A month had passed since the war against the Nimbria Pack, and now normal days were once again colouring the Frostholm territory. Everyone carried on with their activities as before, full of energy and joy. The children played and went to school without a trace of fear, while the adults worked diligently, occasionally breaking into light chatter and laughter.
There were no worries. Fear and anxiety about the future had vanished, replaced by happy, vibrant faces. They knew that the danger that had loomed over them for years had been overcome.
On the other hand, the peace that now surrounded the Frostholm Pack did not lull Usher into complacency. He refused to become arrogant. Instead, the tragedy that had befallen the Nimbria Pack had taught him many lessons. He would not be careless and would make sure that this would never happen again.
As a basis for preventive measures, Berg continued to increase security throughout the territory. Inspections of outsiders became more thorough and regular. Every suspicious movement, no matter how small, was closely monitored by the guards, who patrolled in teams spread over many points.
Storm took the same approach. He refused to relax. Even though the Frostholm Pack was in a state of peace and joy, he did not let the warriors relax. They continued to train, maintaining their physical and mental condition and improving their fighting skills. He made sure that the warriors were ready to go to war at any moment to defend the sovereignty of the Frostholm Pack.
Meanwhile, in the palace, Cora carefully examined every incoming report and letter of complaint. Nothing would escape her attention. She would check everything and wouldn’t hesitate to conduct a personal investigation if necessary.
Garth, however, took a slightly different approach. While his comrades focused on the pack, he had another priority. After more than a year of chaos, he now had to travel to check on the state of their businesses. He ensured that their economic affairs remained stable and operational. For this, he was fortunate enough to be able to entrust Usher’s needs to the new watcher while he was away from the palace.
Some time ago, Usher made a special call to Lily and the Mendoza family. He explained what had really happened and apologised for the tragedy that had befallen Walter. He also offered to repair the broken relationship with the Mendoza family.
The Mendoza family gladly accepted Usher’s offer. From that day on, Lily’s eldest son, twenty-seven-year-old Fidel Mendoza, became the watcher of the palace.
“Good morning, Alpha. Good morning, Luna.”
Usher and Vione smiled at Fidel, and of course they returned the greeting.
Fidel calmly and carefully poured coffee into a cup and served it to Usher. Then he turned to Vione’s cup and filled it with herbal tea, adding a little honey and lemon.
Usher took his cup of coffee and sipped at it after asking, “So, is everything ready?”
“Yes, Alpha,” Fidel replied, stepping back to give Usher and Vione room to enjoy their breakfast. “The meeting with the Stewart family is at ten o’clock. Everything is arranged. You have nothing to worry about, Alpha.”
Usher nodded once. As promised, he had invited the Stewart family to explain the mystery behind Ned’s disappearance.
The Stewart family were devastated. They grieved, unable to accept the tragic truth. But there was nothing they could do except curse Mariah repeatedly.
In truth, the Frostholm Pack’s victory was not without its sadness. It wasn’t just for the Stewart family, but also for those who had lost family members on the battlefield, including Vione.
On that day, after enduring various emotional upheavals, Vione found the strength to visit Ivan’s grave. It was the first time she had come, and the first time she had called out to him directly.
“Papa.”
Vione had lost count of how many full moons had passed since she had prayed to the moon goddess. She had wanted to meet her biological parents, and it turned out that her prayers had been answered. She had met Rowena and Ivan, though under different circumstances.
Vione raised her hand. She touched Ivan’s gravestone with trembling fingers. It was then that she remembered her meeting with Rowena some time ago. Rowena had told her about Ivan’s death and she realised that her life now, the air she breathed and all the happiness she enjoyed were the result of Ivan’s sacrifice.
“I’m sorry,” Vione whispered, unable to contain her guilt. Tears immediately streamed down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Papa.”
A gentle hug strengthened Vione. Usher gently squeezed her upper arm. He said nothing. He let Vione pour everything out of her heart, knowing that was all she needed at the moment.
Vione closed her eyes. Suddenly a warm vision appeared in her mind-a two-storey house built of fine wood, filled with many pieces of furniture and inhabited by a husband, wife and daughter. It was Ivan, Rowena, and herself.
“Papa, are you busy?”
Ivan folded the newspaper he was reading and asked, “What is it, Vione? Anything you want to talk about?” Something stopped his question. His eyes narrowed as he studied Vione’s appearance. “What’s with your outfit?” He noticed that Vione was dressed differently than usual. She was wearing a dress and was obviously made up. “Do you have an event tonight?”
Vione looked nervous. She took a deep breath. “Well, I had my coming-of-age ceremony two months ago.”
“Yes, you’re right,” Ivan nodded repeatedly, even though Vione’s words hadn’t answered his question. “And?”
Vione exhaled slowly. “In terms of age, I’m an adult now.”
Ivan put the newspaper down on the table. “And?”
“And…” Vione took another deep breath, this time clenching his fists at his sides. “… that means I’m officially allowed to have a relationship with a man.”
Ivan froze, and at the same moment Rowena arrived with a plate of snacks. Rowena wanted to join Ivan, but she saw that Ivan and Vione were in the middle of a serious conversation.
“What’s going on?” Rowena asked as she sat down, looking back and forth between Ivan and Vione. “Is something wrong?”
This time it was Ivan who let out a long sigh. Then he turned to Rowena. “Vione is seeing a man.”
Vione was shocked, not expecting Ivan to be so blunt. “Papa.”
Rowena’s eyes widened as she looked at Vione. “Really?” she asked incredulously. “Who are you with?”
Vione closed his eyes dramatically and groaned in frustration.
“She wants to go out with this man tonight,” Ivan said to Rowena, having drawn his own conclusions from Vione’s behaviour. Then he turned back to Vione. “Tell me, how long have you been seeing him? Oh, no.” He stood up, looking uncomfortable. “The important thing is, who is he?” His hands went to his hips as he glared at Vione. “Be honest with me, Vione. Who is this man?”
Vione looked helpless. Finally, she replied in a low voice, “Usher.”
*