Chapter 1 Prologue/Author’s Note
Prologue/Author’s Note
Ten years ago…
“The only way to save your people is by getting into the Games of Zyraeth and winning. Meaning, the chances are zero to none. You would be gnawed whole, your opponent would not even need teeth. He or she would think you’re a bowl of oat…”
“I get it, I get it. Your faith in me is so solid, I almost forgot to be motivated.” I said, making sure he did not miss my sarcasm and the eye roll that followed suit.
Betis watched me and a look of compassion crossed his eyes. “Are you not happy here?”
“I am.” I replied, not taking my eyes off the dishes that I was currently washing and intentionally withholding back the part I wished to say.
… but I do not belong here.
I have only survived this long because Betis has done his best to mask my scent and teach me in his ways so my differences and shortfalls will not stand out.
But that can only tackle what is on the outside. On the inside, I wished to be with my own kind again.
The kind that did not border between control and insanity during a full moon.
The kind that did not see me as a meal to maul if I was unscented.
The kind whose leadership scale ranged from presidents to mayors, not Greek alphabets.
I just want to be a hundred percent human again. Not the Aelin Moonveil, daughter of Betis Moonveil that everyone has come to accept.
But The Eliora Marten. The girl who wholeheartedly pursues her interest in photography and gets to marry the man of her dreams.
That can never happen here at Grimm Alley, the Omega territory.
Not only am I trapped in the werewolf world but I am also trapped among the lowest ranked.
My dreams are so far fetched.
Betis approached me. His overtly large belly coming into my vision first before his face.
I looked at the man who has become a father figure to me over the years. If it was not for him, I definitely would not have lived long enough to even think of returning my people back to Frostville.
“Maybe you should take a break. The cafe has been busy all day but now we’re cleared out. I would finish up the chores.” he said, gently taking out the sponge from my grasp.
“Thank you.” I was actually exhausted but I know why he wanted me to get some rest.
Betis dislikes whenever I bring up the talk of my people. Particularly because, the war that caused my people to be sent out of Frostville was the same war he had lost his family.
All we have is each other and he has done everything within his capacity to make me feel comfortable and welcome that I should not miss my own family.
But I did occasionally. I was about six years when we were separated and it’s been nine years since then.
So I was not a child without memory when we parted. I knew my father and brother loved football, and my mom was an expert chef. I had memories of us together that haunted me sometimes when I could not answer if they are still alive or dead.
That is why I am willing to at least try to find them.
I walked out the back door of the kitchen and up the stairs. We live just directly above our moderately sized cafe. A wooden building off the Main Street Betis had gotten constructed.
When in my room, I took a shower to change out of my clothes and fell asleep to the hope that I might see my family again.
Later on….
A beam of light struck my face, causing me to open my eyes and find its source.
It was Betis with a flashlight. Apparently, the power had gone out while I was asleep.
Typical of Grimm Alley.
“I did not mean to wake you. Once I saw you were asleep, I turned around.” he was explaining himself but I actually don’t see the need because I was not even offended.
“It’s fine. I need to wake up anyway. I have a few things to read for school.”
“Aelin,” he calls my name, but gives a temporary pause in between it and a sigh “if you really want to connect with your family and save your people, your only actual chance is the Games of Zyraeth. You don’t have to win it, just make sure you emerge among the top three to count.”
“What if I emerge fourth? Can I at least be heard out?”
“There is no fourth. Only the top three are alive by the end of the game.”
Whoa! Wait!?
“How is this a chance when I can get killed?” Is he trying to get rid of me?
“Because I can help you. The Games of Zyraeth take place every ten years. You might not need to go for the next but if you are patient enough, you can go for the one after that and we will use that time to train you. The games test you in the skills a werewolf should possess and only the weak and unprepared are killed. We can make you strong and prepared for each of the levels if you are willing to risk it.”
I was thinking. Betis sounds like I do have a fighting chance and every ten years is enough time to really prepare myself.
“How do I get in?” I asked
“Two ways by physical or mental strength. When it comes to physical strength, we at the omega’s territory really fall short but that is where your mental strength would shine. You will prepare both in fight and knowledge to be able to pass their written exams and excel at the academy. Are you willing?”
He did not need to ask me twice.
Authors Note
Hello everyone!
Welcome to another book by me. Thank you for stopping by and considering this book worthy of your time!
Book Title: Silver Steel Academy (SSA)
Book Genre: Werewolf/fantasy
This is an original work of fiction. Which its idea came to me on a random Thursday the 5th of February 2026. Sincere apologies go out to anyone who may seem in line with the characters, situations, scenarios or events that take place in the book.
Trigger warnings:
This book would contain fight scenes, flashbacks, blood and gore, steamy and sexual content etc. as it is an ongoing book, this list might be updated with time.
That being said, please do not copy, steal, re-publish or plagiarize any part or materials of this story.
Please like, comment, share, vote or anything you can do that would encourage me. I would always appreciate it.
Thank you once more!
