Zephyrine I made my way silently through the glowing lane that night, alone and attentive, until I reached the abode where Luna Tahlia lived. I stopped at the door and nodded to the guard stationed there, who bowed at once before stepping aside. Then I moved forward, gave the door a gentle knock, and stepped back to wait. I soon heard the shuffle of footsteps. The door opened, and the maid assigned to Luna Tahlia appeared. The moment she saw me, she bowed deeply. “Alpha Zephyrine.” “You’re well?” I asked. She straightened, her face brightening with a small grin. “I am. I’ll call for my lady at once. She has been wishing to visit you.” I nodded, and the maid slipped inside. While waiting, I turned to the quiet path and sighed. Luna Tahlia’s movements within my pack had limits. There were places she could never step, for her identity and her survival had to remain top secret. The door opened again, and this time, she appeared. Luna Tahlia, with young Black in her arms. At the sight, I smiled. I stepped forward and gently took the boy from her arms. He was growing well, already speaking, though his words were still incoherent. “He’s becoming a big man,” I teased, and Luna Tahlia laughed. We walked the path together, her silent beside me while young Black rested his head on my shoulder, tugging absently at my hair. “I’ve never been as terrified as I was earlier today,” she confessed softly, “when you rode into the pack wounded. I wanted to come, but… I knew you wouldn’t want me showing myself so soon.” I remained quiet at her words. My arrival this morning, bleeding and broken on my horse, had frightened many but I understood. “I was pierced with an arrow and dying, but now I’m perfectly fine. Princess Mearez healed me completely. Not even a scar remains.” She smiled faintly, stealing a glance at me. “That’s a bonus of having the Lycan King as your man,” she said. “I’m glad for you both. From what I hear, you’re a power couple.” I stopped gently and turned to her, eyes narrowing. “The Lycans will be here the day after tomorrow. Not just them. The werewolves as well, including members of Blackbridge Pack.” I saw her throat bob as she swallowed. “I… I know. I heard.” I studied her a moment, then lowered my gaze. “You won’t be able to attend the ceremony. You mustn’t step outside this home until every last one of them has left Ash Pack.” Again she swallowed hard, then forced a smile. “I understand. I know what’s at stake. I’ll obey you, Alpha Zephyrine.” Her obedience felt heavy. I searched her eyes and said quietly, “You don’t need to be so tense with me. See me as a friend or even a sister.” She laughed lightly, but shook her head. “I’ve heard what you’ve done on the battlefield, unbelievable things. You’re not a friend, nor a sister. You’re an Alpha, and the lover of the Lycan King. To me… you’re a savior.” I couldn’t help but smile. “You flatter me.” I sighed, then turned back toward the path. “How have you been adapting since last we spoke?” “Ah,” she said eagerly, “I’ve been thinking about enrolling young Black into combat training once he’s of age. What do you think?” Her words made me pause. It was as if she had given up hope of reclaiming her pack. I lowered my gaze and changed the subject. “What about the food here?” She seemed to sense my shift, stealing a glance before nodding. “Perfect.” “The men?” I asked lightly.She chuckled bitterly. “By the gods, who would want a single mother? A widow? No one. I’ve resigned myself to focusing only on young Black. Living quietly here is enough. In fact, I wanted to ask if there’s any task I could take up for you. Sitting idle wears on me.” Her words reminded me too much of Lycannar, who once believed there was no salvation for him. Well, he still do. “Let’s talk after the ceremony,” I said gently. “The ceremonial meals will be sent to you with respect. Enjoy them. Don’t worry. You’ll smile soon, Luna Tahlia.” She looked at me in awe, clearly taken aback by the absolute certainty in my voice. She bowed in response. I handed young Black back into her arms, and without another word, continued down the path toward my bedchamber. Even as I disappeared from sight, I could still feel her gaze lingering on my back.