Transmigrated: The Lycan King's Pet
Chapter 53 Gratitude

Chapter 53: Chapter 53 Gratitude

(Ember POV)

"Ember." A voice rang from outside my tent.

Suddenly, the blue portal disappeared along with the magical flowers and butterflies, snapping me out from my trance-like state.

I looked around in confusion, my heart pounded in my ears. ’What is happening to me?’

It had all begun with the bath from the strange woman, what had she done to me? My hand trembled beside me.

"Ember." the voice came again.

I tried to calm myself, to hide my turmoil. I made my way to the entrance of the tent, and when I opened the flap, Alaric stood in front of me.

"Alaric, what are you doing here?" I was taken aback by his sudden arrival.

His gaze lingered on me for a second too long. I fidgeted under his stare, ’What with the burning gaze, is he trying to melt me like an ice cream or what? He used to be sweet."

He sighed, a smile curled on his lips. "You are a genius."

I looked at him with a frown on my face. First of all I know I’m a genius, but why was he complimenting me?

"I am?"

"Yeah, we have been able to manage the flooding. I feel like squeezing you into a hug, but you know who will tear me into shreds." he chuckled, his voice was so full of vibrancy, that I couldn’t help but smile at his joke.

"I’m so glad that I was able to help, but you guys did most of the work."

"You don’t have to be generous with the praise. Anyway, Alpha Damon wants you to get dressed, the villagers want to say thank you." He looked with a funny expression, like he was trying to suppress a laugh.

Not dwelling on that, I nodded my head. "Okay, I’ll get dressed as soon as possible." I scratched my head before heading back inside my tent.

As I made my way to the bathroom, a reflection made me stop midway. Slowly, I turned to the mirror. My hands flew to my lips as I gasped in horror, my hair looked like a bird’s nest, black round circles formed around my eyes.

I cried inwardly, remembering how Alaric had looked at me, while trying to suppress his laugh. I look horrible!

.....

The scorching sun burned through my skin, making me sweat profusely. I had barely stepped out of my tent, and I was already tempted to run back inside and hide under my thin sheet. But no, I had to face them—the pack, warriors, elders... everyone Damon had probably gathered to make me squirm in public. Still, I swallowed my nervousness and forced my feet to move forward.

The moment I turned the corner and stepped into the open square, I halted. My breath hitched.

There were so many people.

Men and women stood in rows, most of them villagers I barely recognized. A few had dirt on their faces, their clothes still soaked at the hems from the flood. Yet their eyes... their eyes were lit with something I hadn’t expected—gratitude. Pure, raw gratitude. Children clung to their mothers’ legs, and elders stood a little straighter than usual, as if they’d summoned strength just for this moment.

Someone clapped. Then another.

Before I could blink, the entire square erupted into applause.

The sound hit me like a wave, and I stumbled back instinctively. A slow smile tugged my lip, knowing that my plan had worked, now the packs had begun to see me in a new light.

Alaric stepped beside me and whispered with a grin, "I told you they wanted to say thank you."

Before I could say anything back, one of the village women approached with a small woven basket of bread. She bowed slightly, her smile warm and her eyes watery. "This is for you," she said softly. "My son said you’re the reason we still have our home."

I blinked. "Oh—no, I didn’t do much, I—"

"Take it," Alaric cut in, nudging me gently. "Just take it, Ember."

I reached for the basket with trembling hands. It was still warm.

More people came forward—one by one. Someone placed a rough, hand-carved necklace in my palm. Another shyly gave me a single sunflower. One boy ran up and threw his arms around my waist before dashing back behind his older brother, who muttered an awkward apology but gave me a thankful nod.

Every gift was small and humble. But they meant everything.

"I—" My voice cracked as I tried to speak. I cleared my throat, blinking quickly to fight the tears gathering at the corners of my eyes. "Thank you... I really didn’t expect any of this."

’Oh stop the acting, it is horrible.’

I ignored the thought.

Elder Dominic stepped forward next. He was the one who had frowned at me earlier when I challenged the flood wall plan. Now, he stood tall and proud, looking me straight in the eyes.

"You may have ruffled a few feathers," he said in a gruff voice, "but your ideas saved lives. You earned our respect today."

That was it. That was the final blow to my composure.

My throat tightened, hearing those words from him was the least thing I had expected considering our past.

Unsure of what to say, I gave a quick bow and murmured a thank you.

’Good job Ember. Very soon, you’ll be number one in their heart.’

The crowd slowly dispersed, going back to their lives with a newfound sense of calm.But a few people lingered—especially the younger warriors who kept stealing glances at me like I’d grown two heads.

Some of them walked up and started chatting casually, asking how I’d come up with the idea, if I had any experience with dam-building, if I could maybe help again in the future.

I almost whistled at their well toned body, their questions flew past my ears.

"If you need my help, I’ll be here to help." I flashed them the sweetest smile I could muster.