WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU

As Licia approached, the townsfolk gathered around her, whispering among themselves and speculating about her identity, ranging from a traveler to a wolf from another pack.

Suddenly, one of the women holding a newborn in her arms cried out, "Help us, please. All we had to eat was a piece of bread. We've been starving for the past three days."

Licia's face paled as she realized she had once stayed in this place when it was rich and prosperous. She felt guilty and regretful, knowing she had played a part in the suffering of these innocent people.

But now, she was determined to make things right and atone for her past. She would give these people back what they had lost, their once flourishing town.

Alpha Enrique watched her silently, sensing there was something special about her.

"Don't worry," Licia reassured the woman with the newborn, helping her stand up straight. She blessed the baby with a gentle touch to its head and continued, "This is Alpha Enrique, the new Alpha of our pack, and I am his Luna, Licia. We will take special care of this town. Starting tomorrow, we will send you supplements and goods for the townspeople. We won't rest until we help you restore this town. You can trust us."

Licia's voice was powerful and authoritative, yet kind at the same time. The townspeople were initially afraid when they learned that the man standing before them was the infamous God of Death, but Licia's words put them at ease.

One of the men stepped forward and said, "Thank you, Luna. We will be forever grateful to you and the Alpha."

"We are here to serve you. Please don't thank us for carrying out our duty," Licia replied with a warm smile. Alpha Enrique joined in and asked, "Is there a church here where we can officiate our marriage?"

"We don't have a church here, but there is a monastery not too far away from the town," the townsfolk replied.

Alpha Enrique nodded and said, "Let's go there, Licia."

"I don't think it will work," the same man said, causing the Alpha to furrow his eyebrows. "Why would you say that?"

The man hesitated, knowing Alpha Enrique's cold tone and sharp eyes made him look distant and unapproachable. "I...the monastery doors are never open. They chase away everyone who seeks shelter there."

Another woman from the crowd spoke up, "They closed the door on us as if we were filthy animals when we sought shelter from being plundered, my Alpha."

Alpha Enrique clenched his fist and declared, "I will investigate this matter thoroughly, and if found guilty, I assure you that the culprits will be punished."

Following the directions provided by the locals, Alpha Enrique and Licia arrived at the old monastery. The retaining walls were in ruins, and the building had suffered some damage due to the riots, but it was not as severe as the houses in the town.

Upon entering, they were greeted by three monks, one of whom was elderly and frail, while the others were in their early forties.

"Good morning, what brings you here?" asked one of the younger monks with a cold demeanor. Alpha Enrique smirked, and a hint of warning crept into his tone as he replied, "How brave of you to speak to your Alpha in this manner."

The assistant monk was taken aback upon realizing that there was a new Alpha in charge, someone who couldn't be offended. "A-Alpha... I!" he stammered.

"Joseph, stop talking," the elderly monk interjected before addressing Alpha Enrique. "Please pardon my assistant's lack of awareness, my Alpha. We were not aware of your identity. How may we be of service to you?"

Although the elderly monk was slightly more respectful, his tone lacked care or concern. The couple was not surprised, as it was common for religious priests to view themselves as superior since they serve God.

"What happened to the monastery? The roof is damaged, and the walls are about to collapse," Alpha Enrique inquired.

"The gods are punishing us for the violence and killing we have committed against his beloved creation," the elderly man responded. "I am sure the Alpha did not come all this way to inquire about the monastery's well-being, did he?"

A cold smile appeared on Alpha Enrique's face. Even though he had initially doubted the townspeople's claims, he was now convinced that they were telling the truth, given how hostile the monks were towards their leader.

"You're right," he replied, wrapping his arms around Licia's shoulders. "This is my bride, and we would like to have our wedding here. We came looking for someone who could officiate the ceremony."

"I am happy to offer my services," the elderly monk said, faking a cough to appear feeble. "But if I am to officiate the ceremony despite my age and infirmity, what will you do for our monastery in return?"

Alpha Enrique's victorious smile was tinged with mockery and superiority. The monk, who had been glaring at him, refrained from making any comments since he was the Alpha. He nodded and said, "I will compensate you accordingly for your services, my dear monk. And of course, I will consider what I can do for your monastery in return."