CHAPTER ONE.

FEBRUARY, 23, 2018.

DARK MOON PACK.

(ORLA'S POV)

I hissed for the third time in a row, flipping the book I was reading on the bed. It had begun as a mere foreboding, but as time crawled by, I couldn't help but feel that heavy weight on my chest. It was so thick that I felt I could touch it.

That feeling. Something was about to happen, yet I couldn't place what it was.

Lightning flashed across the sky right at that moment, making me shudder. I got up slowly and made my way to the window. The downpour began no sooner than I placed my hand on the wall.

I couldn't tell for how long I stood there though, watching nothing in particular. My eyes were almost emotionless. Just as it had been for the past few months.

I glanced at the door like I was waiting for someone to walk through it. And just like I had been asking the moon goddess for the past few months, I asked inwardly again. Where had my mate gone?

The door pushed open at that moment, and a most pale-faced servant hurried in.

"Luna," she bowed and remained in that position.

Puzzled, and completely ignoring the fast thuds of my heart against my chest, I walked over to her. "Speak."

"A messenger just came from the war front, Luna. There's bad news," she paused to catch her breath.

My eyes widened, and my hands curled into fists. There it was; the bad premonition. Was that the reason I had been feeling quite unusual?

"What news?" My voice could barely qualify as a whisper.

"Your parents, Luna." She paused and shook lightly.

I didn't say a word, waiting for her instead to complete her words.

However, I wasn't ready for her next words. Scratch that, I didn't imagine it.

"They are dead." She finally said.

I swayed gently and suddenly felt like the Earth was spiraling. They are dead...They are dead...

"Get the car ready. We are going to my family castle." I could barely get the words out, feeling like it was stuck deep in my throat.

"Yes, Luna."

...

I grabbed a fistful of my dark dress, as I leaned on the backrest of the car, and gazed through the mist covered window. The back of my eyes stung, and I lost count of how many times I blinked back the tears.

"Drive faster," I said.

"This is the fastest we can go, Luna. It's raining." The driver replied.

Oh, right. It was raining, such benevolence. The tears I didn't get to shed were being released as rainfall by the sky.

I glanced for the umpteenth time at my phone, waiting for the dark screen to light up. But even as we drew nearer to my pack, it didn't. And I couldn't help but feel like my heart had been stabbed by countless daggers.

Ryker...

At this time when I desperately needed any comfort I could get, he wasn't here. No. I shook my head. My parents weren't dead. They couldn't be.

I pictured their indomitable demeanor and appearance. They were immortal. How could they be dead? There was probably a mix-up somewhere.

"We are here, Luna." The driver's voice cut in through my thoughts. I looked up just as he was swerving toward the parking lot.

I sighed and pursed my lips tightly. Here goes nothing.

I took quick strides into the large and regal-looking mansion.

I sensed the solemn atmosphere, once I walked into the hall. I took in the scene with one glance. At the end of the hall were two doctors, and their assistants. Some servants stood at a distance.

They all turned simultaneously as I approached, and bowed deeply.

"Who are those, covered in white sheets?" I whispered, my expression blank.

I ignored the confused look on the doctor's face and repeated my question.

"Those are the Alpha and Luna..." He trailed off and looked at me warily.

"I see." I appeared calm, however, I was having an inward battle. The tears were threatening to break loose. My parent's corpses were placed on high tables, which were gold-colored.

Surprisingly not swaying, I walked over to where they lay and gently pulled off the white sheets from their bodies.

"What killed them?" I asked, in a steady voice.

"They were killed in the war. However, we want to conduct an autopsy, as their death is quite unusual." At the end of his words, his voice subconsciously lowered.

My heart skipped a beat. "How unusual?" I asked, maintaining eye contact with him.

"Well, Luna, the Alpha, and Luna are very strong people. However, it was reported that a hilt of the one of enemy's swords sent them to the land beyond." He reported.

I frowned.

"How long would it take to get the autopsy results?" I asked.

He was right. A hilt of a sword wasn't enough to kill my parents. Not the blade, but the hilt?

I turned my attention back to the doctor who had a quick talk with his colleague.

"Two hours would do, Luna." He nodded confidently.

I sighed and took a long look at my parents. Even in death, their majestic aura wasn't tainted, nor masked.

"Two hours it is then," I said, and walked out of the hall.

Two hours later, as I stood in front of the doctors again, I couldn't help but feel nervous about what the results would be.

"Is it done?" I questioned calmly.

"They were poisoned, Luna." He said, slowly.

And that did it. My head felt like hundreds and thousands of drummers were having their leisure time on it. Drumming crazy innuendos, and senseless music as much as they liked.

"Are...are you sure?" I whispered.

"I haven't been this certain, Luna. And from the look of it, it's a long-time poison." He added.

I swung my eyes on his being. "What do you mean?"

"It means, whoever poisoned them, has been doing it for a long time."

For a long time... For a long time... The words rang through my head.

And by the time I was in my car, driving back to my home, I had arrived at my conclusion.

There was an enemy within. However...

Who was it?