Harvest Festival

Chapter 4

As the first rays of the morning sun kissed the horizon, a surge of anticipation coursed through my veins. Today marked the beginning of our long-awaited harvest festival, an event that held great significance for the Moon Oriental pack. As the Beta, it was my honor to host this grand celebration within the heart of our pack's territory.

The harvest festival was a time of joy and unity for the pack, with vibrant decorations, the aroma of freshly baked goods, and an atmosphere filled with laughter and excitement. As pack members gathered, children played and elders shared stories, all united by the strength of their traditions. The festival grounds centered around a mighty oak tree, symbolizing their deep-rooted connection, and a stage stood ready for performances. It was a celebration of abundance and gratitude, where the pack came together to honor their shared heritage and create lasting memories.

As the morning sun climbed higher, casting a warm glow upon us all, Alpha Navarro, Luna Maris, and I stepped onto the stage, our hearts pulsating with pride. The harvest festival was more than a mere celebration; it was a testament to the unity and resilience of our pack, a time to honor the blessings bestowed upon us by the Moon Goddess and share our abundance with those we held dear.

With a deep breath, Alpha Navarro raised his voice as he announced, "Welcome, esteemed members of our pack, to the commencement of our joyous harvest festival. Today, we gather not only to celebrate the bountiful gifts of nature but also to celebrate our unwavering spirit as one pack, united under the Moon Goddess's watchful eye." Then, he smiled. "Bless our pack, for we have an honorable guest, Your Royal Highness, Crown Prince Alucard!"

I gestured my hand when Alucard stepped on the stage, shrieks of excitement looming over the field as soon as he drew out a radiant smile that made all the ladies and women swoon by it. I suppressed a sigh and resisted the urge to roll my eyes as I observed Alucard basking in the attention, his joy apparent and commanding the focus of those around him.

"Greetings, everyone. I am truly honored to be a part of this joyous occasion," Alucard addressed the crowd, his voice carrying a tone of genuine appreciation. The attendees erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable. "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Navarro, Maris, and Faustina for their gracious invitation. Together, let us invoke the blessings of our beloved Moon Goddess for abundance and prosperity." His words resonated, invoking a sense of unity and collective purpose among the gathered pack members.

"Thank you, Faustina," Luna Maris said as she approached me when she got a chance to get away from entertaining the other guests that came from the other neighboring packs. "You make this festival possible."

My gaze shifted towards her swollen belly, each passing day bringing forth a more pronounced curve. The sight filled me with a mixture of awe and tenderness, knowing that a new life was growing within her. I couldn't help but let a soft smile grace my lips. 

"No, Luna. I only add little details, and the rest is from you."

"Silly. It is not." She chuckled. 

"Get ready for an even greater wave of joy and celebration as the night unfolds, Luna," I exclaimed, a twinkle of excitement in my eyes before my eyes set on Alucard, who was being swarmed by the little pups who were aged from five to seven. 

He looked enthusiastic playing with them, seeing how his smile was genuine and bona fide. 

My point of view on him changed overnight because of our talk. I thought that he was just an arrogant lycan prince, but the way he also wanted to be seen as a person, not as a prince, had swept my sympathy for him.

Later that night, everyone was feasting and enjoying the festival while I was attending the borders of our pack to recheck and make certain that our pack warriors were fulfilling their duties even if the whole pack was busy for the festival. I managed to multitask what my agenda was for today by going to the watchtowers and keeping up with the festival to see if things were running smoothly.

"Beta."

I straightened my back before turning to see one of the elite pack warriors, Saul, bowing his head before me. I squinted my eyes a little before clearing my throat.

"Does this mean you have news?" I asked meaningfully.

When Saul nodded, my stomach clenched, making my mouth parched. I gestured my head that we should talk it out back in the manor, to my study hall. The manor would be at peace at the moment since Edison had gone out to socialize with his peers, not even remembering what happened the other night.

"I have investigated the origin of your necklace and found the artisan who customized it." He took out a scroll and bestowed it to me. "His name is Howard Eude. He has been working for the Velvet Stones, owned by late Grand Duke Beowulf and Grand Duchess Leanne Bellwood, for more than 20 years."

I reread the rest of the contents of his report, scrutinizing each detail before looking up at Saul.

"It does not state here who the client was who asked him to make that necklace."

"Um... About that, Beta. He asked me if I can show the locket to him. He cannot pertain the design unless I showed it to him."

My hand reached for my locket as if someone was daring to take it away. "Are you certain?" He nodded. Sighing, I took the small compartment of it to put the necklace before bestowing it on him. "I want more details this time. You will be excused from your duties here as long as you are fulfilling what I asked you to do."

"Yes, Beta." Saul bowed his head and left.

I slouched on my chair, pinching the bridge of my nose from the realization that I might be able to find who my parents were. I wasn't planning anyway, but with the way Edison was acting, I needed to find something that could distract me.

I was curious about who I really was. So, I asked one of our elite pack warriors to investigate with the approval of Alpha Navarro.

If things would escalate that I would begin to know my real origin and Jaromir returns here after his graduation this year, I would definitely disembark for a journey to find them, no matter if they were still alive or not. I wanted to give peace to myself.

I was already 30 years old, and going on a Centenarian age in the future gives me the idea that I needed to fill what was lacking in me so I would have no regrets if I had my last breath.

"Get yourself together, Faustina." I tapped my cheeks before deciding to go to the field where a lot of our pack members were still outside, enjoying everything.

I only watched from afar as I couldn't find myself going there to enjoy myself as I still had to fulfill being the Beta. But just as I was about to leave, Alpha Navarro spotted me and called me. Only to see him being with Alucard, who was drinking at the same table.

"Over here, Faustina!"

My body shivered in delight when I smelled Alucard's musky scent murking in the air as I approached them with heavy footsteps. My wolf was celebrating as our eyes met with him, who was raising his mug, which seemed to be that he was served with ale. 

"Yes, Alpha?" I distracted myself by paying attention to my Alpha. 

Alucard's piercing gaze sent a tingling sensation through my body, making me acutely aware of his presence. I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my chest as my heart raced. Trying to regain composure, I subtly created some distance between us, attempting to conceal the effect he had on me. It was a futile effort, though, as the heightened awareness of his proximity made it difficult to mask my racing heartbeat. I had to maintain my composure and keep my emotions in check lest he perceive the effect he had on me.

"You have been working here and there. Why don't you eat and enjoy yourself?" He sighed as he looked at Alucard with an apologetic gaze. "Faustina always overwork herself, Your Royal Highness. Sometimes, it is hard to make her stop from her duties for a while."

I wore a slight frown, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks as Alpha Navarro directed his teasing words towards me. "That's rather impolite, Alpha. I simply have a desire for things to be organized and structured," I retorted, unable to conceal my eye roll.

"See?" Alpha Navarro laughed before he stood up and made me sit beside Alucard. "Here. I forbid you to work for the rest of the night. That is an order from your Alpha." He tapped my back. "Stay here, and don't leave." He enlarged his eyes, indicating that he was threatening me as soon as a plate of food arrived and served it to me.

I let out an exasperated huff. "You remind me so much of Edison when he used to scold Jaromir and me," I commented, drawing a parallel between Alpha Navarro's scolding and the similar experiences I had with my adoptive father.

As Alpha Navarro laughed and continued to engage with us, he playfully teased me about my workaholic tendencies before excusing himself to attend to Luna Maris. Now, I found myself alone with Alucard when he decided to ask me to walk with him, and I couldn't help but feel his warmth emanating from me, causing a subtle shift in the atmosphere.

I cleared my throat to break the ice. "Don't mind what Alpha Navarro said. He is being a jerk again." I finished my food and decided to pay attention to the mug of ale.

A gentle smile graced Alucard's lips, captivating not only me but also stirring a flutter within my wolf. "Navarro holds you in high regard, acknowledging your exceptional capabilities as a Beta," he remarked, his voice carrying a hint of admiration.

I looked at him in disbelief with an arching eyebrow. "Hearing that from you gives me some jitters."

He smirked. "How rude. I simply tell what he told me." I only rolled my eyes in response.

We decided to watch the whole pack on a hill where we could see it was illuminated with the lights, immersing how everyone was merry for the festival. It brought a smile to my face since it was a success.

I flinched as Alucard gently placed his coat over my shoulders, the lightweight fabric providing warmth and comfort. His words held a hint of amusement as he remarked, "You've been feeling cold, and yet you didn't mention it."

"Uh..." I lowered my gaze, realizing that I had instinctively wrapped my arms around myself, trying to ward off the chill of the night air. A warm sensation washed over me as I took in Alucard's thoughtful gesture, causing my heart to flutter with a mixture of gratitude and something more. "Thank you, Alucard," I said with a slightly awkward smile as he took a seat beside me.

He grinned. "Now, I like that you are calling me by my name."

As our bodies drew near, a shiver ran down my spine, igniting a surge of electricity between us. Inhaling sharply, I caught Alucard's gaze, our widened eyes acknowledging the undeniable connection we felt. Our wolves added to the intensity, their primal instincts urging us to embrace our destined bond.

Alucard reached for my face, making me hold my breath. The heat radiating from his hand sent a wave of sensation through me, causing me to see an emotion inflicted on his eyes.

He slowly leaned in and paused to see if I was going to protest or not when he saw that I didn't do anything and must have seen my anticipation, his lips drawing closer to mine, leaving me stunned and breathless.