Chapter 5 Surprise Guest

Julian POV

"Is the ceasefire agreement with the Rogues signed?" Hogan Grant, my father and the Alpha King of Valdora, asked, lifting his head from a stack of documents.

"It has been signed, but…" I hesitated. The situation surrounding the battle in the northwest felt off to me.

All of the Western Wastelands belonged to the Rogue King's pack. They had been at war with us for over half a century. Their persistent conflict with us seemed driven by a desire for Valdora's natural resources. They had the upper hand the entire time we battled over Ashfall in the northwest, yet they were the first to suggest a ceasefire.

"Julian, it's just the two of us here. Speak your mind."

"After Vahn and Freeda's surprise attack, the enemy immediately proposed a ceasefire. Could this be a trap? They've won the last three battles."

"Regardless, it's a relief that the war might be ending. No one wants to be in conflict."

I nodded and handed him the signed agreement.

"Forgive the intrusion, My King, but the Luna of Thorn Pack has been waiting outside for three hours," Ben, Hogan's Beta, announced abruptly as he entered without knocking.

At that, I thought to myself, 'The Luna of Thorn Pack? Isn't that Cecilia? What could she want?'

"Tell her to go home. I know what she wants, but I won't agree to it."

"I tried to convince her to leave, but she refuses to budge. Despite the harsh sun, she remains where she is."

"She must be hoping I'll cancel the marriage between Vahn and Freeda. I understand her grievance, but Vahn and Freeda earned their right to marry through combat. After their decisive victory in the northwest, they declined any rewards, only asking for their marriage to be sanctioned. Denying them now would only discourage the younger warriors."

Hogan shut his notebook and rubbed his temples, clearly frustrated with the whole affair. On the battlefield, he was a decisive and triumphant Alpha King, but handling emotional matters was never his strong suit.

"Why don't you speak with her yourself? After all, she's Huey Shore's daughter. Have you forgotten how and why Huey died last year?" Ben suggested, his usual respect tinged with irritation.

Though Ben had always been respectful and efficient in carrying out Hogan's orders, this time, his dissatisfaction was evident.

"Let her in, then, Father. Huey and his three sons fell in battle defending a pack near the border. They faced over 200 Rogues with just over ten werewolves by their side. You know just how bloody that entire battle was," I said, supporting Ben.

Ben had been Huey's close friend, fighting alongside him through many conflicts. Naturally, he wanted to assist the only living child of his friend. As for me, I had my own reasons. It had been six years since I last saw Cecilia, and I wondered what she looked like now.

"Very well. Let her in," Hogan said with a wave of his hand, granting permission.

A woman with golden hair soon entered the room. Dressed casually in a loose white T-shirt and jeans, she followed Ben. Her gaze met mine only briefly, and she offered a polite but distant smile. It looked like she had forgotten what had happened between us. I was clearly the one who had made her forget about it, yet I was somehow upset by that.

Six years ago, while accompanying my father to inspect the border, I became separated and was ambushed by Rogues. At just 14, despite having my wolf, I lacked real combat experience and was captured. Though I managed to escape the following day, I was severely injured.

During my flight, I encountered Cecilia. At only 12, she was remarkably composed, showing no sign of panic at my bloodied state. When I learned she attended a nearby school, I asked if she could bring me food and painkillers. To my surprise, she did.

To ensure she wouldn't reveal my location, I erased her memories of me. Only those of the Alpha King's bloodline could exert such control over another werewolf's mind, and given that she was just a young girl without her wolf, it was a simple task.

I managed to reunite with my father and had my men look into her background. It was then that I discovered she was Huey Shore's daughter.

Over the years, I focused on preparing myself to be a worthy heir to the Alpha King. I never approached her, and the next I heard of her was the news of her father and brothers' deaths.

I had intended to attend their funerals and offer my assistance, but my father sent me directly to the border, fearing that violence might erupt if the enemies learned of Huey's death. By the time I returned to Black Stone two months later, I had learned that Cecilia had been marked by Vahn and was now the Luna of Thorn Pack.

I felt a pang of disappointment. While Thorn Pack wasn't particularly strong, Vahn was a formidable warrior, and I hoped he could protect her.

To my shock, Vahn betrayed her just a year later, and my father, Valdora's Alpha King, was an accomplice in this betrayal.

In my memories, Cecilia was a muscular young girl with bright red hair cropped short. Now, she had grown into a slender woman with blonde hair. Her makeup was streaked and faded, likely from exposure to the harsh sun. Despite her disheveled and weary appearance, her eyes remained unchanged—black, calm, and as deep as ever, like tranquil lakes.

"My apologies for coming without prior notice, Your Majesty. I have an extremely urgent matter that requires your approval."