RAFAEL POVThe storm raged on, worse than I had anticipated. From my vantage point on the balcony, I could see that it had devastated parts of the pack house while water continued to rise. I doubted anyone in the lower building would survive if the rain persisted."What should we do about the members on the lower floor? Most of them are omegas and could die if we don't take action. And that means we'll lose valuable workers," James, an Eta, said.As I observed the rushing water, nearing the level of the lowest building with people struggling outside, I furrowed my brows. Their attempts to swim were futile as the water mercilessly pulled them. I turned to him and instructed, "Allow them to evacuate to a higher floor above the flood level. And if it reaches that level again, they should move even higher.""Very well, sire," he replied, bowing before swiftly leaving the room.I made my way back to the infirmary, only to find Winter missing from where I had left her. Naomi was tending to

WINTER'S POV (LATER IN THE EVENING)The room basked in a soft, warm glow from the crystal chandeliers suspended from the intricately moulded ceiling. The light danced across the gilded edges of ornate frames that adorned the walls, enclosing masterful paintings depicting scenes of lavish banquets and breathtaking landscapes. It was my first time entering the dining room, as most of my meals had been served in my room. Stepping forward slowly, I felt as though I had been transported to an entirely different world.As I approached the long, polished mahogany table positioned at the centre of the room, stretching majestically from one end to the other, my gaze wandered from wall to wall. Luxurious tapestries, woven with intricate patterns and vibrant colours that recounted tales of ancient legends and noble lineage, adorned the walls. I knew Rafael possessed a sophisticated taste and an eye for detail, evident in the stark contrast between his seemingly mundane room and the grandeur of

Rafael's POVAfter the meeting ended, I assumed everyone would retreat to their respective abodes for the night, but it seemed they had other plans in mind. It was surprising to find everyone gathered in the hall, engaging in conversation as if it were a regular occurrence. Some were equipped with sleeping bags, while others reclined on the vacant sofas.The hall was packed, and I couldn't blame them. Most of the people present had already lost their homes. Furthermore, the rain showed no sign of letting up; if anything, it intensified. I approached the window as the crashing sounds filled my ears, straining to catch a glimpse of what was happening outside. With a sigh and a shake of my head, I realised that I could barely see anything. Even with the assistance of my secondary eyes, the darkness prevailed.This flood was unlike anything I had ever witnessed, and it showed no signs of abating. The pervasive scent of fear in the room confirmed that this was an unexpected event for all of

Winter's POV:My back ached, so I did a little stretch before letting out a groan. All I needed at that moment was a warm bath and a good night's rest. I was relieved to finish what I was doing, including my shift in the infirmary.Naomi arrived once again to take over from me. Although she didn't explain what had happened, I didn't ask her either. I believed that when the time was right, she would tell me.Using my elbow to turn the doorknob, I nudged the door with my hip. Even though I had nothing in my hands to prevent me from using them, I was too lazy to do so.As I stripped out of the dress I was wearing, I stepped toward the bathroom and came to a halt as soon as I noticed I wasn't alone in the room.My eyes widened, and I quickly darted back towards where I had dropped my gown, bent down, and wrapped it around me."Jess?" I mumbled as soon as I saw her. I placed my hand on my beating heart and exhaled a breath."Yes, my lady. I am only preparing a bath for you. Miss Naomi told

Winter's POV:The morning had finally arrived, and I was grateful for it. I had grown tired of staring at the ceiling, although I couldn't say I spent the entire day doing so. At some point, I must have slept, only to wake up again and resume my contemplation.The nightmare I had been trying to escape didn't return, but my mind was filled with thoughts of what the goddess had said and what it meant. No matter how much I pondered over it, I couldn't come up with any answers. Yet, I knew it all revolved around Rafael. Perhaps he might have some insight, and asking him wouldn't cause any harm. Or maybe it would.I climbed out of bed and slipped my feet into the fuzzy slippers before me. A groan escaped my lips as the warmth enveloped me, and I trudged towards the windows. Parting the curtains, I exhaled, creating moisture on the window pane. However, that wasn't what caught my attention.The storm had subsided, but the water levels hadn't receded. It could take up to two days for the wat