Normally, the birth of a new werewolf would be a joyous occasion for any pack. Not limited to the Alpha’s family, they would usually celebrate as a form of gratitude. It might not always be a big feast, but at least there would be a dinner party.
In addition, werewolves would spend several days at the newborn’s home. They would help with many things, since childbirth was both a joyous and a demanding event.
However, nothing of the sort happened at The Palace. Philip’s birth did not bring happiness as births usually did. The reason was the gossip circulating among the packs, news of Ayla’s prophecy.
It was undeniable that the packs were excited about Philip’s birth. Despite Mireya’s actions, Philip was still an innocent baby. More importantly, he was the Alpha’s son. So, they eagerly visited The Palace to show their gratitude and happiness.
Unfortunately, The Palace’s response was not as expected. They were turned away on the grounds that Usher and Mireya had anticipated any actions that might cause trouble. This included Jemma.
The packs could still understand if their arrival was denied. They realized that Mireya needed time to recover and Philip needed peaceful rest. But the rejection of Jemma’s arrival was truly incomprehensible.
Jemma was not only Usher’s mother, she was the former Luna. Her merits were countless, and she had done much for the pack. The Palace’s actions truly enraged many.
From there, Ayla’s prophecy finally surfaced. It was unclear who leaked it, but Ayla’s accusation that Philip would bring disaster to the Frostholm Pack spread far and wide. As a result, The Palace was once again faced with petitions.
“What else do they want?”
Garth placed the petition on Usher’s desk and replied, “The pack are asking for a retrial for Vione. They also want Honesty Tribunal for Mireya.”
“What?” Usher’s eyes widened. He slammed the table with all his might. “Honesty Tribunal for Mireya?”
Garth nodded with his head bowed. “Yes, Alpha.”
“How could they ask for this? Do they not realize that their actions have tarnished my reputation as an Alpha? Are they suggesting that I, as an Alpha, am really stupid enough to be deceived by Mireya?”
“Forgive me, Alpha.”
Usher growled and turned back, the desk becoming his outlet. His breathing became rapid and sweat began to form on his face. He hastily loosened the tie around his neck.
“And what does a retrial for Vione have to do with this? It’s been almost a year, and now they’re asking for a retrial?” Usher asked contemptuously. His face showed resentment. “Is there a new rumor going around the pack?”
“The pack believes there’s a connection between Vione’s removal from Luna’s position and Ayla’s prophecy about the disaster that will befall the Frostholm pack.”
Usher furrowed his brow. “What do you mean?”
“They believe that the disaster will befall the Frostholm Pack because of the mistakes they made regarding Vione. They think it’s a punishment from the Moon Goddess, because a Luna’s loyalty should never be questioned. Besides, there’s no concrete evidence that Vione actually cheated.”
“Are you trying to imply that I am so stupid that I can’t judge the truth, Garth?”
“Not at all, Alpha,” Garth replied quickly. Usher’s voice rose and he could feel the heat filling the air. “I merely relay speculation circulating among the pack.”
“Unsubstantiated speculation. Besides, are they forgetting that I presented surveillance camera footage? It proved that Vione was indeed involved with another man.”
Garth fell silent. Of course, he still remembered that, along with the peculiarities that went with it. Vione claimed that Usher visited her every night, and as a Beta who always accompanied Usher everywhere, he was willing to bet that the silhouette and posture belonged to Usher. But how could that be? Usher couldn’t possibly split up and be in two different places. Besides, it seemed unlikely that Usher would play tricks to lure Vione into a trap.
So, Garth was left in his own confusion. One thing that tipped him toward the Pack’s speculation, however, was the lack of any sign of the alleged lover until that moment. After Vione’s arrest, the whole scandal disappeared as if swallowed by the earth.
Thanks to this, another speculation arose: it was all Mireya’s plan. After all, everyone knew Mireya’s ambition to be Usher’s mate and Luna. So, it wasn’t surprising that the pack demanded an Honesty Tribunal for Mireya. They wanted The Moon Goddess to guide them through the light of the full moon and show them whether Mireya was behind it all or not.
It was a good way out, but Usher refused, of course. Garth could do nothing but follow orders.
“Dismiss these petitions and remind the pack that there will be no retrial for Vione and no Honesty Tribunal for Mireya, no matter how long they persist.”
Having said that, Usher immediately rose from his seat and left Garth, heading straight for his room.
Mireya greeted Usher’s arrival as usual. She had just put Philip to bed and was preparing a cup of tea for Usher.
“Looks like it’s been a tiring day. What’s up?”
Usher sat back on the sofa and closed his eyes. He rubbed the bridge of his nose as he exhaled tiredly. “Those damn packs. They always disgust me with their supplications.”
Mireya chuckled. “What else do they want?”
“A retrial for Vione and Honesty Tribunal for you,” Usher replied, making Mireya pause for a moment. He quickly explained the situation, then reassured Mireya. “You don’t need to worry. I have denied those petitions.”
Relief washed over Mireya and she breathed a sigh of relief. She handed Usher the tea. “Thank God for that. Besides, there’s no point in giving in to those petitions. You clearly know who to trust more.”
“You’re right.”
“So, you don’t need to think about it anymore. It’s better if you drink your tea now while it’s still warm.”
Usher opened his eyes and straightened his back. He looked at the cup of tea in Mireya’s hand and took it. He enjoyed the drink and Mireya smiled meaningfully.
*