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
It was all too late; there was nothing Usher could do now. He could only sit there, lost in thought, and watch Vione fall asleep in his embrace. And then it dawned on him that there was a selfishness within him that was rejoicing. He was glad, he was overjoyed, he was happy.Usher truly hated himself. He had proven himself unworthy of Vione, incapable of protecting her. And now all he had to do was lead Vione into the abyss with him.There was no guarantee that going back in time would change everything. The possibility of failure still existed, no matter how hard Usher tried. So, he should not risk Vione's life. He had caused Vione pain and the last thing he wanted was for Vione to die because of him.*It was the brightest morning Vione had felt in months, especially considering the time she had been imprisoned underground. Even in her hiding cave, she rarely felt the sunlight for fear of being discovered by the Mireya people. So, it was only natural that a smile immediately broke o
"Basically, there's only one thing you need to change the past. You must have an unwavering determination, and for that..." Rowena continued, taking a moment to catch her breath. Then she looked back at the waterfall before returning her gaze to Usher. "...the time portal behind the waterfall will return you to the time you desire. You must not hesitate, Alpha. Otherwise, at worst, you'll be trapped in the past forever."It was a huge risk, but Usher was not afraid. He showed his strong resolve."Another important thing is that you must be bound to both times."Rowena's confusing statement prompted a spontaneous question from Ayla. "What do you mean, Rowena?""I mean that Alpha must have a balance in both the present and the past. When he goes to the past, it's like he's in the middle of reality, caught between two dimensions of time. So, balance is needed to keep both worlds stable and harmonious.Usher shook his head slightly. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean, Rowena. So, wh
Usher closed his eyes as soon as his foot stepped through the portal. The reason for this was a strange vibration that immediately greeted him, flowing through his body like an invisible force that pulled him into the portal.Behind the golden-blue hue of the magical aura, a vortex of energy enveloped Usher. He felt like he was being swallowed by an unstoppable force, separated from space and time, like being caught in the eye of a storm.The blinding blue light filled Usher's vision as if trying to penetrate his tightly closed eyelids. The vibrations coursing through his body intensified, making him feel as if he were waking from a long dream and being thrown into an unimaginable reality.Usher's feet no longer touched the ground. He had been lifted off the ground and was now floating between unimaginable dimensions.Everything around him was suddenly changing. Usher felt himself thrust into a different time span, slicing through layers of time like an ocean with unexpected force. He
Little Vione couldn't speak anymore. Little Usher's words were true. The people loved her, even Usher's parents, the Alpha and the Luna, loved her. But she couldn't ignore the fact that there were naughty children who always tried to make her sad."Stop it. You don't have to worry about what they say. Don't be sad," the little Usher said as he thought. Then he looked around and his eyes were wide with excitement. "Vione, since we've come this far, how about we play by the lake for a while? You know, there are rumors that the lotus flowers will bloom this week."Little Vione wasn't sure if that was a good idea. But it was Usher, the future Alpha of the Frostholm Pack, who invited her. No matter how nice Usher was to her, she probably shouldn't refuse his invitation.Finally, little Vione sighed and nodded. "Let's go."Little Usher smiled and immediately took little Vione's hand. He led them away. They walked toward the southeast side of the forest, and it wasn't long before they could
"Remember, Alpha! Do not let you and your past self know each other. If that happens, the balance of time and space will be upset. Only one Alpha will survive."Rowena's voice echoed in Usher's mind. The warning only added to his panic. The safety of little Vione and Usher was at stake, but he couldn't just show up and reveal himself. He couldn't allow himself to be known for who he really was at that moment. So he racked his brain, desperately searching for something to hide his identity as little Vione and Usher became increasingly vulnerable in the lake.Usher's panic was momentarily halted by a realization. At that moment, he was still a child, just an eight-year-old boy. Wouldn't it be all right if they met? Little Usher certainly wouldn't recognize his future self.Without further ado, Usher wasted no time. He ran quickly to the lake and, without a second thought, plunged into its depths.His heart was pounding. Usher was racing against time. He swam fast, so it wasn't long befo
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