The situation was indeed chaotic, but the most important thing was that the warriors of the Nimbria Pack had been pushed back. Frostholm Palace was safe.Cora took a deep breath. She couldn't imagine what might have happened if Garth and the others hadn't arrived in time. Something terrible might have happened, and she might not have been able to carry out Usher's orders."It seems that something happened to us. Do you think so?"Cora was startled and turned to see Garth approaching. "What do you mean?""I'm sure you felt the strangeness during the battle," Garth said, sitting next to Cora. He briefly assessed Cora's condition. "Didn't you?"Cora took a deep breath and leaned back. "At first I sensed something strange when I saw Berg and the guards retreating. It was highly unlikely that Berg would do that. He wouldn't retreat and would defend the perimeter as best he could, but that's exactly what happened." She paused, as if remembering the battle vividly. "Then I realized there mig
Rowena did not like the feeling she had this morning. It started the moment she woke up and felt the unusual signs that nature was showing her. She tried to dismiss it, to tell herself it was just a change in the weather, but she couldn't. Everything felt too real, haunting her relentlessly.The air felt different, heavier than usual, making it hard for Rowena to breathe. The sunlight that usually slipped gently through the cracks in the windows and vents was blocked by dark clouds hanging low in the sky.It wasn't a sign of rain. Rowena knew that. No rain clouds would ever carry the tension she felt now. Even the wind couldn't stir those clouds, blowing instead a chill that pierced her bones and touched her skin with an unfamiliar bitterness.It was then that Rowena noticed the trees standing still in unison. The leaves that usually rustled were still. And the birds that usually brightened the morning with their cheerful songs and fluttering wings had suddenly fallen silent, hiding i
Rowena thought there was no point in hiding what was already so clear. Her spontaneous and natural reaction had probably already given Usher a clue. She was sure it wasn't difficult for him to figure it out, and her assumption was met only with curiosity. Usher didn't seem surprised by the question and that made her wonder even more.On the other hand, Usher was convinced that he had just realized it when he saw Rowena arrive with such overwhelming concern. It made no sense for Rowena to be so worried about Vione unless there was something going on between them. Even if Rowena was the kindest witch in the world and cared deeply for the Frostholm Pack, there was no reason for her to feel such deep sorrow upon hearing of Vione's critical condition. Besides, Usher couldn't ignore Rowena's disheveled state. She had completely neglected her own well-being as she rushed to the palace.Strangely, a part of Usher felt that he had known this for a long time. He didn't know exactly when, but he
There was nothing left for Usher to think about. Everything had become clear. All the strange events, the time travel, and everything that had happened when they were children—it had all started with Rowena, rooted in a mother's concern for her daughter.Now there was really nothing left to say between them. Both Usher and Rowena fell silent. Their thoughts were focused solely on Vione. They continued to pray for her well-being until the lights went out in the operating room.Vione's surgery was over. Usher and Rowena both rose from their seats. They stepped forward as the doors to the operating room opened. Scott emerged, pulling the mask from his face."Alpha."Usher asked immediately, "How is Vione?""Don't worry, Alpha. The operation went well and Vione is in good condition," Scott answered bluntly. His face showed signs of exhaustion as the operation had taken hours. But that was nothing compared to the success they had achieved. His efforts had paid off with good news. "Now all
Sometime in the future..."I can assure you, Usher. This initial attack is merely a diversion." Usher turned. He looked at Vione with the utmost seriousness. "You think so?" "Yes," Vione replied, taking a deep breath. Her face was incredibly serious. Occasionally, her eyes narrowed as if she were thinking, recalling details of the Nimbria Pack attack they had just fended off. "There are a few things that make me sure this was just a diversion." She paused for a moment, then nodded confidently. "First, this attack was so sudden and with an intensity that doesn't match the Nimbria Pack's usual attack pattern." This time she turned to the leader of the Frostholm Pack warriors, Storm Meadow. "Don't you feel the same, Storm?" Storm furrowed his brow before nodding. "I think you're right, Luna. The Nimbria Pack has always focused on attacks with precise coordination. Their priority is long-term strategic advantage." He raised his head and looked at Vione. "For that reason, they usually e
Vione's request startled Usher. His eyes widened, fixed on Vione. He stared at her and found no trace of fear. Vione was truly determined to go to the front. What struck him most was the difference in the way she addressed him. She called him Alpha out of respect as a member of the pack, not as his mate. Usher closed his eyes and shook his head. "No," he refused without a second thought. He stepped away, distancing himself slightly from Vione. "I won't let you go there, Vione." Vione moved closer to him. "Alpha, please." "No," Usher insisted again, his voice firm. He met Vione's determination with equal determination. He couldn't allow Vione, the woman he loved most, to go into an area suspected to be the hiding place of the enemy. "Your request is totally unreasonable." Vione wanted to argue against Usher's decision, but at that moment Storm spoke up as well. "Forgive me, Luna, but it would be better if I went there instead." Usher pointed at Storm while keeping his eyes on Vio
"How about that? Any movement from the Frostholm Pack?"On a hill not far from the border of the Frostholm Pack's territory, Torin stood tall, his back straight as he looked out over the valley below. The hill was strategically placed, offering a wide view of the surrounding area—from dense forests to grassy plains bordered by towering trees. From there, he and the Nimbria pack could clearly see every movement of the Frostholm pack without being easily detected.Around Torin, the warriors of the Nimbria Pack moved silently, checking all preparations and making sure no detail was overlooked. The tents were set up discreetly, blending into the natural surroundings and giving the illusion from a distance that the hill was free of suspicious activity. In addition, a variety of high-tech equipment was used to anticipate any surveillance by the Frostholm Pack.Torin certainly reaped many benefits from the hill. As a defensive camp, it was a natural fortress that was difficult to attack. Its
One thing that motivated Vione was the hidden camp on the south side where the core warriors of the Nimbria Pack were stationed. In other words, if she and 100 warriors from the Frostholm Pack could eliminate them, control of the war would shift. The Frostholm Pack would have a chance to win the battle.That's why Vione was determined to ensure that the ambush would be carried out with precise calculation and meticulous planning. It had to succeed so that Storm could more easily defeat the Nimbria warriors on the southwest side.Vione stared at the warriors unblinkingly, emphasizing every word she spoke. "We must move quickly and precisely. Don't leave the slightest gap." She took a breath. "I and five teams will lead them into the Eresca Valley, while you..." She turned to the other five teams. "...must be ready to ambush them. Do you understand?"A hundred warriors answered in unison, "Yes, Luna."Vione and the hundred warriors left the barracks soon after. They changed into their w
Vione couldn't answer Jemma's words. Her heart was truly touched and she fell silent, only able to look at Usher, knowing that everything Jemma had said was the undeniable truth. Pregnancy was always a happy announcement. But Vione's pregnancy was more than joy; it was a blessing. For Usher, Jemma, Rowena and the Frostholm Pack, Vione's pregnancy was the greatest gift the Moon Goddess had given them. So, it was no surprise that when the palace announced Vione's pregnancy, the entire pack rejoiced and celebrated everywhere. Without exception, the news spread to the farthest corners of the Frostholm Pack territory. Smiles and beaming eyes adorned the faces of every member of the pack. They continued to give thanks for all the good things that had happened to the pack—from their victory in the war to Vione's pregnancy—and they didn't forget to pray for Vione's wellbeing. Ayla, the Sacred Elder, made hasty preparations. She arranged for a blessing ceremony for Vione's pregnancy to be h
There was a bright, blinding light. It seemed to be the morning sun, its warmth soothing her soul. Vione wasn't alone. Next to her was Usher, always holding her hand. They were talking, laughing, when suddenly a scene made her eyes widen. "Sylvia, come back! Don't go too far! Oh, God! Silas, can you go after her?"Usher pulled Vione into his arms. "Don't worry, she won't get lost. They're smart kids." "Usher," Vione groaned, pressing her lips together and raising her hand to point. "That's too—" Vione frowned. Something was holding her hand. Something was stroking the back of her hand, squeezing her fingers. "U-Usher." "Vione? Are you awake?" Usher's voice echoed in her head, like the buzzing of a thousand bees, driving that beautiful memory from her mind. It made her slightly dizzy and she moaned softly. "Vione? Can you hear my voice?" Vione frowned and slowly opened her eyes. She saw Usher's face, filled with immeasurable relief. "Usher." "Oh, thank God," Usher whispered, k
The meeting was only ten minutes old—it had only just started—and the first presentation had only just been given, but Usher's concentration was already disturbed. He couldn't concentrate on the data being presented. His mind kept wandering back to Vione. He had tried to ignore it, but suddenly his heart was pounding with an unfamiliar rhythm.Usher held his breath. Vione. Had something happened to her?At the same time, Usher saw Garth reach into the inside pocket of his suit. He watched as Garth stepped out of the meeting to take a phone call and for some reason Usher was certain that the call had something to do with Vione.Usher's intuition was right. Immediately after the call, Garth approached him and whispered in his ear."Alpha, Cora just reported that Luna fainted at a banquet—"Usher immediately got up from his seat. He left and Garth quickly said, "The meeting will be postponed."Then Garth hurried after Usher. They left the office five minutes later, Garth driving as fast
Two days later Rowena was ready. With her was Cora, whom Usher had specially assigned to accompany her on her journey.Rowena cupped Vione's cheeks. "Don't worry, Vione. We'll see each other often. Besides, it's the only way I can make up for leaving you as a baby.""No, Mama." Vione held Rowena's hands. "You did it so I could live with other werewolves. I understand that."Still, Rowena's guilt remained. So, she promised to make up for it with happiness and togetherness in the future."I hope you take good care of yourself, Mama," Vione said, calming her heart. Then she took off the moon necklace she was wearing. She put the moon necklace into Rowena's hand. "Let me know if anything happens."Rowena nodded. "Of course."Vione and Usher watched Rowena leave, certain that this wasn't goodbye. In truth, they were just living apart. They would keep in touch. They would still meet and visit. So, everything would be fine. There was nothing to worry about.That was what Rowena believed too.
Vione's hope was the promise she had made to Ivan. After so much suffering and sacrifice, there was only one thing she wanted most: to live a peaceful life surrounded by those she loved—Usher, Jemma and Rowena.They were owed many happy days because of the tragedies that had unfolded over the years, along with the war. Now Vione simply wanted to repay that debt by enjoying their time together, especially with Rowena.For countless days, Vione had longed for the loving touch of her biological parents. Despite the fact that her life with Addy and Hilary had been happy and full of love, she could not deny that deep down there was a part of her that longed for the warmth and love of her real parents. And when she learned that Ivan was long gone, all her hopes were placed in Rowena.Vione wanted to experience the affection she had only imagined. She wanted to spend endless days with Rowena in the palace. But it seemed that Rowena had other thoughts than her own."W-what do you mean, Ma?" V
Silence. Ivan and Rowena both stood still, staring at Vione without blinking."I'm meeting Usher, Dad," Vione said again. She pouted as she continued, "We've been dating since the night of the Coming-of-Age Ceremony." Her face flushed, obviously embarrassed. "When we were celebrating at the palace, and that's when we..."Vione didn't finish her sentence, but both Ivan and Rowena understood. They could guess what had happened that night. But one thing was still unclear to them.Ivan cleared his throat. He rubbed his chin, looking puzzled. "Usher?" he asked. "Which Usher are you talking about?""Papa," Vione groaned, feeling even more helpless. She was completely embarrassed. "There's only one Usher I know, the one you both know, Usher Thorne."Ivan's mouth opened, but no words came out. He seemed genuinely shocked and needed a little more time to fully process the name Usher Thorne.Ivan stared at Vione. "Usher Thorne?"The doorbell rang at the same moment. Vione's eyes widened. She lo
A month had passed since the war against the Nimbria Pack, and now normal days were once again colouring the Frostholm territory. Everyone carried on with their activities as before, full of energy and joy. The children played and went to school without a trace of fear, while the adults worked diligently, occasionally breaking into light chatter and laughter.There were no worries. Fear and anxiety about the future had vanished, replaced by happy, vibrant faces. They knew that the danger that had loomed over them for years had been overcome.On the other hand, the peace that now surrounded the Frostholm Pack did not lull Usher into complacency. He refused to become arrogant. Instead, the tragedy that had befallen the Nimbria Pack had taught him many lessons. He would not be careless and would make sure that this would never happen again.As a basis for preventive measures, Berg continued to increase security throughout the territory. Inspections of outsiders became more thorough and r
A heavy silence had fallen over the Frostholm territory since the night before. The area was truly desolate, with no sign of the Frostholm pack except for Berg and the guards stationed everywhere to protect the borders and the palace. The rest of the pack had evacuated to Amerotha Forest, hiding under the protection of Rowena's magic.The tension was palpable. The members of the pack seemed restless, their minds filled with fear, even though their safety was guaranteed within the forest. They knew that this security did not extend to those fighting in the war; there was no guarantee of safety for them.No one could close their eyes. They couldn't even stay in their tents. Instead, they chose to gather together and pray without ceasing.Hope poured from the depths of their hearts. Every prayer was accompanied by sincerity, and many shed tears. Their sorrow ran deep, and the Amerotha Forest could feel it.A blue-golden light slowly emerged, flowing from the ground and spreading everywhe
One thing Usher would remember for the rest of his life was that war never brought anything good. On the contrary, only bad things came out of war—death, pain, loss, suffering. For this reason, he would do everything in his power to ensure that there would be no more wars in the future—at least not in his lifetime—even if it meant making extreme choices.Usher hated war and he hated killing, but this time he put those feelings aside to ensure the safety of the Frostholm Pack. He had learned from experience that Kendrick's compassion could never touch the humanity of the Nimbria Pack. In truth, greed had blinded the Nimbria Pack, causing them to ignore the opportunity presented by the Frostholm Pack. Worse still, the Nimbria Pack saw Kendrick's decision as a sign of weakness, leading them to attack again whenever they had the chance.So, this time, Usher abandoned all compassion and humanity. The Nimbria Pack didn't deserve it. Instead, he would make sure that the Nimbria Pack felt all