“Moon Goddess. I have heard from Cora that Luna Vione is well, but she needs rest. So, I beg you, grant her a peaceful and serene rest. Please watch over her as she always watches over us.”
“I thought I would die soon, but that hope came back with Luna Vione’s return. She has been through so much. Please bless her.”
There have been so many voices in Vione’s mind lately. Especially after she had been reunited with Usher and the healing ritual had been completed. Exhausted, she had decided to rest, and from that moment everything began.
It all came from the forest of Amerotha, and it was the voice of the pack that worried about her. They gathered there, gazing up at the night sky, sometimes at the morning sky, just to pray for her. All those prayers and hopes flowed like a never-ending melody, soothing Vione in her sleep.
Vione remained in bed. Her rest was undisturbed, even though those voices managed to make her soul smile deep inside. Even her two wolf spirits curled up comfortably, warmed by the affection of the pack.
An indescribable peace enveloped Vione. It was so calming that she was certain that nothing in this world could surpass the love of the pack. She felt deeply cherished and the words of the future Vione echoed in her mind once more.
“Yes, Vione. We know our biological parents. They love us very much and live happily, proud that we are the beloved Luna. So please, hold on, Vione. Be strong through all our limitations. You must continue to fight, for you are the last chance of the pack”.
The future Vione didn’t lie, Vione thought with joy in her heart. The pack loves us. Turns out they love me too. Long before I healed them, they loved me.
For Vione could feel every drop of longing in the pack. She could also sense how deeply saddened they were when she was dethroned. They all grieved, but could do nothing to defend her. But deep in their hearts there was only one Luna for Alpha Usher Thorne. They had waited all this time for her return.
The longing, the care, the love felt so real. Like an irresistible feast for the Amerotha Forest, the energy there surged. Vione’s body and soul responded.
Vione took a deep breath. She felt so light and joyful. As if she had no burdens at all. She was truly free and felt that she could enjoy this peace for a little longer. Enjoying the love of the pack and the memories of the future Vione brought her comfort.
There was so much that Vione wanted to know about the future Vione. But most of all she wanted to know about her biological parents. She had never had the chance to feel their love when she was growing up, but thanks to the memories of the future Vione, she could experience it now.
Indeed, the future Vione had been completely honest. Vione let out a soft moan in her sleep, a slight tightness in her chest. They… they loved us so much. They loved me so much.
The memories weren’t Vione’s. None of these events had happened to her. She seemed to be watching a biographical recording of the future Vione, but strangely it felt like her own. Because all the emotions associated with those memories-joy, sadness, humour, everything-were beating so vividly in her heart.
Vione exhaled. Thank you, Vione. Thank you for bringing them happiness. Now it’s my turn to carry on your path. I will make Mama, Usher and the pack happy. Don’t worry.
The promise was sealed in Vione’s heart. She would not waste the future Vione’s struggles. Especially now, when she realised that the future Vione had also suffered greatly in her fight.
“Walter. He committed suicide and left this note.”
Vione’s forehead creased slightly. Walter?
How could they find no evidence? How could Walter be innocent?
No, I had no malicious intentions. I only wanted to save the pack from destruction.
Oh, God. It turns out that whether in the future or the past, Walter will always die by suicide because of me.
Walter? Vione wondered. Who is he? I don’t know any werewolf called Walter.
With this question, Vione saw another memory. This time it showed a middle-aged woman talking to the future Vione.
“Strange? I thought he had a mistress, Luna. I assumed he was cheating. I never suspected he was working with the Nimbria Pack.”
The furrow in Vione’s brow deepened. An affair? The Nimbria Pack? This pattern was familiar.
Vione’s heart raced. Her two wolf spirits suddenly awoke and growled, as if anticipating some lurking danger.
In the real world, a growl escaped Vione’s lips as well. Even her hands gripped the blanket tightly. Sweat began to form on her forehead, causing the Omegas on guard to panic.
“Quick, call Alpha and Scott.”
An Omega nodded and rushed out to call Scott, while another cautiously approached Vione.
“L-Luna. Can you hear me?”
Vione heard but ignored. She continued to search through other memories, including her own.
There’s someone, Vione concluded with certainty. There’s someone from the Nimbria Pack who has infiltrated here, into Frostholm Palace, just like Mireya.
Vione shook her head, causing the Omega’s panic to escalate.
No. Vione realised something important. She’s more than Mireya. She’s been here for a long time, a very long time, from an unknown time.
Vione’s face hardened. Her jaw clenched and her hands gripped the blanket even tighter. Sweat poured down, drenching her body.
The Omega stepped back. Now her face had grown pale. Her panic had turned to worry-perhaps something bad had happened to Vione.
Fortunately for the Omega, Usher and Scott arrived a few moments later. They ran into the room and the Omega turned to them.
“Alpha, I’m sorry. It seems-”
Usher ignored the Omega. “Vione?”
Usher’s gaze fell on the bed, specifically on Vione, who had woken up. She sat with a flushed face and trembling lips.
The sight startled both the Omega and Scott, but they remained silent as Usher approached Vione.
“What is it, Vione?” Usher asked as he sat down on the bed. Noticing Vione’s clenched fists, he gently took her hands and held them until her grip loosened. “Has something happened?”
Vione didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she bit her lower lip hard for a moment. “They…” she finally replied, her voice shaking. “… they’re so cruel.”
*