"Let me know if you need anything else. Just ring this bell and someone will be right over," Gamma Rell said with a smile.
I nodded. "Thank you. I will."
She placed the bell on a small table by the door and turned to leave.
I narrowed my eyes for a moment before stopping her. "Gamma Rell? I have a question. I enjoy taking walks in the evening and was wondering if there are any areas that are off limits?"
She turned around, looking a little surprised, "Oh! Well, let's see. If you do, please try to stay in or near the lodge. But please stay away from the right wing of the building."
I waited for her to explain, but she only smiled. "Is there anything else?"
"No, thank you. Have a good night," I replied, shaking my head.
"Good night, Miss Esther."
I closed the door and crossed to the small coffee table by the couch. A pot of food sat in the center, still wrapped in a colorful cloth. It smelled amazing, but I didn't trust it. In just a few short hours, the most important mission in human history would begin, and I couldn't risk a stomachache right before it.
Instead, I walked over to my leather bag and dug through it until I found a water bottle and a small energy bar that I had left over from my previous mission.
I nibbled the energy bar while my mind ran through the plan. Based on Gamma Rell's words, there was better than a ninety-percent chance the Alpha's quarters were somewhere in the right wing.
If I had to make a guess, it would be somewhere on the top floor.
My lips curved up into a smile. 'Hide all you want, I'll still come find you.'
All that was left to do was wait until nightfall. Though werewolves had a natural advantage at night with their keen sense of sight, it was still the best time to strike. The trick was to attack quickly and with precision to try and catch them off guard.
I finished the energy bar and placed the wrapper back into my bag, then turned my attention to the window.
It was still light out, so I had a few hours to kill before starting. "I guess I can use this time to rest."
I eyed the large bed in the corner of the room. There were now a few additional blankets neatly folded on top, making it feel even more inviting than before.
"A nap couldn't hurt," I mumbled as I crossed the room.
The moment my body hit the bed, I sank into it. It was so soft I imagined this was what sleeping on a cloud must feel like.
I ran my fingers along the top of the blanket. It was my first time feeling this type of fabric— soft, light, and warm.
It didn't glide like the fabric I was used to at home, but there was something about it that brought me peace and comfort.
"Maybe I should pack one of these blankets and take it home with me," I said as I thought about whether I had enough room in my bag to hold one.
I couldn't even finish my thought before the sleepiness took over.
-
I snapped awake.
'What time is it?!'
The soft moonlight illuminated my room enough for me to see.
Oh, good. It's still night, I should get started.
My heart beat rapidly inside my chest as I opened my bag to get ready. This would be my biggest mission yet, and one that held so much importance.
I pulled out my silver dagger and strapped it to my thigh. This would be my main weapon tonight, and if I were lucky, my only. Next, I pulled out a small spray bottle. It contained a special set of chemicals that completely eliminated my scent. This was the only way I stood a chance to get close enough to kill the Alpha without being detected.
The effect lasted only a short while, but I was lucky. The Alpha happened to be in the same building, so I should have more than enough time to get in and get out.
'Mom. Dad. Tonight is for you. May you rest in peace.'
I closed my eyes and focused my breath. I had trained for years for this moment.
When I opened my eyes again, only calmness and determination remained. I was a living, breathing weapon with one purpose: to kill.
After one final check to make sure I had everything I needed, I pulled out the spray bottle and sprayed it generously all over myself.
'Showtime.'
I opened the door in such a way that it made absolutely no sound and peered into the hallway. I didn't see anyone, but my gut told me that it wasn't safe. I slipped back inside and turned my attention to the window.
It was round and nonstandard, and I wasn't sure if it could even be opened without breaking. I felt around the edges of the circular frame until I found a small pin lock. I lifted the pin and pushed on the glass slightly, causing it to swing open like a revolving door.
My eyes lit up. I quickly jumped out of the window and landed on a narrow ledge. Since the building was mainly built of wood and stone, there were plenty of places to latch on to.
I focused my strength into my arms and climbed upwards, avoiding the other windows. A few minutes later, I made it to the roof. Without stopping to take a break, I ran towards the right wing, where I immediately spotted a row of balconies on the top floor.
'That has to be it. Who else, but the Alpha, would get such a nice room?'
I ran across the roof, keeping my steps light and silent until I reached the first balcony. As my feet landed on the railing, I froze. The door from the balcony to the room was already wide open.