Jemma felt uneasy all day. She was restless, her mind disturbed by something unknown. There was something different, different than usual, but she couldn’t put it into words. It was as if something was wrong, causing her constant anxiety, even though she tried to ignore it.
Jemma thought it was just unfounded anxiety. Logically, if she looked closely, she could convince herself that there was nothing to worry about. Everything was fine. The palace was lively and cheerful, everyone was busy, and of course the birds were still flying around and singing happily. Such was the usual day at the Palace, just like any other.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t so easy to put aside. Jemma couldn’t ignore it. She seemed her usual self, outwardly normal; she smiled and spoke with her usual friendliness. But she was like a calm sea, hiding a powerful, invisible current within. Her heart wavered between reality and the vague, indefinable shadows. The unease couldn’t be banished; it haunted her with a stronger intensity than before, like a shadow that would persistently follow her.
The atmosphere around her felt heavy, as if pressed from all sides. The clear sky above her was in stark contrast to the gray clouds that constantly swirled in Jemma’s mind. She was certain that something was wrong, something was approaching, but it was beyond her rational understanding.
The ticking of the clock became a rhythm of anxious heartbeats, pulsing erratically. Each passing second carried an erratic gust of wind that left a cold trail on Jemma’s skin, reminding her of an unseen threat that continued to lurk.
Jemma sat on the edge of the bed. Her gaze was distant, staring out the window, searching endlessly. She tried to find the source of her unease, but there were no clues. Nature seemed to be conspiring against her, hiding it from view and offering only vague hints that she couldn’t decipher.
“Ma. Ma.”
Jemma blinked. Her distress was interrupted by a sweet voice. She turned to see an Omega-Mariah Patel-arriving with Usher.
“Ma.”
Jemma immediately rose from her seat, her face lighting up with a broad smile. She greeted Mariah and Usher happily. She walked up to them and Usher raised his arms enthusiastically.
Usher looked delighted. His eyes sparkled when he saw Jemma and he laughed big, showing off his four new front teeth.
“Oh, my darling,” Jemma said as she took Usher from Mariah’s arms. She hugged Usher and cuddled him lovingly, occasionally planting kisses on his face. “You seem very happy today.”
Mariah smiled and said, “He really is an amazing baby. He’s full of energy every day.”
“I know.” Jemma nodded with a beaming face, completely agreeing with Mariah. “He’s like the morning sun, bringing peace. Just looking at him is enough to drive away my restlessness.”
Just as Jemma felt now. Usher’s presence was like sunlight that dispelled the darkness in her mind. The gray clouds that had clouded her thoughts disappeared instantly. Usher’s laughter and gaze were all she needed to calm her emotions.
Jemma lifted Usher up. She made him laugh even more happily. “Soon he will not only be the morning sun. He will be the sun that always shines with blessing and greatness upon the Frostholm pack.”
A prayer echoed through Jemma’s heart. Fantasies began to fill her mind. In her dreams, she and Kendrick would watch Usher grow into the next Alpha, leading the Frostholm pack with wisdom. They would be the happiest parents in the world, watching their beloved son become an Alpha, cherished by their pack and respected by other packs.
But suddenly a shadow of darkness came and shattered this beautiful dream. Jemma was startled by a strong gust of night wind that blew the window shut. She stood up, realizing that the unsettling feeling she had buried had resurfaced. More specifically, it had morphed into an unimaginable horror.
Jemma saw it clearly. Far in the distance, there was a red blaze that seemed to flare up in the darkness of the night-a fire. It was like a devil’s tongue licking the night sky with terrifying arrogance.
Jemma’s heart raced. Each beat echoed in her ears as the horrific sight unfolded before her eyes, revealing the worst possible scenario.
The fear bit deep. The terror began to engulf her, and the first thing Jemma did was retrieve Usher, who was sleeping in the crib. She checked to make sure Usher was okay and then held him tightly.
“My darling,” Jemma whispered in a trembling voice. She stroked Usher’s back, her breath coming in rapid gasps. “You are safe. You will be safe with me.”
The most logical option crossed Jemma’s mind. A pack was attacking them. The situation was dire, and she stood, intending to leave the room to find Kendrick.
At the same time, the bedroom door opened. Ayla and Bruce came in to see Jemma.
“Luna,” Ayla said, approaching Jemma with a worried look on her face. “How are you?”
“Usher and I are fine, Ayla. You don’t need to worry,” Jemma replied before turning to Bruce. “What’s going on, Bruce? Why do I see a big fire outside?”
Bruce replied, “The Nimbria pack is attacking us, Luna. The guards and warriors are defending the perimeter right now.”
Jemma was in shock, unable to speak. “W-what?”
“The situation is chaotic and getting hotter,” Bruce continued in a serious tone. His look reflected concern for Jemma and Usher’s safety. “They’re trying to hold off the attack, but we need to prepare for the worst.”
Jemma felt cold sweat begin to form on her forehead, dampening her face. The fear that had once only haunted her had become an inescapable reality. Even Usher, who had been calm, began to show signs of distress, as if sensing the tension in the air.
“Luna.” Ayla touched Jemma’s shoulder gently, trying to calm her. “We have to evacuate now. We can’t risk staying in the palace any longer.”
Bruce nodded. “We’ve prepared an evacuation route. The guards have made sure that all exits are secure, and I will escort you, Luna.”
Jemma felt her world spin in a dizzying whirl. On one hand, her instincts as a mother screamed to protect Usher, to keep him safe no matter what. On the other hand, her heart was being pulled toward the battlefield. She couldn’t leave while Kendrick fought to defend the pack. As a Luna, her place was at the Alpha’s side.
Jemma’s resolve was firm. She hugged Usher as tightly as she could and kissed him repeatedly, tears streaming down her face. Then she handed Usher to Ayla.
Ayla’s face turned pale. “Luna.”
“Take care of Usher, Ayla.”
Ayla shook her head. “No, Luna. You must come with us. Alpha has assigned me to protect you and Usher.”
“I can’t leave,” Jemma said with unwavering determination. Her gaze was resolute, unshaken by anything. “I have to stay with my Alpha. I must stay with Kendrick no matter what happens, through joy and sorrow.”
“Luna.”
Jemma lifted her chin. “In the name of the Frostholm Pack, I, Luna Jemma Lumina Vale, order you, Ayla, and Bruce to leave immediately. Protect Usher.”
Ayla closed her eyes and looked helpless. So did Bruce. There was nothing they could do. Jemma had given them orders, and they could only obey with unwavering determination.
“We will protect Usher, Luna.”
Jemma nodded. Then she hurried away, heading for Kendrick with a promise in her heart. We will meet again, Usher. We will be together again. I love you.
*