Exactly six months ago. Ivan had received a phone call from the palace. He had to meet with Graham. There were important matters to discuss, and after it was over, when he wanted to go straight back to the warrior barracks, he met Ayla.
Ivan greeted Ayla politely. They chatted casually, discussing a few pleasant things.
“So,” Ayla said and nodded. Her expression showed understanding. “I also feel that…”
Ayla’s words stopped. Her body instantly froze. Her gaze became vacant.
Ivan frowned, looking confused and worried. He asked, but Ayla did not answer. He was about to call someone.
“You’re a lucky man, Ivan.”
Ivan’s intention to leave was immediately stopped. He refrained from walking away and instead asked reflexively, “What did you say, Ayla?”
“I said you are a lucky man, Ivan,” Ayla repeated with a smile. Her blank look had returned. “You have a wife who loves you very much, who is willing to do anything for you.”
Ivan froze. He paused, as if he needed time to process Ayla’s words. “Uh, what do you mean?”
“She is not of our kind, but she is a good woman. Isn’t she?”
“A-Ayla.” Ivan blinked repeatedly. His tongue was numb with words. “I-”
Ayla touched Ivan’s hand with a wise gesture. “The Frostholm pack respects her. So, there’s nothing to worry about. Besides,” she continued with an assured tone, her smile widening, “soon she won’t be the only one in your heart.”
Ivan narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”
Ayla did not answer immediately, her eyes remained blank for a moment. Then she spoke: “She is a pure soul. Oh, God. She is so beautiful, Ivan.” She looked at Ivan with sparkling eyes. “She is just like you. Her hair is the color of your hair, her smile is as sweet as yours, and do you know? When she transforms, she becomes a silver-white wolf with eyes as blue as yours.”
A burst of color shook Ivan’s world. His mouth opened, but no words came out. But his expression clearly showed an unspoken happiness.
“She is a girl who is loved by many. She is kind, strong, and relentless. She is ready to sacrifice herself for everyone. Oh, Ivan. She truly inherits the goodness of both of you.”
It took Ivan some time to regain control of the wave of happiness. He took a deep breath and convinced himself that he wasn’t floating in the sky. He was still on the ground, but now the ground felt different to him.
Ivan cleared his throat. “D-Did you see her, Ayla?”
“Yes.” Ayla nodded several times. “I saw her clearly. Very clearly, in fact, as she replaced you and became the next leader of the Frostholm Pack.”
Ivan let out a long sigh. A wide smile spread over his face. In his heart he thought. So we will have a strong girl. She will surely be a great girl.
“You will live with pride, Ivan, and happiness.”
The event was deeply engraved in Ivan’s memory. He often recalled this conversation in the midst of his busy work. It could be called a kind of doping that made him more enthusiastic about his work. So, he went through his days with renewed energy. Ayla’s prophecy made him impatient for the future, when Rowena would bring him the happy news he longed for.
Unfortunately, that day came at the worst possible time. Ivan couldn’t share his happiness with Rowena. He couldn’t hug and kiss her, tell her that he loved her with all his heart and soul. He couldn’t make promises and swear that he would always be by her side during her pregnancy and for the rest of their life. All he could do was protect Rowena, even if it meant risking his life.
“Please, Rowena,” Ivan begged again, this time pouring out all the worries and hopes that were struggling in his heart. “Get out of here! You-”
Connor’s click of his tongue interrupted Ivan’s words. He turned his body and looked intently at Rowena. “Don’t make her go if she doesn’t want to, Ivan. She has to want to see you. So how about I give you some time to talk? Maybe five minutes?” He looked at Ivan meaningfully. “Is that enough?”
The threat felt very real. Ivan couldn’t afford to waste any time. Rowena’s safety was at stake. So, he pleaded with desperate hope through their bond.
Ivan looked at Rowena. His eyes conveyed a deep turmoil. There were many emotions-fear, hope and love.
Please, Rowena. Go away. Take care of yourself. Keep her safe. Tell her I love her.
A tear ran down Rowena’s cheek. No, Ivan. Please, Ivan. We can go away together.
Ivan wished the same. Even if there was the slightest chance, if he could save himself and Rowena together, he would have tried.
But there was no chance and Ivan didn’t want to take any risks. So, he forced a smile. I love you, Rowena. I will always love you.
Then Ivan acted without hesitation. He jumped and transformed into a wolf in mid-air, charging straight at Connor.
The Nimbria pack reacted reflexively. They too transformed into wolves and shielded Connor.
An unequal battle began. Ivan found himself facing twenty-two members of the Nimbria Pack. He was overwhelmed, especially since Marcus and Gilbert deliberately blocked his path, preventing him from directly protecting Rowena.
Meanwhile, Connor no longer paid any attention to Ivan. He was confident that Marcus, Gilbert, and the elite warriors of the Nimbria Pack could handle Ivan. So, he decided to go after Rowena.
Connor transformed into a wolf. He ran, intending to pounce on Rowena. But Ivan jumped and collided with him.
Connor’s angry growl echoed through his chest. He got to his feet as Ivan looked at Rowena.
Rowena was overcome with confusion. She couldn’t leave Ivan, but she had made a promise. I will take care of her the best I can, Ivan. Tears streamed down her face again. I love you. I will always love you, Ivan.
Rowena steeled herself and immediately turned away. She ran and didn’t look back, not even once. She ran further and further away, knowing that some wolves were following her.
Concern for the safety of her unborn child drove Rowena to act quickly. As she continued to run between the large trees, she bit her index finger until it bled.
Drops of Rowena’s blood fell to the ground. Then she recited a spell. At the same time, a magical barrier appeared, enveloping the area around her, forming an invisible dome that hid the area from the outside world.
Rowena stopped running. Her body collapsed to the ground, her breath coming in gasps. She was exhausted, and the long, echoing howl made her freeze. “No. Please, Ivan.”
The howling continued to echo until it finally ended, completely. There were no more sounds for Rowena to hear.
Rowena closed her eyes. She shook her head, trying to deny her fate. But the pain in her heart was undeniable.
Ivan was gone. He was not in this world anymore.
Rowena’s world collapsed. Her world lay in ruins.
In the end, Rowena couldn’t hold on. Grief struck her heart with immense force. Her tears poured out. Her fingers clawed at the ground until her nails were bruised. She moaned and then screamed.
“Ivan!”
*