The Alpha's Cinderella

Chapter 69

Serena’s POV

We had been traveling for as long as I could remember, and honestly, I already lost track of time. After days of walking and running, we finally reached a big lake.

Alicia took a deep breath and admired the place. The lake was covered with mist, so we couldn't see anything. Meanwhile, she seemed sure that we reached the right place.

"We're here," she declared. Ashford and I looked around.

"I don't see any pack village here," Ashford declared. I seconded his concern.

"So, where's Asteria?" I asked. Alicia smiled meaningfully before stepping into the lake. She then took out a tiny whistle and began to blow it, creating a sound.

Just in, the mist covering the whole lake began to disappear. And as weird as it sounds, we found a tiny boat from the middle of the lake slowly moving its way toward us without someone driving it. Ashford and I looked at each other. Alicia seemed to have noticed our amazement.

"Be prepared, for you will see more unusual things upon our journey," she said. Ashford and I both swallowed hard. We weren't accustomed to seeing such wondrous things, so everything was practically new to us. And yet, as per Alicia's words, we weren't seeing the last of her wondrous deeds.

With that, my anticipation in seeing Asteria heightened. I couldn't wait to see what this mysterious pack had in store for us.

Following Alicia, we boarded the small boat. At first, we were looking for the wooden oar that we would use in rowing the boat toward our destination. But we saw nothing. Instead, Alicia blew her silver whistle once again, and before we knew it, the lake water began to move on its own, guiding us toward the middle of the lake as we moved.

My heart throbbed inside my chest. There was a feeling of excitement coursing through me that I struggled to understand the origin. Why did I get a feeling that somehow, this place was waiting for me? Like a part of me was embedded within this mysterious place, although I knew it would be impossible, as I was sure I've never been to this place ever.

My wolf, Remus, suddenly awakened, alerted by the couple of unknown presences he sensed. I saw Ashford move his head, ready for any danger that might be lurking around. Yet, Alicia remained calm, and as soon as the mist completely cleared out, we saw a piece of land – no, a floating pack village – in front.

"Welcome to Asteria," Alicia uttered. Once again, she tuned in her whistle, and after a few seconds, a couple of she-wolves with the same skin tone as Alicia’s emerged from the bushes around. An elder woman, whom I think was the leader of the wild-looking women, stepped forward.

“Welcome back, Alicia,” she greeted as we stepped down from the boat. Alicia gave her a warm hug before looking at us.

The woman turned her eyes on me, and as soon as our eyes met, hers glistened with tears.

"Is that…"

“Yes, Mari. Tell the pack that the princess has arrived.”

Princess? Did Alicia just address me as a princess? As soon as the word was delivered, the group of women ran ecstatically. Meanwhile, my mind was flooded with so many questions. I was starting to feel uneasy and uncomfortable with what was happening. Ashford then put his hand on my shoulders, offering support.

“Alicia, I don’t think—”

“Just trust me, Serena. The last thing we would do is to harm you. I know that you have a lot of questions in mind, and the only way to address them is to come with me to the pack village.”

I looked at Ashford, seeking guidance on what to do. When Ashford nodded, I gathered the remaining courage within me and followed Alicia.

As we scanned around, the floating pack wasn't actually land. Instead, the whole thing was made out of a bunch of reeds clustered together to form the base of the entire island. But what surprised me the most was how rich the place was with trees and other plants, considering the way it was suspended on top of water.

The trees around became thinner as we walked further within the woods. Wolves started to come forward, showing their excitement upon seeing me, as if I were a certain celebrity. Asteria was half the size of Goldenridge, but their place was more ancient. It felt like I was on a different timeline, considering the way I saw things in this pack.

Just in, an old woman stepped forward, eyeing me with longing and warmth. I saw how Alicia and the rest of the she-wolves bowed their heads in respect, indicating the role she played in Asteria.

“Tell me I wasn't dreaming,” the old woman exclaimed. Her voice was like a lullaby in my ears. I hadn't met her, but somehow, I could feel an unexplained connection with her.

“You aren't, my majesty,” Alicia exclaimed. “The moon goddess has brought the missing princess home after so many years.” I was rooted in my spot, unblinking, trying to process what I just heard. My mouth fell open, with my lips parted in silent surprise. I could no longer process what I had been hearing. What the hell was happening.

Just in, the old woman threw her arms around me, and I was too shocked to even refuse. The woman started crying, expressing her deep longing to see me after missing for so long. The rest of the women in the village cried, celebrating the reunion that until now had blinded me with an explanation. I was like a dry leaf on top of a river, silently riding through the waves wherever it took me.

The old woman pulled away and looked at me with a smile. “I knew you have a lot of questions in mind, my granddaughter. Why don’t you come inside so I can start answering all of them.”

Without saying anything, I found myself following the old woman. My mind struggled to comprehend what was happening, and I knew only she could provide answers to it.