Everything had changed. Without Ivan, nothing was the same. The sky, once blue, had turned into a gray canvas. The colors that had once adorned it were no longer a rainbow, but rather gray streaks of pain. There was no longer the warmth promised by sunlight. Everything felt the same every day—empty. Even the moon, which had always been soothing, had lost its charm. Its once beautiful light seemed pale, as if trapped in an eternity of faint shadows. The breeze felt hollow. The ground was no longer firm, like a fragile foundation that could collapse at any moment. There were no more bursts of laughter. Everything had been replaced by silence. Every corner that had once witnessed the happiness of two souls had become mute in its helplessness. Fate had decreed. An invisible distance had been created, limiting the space and time that could do anything. The only thing left was a space of longing that willingly inflicted its torment every day. Second by second, time passed in a silenc
The silence of the night was shattered by Rowena's anguished cry. Her scream conveyed the pain that had been buried for so long. She seemed so tormented that the tears she had held back for days began to fall. Rowena no longer cared to hide her grief. Everything seemed futile, and her anger rose when a stranger cornered her without understanding the depth of her pain."You don't know," Rowena whispered in a trembling voice that conveyed all the anguish pressing on her soul. "You don't know what it's like to go without Ivan. This world, everything feels empty without him. I'm trapped in this pain and there's no way out for me. So don't point your finger at me. Don't tell me to hold on when you don't know what it's like to live with such a loss.”The woman was taken aback. She let Rowena's words reverberate between them. She chose to remain silent for a moment, looking at Rowena with eyes full of compassion and sadness.Rowena's breath was ragged. She was gasping for air in an outburst
Regret continued to fill Rowena's mind as she realized how catastrophic the decision she had almost made was. She had almost taken not only her own life, but the life of the child she was carrying. Worst of all, she had almost broken the promise she had made to Ivan, leaving her with an overwhelming sense of guilt and forcing her to make a firm decision.Rowena banished any thought of ending her life. She threw away the sadness that tempted her to give up. She would not allow herself to do that. Instead, that grief had ignited a new purpose within her.Rowena's purpose in life had shifted. Perhaps it was no longer for herself, but for the new life that depended on her. She would persevere, carry on despite the weight. That's why she often reminded herself not to let the grief consume her. She could not allow the shadows of the past to brittle her heart. Instead, the memories of her time with Ivan had to strengthen her so that she could care for the child growing inside of her.Just as
It was a bright morning in Frostholm Castle. Everyone was going about their business as usual. Everything seemed fine, though the haunting memories and painful recollections of the war would forever be etched in their minds. They mourned, but they knew that rising again was a necessity. They would not allow the sacrifices of their pack to be in vain.Every aspect was evaluated. Every nook and cranny of the territory was being monitored as closely as possible. They would make sure that no gaps were left unchecked, including every piece of information that came in, no matter how big or small. Everything would be examined with the utmost caution. They wouldn't underestimate anything like they had before."I checked it, Alpha. It turns out there was an unknown woman and Rowena who warned us six months ago," Graham said, handing Kendrick some photos from the surveillance cameras. Then he added, "They wrote letters and put them in the pack's complaint box, but the staff dismissed them as ano
Rowena had never felt such overwhelming exhaustion. Her body felt heavy, every movement seemed to take all of her remaining strength. Even moving a finger was an immense effort. But she realized that it was not only her body that was exhausted, her mind was even more so.Rowena's breathing was erratic. Her heartbeat was irregular. Sweat was pouring down, soaking her face and body. She shivered and struggled to reach for the ancient book that had slipped from her grasp.A faint blue glow appeared as Rowena cast a spell. The book closed and was sealed. Then she leaned her back against the stone wall. She let the water from the Mystoria Falls wet her body. She needed a moment to calm herself from the surge of magic she had just experienced, especially from a few moments ago when she had tried to master an ancient spell.Closing her eyes, Rowena managed a faint smile despite the fatigue that was gripping her. "Just a little more," she whispered softly. "Just a little more and I'll master
There is no more seductive illusion than the belief that man can control time. That every wrong decision can be corrected and every scar healed with a second chance. It's just like the most tempting offer, one with no option of refusal, and Rowena chose it without the slightest hesitation.Her firm resolve and unwavering faith had become Rowena's foundation. She would allow no doubt to shake her, for that was the only way she could make everything right.Rowena steeled her heart. She closed her eyes and took a step forward. She entered the time portal and the magic led her through space and time.Everything swirled around Rowena. Different memories and recollections accompanied her journey through time. There were wounds that needed healing, words that needed to be corrected, and opportunities that could not be wasted. The hope that every bitter experience could be softened and every uncertain path taken could be replaced with a better choice drove her to conquer time.Rowena sank dee
Rowena seemed to be dreaming. Maybe she was already dead and in heaven. After Ivan's death, she had thought there was no more beauty in the world. Not until today, when she held a tiny, beautiful baby in her arms.Rowena was stunned. For a few moments she could only sit in silence, her eyes unblinking. She kept staring at the little princess, who occasionally squirmed in her embrace.A whirlwind of emotions swirled in Rowena's chest. There was a joy in her heart that she had never thought possible. She could feel happiness again. She still could, and it was all because of the Princess."Oh, God," Rowena whispered, her voice trembling with overwhelming happiness. She blinked and a single tear of joy rolled down her cheek. "We've finally met, my love."Rowena took a deep breath, then smiled tenderly as she caressed the baby. Her trembling hands, still in disbelief, traced the baby's soft cheek with the utmost care and gentleness. She was startled by the sensation that flowed through her
Rowena strove to fulfill her new role as a mother. Not only was she fulfilling her promise to Ivan to take care of her baby as best she could, but her natural instincts, beyond reason, compelled her to do so because she truly wanted to. She wanted the best for her daughter.A new phase in Rowena's life had begun. The love that grew naturally guided and taught her many things. Every day offered lessons she had never encountered before, and every second spent with her daughter offered new, amazing experiences. All the tiredness, worries and doubts that had once plagued her slowly faded away until they disappeared altogether.Rowena felt happier and happier as time went on. Now there was no pallor on her lips, no dullness in her eyes, and no heaviness in her steps. She was full of energy, and flowers bloomed in her heart as she realized that the baby felt the same way.The baby couldn't speak yet, but Rowena could feel it clearly. Every laugh, every wiggle, every look from the baby conve
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