What Addy and Hilary saw wasn’t. The tears that fell, unnoticed by Vione, were real proof that she was truly devastated.
Hilary pulled Vione close, gave her a warm hug, and allowed her to pour out all her sadness. He didn’t offer any comforting words, just continued to rub Vione’s back. Then he said, “We’re here. You don’t have to worry. We will always be there for you.”
At least being an adopted child and being found by parents like Addy and Hilary was not a bad thing. In fact, Vione was very grateful. Even with the embarrassing incident that had just happened, they were not afraid to stand up for Vione.
Of course, news of Vione and Usher’s separation spread throughout the pack. In addition, pack protocol required Garth to announce it. Everyone had to know that Vione was no longer the Luna, and many people made fun of her, especially when they learned the reason for her dismissal-Vione’s alleged infidelity.
It felt like the first time in the history of the Frostholm Pack, as long as it existed on Earth, that a Luna had been rejected. As a result, it became the talk of the town for days. Addy and Hilary, who knew about it, tried to keep Vione at home. They did their best not to let her go anywhere so that her wounds would not get worse and her feelings would be preserved.
Vione spent her days at home in silence. Even if she went out occasionally, it was only to the backyard or the garden. She spent her time enjoying the gentle breeze and the singing of the birds.
“Vione.”
A soft voice interrupted Vione’s comfort that day. She turned and stood up immediately. A woman she had not expected had arrived.
“Jemma.”
Jemma smiled and walked over to Vione. She gave her a warm hug, as if to help heal Vione’s wounds.
“Je-Jemma. I didn’t know you were coming,” Vione stammered. “You should have let me know.”
Jemma’s serene face indicated that she did not mind being greeted in the middle of the lush garden. Besides, sitting in a wooden chair in the shade of old trees was her favorite.
“It’s okay. I even like it this way. This place is very quiet and I love it.”
Vione nodded; her face lowered. She tried to calm herself, but assumptions quickly filled her mind. She guessed that Jemma’s visit must be related to her removal from the Luna position.
“I apologize for coming to you now, Vione. I’m really shocked about what happened. I know you couldn’t possibly have done what you were accused of, and…” Jemma stopped speaking for a moment. She looked at Vione closely, then took Vione’s fingers in her own. “Are you okay?”
Vione nodded. She forced a smile as best she could. “I’m fine. You don’t have to worry.”
It was impossible for Jemma not to worry. She used to be a Luna, too. So she must know one or two things more than others.
Jemma was sure that the public accusations against Vione would be painful. But it was nothing compared to the open wound in Vione’s heart. As a woman and a former Luna, she understood.
Once, Jemma had felt an excruciating pain. The world seemed to crumble and black became the only color she could see. It was when her Alpha, Kendrick, died.
Jemma had been hurt before. She had fought to the bone and nearly bled to death. But she could say that nothing compared to the pain of losing her mate.
Her wolf spirit writhed. There was blood spilling inside, unseen by the eyes, but the pain truly constricted her chest.
Jemma was on the verge of despair. She was truly unhappy and lost direction in life. Even if she could choose, she was sure she’d rather endure a thousand tortures than live without Kendrick.
Now Jemma was still standing tall. She had overcome everything, albeit with great difficulty. But there was one thing people would never know. Every night of the full moon, she roamed the forest, singing her grief in long howls.
Love would always be there. Love was eternal. But the days without Kendrick were a constant torment.
Among the werewolves, Jemma was probably the one who understood Vione’s position and condition the best. From the perspective of a former Luna and a woman, she could feel Vione’s pain.
Vione must be in great pain. Her wolf spirit must be in torment. Even if she tried to lie and say she was fine, Jemma could see otherwise.
There was no more light in Vione’s face. Her lips seemed pale. Her blood seemed to freeze and stop flowing. Even her breath seemed lifeless.
“I don’t know what to do, Vione. If you need anything, I hope you will tell me.”
“Thank you, Jemma. I really appreciate it.”
In the end, Jemma decided not to say any of the encouraging or comforting words she had prepared. She realized that saying nothing was the best thing she could do for Vione. After all, she was sure that there was nothing in this world that could comfort Vione. The only thing that was left was time. So let time carry Vione through these painful moments.
“I know you’re a strong shewolf, Vione,” Jemma whispered as she hugged Vione tightly. She hugged Vione with full warmth. “You’ll definitely get through this. I guarantee it.”
Vione closed her eyes. In her heart she hoped the same. She prayed that she would be able to walk through this with her head held high. She wanted to show the world that she was okay. That she was indeed strong.
Unfortunately, fate invited Vione to fight once again. She was in for another unpleasant surprise.
That morning, Garth arrived at the Munest home, but he wasn’t alone. Next to him was Mireya, and Vione could feel that something bad was about to happen.
It turned out to be true, and Vione was almost hysterical. The werewolf guards of the rebels arrested Addy and Hilary. At the same time, Mireya spoke.
“Addy Roberto Munest and Hilary Russell, you are under arrest for coup d’etat.”
*