"Not at all. I'm sure I had it on when I escaped from the prison, but why is it gone now? Did I drop it?"Vione touched her neck several times, then stood up. She searched her body as thoroughly as she could, checking every inch of her clothing, but she still couldn't find it."My necklace," Vione whispered, her voice shaking. Her face grew pale and a shiver ran through her body—fear of loss. "I must find it."Panic began to creep into Vione's mind. The possibility that she had lost the half-moon pendant necklace made her heart ache. She couldn't imagine if the necklace was really gone. It wasn't just any necklace; it was a gift from Usher.Vione couldn't afford to lose it. So, she bit her lower lip, trying to hold back the tears that were welling up in her eyes. Her fear was replaced by an unshakeable determination. "I have to find it."After making sure the necklace wasn't hidden in her clothes, Vione carefully checked the floor of the cave. She pushed aside some obstructing rocks a
A feeling of unease gripped Usher as he realized that no one was in the cave. Vione was not there."Alpha."Usher blinked and turned to Garth, who had walked up to him. "What's the situation?""Sorry, Alpha. Storm, the others and I have searched the area, but we haven't found any sign of Luna."Usher furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "Impossible," he murmured in a low tone, as if speaking to himself rather than Garth. "I'm sure Vione was here. I—"Usher's words were cut short when his eyes accidentally landed on a familiar object at the bottom of the cave. He stood and picked it up—a crumpled piece of paper.Usher slowly unfolded the paper. His eyes narrowed as his expression changed as he read each word, a message to Vione to stay in the cave. He recognized the handwriting at once. It was his own.The strangeness continued, but Usher decided to ignore it for the moment. He realized that so many strange things had happened in just two days, right after he awoke from his coma. He wou
Usher couldn't risk it. Vione's safety was at stake and he had to act quickly. His plan was to instruct Garth to send a message to the Nimbria Pack. At the same time, Cora entered the office."Alpha, a letter from the Nimbria Pack."Usher's gaze fell on the letter in Cora's hand. "Give it to me."The letter changed hands. Usher read it immediately and was not at all surprised. Everything was as he had suspected. Torin proposed to negotiate, considering their mutual interests. He wanted to save Vione, while Torin could not ignore his own son, the heir of the Nimbria Pack."Torin has proposed a meeting in neutral territory," Usher said, looking at Garth and Cora in turn. "He wants to trade Phillip and Mireya tonight."Torin was making an offer that was mutually beneficial, but Usher knew the situation wasn't that simple. He would not ignore the fact that Torin was cunning and not to be underestimated. Besides, history had recorded numerous deceptions by the Nimbria Pack. It was very lik
Everything happened so fast and unexpectedly. No one could have anticipated it, so they were stunned and almost in disbelief when they realized that Torin had been knocked down by Vione's sudden attack.Vione was panting heavily. She knew her actions were tantamount to seeking death. But her mind was blank; she paid no attention to the risks when she realized that Usher was in danger. Usher could die, and she wouldn't let that happen. Usher must not die, especially not while he was protecting her.On the other hand, Usher got up quickly when Torin was thrown from him. He approached Vione with a look of deep concern. His heart's desire was to get Vione out of there as soon as possible, but he realized that Torin had to be dealt with first.Usher growled and then jumped. He attacked Torin who tried to get up. He gave Torin no chance to get up. He attacked Torin with all the strength he had left.Usher's claws dug into Torin's body, tearing it apart and causing blood to gush out. He bit
A few years ago.The night was not as usual; it felt thicker than before, as if the darkness conspired with the slowly approaching terror. It created a tension that pierced through, shaking the bones to their deepest core.A cold wind blew, carrying a strange whisper, delivering an unseen omen. All the sounds of the forest had become menacing, every rustle of leaves sounding like footsteps haunting the surroundings.Darkness loomed, ominous shadows seemed alive, lurking in the most hidden corners. The night air felt heavy with threats creeping in from all sides, waiting for the right moment to burst forth and slaughter.Above, the full moon hung with an undeniable limitation. Its light was dim, not enough to dispel the shadows that crept closer and closer. Each shadow moved quickly, unpredictably, bringing a sense of fear that promised suffering.Dry twigs snapped underfoot. Underbrush rustled. The ground was trampled, framing solid footprints that showed strength everywhere.The soun
Jemma felt uneasy all day. She was restless, her mind disturbed by something unknown. There was something different, different than usual, but she couldn't put it into words. It was as if something was wrong, causing her constant anxiety, even though she tried to ignore it.Jemma thought it was just unfounded anxiety. Logically, if she looked closely, she could convince herself that there was nothing to worry about. Everything was fine. The palace was lively and cheerful, everyone was busy, and of course the birds were still flying around and singing happily. Such was the usual day at the Palace, just like any other.Unfortunately, it wasn't so easy to put aside. Jemma couldn't ignore it. She seemed her usual self, outwardly normal; she smiled and spoke with her usual friendliness. But she was like a calm sea, hiding a powerful, invisible current within. Her heart wavered between reality and the vague, indefinable shadows. The unease couldn't be banished; it haunted her with a stronge
The battle raged on. The Frostholm pack continued to hold their ground, using every method possible to repel the attacks of the Nimbria pack. They fought on, even as wave after wave of attack washed over them like a never-ending tide, threatening to drain their strength until there was nothing left.The cold night air became hot with the smell of blood and smoke. Every breath felt heavy, filled with the scent of death that lingered in the air. The ground beneath their feet shook from the clash of claws and bodies. The roars and screams could be heard everywhere, creating a terrifying and heartbreaking symphony that reminded them that every misstep would lead to death.The eyes of the Frostholm wolves shone with rage and deepening despair. They were pushed to their limits, but they stood firm. They continued to scratch and bite at the enemies attacking from all sides.The determination to defend the border erased any sense of fatigue or pain. They might be at the limit of their strengt
The Frostholm Pack was well aware that now was not the time to celebrate. The situation was far from being under their control. While they had managed to thwart the Nimbria Pack's attack and capture some of their warriors, others had managed to escape. This left them with the looming threat of another attack.Moreover, Kendrick personally understood that the Nimbria Pack would not retreat so easily, they would never surrender. Especially since he knew the nature of the Nimbria Pack's Alpha, Connor Arbuckle, who was always ambitious and obsessed with conquering other packs.Kendrick couldn't just stand by. The Frostholm Pack couldn't stay on the defensive. The pride of the pack was at stake, and more importantly, he would not allow anyone to underestimate the Frostholm Pack."Graham," Kendrick called in a deep voice. He turned and looked at Graham, who was standing not far from him. "Any news from Ivan?"Graham came closer, standing tall in front of Kendrick. "Ivan is in excellent cond
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