Garth's struggling stopped instantly. He froze and his heart seemed to stop beating at that moment. For of the many complicated things that filled his mind, this was the one that confused him the most. How could he know? How could he know that I was going to meet Ayla and ask Rowena for the antidote? How could he know all that?Garth blinked with uncertainty. He swallowed the lump that seemed to be blocking his throat, then asked in a very low voice due to shock, "W-what did you say?""I know your plan with Jemma," Usher whispered with emphasis. "I know your good intentions to get the antidote, but this is not the time to do it."Garth's body shivered. Usher's answer made him even more confused because he and Jemma had planned this only a short time ago. "How did you know?"Usher growled, unconsciously tightening his grip on Garth's wrist. "That's not important, Garth. What's important now is that you do as I say. Postpone your plan to cure Usher."The pain made Garth flinch. But it w
The Past Usher had never felt so terrible, convinced that the words weak and pathetic weren't enough to describe his condition. He had lost a lot of weight, his body had become thin, and worse, he was completely helpless. Even to walk he had to struggle, just like a sick person waiting for his time to leave this world.The gallantry and grandeur that had always clung to The Past Usher seemed to have completely vanished without a trace. The figure that was once full of spirit and strength had been replaced by someone who couldn't even recognize himself.Pale face and sunken eyes, the reflection in the mirror made The Past Usher question himself. How could he have become so pitiful?Strangely enough, according to Scott, he was fine. There was nothing wrong with his health. All the tests showed that he wasn't sick; he was perfectly healthy. So the reassuring news that should have reassured him only brought more worry. What is happening to me?The Past Usher kept asking himself. Even as h
Usher was well aware that his current action was a risk upon a risk. It could be said that this was the greatest risk he should not have taken. Unfortunately, fear had driven him to desperation. There was nothing he could do, his hope was fading, and there was no way out. So here he was now—in the room of Usher.No one else was present except the two of them. It was just them—Usher and The Past Usher, who logically were the same person."Who are you? How did you get in here?"Usher was not going to let The Past Usher ruin the last plan he had. So, he acted immediately when he saw The Past Usher's intention to call Garth. He quickly pushed The Past Usher against the wall, which was not difficult for him. On the contrary, it was very easy considering that The Past Usher was in a very weakened state.However, this didn't mean that The Past Usher would give up easily. He still tried to break free until his weakness intensified, rendering him immobile.The Past Usher stared at Usher intent
Vione was sure that there was no waiting more agonizing than this. Time passed so slowly, the days changing at an agonizingly sluggish pace. It was as if she was trapped in the same moment because Usher was not with her. Day after day passed like an endless circle of suffering. The mornings brought harsh realities and the nights gave her nightmares. Vione suffered. She was tormented by a longing so intense that she didn't want to count how many days Usher had been away from her. Vione didn't want to know. Knowing would only increase her agony during this time of waiting. So, she ignored everything and steeled her heart by clinging to a hope. Usher would be all right. He had promised. He would definitely come back to me. Her faith in Usher kept Vione standing until now. Amidst the uncertainty of the past, present and future, she could only hold on to Usher's promise. And that's what she did—she waited for Usher to fulfill his promise. Vione spent every day at Mystoria Falls, a rou
Usher didn't know exactly what was happening to him. Everything felt like a dream, especially when he saw a man with a face identical to his own, as if looking in a mirror. Then suddenly a blue-golden light filled his room. The light was so blinding that he couldn't stand it. He fell unconscious. "Weird," Usher whispered as he got up from the floor. He stood up and rubbed his neck. "What just happened to me? Am I dreaming? But why..." The words fell from Usher's tongue. More than that, his footsteps stopped as well. He stood still for a moment. Then he looked down at his own feet. Usher was stunned, feeling a mixture of emotions. He could barely speak as he asked himself, "Am I healed? Why don't I feel weak at all?" Usher's legs were stable, unlike before. He could stand up straight and walk firmly, unlike yesterday when he had to hold on to something to walk. It didn't stop there. Usher checked other parts of his body as well. He looked at his hands and was sure that his hands h
Usher didn't know exactly how long it had been since he had last set foot there. As he remembered it, he and Vione used to share the same room. They stayed in the same room. Then everything changed when Mireya arrived. He didn't care about Vione anymore; he didn't even visit her. Strangely, there were some flashes that kept replaying in his mind."Promise me, Vione. Whatever happens, Vione. Promise me. Promise me you'll never leave me. No matter what happens, promise me you'll stay by my side. No matter how foolish and disappointing I may be, please, never leave my side."Usher closed his eyes tightly. His expression showed that he was in pain; his mind kept replaying memories that felt foreign to him. However, the strange thing was that these memories also felt very familiar.There was something else that confused Usher even more, and that was the presence of a half-moon pendant necklace around his neck that he was holding. He was sure that he had never owned this necklace before. How
Vione didn't remember exactly how she ended up in the cave. As she recalled, she had escaped from the underground prison. She went to check on Usher, but Mireya caught her. Mireya ordered Storm to capture her. But the mysterious man arrived at the right time and she was saved.Now doubt crept into Vione's mind. She began to wonder. How could the mysterious man not be as evil as she thought?This doubt made Vione wait for the arrival of the mystery man. She was sure that the mysterious man would come back to see her, as he always did, like when she was still in the underground prison.The next day, Vione waited for the mysterious man. But the mysterious man did not come, and at that moment she realized that she had lost something very precious.There was nothing around Vione's neck. There was no half-moon pendant necklace."My necklace?" Vione touched her neck several times. "Where is my necklace?"Panic overcame Vione. Her body grew cold. She searched the cave but couldn't find it.Vio
As soon as Usher and Garth left the study, Mireya quickly made her way out as well. Her steps were quick, her destination clear: the bedroom. Her heart raced as if it were competing with a ticking clock. She had to contact Torin immediately, and for that she ordered Greisy to stand guard at the door.Mireya waited anxiously for the call to connect, feeling an overwhelming sense of fear, something she had never felt before. Her body felt cold and even breathing became difficult. She tried to stay calm, trying to keep her worry from turning into fear, but the tremors that ran through her fingers couldn't be easily dismissed."Mireya."The call was answered and Mireya's eyes closed reflexively. Torin's voice allowed her to take a long breath, though she quickly remembered the urgency of the situation. "Torin."Mireya explained everything that had happened, including the failure of her plan to get rid of Garth and the completely unexpected recovery of Usher. Finally, she reported the most
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