Emily’s pov
There are three primary ranks within werewolf populations: Alphas, Betas, and Omegas.
These groups form the foundation of what we know as packs. Generally, Alphas are the strongest, both physically and mentally, with the unique ability to anchor wolves of lower ranks.
This power helps maintain order, ensuring that members of the pack remain rational and in control of their emotions and instincts. As a result, Alphas naturally lead packs. Betas, the second in command, are the next strongest and act as the Alpha’s right hand. Lastly, Omegas, while not possessing any extraordinary abilities, are highly sensitive and deeply reliant on the Alpha’s presence and command.
Wolves who stray from their packs and lose the Alpha’s influence are called rogues. Rogues are werewolves who succumb to a berserk state, unable to control their animal instincts or think rationally with their human mind. Most rogues devolve into a purely animalistic existence, lacking intelligence or reason.
However, history records a rare exception—a single rogue who not only resisted this descent but thrived. While I don’t know all the details, this rogue played a pivotal role in shaping the world we live in today. He united rogues across the globe, who were typically shunned and hunted by werewolf society, forming a powerful community of his own. His growing force disrupted the balance of the werewolf world, transforming rogues from scattered, territorial wanderers into an organized threat. Packs, once independent and territorial, were forced to form alliances to combat this rogue rebellion.
But the rogue leader was clever. He exploited the very alliances meant to stop him, driving wedges between countries and inciting wars that lasted for centuries. Eventually, the packs realized they had been manipulated and agreed to end the endless fighting.
This led to the establishment of a new hierarchy system. At its head was the Alpha King, the supreme ruler of each country. While individual packs maintained their Alphas, they were now subject to the authority of the Alpha King and his council. Below them were the Ten Families, descendants of warriors who returned from the front lines of the wars. These families, enriched by spoils of war, gained wealth, influence, and special titles. With their resources and power, they formed the backbone of society, further dividing the lines between the common werewolves struggling to survive and the elite few who controlled everything.
During the wars, the weaker wolves who stayed behind were relegated to odd jobs. This period solidified the concept of servitude, with many werewolves forced into subservience to the stronger factions. When the wars ended, the system remained. Servant werewolves were placed under strict rules, their lives often hinging on the whims of their masters. One false suspicion could lead to the death of not only the servant but also their entire family. Their existence was deemed expendable, their numbers deliberately kept low to maintain control.
This harsh reality explained why Reo reacted so fearfully to my moment of suspicion. A servant’s life was fragile in this world, always hanging by a thread. And coming to a boys' school so steeped in this historical nonsense meant I’d be dealing with it every single day. But I refused to be like them. I wouldn’t.
I turned to Reo and said, “Reo, if you prove that I can trust you, then I’ll put my life on the line to set you free from the servant bonds of this school.”
Reo, who had been standing quietly by the side, still visibly trembling, looked utterly shocked at my words. I understood his reaction. He probably didn’t trust me. Why would he? For all he knew, I could be leading him into a trap that would end in his death.
But the truth was, I needed my aide to be mine and mine alone. I wasn’t naive—I knew that at the end of the day, servants like Reo were obligated to report everything they saw and heard to the higher-ups at the academy. That kind of liability could easily put me at a disadvantage, and I wouldn’t allow it.
“I know you don’t trust me, and I haven’t given you a reason to,” I started, but Reo shook his head vigorously, cutting me off. I paused, curious about what he had to say.
“I choose to trust you, Ms. Emily,” he said, his voice steady despite the slight tremor in his frame. His words shocked me in turn.
“You’re not like the others. The air around you is different. That’s why I volunteered to be your servant earlier,” he continued. “To be honest, I was hoping you’d offer me something like this. My life is tied to my family’s, and I need the money. That’s the only reason I joined the academy. But the rules here… they’re merciless.
“When I first got here, I had friends—good ones. Most of them were wrongly accused and sent to their deaths by their masters. After that, I tried to keep a low profile. I avoided finding a master and did odd jobs around the school instead. But it wasn’t enough. The academy started threatening to terminate my contract if I didn’t find a master soon.”
He spoke quietly but honestly, and I smiled. I liked that. Reo didn’t hold back. It was rare to find people like him—people willing to fight against this broken system, even in small ways. Even showing a hint of unyielding will was defiance enough.
“Alright then. I’m happy to make your acquaintance,” I said, extending my hand to him. Reo’s eyes widened, and he almost dropped whatever he’d been holding. Before he could say anything, I added, “To me, you’re an aide, not a servant. Around me, you’re free to speak and act however you like. I won’t take offense. But when we’re outside…” I trailed off, and he nodded, understanding the unspoken rules.
After a moment’s hesitation, he reached out and took my hand.
“And in return? What would Ms. Emily like me to do?” he asked, a hint of cautious curiosity in his voice.
My grin widened. He was smart.
“Help me investigate a murder case,” I said simply.