“Mireya ordered me to capture Vione. So, my team and I ventured into the forest. We found her, but we were unable to bring Vione back.”
At this point, Storm stopped talking and cleaned his wounds. He pondered for a moment, staring blankly at the cotton in his hand.
“What happened?”
“That man showed up.”
Garth’s body tensed instantly. “What did you say? The man? You mean the man accused of being Vione’s lover?”
“Yes,” Storm said, not taking his eyes off the cotton in his hand. “But he denied the accusation. He even boldly claimed that Vione is a loyal Luna. She never betrayed the Alpha.”
Garth fell silent, waiting for Storm to take a breath before he continued.
“I want to believe that, but when I asked him for proof, he couldn’t provide it.”
Garth’s eyes closed dramatically. For a moment hope had risen in his heart. If Vione was truly innocent and the man had proof, he thought it would be easier to convince Usher to reconsider Vione’s trial.
“There’s nothing I or the warriors can do. Even if it feels disgusting to obey Mireya’s orders, it’s our duty, our task.”
Garth refrained from commenting. He understood Storm’s feelings. It was indeed disgusting to be ordered by someone undeserving.
“But do you know? This man turned into a golden wolf.”
Garth froze. ” Alpha.”
“He is indeed Alpha. I’m sure he’s Alpha.” Storm lifted his face and his eyes revealed an undeniable turmoil of emotion. “I can’t attack my own Alpha, Garth. I can’t. My wolf spirit refuses. It may sound irrational, but nothing can fool a wolf spirit.”
Garth understood. He nodded. “I understand, Storm.”
Storm closed his eyes. Memories of the last events replayed in his mind. “He looked at me, and I swear, only Alpha could make me powerless without saying a word.”
The reason was that an Alpha possessed a majesty that no other werewolf could ever attain. Strength and wisdom made them individuals respected by all.
Storm could feel it clearly. Besides, it wasn’t the first or even the second time that he had stood at Usher’s side in battle. Together with Garth, they were the werewolves that stood right behind Usher.
“Do you know why I can be so sure that he is the Alpha?”
Garth shook his head.
“He did not attack us. He merely avoided and dodged our attacks. Only when forced did it engage us. I checked my team and none of them were injured,” Storm explained, holding his breath. His emotions were turbulent. “He only attacked Mireya. After that he took Vione and left.”
Garth remained speechless. Every word Storm said deepened his confusion.
“I am absolutely sure that he is Alpha, but how is that possible? Alpha has been sick and unconscious for almost a week.”
This was the source of Garth’s confusion. Usher’s illness was getting worse by the day, but Scott had been unable to determine the cause. According to Scott, extensive blood tests showed that Usher was in good health. Strangely, Usher remained unconscious.
Scott continued his efforts. He would do anything to find the cause of Usher’s illness and cure him quickly.
Garth raised a hand. His fingers clenched as he tried to think, but his mind felt empty. “What is happening right now?”
*
It was not only Garth and Storm who were perplexed, but Mireya as well. After she had vented her anger to Storm, she hurried to Usher’s room.
Mireya walked briskly. In front of Usher’s room, Gerisy stood guard. She asked, “Did anyone enter Usher’s room while I was gone?”
Greisy shook her head. “No, Madam.”
“Good.”
Mireya entered, the door closing behind her. She immediately approached Usher’s bed, and her steps stopped immediately when she found Usher lying comfortably there.
Mireya came closer. She made sure that the one sleeping was indeed Usher, and it was indeed Usher.
“Usher.”
Mireya held out her hand. She nudged Usher’s body, but there was no reaction. Usher did not move at all; he was fast asleep.
Her forehead wrinkled. The fact that Usher was still in a deep sleep did not reassure Mireya. She squeezed both hands together and questioned herself. If it wasn’t Usher, then who was the Alpha who helped Vione earlier?
Mireya felt uneasy. She paused for a moment and thought. Then she grabbed her phone and called someone.
The call was connected. Mireya waited anxiously, ignoring the pain in her back from the scratches the golden wolf had inflicted earlier. She did not have time to take care of those wounds now.
“Hello.”
Relief lit up Mireya’s face when the call was answered. “Hello, Torin.”
“What is it, Mireya? It’s unusual that you contact me. Why is that? Is there a problem?”
Mireya twiddled her fingers. “Something has happened, Torin, and I’m afraid it might interfere with our plans.”
“What do you mean?”
“I can’t explain it over the phone,” Mireya said, exhaling deeply. She felt the matter was too complex to discuss over the phone. “Can you come to Frostholm Palace?”
A short silence. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, why not? Besides, I have full permission from Usher. You don’t need to worry. Just tell the guards that I’ve instructed you to come here. I’ll also tell the guards to let you in.”
“In that case, fine. I’ll gladly come to Frostholm Palace. By the way, I’m curious, how big is Frostholm Palace?”
Mireya smiled. “Very grand, Torin. You’ll love it. So be sure to come early tomorrow morning.”
“Of course. I’ll come as soon as I can. You know, I miss you, Mireya.”
Mireya’s smile widened. The emotions that had been bothering her began to fade. “I miss you too, Torin. It’s been a long time since we last saw each other.”
“Be patient. I promise I’ll come tomorrow and fulfill our longing. Besides, I want to see Philip.”
“You’re right, Torin. You have to meet Philip. Oh! Do you know?” Mireya asked without waiting for Torin’s answer. She continued, “He inherited your good looks. He really resembles you.”
*