Chapter 37: Face the glass

Hazel flew across the training field before she could even understand what had happened. Her body hit one of the strong stone pillars with such force that she heard a horrible crack from her back, and for a few seconds, she could not even breathe. Her eyes widened as she tried to move her legs, but nothing happened. She could not feel them at all. Fear immediately rushed through her body as she wondered if Alex had actually broken her spine.

She tried to push herself up with her hands, but a sharp pain suddenly moved through her entire body. Blood came out of her mouth, and she fell back against the pillar with a weak groan.

Alex stared at her in surprise. "I thought you said you knew a few things."

"Shut up!" Azula shouted as she rushed toward Hazel. "You’ve broken her spine!"

Alex’s face changed immediately. He looked at Hazel, then at the pillar, as if he was only now realizing how hard he had thrown her. "I didn’t think she would—"

"That’s because you don’t think!" Azula snapped.

Before Hazel could say anything, Janet quickly knelt beside her. She placed both hands gently on Hazel’s back, and a soft golden light immediately spread from her palms. Hazel gasped when she felt a warm energy moving through her body. The pain that had been burning through her spine slowly disappeared, and the strange weakness in her legs began to fade.

Janet closed her eyes as she concentrated. The golden light became brighter for a few seconds before slowly disappearing into Hazel’s body.

"Try moving your legs," Janet said.

Hazel swallowed nervously and moved one leg. It worked. She moved the other one too. "Oh, thank goodness," she whispered.

She slowly sat up and touched her back. There was no pain anymore, but the memory of the crack still made her nervous.

Alex rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Maybe Akeelah should train her first."

Azula folded her arms. "That is the first intelligent thing you’ve said today."

Alex ignored her and looked at Hazel. "Akeelah and others will teach you the basics before I continue. Your body needs to become stronger first."

Hazel sighed as she finally stood up. She could not believe she had almost died for the second time since coming to this place, and this time it was during training. She had thought becoming stronger would involve running, lifting heavy things, or maybe fighting a few wolves, but apparently, these people believed throwing her against a stone pillar was also part of the lesson.

She was still trying to understand what had just happened when a maid suddenly hurried into the training field.

She bowed quickly."Miss Hazel, the Alpha called for you."

Everyone immediately stopped and gave her knowing looks. Even Akeelah, who had been standing a little farther away, turned to look at her with gossip spirit.

Hazel pointed at herself. "Me?"

The maid nodded. "Yes, Miss Hazel."

Hazel rolled her eyes. "You have the wrong person. I am very sure the Alpha didn’t call for me." She knew very well the maids aren’t nice to her at all.

"I am certain, Miss Hazel," the maid replied nervously. "I was ordered to bring you to his chamber."

Hazel’s stomach suddenly tightened.

His chamber? She had never been inside the Alpha King’s private area before.

Why would Caius suddenly call for her? Her mind quickly imagined every terrible possibility.

Did I do something wrong? Did I break one of his rules? Is he angry about the chain? Is he going to kill me?

She looked at the others for help, but nobody seemed interested in saving her.

Azula scoffed. " What’s with the stupid look, just get your ass to him before he demand for your head instead."

Hazel stared at her helplessly. She followed the maids through the palace, her nervousness growing with every step. When they finally reached the huge doors of Caius’s private chamber, Hazel stopped.

She looked at the doors. Then at the maids. "Are you sure he called me?"

The maid sighed in frustration. " Do you think I have time to make up story to make you happy?" she hissed and left.

Hazel took a deep breath. If I die, at least someone will know where I disappeared.

She slowly pushed the door open. The moment she stepped inside, she forgot about being afraid.

Her mouth fell open.This was a bedroom? Hazel walked inside slowly, staring at everything around her.

The room was enormous, beautiful, and so expensive that she did not even know what half of the things were made from. The walls had dark, smooth designs with silver lines running through them, while huge crystals were built into the ceiling and gave the room a soft light. The furniture looked simple at first, but when Hazel looked closer, she realized even the smallest table looked more expensive than everything she had ever owned.

She stared at the floor. Then at the walls, especially the huge bed. She wondered if some of the materials were made from diamonds.

Does this man sleep in a treasure room? She almost walked into a table because she was too busy looking around.

"Come here."

Hazel froze at Caius’s cold but strangely alluring voice. She turned around.

Caius was standing against the wall with his arms crossed.

Hazel didn’t know when she held her breath. His long white hair was flowing freely down his back, much longer than she had imagined. She had seen it before, but she had never realized just how long it was when it was completely loose. The soft white strands made him look almost unreal, especially with his serious silver eyes fixed directly on her.

Hazel swallowed. Everything about this man was tempting, and that was exactly what made him dangerous.

She slowly walked toward him and bowed. "Yes, Supreme Alpha."

She bowed deeply. No one would believe her if she told them she had entered the private chamber of the Alpha King and stood face to face with him. Some werewolves might never even see Caius in their entire lives.

Caius was not the kind of king who handled ordinary problems such as stealing, fraud, or murder. That was why there were many other Alphas across the werewolf territory. Caius dealt with problems that were far beyond the power of ordinary Alphas.

"Turn to the left," he said suddenly.

Hazel was confused, but she turned anyway. This was not the open throne hall where she could talk back and run. Here, the chance of him killing her felt much higher.

When she turned, she saw her own reflection in a huge, beautiful mirror. The mirror stood tall and powerful, almost magnetic, just like its owner. She was sure this was no ordinary glass. It looked very much like the special mirror the High Priest used to speak with the Moon Goddess.

Caius has one too? She’s not even surprised. Before she could think further, she heard footsteps behind her.

Caius began walking toward her.

Hazel held her breath. She tried to stand still, but his serious eyes made her start trembling. When he suddenly raised his hand, she could not help stepping back in fear.

Caius gritted his teeth. "Behave, puppy. I only want to put the chain on you. Then you can get out."

Hazel’s eyes moved to the silver chain in his hand. She was confused. Did he really have to put it on her himself?

She swallowed. "Don’t worry. I can wear it myself. Thank you for your care."

She quickly bowed again.

"Care?" Caius gave a short, annoyed chuckle. "You think I wish to put it on you? You are not even worthy to carry my shoes, let alone stand in front of me and argue."

He held the chain up so she could see it clearly. "First of all, this is made of pure silver. It is dangerous to the wolf race. Why are you carrying it around?"

Hazel had been lost in his beauty while staring at him with wide eyes. She blinked. "Ehn?"

She could swear she had not heard him properly. The confused look only made his beautiful brows furrow deeper. He held the chain with clear dislike.

She quickly grabbed for an answer. "I don’t know... it was a gift..."

Caius sighed. "Face the glass now."

Hazel sighed quietly. Did she really have to face the mirror? She wished he would just stop talking. His words were too sharp, too cold, and too painful. They always left a chill in the air.