Power

Hope

Panic.

It gripped at her as she neared the familiar red door, flanked by stone-faced guards. They came to a halt until one of the guards opened the doors and signaled for her to get going. Ivy was once again intrigued by the magnificent artwork and decor in the art room.

"Well, of course, your safety is very important to us. You are staying in our pack, are you not? And especially after what you did yesterday, your safety is a top priority now." Alpha Ember smiled brightly. 

So much smiling. 

Ivy opened her mouth to speak when Alpha Everson cleared his throat. "You said you've spent all your life in a tower hiding from witches who wish you harm, then one day you were attacked along with your guardian witch, but you managed to escape only to be attacked again, but you didn't die instead you found yourself in the waters of Mystimero, where you magically transformed into a mermaid. That's the story you're going with, right?" Alpha Everson asked, raising a brow. His suspicions were as clear as day.

Ivy was beginning to feel annoyed, but she did not wish to disrespect the alphas who were providing her with generous aid. "Yes. That is my story and a truthful one at that. I have no reason to lie. I know you probably suspect me to be in cahoots with the witches or being some crazy girl with a sinister plan, but I'm not. If I were this powerful and sinister being, as the rumors are saying, then trust me, I would have brought harm to your pack from the moment I arrived. I'm just a girl running for her life. If you guys are suspicious of me, then it's best to let me go where I can no longer be a burden to you and your pack." Ivy replied as calmly as she could. 

She desperately wanted to go at that time, but she knew deep down that if she did, she would have nowhere to go or escape. Her life would undoubtedly end in a second, but anyone would grow tired of pointless suspicions and rumors. Her life was already difficult enough.

Alpha Everson approached Ivy with intense eyes, observing her every move. "Oh, I do not doubt that there is some truth to your story, girl, but help me understand how a mermaid could awaken my son, a powerful alpha, might I add, who's been in a deep slumber for two years because of a powerful spell cast by a very powerful witch. I fail to understand how exactly you did it when many more powerful beings could not. Granted, I am very happy that my son has returned, but I would like to know how, and I would like to know that will not be a threat in the unforeseeable future." Alpha Everson let out, his steely eyes determined to create a disturbance in Ivy's mind.

Suddenly a potent tension crept into the room, and Ivy felt her irritation growing. She opened her mouth to speak, but a loud knock came from the door, merely defusing the tension.

"Ah Hailey, finally you've arrived. Your presence is much needed." Alpha Ember smiled at a tall, pale lady with hauntingly beautiful features. Her long straight raven hair fell below her back, unmoving as she strode confidently decked in a long, tight black dress that hugged her slender body with bright, contrasting red lips. A character from a classic horror flick, she was. 

"It is my pleasure to be of assistance to you, Ember," Hayley replied softly, her dark brown eyes glued to Ivy's anxious ones. 

Her presence screamed that of a witch. Ivy gulped. They couldn't possibly want to hurt her without proof. "There's nothing to worry about, Ivy. Hailey is just here to confirm that all you've said is the truth. I apologize if this makes you uncomfortable, but as you must understand, it is our duty as Alphas to ensure that no harm comes to our pack." Alpha Ember let out.

"So tell us exactly what happened yesterday, including how you awoke our son." Alpha Everson said in that never-changing calm tone of his. Ivy sighed. It was no use trying to explain to these people. Perhaps having Hailey around as a lie detector was not such a bad thing. It may be the only way to prove her innocence.