Zephyrine The night had settled over us, and I stood at the window, staring at the amulet necklace in my palm. I hadn’t worn it since morning, and I had my reasons. As much as I appreciated Lycannar’s gift, and his presence in my life, I respected him and his responsibilities too. While I was his woman, I was also my own woman. I was an Alpha, a younger sister to the best brother, and I had to do what was necessary without burdening anyone. “It looks so beautiful,” Dessyn’s voice came from behind me. “Won’t you wear it?” A few seconds of silence fell before I shook my head and turned to look at her. She sat on the bed, all her attention on me. “If I put it on, Lycannar will feel it whenever I’m in danger,” I said quietly. “And he will definitely worry. I don’t want that.” “Zephyr…” she sighed, panic flashing in her eyes. “I still think you shouldn’t go alone. What if… what if the Mirror Monger is also a villain? I really think you should tell the Lycan King where you’re going. What if you need help in there?” “Dessyn…” “I understand you’re an Alpha, with combat skills and everything else. You’re an Ashmere, and your kind don’t die easily. But…” she paused, swallowing hard, her trembling fingers giving her away. “Zephyr, I can’t lose you. I still hate Varyn to this night for leaving me, but I can forgive him because he would’ve returned if he hadn’t been betrayed on the battlefield. But you… I won’t forgive you if you don’t come back.” Her words came fast, breathless. I left the window and approached her, gently sitting on the bed to search her eyes. The tears had already welled up, fear written all over her face and I knew why. “You have too many enemies, too many people who envy you for being an Ashmere, a female Alpha, and the King’s woman. You need backup. Jurrek begged to accompany you. He’s your second in command on the battlefield and your beta. Moon wants to go too. He’s no longer just a foot soldier, and he’s saved your life before. He could save you again, Zephyr. Please just…” I cut her off by taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. Just then a knock came, and after a brief silence, the door opened. Blue walked in and bowed. “My lady, it’s time for your night bath.”For a while, I stared into the blank space. At last, I turned to her and nodded. A bath would help. I might not know when I’d have another, not knowing if I’d return at all. “Make the water. I’ll be there soon,” I said, and she nodded, retreating into the bath chamber. When the door closed, I turned back to Dessyn, holding her gaze. “Blue will be in your care, Dessyn. She is precious to me. You’ll protect her, won’t you?” She looked at me, surprised, before nodding. But I tightened my grip on her hand. “Someone may come for her. Anyone. Make sure she never leaves your sight. Don’t send her on errands alone. And if anything rises beyond your understanding, go to Lycannar. Promise me.” Dessyn searched my eyes, her voice barely above a whisper. “You sound serious. What is it with Blue?” I swallowed hard and sighed. “You’ll know when the time comes.” No sooner had I spoken than the bath chamber door opened again, and Blue appeared. “My lady, the water is ready.” “Call my beta and Moon,” I said, and she nodded, leaving quickly. Moments later, she returned with Moon, who trailed behind her. Jurrek hesitated at the door. In Ash Pack tradition, men were forbidden to enter the chambers of women they weren’t bound to. But after a moment’s pause, he stepped inside. I noticed Moon already dressed as if he had decided to follow me, with or without my consent. “Jurrek, you’ll return to the pack,” I told him softly as he stood with arms crossed. “Attend to it in my absence. Tell the elders and my family I’m on a mission and will return when I’m done. In the meantime, prepare the invitation scrolls. When I come back, I’ll hold a ceremony.” Jurrek went quiet for a long time before finally nodding. “You’ll write to me if you need backup, right?” I shifted my gaze to Moon before answering. “Moon is enough as my backup. I’ll be fine.” I rose from the bed and entered the bath chamber, Blue trailing behind me. She moved close, gently pulling off my gown as I stepped into the pool. The water warmed my skin, but when it touched the claw marks on my arm, a shiver shot down my spine.I noticed Blue freeze. Her eyes widened at the sight of the scars, her face paling. “My… my lady…” “You’ll keep it a secret from everyone,” I cut her off gently. “And you’ll be careful while I’m gone.” “My lady…” “I’ll be leaving tonight. And deep down, I know I won’t return for a while. Stay with Dessyn and listen to her. She will keep you safe. If anything troubles you, or even the slightest discomfort comes—go to Lycannar immediately. He’ll grant you audience. I know he will. Do you understand?” She didn’t respond. She didn’t even breathe. Only tears welled in her eyes before spilling down her cheeks. A lump formed in my throat, but I forced it down and looked away, steadying myself. Doubt pressed at me, heavy. Here I was, heading to an unknown place, to meet an unknown man. Yes, I am an Alpha, an Ashmere. But I wasn’t entirely whole. The claw marks on my arm were weakening me, bit by bit. I could feel it. But before my strength failed, I had to make this journey. I had to find my brother.