Vione thought that her unhappiness and suffering were enough. Despite the happiness she received from her adoptive parents and those who cared for her, there was still considerable sadness, mostly from those who often used her shortcomings as an object of ridicule. Still, she tried not to be sad as much as possible. After all, that's life. Happiness and sadness are always meant to be together, inseparable.The challenging journey of life had shaped Vione's heart. She was no longer easily hurt. She had gotten used to it. More wisely, she focused on those who loved her rather than those who hurt her. But she forgot that there is always an exception to everything.That exception was called Usher. But Vione had her defense. In the past, Usher belonged to the category of people who loved her. Usher was warm and always there for her. Then everything changed after they became a couple. Usher was no longer the Usher she knew. She began to think that Usher's kindness all along
What Addy and Hilary saw wasn't. The tears that fell, unnoticed by Vione, were real proof that she was truly devastated.Hilary pulled Vione close, gave her a warm hug, and allowed her to pour out all her sadness. He didn't offer any comforting words, just continued to rub Vione's back. Then he said, "We're here. You don't have to worry. We will always be there for you."At least being an adopted child and being found by parents like Addy and Hilary was not a bad thing. In fact, Vione was very grateful. Even with the embarrassing incident that had just happened, they were not afraid to stand up for Vione.Of course, news of Vione and Usher's separation spread throughout the pack. In addition, pack protocol required Garth to announce it. Everyone had to know that Vione was no longer the Luna, and many people made fun of her, especially when they learned the reason for her dismissal—Vione's alleged infidelity.It felt like the first time in the histor
"Wh-what? A coup?"Vione was shocked, as were Addy and Hilary. All the werewolves who had gathered at the Munest house were also surprised. They asked each other, but no one had an answer."I'm sure there's a misunderstanding here," Vione said, trying to stop the werewolves from taking Addy and Hilary. "They couldn't possibly be involved in a coup."But they all remained unmoved by her plea. Vione could not stop them from taking Addy and Hilary. Even when Addy and Hilary tried to defend themselves, no one believed them. They were truly treated as if they were in the midst of a coup.Vione didn't give up. She found Garth. She knew that Garth still respected her in some way. Even though she wasn't a Luna anymore, Garth had a certain respect for her.Unfortunately, what happened wasn't what she had hoped for. Garth stared at Vione with a regretful expression."Sorry, Vione. If this has to do with a coup against the Alpha, then I'm the one who s
The Frostholm Pack was in an uproar. It seemed not long ago that they had to deal with the turmoil caused by Vione's removal from the Luna post and the scandal of her affair. Now the pack was shocked again by even more sensational news—the possibility of a planned coup by the Munest family.The pack was restless. Indeed, the accusations of Vione's affair hid a greater mystery than meets the eye. The most frightening possibility, as Mireya had pointed out, was that the man had actually targeted Vione in order to exploit the Frostholm Pack's weaknesses.The execution of the plan did not go smoothly, however, as Vione's affair was discovered. Usher had decided to break their mating bond, and Vione returned to the Munest household.Now the only option was to take advantage of the situation. The cunning man attacked Addy and Hilary's psyche, shaken by Vione's unfortunate fate. He offered to work together to overthrow Usher's power.Addy and Hilary, griev
"What? The death penalty?" Vione shook her head. "No. No. You can't do that, Usher. No. Please."Vione resisted. She jumped over the barrier and ran toward Usher. The guards quickly caught her.The werewolf pack was in an uproar. They were shocked. Some of them couldn't believe the verdict Ayla had read. Despite concerns for the safety of Usher and the Frostholm pack, the death penalty seemed excessive. After all, there had been no coup, and the underground prison was considered punishment enough. Besides, Addy and Hilary were guaranteed never to leave it for the rest of their lives.Some of them looked sympathetic. They understood if this was Usher's way of punishing Vione. He wanted to make her suffer, even through them.So, Addy held Hilary's hand. He steeled his resolve and Hilary smiled. They had made their decision. Whatever happened, they were willing to endure it as long as Vione was safe. As long as Vione was alive, all would be well."I,
The bright morning matched Mireya's radiant face as she arrived at The Palace. The car carrying her stopped in the courtyard and a guard opened the door. Gracefully, Mireya stepped out, taking a moment to survey her surroundings with a smile before making her way forward.Her arrival was greeted with the usual respect. People bowed their heads and greeted her politely. Her smile widened and she raised her chin in pride. Mireya felt on top of the world. Now, after everything that had happened, it seemed as if she could really go to The Palace in peace.It was not as if Mireya ignored Vione. After all, the whole palace knew how Usher preferred her to Vione. But there was something that required her to restrain herself, at least in public—Vione's position as Luna.Mireya might mock or belittle Vione when they were alone, or at least in front of Usher and Garth. But beyond that it was out of the question. She had to keep her composure in front of others. At th
Mireya thought, it wasn't for nothing that Vione often spent time alone in the lounge. Apparently, the place had a perfect ambience for resting body and mind.A plate of snacks and a warm cup of tea filled the table. Instrumental music was playing, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Mireya enjoyed the passing time, gazing at the flowers that adorned the garden, one thought running through her mind.I won't give up so easily. After all I've done, I won't let this damn petition ruin my plans.Unfortunately, Mireya couldn't imagine what she could do to fight the petition. As Usher had informed her, he had called Ayla and the result was unsatisfactory.Mireya closed her eyes. She realized that Ayla was one of those who did not like her presence. Ayla might not express it openly or show her displeasure, but Mireya could feel it. Ayla saw her as an intruder that had to be removed.Wait a minute.Steps interrupted Mireya's thoughts.
One thing had escaped Usher's attention when he decided to go public with his romantic relationship with Mireya. He overlooked the fact that there might be someone who disapproved of his actions. Not only because it was inappropriate for an Alpha to behave this way, but also because the pack was still reeling from the shock of recent events.Vione's affair and her removal from the position of Luna, the capture of the Munest family, and the death sentences handed down had caused turmoil that Usher should have considered before acting. It was understandable if Jemma could not understand how Usher could act in the opposite way.At first, Jemma took a passive stance. She knew her place and felt that Usher's love life was none of her business. Despite her dislike for Usher and Mireya's secret relationship, she could not do anything about it. However, she could not remain silent when the latest news reached her.The pack presented a petition. Usher objected and summon
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