“May I have your attention, please? The Alpha has fallen. I, Beta Jadden, and former Alpha Chris are requesting that you assemble in the backyard as we try to figure out how to get out of this sticky situation. Without exception, all werewolves are to perform Moon Goddess rites for however long it takes for Alpha to awaken and resume leading the Red Crescent Moon. The High Witch of Yorkshire, Eva Quince, and Luna Edith are working tirelessly to aid the Alpha’s recovery. That is all I have to say.”
A hushed voice resounded throughout the pack house’s great hall after Jadden finished speaking in front of the entire pack. To each pack member he came across who was nearby, he gave a shaky smile.
When Jadden turned to look, he saw Jen and Jed standing there, looking curious. He then felt something pressing against his stomach. Jen was the first to question impatiently, “Is Seth going to die?”
“Our Luna is going to save Seth. He will be okay; Eva will aid in his recovery from the curse. Now you should follow the process instead of bugging me with your inquiries,” said Jadden between his fast steps.
Jed, who listened to Jadden’s words, felt uneasy. He knew that it was a cliche that was often said to cover up the real situation. Jed and Jen knew that the Red Crescent Moon would lose its alpha.
“Let us head to the courtyard, Jen,” Jed said.
*
Edith tightened her grip on Seth’s icy, perspirant hand. Seth’s unconsciousness from the previous encounter concerned her.
While Edith awaited Seth, she could only hear grunts and groans. Edith still wanted to make the most of the time she had left with Seth, even if there were only two hours until daybreak. A tap on the door was heard by Edith in the midst of the utter silence.
Edith asked, “Who?”
“It is me. Can I come in?”
“Yes.”
Kai approached Edith from the edge of the bed and inquired, “How is he?”
“Kai, you remain the same. The elixir Eva gave Seth will help him survive, but it will not last very long. Only two hours remain for Seth before he… Edith is already unable to finish her sentence.
It broke her heart to realize that only one of them would survive. She believed that she could only rely on the fate that had predetermined their destiny.
“Edith, what are you going to do?”
“I will take the dagger out.”
“It aches only to think about it; what if it is me? Will Seth be healed if the dagger is removed?” Kai posed the most doubtful question Edith was able to detect.
“Yes, but I am not sure if my theory is accurate. I will have to pay much for Seth to go back to the way he was if I pull the dagger out of his chest since it is loaded with black magic,” Edith said.
“What are you saying?”
Kai observed Edith’s strained expression when she finished her explanation. Each explanation Edith provided contained a falsehood that Kai could easily detect.
“Kai, can I ask you a favor?” Edith inquired, her eyes now on Kai.
“As long as you do not ask me to avoid you, I will do everything you want.”
Kai’s response, which Edith felt was too open and honest about her feelings, elicited a fleeting smile from her. Kai would go to any lengths for Edith, even if it made other people uncomfortable.
“No, I am not requesting that. I want you to always be my friend and by my side in case something occurs to me that causes me to lose who I am. I felt like an underprivileged Luna for the Red Crescent Moon. Only Malachai Henderson, in my opinion, can help me empower myself.”
“Hey, you sound like you are about to pass out as you babble in circles. Undoubtedly, my friend, I will always be by your side. You may rely on me at all times. Yes, it would be great if you matched what I’m feeling. You are the Luna of the Red Crescent Moon, as much as I hate to say it. If I were in Seth’s position, I would be extremely proud of you for being willing to make a sacrifice for the Alpha.”
Kai received Edith’s warmest grin. Kai was always able to change her mood in the midst of her distressed state.
“Now, please leave me and Seth alone.”
“Okay.”
Kai planted a kiss on Edith’s forehead as though given the all-clear by her. He had great admiration for Edith because she was a strong woman with compassion for everyone. Since it was only a supportive kiss and not more, she only intended to profit a little while Seth was unaware of it.
Edith believed that now was the ideal time to take action. She only had to ferociously pull her dagger and watch for the good effect indicated by the Alpha’s recovery.
Before Kai could raise his hand to gain access to the door, Edith yelled out, “Kai, please call Eva; I need her right now.” in the most confident voice possible.
“Okay!” exclaimed Kai as he closed the door again.
A few minutes later, Eva walked into the room. When Seth gave Imogen a stone with the same shape and color in Venice, Edith saw the exact same stone in her hand.
“I wanted to gift this to you so that when you become lost, you can use the gemstone to point you in the right direction. You may believe that, Luna, the tie between you will not be severed by death.”
As Edith approached, Eva extended the stone. The stone that was now in Edith’s palms caught her attention. She had hoped in her heart that, after giving herself up for Seth, this would be good news.
With a flick of her finger, Edith made the stone disappear into the air after giving a knowing nod. “Eva, I am prepared. Do not hesitate; try your best!”
Only the coldness of the dagger in her palm remained after Edith’s eyes had closed. After Eva’s magic started to take effect, Edith was able to carefully remove the dagger from Seth’s chest.
After successfully removing the knife from Seth’s chest, Edith experienced a rush of heat. She was afraid to even open her eyes. While waiting to see what might happen next, Edith kept her eyes closed.
In the room where her feet were, she could hear a loud, popping sound and feel a strong vibration. A powerful force was tugging at Edith-no, it was ripping her soul from her body. Her other self tried hard to fight against it, but everything went silent after Edith felt her body was as light as cotton.
What was happening?