His warm smile spread to his eyes. "You don't have to thank me," he said softly. "We're in a pack. "We look out for one another."
As we stood together, I felt a sense of determination running over me. I couldn't rewrite the past, but I could help shapen the future. With Kloss by my side, I felt stronger than ever.
Later that evening, after supper, Kloss and I went back to his study to review the day's events and plan our next actions. Maps and scrolls scattered the enormous wooden table, which was illuminated by a faint glow of candlelight. Bollard joined us, reporting on the most recent patrols and scouting activities around the eastern boundaries.
"Rogue activity has increased," Bollard said gravely. "We intercepted a group attempting to breach our defenses near the River Fang." Kloss frowned, perusing the map in front of us. "Any casualties?" "Minor injuries," Bollard responded. "But we drove them off before they could do any real damage."
I listened closely, my mind racing with the consequences of the renegade conduct. "What if Damian's allies are among them?" I interjected, expressing my concern. "What if they know something?"
Kloss studied my comments attentively, his brow furrowing in thought. "It's possible," he acknowledged. "Rogue wolves are unpredictable." They'll join forces with anyone who offers them power or protection.
"I need to go," I stated unexpectedly, shocking myself with the urgency of my tone. "To River Fang. "Maybe I can find something there." Kloss paused, assessing the hazards. "Sheila, it's risky. "The rogues are getting more aggressive." "I know," I said firmly. "But I can't just sit and wait. Kloss, I need some answers. "And I won't stop until I find them." Kloss grudgingly nodded after a brief minute of thought. "Alright," he said. "But you will not travel alone. I will deploy a small team to accompany you." Thankful for his support, I just nodded. "Thank you."
The following morning, a small group of warriors assembled on the Northern Tribunal's outskirts, ready to accompany me to the River Fang. Bollard had been tasked with leading the expedition and ensuring that we were well prepared for whatever lay ahead. "We'll go quickly," Bollard told the group. "Stay vigilant, and watch each other's backs." I rode a strong black mare, a sense of determination flowing through me as we set off from the pack's domain. The voyage was long and difficult, complete with stressful encounters with rogue scouts and hazardous terrain. My resolve became stronger with each passing mile.
As we approached the River Fang, the atmosphere became tight, with excitement mixed with anxiety. The river flowed gently alongside, its calm surface concealing the secrets concealed beneath. "We'll split up and search the area," Bollard said quietly as we dismounted. "Report back if you find anything suspicious." I nodded, my senses on high alert as I descended deeper into the dark bush. Every rustle of leaves, every distant sound, drove a rush of adrenaline through me. But I persisted, propelled by a determination that bordered on obsession.
We spent hours combing the region, but our efforts yielded little more than false alarms and brief shadows. Frustration threatened to overcome me, but I refused to give up. I'd come too far to turn back now. As the sun began to set, spreading long shadows across the forest floor, I discovered a little clearing along the riverbed. A worn leather satchel lay hidden beneath a tangle of roots and plants. With my heart beating, I sat down and gently opened the satchel. Inside, I discovered a collection of parchment scrolls, their edges yellowing with age. With shaky hands, I unrolled the first scroll and began reading.
The words on the parchment sent a hard signal to my brain,I was amazed,disappointed and confused. It was a list of names, all of which I recognized.
Names of pack members, allies, and friends who abandoned me when I most needed them. "They betrayed me," I said softly, hardly audible over the rustling foliage. "They were working with Damian all along." Bollard stood behind me, his countenance serious as he examined the contents of the sack.
"This changes everything," he remarked gently. "We have to bring this back to Kloss."
I nodded, my thoughts racing with the consequences of what we had discovered. The treachery went further than I ever thought, putting a cloud over everything I had battled for. But, armed with the truth, I understood what I had to do. Bollard and I carefully placed the scrolls in the sack. As we returned to where the others were waiting, I couldn't shake the sensation that our quest wasn't ended.
Sheila's POVBack at the Northern Tribunal, the disclosures from the River Fang weighed heavily in the air. The scrolls we had found indicated a network of betrayal that was deeper than I had ever imagined. Allegiance to Damian had poisoned the names and faces I had once known as friends. As we approached the main hall, Kloss was waiting, his countenance a mix of anxiety and anticipation. Bollard came forward and handed him the sack of scrolls without saying anything. Kloss took it seriously, his gaze narrowing as he examined the contents. "These names…" Kloss murmured, his voice tight and angry. "They were part of the plot all along."I watched him read through the scrolls, feeling the tension in the room. Each name seemed to widen the gap between us and those who had previously vowed allegiance to the pack. It was a betrayal that wounded deep, creating wounds that would be difficult to mend. "What do we do now?" Bollard inquired, breaking the stillness that had fallen over us. Klos
The Mysterious DiseaseChapter 12The Mysterious DiseaseAs I stepped out of my quarters, the morning air seemed crisp and chilly. Even in the height of summer, the North Mountain Kingdom maintained a distinct cold. When I exhaled, my breath produced little clouds of mist. The breeze of the early hours was reassuring, a stark contrast to the chaos that had defined much of my existence. As I passed across the courtyard, I noticed a group of pack members crowded together, their expressions filled with concern. My heart cramped in my chest. I approached them cautiously, attempting to determine the reason of their concern. "What's going on?" I inquired, my voice firm despite the growing dread inside me.Greta, one of the older wolves, turned to face me, her eyes full of fear. "It is the disease, Luna. "It is spreading." "Sickness?" I frowned. "What sickness?" Greta breathed deeply. "This is a peculiar sickness. It began some days ago. Wolves are becoming unwell, unable to shift, and their
Chapter 13I stood on the balcony of Kloss's castle, staring out over the huge territory that now felt strangely familiar. The moon hung low in the sky, its silvery light creating an ethereal sheen over the area. The chilly night breeze carried the aroma of pine and earth, a reminder of the untamed forest beyond Kloss' kingdom's borders. Kloss stood silently beside me. It had been weeks since the disease spread, and owing to my abilities, we had been able to avert the disaster that threatened his pack. My status had risen, and those who had questioned my role as Kloss's future Luna now cowered and remained silent.Kloss turned to face me, his blue eyes reflecting the moonlight. "Sheila, you've done more for my people than I could have ever asked for," he remarked, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to resonate through me. I grinned, feeling a warm sensation stretch across my chest. "I did what was necessary, Kloss. They are your people, and now they are also mine." He reached out a
Sheila's POV"Damian, how could you...? I stuttered, unable to form a complete word. I was shocked, refusing to believe what was just happening. I wished it was a dream, but the sharp pain from my abdomen reminded me I wasn't dreaming."How could I? You think I can keep something as cursed as you around me? Even the moon goddess will reject you. I no longer have any need for you, so you can go ahead and die," Damian said with a straight face. There was no emotion on his handsome face."After everything I did for you, Damian, I have been using my powers to aid your pack all this while. I have sacrificed a lot for your sake. How could you? I even used my life essence to bring you back from your half-dead state. What haven't I done for you?" I cried out in pain. My emotion was a mess; I couldn't tell what I was feeling now.Damian looked at me the same way he used to, his charming smile and his eyes filled with love. "I will tell you the truth since you are going to die anyway. I would h
Sheila's POVI Was assigned to the same quarter with the omegas. I was no omega; instead, I used to be a rogue wolf until I found the Westvale park, and they accepted me. But since I wasn't trusted enough, I had to live with the omegas until I made enough contribution."Sheila, what's wrong? Why are you looking like this?" A girl came out to welcome me and looked taken aback when she saw my appearance.I smiled weakly. "It's nothing, Arla; it's just some bruises," I assured her. She looked at me up and down."In what way is this small?" She said in displeasure and came forward to help me. I allowed her to help me to my room."Please, Arla, I need a favor from you.""What's it? I can do anything for you," she said with a kind smile."If the healer wolf comes, tell her that I'm not around, please," I looked at her pleadingly. She hesitated For a while before helplessly agreeing, I smiled delightedly. I knew she would agree; Arla was a real friend and had treated me well since I came to
Sheila's POVThis was the first time I was killed in my second life, and it wasn't a pleasant feeling. I continued running; I didn't know how long I ran by the time I ran out of energy. There was a stream nearby, and I immediately ran to the stream to drink water. I gulped the water greedily and felt the energy returning to my body.I looked up subconsciously and saw a dark gray wolf looking at me from a short distance away. The wolf appeared tall and huge, and my senses told me that I was no match for this wolf.I immediately took off and started running again. The wolf chased after me. He was relatively faster and was catching up. I could tell he was an Alpha; his speed was just the same as Damian's, and he even looked faster.Although my speed is considered to be fast among the other werewolves, I was no match for him.The Alpha caught up with me and pounced on me forcefully, turning me over. He was so strong that I couldn't even resist.I was pinned to the ground and had no choice
Sheila's POVMy heart was beating at a fast rate. I quickly turned around and pushed him away from me."You! What are you trying to do?" I was exasperated and couldn't get my thoughts together."What do you think I'm trying to do?" He asked in a teasing voice. He had a smirk on his face, which made him look way more handsome than usual."You devil, don't dare get any closer to me." I growled, ready to fight with my life rather than to be defiled by him.He frowned, seemingly aware that he wouldn't submit today. He sighed."Am I really that detestable?"I ignored his question and kept my guard up, ready to attack if he made any funny move. He stayed there, staring at me while I also stared back at him. After a while, he stood up."Forget it, I don't force myself on women that I really fancy. I will leave you this time. Just make sure you don't regret this." He stood up and left after that.I watched him leave the tent and heaved a sigh of relief after I was sure that he had walked far
Overlord, we are under attack!" One of the rogue wolves called out. Zulu jerked."Get dressed and return to the pack," he ordered before disappearing into the forest. I was alarmed and quickly swam out of the water. I dashed to where my clothes were spread on the rock and immediately got dressed.I could hear cries from far away; it sounded like there was fighting up ahead. I paused, not knowing what to do. Maybe I shouldn't go back. This might be my only opportunity to escape. I decided to turn the other way.A wolf dashed out from a small clearing behind me and pounced after me. I immediately transformed and started escaping. It seems like Zulu's men had broken camp and were now escaping. All for himself.It was very much expected in a group filled with rogue wolves. There was no real bond between them, only benefits. They will never put their life on the line if it doesn't benefit them.Soon there were two wolves chasing after me. They were very relentless and didn't give up the pu