The night grew late. The party, once lively and full of laughter, began to quiet down. Some had decided to retire, tired and sleepy.One of those who stayed was Oscar. He paid no attention to the clock striking three in the morning. He continued to enjoy the camaraderie, even though Era had left the party an hour ago."Alpha."Oscar turned to find a glass of beer aimed at him. He took the drink with a nod. "Thank you.""I should be the one thanking you, Alpha," Dom said as he sat down. His hands rose and rested on the table. "I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve you, Alpha."Basically, every member of the pack would be proud to serve his Alpha and Luna. Oscar acknowledged that, but he sensed something different in Dom's tone. There was an undercurrent of intimacy. So, he immediately prodded Dom with a question. "What's on your mind?""I heard a myth once, Alpha."Oscar's eyebrows raised. Now, upon reflection, Dom seemed to be overly obsessed with all sorts of myths. He sil
Era put aside her amazement at Oscar's enthusiasm; she had her own agenda for the day. Some of it was related to her new role as Luna, and some of it was personal.The first thing Era did after breakfast and getting ready was to review the pack's weekly reports. Often this was just a formality since the pack was in a safe and controlled state.Next was an agenda that required Era to leave the palace. The destination was a hospital built specifically for the health needs of the Xylvaneth Pack.Era's arrival was greeted with great enthusiasm. The Pack—whether they were medical staff, regular employees, or even patients—were ecstatic at her arrival. They chatted and discussed many things. Most importantly, she didn't forget to encourage the patients to get better soon.Era left the hospital with indescribable emotions. As far as she could remember, no one had ever greeted her with such enthusiasm. Not many people would look at her with such sparkling eyes. For the first time, she felt all
A sense of excitement greeted Oscar's return that night, at ten o'clock to be exact. His nostrils flared, expanding, and contracting with the joy that unexpectedly surged in his chest. A broad smile broke across his face as he calmed down and inquired, "So, you mean Era is worried about my health?"Aaron nodded, trying to hold back his own smile. "It seems so, Alpha.""Ahem!" Oscar cleared his throat again, this time scratching the tip of his temple with his index finger. "I didn't expect her to be so concerned about my health."Aaron remained silent, just enjoying Oscar's beaming expression."Alright. I guess I should see Era as soon as possible. I don't want to worry her for too long," Oscar concluded with an irresistible urge. He had to meet Era as soon as possible. "Good night."Oscar left Aaron and Philo without further ado. His original intention to discuss the work with Philo in the office was completely forgotten.This time, Aaron couldn't help but chuckle. When Philo exhaled
It was still fresh in Era's mind that she had once felt reluctant to leave the Xylvaneth Palace. However, upon reflection, she had indeed intended to leave at that time, and had even promised not to set foot there again. So, she wasn't at all surprised when the reluctance she felt that morning worsened as she prepared to leave for the Celestial City.As a student, Era's status required her to leave the palace temporarily. There were several things related to her final research and preparation for her graduation in the fall that she needed to take care of. So, she planted the idea in her mind that the sooner everything was done, the sooner she could return to the Palace.Era left the palace at seven in the morning, and of course, Oscar accompanied her to Celestial City that day. As usual, Oscar would make sure they arrived safely in Celestial City. Meanwhile, Seth was already waiting for their arrival.The smooth and uneventful journey ended shortly before eleven in the morning. At tha
Era decided not to dwell on Gerald and Barbara's strange behavior. There was something far more pressing to deal with at the moment—the strange looks from her fellow students. They were clearly staring at her with a different intensity than before.Her forehead was furrowed. Their eyes darted around. Then Era's voice questioned Seth in a hushed tone. "Is it just me, or is there something different about the way they look at me, Seth?"Seth sighed as he scratched the tip of his temple with his index finger. "Actually, that's what I wanted to tell you," he said, causing Era to turn and look at him curiously. "There's been some news circulating around campus lately, especially after the incident that happened to you in Arbora Forest."This time, Era's steps stopped abruptly. Her expression changed. She looked at Seth with a horrified expression. "Don't tell me that..."Oh no! Era couldn't even bring herself to finish her own sentence."You're right," Seth said with a helpless nod. Obviou
As it turned out, there was another thing Era had to take care of besides her research data and graduation preparations, namely her part-time job at Central Perk & Pour. This cafe, quite popular among young people, had been her lifeline before she met Oscar.Era decided to quit. She thought the sooner the better. Besides, she needed to focus on completing the final processing of her research data.Era's reasons were logical, but still caused surprise, especially for Audrey Perry. It seemed difficult for her to accept the fact that Era would soon quit."Are you serious, Era?"Era nodded as she closed the door to her locker. "Of course I'm serious, Dree. I handed in my letter of resignation earlier. So, this month will be my last month working here. Besides, just think about it. The boss has been very nice to me because I haven't been to work for over two months. Logically, I should have been fired by now, right?"Dree couldn't help laughing. "You're right. You should have been fired, b
Not long had passed and these moments would surely fade away soon. This thought briefly crossed Era's mind as her workday came to an end and she and Dree strolled through the night streets together.The chill of the night air was beginning to feel different, a clear sign that the season was about to change. Era zipped up her jacket to cover her neck, which was beginning to feel chilly. Meanwhile, Dree beside her seemed unaffected, her jacket unbuttoned and occasionally fluttering in the night breeze.Era narrowed her eyes and looked at Dree, her forehead slightly furrowed. "Don't you feel cold?""Cold?" Dree repeated, as if she had to confirm Era's question while also looking back. Then she smiled faintly and shook her head. "It doesn't seem too cold yet.""Really?" Era asked.Dree nodded. "Besides, how can you not like the cold when you've spent most of your life in Avaluna Village? Isn't there hardly any sun?""You're right," Era grumbled, memories flashing through her mind. She rea
Dree's confidence only added to Era's confusion. On the other hand, the man seemed to want to take advantage of it. It seemed that his mind was clearer now, and the idea of leaving crossed his mind. Besides, he had to admit that Seth possessed a strength that wasn't fully reflected by his casual and neat appearance.The man growled and tried to pull his hand out of Seth's grip. "Let go of me!""Don't expect me to let you go," Seth replied casually, tightening his grip. The man's cries of pain grew louder as a result. "So, what do you want me to do with him, Era? It's clear that he has bad intentions towards you."Era wasn't sure. "I don't know him, Seth. I don't know why he blocked my way.""Did you hear that?" Seth raised his fist at the man with a gesture full of intimidation. "Tell us, who are you and what is your business with her? Tell us, or I can't guarantee that your fingers will stay intact."The man gritted his teeth. His pride was hurt. As a result, his rationality faded ag
The sound of a heavy thud echoed as a brown-maned wolf was violently thrown to the arena floor. It whimpered quietly, but a second later it rose quickly. Strengthening its initially wobbly legs, it then leapt, intent on retaliating against the golden-maned wolf that had made it the object of ridicule for the past ten minutes.The golden wolf dodged effortlessly, as if the brown wolf's attack was nothing, completely harmless. It showed no fear and instead continued to attack with bold courage.The golden wolf's movements were very agile and nimble, causing its mane to flicker and shed shafts of light everywhere. It seemed to light up the dimly lit battle arena. Its attacks were precise, full of accuracy and power. As a result, the brown wolf was cornered, and the spectators were filled with awe.The golden wolf's claws sliced through the air with incredible speed. The brown wolf could not dodge. It chest was ripped open. It blood vessels burst.But the golden wolf didn't stop. It contin
The previous nights had indeed been painful. Era was always worried about the condition of the people around her who were experiencing bad things because of her. But at least she could still sleep, even if she woke up feeling tired. Now, on the contrary, she couldn't even close her eyes for a minute.Era's feelings were truly uncertain. Even words like anxious, uneasy, worried, or scared couldn't describe her feelings now. She was adrift, trapped between waves that kept trying to pull her into an endless ocean.Era gave up. Trying to sleep was useless. Closing her eyes only made her more exhausted. So, she got out of bed.There was only one thing Era could do now, and that was to occupy herself. She had to distract her mind. She had to keep herself busy or the clock on the wall would explode from the constant staring.Era grabbed her pajama robe and quickly put it on. Then she left the room and wasn't surprised at all to find Aaron there."Luna," Aaron greeted as he folded the newspap
Oscar was determined not to let Era's worries and fears come true. So, he made the most of the time he had left. He trained diligently, perfecting all the techniques and strategies he had learned over the years. He wouldn't let any weakness get in the way of his goal. He had to return with his life intact.However, Oscar didn't just focus on himself and the upcoming fight. He wouldn't neglect something far more important, even more important than his own life.Oscar gathered several people in his office. It was just before they left for Riverdale Bluffs.Everyone gathered. Tension hung in the air. Their faces were filled with apprehension."Tonight," Oscar began, looking at each of them. His expression showed utmost seriousness. "I am going to Riverdale Bluffs with Philo, Thad, and several warriors. Although this is a one-on-one fight between me and Nicholas, no enemy can be trusted. So, vigilance is paramount."Oscar was determined to fight with determination and not allow Nicholas t
District Marindale, more precisely in the Falindor Forest—Ryloston Pack Palace.Freddy was inhaling the aroma of an 18-year-old single malt whisky that had just been poured into a rock-cut crystal glass by Peter McKay—watcher—when Bernard arrived. He knew that Bernard must have important news. But that didn't mean Bernard's arrival should interfere with his desire to relax.The crystal glass turned slowly. There was a soft clink as the ice hit the sides, creating faint ripples in the whisky. Freddy closed his eyes and savored the first sip. So did he, not wanting to miss a single taste sensation in every drop of whisky.Bernard, understanding Freddy's nature and character, decided to remain silent for a moment. He stood still, not saying a word until Freddy finally spoke."How is it, Bernard? Any news from Xylvaneth?"Bernard lifted his face slightly. He watched Freddy, eyes closed, still enjoying the whisky. "Nothing, Alpha."The spinning of the crystal glass stopped. Freddy's relaxe
Getting enough rest was never the answer to Era's anxiety; she had proven that. No matter how often or how long she slept, it didn't make her feel better. In fact, it only made her feel worse. When she slept, she was trapped in nightmares, and when she woke up, she was faced with a grim reality."Oscar?"Era looked around to find the room silent. She was alone; Oscar was not there.A heavy feeling made Era catch her breath. It was as if hundreds of tons of weight were trying to render her powerless. However, she managed to move her body, albeit with great difficulty. She got out of bed and at the same time Aaron entered the room."Luna." Aaron approached and helped Era. "How are you feeling?"Era winced slightly. She sat down and Aaron quickly prepared a glass of warm water. "I've never felt so bad, Aaron." She accepted the warm water and took a few sips. "According to Landon, I'm fine. I just need to rest, but why does my body feel completely powerless?"Aaron took the glass back and
Era remained silent as she felt the change in the atmosphere of the room. She cleared her throat, took a deep breath and scanned her surroundings. She saw Philo, who had just said something completely absurd. I am the last descendant of the Selunar Pack? Impossible.Era then turned to Dom. She remembered that just moments ago, maybe only a few minutes before, Dom had asked her about the possibility that her parents were not her biological parents. How could he ask such a strange thing?Finally, Era looked at Oscar. She paused for a moment before finally speaking in a low voice. "No, Oscar." She shook her head. "That's not me. I don't know anything about the Selunar Pack. It's completely unfounded gossip. I am the daughter of Amiass Ross and Sylvie Blair."This time, Oscar said nothing. He just stared at Era intently without blinking. His gaze was unreadable, which made Era feel uncomfortable.Era bit her lower lip. She tried to control herself as the discomfort made her act strangely.
Day after day passed with increasing agony. The Palace of Xylvaneth was filled with an atmosphere of tension. Not only Era and Oscar, but everyone felt anxious and on guard for any possibility that could happen at any time.Era tried not to think about the terror the Ryloston Pack had caused. She knew that Oscar had already ordered Philo to go to the Ryloston Pack's palace. So, all she could do now was wait for news from Philo.Unfortunately, bad thoughts kept creeping in and trying to shake Era's composure. What if Philo's arrival only made the situation worse?Era.Era blinked. The voice of her wolf spirit echoed in her head. I am really scared.Calm down. There is nothing to be afraid of. Oscar will take care of everything.Era winced. I know that. Oscar will take care of everything, but I am really confused as to why this is happening. Dad and Dree have already been affected. What if the same thing happens to others?Era, calm down. I promise you; everything will be fine. This wil
Philo understood, four in the morning was not a usual time to check out, but that was exactly what he did. All his belongings were neatly packed into a 20-inch suitcase, and then he left the room. He took the elevator down to the lobby and checked out with the desk clerk. Then he left the hotel.Philo's car moved smoothly through the still empty streets. His intention was to reach The Palace as quickly as possible. He had to report his findings as soon as possible.Philo stepped on the accelerator. The car's speed increased and suddenly his phone vibrated. At the same time, the dashboard screen lit up, indicating an incoming call, and the name displayed made him pull over immediately. He pressed the green button on the touchscreen and answered the call."Philo."Philo's brow furrowed slightly as he answered. "Hello, Alpha." Oscar's voice sounded different, indicating tension and anger. So, he asked quickly, "What is it, Alpha?""I order you to go to Ryloston Palace immediately."That
It was not unusual for Oscar to reassemble Dom and the others after the attack on Irene. He questioned Irene thoroughly, making sure nothing was overlooked. He made sure that nothing was done hastily.Oscar wouldn't keep quiet, that much was certain. Irene wasn't hurt, but the actions of the Lynoria Pack were like a blatant confrontation, an act that shouldn't have happened. Therefore, he made sure there would be a response to any form of threat they faced."Not just intercept and attack," Oscar growled after hearing Irene's full report. His face reddened, indicating immense anger upon realizing that his emissary had been sneakily attacked. "Even a single word of mockery must be answered."If anyone understood the terrible consequences of war, it was Oscar. He had felt the sadness and agony of war, convinced that nothing good could come of it. Loss was an inevitable price to be paid by all parties. So, he vowed to avoid war as much as possible.Oscar hated war, but at the same time he