Zephyrine


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    “Deration for Luna Tahlia per the deal of the duel. She has been framed for the death of her husband and her son, Young ck, belongs to the Alpha. Therefore, she is reinstated as Luna, as her son will be the next Alpha of ckbridge Pack.”


    The verdict was read aloud before Olga slumped forward. It was as though she had been holding on just to hear those words.


    We quickly rushed her into the carriage and headed home. Now, as I stood in the living room, waiting for Mearez’s words, I couldn’t help but pace.


    Is Olga going to die? Is she…?


    I suddenly paused and turned slowly toward Lycannar. He had followed us quietly, silently, with Hades at his side, standing at the window without moving. If he had looked into Olga’s eyes, he must have seen her death.


    I walked toward him to question him, but Mearez entered the living room and sighed shakily.


    I searched her face for answers, but then the piercing cry of Luna Tahlia rang out from the bedchamber, and my heart sank. Is she… dead?


    My gaze fell slowly to the blood on my hands. When I looked up again, Mearez’s eyes were wet.<fn9e7e> This content belongs to </fn9e7e>


    “Come here,” Lycannar said gently, and Mearez rushed into his arms. He rubbed her back slowly.


    “She died a natural death,” he said quietly. “It was her time. She’s gone to rest.”


    I exhaled a shaky breath. He had known, seen it, and kept it to himself.


    Walking to Young ck, who was already asleep in Blue’s arms, I nced at Dessyn and Moon sitting silently in the corner, their heads bowed in grief. I had no words until the sound of approaching footsteps filled the room.


    Luna Tahlia appeared, and I rushed to her.


    “She died,” she murmured helplessly, and I held her. “She died.”


    Her voice broke with grief, but as I held her, an idea began to rise in my chest.


    I stepped toward Lycannar. Mearez moved aside, sensing my intent.


    “Lycannar,” I said quietly. “I want you to look into Luna Tahlia’s eyes and tell me when she will die.”


    At my request, Serena, who had been standing in the corner, rushed forward but Lycannar lifted a hand to silence her.


    “Zephyrine, he…” Mearez began, but Lycannar cut her off with one look.


    He met my gaze, then spoke with a calm finality.


    “Before sunrise, she will be burned alive.”


    A cold shiver ran down my spine, and my knees almost gave way.


    “By who?”


    “By those who want to take the position from her son.”


    I clenched my jaw.


    “Lycannar, what if…”


    “That’s enough,” Serena snapped, stepping between us. “He can’t use his curse like this.”


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    I blinked at the sharpness in her tone, then nced at Mearez, who looked equally hesitant as if they were hiding something.


    “Serena, I am fine,” Lycannar said, gently moving her aside before opening his mouth to answer me again.


    But I didn’t want to hear more.


    He had done enough.


    “You can leave, Lycannar. You’ve helped more than enough. Thank you.”


    For a long moment, he stared at me silently, swallowing hard. Then, without a word or even a kiss, he left, his family following him.


    The hole he left in my chest was heavy, but there was no time to dwell on it. I had to move before sunrise. And to do that… I had to be an Ashmere.


    “Luna Tahlia,” I said urgently, turning to her, “listen to me. You must be strong. Bring me writing materials. I need to send a letter immediately.”


    Though surprised by the urgency in my voice, she had overheard my hushed conversation with Lycannar and didn’t question me. She hurried away and returned quickly.


    I sat at the table and wrote a swift, coded order to the Beta of my pack. If there was any fortress untouchable to our enemies, It is Ash Pack. A ce where warriors were born and bred.


    12


    Handing the letter to Moon, I met his eyes. He asked no questions, only mounted up and galloped away in my carriage.


    We waited. No one slept. No one moved.


    When the first sliver of sunlight began to break the horizon, the sound of approaching hooves reached our


    cars.


    Jurrek burst in with Moon at his side, and Luna Tahlia rose immediately, bowing in awe and trembling.


    “Why… why is the Beta of the most respected pack here?” she asked.


    I turned to Blue, meeting her eyes in silent warning. If she wanted my trust, she would keep what I was about to reveal a secret.


    <b>R </b>


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    Standing before Luna Tahlia, I said calmly,


    “I am Zephyrine Ashmere. Thest true–blooded female Ashmere alive.”


    The color drained from her face. She fell to her knees, but I caught her before she could bow fully.


    “We have no time. You must hurry.”


    “You… you are a female Alpha?” she whispered.


    “Not yet. My brother holds the title. But right now, that doesn’t matter. Listen to me. If you want to live, and if you want your son to live long enough to im what is his, you must flee immediately. Not to another pack, but to Ash Pack. There, no harm will touch you.


    –“And while you hide, your death will be staged. This house will burn tonight, with you, your son, and your


    mother inside. They will believe they’ve won, but they’ll be wrong. One day, you will return and Young ck will reim what is his.”


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