Garth tried to remain calm and collected. On the contrary, Cora, standing next to him, reacted openly.
“What?”
Mireya was surprised. She looked at Cora with an incredulous look and shook her head. “You should really watch your attitude, Cora. You’re not displaying the behavior expected of a Gamma.”
“I was trying to maintain the appropriate Gamma demeanor, but I’m completely shocked. How could Garth be ignored like that?” Cora wondered. “He is the Beta in the Frostholm Pack. He should be the one to take care of all pack matters while Alpha is sick, but why is it that-” Her words were cut off. She turned and looked at her hand, which Garth was holding. When she raised her head, she found Garth looking at her. “Garth.”
Garth motioned to Cora before taking a step forward. “I’m sure Alpha has given this a great deal of thought and consideration.”
“Of course, Garth,” Usher replied weakly. He nodded once and leaned back against the desk. “I have given it much thought and consideration. Frankly, I wouldn’t have done it if you hadn’t disappointed me.”
“I disappointed you, Alpha?” Garth asked, stunned. He was shocked to the point of breathlessness. “What did I do to disappoint you?”
Mireya sighed. She approached Usher, then spoke quickly. “I think everything is settled, Usher. You’ve said all you need to say, and now it’s time for you to get some real rest. You haven’t fully recovered.”
“Yes, Mireya. You’re right.”
Mireya helped Usher to his feet. She held Usher’s hand, as if worried that he couldn’t stand as firmly as usual. They left the office.
Garth and Cora were left behind. For a moment, they just watched Usher and Mireya leave, and after the door closed, they exchanged glances.
“Why did you stop me, Garth?”
Shortly, Garth replied, “It’s useless, Cora.”
“Useless?” Cora was astonished. “How can you just give up like that, Garth? You should have protested. Besides, you should have corrected Alpha’s mistake, especially when the mistake is like this.”
Garth remained silent. Cora grumbled again.
“This is the first time I’ve seen an Alpha disregard his Beta and instruct his mistress to take care of the pack and the company while he was sick.”
Garth was startled. His eyes widened and he stared. “Watch your words, Cora. You can’t speak ill of your Alpha like that. Your words just now could be considered disrespectful.”
“Garth, you…” Cora looked angry. She raised her hand as if to strike Garth, but ended up clenching her fist in frustration. “I’m like this because I can’t accept seeing you belittled.”
“I know. Thank you for that, but there’s no need to waste energy on something useless.”
Cora rolled her eyes. “I didn’t think you were so pessimistic, Garth. All this time I’ve seen you so enthusiastic, brave and-”
“Enough, Cora. Forget it. Besides, Alpha has given the order. So there’s nothing we can do.”
Now Cora couldn’t say anything. She could only stare until Garth spoke again.
“We’d better concentrate on other things now. I’m sure you’ll have to break the news to the pack.”
Cora closed her eyes. She pressed her lips together and growled. “I didn’t think being a Gamma would be so annoying.”
*
Peace seemed to have become a rare commodity for the Frostholm Pack. Fate seemed to be orchestrating a plan to keep them in perpetual turmoil.
It had been a year since the shocking events within the Frostholm Pack regarding Vione’s demotion from the Luna position and the execution of the Munest family. The pack thought that peace would return after that day. But they were wrong. Other unforeseen events occurred, adding more unpleasant surprises to their lives.
The pack tried to be understanding and open-minded, but this time an unexpected incident caused an unprecedented uproar. The pack’s patience was tested, leading them to question Usher’s sanity as Alpha.
Cora had announced Usher’s decree. During Usher’s illness and incapacity, he had delegated all affairs and responsibilities to Mireya.
As Cora had expected, she wasn’t the only one upset by Usher’s decision. The entire pack was upset and planned to visit The Palace. Fortunately, Garth was able to calm the commotion.
“Alpha is ill. Your visit to The Palace will make things worse, not better. There’s nothing we can do now but pray. Hopefully, Alpha will recover soon and this situation will pass quickly.”
The pack recognized the truth in Garth’s words. That’s why they forced themselves to calm down, even if it was difficult. They all refused to accept that Usher trusted Mireya more than Garth.
“How could Usher hand over all business and responsibilities to Mireya? Who is Mireya anyway? She’s nobody. She’s not important in the Frostholm Pack.”
“This situation makes me even more convinced that something is wrong. Mireya must have done something. It’s impossible for Usher to ignore Garth.”
Once again, rumors spread through the Frostholm Pack. Garth was able to allay their concerns, but not their fears.
Everyone continued to discuss Usher’s decision. Many of them turned to Jemma, but even she didn’t know what to do.
The fear continued to spread. News and concerns quickly reached every corner. Even Vione, isolated from the outside world, became aware of it.
A guard arrived as scheduled, brought breakfast to Vione and then said, “Alpha is sick. He lost consciousness briefly, and the doctors are still trying to determine the cause.”
Vione was about to crouch down to take her breakfast when the information stunned her. She stood up and grabbed the iron bars. “W-what did you say? Usher is sick?”
“Yes, Alpha is sick. According to the news I heard from The Palace, his condition is worrisome. They’ve never seen Alpha so sick before. Alpha often cries and howls in pain at night. In fact, Alpha has even destroyed walls and floors.”
“Is it that bad?” Vione tried to breathe, feeling a sharp pain in her chest. Her lungs rebelled; the air she inhaled felt like needles piercing through. “Usher’s never been this sick before.”
The shewolf nodded with a sad expression. “That’s the news I heard from The Palace. Everyone is on high alert now, preparing for the worst.”
Vione shook her head. Her eyes felt hot and her body shook with fear. “It can’t be.”
“They said Alpha may not last long.”
Vione’s body immediately collapsed. She sat on the rocky ground and her mind went blank. The news froze in her mind, rendering her helpless in the face of the looming possibility that terrified her.
Vione closed her eyes. She tried to calm herself amidst the growing onslaught of fear. She kept remembering Usher’s cruelty and heartlessness towards her. Usher had accused and belittled her and destroyed her family.
She should be happy. The news of Usher’s illness should have brought her joy. But that was not the case at all. On the contrary, her wolf spirit howled with sadness. She was afraid, and there was no way to calm her worries.
Vione’s eyes suddenly opened wide in the darkness. She growled and her wolf spirit stood guard.
Vione stood up. Her reason was paralyzed. Logic was overwhelmed by emotions that never seemed to go away. The rage and hatred that were deeply rooted in her heart meant nothing compared to the love that had been there for so long.
I must see Usher. I must be sure of his condition.
Worry clouded Vione’s eyes. She had made a decision she shouldn’t have.
Vione waited. She counted the time in her mind. When she felt that the day had passed midnight, she moved.
It was quiet as usual. Vione looked left and right through the iron bars. She made sure no one was around, then she carried out her plan.
Vione walked to the corner of the cell. She steadied herself and her hands began to feel around. She searched for something, remembering vividly the Alpha Family training she had attended in the past.
As a former Luna, Vione had received special training that other werewolves did not. Her former position required her to be smart and ready for any situation. Many things could happen, one of them being war, and being captured was the most likely scenario in a war.
Vione had been trained. If the situation turned against her and she was captured, she could escape. Her priority was to ensure the survival of the Frostholm Pack, and now she was confident that she was doing that.
Vione’s hand found a hidden piece. She pulled it, and a glimmer of hope greeted her plan.
Vione moved quickly. She raced against time. She crossed the dark corridor without light. She sharpened her senses and kept going. Finally, she found a dead end.
Both hands were raised. Vione felt around and the stone wall shifted to reveal an exit.
Vione stepped out and the moonlight greeted her. She lifted her head and closed her eyes. She absorbed the sensation of the moonlight washing over her body. It felt soothing and peaceful.
Vione opened her eyes slowly. The moonlight gave her strength and she remembered her original plan. She had to hurry.
Noises stopped Vione. She stopped and looked around. Her eyes focused on the darkness behind the trees and bushes.
Vione waited, then heard a soft voice speaking to her.
“Long time no see, Vione.”
*