The silent night crept on. Nature created a silence that felt soothing, designed to soothe every soul tired of struggling with life’s cruelty. Then it hummed a gentle lullaby through the soft waves of the breeze, like a complement to the graceful dance of the tree leaves.
Among all the creatures who enjoyed the peace of their slumber, Rowena remained awake. She paid no attention to the night rolling on and touching the wee hours of the morning, instead focusing on the various types of herbs that adorned her wooden table.
Rowena picked five different herbs and chopped them into small pieces. Then she placed all the ingredients in a stone mortar. She began to pound, and it wasn’t long before all the herbs were crushed and blended into one.
Rowena’s busyness stopped when she sensed someone’s presence. She stopped pounding, then turned. “Luna.”
Vione stood in the doorway. Her hands were clasped nervously, her face showed uncertainty. “May I come in?” she asked, uncertain. “If I’m not intruding.”
Rowena’s eyes widened; a glimmer visible for a moment. “Please, Luna. You’re not bothering me at all. Besides, I’m done.”
Vione wasn’t convinced by Rowena’s words. She could see the crushed herbs in the mortar that Rowena had hastily set aside. She might not understand the world of medicine, but she was sure that the herbal powder hadn’t been fully processed.
Still, Vione nodded. She entered the room and approached Rowena.
“So, what’s going on, Luna?” Rowena asked, motioning for Vione to sit down. “Something on your mind?”
Vione sat uncomfortably, trying her best not to meet Rowena’s gaze for too long. “It’s not really important, but I think I owe you an apology.”
Rowena’s forehead furrowed. Of all the possible reasons for Vione’s visit that had crossed her mind, an apology had never crossed her mind. “An apology?”
“Yes,” Vione nodded, gathering her courage. Finally, she met Rowena’s gaze. “I apologize for my behavior yesterday. I shouldn’t have spoken so harshly to you. I shouldn’t have said nonsense when you actually helped me and Usher a lot.”
Rowena was taken aback for a moment. It seemed she needed a moment to digest Vione’s words. “Luna.”
“I truly apologize, Rowena. I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I hope you can forgive me.”
“Luna.” A faint smile appeared on Rowena’s aging face. She shook her head. “I never thought about it, Luna. You don’t have to apologize to me.”
Rowena’s words only made Vione feel more uncomfortable. “Rowena.”
“All right, Luna,” Rowena nodded after a moment. She surrendered. “I forgive you. I hope you won’t dwell on it anymore. It doesn’t bother me at all. Besides, I understand that Alpha’s safety will always be your priority. I understand, especially since you’ve loved Alpha for so long.”
Something made Vione’s eyes narrow. There was a change in her gaze. “What do you mean, Rowena?” she asked, again confusing Rowena. “Your words just now sounded strange.”
Rowena was silent for a moment, as if she needed time to understand Vione’s meaning. Then she smiled broadly. “I have heard some rumors. If I’m not mistaken, it seems you two have been together since you were teenagers.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course.” Rowena nodded confidently. “I often hear people talking about you. Many envy the love you share.”
Vione felt embarrassed. “Well, I didn’t know people talked about us often. I didn’t know all this time.”
“Of course you didn’t. People always talk about us behind our backs. Especially girls, of course they’ll always talk about another girl who’s lucky to be loved by her boyfriend.”
“Ah, I see,” Vione murmured, trying to respond to Rowena’s words casually, but it turned out to be the opposite. Her face stiffened and she smiled strangely. She had never been praised so openly by others. Usually only close people spoke kindly to her. “I think I should leave now. I’m sure you have other things to do. Good night.”
Rowena nodded. “Good night, Luna.”
Vione’s departure brought relief to Rowena’s chest. Her eyes closed reflexively and she took a deep breath. She cursed in her heart. I shouldn’t have said that.
*
The night of the full moon would always be a sacred night for any werewolf. It was the night their powers peaked. Just like this night. Usher could clearly feel the full moonlight bathing his entire body, multiplying his strength many times over. All remnants of his previous injuries vanished without a trace, replaced by unimaginable energy.
Usher knew it wasn’t just the full moonlight; Rowena had also played a part. The medicines she often prepared had healed him quickly.
“Alpha.”
Rowena’s voice caught Usher’s attention. He opened his eyes. For a moment he looked at the full moon before he finally turned around. Rowena was in front of him.
“Now is the time.”
Usher nodded. “I understand.”
Rowena walked toward the Mystoria Waterfall. Reciting an ancient chant, she summoned a portal that appeared in an instant.
Meanwhile, Usher took the time to approach Vione. He looked into her tearful eyes. “I’m going, Vione, but I promise you. We will meet again.”
“I know, Usher, and I’ll always be waiting for you,” Vione replied, trying to smile. Her heart felt heavy, but she tried to bear it as best she could. “I will always pray for you. So come back to me.”
Usher nodded, then made sure to instruct Ayla. “I hope you’ll take good care of Vione, Ayla.”
“Of course, Alpha.”
Leaving Vione felt like a burden to Usher, but he dispelled it with a promise firmly in his heart. I owe you happiness, Vione.
Usher walked to the Mystoria Waterfall. His gaze was fixed on the open portal, ready to swallow him.
“Are you ready, Alpha?”
Usher nodded. “Yes, Rowena.”
“Good, and I want to say one thing,” Rowena said, her hands still raised in front of her, guarding the open portal. “For your own good, Alpha, I must say that this is your last chance to use the portal. So, make the most of it. Strengthen your resolve and the portal will take you where you need to be.”
“I understand.”
Usher took another step forward. He moved closer to the portal. Then he closed his eyes for a moment, strengthening his resolve. He made up his mind, and then he let the portal engulf him.
In the blink of an eye, Usher found himself swept away by a powerful stream of energy. He held on as tight as he could, and then the portal threw him out.
The sound of impact rang out. Usher felt as if his chest would burst. The pain spread, causing him to moan. But something caught his eye and quickly silenced him.
Usher’s eyes widened. He looked around with mixed emotions. Am I on-
“This is your final warning, Vione. Lay a hand on Mireya again, even a little, and you’ll bear the consequences.”
The voice startled Usher. It reminded him that the sound of impact earlier hadn’t just been his own hitting the palace floor, but also the sound of Vione falling after being strangled by him in the past.
Usher stood up and looked to the end of the corridor. I’m back.
*