One thing Connor hadn't imagined was that the Frostholm Pack would be able to thwart the Nimbria Pack's sudden attack. The attack had been so well planned and organized. Every step they took had been meticulously calculated, and every weakness of the Frostholm Pack had been carefully mapped out. But the reality of the battlefield told a different story. Connor stood on a small hill and surveyed the battlefield, unable to contain his shock at the tragic sight before him. His troops, known for their cruelty and ferocity, were forced to retreat in defeat. The remaining warriors of the Nimbria Pack moved quickly to find cover from the relentless onslaught of the Frostholm Pack. The cries of pain from the wounded echoed in the air, fueling his growing rage. Connor's earlier vision, just before the warriors of the Nimbria Pack launched their sudden attack, had been of an easy victory. He had imagined the warriors of the Frostholm Pack overwhelmed, cornered, and finally surrendering to the
The Eresca Valley lay between two towering mountain ranges, separating the outside world from a place of silence and solitude. Thick fog often hung low, enveloping the valley in a chilling gray atmosphere. Old trees with sturdy trunks and strong, spreading roots dominated the landscape, their leaves rustling in the cold wind. Among the dense vegetation, owls glided silently, seemingly the only silent witnesses to all that was happening. They stood still, watching only as the injured wolves hid there, unmoved even when someone approached. Marcus moved quickly and nimbly along a narrow path. His breath came out in visible puffs in the cold air. He seemed focused; his eyes sharp as he peered through the thick fog to find his target. Exactly at a narrow gap between two large rocks. This was Marcus' destination: the hiding place of the Nimbria warriors.The hiding place was hidden from view, accessible only to those who knew the way. Its location was surrounded by sheer cliffs and dense
The warriors of the Nimbria Pack were completely helpless. The attack came so suddenly that they realized it too late. They believed that the calm in their hiding camp was due to the fact that the situation was under control and the Frostholm Pack was unaware of their presence. But the opposite was true. The Frostholm Pack had known from the beginning that the Nimbria warriors were using the Eresca Valley to hide and wait for the right moment to strike.The sudden attack hit the Nimbria warriors with remarkable speed and precision, giving them no time to react. Ironically, they were unaware of the attack until it was too late.The elite warriors of the Frostholm Pack employed highly effective tactics. They took advantage of the stillness and silence of the Eresca Valley, as well as the fact that the Nimbria warriors moved in the dark and did their best to remain inconspicuous.Everything was done with careful calculation. Then executed with precision. One by one, the Nimbria warriors
Bad news struck again, and this time it shook Connor even more than before. The hiding camp of the Nimbria Pack warriors in the Eresca Valley had been surrounded by the Frostholm Pack warriors. Moreover, they were now being slaughtered mercilessly and could not offer any significant resistance.Connor's blood was boiling. His hands clenched tightly as he felt the urge to punch and smash anything in front of him. The rage that consumed him was truly uncontrollable. He couldn't believe that the warriors of the Frostholm Pack would attack them so quickly and effectively."How could this be?" Connor muttered angrily. He turned quickly and glared at Marcus, who had just arrived with the bad news. He noticed Marcus' disheveled state. "How could the Frostholm Pack humiliate us like this?" He shook his head repeatedly, frustration clouding his thoughts. "We have to act now!"Marcus, still catching his breath after narrowly escaping the Frostholm Pack warriors' encirclement, dared to take a ch
"We must hurry, Ayla. Move quickly."Ayla nodded to Bruce. Then she turned to Mariah, who was carrying Usher. Together they walked down the long corridor."So, the war is really happening, Bruce?" Ayla asked in a quiet voice. Her tone was one of deep concern. "Is there no way to avoid it?"Bruce hesitated for a moment, seemingly unsure of how to answer. But finally, he nodded. "Actually, the war has been going on since the Nimbria Pack attacked us that night. All we can do now is fight them and defeat them. That's the only way to end it."Ayla said nothing more. Instead, her mind was filled with different possibilities. Deep down, however, she hoped that fate would favor the Frostholm Pack. They had to win, otherwise she couldn't imagine the misfortune that would befall them.It was common knowledge that the Nimbria pack was notoriously ruthless. They often invaded the territories of other packs, conquering them and torturing their members without mercy.Ayla's heart ached. Torture an
The night sky shrouded the battlefield in a menacing veil of darkness, lit only by the pale light of the moon. The air was cold, piercing, filled with the scent of wet earth mixed with the stench of blood and death. Every snarl and roar that echoed seemed to be a reflection of the deep hatred between the two packs as they fought mercilessly.In the midst of the brutal battle, where fangs and claws clashed wildly, the night grew even darker, making every breath heavier. The gleam of fangs ready to tear, eyes glinting sharply in the darkness, created a chaos that haunted the shadowy illusions.Kendrick felt a different kind of coldness, sharper and more cutting than the usual night wind. He looked up, staring at the moon in the sky as if searching for a sign. His instincts flared, telling him something was wrong.Jemma felt the same. She jumped out of the battle circle, clearly feeling the growing tension, like a rope tightening around her neck. Her legs trembled, not from exhaustion, b
Both packs froze. Kendrick stayed still. He was sure that Ivan had made his decision after careful consideration. However, the stakes of Ivan's game were incredibly high.On the other hand, Ivan didn't falter in the slightest. He met Connor's threat with equal ferocity. He didn't let go of Bethany as he continued to scan his surroundings.Ivan spotted Ferdie. Their eyes met and the look in Ferdie's eyes showed that he understood the task he had been given.There was no room for doubt. Ivan sank his fangs into Bethany's neck and completed his task. Bethany's blood vessels burst and blood spurted everywhere. Bethany's body dropped lifeless.The Nimbria pack was shaken. Connor howled in rage. Then he howled again, giving the order to the wolf holding Usher hostage. He would make good on his threat; Bethany's death would be paid for with Usher's life.The wolf immediately carried out the order. He threw Usher into the nearest pile of rocks. The Frostholm pack held its breath. Jemma closed
The battle was over. The days of tension and fear were over. Even more relieving was the fact that the victory had gone to them, the Frostholm Pack.The people rejoiced. They were all grateful. Many of them even made their way to Amerotha Forest, a sacred place that had always been considered the center of the Frostholm Pack's mystical energy. They expressed their happiness and prayed for the unity of the pack, hoping that it would always thrive in wisdom and honor. According to ancient legend, a great power resided there. So, they often came to pray, wishing that all their wishes would come true.Unfortunately, victory didn't come without sorrow. The Frostholm Pack was rejoicing, but they were also grieving. Many had fallen, and more than a few had sacrificed their lives to protect the pack."Ayla, don't move too much. Your wound is still fresh. You need to rest."Ayla closed her eyes, feeling the truth in Scott Saunder's words—the palace doctor of the Frostholm Pack. "Thank you, Sco
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