The warriors’ barracks were as busy as ever, with activity that rarely stopped. In one corner, a group of warriors was gathered, deep in concentrated discussion. Their conversation revolved around tactics and strategies, meticulously covering every detail.
In another area, several warriors were engaged in physical training. They practiced in their human forms, moving with quick and agile movements that would be crucial in battle. Sweat poured down their faces, but they showed no signs of exhaustion.
Everything seemed normal. There was nothing out of the ordinary at the warriors’ barracks until the gatekeepers noticed something strange in the distance.
A woman was running toward the barracks. Her clothing was covered, like a cloak, making it difficult to see her face. However, as she approached, her natural beauty, marred by fear, became apparent.
The two gatekeepers immediately blocked her path, preventing her from entering the barracks. The first gatekeeper asked her.
“Who are you? What are you doing here?”
The woman was panting heavily. She pulled back the hood of her cloak, revealing a necklace with a half-moon pendant necklace around her neck. “Is Ivan in the barracks?”
The first gatekeeper frowned. “Ivan?” Then his eyes widened in shock. “You mean Ivan Josh Rutherford?”
“Yes,” the woman nodded quickly. She took the first gatekeeper’s hand. “Please, I need to see him right away.” She swallowed hard, feeling a churning inside, but finally she spoke. “Tell him that Rowena wishes to see him. I am sure he will accept my visit. Please.”
Confusion was visible in the eyes of the first gatekeeper. He turned to his colleague, who only shrugged his shoulders.
“I’m sorry,” the first gatekeeper said with a regretful expression. “It’s not that I don’t want to help you, but the leader isn’t in the barracks.”
Rowena froze, her face turning pale. “W-where did he go?”
“We don’t know,” the second gatekeeper replied, taking a step forward. He studied Rowena with narrowed eyes. “Besides, what business do you have with the leader?” His eyes scanned Rowena from head to toe. “You seem suspicious. What is your real purpose in co-”
“Ivan is in danger!” Rowena couldn’t hold back any longer. Her scream cut off the second gatekeeper’s words. “The Nimbria pack will kill him. So, you must find Ivan’s whereabouts immediately.”
The second gatekeeper snorted in amusement. “You must be out of your mind. Your words make no sense.” He shook his head. “The Nimbria pack will kill him? Ck. You obviously don’t know, but we already defeated the Nimbria Pack. They fled, and let me tell you, don’t brag here.”
Rowena was distraught. She looked completely frustrated. Her tear-filled eyes sparkled with emotion. Fear was shaking her body and she knew that time was running out. She was running out of time.
A desperate moan shook her chest. Rowena said nothing more. She knew it would be useless to try to convince the two gatekeepers. They wouldn’t believe her, so she turned away. She left quickly without another word.
The second gatekeeper stood with his hands on his hips and clicked his tongue. “She really must be crazy.” He turned to the first gatekeeper, noticing his changing expression. “Wait. You don’t really believe her, do you?”
The first gatekeeper’s face turned serious. “There’s no harm in being cautious. It’s better to be safe than to cry over spilled milk.”
Meanwhile, Rowena hadn’t run out of ideas. If the warriors’ barracks couldn’t help, she would go to a higher authority-the Frostholm Pack’s palace.
Rowena kept running. It was as if she was racing against time. Her footsteps were driven by fear, haunted by terrible memories that were deeply etched in her mind.
“Please, Ivan. You have to hold on.”
“I’m sorry, Rowena. I couldn’t keep my promise. I couldn’t protect you. I couldn’t protect both of you.”
“No. Ivan. Please. Stay with me. Stay with us.”
The memory ended with Rowena’s uncontrollable sobs. Ivan died in her arms, while not far from them a baby cried as if it knew the meaning of loss.
No. I will not let fate repeat itself. I won’t let you die, Ivan.
Rowena steeled herself. The exhaustion and weariness that threatened to overwhelm her were pushed aside by a burning determination. She wouldn’t give up. Not now, when Ivan’s life hung in the balance.
The palace of the Frostholm Pack loomed in the distance. Its presence spurred Rowena to run even faster, even though her legs were heavy with fatigue. She could barely hold on, but she kept running with a prayer echoing in her heart. Please, God. Don’t let me be late this time. Please.
Rowena was staggering with exhaustion when she reached the palace gates. Two palace guards immediately took up a vigilant posture. They looked at Rowena expectantly.
“Who are you?”
One of the guards asked in a deep voice. His face was stern and intimidating, but it had no effect on Rowena.
Not the slightest fear. Rowena met the guard’s gaze and spoke quickly. “Please, help me. I beg you. Tell Alpha Kendrick that Ivan is in danger. The Nimbria pack will kill him. Please. You must find Ivan immediately. You have to save him.”
The two guards exchanged confused looks. But Rowena couldn’t afford to waste time worrying about Ivan’s safety.
“I am Rowena,” Rowena said quickly, stating her name. Then she looked at the two guards in turn. “Ayla knows me. You can ask her, and for God’s sake, I’m here for the good of the Frostholm Pack. Your warrior leader is in danger. You must send a rescue team to save Ivan.”
Rowena’s strength was gone. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face and her body slumped to the ground. She could only cry in the shadow of despair as one of the palace guards quickly contacted someone inside.
Rowena’s sobs stopped for a moment. Ayla approached her with great concern.
“Rowena!” Ayla cried as she helped Rowena to her feet. She could see the terrible condition Rowena was in. Rowena’s cloak was torn in several places, revealing wounds all over her body. “What happened to you?”
Rowena bit her lower lip. “Please, Ayla. Tell Alpha Kendrick that Ivan is in danger.”
Ayla’s expression changed. “What do you mean?”
“The Nimbria pack is going to kill him,” Rowena replied desperately. “Please, you must save him.”
Ayla nodded without hesitation. “I will inform the Alpha immediately. But do you know where Ivan is right now?”
Rowena didn’t answer right away. She paused until something came to her mind. “He’s in the Amerotha Forest,” she replied, staring at Ayla without blinking. Her voice was weak and flat. “To be exact, on the western side of the Amerotha Forest.”
*