CHAPTER TWO.

FEBRUARY, 24, 2018.

DARK MOON PACK.

(ORLA'S POV)

I stifled a wince, as I stretched my weak limbs. Groaning, I took in my surroundings. I sighed and massaged my temples. I had fallen asleep on the couch, in my father's office, which was now Ryker's study, the previous night. Thinking he'd be back last night, I had gone to his study to wait for him.

My gaze landed on the cup of coffee which was sitting untouched on the nearby table.

He hadn't returned.

The walk from the study, down the stairs made me feel like I wasn't in control of my body. My body ached so badly, coupled with the splitting headache which was threatening to disassemble it from the rest of my body.

"Greetings, Luna." The servants all bowed as I drew near.

"Where's he?" I asked calmly.

"He said he has some things to run." A voice said behind me, making me whirl around.

My gaze landed on a dull-eyed fellow. I was about to ask him who he was when realization dawned on me. Of course, he was Ryker's assistant. He'd probably be his Beta, in the future.

I didn't bother asking him what his name was. It didn't matter.

"Is that right?" I drawled.

"Yes, Luna."

I nodded and made my way upstairs. Afraid that I might lose control, and yell at the innocent servants, I doubled my steps.

I sauntered over to my vanity mirror, once I was within the solace of my room. I gasped when I saw the lady that gazed back at me. Gone was the bright and bubbly-looking girl. In her place, was a sunken-cheeked, sunken-eyed, and tired-looking girl, with unkempt hair.

That explained the look of surprise in those servants' eyes from earlier on.

Tsk.

...

As I stood under the shower, rubbing on my nude body, the water raining down, I couldn't help but reminisce about the past.

It hadn't always been this way, had it? Or was I thinking too deeply about the whole matter?

If I wasn't, why wasn't my mate present with me, to offer me some of the comfort which I sought?

Maybe he didn't hear the news. I argued yet again, with myself.

Deep down, however, I knew that was impossible. The Alpha and Luna of the second clan were dead, and he didn't know about it. And this was where he lived?

Utterly impossible.

Once upon a time, Ryker had been all I sought in a mate. Caring, and so loving. And so handsome too.

That had fueled my resolve to be with him, despite the fact that my father didn't give his full blessings. I knew he wasn't happy about our union, but then, he had been unwilling to see me get hurt over his decision. And so, he had agreed.

And even when I had persuaded him to fight for Ryker's sake, in a war against his rivals, my father hadn't hesitated.

The war... The place where he had died.

And once again, I couldn't help but question my decision of being with Ryker, despite his recent misfits. Why hadn't I left him? There was only one answer of course.

I loved him.

***

"Are you sure you wouldn't need me to drive you, Luna?" The driver asked, yet again.

"Sure, I want to stretch a little bit." And without another word, I turned and walked towards the pack's gate.

The air outside the gate seemed... different. I bounced on my heel, taking the scenery around me, in appreciation.

Maybe it was due to the fact that I always rode in a car, driven around by a chauffeur.

"Orla!" I had barely gone a few miles when I heard the loud clear voice yell behind me. It sounded... familiar.

A surprised look covered my face when the owner of the voice drew near.

"Ella," I whisper cried, opening my arms wide for a hug. She obliged, with a smile.

"I wasn't expecting to see you here, Orla." She smiled, as she pulled away from my embrace.

"Neither did I." I shrugged.

"And where are you headed?" She asked, with a furrow, as she looked around. "You're alone?" She added.

"Oh, yeah. I needed a breather. I decided to head out alone today." I replied with a stiff nod.

An awkward silence ensued right after the last word left my lips. I could feel her stare on my body, however, I kept my eyes glued to the floor.

"I heard the news." I heard her low voice say, making me raise my head slowly.

"The Moon goddess gives and takes," I said as a form of response.

"My condolences." She said yet again.

I didn't respond, afraid that if I did, I'd burst out crying. That'd definitely draw a crowd of passersby.

"How's Ryker? I ran into him a few days ago, but I didn't get to talk to him. He probably didn't notice me. He was with someone too." She said,

"He's fine." I nodded stiffly. And although I didn't want to ask, I did anyway. "Whom was he with?"

"I didn't catch a glimpse of her features enough, but she looked so much like your sister." She nodded confidently.

At her words, it seemed like a buzzing sound was ignited in my ears. Or was it my head?

"Ohh," I said simply. I didn't want to overreact. She could be lying for all I knew. What crime was it, if Ophelia was with Ryker?

"....it wasn't the first time I had seen them though." I heard her say when I turned my attention back to her.

My eyes narrowed, and I pursed my lips. I took a step toward her, making her retreat.

"Orla, are you..." She trailed off when my index finger landed directly on her chest. I ran it over her chest, lazily.

"I appreciate your 'kind' gesture, Ella. This should however be the last time you try such rubbish with me." I said coldly, and emotionlessly.

Her brows furrowed. "What are you talking about, Orla? Are you insinuating that I cooked up the story?" She asked, and I could tell she was seething inwardly.

"Who knows? You've always been against my relationship with Ryker after all." I shrugged.

"I.." she began, but I cut her off.

"Save it. I don't need your so-called explanation. I hope we don't cross paths again." And with that, I turned to leave.

I hadn't gone far when she called out. "Orla,"

Involuntarily, I turned.

"I hope you don't regret it." She said, anger written over her face.

I clicked my tongue. "I won't."