Rowena knew; she had heard the rumors that had been circulating for the past few days, and she had witnessed the state of affairs around her-the Frostholm Pack had successfully won the war. The Nimbria Pack had suffered a crushing defeat and great misfortune when Bethany, their Luna, was killed in battle.
The story did not end there, but continued to unfold. News of Ivan and Ferdie’s heroic deeds reached Rowena’s ears. According to many, the palace had given Ivan and Ferdie special recognition. Without diminishing the efforts of others, the Frostholm Pack regarded them as the stars who played the most crucial role in the war.
Moreover, the Frostholm Pack’s attention was particularly focused on Ivan. As the leader of the warriors, he was seen as someone who led with both courage and cunning. His calmness and precision of thought were the fundamental strengths of his leadership. For example, he skillfully devised a clever strategy to ambush the warriors of the Nimbria Pack in the Eresca Valley. Ultimately, the success of this surprise attack became the decisive turning point.
The attack on Eresca Valley allowed the Frostholm Pack to regain its momentum. Ivan and his team successfully executed a perfect maneuver that turned the tide of battle and revived the spirit and confidence of the Frostholm Pack.
Even when the Nimbria Pack threatened a deceptive tactic by taking Usher hostage, Ivan remained unshaken. His composure was tested even in the most critical moments. It was no surprise, then, that people spoke of him often these days, expressing admiration and praise.
This reality brought a unique happiness to Rowena. Not only because she was proud of Ivan’s achievements, but more importantly, because Ivan had managed to end the war well. Ivan was unhurt. Ivan was safe and sound.
Rowena just had to wait a little longer. She realized that Ivan would have many things to take care of after the war. Later, when everything had settled down and the time was right, she was sure that Ivan would come to visit her in the Amerotha Forest.
A smile spread across Rowena’s face, filling her heart with joy. Her mind then teased her with visions of their reunion, causing her heart to beat wildly and her hand to rise instinctively.
Rowena gently stroked her stomach. She was overwhelmed by an irresistible urge to share some happy news with Ivan. As a result, waiting became a test of her patience.
A few days later, Rowena’s anticipation began to show signs of coming to an end. She felt a premonition that Ivan would come to her that day. Her confidence was strong, especially as a pure warmth spread through her womb, as if the new life she was carrying felt the same anticipation.
Time seemed to creep by. Morning gave way to noon with agonizing slowness. The sun rolled across the sky and set with a tiresome arrogance. Each passing second felt like a game designed to test Rowena’s patience, as if the universe was toying with her.
Rowena tried to distract herself. She busied herself with various tasks-tidying the ritual room, checking the jars of dried herbs-and when night finally fell, her patience was nearly exhausted.
Unable to contain her longing any longer, Rowena left her home and decided to wait for Ivan’s arrival.
Rowena walked through the forest with mixed emotions. As her feet carried her forward, she played out various scenarios in her mind. She wondered how she would break the happy news to Ivan.
Several options crossed her mind. Maybe she wouldn’t beat around the bush. She would tell him right away and…
Rowena’s steps suddenly stopped. Her body tensed as a breeze blew through the forest, carrying with it a few unfamiliar scents that pricked her keen senses.
Rowena’s expression changed. She looked around and noticed the sudden unease in the air. The leaves rustled with an unsettling rhythm. The nocturnal creatures that usually filled the night with their cries had gone silent, as if they, too, were aware of something sinister lurking in the darkness.
Rowena froze. The joy that had filled her heart was suddenly replaced by a chilling fear. An ominous premonition crept in and made her silently plead, “No, Ivan. Don’t come.”
Rowena could tell by the faint scent she had caught that members of the Nimbria Pack were approaching. The smell was too strong and overpowering to ignore-a sickening mix of blood and death. They had invaded Amerotha Forest.
A shiver ran down Rowena’s spine as the realization of the impending danger set in. She suspected that the Nimbria pack was out to get Ivan because of Connor’s personal vendetta.
Ivan had killed Bethany. Connor certainly wouldn’t let that go. He would undoubtedly look for countless ways to take his revenge on Ivan.
“No,” Rowena whispered, shaking her head repeatedly. Fear was evident in her clear, wide eyes. “Ivan cannot be caught.”
Rowena hurried. She had to find Ivan before the Nimbria pack did, or better yet, she hoped that Ivan would never come to Amerotha Forest.
“Please, Ivan. Don’t come.”
Rowena quickened her pace, almost breaking into a run. She pushed through the undergrowth, ignoring the sharp branches that scratched her skin. She felt no pain, for the fear and anxiety that gripped her was far more agonizing than any minor wounds.
Her breath came in short gasps, her heart pounded, and beads of sweat formed on her skin-an anomaly considering how cold the night was.
Rowena ran, kept running. She would not let the Nimbria Pack find Ivan before she did. But her steps were suddenly cut short by a tree stump, causing her to stumble and fall.
Pain shot through her. Rowena immediately clutched her stomach. She paused for a moment to make sure her unborn child was safe.
Unfortunately, Rowena’s relief was short-lived. Just as she made sure that nothing had happened to her baby, a voice broke the silence of the night.
“Rowena!”
Rowena shook her head. The fear grew and countless terrible possibilities filled her mind. “No, Ivan.”
At that moment Rowena had only one hope-that she had misheard. That it wasn’t Ivan’s voice. It was just a figment of her imagination.
But it was indeed Ivan. It was Ivan who had come to Amerotha Forest to meet Rowena. Ironically, it wasn’t Rowena Ivan encountered first, but a group of Nimbria Pack warriors led by Connor himself!
*