<i>Zephyrine </i>


    26%


    +8 Pearls


    It feels unreal. To be inside Ash Pack. Standing in the garden, staring up at the night sky where there is nothing. No stars. No moon. Just wide darkness.


    I lower my gaze when I hear movement from behind me, and his scentes before his voice. Jurrek.


    Inside the Ashmere Garden, where no one dares enter except by invitation, I have called upon him after dinner. After the deration that my brother’s name is to be off–limits on every lip.


    That’s a lie. An order that shatters my heart, but it is necessary. Not when I can’t tell who wishes his return and who didn’t.


    I turn to see Jurrek standing before me with a low bow. When he straightens, it’s a stare of confusion and wonder that he renders me.


    “You want to give up the search for your brother?” he asks in awe, unable to stop himself, and I go mute, reading his face. “Why would you want to?”


    Again, I am silent. My heart heaving as I see a frown crease his brow, then horror reces it. Never have I seen him so pale, so shocked, and so scared.


    “Does the letter say he is dead?”


    I don’t speak, and he takes my silence for a yes. He walks slowly to the chair and sits. I see his fingers tremble, a something that has never happened before.


    I walk gently to sit across from him and reach for his hands. He doesn’t look like a man who would betray Varyn or any Ashmere, for that matter.


    “The letter says something else, Jurrek Read for yourself,” I murmur softly, passing him the parchment.


    He pauses for a second to stare at me, then hurriedly takes it. He reads in silence. His eyes scan every word, and when he finishes, he lifts his gaze to stare at me again. Utter disbelief.


    “An Ashmere speaking of retreating… that is the worst disgrace,” he whispers, almost to himself, and goosebumps rise on my skin. “For Varyn to even suggest retreat as the Great War strategist… it means no choice was avable.”


    My heart heaves at his words, and I lower my gaze with a sigh.


    “I have been to the battlefield, Jurrek, I have seen how Ashmere warriors fought and died. I led the l battle and watched how the Demons fought. I killed them too. ughtered them. And trust me when this… they are fierce. Ancient. The memories of the cries in the battlefield still cling to my heart to this night. Yet, even head–to–head with Ashmere warriors, they would have been forced back. My father went there. My mother was the war general. My brother supervised the strategy. And yet they perished. Why?”


    b


    “Betrayal from within,” Jurrek murmurs, and I stare at him without blinking. “Betrayal that cornered them from all sides. Betrayal that exposed horrors that can never be spoken of. Betrayal that made Ashmere consider retreat for the first time in history. That kind of betrayal, mydy… is why they all perished.”


    I lower my gaze and sigh shakily. My heart aching.


    × 6 26%1


    +8 Pearls


    “I will ascend the Alpha’s seat, Jurrek,” I murmur softly. “I will have the Moon Goddess‘ blessing as a Female Alpha, and I will find my brother and bring him home. Whoever has hands in his disappearance and betrayal… they will pay. I swear it.”


    He doesn’t speak. Not even once. Not at all. He just stares at me in silence, nodding in agreement, awaiting orders<b>. </b>


    “I want everyone to believe I give up the search. Bring forth your most trusted men and have their families heavilypensated in case they die on this mission, Jurrek. Once I ascend the Alpha’s throne, I will write <i>a </i>formal letter to the one who said he has words about my brother. I will meet him at the date, time, and location he chooses.”


    Jurrek nods again and says,


    “Understood, mydy.” He searches my face onest time and sighs. “I’m sorry I have to step away as the beta of this pack now, but you should never worry. I will be beside you if ever you call.”


    A small frown curls on my face.


    “Why are you leaving?”


    “You will be an Alpha. The elders speak of appointing a female beta for you. Remember, I am chosen as your brother’s beta. If I…”


    “You will be my beta, Jurrek,” I say, cutting him firmly. “Whoever opposes that loses everything. You will take the vow with me when the Moon Goddess blesses me. Do you understand?”


    He lets out a heavy sigh and bows again.


    “Yes, mydy.”


    I look away and blink. My heart heavy once more. Only the Moon Goddess knows how and where my brother is now. Only the Moon Goddess knows.


    “His lover’s name was mentioned in the letter,” Jurrek’s voicees again. “That alone makes her forever his. It’s a im that she belongs to him even in death.”


    I swallow hard and nod. That’s right. An Ashmere word, especially one like Varyn’s, isw.


    “Dessyn will wait for him. Her body, soul, smile, and everything is Varyn’s, and when he returns… we will all rejoice.” I turn to Jurrek and nod. “We will allugh.”


    He reaches for my hand and gives it a squeeze. He must have seen my struggle for control, and he nods as though to say he admires my strength.


    Send Gifts<fn3a41> Content originallyes from find~novel</fn3a41>