Lilith’s POV
The tavern was quiet, and filled with a heavy fear that felt almost like a blanket. It had been a normal night, with the sound of mugs clinking and a low buzz of talk filling the air.
Then, I showed who I really was. The simple act of pretending to be an ordinary woman was a cover I’d developed with Dale. It fell apart in a flash of silver moonlight shining in my eyes.
I looked around the room and caught the surprised eyes of the people. The quiet chatter suddenly stopped, and a heavy silence filled the space, almost like a sound itself.
My heart raced, and I felt a rush of energy. The reality of who I really was, Luna Queen of the Bloodhound Pack, felt heavy on the whole room.
Dale, who was always alert, moved close to me, with her hand automatically going for the hidden dagger at her side.
A startled breath went through the tavern, followed by a rush of movement. Everyone in the room, from the strong men at the bar to the shy women in the corner, fell to their knees, lowering their heads in respect and fear.
“My Luna Queen,” a voice murmured in surprise.
I could see their fear clearly, which was very different from the relaxed looks and light talk that had been in the room just a moment ago.
I sensed the pressure of their admiration, a pressure that sometimes felt like a fancy trap, reminding me of the duties that came with my role.
I turned to Gabby. His face, which was red from drinking, quickly turned white, and his eyes grew wide with shock.
“Dale,” I said softly, with my voice breaking the quiet room, “Get him.”
Gabby’s face fell. He darts back with, a choked sound coming from him, “No, no! Please! I didn’t want to hurt you, Your Highness! I promise!”
The soldiers, who had been enjoying their drinks and seemed unaware of everything happening, quickly jumped into action. They moved like professionals who had spent their lives keeping things in order.
Two of them quickly stood in front of the tavern door, blocking Gabby’s way out. Fear showed in his eyes, and his cries became desperate, whimpering sobs.
“Don’t be scared,” I said, with my voice steady and calm, making me shiver even as I said it. “Fear is not a good friend.”
He fought against the soldiers holding him as they pulled him to the door. He shouted sorry and pleaded for help, with his voice shaking with fear, “I didn’t mean it, Your Highness. It was only hearsay, I promise! I didn’t know it was you!”
Ignoring his cries and attempts to break free, I looked at the shocked people in the tavern. “Let this teach you,” I said firmly, with my voice strong.
“What you say and the rumors you share have power. Think about what your words can do. The Bloodhound Pack is based on togetherness, trust, and loyalty. Those who try to shake that will face my anger as well as the Alpha King’s.”
Dale and I walked after the soldiers, moving past those who were still scared. I heard hurried footsteps behind us and chairs being dragged on the wooden floor as everyone rushed to get out of the tavern, creating a real mess.
Outside, the cool night air felt refreshing, a break from the heavy stress of the tavern. The moon lit up the cobblestone street with a silver shine, showing the shadows that moved around us.
“Thanks for being with me, Dale,” I said, my voice becoming a bit softer.
She gave a little, comforting smile. “You’re welcome, my Queen.”
The soldiers shoved Gabby toward the pack house, with his scared cries ringing out in the calm night. As we got closer, I spotted a familiar symbol on a carriage.
It was a symbol I recognized well, one that had been marked into my soul-the crest of the Green Forest Pack.
A cold and intense anger filled me, bringing back painful memories. The Green Forest Pack where I was born, a place that had my love until it was broken by betrayal.
A place where my parents were wrongly blamed, with their lives taken too soon, and their names ruined.
My hand turned into a fist. Why was a carriage with the Green Forest Pack’s mark here? Who was bold enough to come to the Bloodhound Pack with my symbol of pain?
The questions spun around in my mind, like a storm of feelings, ready to explode.
My frown grew deeper, with a dark shadow across my face. I couldn’t shake off this worry, like a feeling of dread that stuck to me like a second skin.
“Dale,” I said, with my voice low and cold, “Do you know why a wagon from the Green Forest Pack is here?”
Dale replied right away, with her voice calm and firm, “I don’t, Your Highness. I think it’s wise to be alert for any potential threats from surprise visitors, especially those from Green Forest Pack.”
I kept staring at the carriage, with its symbol, a reminder of betrayal and sadness. I wondered if this was just by chance or if someone was trying to bring back memories from my past.
“We need to be careful,” I said, with my voice strong and sure. “I think this visit isn’t just by chance. It might be a trap, or someone from the Green Forest Pack could be here to spy or ask Alpha King Adams for help.”
Dale looked closely and nodded. “I’m with you, Your Highness. We’ll be careful. You don’t have to worry about being alone when danger comes.”
When I walked into the pack house I could faintly hear Gabby whimpering and the guards’ loud footsteps as they took him to the interrogation room.
“Go away,” I told the guards.
As they walked away, I looked at Dale while feeling a knot in my stomach. My gaze stayed on the carriage, and seeing the symbol hurt me deeply.
“Dale,” I said, with my voice steady, “I need answers about this carriage. Find out who is inside it. I want to know if it is linked to Ben or Augustus.”
Dale nodded confidently and walked toward the door. “I will, Your Highness. I will discover the truth about this carriage.”
I felt a sense of worry come over me, and I realized this was just the start of a new round of challenges that would test my strength and loyalty.
“I hope to settle this issue soon,” I said. I knew I had to confront the Green Forest Pack because I would never forget how my parents were wrongly accused and killed. I can never forgive them, and I will get revenge for my parents.
The carriage stayed a constant reminder of the memories that troubled me, a bad sign in a world that felt like it was falling apart.
The anger I had hidden inside began to rise, reminding me of the hurt I had felt.
Amid this dark anger, there was a strong will – a deep wish to find the truth, to confront my fears, and to make sure that such unfairness would never happen again…