9 pm.

In a large hall, people gathered around a table, their attention fixed on a woman seated on a distant throne.

"I know someone who can help us sneak into the castle," one of the lackeys revealed, bringing a smile to Tessa's face.

"That's more like it, but there's no 'us.' I'm doing this heist alone, I don't need distractions," she declared, shocking everyone.

Tessa had stopped going on heists alone after a major incident two years ago that had left her deeply shaken. Though no one knew the details, it was clear that whatever she had experienced had traumatized her.

The great owl had a weakness that could have given them an advantage, but unfortunately, they did not know of it.

"Are you going alone?" The man asked, still stunned by her revelation.

"If there's truly a beast in that old castle, then we need to keep you guys safe, right? It's better if I go alone since I fear no beast," she replied, causing some to snort in disbelief. Tessa, caring about them? They would sooner believe a dog than a future Tessa claiming to care.

Tessa was known for her selfishness and distrust of others. Why would she care for them? If anything, she would eliminate anyone in her way, as she had just demonstrated. Tessa's determination was unmatched and that is the only reason they all looked up to her. The lack of physical strength compared to a werewolf's was never a barrier to Tessa's mission, she always came out victorious. 

"You expect us to believe you are doing this because you worry about us?" A young woman in the crowd asked skeptically.

"Seeing is believing," Tessa replied curtly.

"Well, okay. As you wish, owl," the young woman said, and with that, the meeting ended.

With the assistance of her lackeys, Tessa set off for the castle immediately, a cart filled with equipment for the heist in tow.

The castle stood majestically atop a hill, its towering stone walls and turrets piercing the sky. The outer walls, made of gray stone blocks, were thick and imposing, with battlements lining the top where archers once stood guard. A grand gatehouse marked the entrance, complete with a heavy wooden drawbridge spanning a wide, deep moat filled with water.

Thanks to the excessive lanterns illuminating every part of the castle, she could easily discern its structure. It was as if they were drawing attention to it with the remarkable lighting.

For a king who had neglected his people for ten years, he was certainly keeping himself safe.

Unexpectedly, the interior of the castle was much darker compared to the bright exterior. She couldn't help but wonder about the strange design. Were they trying to keep people out or in?

"Weirdos," she muttered, making her way to the back of the castle where she sneaked in through the kitchen.

"Oops," she said, raising her hands in mock surrender when she encountered a maid carrying a tray of food. So, there were people living in the castle after all?

"Ahhh!!" The maid screamed, dropping the tray and attempting to flee, only to be knocked out.

"That was close," Tessa exhaled, dragging the maid into a corner and ensuring she was well-hidden before continuing toward her destination.

As she navigated through the castle, she kept running into maids, which began to irritate her. This wasn't how the heist was supposed to go according to her intel.

How could Busty have given her the wrong information? His intel was never wrong unless...

"Where is it!" She sang out, turning it into a tune until she stood before a door. Smiling to herself, she gently opened it.

There it was, sitting alone, looking so majestic she wanted to snatch it immediately. But she decided to admire it a little longer before taking it.

For five years, she had searched for the red ruby crown, rumored to have the power to raise the dead. Surprisingly, it had been sitting in this old, forgotten castle.

The crown was crafted from lustrous gold, and meticulously shaped into an elegant circle that fit comfortably on the head. The gold surface was intricately engraved with delicate patterns of vines and floral motifs, showcasing the skill of master craftsmen.

Anyone could admire such an exquisite treasure. Picking it up, she placed it on her head and giggled.

"Pah, we made it." She called out a name and was about to remove the crown when a sudden wind swept through, lifting her off the ground.

"Ahhh," she cried as her back slammed into the wall, leaving her groaning on the floor.

A black shadow appeared on the wall. She traced it up to the ceiling and found herself staring at a huge werewolf with a deathly gaze.

Terrified, her heartbeat quickened and she began regretting coming alone without her werewolf lackeys.

Was this how she was going to die? The last time she single-handedly fought a werewolf, she ended up with a scar, which was why she stopped doing heists alone.

"How dare you!!" The werewolf's voice thundered around the room.

Slowly, the white, red-eyed wolf began stalking toward Tessa, his steps predatory and full of anger. For some odd reason, she felt a fire ignite within her as she met his intense gaze.

Taking her eyes off the wolf, she spotted the crown that had fallen off her head and looked toward the door. 

If she planned it well, she could escape. The wolf might be trying to scare her and had no intention to attack her, so she could use that to her advantage. With just a perfect distraction, she would be able to successfully evade the wolf.

"We can settle this amicably," she tried to distract the wolf, crawling toward the crown with a smile on her face.

Just as she was about to grab it, the wolf pounced and sank his fangs into her neck.

'Elias, stop!! She is our mate.' Before Elias could sink his fangs deeper, his wolf called, and announced that shocked Elias.

"Mate!"