Realizing that Vione had reached a point of desperation, Ayla understood that Vione would do anything to cure Usher. Vione would not hesitate to trade her own life if it meant bringing Usher back. Unfortunately, Vione's determination meant nothing without Rowena's intervention. Ayla could not deny that Vione's hopes clashed with the principles of life that Rowena had steadfastly clung to.Rowena no longer wanted to be involved in the problems of the world. She had withdrawn from the outside world. But Ayla could not forget that Rowena had broken that principle some time ago, especially when she asked for medicine for Usher. Now hope grew. Hopefully Vione's determination would touch Rowena's compassion."Please, Rowena. Have mercy on me. Heal Usher and I will give you anything you want."Rowena was taken aback. Her face dropped. She saw Vione, now hugging her knees with tears streaming down her face. Vione looked truly desperate, her eyes unconsciously welling up."I promise I will giv
The light dimly illuminated the room, casting eerie shadows on the walls from flickering candles. The air was heavy with intentions and hopes that were strongly intertwined.Standing in the center of the special room that had been a place to perform rituals was Rowena. She stood alone, looking at a rough wooden table in front of her. On the table were various herbs, crystals, and mystical artifacts, all of which she examined carefully, making sure nothing was overlooked.Rowena appeared focused as she began the intricate process of preparing the sacred ingredients for the potion. With precise movements, she selected each chosen herb, then crushed them with a mortar and pestle. The aroma of sage, lavender, and wolfsbane mingled in the air, creating an intoxicating blend.Meanwhile, a small bubbling cauldron sat on a nearby fire, sending dancing vapors into the air. There, Rowena carefully poured the crushed herbs into the cauldron. Her lips murmured ancient mantras as she stirred the p
Everything felt unreal, like a fantasy or a beautiful dream often prayed for before sleep. Exactly how Vione felt at that moment. She could hardly believe what her eyes had seen, almost thinking it was just her hallucination, but Usher's voice brought her back to an undeniable reality."Vione."The voice was like a heavenly melody that brought peace to Vione. All sadness and despair suddenly turned to dust that was blown away by the night wind and disappeared without a trace.Vione bit her lower lip. Reality brought unimaginable happiness. Everything vanished from her mind and the only thing that remained was the desire to hug Usher as tightly as possible. "Usher."Vione's embrace trapped Usher. His body stiffened for a moment and he seemed increasingly confused. In the end, however, he returned Vione's embrace a moment later.Usher closed his eyes. Just like Vione, he thought that everything that was happening was not real. He thought it was a beautiful dream given to him by the Moon
Vione could not stop staring at the face she had missed so much. She didn't move an inch from Usher's side unless something important needed to be done.Vione realized that Usher was badly hurt. Ironically, Usher had just come back from the dead. Usher's condition was still very worrisome, so she and Ayla tried to treat him as best they could.Bandages covered all the wounds on Usher's body. Vione was grateful that she was a wolf without claws. Thanks to this deficiency, she had some knowledge of medicine. It was not uncommon for her to get injured when she was bullied by other werewolves.Vione breathed a sigh of relief when the last bandage was properly applied. "You just need to rest for a few days, Usher. You'll recover soon."After finishing his words, Vione started to tidy up the remaining bandages and other things. But suddenly Usher grabbed Vione's hand. He prevented Vione from showing any sign of leaving."Vione."Vione turned. "Yes?"Usher pulled Vione's hand and motioned fo
Usher fell silent as Rowena's question managed to spark a glimmer of hope in his mind. Frankly, there was nothing he hoped for more than a second chance, a chance to make things right, a chance to avoid all the unfortunate incidents.But Usher's logic scoffed at the suggestion. It sounded irrational. There were no second chances in this world, especially not for someone as guilty as he was. Yet there was a part of Usher that hoped for the opposite. If there was a second chance, could he change everything that had happened?Usher took a deep breath and shifted his focus. He narrowed his eyes on Rowena. "Who are you?""I am Rowena, a witch who once cured you of the effects of Mireya's magic. I am also well acquainted with Jemma and Kendrick."Immediately, Usher's expression changed. "Do you... do you know my parents?""Very well," Rowena replied with a slight grin. Her chest felt tight, so she took a deep breath to calm herself. "We've been friends for many years. We are good friends."
The loud sound echoed repeatedly, filling Rowena's ritual room. It came from a large mortar filled with fresh herbs that emitted a pungent aroma. With blank eyes and an expressionless face, Rowena's hands continued to lift the pestle and pound the fresh herbs. It seemed that something had taken over her mind, making her unaware that the herbs had been crushed ten minutes ago.The faint sound of footsteps gradually drew Rowena's attention. She blinked, instantly alerting her entire body. Rowena stopped pounding. She put down the pestle and turned to greet them. "Alpha."Usher's steps suddenly stopped and he looked at Rowena as he returned the salute. "Rowena.""What is it, Alpha?" Rowena asked, leaving the crushed herbs in the mortar. She went to the table to get more ingredients. "Was there something you wanted to say by coming to see me?"Usher squinted. He hadn't expected Rowena to speak so casually."Surely there's a reason you sought me out here." Rowena picked up a crystal bottle
"Vione, what do you think? Do you feel the strangeness as I do?"For a moment, Vione was silent as Usher expressed his suspicions. She said nothing and seemed to become a statue. Even for a moment, her gaze seemed empty.Usher narrowed his eyes. He waited a moment, hoping Vione would respond to his words, but she didn't. After five minutes, Vione remained silent."Vione?" Usher called with a furrowed brow. He touched Vione's shoulder gently. "Are you listening to me?"Vione flinched slightly. She blinked several times before finally focusing on his eyes. Then she nodded. "Uh-oh, yes, Usher. O-of course I heard what you said earlier."Vione's behavior puzzled Usher. The furrows in his forehead deepened. "What is it?" Usher asked later, watching Vione's condition. "Is something wrong? You don't seem like yourself, Vione."Vione shook his head hastily. "No, Usher. There's nothing wrong. I'm fine and nothing happened. You don't have to worry."That was not the case in Usher's eyes. So, he
Vione tried to calm herself, but Rowena's words kept echoing in her head. She couldn't hold back her emotions and would have cried if Ayla hadn't arrived.Ayla approached Vione worriedly. "Vione, what's wrong? Why are you crying?""No," Vione said, shaking her head. She quickly wiped away the tears that were about to fall. "I wasn't crying because you came suddenly, Ayla."Ayla groaned. "Vione."A small laugh escaped Vione's lips. "I'm fine. I just feel..." She took a deep breath and lifted her head, then continued. "...very happy, Ayla.""Well, for someone who is happy, you express it in a way that worries me," Ayla said.Vione smiled playfully. "I'm fine. I'm just preparing snacks for Usher."Ayla glanced at the nice spread of snacks and a cup of tea on the table. She sighed with the realization that Vione would always love Usher. She could be sure that Vione would stay by Usher's side no matter what, even if it meant sacrificing her own life.A dilemma arose in Ayla's mind. On the
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