AriJust as I said that Luna Joanna stepped outside and heard everything. She wasted no time and approached me right away. Startled, I quickly paid my respects by bowing.“Did my ears hear it correctly? Are you certain about what causes my daughter’s illness? I welcome any possible knowledge and ideas about this mysterious illness.”I nodded. The pressure of treating the Ironwolf's most precious daughter didn't immediately dawn on me. Disregarding the weight of not making any mistakes or failing, I felt the urgent need to help someone in need.“I heard everything from Lord Ulric. The moment I asked him about the condition and let him describe the symptoms of Lady Anika, I was certain I recognized the mysterious illness. Perhaps I could help.”Luna Joanna understood what I was trying to convey. Seraphina, however, took her chance to talk. She quickly intercepted and attempted to discredit me.“My apologies for my rudeness, Luna Joanna. But how can this woman be more knowledgeable than
I, along with Ulric and a few trackers, embarked on our journey to the Canary District. Ironwolf, in his wisdom, handpicked some of his finest warriors to accompany us. The fact that he entrusted us with this mission spoke volumes about the honor and loyalty upheld by the wolves of Iron Flame. Warriors and trackers were ready to sacrifice their lives willingly if needed.I appreciated the skills of the trackers and warriors, crucial for a successful journey. However, Kristoff's inclusion was a different matter. If I had a choice, I wouldn't have allowed him to join. Unfortunately, he insisted, driven by his deep affection for Lady Anika.My concerns about Kristoff causing trouble due to his immaturity lingered. His presence could potentially cause delays rather than aid. Whenever Ulric and I engaged in conversation or shared a moment, Kristoff would steal glances in our direction. His eyes, though attempting to conceal his curiosity, betrayed a sense of jealousy and discomfort.Despit
AriAfter a grueling day and a half, our weary group finally arrived at the borders of the Canary District. The air was thick with anticipation, and the scent of the woods and vegetation surrounded us. In this pivotal moment, I was the only one who knew the way forward. So, I brought everyone together before we moved on. Their faces showed both tiredness and curiosity as I formed a circle with the group.“The Canary District is a dangerous trail, even for someone who knows the place. Most of its terrain is plagued with venomous snakes and other wild beasts. One bite, and you wouldn’t see another day. It would be best for us to stick together until we reach the Forest of Alodia.”Everyone nodded in agreement, showing their trust and confidence as they allowed me to take the lead. I offered words of encouragement as we approached our destination."As we move forward, our aim is to reach the wolf tribe that guards the forest. They're the key to finding the Nightleaf plants we need. This
KristoffMy mission was no walk in the park. Retrieving a plant I knew nothing about rendered me useless, but I couldn't let that discourage me. Not for Anika. I was ready to venture into the unknown, facing lurking dangers rather than sitting idly by. The sight of my struggling sister pierced my heart, and I couldn't back down. For her sake.Physically, the mission wasn't as challenging as my past endeavors. I had tackled more dangerous terrains, survived unforgiving deserts with scarce resources, and engaged in bloody battles against enemy packs and rogues. Reflecting on those completed missions bolstered my confidence, preparing me to confront The Forest of Alodia. The unknown forest posed no significant challenge to me.Now, standing in front of death, facing a fearless tribe threatening us over our origins, I shouldn't have felt intimidated. As the heir of the most powerful pack, a Jarl like myself could take on each one of them alone. I had confidence in my combat abilities and
AriWalking further into the Forest of Alodia, Chief Virjan, and a few people from the tribe accompanied us. My mind was filled with silence as I recalled everything—the time when my father had come here for similar reasons. Some of our warriors had been struck by Nightcrawl, and my father sought his good friend Chief Virjan in the tribe of Canary District to ask for a cure.Chief Virjan and my father, Alpha Eirik, had a strong bond since the day my father aided in defeating a pack attempting to conquer the tribe. The Chief saw this as a lifetime debt toward my father, and in any way possible, Chief Virjan helped the Moonshadow with a cheerful heart. My father entrusted me with a well-guarded secret—the unique knowledge held by the Canary Tribe. Across the vast continent, they were the sole possessors of the ancient wisdom needed to cultivate the rarest of plants, such as the elusive Nightleaf. This invaluable knowledge had been safeguarded and passed down through generations that hel
AriThe Chief of the Canary District led us outside, directing his words solely to me and ignoring the others. After bidding our farewells, we headed back to Ironflame."Remember, Ari. You are always welcome here. My offer will always be present," Chief Virjan reminded me. I nodded, appreciative of his kindness, and hugged him once again. Then, with another round of farewells, we set off back to Ironflame. The journey home began with a sense of happiness, but it didn't take long for a sudden storm to sweep away our joy.Cursing, Kristoff forged ahead despite the heavy rain, determined to continue our journey. However, Ulric intervened, trying to reason with him."Enough, brother. We can no longer continue our journey with this heavy storm. We need to take shelter."Kristoff, stubborn and indifferent, pressed on, ignoring Ulric's advice. This angered Ulric."It is not wise to continue like this. Challenging this storm may damage the plant and compromise our mission. Anika's cure is mor
AriFeeling Kristoff's embrace, his arms tenderly holding me from behind, a conflict raged within me. My initial instinct was to tell him to let go, reminding him of his marriage and commitment to someone else. It felt wrong, and I believed those feelings needed to be disregarded and halted before crossing a line."Enough, Kristoff. You are already married. Someone already owns you. This is not right. Those feelings need to be suppressed and stopped. Before it’s too late," I voiced my words a feeble attempt to rationalize the situation.Kristoff remained silent, continuing to hold me close as he closed his eyes.“Please, Kristoff. They might see us in this state. It would not be good for either of us. Please, let me go.”But Kristoff held me tighter as if he no longer cared about anything. In my mind, the desire to push him away lingered. But my heart betrayed me. Instead of pushing him away, my body seemed to have a mind of its own, surrendering to his loving embrace and succumbing t
AriLast night, I tasted heaven. But as the sun goes up, I'm back to my reality.“Start packing your things; we’re leaving.”Ulric asked everyone to prepare to leave. The memory of last night’s encounter still lingered inside my mind. I can't believe I gave myself to a married wolf. It bothers me, and it's something I would never be proud of.I'm talking to myself, feeling remorse about the mistake we both made. But still, something inside me is satisfied with what I did. I gave my precious first intimate time to the wolf I once dreamt of being with forever. The man who owned my heart from the beginning, the one who owns my soul and now my body.I was happy I did it with the man I love. But still, it didn’t make anything right. A sin is a sin, even though it was happily done. Or even if it was something right from someone’s point of view, a mistake is a mistake. Nothing could ever change that. Love was never forbidden, not until it was between a married wolf. The moon goddess's comman