More Enemies Around You

Chapter 17
For several days, Nalani busied herself in the garden, her Hands were working tirelessly to restore its former beauty.

The once neglected place began to show signs of its old beauty, though the plants had yet to flower. At Karyan's behest, some guards built a new fence around the garden, making Nalani realise that Karyan was paying attention to its progress.


One day, Bertold appeared in the garden, his eyes observed the work Nalani had done. “This is amazing,” he said, approaching her with a warm smile. “What have you planted?”

Nalani smiled back. “I planted roses, daffodils, and hydrangeas. They haven’t flowered yet, but they are growing well.”
Bertold surveyed the plants, nodding in agreement. “They already look beautiful. You’ve done an excellent job.” He approached a little closer, lowering his voice. “I will bring some seedlings from my personal collection. They will add a nice variety to your garden.”

Nalani’s smile widened. “That would be wonderful, thank you, Bertold.”

The healer then looked around to make sure it was just the two of them before asking in a quiet tone, “And how do you feel, Nalani, after... everything?”

Nalani hesitated, her fingers gently brushed the leaves of a nearby plant.

“Physically, I’m fine. But this is... strange. It’slike I’m living in someone else’s body. I can feel it as my own, but at the same time, it feels different.”

Bertold nodded with a serious expression. “That’s to be expected. You’ve been through something extraordinary. It's Only natural that there are lingering effects. Give yourself time to adjust.”

Nalani looked at him and nodded. “I suppose that’s all I can do.”

Bertold placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “And remember, if you need to talk, or if you feel anything unusual, don’t hesitate to come to me.”

“Alright, thank you, Bertold.”

As Bertold turned to leave, she stopped and looked back at him. “Oh, and one more thing. Be careful around Karyan. He may be watching your garden, but he’s also watching you.”

Nalani’s heart was racing, but she forced a smile. “I will keep that in mind.”

Bertold gave a final nod before walking away, leaving Melania Behind. She returned to gardening, but because of Bertoldi's Warning, she wondered. Why was Karyan so interested in her and the garden?

After all, Nalani still tended to the garden. No one bothered her. Karina didn't show up again, only occasionally bumping into Nalani in the corridor where they nodded to each other wordlessly.

One morning, while Nalani was tending to the roses, she saw Karyan and some men riding towards the forest. Curious, she asked a passing guard where they were headed. The guard told her that they were going hunting. Usually, their people hunted at night, turning into wolves to track their prey. But today’s hunt was different-they were after a game that roamed during the day, which meant the meat would be taken home.

Nalani saw them return with a large, dead stag draped over one of the horses in the afternoon. The sight of the majestic animal stunned her.

That evening, Nalani received an invitation to dinner.

She reluctantly went. As she entered the magnificent dining room, she was greeted by the rich aroma of roasted venison.

Karyan stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding as always, but his eyes softened when they met hers.

"Please be seated," he said.

Nalani took her seat, looking around the table. The atmosphere was bustling, filled with chatter and laughter.

When the first course was served, Karyan raised his glass. "For Nalani," he announced, his gaze never leaving her. "I hope you enjoy the fruits of today's hunt."

Nalani's eyes widened at the realization. "You hunted... for me?"

Karyan nodded. "Venison is a delicacy, which I hope will please you."

Nalani realized that Karyan was trying to make her comfortable and lessen her longing to return home.

Nalani didn't particularly enjoy the dinner, but she was too tired to argue or provoke the Alpha. Surrounded by werewolves and the only woman at the table, she felt out of place. Karina's absence was surprising, as she was usually glued to Karyan's side.

Feeling tired after a long day of gardening and uncomfortable with her surroundings,

“Can I leave now?” Nalani asked permission to return to her room early.

Karyan was in a mood, granted Nalani's request. "Walk straight to your room." His voice held a command. "Don't even think about going outside."

Nalani shuffled through the dark corridor to her room.

Apparently a servant had forgotten his duty to light a small torch along the wall.

As she turned a corner, she heard two guards exchanging words. One of them asked where the other was going, and he replied that he was carrying leftovers for the prisoners in the dungeon.

“Is the assassin still alive?" one of them asked.

"Yes," the other replied. "Alpha ordered us to keep her alive until the assassin confesses who ordered her to kill Lady Nalani."

"The thing is, it's very difficult to get a Ruteron to confess. They are better off dead."

Nalani was shocked and realized that Karyan had been imprisoning the person who tried to kill her all along.

Curious, wary, she decided to follow the guard who delivered the food.

She stayed hidden until the guard left, then approached the cell cautiously.

Peering through the small barred window of the heavy wooden door, he was surprised to see a woman inside. The moonlight refracting inward revealed her haggard face and haphazardly curled, disheveled hair.

Despite her condition, there was resistance in her purplish eyes.
The woman looked up, her gaze fixed on Nalani. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice hoarse and rough.

"I'm Nalani," she replied quietly, still processing the unexpected encounter. "You... you tried to kill me."

The woman's eyes narrowed. "And if I had succeeded, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

Nalani took a deep breath, bracing herself. "Why did you do it? Who sent you?"

The woman laughed bitterly. "You think I'd tell you anything? You, the Alpha's pet?"

Nalani flinched at the harsh words, but she continued anyway. "I'm not his pet. I just want to understand."

The assassin studied her for a moment, as if weighing her sincerity. "You wouldn't understand even if I told you. This Goes beyond you and your precious Alpha."

"Then help me understand," Nalani insisted. "If there is a greater threat, we need to know."

For a moment, the woman looked like she might relent, but then her expression hardened. "I've already said too much."

Nalani sighed, realizing that she would not be getting any more information tonight. "What is your name?" she asked, hoping to establish a connection.

The woman hesitated, then murmured, "Ordas."

"I'll be back, Ordas," Nalani promised. "Maybe we can help each other."

As Nalani turned to leave, Ordas called out to her, "Be careful, Nalani. There are more enemies around you than you think."
***