Ralph's POV
It's been moons since my return, and I haven't been myself since that fateful day. I find solace in avoiding the council and others, as my emotions tend to spiral into uncontrollable hostility.
Perhaps I shouldn't have heeded Otsana's advice, the lady who welcomed me and Tala. Pursuing Athena seems more productive than staying idle in this uneasiness.
As another full moon approached, there would be no celebration, sparing me from the burdens of paperwork and council meetings. I sat alone in my office, drowning my thoughts in alcohol.
Suddenly, Tala reached out to me through the mind link, urging me to see her. Reluctantly, I agreed.
"Drinking again?" Tala noted as she entered my office.
"What do you want?"
"To punch you in the face," she replied with a straight face.
I dropped the glass cup on the stool beside the couch and gestured for her to sit beside me.
"I knew you'd be this way, that's why I came
Ralph's POV I shifted to my wolf, letting out a resounding howl that echoed through the air, a commanding signal for the soldiers to return. Shifting back, I donned a sleek black trouser and a matching top, an outfit mirroring the seriousness of the situation.In a swift reunion, the soldiers gathered, and without delay, we resumed our journey. The night unfolded without a break, our relentless journey leading us to Cone Pack as the morning light embraced the horizon.As we approached the border, the soldiers, vigilant guardians of Cone Pack, intercepted us. They demanded an inspection, a scrutiny of our purpose for venturing into their territory."I'm an Alpha, here to see Damian," I declared, the weight of his name causing swords to unsheathe in response. Their leader, unwavering, demanded the purpose of my visit.Rusty to verbal battle with those beneath me, his words ignited a flame of irritation within me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, the audible crack of bones in m
Ralph's POVIn the bitter aftermath of what transpired, the weight of regret pressed upon me, I was a day too late to shield Athena from the unfolding tragedy. Clutching her tightly, pain and guilt consumed me.Alone in the room, time slipped away unnoticed as I wrestled with remorse. Memories cascaded, vivid recollections of the day I first saw her depart with Tala, the first intimacy we shared in a bed, and the memorable imprint of our expedition to the waterfall.Fueled by a surge of anger, I rose, tenderly adjusting her on the bed. Kissing her forehead and lips, tears streamed down my face, a silent testament to my grief.With the back of my palm, I wiped away the evidence of my sorrow before retrieving my sword. Closing the door gently, the room now a sacred sanctuary for my wife, I stepped into the corridor making my way to the living room. The metallic scrape of my sword against the floor reverberated, igniting tiny sparks as it made contact with the ground. Each echoing sound
Ralph's POV Amid my turmoil, I resolved to subdue my emotions and chart a decisive path forward. Despite my desire to get Athena, I was unwilling to let Ashina slip away. Turning to Damian, I implored him for a detailed account, leaving no fragment unspoken.“I heard Ulf scream, and I dashed,” Damian began, recounting the chaotic events. I interjected at the mention of Ulf.“Ulf?” Rollin had referenced her to me, yet her presence remained unseen.“Yes, she attempted to protect Athena, but Ashina thrust a sword through her. The wounds run deep,” Damian explained.“Ulf sacrificing herself for Athena?” My voice echoed with disbelief.“You appear taken aback,” Damian remarked.“Indeed, I'm grappling to comprehend all of this,” I replied.“I'm unaware of your history with Ulf, but they shared a profound connection, often inseparable,” Damian clarified.The revelation about Ulf left me incredulous. The same girl who had relentlessly sought Athena's downfall, what transpired in that forest
Ralph's POV "I'm not here for you," their leader fired at me."Ugh!" I exclaimed, holding my nose."At least have the decency to wash your mouth before you battle words," I complained, and he got pissed off."What are you here for?" Damian asked him."For the women you took away after killing my men," he explained."Let's get this over with, I have something important to do later," I interrupted them."The pregnant lady is my wife, and I can't allow you to be anywhere close to her," I alerted him."This should be fun," he smirked."So when I kill your Alpha, you'll be submissive to me," I gestured to his soldiers."Let's have a battle to the death," I suggested.It's usually done when a werewolf challenges the Alpha, one of them must die, and the victorious one becomes the Alpha.They stepped back, and we were left with him in the middle. It would be a shame for Damian to allow someone else to defend his pack.But I wasn't taking any chances with Athena. I wanted it to be over as soo
Ralph's POV Determined to unravel the mystery and seek aid for Athena, I initiated an investigation, summoning the gathered sniffers for a crucial task. "These belonged to your former Luna. Sniff them out, and any substantial lead will earn you two kilos of gold," I declared, noting the widening of their eyes. "You would give us two kilos just like that?" one ventured. "Yes. Explore every corner of the house," I authorized, and they nodded in understanding. "I expect answers by sundown," I declared before departing. As they commenced their work, I monitored their progress, occasionally checking on Athena. Noticing Damian, I approached with a pressing question about Ulf. "Is she buried?" I inquired. "No," came his surprising response. "Why not?" "She's in the same condition as Athena," he revealed, prompting a shocked reaction from me. "What do you mean?" I pressed. "Follow me," he directed, leading me down the corridors, where two guards stood sentinel in front of a door.
Ralph's POVHiding behind a tree, I knew her werewolf senses might betray my location to Ashina. As she checked behind the tree, I managed to sneak away to another, keeping a careful distance. She began walking cautiously but faster.I trailed behind her silently, and she abruptly halted, evidently trying to discern the source of her unease."Come out, you coward!" she screamed, prompting a scoff from me."Coward?" I replied, teasing her before emerging before her. "You!" she exclaimed, charging at me with her sword. Swiftly, I dodged her attack.Engaging in a sword fight, I kept my sword shielded, considering it more a leisurely dance than a true contest. Her skills and strength paled in comparison, with or without wolfsbane in her blood. Using my left hand, I effortlessly defended against her every move. When boredom set in, I delivered a powerful blow under her ribs with the handle of my sword. She flew backwards, colliding with a tree and crumpling to the ground, vomiting blood
Ralph's POV "Why, Ashina? Why?" Damian questioned, desperation echoing in his voice."Damian, you won't leave me in the clutches of this monster, will you? I'm your mate!" she pleaded, stubbornness in her eyes."Ashina, I, Damian, the Alpha of the Cone pack, reject you as my mate," he declared, his words hanging heavy in the air.She clutched her chest suddenly, overwhelmed by pain. Even though Damian attempted to appear strong, the struggle was visible as he departed the dungeon.Rejection is a bitter pill, and its taste is most unbearable for the one cast aside. I instructed a soldier to provide her with something to wear before setting out to find Damian.In his secluded garden, I discovered him, chin resting on his elbows. A sigh escaped me, I knew I needed to carry out my duty and check on him."Are you okay?" I inquired, taking a seat beside him."No," he responded, shaking his head in disagreement."You'll be fine," I offered comfort"I've been a fool. I'm not even fit to lead
Athena's POVThe moment the sword pierced below my ribs, my life flashed before my eyes. Yet, amidst the searing pain, I wished Ulf wasn't present, I didn't want her gone because of me.As I drifted into unconsciousness, the pain in my heart overshadowed the physical agony. Upon opening my eyes, I stood before the Tree of the Moon Goddess, my body was not stained with blood, no visible wound. Confusion gripped me. Was I dead, or was this another vision? What has happened to Ulf, and where do I go from here? The questions swirled in my mind as I pondered my situation. Suddenly, the guardian of the tree appeared before me.“What is happening? Am I dead?” I implored“No,” she replied cryptically.“And Ulf?”“Patience.“Please, no vague answers. I need clarity,” I insisted, but she maintained silence“What is happening?” I pressed again.“Your spirit was in an abyss. The ongoing ritual for you is why you find yourself here,” she explained.“Ritual? Abyss? Has it been long since it happen