Chapter 6: A New Alpha Emerges

The sun hung low within the sky, casting long shadows over Crestmoon as Olivia paced outside the house. It had been days for the reason for disagreement with Amelia, and whilst they had controlled to push her back, Olivia’s thoughts were nonetheless spinning. The merging with Hera had made her extra powerful, and more complete, but it also left her feeling torn. Her magic, now coursing through her veins alongside her wolf instincts, made her stand out in ways she wasn’t equipped for.

 "Olivia?" Ralph’s deep voice broke through her thoughts. She grew to look at him standing at the entrance, a challenge etched across his robust functions. His dark eyes, typically so regular and calm, have been packed with fear.

 She compelled a smile. "I’m first-class, simply thinking."

 He stepped closer, the warmth of his presence immediately soothing her. "You don’t look excellent. You’ve barely slept since the combat. Talk to me."

 She desired to. She desired to inform him the whole lot—the worry, the doubt, the sensation that she no longer belonged here. But how could she change into a sturdy one? The percent wished for a Luna who should lead beside Ralph, not someone who changed into barely retaining it collectively.

 "I simply need some air," she responded, avoiding his gaze. Ralph, ever the strong Alpha, had been nothing but patient with her on account that they go back, but the distance between them grew, and Olivia didn’t recognise how to bridge it.

 Ralph’s hand rested on her shoulder, grounding her. "You don’t need to convey this by myself, Olivia."

 She swallowed tough, her heart aching on the gentleness in his voice. She didn’t deserve him. Not like this.

 Before she may want to respond, the sharp sound of footsteps approached. Caroline, the girl who had once been complicit in Jessica’s betrayal, hurried toward them, her face pale.

 "Alpha, Luna," she gasped, out of breath. "There’s something you want to see."

 Ralph straightened at once, his protecting instincts flaring. "What is it?"

 "It’s Jessica. She... She’s been talking. You need to return."

 Olivia’s heart raced. Jessica was locked away inside the dungeons for the reason that struggled, however, she hadn’t said a word. If she changed into finally talking, it couldn’t be right.

 Ralph gave Olivia a quick look, his jaw tight with dedication. "Stay near," he stated softly, and despite the fear curling in her belly, Olivia nodded and followed him toward the dungeons.

 The air became thick with anxiety as they descended the stairs into the cold, damp cells. Olivia’s pores and skin prickled with unease. Jessica sat within the far corner of her mobile, her once proud functions now gaunt and hollow. Her eyes, but burned with malice.

 "You’re ultimately here," Jessica sneered, her voice hoarse but mocking. "I began to think you’d forgotten about me."

 Ralph stood tall, his presence commanding even within the dim light. "Talk, Jessica. What do you realize?"

 She laughed, the sound sharp and sour. "Oh, I know plenty, Alpha. More than you realize. Amelia’s not completed. You assume you’ve gained, however she’s already making plans for her subsequent move."

 Olivia’s blood ran bloodless on the point out of her aunt. Despite her defeat, Amelia’s impact lingered like a shadow over the. "What does she want now?" Olivia requested, her voice trembling notwithstanding her attempt to sound sturdy.

 Jessica’s gaze flicked to Olivia, her smile twisted. "She wishes you, little Luna. You and that magic of yours. She’s not just after power, Olivia. She’s after immortality."

 The room fell silent, the weight of Jessica’s phrases pressing down on them. Immortality? Olivia’s coronary heart pounded. If that became authentic, Amelia would stop at nothing to get what she wanted.

 Ralph advanced, his frame anxious. "What do you mean? How does Olivia contribute to this?"

 Jessica’s smile grew wider, extra sinister. "You’re standing after the important thing to the whole thing, Alpha. Olivia isn’t just any hybrid. Her magic is vintage and historical, and it’s tied to the land. Amelia desires her blood to complete the ritual. She’s not simply going to kill her—she’s going to apply her."

 Olivia stumbled back, her breath coming in brief, sharp gasps. She felt Ralph’s arm regular her, his strength assisting her as her international spin. Was that why Amelia had tried to kill her earlier? Was her entire existence only a pawn in some twisted recreation for energy?

 Ralph’s eyes have been darkish with fury as he grew to become again to Jessica. "Where is she? Where is Amelia hiding?"

 Jessica laughed once more, though this time it became more desperate, greater unhinged. "You suppose I’d let you know? If I deliver her up, I’m lifeless either way."

 "You’re already lifeless," Ralph growled, his voice low and dangerous. "The best element retaining you alive is the desire that you could nonetheless be of use to me."

 For a second, Jessica’s smirk faltered, worry flashing in her eyes. "I’ll tell you what I know," she said, her tone shifting to considered one of desperation. "But you need to protect me. Amelia’s more effective than you may imagine. If she reveals I've betrayed her..."

 Ralph didn’t blink. "Start talking. Now."

 Jessica hesitated, then decreased her voice, her gaze darting around as if Amelia could be listening from the shadows. "There’s an area. Deep within the woodland. A hidden part of Crestmoon territory. It’s where the curse turned into, where all the energy comes from. Amelia’s been there, getting ready for the ritual. She’s amassing forces, and she’s no longer on my own."

 Olivia’s heart sank. It turned into worse than she feared. Amelia wasn’t just hiding—she turned into making plans, something massive, something that would ruin them all. And Olivia becomes at the center of it.

 "Show us," Ralph demanded, his voice hard as steel. "You’re going to take us there."

 Jessica’s eyes widened in panic. "I can’t! If she sees me—"

"You will," Ralph interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You’ll lead us there, otherwise you’ll die right here. Your desire."

 Jessica swallowed difficulty, her defiance cracking. "Fine," she whispered. "I’ll take you. But when you see what’s available, you’ll want you in no way requested."

 As they came to leave the dungeon, Olivia’s thoughts raced. Amelia became accessible, growing more potent, and now Olivia was more than just a hazard—she became the important thing.

 But what if she wasn’t sturdy enough? What if she couldn’t protect herself, not to mention the pack.?

 Ralph’s hand slipped into hers as they ascended the stairs, his grip firm and reassuring. "We’ll get through this," he stated, his voice regular despite the typhoon brewing around them.

 Olivia nodded, though worry nonetheless gnawed at her. The route in advance changed darker than ever, and the burden of her destiny was heavier than she may want to undergo.