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
As a former warrior leader, Vione had seen every kind of wound, every kind of pain. She had felt every kind of agony and suffering, but none compared to the searing pain that suddenly gripped her.Vione fought with all her strength, but the pain she felt was excruciating. She could no longer move or breathe, and suddenly her vision went completely dark.Everything disappeared. Everything was gone. There was nothing left of this world as Vione realized where the source of the pain was coming from.Right from her heart. An indescribable agony was tearing at her from within, as if invisible claws were grabbing her and crushing her until nothing was left.Vione shook. Her body shook violently. In that split second, she realized this wasn't a physical wound. Something much deeper, much darker, had taken hold of her.In the midst of the overwhelming pain, Vione tried to hold on. But the encroaching darkness continued to suffocate and haunt her. Her equilibrium was shaken, and her worst nigh