So beautiful.
Young Usher was convinced that there were no words that could accurately describe the young wolf, Vione. All man-made words seemed insignificant, unable to visualize the natural beauty that young Vione possessed. This was because every fiber of Vione’s body seemed to resonate with the allure of nature, as if she were a manifestation of hidden strength and elegance.
Time seemed to stand still. The earth seemed to stop rotating. The world seemed to disappear from young Usher’s sight. Only young Vione filled his eyes and heart.
Young Usher was spellbound. He was mesmerized by young Vione’s silver-white hair and jewel-like blue eyes. He was speechless, hypnotized by the beauty that rendered him unable to utter a word. He was amazed, he could hardly believe that the magnificence and grace he had never seen before was now embodied in real form.
His breath caught in his chest and the young Usher felt his heart pounding. His eyes did not blink; he continued to gaze at Vione until he heard the approach of the pack.
Young Usher’s astonishment quickly turned to shock. He was shaken, and worry suddenly crept into his eyes. Vione.
The commotion of the pack grew louder and more uncontrollable. The solemn atmosphere of the coming-of-age ceremony was changing. The young Usher could also sense the change in the pack’s reaction to young Vione. Those who had looked at Vione with awe, as he had, now looked at her with pity.
Young Usher shook his head weakly. A sudden pain gripped his chest. It was as if a pair of hands were mercilessly squeezing his heart. He was seized with fear; he couldn’t accept that young Vione was being treated like this.
His heart could not restrain itself. He stepped forward. Young Usher wanted to approach young Vione. He disregarded the good judgment that had previously prevented him from causing speculation about his unprofessional behavior in public. As a future Alpha, he should keep his cool; he should remain calm, especially since the appearance of an Omega was commonplace.
Young Vione’s long howl made young Usher stop in his tracks. His intention to protect young Vione from the intimidation of the pack was put on hold. His resolve faltered as young Vione boldly met every gaze of the pack with a brave stare.
Young Vione seemed fragile, young Usher realized. But he also realized that young Vione had chosen not to succumb to that fragility. Young Vione had decided to challenge her destiny and her future.
Young Vione’s feet were firmly planted on the altar floor. Then she raised her head. Her sharp gaze was on the full moon. She didn’t blink, as if she wanted to make sure that The Moon Goddess would hear the words she would convey in her long howl, that she would face her destiny with unwavering determination.
*
There was nothing else the young Usher wanted to do after the coming-of-age ceremony except to find the young Vione. He had to make sure she was all right, despite what he believed from what had happened at the altar. His instincts told him without a doubt that young Vione was fine.
Frankly, young Usher had thought that young Vione would be distraught. Even if that were the case, he would understand. Being chosen as an Omega was a nightmare for every wolf. The impression of lowliness and weakness would make them feel worthless.
But young Vione shattered Usher’s assumptions. Not only was she not distraught, but she once again amazed people. Her actions remained controlled and she howled with confidence.
It was no wonder that young Usher rushed into the party hall. He searched the area for young Vione, but found nothing.
Young Usher had no choice. He blended into the crowd while continuing to search for young Vione.
“Usher.”
Someone called out and Usher was forced to stop. “Hey, Storm. How are you?” he answered.
“Never better,” Storm replied with a stiff posture. A moment later, however, a faint wrinkle appeared on his forehead. Then he asked, “Are you looking for someone?”
The young Usher was sure that his attitude was obvious. After all, Storm had a keen eye for the crowd. “No,” he answered, forced to lie, and it seemed that Storm could sense his deception. So, he quickly changed the subject. “I hope you’re enjoying the party tonight without forgetting the important event in two weeks.”
“The selection of young warriors and guards,” Storm completed Usher’s statement with sparkling eyes. His enthusiasm was obvious. “I’ll definitely sign up.”
Usher’s hand rose and patted Storm’s shoulder. “Good, and make sure you bring others, especially Ned.”
Young Usher still harbored a dislike for Ned due to some recent events. But he couldn’t ignore the fact that Ned was one of the wolves with great potential. Ned was strong and well-trained, and his presence would certainly strengthen the foundation of the pack.
So young Usher reminded himself to be professional at all times. He couldn’t mix personal business with pack business.
“I think that might be a little difficult,” Storm said.
Storm’s words made young Usher blink. “What do you mean, Storm?”
“To be honest, I haven’t seen Ned for a few days. I even went to his house and it turns out that Ned’s parents are looking for him as well.”
Usher’s eyes widened. “Has he left home?”
“It’s possible.”
Young Usher was stunned for a moment. Storm’s information reminded him of Ned’s recent reckless antics. Ned often caused trouble. So, he wasn’t at all surprised if Ned had run away from home to save himself.
Still, young Usher hoped in his heart that Ned hadn’t run away because of the bullying incident with young Vione the other day. Ned shouldn’t have taken such a drastic action, regardless of his rude behavior.
“Such a pity. He actually has great potential to serve the pack.” The young Usher sighed, realizing that there was nothing he could do if the person in question had no intention. “All right, Storm,” he continued, looking at young Vione. But young Vione was not alone; she was with Lewis. “It looks like I have to go now.” His heart began to beat uncomfortably. “Please enjoy your party.”
*