'
Her expression was different from what I expected, but I didn't press further. The topic was sensitive between our people, and arguing about it wouldn't fix anything.
"History is history. Neither you nor I were there at the time," I said, keeping my tone as even as possible. I hated werewolves to the core, but making that obvious would only make my life more difficult.
Besides... I had to admit Gamma Rell was growing on me— slightly. Very slightly.
"Is everything okay? Your cheeks are red," she said, leaning over towards me.
I snapped out of my thoughts and nodded. "Ah, yes. Sorry, what were you saying?"
She let out a soft giggle and pointed toward a bookcase a short distance away. "That shelf over there should have the books you're looking for. Feel free to check them out whenever you have some time."
"Thank you."
I committed the bookcase to memory, though I doubted that I would have a chance to come back here. After killing the Alpha, I would have to focus on escaping, so the library wasn't on the list of places to visit.
"Come. Let me take you to the next place."
Gamma Rell led me out of the library, through the entrance hall, and out the main doors. The moment we stepped outside, fresh pine-scented air enveloped me. It was a scent I wished to experience for the rest of my life.
We walked in silence until we reached the forest's edge.
"This is one of my favorite spots. Not everyone is allowed here, so it's always very peaceful."
Excitement stirred in my chest. Even just standing between these massive trees was enough for my heart rate to quicken.
We followed a narrow dirt path until the ground beneath me suddenly trembled.
Gamma Rell froze, her gaze fixed on something in the distance. Then she spun around. "Sorry— we'll have to come back later."
She didn't wait for me to reply, and pulled me with her as she walked back towards the lodge with hastened steps.
"Did something happen? Is everything okay?" I asked. The lack of explanation only made me feel more curious about what had happened.
"Oh yes. Everything is fine. It's just that I lost track of time, and dinner should be ready soon. Let's head over to the main kitchen today and see what they're making," she replied with a smile. Except this time, her smile was very different from the ones she's shown before.
I hummed in reply, fully aware she was dodging the truth. I turned my head back to try and spot the problem, but all I could see was an endless sea of trees.
By the time we made it back inside the lodge, Gamma Rell had already returned to her cheerfu, giggly self. She pointed out a few locations on the way to the kitchen, giving me a better layout of the building.
"Here we are. I'm sure you already caught that mouthwatering scent," she said as she eagerly pushed open the door.
I didn't have the heart to remind her that my sense of smell was nothing compared to hers, and entered. A slightly spicy yet appetizing aroma enveloped me immediately.
The "kitchen" was really just a massive counter. Behind it, several people bustled about, packing food into ceramic pots with fitted lids. Once again, I couldn't help but feel like the way they operated was so primitive.
"Oh! You're in luck! Today we're having chicken curry! It's one of my absolute favorites!" she said, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at the pots.
I wasn't familiar with chicken curry, but I didn't expect much. It was obvious that the werewolves were leagues behind the humans in both technology and innovation. If anything, I was a little concerned about how sanitary their food preparation practices were.
"Does everyone come here to get food?" I asked. Glancing around, it didn't seem like this room could accommodate many people. In fact, there were only three small tables in the entire room.
"Oh goodness no!" she said, waving her hand. "Only those staying or working here get that privilege. Everyone else either cooks at home or eats out at local places."
She leaned over closer. "Between you and me, the food here is the best— you know, since it's the Alpha's residence."
Her voice carried clear respect when she mentioned the Alpha. It had been nearly a full day, and I still hadn't encountered him.
We walked over to the counter. The spicy scent had become much stronger now that we were standing right in front of all the pots.
"Gamma," greeted the stern-looking man behind the counter. He looked like he belonged in a boxing ring instead of a kitchen. Even the apron he wore couldn't hide the muscles beneath.
He glanced over at me and gave me a curt nod before looking back over at Gamma Rell.
"Hello, Bash! It smells amazing," she said brightly. "Can I get a meal for our guest, Miss Esther?"
He nodded. "Just one? What about yours?"
"I'll pick mine up in a bit, so save me an extra portion, okay?" she said with a grin.
His expression didn't change. He grabbed one of the clay pots beside him and disappeared further back into the kitchen, returning a few minutes later with a cloth bundle in hand.
"Here you are, Miss," he said as he handed the bundle over to me. It was only when I reached out to grab it that I realized that the clay pot of food was nestled inside.
I felt the heat from the hot food seep through the colorful cloth and warm my hands. "Thank you."
He averted his gaze. "I hope you like it, Miss. If there's anything not to your liking, please let me know so I can make you something else."