“Like father, like daughter.”
In this single sentence spoken by Connor, a multitude of emotions and meanings were conveyed. It was not just an ordinary saying, but a release of all the hatred and vengeance he had carried for years, ever since Bethany’s death.
Connor had been tormented by that anger and suffering. Not a day went by that he wasn’t consumed by grief, still unable to avenge Bethany’s death. His pride was wounded. He felt ashamed that to this day he had not been able to bring peace to Bethany in her final rest.
Days turned into weeks. Months turned into years. It had been a long time for Connor, waiting for the Frostholm Pack to fall. As his final promise, he would give Bethany a view of the Frostholm Pack’s devastated territory, watching from above.
To complete this revenge, Connor was determined to ensure the death of everyone connected with Ivan as a sacrifice for Bethany’s life. He would kill Rowena and Vione.
Unfortunately, all his promises had to be postponed once again. Worse, Connor had learned that the weak Vione had managed to kill Mireya in a most brutal manner. His anger again became uncontrollable.
“Ivan orphaned you once,” Connor growled, his voice shaking with rage. His heavy breaths seemed to boil the air. “And now even his weak daughter has orphaned your son.” He turned with a look that also reflected regret. “I should have killed Vione years ago.”
Torin furrowed his brow. “Why didn’t you? She was only an Omega. Our spies could’ve killed her easily.”
“I’ve ordered it time and time again!” Connor replied in a deep, gravelly voice. His chest heaved, a sign that his anger was tinged with deep regret. “But every plan to kill Vione since she was a child always ran into obstacles.” He paused for a moment, remembering when Marcus had reported an important piece of information-a baby had been found on the outskirts of Amerotha Forest. “From the moment she was found by Addy as a baby, I had ordered our spy to eliminate her, but she always failed.” He scoffed bitterly. “I know it must have been Rowena who protected her. That damned witch is truly a nuisance.”
Curiosity gnawed at Torin and he couldn’t resist asking, “She really couldn’t kill Vione until now?” He clucked his tongue in frustration. “Absolutely useless.”
“What else do you expect when dealing with the offspring of a witch?” Connor replied, ignoring Torin’s complaint. He went on, “Rowena always protected her and there was nothing she could do. Besides…” He took a heavy breath, as heavy as admitting the rash decision he had once made. “… I stopped ordering her to kill Vione after her coming-of-age ceremony and instead focused on sabotaging Frostholm’s power.”
Torin furrowed his brow, then guessed, “Because she’s an Omega?”
“What could an Omega possibly do?” Connor’s eyes widened as he scanned the room. His gaze landed briefly on everyone present, as if seeking confirmation of his earlier mistake. “She would have been a weak werewolf. She had no power at all, and it’s been proven, she doesn’t even have claws. She couldn’t fight, but the opposite happened.” His expression showed boundless frustration. “As weak as Vione is, she’s still Ivan’s daughter. I really underestimated her.”
The damage was done. Regrets were useless. Past decisions had shaped the present reality and Connor couldn’t change it.
“You don’t have to worry, Pa,” Torin said, looking at Connor with full confidence. “Vione was just lucky to have killed Mireya, and that luck won’t strike twice. The next time we attack, I’ll make sure I kill Vione first.”
A well thought out plan unfolded in Torin’s mind. By killing Vione, he would hurt two people deeply-Usher and Rowena. For Rowena, it would be even more devastating, as she would have to see another loved one taken by the Nimbria pack.
“Alpha.”
Torin and Connor’s conversation was interrupted. James approached with a phone showing an incoming call.
Torin immediately took the phone and spoke as soon as the call was answered. “Hello.”
“Hello, Alpha,” a woman’s voice answered quietly, as if she wanted to make sure that no one could hear her. “I’m sorry I haven’t contacted you since the battle some time ago. Things have been really unstable here.”
Torin brushed off her apology and her reasons. He understood how dangerous it was to communicate in such critical times. If they weren’t careful, the Frostholm Pack would discover their spy.
“So, tell me,” Torin demanded without hesitation, pressing the spy with a direct question. “What is the current situation there?”
The spy hesitated; her voice filled with uncertainty. “Alpha…”
“What is it?” Torin frowned; his expression sceptical. “Has something happened there?”
The spy replied grimly, “Yes, Alpha. Something has happened here and it’s not good for us.”
Torin’s face changed, his eagerness evaporating in an instant. “What do you mean?” he asked quickly and when he got the answer his eyes widened. “You can’t be serious!”
Torin’s reaction caused immediate tension, especially for Connor. He wanted to ask what had happened, but Torin’s next outburst provided an indirect answer.
“What do you mean the Frostholm Pack has recovered and is stronger than before?”
Connor was stunned, as was James, who instinctively lifted his head to look at the others. They all shared the same shock and confusion-how could this be?
“I’m sorry, Alpha,” the spy pleaded, full of regret. She began to explain. “I don’t know how it happened, but Vione disappeared from the palace and was found at Mystoria Falls. After that, strange things began to happen. Vione, with the help of Rowena, performed a healing ritual at Mystoria Falls. As a result, the entire Frostholm Pack made a full recovery.
Torin gasped, struggling to breathe. “They’re healed?”
“The Bernathra magic that plagued the Frostholm Pack has been neutralised. Their ability to heal themselves has returned to normal. Worse, Rowena has helped Scott by making a potion that will speed up their recovery.”
Torin closed his eyes dramatically, his hand clenching his phone into a fist.
“I’m sorry, Alpha. There’s nothing I can do,” the spy said quickly, her voice shaking with fear. “Besides, I can confirm that the strength of the Frostholm Pack-”
The call was cut off as Torin crushed the phone in his hand. His growl echoed, and he hurled the shattered phone with all his strength, as powerful as his voice as he roared a single name.
“Vione!”
*