Athena’s POV
In an unexpected moment, I drew in a sharp breath as everything blurred into a fog. Gradually, figures appeared, and there was Ralph.
A younger version of Ralph was before me, wailing beside a lifeless body, his father.
In the next scene, Ralph, now more mature, stands in the heart of a forest, his screams echoing with anguish.
The vision shifted once more, revealing him on his knees before a deceased pregnant woman, presumably his wife, holding her lifeless hands in despair.
In that profound moment, I absorbed all his emotions, anger, hatred, and overwhelming sadness.
“Athena…” His faint voice called out, snapping me back to reality. His eyes, filled with concern, locked onto mine.
The intensity of emotions remained, leaving me overwhelmed. Hastily, I hurried into the bathroom.
Struggling to calm the storm within me, I took deep breaths, but the overwhelming emotions resisted r
Athena’s POV “Athena, this is our chance to escape. Join me,” he implored, desperation evident in his eyes.“Wait, what?” I pulled my hand away abruptly.“What's the matter?” He seemed taken aback by my reaction.“Look, I never expressed a desire for us to be together,” I struggled to choose my words carefully.“What do you mean?” His voice wavered with disappointment.“Bardulf, I appreciate you. You've shown me true friendship and supported me at my lowest. But I question if I'm meant to be your mate,” uncertain about the consequences.He took two slow steps backwards, his eyes welling with disappointment.“Are you... rejecting me?” His voice trembled.“No, yes. I mean, my heart belongs to someone else.”“So you mean everything that has happened between is nothing?”I knew I had provided him with my time, but I wasn't anticipating him to be that desperate. He moved closer, locking eyes with me showing so many emotions. “What's happening here?” Ralph's voice echoed down the hallway
Athena’s POV“Ma'am, are you okay?” Yifa called out to me from behind. As I opened my eyes, the wolf before was absent. The rustling leaves in the bushes signaled it escaped.“Did you see that?” I asked Yifa.“See what?” she replied, looking in the direction of my pointed hand.“Never mind.”Although I ventured back to the arena to observe others, my heart still raced from the encounter. From a distance, I spotted Ralph and waved with a brief smile, which he reciprocated. Despite attempting to enjoy the festivities, the lingering unease led me back to my room.With twilight settling in and the wolfing-out time approaching, marking the peak of the celebration, Ralph visited my room.“Are you okay? You look worn out,” he observed with concern.“I'm fine. Maybe just tired,” I reassured him with a smile, hesitant to burden him with the uncertainty surrounding the wolf encounter.“Will you be able to come to the arena later?” he inquired.“Of course.” After spending little time he return
Ralph's POVRunning back to the arena, I regained control and swiftly shifted, putting on the clothes provided for us after the run. The haunting howls of other wolves echoed through the woods.I don't see Athena around, and given what I overheard involving Bardulf, I felt compelled to check on her.The thought of my friend being connected to Athena brought a sense of humiliation that I'd address later.Tracing Athena's scent, I found her with crossed arms, standing with Tala and Ulf. My instincts signaled trouble, especially with Ulf's mischievous grin.“I have a wolf!” Athena exclaimed.“Prove it” Ulf, clearly up to mischief, challenged her with a hateful smirk. Determined to prevent a confrontation, I hurried over, standing behind Athena.“She has a wolf,” I declared loudly, suppressing any potential rumors.Surprising Athena, she turned and gave me a smile. I lent my support, making
Athena's POV“I'm fine,” I reassured Ralph as he left for the emergency.Concealing the baffling headaches that plagued me, especially since Ralph's departure the night before. I kept the details from him, determined to understand what was happening.Sitting in the living room, questions swirled in my mind. ‘Why was I naked? Why did I feel tired? Why couldn't I remember anything? And why was I so hungry?’ Ralph returned, concern etched across his face."How are you feeling?" he inquired, measuring my temperature with a gentle touch.“I’m fine,” I replied, sensing his disbelief. He mentioned calling a doctor, and soon enough, one arrived, examining me with questions and a thorough examination.“Everything shows you're fine, except these constant headaches. I'll give you a shot, and then we'll see if it persists,” the doctor concluded.“I need to keep a close
Ralph's POVShe was sleeping peacefully as I rose early for my morning run, slipping out of the room with care not to disturb her rest.Upon my return, there was still darkness in the room. I found her still asleep, so I decided to take a shower. Unexpectedly, she joined me.In a soft, weakened voice, she greeted me with a ‘Good morning,’ and I reciprocated with a smile.The temptation of her presence in the bathroom was undeniable, a tempting echo of the previous night lingered. Exerting restraint, I finished my shower swiftly and left the bathroom to brush my teeth. Fortunately, I had extra toothbrushes, sparing her the need to return to her room.Emerging from the shower, she found me already preparing coffee, putting on only shorts."I should find something to wear," she muttered, eyeing the towel wrapped around her."My wardrobe is at your disposal," I offered.She disappeared into the built-in wardrobe, reemerging in an oversized shirt, that wasn’t surprising considering our di
Athena’s POVMy connection with Ralph blossomed, he stopped the expectation of odd and even days.Tala handled the spy planted to watch over me, but caution lingered in my mind. "Someone is here to see you." Yifa announced it to me one morning. "Who?""Ulf’s mother." My heart skipped a beat, pondering why she sought me out.Approaching the outside lounge, I found an elderly woman seated. Despite being Ulf's mother, her kind demeanor struck me, reminiscent of Ralph's former wife."I hope I'm not interrupting your precious time?" she asked softly."No, you're not," I replied with a smile, taking a seat beside her."You're the only one who can help me talk to Ralph about my daughter.""Okay?""She has been very rude and steps on everyone's nerves, but she is still my daughter. I need her released to me." She admitted, her voice broke."I don't want her to die, that will leave me childless." Tears rolled down her eyes.Taking responsibility, I assured her, "I'll talk to him, she'll be r
Athena's POVI heard Ralph's approaching footsteps, signaling his arrival in my room, prompting me to swiftly cover myself with a duvet, pretending I was asleep. He settled on my bed briefly, attentively tucking away stray strands of hair before he departed.As I sat up, an uneasy sensation eloped me. I couldn't understand the cause of what happend, but an evident sense of problem lingered, casting a shadow of fear.Discreetly, I asked Yifa to bring me something for my headache, careful to conceal any hint of illness from Ralph."Is everything alright?" inquired Yifa, her eyes narrowing with concern."Yes, Yifa, why do you ask?""Why are your clothes scattered on the floor?"I gasped, discovering my clothes shredded about, reflecting an unsettling occurrence from the previous full moon."It's nothing. Just get me something to eat.""Are you sure..." she began."Please," I interrupted, my hunger taking importance.Returning promptly, Yifa delivered breakfast, which I consumed as Ralph
Ralph's POV Athena's behaviour had subtly shifted, a delicate fragility veiling her lately. She always withdrew interest in midnight festivities. It seemed a wish for a connection echoed in her eyes, one that the absence of a wolf created. The joyous games, staged by the balanced partnership between others and their wolves, became a constant reminder of her situation.I yearned for moments alone with Athena, a desire fueled by the discomfort of witnessing her isolation. A determination formed within me, I would go to great lengths to assist her in acquiring a wolf, if that isn't possible I'll still support and love her. I noticed Bardulf's apparent absence. I chose to divert my thoughts, avoiding the complexities that might cloud the joyous atmosphere.As the festivities came to an end, Gonzolo and Tidwulf prepared to depart. “Your face bears the glow of newfound insight,” Tidwulf remarked, a knowing smile playing on his lips, a reference to the counsel he had offered regarding
Athena's POVFive years later… As the evening sun cast its golden glow upon us, I found myself drawn once again to Tala's grave, my hand instinctively resting on my swollen belly as I settled onto the grass beside her final resting place."Hey, dear... I'm sorry I haven't visited for a while. A lot has been happening," I began, my voice soft as I spoke to the silent earth beneath me. "You know, as the head of the council of Alphas, it's been hectic, but I enjoy it," I chuckled softly, the weight of my responsibilities tempered by the knowledge that I was carrying new life within me.Bringing out the water bottle I had brought with me, I took a sip before carefully arranging the forest flowers I had gathered on Tala's grave, a small gesture of remembrance and love."You know, I miss you Tala," I continued. “Let me tell you what had been happening, Ulf is still carrying her duty very well. Whiterun is now a full pack... Can you believe that?" I asked with a hint of disbelief in my voi
Athena's POV"No! No! No!" I screamed the anguish that had been building within me finally bursting forth. The memories of our time together flashed before my eyes, each moment etched into my soul with painful clarity. The laughter, the tears, the shared joys and sorrows... they all came rushing back with a force that threatened to consume me whole.But even as I crumbled to the ground, consumed by grief and despair, a flicker of determination ignited within me. Tala may be gone, but her legacy would live on through me, a beacon of strength and resilience in the face of adversity.Tears blurred my vision as I pleaded with the guardian for some semblance of solace, any glimmer of hope in the face of overwhelming despair."I can't do anything but allow you to see her, but nothing can be done," she offered her words a bittersweet reminder of the limits of her power. With a desperate nod, I accepted her offer, willing to grasp at any fleeting chance to be with Tala once more.In an insta
Athena's POVAs Ostana's urgent plea pierced the air, we wasted no time, gathering provisions and milk for Queen before setting out.With each step, our pace quickened, the rhythmic thud of our boots echoing against the forest floor as we plunged deeper into the darkness. As night fell, we used torches. It was nearly midnight when Ralph, exhaustion etched into his features, finally suggested a moment's bedtime. We collapsed onto the cold earth, our breaths mingling with the night air.With the first faint blush of dawn, we rose in relentless pursuit, we secured rides on passing carriages, trading fleeting moments of rest for precious time gained.Days blurred into one another. In our haste, I couldn't spare a moment to check on little Sarah and her family.Weeks slipped, each day bringing us closer we reached the soot we left the car, luckily we found it there. But as we neared the western border, a chilling realization dawned upon us. “Where are the soldiers? Shouldn't there be a vi
Athena's POVThe night had granted us much-needed relaxation. The next morning Otsana's thoughtful gesture greeted us with an array of provisions, promising sustenance for the journey ahead."Your assistance is greatly appreciated," Ralph expressed his gratitude."It's always a pleasure," Jacob reciprocated with a warm smile."We'll surely return on our homeward path," I reassured them."Travel safely," Otsana's smile held both goodwill and concern.With renewed resolve, we embarked on our adventure, guided by Otsana's suggestion of a faster route.At nightfall, we nestled within the embrace of the forest. As dawn broke once more, we arrived at a small pack, where we hired a carriage, easing the burden of our journey.Days passed each pack offering glimpses into their world while cautioning us against the dangers that lay ahead. They claimed Whiterun was cursed."What do you mean?” I asked them.&n
Athena's POVWe embarked on our journey, yet an unsettling hunch gnawed at me, whispering of impending trouble.Stopping at several camps along the way to inquire about Whiterun, we encountered nothing but confusion and ignorance."I believe we should seek guidance from familiar faces," I suggested to Ralph, my unease growing palpable."Which pack shall we approach first?" Ralph inquired, his gaze locking with mine."Fable pack. I yearn to lay eyes upon Sarah," I declared. Thinking of the little girl.Before we ventured further, Ralph halted me with a solemn confession, redirecting my focus towards him.He recounted the incidents between himself, Tala, and the family. Anger steamed within him at her accusation of calling me a thief, but to his surprise, laughter bubbled forth from my lips."This is no joke," Ralph retorted, his tone grave and resolute."I understand, yet her accusation holds a grain of truth,
Ralph's POVSince our return home, the relentless pull to reclaim the kettle has haunted my thoughts incessantly. Unable to shake its grip, I beckoned Tala to my office, eager for counsel.“I'm contemplating dispatching our finest soldiers to retrieve it,” I confided to her.“Come on, Ralph,” she countered.“What?”“Remember what you said during our quest for Athena in the woods? If not for the pressing matters at hand, you would have relished the moment.”“And?”“And I refuse to let this opportunity slip through your fingers. Embark on this journey with Athena, just the two of you,” she urged.“But what about Fridolf?” I interjected“Everyone stands ready to care for him. He's no longer a newborn, he'll be perfectly fine,” she reassured.“I suppose, but I'm unsure how Athena will take to it,” I mused
Athena's POV A full moon was upon us. Ralph insisted on celebrating our baby's arrival stirring a sense of reluctance within me, nestled beneath the warmth of our shared blankets."Do we truly need to go through with this?" I questioned, my voice muffled by the plush confines of our bed."Yes, my Queen. It's a momentous occasion, one that deserves to be celebrated in grandness," Ralph implored. "Very well, you've persuaded me," I conceded with a soft chuckle, the corners of my lips curling into a gentle smile.With a concerted effort, we roused ourselves from the comforts of our bed, preparing for the festivities that awaited us under the moon's luminous embrace. Gonzolo and Tidwulf joined in our celebration, their presence infusing the atmosphere with an air of jovial friendship. So many werewolves poured in from different packs to celebrate with us. Adorned in matching royal blue attire, Ralph and I radiated regal elegance, our garments adorned with intricate decorations that sp
Athena’s POVWe barely exchanged words, our interactions distilled to moments of serene rest and sumptuous meals. Tala orchestrated a surprise, melding my room with Ralph's, an unexpected fusion of our spaces.I thought highly of her unwavering confidence in our return, a sentiment mirrored in the enchanting adornments that now decorated our shared sanctuary. Each intricate detail breathed new life into the familiar confines, transforming our quarters into a veritable haven.The magnificence of our expansive bed is almost like that of a small room, beckoning us into a realm reminiscent of a storybook fantasy. Ralph and I made merry in the blissful harmony of our newfound abode, our hearts brimming with uncontrolled joy.As dusk descended and we gathered for dinner, a noticeable tension hung in the air, tangible in the furrowed brows and hesitant glances exchanged between my parents. Sensing the weight of their unspoken words, I followed them to their chamber, a silent understanding
Athena’s POV The joy swelling in my heart was indescribable, a radiant warmth that contrasted with Ralph's constant indoor presence, caring for our baby.Even when I managed to coax him outside, his return was swift. I resolved to visit my Uncle before our departure. With the shaman departing at dawn, farewells were exchanged.Choosing to leave our child in Ralph's care, Ulf joined me to go see my uncle. The werewolves we encountered along the way cast peculiar glances my way. Ulf reassured me, claiming it was likely fueled by rumours that I needed to grow accustomed to, a phenomenon potentially exacerbated in Stormwind.Arriving at my Uncle's residence, the state of disarray suggested distress, yet he seemed to be managing admirably. "Uncle," I enfolded him in a prolonged, tight hug, reluctant to release him. Ulf extended her greetings as we settled into the couch in the somewhat chaotic sitting room."To what do I owe this visit? You should have called me," he remarked, and I res