A heavy silence had fallen over the Frostholm territory since the night before. The area was truly desolate, with no sign of the Frostholm pack except for Berg and the guards stationed everywhere to protect the borders and the palace. The rest of the pack had evacuated to Amerotha Forest, hiding under the protection of Rowena’s magic.
The tension was palpable. The members of the pack seemed restless, their minds filled with fear, even though their safety was guaranteed within the forest. They knew that this security did not extend to those fighting in the war; there was no guarantee of safety for them.
No one could close their eyes. They couldn’t even stay in their tents. Instead, they chose to gather together and pray without ceasing.
Hope poured from the depths of their hearts. Every prayer was accompanied by sincerity, and many shed tears. Their sorrow ran deep, and the Amerotha Forest could feel it.
A blue-golden light slowly emerged, flowing from the ground and spreading everywhere. It seeped into the roots of the trees until the leaves glowed and radiated into the sky. The light spread over the forest, enveloping it with a gentle touch, embracing every creature within. It brought an unexpected calm that crept into the hearts of the pack, easing the fear that had gripped them.
The forest of Amerotha seemed alive. It answered every prayer, returning them with a glimmer of hope.
“Rowena,” Ayla called, looking around. She felt confusion and awe at the same time. “What’s happening?”
For a moment, Rowena didn’t seem to hear Ayla’s question. She, too, was stunned by the event unfolding before her. She marvelled at the beauty of the power of Amerotha Forest, something she had never seen before. It reminded her of her conversation with Vione not long ago, just before Vione and the others had left for the battlefield.
“I know nothing could stop you from going. I can see the determination in your eyes to join the battlefield,” Rowena said, her voice trembling as she found it incredibly difficult to let Vione go. “You…” She struggled to speak. “… you’re just like Ivan. So, all I can do is pray for your safety.”
Vione held Rowena’s hand as she stroked her cheek and smiled. She could feel Rowena’s concern and so she made a promise. “I will be fine. I will come back.”
Rowena nodded repeatedly. “Of course you will. You will return safe and sound. The Amerotha forest will protect you.” She took a deep breath. “I have bound your soul to Amerotha Forest. No matter where you are, Amerotha Forest will always watch over you. It will always strengthen you.”
“Thank you, Mama.” Vione hugged Rowena tightly. Then she felt something warm fall on her shoulder-Rowena’s tears. “Please look after the pack. I’m leaving.”
Rowena let Vione go with a heavy heart. Having witnessed so many wars, Vione’s departure felt like a gamble with fate. There were only two possibilities: she would return, or she wouldn’t.
Bitter memories haunted Rowena. The moments leading up to Ivan’s death replayed in her mind. She was terrified, but there was nothing she could do now. All she could do was join the pack in their prayers. And then the Amerotha forest dispelled her fear.
“Is something happening to them?” Jemma asked, her face filled with worry. “Rowena, tell me they’re all right.”
Rowena turned and nodded; her eyes filled with tears. “They’re fine.”
Jemma immediately closed her eyes in relief. Ayla couldn’t stop thanking them either. And just then a guard approached.
Jemma asked, “What is it?”
The guard replied, “I have just received word from the palace. Alpha Usher has killed Alpha Torin, and they’re on their way to the palace of the Nimbria Pack. In other words, we’ve won this war.”
The news spread like wildfire through the forest of Amerotha. Not only were Rowena, Jemma and Ayla crying tears of joy, but so was the whole pack.
“Thank you, Moon Goddess. You have protected Alpha Usher and Luna Vione.”
Shouts of gratitude echoed around them. The pack hugged each other, their tears flowing even more.
The tension that had once filled the air was instantly replaced by euphoria. All fear had vanished without a trace. Now they were enveloped in an immeasurable joy, just waiting for Usher, Vione, and the others to return.
At dawn, they left the forest of Amerotha. They lined the roads along the border of the palace, waiting with eager anticipation until they saw familiar silhouettes in the distance.
“There they are!”
Shouts were met with shouts of excitement.
“They’ve returned!”
“Alpha and Luna have returned!”
The air filled with a cacophony of jubilant voices. Celebratory cheers echoed along the path to the palace. The pack, from children to elders, rejoiced.
“They’re home! They’re safe!”
The joy wasn’t just because they had won the war against the Nimbria Pack, but because they had returned alive. Though wounded, but they were safe, and they would be fine.
“Long live Alpha Usher!”
“Long live Luna Vione!”
The pack’s praise for Usher and Vione grew louder. Their tearful eyes looked up at them with pride. They applauded, and as Usher and Vione passed, they bowed in deep respect.
At the front of the palace, the gates stood wide open. Ayla, Jemma, and Rowena awaited their arrival, tears streaming down their faces.
Ayla stepped forward, smiling as she spoke, “Welcome back, Alpha and Luna.”
Ayla’s greeting made Usher take a deep breath, for it was more than just a welcome-it symbolised the end of the war that had plagued the Frostholm pack, a sign that their long suffering had finally come to an end.
Usher turned and looked at Vione standing next to him. It was then that he realised he wouldn’t have succeeded without the help of many. He was lucky to have a Beta as reliable as Garth. He wasn’t sure if he could have achieved much without Cora, who had filled the role of Gamma to bolster their strength. Besides, their victory was largely due to Storm’s brilliant strategy as leader of the warriors. Most importantly, he was able to fight with focus, knowing that Berg, as head of the guards, would guard the borders and the palace with his life.
Above all, Usher knew one thing for certain. He wouldn’t have survived or been able to fight without Vione’s strength behind him.
For Usher, Vione wasn’t just a Luna-she was more than just a mate the moon goddess had chosen for him. She was the path he had consciously chosen. No matter how many lives he might live, only Vione would always be the one he loved.
And so, Usher reached for Vione’s fingers. If Ayla’s greeting symbolised their victory, then his grasp of Vione’s hand symbolised that he would never let her go for the rest of his life.
Usher raised their hands in the air. The pack applauded and cheered with joy.
*