“How long has it been now?” Lady Rosina asked as she mixed a herb mixture in a small metal pot.“A moon and a half, mother.” Ivorie answered from opposite her mother in-law.It was already, according to Ivorie's calculation, a moon and two weeks into her pregnancy. Two weeks since three Alpha's had revoked their alliance with Cresthowl pack and proven it in a gory manner. Nothing had been done in retaliation yet, though.They were in Ivorie's chamber, as Lady Rosina had requested, where she wanted to prepare and administer herbs to Ivorie. “Take this,” said the older woman as she offered Ivorie the small pot. The thick pungent smell caused the latter to instinctively scrunch her face and retreat. Seeing her mother-in-law's serious gaze, she smiled cheesily and collected it.One single big gulp down the throat, like her mother had always told her, saved her from torture of the horrible taste. She slammed the pot on the table, still scrunching her face.“You would have to get used to i
“Argh!” Ivorie groaned painfully on the bed in the infirmary. “Shaerah, would you do something about these cramps, they're discomforting!” Ivorie said to the head healer, who was busy mixing something on a medium sized metal jug.“Hold on, Luna. This herb will stop it when I'm done brewing it.” Shaerah answered, her concentration unwavering from the herb.Ivorie sighed heavily as another pain surged through her lower belly. She had been told beforehand that carrying an Alpha baby would be a bumpy journey for her but she hadn't expected it to be this much. It was excruciating.“Shaerah…” she moaned as she gritted her teeth, gripping the sheets tightly as sweat poured from her face in torrents.“Here here,” Shaerah muttered as she rushed to her with a cup. She put it in Ivorie's mouth and helped her drink the herb.As she downed the contents of the cup, Ivorie felt the cramps recede swiftly. Her belly soon felt the painlessness it was used to. She could breathe properly now.“Thank you,
“Have you folded the cloak, Grace? It might get cold out there.” Ivorie asked as she finished knotting the straps of her gown. She turned to Grace and indeed, the handmaid was folding the emerald cloak into a small bag.However, she also noticed the sullen expression on her face. A twinge of concern tugged her heart and she asked, “Is something bothering you, Grace?” She asked the handmaid. It seemed Grace had been lost in her thoughts as she jerked when Ivorie called her name.“Uhm, there's nothing wrong, Luna. I’ll pack your dress now.’’ she said and rummaged through the bag. It was obvious she didn't have any particular thing to do there and just wanted to keep Ivorie's eyes off her.The latter sighed and walked towards Grace. To Ivorie, she wasn't just a handmaid anymore. Their relationship had grown past a Luna and her handmaid, receiving orders while Ivorie dished it out. She was her sister now.“Are you sure?” Ivorie asked in a soft tone, placing her gentle hand on Grace's shou
Ivorie's heart raced within her chest as the noise coming from the crowd increased. However, she suddenly felt a soothing feeling from within herself. Her hands stopped fidgeting and her nerves seemed to magically calm.‘Be calm, Ivorie. I’m with you.’ Maia reassured her from within. Ivorie closed her eyes and exhaled in relief. She had almost forgotten about her wolf.‘What would I do without you?’ she exclaimed inwardly.Now that she had crossed that line of keeping calm, she was ready to speak to them. But then she realised something and frowned.“How would they hear my voice from up here?” She asked herself.‘I don't suppose you know of any magic spell that can amplify my voice, do you?’ she asked her wolf playfully.‘I’m a wolf, not a witch!’ Ivorie could almost see Maia's eyes rolling at that moment.‘Luna.’ another voice entered her mind and she knew it was Brennan’s.‘I’ve got a witch.’ he announced into her mind and Ivorie turned to her right to see Brennan ushering an older
“Wh…what have you done?” Ivorie gasped as she stared in awe at the two men before her.Their lips raised into sinister smirks. “What does it look like, little Luna? I'm sure it doesn't seem like we're here to commend your great speech, does it?” One of them asked, still with a smirk on.Ivorie felt anger boil within her and instead of backing away fearfully, she fisted her hands.‘Maia, are you ready?’ she asked her wolf as she readied herself to shift.‘What? No, you're not strong enough, Ivorie!’ Maia reprimanded.Ivorie, who really felt that she was strong enough as she was the Luna, felt conflicted by her wolf's declaration. ‘I am the Luna!’ she argued.‘That doesn't mean our body is durable enough to stay in wolf form for long. I can sense their auras, Ivorie, they are both betas, which means fighting them wouldn't be an easy task, even for a trained warrior.’ Maia explained, trying to drill sense into Ivorie.“What are we waiting for, let's get her!” One of the men snarled befor
As Ivorie was taken indoors, the loud growl that could be mistaken as Regan's voice, came. All the guards cleared the path as the Alpha rushed to see his mate.“Where is she?” He asked in a loud voice as he pushed the guards away frantically.He spotted Ivorie seated on a platform and je froze. Seeing her in that confused and agitated state made him even more agitated. His breath caught in his throat as he fell on his knees before her.“Iv…Ivorie…” he stuttered as he gently traced his hand on her arm. She jerked, apparently startled by his touch.“It's okay, it's me.” Regan said in a soft tone, aiming to keep her calm. He gently stroked her hair and her arm with both hands. Ivorie slowly relaxed on her seat, her pants slowly reducing to regular breaths.Regan then swerved his head around, causing all the guards around to gasp. They all moved at least a step backward due to the effect of their Alpha's intent gaze on them.However, Regan's gaze was on one single one amongst them. He spr
It was still dark and most of the castle dwellers had retired for the night. Safe for Regan. He was in the infirmary, but he wasn't the one who was bedridden. He was there to see Estan.The Beta was still in a comatose state, temporarily unconscious to the world. He still had his signature arched eyebrows intact, his face had grown no extra facial hair while he was in the coma. Regan had made sure to get a witch to preserve his body until he gained consciousness. He had also not rested on the issue of finding the witch, wherever she was.Regan released a heavy sigh as he leaned over Estan's unconscious body. “Hold fast, friend. I will make sure you come back to us soon.” He muttered to him.‘Alpha, we have a situation!’ a voice instantly interrupted his thoughts. He groaned and ran his hand through his hair in obvious frustration.‘When do we ever have a peaceful night at this castle?’ he asked no one in particular. More of a complaint to himself as he stood up and left the infirmary.
The cold wind wheezed past the tall trees and thick shrubs of the forest but Nicholas Jenn remained rigid on the spot. His eyes focused on the bush before him with a stoic face.Kiya, however, wasn't in the same position. She was shivering under the cold night, even with the thick cloak she was putting on. She rubbed her palms together, trying to heat them up.“How long do we have to wait till they arrive?” She asked in a tone of frustration.Nick didn't respond immediately, and Kiya faced him with a frown, folding her arms.Nick, seeing that she wouldn't let him be, sighed, “I have no idea Kiya, they should be here soon.” He said.Kiya rolled her eyes and sighed, “That is what you said thirty minutes ago.” She said with obvious distaste.After a few moments of silence, she spoke up again, “So…these men, do you think they were able to kill that Luna?” She asked.“They weren't meant to kill her in the first place, Kiya. I simply ordered them to scare her, like Blood Grove did the last
Everyone watched as the little girl - Evangeline, as Clawn had referred to her as - went mute. She still had a deep scowl on her face, which in reality, made her look cute rather than angry.“You will NOT speak to our guest in such manner!” Clawn ordered in a grave tone, his sharp and menacing glare rooted on his daughter’s face.She, however, didn't give the reaction Ivorie had thought she would. She instead fisted her hands, turned around and dashed off. A guard went running after her.Silence still reigned around the table, silence that carried awkwardness.“Let the feast proceed.” Clawn said in a low and unhappy tone before picking his spoon.‘Well, that wasn't awkward.’ Maia remarked within Ivorie, sarcasm dripping from her calm voice.‘I’m going to ask Clawn what this is all about.’‘I believe a father and daughter issue should be solved by them alone.’ Maia interjected.‘Does this sound like a mere father-daughter quarrel? It obviously has something to do with me and if there's
“So he has a daughter.” Grace stated as she walked into the chamber offered to Ivorie after her. The latter slumped on the bed and exhaled heavily while Grace dropped the small bags she brought along with her. As they had been informed by Alpha Clawn, the rest of them would be brought by his servants.“I do recall him mentioning his family once, but it didn’t occur to me that he ever had a daughter.” Ivorie expressed, her gaze sweeping around the room they were in. Massive wardrobes, extravagant candle chandelier, lush rug – the usual furniture expected to be found in a proper castle chamber. Although a bit smaller in size when compared to her chamber in Cresthowl pack, Ivorie couldn’t complain. Alpha Clawn had helped them enough and she wouldn’t worry him about a change in accommodation. That would be an act of ingratitude.“You must be tired, Luna. I will request for a bath to be prepared for you so you can have your bath. Then you can have some food…” Grace ranted on as she dropped
“So he has a daughter.” Grace stated as she walked into the chamber offered to Ivorie after her. The latter slumped on the bed and exhaled heavily while Grace dropped the small bags she brought along with her. As they had been informed by Alpha Clawn, the rest of them would be brought by his servants.“I do recall him mentioning his family once, but it didn’t occur to me that he ever had a daughter.” Ivorie expressed, her gaze sweeping around the room they were in. Massive wardrobes, extravagant candle chandelier, lush rug – the usual furniture expected to be found in a proper castle chamber. Although a bit smaller in size when compared to her chamber in Cresthowl pack, Ivorie couldn’t complain. Alpha Clawn had helped them enough and she wouldn’t worry him about a change in accommodation. That would be an act of ingratitude.“You must be tired, Luna. I will request for a bath to be prepared for you so you can have your bath. Then you can have some food…” Grace ranted on as she dropped
‘’Luna, we have to remain quiet!’’ Grace whisper-yelled, holding Ivorie’s arm and desperately trying to keep her calm.Ivorie, however, was writhing in pain. Her hands clenched tightly that her veins popped and her teeth gritted as she tried to no avail to suppress her painful scream. She faced her handmaid and looked into her worrisome eyes.‘’I’m in…pain…’’ Ivorie cried through her gritted teeth.Panic surged through Grace and she fumbled with Ivorie's hands. Suddenly, a male voice from outside bellowed. ‘’You bloody liar! How many women are with you? Answer me!’’Grace’s face went pale immediately. She remembered Alpha Clawn’s words about how the rogues won’t know they were in the carriage if only they kept mute. Now that possibility is gone. She knew she had to find a way to protect herself and the Luna.Outside the carriage, two bulk-sized men stood before a more lanky but taller one. Of course, the taller one was the coachman riding the carriage while the two other men were rogu
Regan stood on the balcony of his chamber and watched as Ivorie entered the carriage. He watched as her handmaid came rushing to her front and kneeling before her.He was the one who had quickly informed the handmaid of Ivorie's departure. It was an impromptu departure and so most people in the castle weren't aware of it, including Grace. Regan had thought that she would need a friendly company with her in a strange land. And he knew she and her handmaid had grown into that friend zone. He also noticed that she was a very loyal servant and wouldn't leave Ivorie's side.Regan's heart bled when the carriage left, his wolf wailed and pushed him to stop her from leaving. To hold her to himself and embrace her forever. But he couldn't do that, he couldn't be selfish. She had to leave, not only for her safety, but also for the safety of those still in the castle.“Alpha,” a voice called him from behind and he snapped out of his saddening thoughts. He quickly wiped the drop of tear that tric
It was the following morning, the day Ivorie was to leave Cresthowl pack with Alpha Clawn. She wasn't running but playing her part to keep what the enemies wanted away from them.Ivorie had woken early that day and taken her bath. After dressing in her favourite obsidian green flowery gown, she ordered some servants to help her pack the necessary stuffs she wanted to take with her. All the while, she had a sulky look on her face.She waited outside her bedroom as she watched the servants do their work. Her mind had wandered off to the possibilities of a good and comfortable life in Blackwood pack.She knew she wouldn't be able to see Regan everyday. She wouldn't even be able to see him at all for moons or as long as she needed to stay there.‘I cannot believe you agreed to stay away from mate.’ Maia reprimanded her from within. She had been doing that all night, robbing ivorie of a sound sleep. Not that the latter could sleep anyway.‘It is for the best, maia.' ivorie said to her wol
The sun was beginning to set upon the Moonbeam pack lands. Alpha Johan and his team of conspirators had been waiting at the pack border for the whole day.“How long more do we have to wait till you believe that your mercenaries failed?” Nick asked in a tone of frustration. He was standing next to Alpha Johan as they both watched warriors training below from the building they were in.Without facing him, Alpha Johan responded, “I’ve told you countless times, Commander, this part of the job requires patience. Which you clearly lack.”Nick scoffed, “You know to be honest, when I initially saw those werewolves you hired, I noticed that they wouldn't be as professional as you said they were.” He pointed out tauntingly.Alpha Johan chuckled but it was beta Jordan who spoke. “Be careful with your words to the Alpha, Commander. He is an Alpha and when he says the mercenaries are good, they are.” The beta stated sternly.Nick, however, remained unfazed and scoffed again. “And how many times ha
Everyone in the hall gazed at Alpha Clawn with awry eyes. They couldn't believe what they had just heard from him.“Would you care to elaborate, Alpha Clawn?” Elder Callen requested.Clawn sighed heavily before looking straight at Regan. “That night of the Winter Ball, I saw the face of the man that attempted to murder me.” He announced, bringing gasps into the hall from the members.Alpha Clawn eyes darted around before landing on Regan again. “This should be confidential. There may be ears on the walls.” He stated sternly.Regan nodded before glancing at the guards around. “Leave,” and at once, all the guards marched out smoothly.All the Elders and nobles had their interest piqued now. They sat at the edge of their seats, waiting for Clawn's story to continue.“I believed that if I came out that I wasn't dead, it might be a bit difficult to know who my killer really was, or why he had wanted me dead.” Clawn continued. “So I kept the news of my death the way it was and asked my men
“Everything will be fine. We are all safe now.” Ivorie muttered to three little girls and patted their heads tenderly. They nodded before turning around and joining the others where they were seated.Ivorie stood up and gave Shaerah a nod, the latter returned it. Grace walked up to Ivorie and bowed. She had a concerned look on her face.“Luna, I hope you do not feel feverish?” She asked. Ivorie shook her head.“You know, if you want to rest a bit, there is some space…”Ivorie interrupted her, “I’m okay Grace. Thank you for your concern. You should also take a rest yourself, you have done well today.” Ivorie complimented the handmaid, gaining a warm smile and a bow from her.As Grace returned to her seat, Ivorie went to the guard that was standing at the entrance of the bunker that they were in.“How come I didn't know about this secret bunker until this day?” She asked as she folded her arms on top of her belly.“It was made a secret for a reason, Luna. Only a few warriors, including