Scott arrived at The Palace and immediately met Garth in Usher’s room. Before answering Garth’s phone call, he examined Usher’s condition. The result seemed to be the same as before. Usher showed no signs of improvement.
“It seems we can’t do another thorough examination, Garth. I’m afraid it might further weaken the Alpha’s body.”
Garth dramatically closed his eyes. “So, what can we do? Alpha has slept too long, Scott. Alpha has to wake up.”
“I’m sorry, Garth,” Scott said regretfully. He squeezed Garth’s shoulder. “I feel useless too. I can’t do anything for the Alpha’s recovery.”
Garth knew that he was not the only one who felt powerless in this situation. Everyone felt the same way. Besides, the members of the pack were praying incessantly in the Amerotha forest, asking the Moon Goddess for Usher’s recovery.
“Garth.”
Scott’s voice was different, more enthusiastic.
“What is it, Scott? Do you have any idea?”
Scott nodded. “Something has occurred to me. Since the medical examination found no illness in the Alpha, why don’t we call Ayla?”
“Ayla?”
“Yes,” Scott nodded, his eyes shining with hope. “We can’t ignore any possibility. It’s possible that…”
Scott didn’t finish his sentence, but Garth seemed to understand.
“What do you mean?”
Scott nodded again. “Maybe the Alpha’s illness is not a medical condition. Maybe someone evil is using magic to harm Alpha. That’s why Ayla is our only hope.” He sighed briefly. “I know Ayla is no witch. She’s a Sacred Elder, but she can prophesy. Maybe she’ll have a vision.”
“I overlooked that, Scott. You’re right. Maybe Ayla can help us. I’ll-”
“Ayla? The old woman who predicted that my son would be a disaster for the Frostholm Pack?”
Garth and Scott both turned. There stood Mireya, entering with clasped hands and a look of disdain.
“I can’t believe it. You’re still being fooled by that old woman.”
Scott sighed softly, while Garth, on the other hand, still seemed to be angry about yesterday’s incident, so that he could no longer keep his composure with Mireya.
“The Ayla you refer to as the old woman is a werewolf who has dedicated her entire life to the well-being of the Frostholm pack. Not like you, who just came and now everything is in chaos.”
Mireya glared. “Are you accusing me, Garth?”
Garth clenched his jaw. Suddenly Mireya slapped him across the cheek. Scott was startled, he had never expected Mireya to do such a thing.
“You are absolutely outrageous, Garth. I’ve always stood by Usher. I’ve always been there for him, and yet you accuse me so cruelly?” Mireya fumed and shook her head several times. “Just you wait. When Usher wakes up, I’ll be sure to report all of your behavior to me.”
Garth’s body shook. Fortunately, Scott quickly realized the situation and reached out to hold Garth’s hand, trying to calm him down.
“Garth, I hope you can control yourself.”
It was difficult. It took Garth more than a minute to control the rage that was boiling inside him. He almost snapped and Scott struggled to pull him away from Mireya.
“Don’t be provoked, Garth. You must keep your composure. The pack is depending on you now.”
Scott didn’t want to inquire why Garth had acted differently that morning. The reason was that everyone agreed that Garth was the most composed werewolf in the Frostholm pack. Garth was always calm in all situations, which made him perfect for the position of Beta.
“I’m tired of this, Scott.”
Scott nodded. “I understand, but fighting won’t solve the situation.”
“You’re right,” Garth said, rubbing his face roughly. “Forgive me.”
At that moment, footsteps entered Usher’s room. They both turned to the door and saw Jemma.
“Jemma.”
Garth immediately welcomed Jemma’s arrival, unlike Mireya who just clucked her tongue.
“How are you, Jemma?”
Jemma smiled. “I’m fine, Garth, and I can see you’re fine too.” Garth nodded and now looked at Usher. “How’s Usher?” Then she noticed Scott. “How’s Usher, Scott?”
Scott approached Jemma. “There’s been no progress at all, Jemma. I’m sorry, but I’m trying everything. I might call my friends in Germany.”
It wasn’t the news Jemma wanted to hear, but at least there was still hope. So, she nodded and smiled. “Thanks for all your efforts, Scott. I really appreciate it.”
“Okay,” Mireya said afterwards, looking at each of them. “It seems that this conversation should end. I’m sure you all agree that Usher needs proper rest and comfort.”
Garth was stunned. “Are you trying to kick Jemma out?”
“That’s not what I meant, Garth, but if that’s how you interpret it, then what can I do?”
Garth’s patience had really been tested lately. Not only had he seen Mireya bring a strange werewolf into Usher’s room, but now he found Mireya openly kicking Jemma out.
Garth’s foot moved forward, but Jemma quickly grabbed his hand. This stopped Garth’s step, and at the same time Jemma said to Mireya, “You’re right. Usher needs a peaceful rest. So, I think it’s best if I leave now. Besides, I’ve seen enough of Usher’s condition.”
Garth remained motionless. “Jemma.”
“It’s all right,” Jemma said, nodding once. Then she said to Mireya, “But first I’m going to say hello to Usher.”
Mireya remained silent as she watched Jemma approach Usher. Jemma sat on the edge of the bed and gently took Usher’s hand.
“I hope you wake up soon, Usher. I hope you’ll rise strong as you once were.” Then Jemma placed Usher’s hand back on the bed, making sure the blanket covered him properly. “I bid you farewell, Alpha.”
Jemma stood and left Usher’s room, a smile still on her face. She walked down the corridor, taking deep breaths. She tried to walk with strength, even though Usher’s weakened face kept turning in her mind.
“Jemma.”
Jemma stopped. She turned to find Garth following her. “What is it, Garth?”
“I’ll walk you home.”
“No need. I came here in my car.”
Garth nodded. “I know, but let me drive you.”
Jemma knew that Garth recognized her sadness behind the smile she had maintained. So, she said, “In that case, I won’t refuse. Thank you.”
A moment later, Garth and Jemma were on their way home. Her car would be brought by the guards later, but for now she sat comfortably in Garth’s car.
“I don’t trust Mireya.”
Jemma turned to him. “What do you mean, Garth?”
*