6 Facade of a serious Alpha

Darkness surrounded her as Sophie saw the huge trees turning into shadows.

The shadows started whispering weird words Sophie couldn't comprehend. She started running and ran as fast as she could. In front of her, the whole forest was turning into shadows and she ran away from it, to the lake.

Water will protect her, it always does. Keeping that in mind, Sophie started searching for the lake. She knew this place, she and her mother used to come here when she was younger, she remembers where the lake is!

Her feet started hurting her and she stiffed a cry. Turning back, she can see the shadows chasing her like some creatures. They were walking like dogs but they were bigger than humans.

She ran as fast as she could, the lake was now visible from where she was so a sense of hope entered her body. She needs to be quick.

She was almost at the end of the lake when she fell, her knees scraped against the ground and she let out a curse. She didn't even look behind and started dragging her body to the lake, her skin was covered in filthy mud.

Now next to the lake, she turned back to see that the creatures have gone. Relief filled her but she knew this trick, the enemy will startle her now. She can't let the enemy win.

She touched the water while lying on the ground next to it. Her reflection in the water vibrated at the point of contact. Her reflection soon started changing. And within a few seconds, it changed into an evil version of her mother. Sophie tried pulling back her hand but it was too late, her mother's reflection pulled her back into the lake. Sophie tried swimming away from the woman but she couldn't, her grip was too tight to break.

Black color filled the lake and the water started turning black. Sophie started choking as she couldn't breathe. Her eyes started watering and she looked at the woman's face which looked like she was looking at her with love.

"Sophie! Sophie gets up" Steven stood in front of her as Sophie woke up from her nightmare.

-so it was just a nightmare- she thought. -But it felt so real-

"Are you alright? You were crying and shaking when I got here" Steven looked at Sophie with concern and Sophie's heart filled with guilt because she scared him.

"No I'm fine, it was just a nightmare I guess" Sophie lied through her teeth but Steven knew her better.

"Don't lie to me Soph, you know I see through you" Steven raised a brow challenging her to lie again and Sophie sighed.

Steven cared too much she thought. She suddenly remembered what Steven said that day in the cafe, he asked her out, maybe he liked her!

"It was, it was just weird. Today, I felt like something dark was surrounding me. And now, in my nightmare, I saw mom" Sophie looked at Steven who was looking at her with care, he always did.

"But she was looking different and we were surrounded by shadows." Sophie continued "Steven, can you please contact the kingdom and tell me whether mom is alright or not?"

"Off I will Sophie," Steven spoke. His demeanor has changed since Sophie met Tyrion, yes he was serious earlier but there used to be a spark in his eyes every time he looked at her, now it's replaced by a dull face.

"I'm scared that it can be goeth. She hasn't been caught yet has she?" Sophie asked as Tyrion shook his head. Sophie sighed in frustration.

"Don't worry Soph" Steven's hand went to Sophie's cheek and he continued "I'm here, I won't let anything happen to you ok. You trust me right?" Sophie nodded. She trusted him, trusted him that he will protect her life at the cost of his if matters come to that which is probably her father made him come with her.

"Am I interrupting something" a strong voice came from the door and Sophie almost jumped in happiness. It was Tyrion.

"Of course not Alpha, you can come in" Sophie happily said, the sharp tone of Tyrion's voice went unnoticed by her.

"I'm glad" Tyrion made a sarcastic comment as he passed Steven who was now standing next to Sophie with his chest held out.

"How are you feeling now Jada" Tyrion spoke directly to Sophie, ignoring Steven who was protectively standing there.

"She feels fine now Alpha" Steven answered before Sophie could.

"I'm glad about that beta Steve but I was talking to her" Tyrion gritted. Both men were behaving like teenagers and Sophie rolled her eyes.

"It's ok Stevie, you can leave" Sophie assured the guy who looked at Tyrion like he might turn into a creature at any given minute. Reluctantly, Steven left, which made Tyrion smirk in petty.

Sophie calling Steven by his nickname upset Tyrion and made him think that they were close but he chose not to react to it.

"Are you okay princess?" Tyrion asked her as soon as Steven left.

"Yes I'm fine now, thank you" heat crept up to Sophie's neck and she cursed at herself. She needs to get a grip!

"What happened? Princess Liana found you lying in the bathroom. Are you sure you're okay?" Worry laced Tyrion's words and it made Sophie's heart flutter.

"It's alright, I was probably tired from traveling" Sophie lied easily. It was in her blood to lure men, but she didn't want to use that on Tyrion.

"I'm glad that you're a fine princess" a smile found its way across Tyrion's face and in return Sophie smiled.

"You are good friends with your beta?" Tyrion almost spat when he said beta. The guy according to him was just eye candy, he can be good when it's time to persuade a woman but on the battlefield, he's as useless as a hungry cat.

"Steve? Yeah, we practically grew up together" Sophie's nerves calmed as she thought about her childhood.

"I can see that" The envy in Tyrion's voice was invisible to Sophie. Perhaps Tyron had doubts too, about how this woman is affecting him this much. "I think I should leave now" Tyrion got up but was quickly stopped by Sophie's hand.

Absentmindedly, Sophie's hand has traveled to Tyrion's arm and in an instant she removed it.

"I- I would like it if you'd stay for a few minutes" Sophie stammered. This is now how Sophie remembered herself. Even in her childhood, she has stood up to her bully who secretly liked her.

"If that's what you want Princess. But I assume you need to get ready for the party." Tyrion motioned to the clock on Sophie's right.

That's when she remembered that the ball was about to start within an hour. She faces palmed herself.

"What happened? Is everything alright? If you're unwell you don't need to come. I can assure you there will be no elimination then" Tyrion said. He was annoyed himself that he talked about going to the ball when she just fainted in the afternoon.

"No, really, I'm fine. It's just, it's just my friend Selena was supposed to come and do my hair but now, I don't have time for her" she groaned. Maybe it was unladylike to behave like that but she didn't care, she just has an hour to put on her makeup, do her hair and get dressed.

This was a receipt for disaster, she bitterly thought.

"Well I am not the to brag but I'm sure I can do your hair better than your lost friend" Tyrion suggested.

Sophie laughed "wait, you're serious," she asked him once she stopped laughing.

"As serious as they come." He fake bowed "hairstylist Tyrion at your device princess"

Sophie giggled "sounds like a plan". She got up and walked to the bathroom "I'll be back, my hair products and stuff are in that locker" she pointed to the huge shelf right next to the locker and nodded.

Sophie entered the bathroom and stripped out of her clothes, warmth filling her heart.

This version of Tyrion made her feel at ease and she wondered what more he has hidden under that facade of a serious alpha.