Young Usher ran as fast as he could, pushing through the dense undergrowth that blocked his path. He leaped over the roots of trees that blocked his steps. He plowed through everything with a growing anxiety that seemed unstoppable.Young Usher's body tensed. Vione's young cries seemed to echo incessantly in his mind, fueling a panic that grew sharper with each passing moment. His breathing became labored, but Usher didn't stop his sprint. He raced against time until the road ahead became a dead end.Young Usher's run came to a halt. He quickly glanced around. He tried to locate Young Vione's whereabouts, but to no avail. The forest seemed as quiet as ever, and it almost drove him to despair.A low whimper caught Young Usher's ear. It came from the southeast side of the forest. Hastily, he darted in that direction, his eyes widening as he realized that there was a steep cliff he had overlooked. Without hesitation, he rushed over and the faint voice of the young Vione greeted him."Ple
Thanks to that day when two bad things happened in a row, it's no wonder that Young Usher paid more attention to Young Vione than usual. So, he often looked out of the window to catch a glimpse of Young Vione as she went about her duties as mentioned earlier—checking the plants in the Palace.The book lay open, untouched by Young Usher. The laptop screen, which had been lit, was now dark. Everything was neglected as his focus was entirely on young Vione, so much so that he didn't even notice the arrival of a maid with a tray of snacks and tea."It looks like Vione is doing well," the maid remarked.The young Usher was startled from his reverie. He turned awkwardly. "Y-yes, she's fine."The maid smiled politely and placed the snacks and tea on the table. Afterwards they wanted to leave, but the young Usher spoke quickly again."Just a moment."The maid turned to Young Usher again. "Yes?""I haven't thanked you yet. Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to save Vione in time," Yo
Something was wrong, the young Usher could feel it clearly. His discomfort was palpable, like a lump in his chest that even the moonlit night could not soothe as usual. The atmosphere was unsettling, and even the gentle breeze seemed to sting, adding to his unease.Taking a deep breath, the young Usher scanned his surroundings with unease. He tried to look for clues to the unusual feeling that had plagued him for the past few days, but all he found was confusion.Everything seemed to be spinning, making Usher's head feel full. Various events that had occurred kept replaying in his mind, bringing up different thoughts than before. Two similar yet meaningful questions continued to weigh on his mind."Why? Why are you so good to me? Why do you always take care of me? Why, Usher?""Why are you so attentive to Vione? She's nobody. She's just the adopted daughter of some forest rangers. Besides, she seems weak. You could say she's a troublesome she-wolf. So why do you care about her?"At fi
Young Usher didn't answer. It was impossible for young Vione to get expired bread. The palace had always ensured that the food and drink for all residents—Alpha family and workers—met health standards. Moreover, there had never been any reports of food poisoning.Still, young Usher wouldn't forget to check. If the puppy had indeed been poisoned by eating young Vione's breakfast bread, then the palace had been grossly negligent."There are many possibilities," Alma said a moment later, offering a logical opinion. "Especially since he's a puppy. He could have eaten something without your knowledge."Young Vione considered Alma's words, then nodded slowly. She realized that there were more important things for her to focus on right now than finding the source of the poisoning. "So how is he? Is he going to be okay?""Fortunately, yes. He'll be fine. After a few days of rest, he'll be fine. You can relax now."Relief flooded young Vione's chest. She closed her eyes for a moment and took a
"Buddy! Buddy! Buddy! Don't run too far!"Buddy barked and continued to run, as if deliberately ignoring young Vione's commands. He darted into the bushes, startling Vione for a moment "Buddy," Vione murmured with an amused look on her face. She approached Buddy with her hands raised as if to catch him. "Looks like it's time for you to return to the gazebo. Your playtime is over."Buddy barked again, then bounded happily. He seemed to understand that Vione was only joking. They chased each other until a scene caught Vione's attention.The young Usher and Graham were walking in the outer corridor of the palace. They seemed to be engaged in conversation, and Vione watched them from a distance, a faint smile creeping across her face."See that handsome man, Buddy?" Vione asked as she crouched down and reached out to hug Buddy. "Not the old one, the young one. Uh, he's the one who called you Buddy."Buddy might not understand human language, including Vione's words, but he barked with en
Time passed tediously for young Vione. There were many tasks she had to accomplish lately. Most importantly, she had to prepare for the coming-of-age ceremony that would take place later that night.As a werewolf, the coming-of-age ceremony was the most important thing, like an important milestone in one's life. Therefore, the coming-of-age ceremony was a tradition that had been practiced for centuries, marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood. On this night, they would be blessed by the Sacred Elder, and then they would transform into wolves for the first time.The thought of the ceremony stirred a tension that instantly coursed through her entire body. Young Vione took a deep breath and tried to calm herself by reminding herself that it was an inevitability that all werewolves had to go through without exception. She shouldn't be too tense.Unfortunately, something was keeping her tense. Anxiety had been gnawing at young Vione's mind since the sun rose on the eastern hor
"Omega. She's an Omega."Whispers filled the air, sounding like the buzzing of a thousand bees, deafening to the ears. It was all so loud, pulsing in a way that made heads spin, followed by a sickening feeling that churned the stomach."Oh, God. Poor thing.""I'm not surprised at all. I mean, we've all noticed her frail physique all along. So, it makes perfect sense if she's an Omega."Young Vione snarled in an uncontrollable panic attack. In an instant, her instincts lit up with anticipation of whatever might happen. She braced herself and scanned her surroundings with a sharp look. But nothing happened. Everyone stayed where they were, just looking at her, staring at her with pity.The young Vione's growl faded. She found those pitiful stares more painful than the physical violence she had endured from the bullies. A pang arose in her heart, a pain she couldn't escape.Young Vione stepped back. She retreated slowly; her mind filled with a whirlwind of emotions. Everything was fighti
The awe-struck looks of the pack as they witnessed her wolf form for the first time remained fresh in young Vione's memory. They seemed amazed, impressed, and openly jealous.For a brief moment, young Vione felt happiness well up in her chest. She thought, perhaps for the first time in her life, she might be a source of admiration and envy for others.Unfortunately, this happiness was short-lived. Those who had been mesmerized at first now looked at Vione with negative emotions. Some of them looked at her with pity, sympathy, shock, and even contempt.Young Vione tried to hold on as best she could. She fought back the urge to cry. She strengthened her heart, which was writhing with fear. She stood tall, even though her body felt completely limp.One thing that strengthened young Vione was the realization that fate was often against her. So, she shouldn't be shaken. On the contrary, it was only appropriate for her to be able to face the cruelty of fate that had come again.Young Vione
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