Chapter 4 – His Doubts

“She should at least tell you where you’re supposed to go. I won’t permit you to leave if your destination is unknown. You’re to bring a small team with you.” Clyde plainly laid it down.

“I agree. I don’t exactly believe her words… it’s just that… she knows my name. And these are silver wolves…” His thoughts are a little scattered.

“Can’t you ask her?” Sab urged him.

“Last night, she wouldn’t say…”

“Try again…” His mother persisted.

Alex sighed before looking at the wolf next to him.

“I’m not sure if you heard our conversation just now. You have to tell me some essential information here. Where exactly are you? Anything you can tell me now, please do.”

Akira tilted his head and they waited. Alex began to frown as the wait became longer.

“You want to know where I am?”

He somehow felt relieved to hear her voice again.

“Yes. Where are you?”

 “Do you know where the palace ruins is?”

His frown deepened. Don’t tell me…?

“You’re at the palace ruins?”

“I am.”

Alex leaned back on his seat and sighed.

“She’s at the palace ruins?” Everyone was looking surprised.

“How is she related to the royals?” Clyde quickly asked and his son had to repeat the question.

“I’m not related to one.” Her tone remained calm and he couldn’t pick up her emotions.

“Why are you there, then? Didn’t you say you can’t leave that place? How did you get there?”

“How did I get here? I’m not sure. I woke up one day and here I am. I tried to step outside, but realized I couldn’t. It probably still looks like ruins on the outside, but I’ve cleaned up the interior. I’ve sent my wolves to get you.”

“What you said doesn’t make sense. How can you not step outside?”

Her next words began to show her frustration. “I cannot explain because I do not know. I don’t know everything, do I?”

“Then, what do you know?”

He heard her take a deep breath before speaking again, “I’m a descendant of the moon goddess. I know things. They come to me, but I cannot divulge everything to anyone. There is a time for each one. What I can tell you would depend on it. Right now, I can’t tell you much. When we meet in person, I would have more to share with you.”

“Did you say you’re a descendant of the moon goddess?” Alex focused on this one while looking at the others, too.

“A descendant, huh?” An elder contemplated.

“There are a few people in the past who claimed such a thing.”

“How does the moon goddess have descendants?” Clyde was genuinely curious.

“Is it true she walks among us and falls in love with werewolves?” Sab followed up.

“That’s one theory. No one ever claimed to be the moon goddess, though.” Another elder replied.

“I’m sure no one would dare.” Alex muttered. It would be preposterous.

“So, she pretends to be like us and gives birth to werewolves?” Someone else continued.

It was here that the woman in his head replied, making him realize that she can hear the others.

“Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t think that’s how I came to be, though. Remember how the goddess favored wolves so much, she gave them the gift of being able to shift into a humans? I believe it was the same for me. I’m probably a silver wolf which was turned into a human.”

“You can hear them, why must you make me repeat what they wanted to ask?”

“I just want to hear your voice, is all.” She sounded teasing, with a hint of longing. Alex began to imagine what her life is like.

“Are you alone?”

“In a manner of speaking. I have six more wolves with me.”

Six? Alex did a quick math. There are thirteen wolves in total? Anyway, that’s not what’s important. She’d been alone this whole time? With only wolves accompanying her?

“How long have you been there?” He’s beginning to feel bad for her.

“Years. Decades. From what I know, I have already spent more than twenty years in this lonely place. Are you coming to get me or not?” She actually whined in his mind.

Alex took a deep breath, falling into contemplation. He’s still unconvinced. He can’t easily make a decision.  

“I’ll wait for you, if you want me.”

He wasn’t expecting her tone to sound really gloomy; his chest was pricked.

His parents were watching him closely.

“What will you do? As long as you’re careful, we’ll let you go.”

“Should I believe her? Should we?”

“What else did she say? You haven’t told us yet.” Sab reminded him, and so he did.

“She seems mysterious enough.” It’s the conclusion they came up with.

“Silver wolves are known to be protectors. I don’t think you would be in any danger with them around. They’re almost sacred. Their reputation has always been linked to the moon goddess. You won’t find or hear a story where they harmed anyone who doesn’t deserve it.” One of the elders related while gazing fondly at Akira.

Huh, Alex quickly introduced him and the wolf seemed to look happy because of it.

“Let me think about it.” He requested as he had to change his current plans if he’s to temporarily leave the pack.

Akira whimpered a little. He’s not sure why but Alex was tempted to explain himself.

“I have obligations. I can’t just leave.”

Sab stared at her son. “It’s good that you’re wary, but not if you’re overly suspicious. She’s currently a mystery, sure. But the abilities she’s displaying are undoubtedly unique. I’m inclined to say we can probably trust her.”

Clyde glanced at his mate. For some reason, he was reminded of their past. One where he doubted her words. He turned to their son. Yeah, it won’t be good if he becomes too doubtful.

That night, he went to the lake and all seven wolves followed him. He sat on the ground and looked up at the crescent moon in the dark sky. The wolves took their positions and he noted them. Yeah, they’re really guarding him. Akira remained by his side; its gaze trained on him.

He thought about the things he must do if he’s to leave to rescue her.

“Won’t you tell me your name? I meant your master.” He clarified when the wolf’s expression turned questioning.

He waited but there was no reply. He would take that as a no. She refused before and he wasn’t really expecting her to say it.

He was torn between dilly-dallying and moving urgently. A part of him wanted to delay it for as long as possible, but a part of him remembers that she’d been alone for a long time. Three days. The preparation took him three days. They’re set to leave in the early morning of the fourth day.

Before Alex and his team left, Clyde took him aside to say a few words.

“I know you’re doubtful of this woman, but if she’s truly your mate, it would hurt her if she learns how much you doubt her. Tread carefully and act accordingly, Alex. You wouldn’t want to inadvertently hurt her, even if you’re just being careful.”