Anila's POV

"Beta, General requests your presence at the General's quarters," a young Warrior rushes towards me, drenched in sweat and looking quite anxious.

Considering the time and the need to discuss tomorrow's matters with the General first, seeking Garrett's opinion on The Lupercalia Full Moon Ritual seems fanciful and a distraction from actual responsibilities.

"I understand, I'll head there now," I reply softly.

As long as tomorrow's Lupercalia Full Moon Ritual can proceed smoothly, I will have fulfilled The Clive family's responsibility. Once the ceremony is over, I'll gradually hand over this duty to my brother. He will eventually grow into a role to assist Garrett, and I am merely a temporary placeholder.

My own aspirations are much simpler; I wish to find a quiet place with a mate to live out ordinary days. Just enduring a bit longer will suffice.

"Anila, what are you thinking? Get moving and find the General; it's getting late," Semanth calls out when she sees me lingering.

"I know, but my knee is just acting up, and the General's quarters are quite far."

"What?! I knew your knee injury hadn't completely healed. After you're done with your business, make sure to apply ointment when you return. The cold weather can make the wound ache."

Semanth nags like an overbearing mother, but I know she cares for me, so I obediently endure her nagging and don't retort.

"Of course, dear Semanth, I'll follow your advice. I'll discuss the details of tomorrow with the General and then head back to apply the ointment."

"In that case, don't make me worry."

This knee injury has been with me for a long time, and while it's much better now, the lingering effects still cause me occasional pain. Only Doctor Johnny has been dedicated to helping me recover, and he is the only one who genuinely cares about my well-being. Thinking of him warms my heart. he is the sole comfort within this immense cage I find myself in.

Unknowingly, I had arrived near the General's quarters. The area was heavily guarded, with Warriors stationed at every corner. Only individuals with special clearance or palace staff were allowed in this vicinity.

The General's quarters were the largest section of the entire palace, comprising nine massive gates. Each gate led to a different level, and various specialized training areas were spread throughout. The higher up the ranks, the higher the level one could access, with the topmost level being reserved for the General.

By the time I reached the highest level, my knee was starting to throb. It seemed like someone designed these stairs without considering the comfort of those who might be old or feeble.

If it weren't for the fact that this place's restrictions transformed me into a wolf, I could have asked Semanth to climb the stairs on my behalf.

"Haha, Anila, you've finally arrived. Please, come in," I heard General Bray's booming laughter as soon as I reached the checkpoint at the top of the stairs. He was personally waiting for me there. General Bray has always been kind to me, as he and my father were old friends. So, he looked out for me.

"General Bray, why are you waiting here? It's quite windy outside; let's go in first." I hadn't expected him to be waiting at the checkpoint today, and I had a bad feeling about it.

"It's alright, I've been waiting for you for a while. Alpha is inside, and he's waiting for us to discuss something."

I froze in place, my expression filled with astonishment. "G-Garrett, how is he here?" He was supposed to be with Liz, so why was he at the General's office? Did he bring Liz along and just happen to pass by?

If I enter now, it seems like I'm walking into a trap, awaiting another humiliation.

"Alpha is here to discuss The Lupercalia Full Moon Ritual with us. He asked me to fetch you," General Bray explained as he led me upstairs, not wanting to waste time.

I followed him reluctantly, every step feeling increasingly burdensome. Garrett's presence sounded ominous.

The image of me kneeling in his room just a while ago was still vivid in my mind. I clenched my fists and gritted my teeth.

No matter what, I had to protect the remnants of my dignity, to do right by my family.

"Anila, are you feeling unwell? You don't look good."

"Enough, please don't fuss. Let's go inside quickly," I forced a bitter smile and cut off General Bray before he could continue. Semanth's nagging was more than enough. I didn't want to hear General Bray nagging too.

I entered the General's quarters with haste. Inside, I saw Garrett sitting at a desk, studying some documents. There was no sign of Liz around. Just a short while ago, they seemed very close, so how was he alone in the General's quarters now?

He raised his eyes, focusing on me like a hawk. Setting down the documents, he leaned back in his chair, looking down at me.

"General Bray, can you help me fetch something?" Garrett asked in a low voice.

"Is it what you mentioned earlier? I'll go get it now," General Bray replied, glancing at me and responding promptly.

"Wait, I can just go get it for you. There's no need to bother General Bray," I interjected, blocking General Bray's way. If General Bray left now, it would leave just me and Garrett alone in this vast conference room, and I didn't want to be alone with him.

"Anila, stay," Garrett said as if he were giving an order, directing General Bray to leave.

General Bray had watched Garrett grow up, so he understood his intentions immediately. He gave me a nod and departed.

I fiddled with my clothing, feeling somewhat awkward. Why did I feel like a guilty child with a pounding heart? Calm down, Anila.

"Why are you just standing there? Come over here," Garrett said.

I took a deep breath and approached, placing the documents in front of him one by one. "ALPHA, these are the materials for tomorrow."

"ALPHA? What did you call me?" He suddenly seized my wrist, causing it to tingle painfully. His eyes emitted visible anger, as if I had committed some unforgivable offense.

"ALPHA," I emphasized, attempting to break free from his grip, but he held onto my hand tightly.

"Your temper has grown so large now that you're getting angry over trivial matters," Garrett said.His frustration intensified and he pressed my hand against the desk as he saw me trying to resist.

I bit my trembling lip to steady myself, but my inner fear was kept well hidden.

"Garrett! What do you want? I don't have time for your games!" I glared at him, and over the years, he had changed. He had become unpredictable, making it difficult for me to understand his intentions.

"You think I'm playing around? Then I'll show you what a game really looks like!"

Panic overtook me, especially with several Lead warriors stationed outside. What kind of stunt did Garrett have in mind?