“How is she, Rowena? She’s all right, isn’t she?”
Rowena turned to Jemma, who had been wringing her hands the whole time. Then she replied, “Yes, she’s fine. You don’t need to worry. She’s just tired and needs to rest. After she sleeps, she’ll be fine.”
There wasn’t the slightest doubt in Rowena’s voice. Not only because Vione had two wolf spirits that would always protect her, but also because of the Amerotha Forest.
Rowena wouldn’t risk Vione’s safety. After learning that the power of the Amerotha Forest was Vione’s power, she decided not only to call upon it during the healing ritual. She had done something else to ensure Vione’s safety even more.
“Oh, thank goodness,” Jemma said with great relief. Then she patted Rowena on the shoulder. “Thank you.”
Rowena stood and looked around the room. “Now let her sleep in peace.”
They nodded and one by one left Usher’s room, where Vione was now resting. Meanwhile, Usher decided to stay a little longer.
Usher moved closer and sat down on the edge of the bed. He looked at Vione’s peaceful sleeping face. He reached out his hand to brush away a few stray hairs near her eyes.
Usher said nothing. He didn’t want to make the slightest sound that might disturb Vione’s peace. In his heart, however, he continued to express his immense gratitude.
A moment later, Usher took a deep breath. He planted a soft kiss on Vione’s forehead, then stood. He walked to the door and spoke to the pair of Omegas standing guard in the waiting room.
“Watch her and report immediately if anything happens.”
The two Omegas nodded in unison. “Yes, Alpha. We will guard Luna with the utmost care.”
Usher left the room. He gave the same instructions to the four guards stationed outside, with one additional command. “Do not let anyone in.”
Because Usher had to make sure that no one would disturb Vione when the time came for him to make a big move. He would soon begin planning a counterattack against the Nimbria Pack, especially now that the Frostholm Pack had recovered even more than he had expected.
Usher had initially thought that the healing ritual would simply neutralize Bernathra’s magic from their bodies, but it turned out to be much more than that. A significant transformation had occurred, and he could feel it clearly, even with just a glance at his hands.
“This is because Vione’s power has been in the Amerotha Forest for thousands of years. It has become one with nature and a part of the life force there.”
That was Rowena’s explanation. So, it was no surprise that the power had multiplied over time.
Now, with the pack’s improved condition and increased strength, Usher decided to waste no more time. Now that Vione had healed the pack, it was his duty to protect them.
Usher immediately called Garth, Cora, and the others. They gathered and he immediately asked Garth,
“Have there been any signs of movement from the Nimbria pack?”
*
Nimbria Pack Palace ….
Torin’s anger was indescribable. His eyes were bloodshot and he clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles were white. His breathing was ragged, as if each breath was a burst of flame ready to ignite everything around him.
Torin’s jaw was locked. There were so many curses and insults he wanted to hurl, but he was so consumed by rage that he couldn’t utter a single word. Instead, the veins in his neck bulged, pulsating beneath his skin like snakes trying to break free.
Torin stamped his foot. His steps were heavy and wild, leaving a trail of uncontrollable rage. He slammed his fist against the nearest wall, making a long crack as his anger continued to rise.
The air around them felt heavy, creating an oppressive aura. Everyone was silent, too afraid to speak or even move a muscle. They were frozen in fear and grief.
This situation reminded them of the dark history of twenty-eight years ago, when Torin was only three years old. At that time, the Nimbria Pack had to retreat from their war against the Frostholm Pack and suffered a great loss-Bethany.
On the one hand, the Nimbria Pack knew that Mireya was not their Luna. On the other hand, this did not stop them from acknowledging the fact that Mireya would become their Luna sooner or later. She had sacrificed a lot for the Nimbria Pack. They could not ignore the fact that Mireya had risked herself again and again to infiltrate the Frostholm Pack. Most importantly, Mireya had given birth to the heir of the Nimbria Pack, Phillip.
Phillip’s existence as a future successor was a source of joy for the Nimbria Pack. Unfortunately, it also brought to the surface their deepest trauma. Phillip had lost Mireya. Phillip had lost his mother at a very young age, just like Torin.
The Nimbria Pack was in mourning. They mourned the cruel fate that had struck them again and again. Their plans to conquer the Frostholm Pack had failed once again, Mireya was dead, Phillip had lost his mother, and Torin’s trauma was exposed once more. Grief and anger engulfed the Nimbria Pack.
Heartbreak tore at them. Vengeance became the fire that burned within. The Nimbria Pack vowed to avenge all their losses. They would make sure that the Frostholm Pack paid for everything, with far greater suffering and loss, multiplied many times over, until they felt like they were in hell.
“They will feel everything I’ve felt,” Torin vowed angrily, his words dripping with deep-seated resentment. “But much more painfully.”
The sound of Phillip’s screams filled the air, as if he made the same promise. Everyone turned around, including Torin. They all looked at Phillip, who continued to cry as if aware of the tragedy that had befallen them.
Torin clenched his jaw. The Omegas had tried for some time, but Phillip could not be calmed. He remained restless and cried endlessly. Ironically, Torin knew only too well that no one would be able to calm Phillip down in the next few days. Phillip would stay like he had been.
The dark history was not just repeating itself. The grim reality had returned and Torin knew that Phillip would endure days of loneliness for the rest of his life, just like he had.
Sweat trickled down Torin’s forehead. He swore, “I will destroy you all.” His eyes widened, burning with vengeful rage. A name flashed in his mind. “I will kill you in the most painful way, Vione!”
*