Ralph's POVReturning to the pack, Tala skillfully navigated the winding roads back to the library where Gonzolo and Tidwulf awaited."Why this strange mix of happiness and sorrow on your faces?" Tidwulf inquired, piercing gazes studying for answers./Sinking into a worn-out couch, I sighed. "It was a dead end.""A dead end? Explain," Tidwulf demanded."He spoke of his mother's demise, and Ralph put an end to him," Tala revealed, nonchalantly placing her sword on the table."He seemed to embrace his own demise willingly," Gonzolo added. "Perhaps he sought refuge in death, but he was a coward unable to end his life," Tidwulf suggested with a wry smile. Uneasy laughter filled the room. Shifting the focus, I emphasized the need to get a solution. "We can't continue like this.""Her parents, from a potent lineage, are at your house. Have we forgotten that crucial detail?" Tidwulf, ever sensible, reminded us. The realization hit like a bolt of lightning. "How could we overlook that?" T
Athena's POVWandering through the dense woods for days, I found myself lost with no clear direction. Fortunately, my wolf transformation didn't occur during this period.The wound on my hand had completely healed, and the supplies I had brought were used up. I felt my unborn child's movements, a subtle reassurance amid uncertainty.Contemplating whether staying back home was the right decision, I wrestled with the fear of facing the pack's judgment. The shame was nearly unbearable, prompting an unenthusiastic sigh to escape my lips.Realizing the futility of aimless wandering, I considered seeking help, perhaps from a shaman. With determination, I resolved to approach the nearest pack for assistance.Another night in the unforgiving woods left me hungry and exhausted. The following day, my efforts to move forward were prevented by the disheartening realization that I might have been retracing my steps in circles.Frustration overwhelmed me, leading to a loud cry of anguish. The lack
Athena’s POV"You need to loosen up a bit, let us know how to help you," Jacob gently urged, while his wife, Otsana, attentively dressed my wound."I'm scared," I admitted."Of what?" He pressed."I have a wild wolf that can be mistaken for a beast," I confessed."I don't think that's all," Otsana chimed in."What do you mean?" I asked curiously."Your blood glowed when that evil woman tried collecting it," she added."What?" I blurted out, confused."I come from a line of shamans. I only refused to take that duty because it turns most of them evil," she explained."That's right, my wife sees beyond the ordinary," Jacob added."I didn't see the blood glow," I mumbled."Which is why I knew she wanted to take advantage of you. You come from a powerful lineage, Luna," she added."Luna?" At that point, fear began to creep in. How did she know I was Luna? I was sure I didn't mention that. In the dimly lit room, Otsana's smile held a mysterious glint. "Not you, your mother," she said with
Athena's POVI braced myself In the grip of fear, not from the looming danger but the possible emergence of my wolf.A surge of apprehension flowed through me, knowing that my wolf could complicate the situation.Abruptly, a familiar wolf appeared, leaping into action against the threat. With swiftness, it inflicted wounds upon them, forcing them to retreat.As the rogues fled, the wolf underwent a shift, revealing Ulf in human form. A whirlwind of emotions enfolded me, leaving me grappling with indescribable feelings.“Ulf?” I stammered, still processing the unexpected revelation.“I knew my eyes weren't deceiving me,” she remarked, her gaze penetrating.“How did you... What are you doing here?” I struggled to speak the questions swirling in my mind."Why were you running away from me? And what on earth are you doing here?" she inquired, a noticeable curiosity in her voice.
Athena's POV“So what now?” Ulf's question hung in the air, echoing my uncertainty about our next move."I didn't anticipate this," I admitted, my determination overshadowed by the lack of a clear plan.His laughter held a hint of anger. "You what?" Ulf demanded."I expected a solution, not a roadmap," I confessed.My spirit was low. A thought crossed my mind, and I cautiously proposed."Maybe I should touch it."Ulf's abrupt reaction interrupted my impulse."Wait!" she exclaimed."Only shamans and the moon goddess' descendants can touch it while it's glowing," Ulf warned."I can't leave empty-handed after coming this far." Frustration crept into my voice."I share your frustration, anger is boiling within me too." Ulf sympathetically replied, Understanding my plight."Perhaps there's a guardian or something that can help," I pondered."The guardians are long exti
Ralph's POVIn the wake of Tala's counsel, we enlisted skilled werewolves, mostly hunters, possessing an acute sense of smell to track down Athena, yet their efforts were not yielding results."Tala, this is dragging on," I confessed, pacing in my office."I believe we will get her soon," she reassured.She was tapping her legs nervously, while her hand cradled her chin in a display of shared tension."None of the hunters returned with anything substantial, despite the promise I made of beta status to whoever brought her home," I vented my frustration.“I have another idea,” Tala proposed an alternative, and I rolled my eyes.“I know the past ideas have not worked but just listen to this,” she pleaded."What is it?" I inquired."You and I understand Athena better than they do. I'll venture into the woods and find her myself," she declared."I've considered doing that
Athena's POV"So, telepathic abilities?" Ulf inquired between bites of roasted meat."Yes.""Never heard of that," she admitted."Hmm.""Prove it," she insisted."Is that your favourite word? Besides, you might end up getting hurt.""Prove it!" She persisted."I accidentally delved into your memory the day you followed me. I know you're a girl wrestling with sadness, striving to prove herself even after her father's demise."She abruptly stopped eating, her sorrowful gaze penetrating mine."What?" She managed to utter."I warned you about the possibility of getting hurt," I defended myself.Silence enfolded us as we continued to eat. I stood up, pacing slowly back and forth, exercising a bit. Ulf leaned against a tree, quietly observing.What pains me more is my innocent unborn child, who suffers alongside me. I feel the baby's movements from time to time.“My sister has alw
Athena's POV "Thank you,” I expressed gratitude to Ulf.“For?” she inquired.“Coming along and attempting to protect me.”"That doesn't make us friends,” she mumbled, cheeks flushed.“You're one twisted person,” I commented, and we both chuckled.“If we're staying here, we can't leave these bodies around,” she suggested.“You're right. Should we burn them?”“No, the smoke might attract attention.”“True, let's take them as far as we can.”We dragged the bodies into the woods. Ulf managed two, while I struggled with one.Returning to the tree, hunger struck, and there was nothing left to eat.“It seems the animals here are aware of my presence, I can't perceive any scent,” Ulf confessed.“I'm thirsty and hungry too,” I grumbled.“And I'm exhausted, having used most of my energy. Should we venture into the woods to try our luck?” she suggested.“Yes,” I agreed, rising.We walked cautiously, ensuring not to lose our way back to the tree."I think I smell a fruity scent," Ulf said to me.