Morning light filtered through the thin curtains of the guest bedroom window, gently illuminating the face of the girl curled beneath the blanket. Though she was covered, her empty stomach let out a loud, rude growl.
Growuuurk …
Vel's eyes fluttered open. She felt the emptiness in her stomach—with only a little food eaten last night due to her hesitation.
Slowly, she rose, trying to move quietly. The room was spacious and warm, but also a little scary. She wasn't sure if she was allowed to leave, but her hunger was too strong to ignore.
Barefoot and wearing only a thin gown, Vel inched toward the door. Outside, the corridor was silent except for faint birdsong through the large windows. She followed the faint scent of toasted bread from somewhere ahead.
Before she found it, she bumped into something tall and solid—like a stone wall.
"Aah!" she gasped but was caught just in time.
"Vel?"
She looked up and saw Kael, his expression a blend of confusion and concern.
"Why are you out of bed? You should be resting."
Vel lowered her head, clutching the hem of her gown. "I'm sorry … I was just … hungry."
Before he could respond, a deep, commanding voice cut through the air:
"Kael, who is she? Why does her scent smell ... off?"
Vel froze. Kael turned, his face tightening.
A tall, authoritative man stepped out of the corridor—silver-haired, broad-shouldered, stern.
"Vel, return to your room," Kael said calmly but firmly.
Vel stepped back, and the elder man continued. "An Omega, unable to suppress her scent in an Alpha household. Do you not see the problem, Kael?"
Kael exhaled. "She's not used to it yet, Father. She's learning."
"It's your responsibility to teach her. She seems to be in pre-heat phase, her scent could trigger any man here. You want an older guard to lose control?"
Vel hugged herself, her face tense and eyes quivering.
"I—I … I …, " she stammered, head bowed.
"How old are you?" the man asked.
Vel stuttered, "T-twenty."
"Twenty and you don't know how to suppress your scent? Who raised you?"
Kael stepped forward, placing himself protectively between Vel and his father. "That's enough. I'm responsible for her."
The older man squinted. "Explain her identity."
"She … is my lover," Kael stated.
Vel's eyes widened. "W-what?"
Kael remained calm—though breathing slightly fast—"I found her last night. I haven't had time to introduce her."
His father's stare grew sharper. "Your lover? She isn't marked yet. There's no trace of your scent on her. Don't think I'm stupid."
Kael sighed, frustrated. "We aren't that far yet. It's still new."
The elder approached Vel, scanning her from head to toe. She flinched, her body warmth increasing, her scent unstable. She stepped back when—
Growuuurk …
Her stomach rumbled again.
Even Kael's father paused.
" … Sorry," Vel whispered, ashamed.
Kael looked to his father. "I'll take care of her. Right now. Please don't interfere, Father."
His father held his gaze, then nodded slowly. "One more slip and she leaves. Take care of her."
Once he turned and exited, Kael exhaled deeply.
Vel stood frozen. "Did I cause trouble?"
Kael reached out, gently ruffling Vel's hair. "You were just hungry. The only trouble is I was careless letting you wander alone."
He offered a small smile. "Let's have breakfast. But this time, you stay right beside me."
***
With light steps, Kael guided Vel by the hand down the corridor, the atmosphere warm even with lingering awkwardness. Vel didn't speak, but Kael's firm hold gradually eased her tension.
The main dining room was just as majestic. A polished dark wooden table dominated the center, surrounded by towering, ornately carved chairs. On one side, large windows revealed the mist-shrouded garden outside.
A servant stood waiting at the far end of the table. Without prompt, he approached and placed toast, hot soup, and fresh fruit before Vel.
Vel looked at the food, torn between hunger and hesitation.
"Please," Kael said, pulling out a chair. "Eat. I know your stomach's been growling."
Vel nodded and sat, carefully sipping soup. Kael sat beside her, watching as he took a sip of his tea.
"I'm sorry," Vel murmured between spoonfuls.
Kael tilted his head. "Why?"
"For making you trouble."
Kael was about to respond when Vel's spoon slipped into the bowl, and she suddenly slumped forward.
"Vel?"
Before he could reach her, a white glow enveloped her. In an instant—poof!—Vel became the small white cat he'd seen the previous evening. She sat confused and frightened, her tail fluffed in alarm.
"Oh … my."
Kael shot to his feet, nearly spilling his tea. He took a deep breath, glanced at the still-shocked servant, then scooped up the little cat. He picked up Vel's thin gown from the floor.
"You really know how to shift at the worst possible moment," he muttered with a mix of frustration and amusement.
Vel let out a quiet mewl, her ears drooping apologetically.
Gently stroking her head, Kael turned and exited the dining room. "We need to talk about this—but first, we must get you out of sight before Father finds you like this."
He picked up both the cat and the gown and headed down the corridor. Vel curled up silently in his arms, her tail flicking nervously.
Once in the guest room, Kael shut the door and laid the gown on the bed.
"If you can hear me, try to calm yourself," he instructed softly. "Your shifts may be triggered by strong emotion. Don't force it—wait until your body is ready."
Vel mewed gently and hopped onto the bed, curling into a ball.
Kael sat by the window, exhaling slowly. "Well … that was one interesting morning, wasn't it?"
Vel turned to him. For a moment, the world was silent.
Kael knew: this was only the beginning of the chaos. Not the end.