The sun set with no idea that the wolves were hoping it won’t. At 5 in the afternoon, when the sky’s in beautiful colors, Harper and Damon stood at the door of the roundhouse, waiting for the moon to arise and collide with the sun. “Are you nervous?” – Damon askedThe question caught Harper by surprise. She was convincing herself that nothing bad would happen at sunset. That all their preparations to guard the Virgo and the roundhouse with everyone inside is merely a preparatory act in case of emergency. However, when Damon asked his question, Harper’s heart skipped a beat. The peace that has gone for the past week is something of an enigma. It’s quite unbelievable that none has happened for that span of time. The silence from the Red Blood pack can’t be because they finally settled for peace. Peace is never a part of Alpha Draco’s lexicon. “I wasn’t… but now I am. Do you… do you think they will come tonight?”Harper searched Damon’s face for a negative answer. He sensed it: Harper
The moon goddess seemed to be absent from the heavens tonight, as what the wolves believed. All members of the Virgo, the women and the children were kept safe inside the roundhouse while the men were tasked to guard the roundhouse from outside. Damon, Brayden, Norton, Asher and Anthony were part of the frontliners to guard the roundhouse from the moment the eclipse happens until it subsides, which could take an entire night. Brayden, among the five of them, was the one doing the adjustments with how he talks and approaches the others but at least he’s trying.“Harper’s in the room. She said she didn’t want to spend the entire night talking to women she doesn’t even like. I didn’t force her anymore. Hector’s with her, she’ll be fine even with no one to talk to.” – Damon shared when Asher asked why he haven’t seen her inside the roundhouse“She’s always the headstrong one. You don’t need to worry about her. She can even fight for herself.” – Brayden added, which didn’t exactly win eve
Alora smirked as she saw the roundhouse from the distance. After all the days, she finally found the place described in the letter by Damon. The Virgo. It looked like a tribe: a traditional one. However, she knew there are more wolves inside the roundhouse than a mere tribe or pack. Due to its size, it can surely cater more than a hundred people. Now that she’s looking at it directly, in a careful distance, she knew she couldn’t be farther from the truth. She’s seeing torches and people roaming around the entrance. She can see the shadows of the people inside, the noise that leaks out from the windows. She knows why too. The moon above her was in eclipse and she can feel its effect on her body like gravity pushing her down helplessly. Alora knewbetter than to attack tonight. But at least, she already knewwhere and what the Virgo looked like. On another night, she can ask help from Alpha Draco. She has the place and the information; he only needs to extend a hand. It wouldn’t be tha
Alora gasped, didn’t expect that there’s someone behind her observing her move. “How long have you been watching there?” – she asked the mysterious woman“Since I saw you sneak into my room. That’s my scarf you’re wearing. I need it back.”Alora gulped and shoot another glance at the room where Brayden and Harper entered into. She can’t lose the scarf. There are six people in the place that could identify her. with these many people seeing her as one of the enemies, she’s sure she can’t escape safely. “Please… let me borrow it. I promise to give it back before the night ends.”The mysterious woman stepped into the light. It was Eva, looking at Alora from head to foot, curious and dying to knowthe reason why this woman’s lingering at dark places, peaking at rooms. Or rather, that one specific room of Harper. Eva walked closer to Alora, circling her like a predator to a prey. If only it wasn’t the night of the lunar eclipse, she could smell her scent. She’ll know from which pack this
Brayden was confused on why Harper had to lie. So, what if they spent some time together in her room playing board games? Why does it have to be hidden from Damon?Alora heard it too and smirked. They both waited until the noise ceased and it’s no safe to get out. Brayden though, kept the door locked. “Are you out of your mind? What are you doing here? Are you with someone?”The questions shot like bullets, one after another. Alora shook her head. “I only came alone. I haven’t told the Great Alpha yet. I want to rescue you on my own.”If to Alora this sounded heroic, it only sounded like a futile risk to Brayden.“I didn’t need you to be here. As you can see, I’m not in harm.”“You’re in the premises of the enemy. Everyone here sees the wolves from the Red Blood pack as their enemies. Especially you! You’re Alpha Draco’s son!” Alora raised her voice for emphasis. After all the sacrifices she did to be here in Brayden’s aid, the least he could do is be grateful. He didn’t need to b
The morning came, and the moon has now rested at the foot of the horizon, making way for the golden strobes of sunlight. Most of the Virgo wolves have spent overnight trying to be awake, prayers up to the moon goddess, fingers crossed that no one would come and attack them. Even when there’s one, the men at the front door of the roundhouse would be tasked to protect them… and the women and children knew they’re safe. Alora blended in with the crowd easily, hyper aware of the stares she gets from the women from Eva’s group. She could tell them apart from the rest. They’re the only ones who don’t have a child or a baby cradled on their arms. They’re the single ones, the ones not yet burdened by the role of motherhood. By the break of dawn, Brayden came back to check on her. He sat beside her and talked in whispers so as not to attract any attention from others. However, it didn’t work pretty well. He’s Brayden Lucas, the Great Beta of the Red Blood pack, it would be impossible to tak
Alora gave Brayden one last look and a kiss on the cheek, which he didn’t expect. He subconsciously looked at the gate of the roundhouse, in case Harper saw it. She didn’t. If she did, would he really think it matters? Did he really think she would mind?The voices in his head were louder on his doubts this time. But they all sounded valid.“I’ll see you soon then, Brayden. My Beta.”Alora kept her hand at Brayden’s cheek. A tender showing of her devotion to him. “I won’t forget this favor I asked from you, Alora. Thank you for your help. I’ll contact you as soon as I can. Send me a message when you already reached the camp.” – he said and just right then, they almost reached the front door of the roundhouse.And they separated ways.“Hey, Damon. I got a question for you.” – Brayden said, getting Damon’s attention. Not only his. Also with the rest of their friends. Norton was taking a nap on a long flat stone below the tree and Asher didn’t feel the need to disturb his peaceful slum
Harper squinted her eyes. That’s one thing about her: she knows it when people (or in this case, wolves) lie. It’s easy to tell from the movement of their eyes to the way they stumble to think of an excuse. It’s amusing to observe sometimes, really. But it’s too easy.“No one.” – Brayden said and Harper rolled her eyes. He still hasn’t given up. He’s already caught. “You can’t fool me, Brayden. I already know you’re lying. Stop trying to cover something. Whose is it, anyway?”The million-dollar question. The easiest but the hardest one to answer at the moment. Brayden folded the scarf and placed it on his left shoulder. He wore it like a badge or an insignia of bravery. “Just drop it, Harp.” – he said and walked past Harper. Harper had no intention to “drop it” or whatever. Instead, she pulled the scarf from his shoulder and smelled it. Brayden tried grabbing it back, but it’s too late. The scarf was already in Harper’s possession. She brought it closer to her nose and smelled i