<i>Zephyrine </i>


    +8 Pearls


    The door opens gently for me, and I step inside quietly, Blue and Isolde behind me. After confirming that Isolde’s jealousy is harmless, I focus on her too and decide to make amends. Somehow, I trust Bluepletely.


    First, because she is pure–blooded Lycan who has suffered enough as an orphan. Second, because she loves and respects Lycannar unconditionally, even after all he did to her mother. And third, because she is sweet and genuine, willing to do her best for me.


    Under thete–night sky, I honor the invitation for dinner. My aunt had sent the word, and as her blood, I must obey, despite my position as Alpha.


    Alpha Orod had departed with his beta, and I had thanked him for his loyalty.


    Luna Tahlia had not yet revealed herself; it would be safe for another day. The fact that Young ck is alive alone could shake the entire empire butter, not now.


    “Alpha Zephyrine,” my aunt Kostyra greeted as she appeared in the hall, bowing.


    I did not respond immediately, instead staring at her nkly, wondering why she was so curious about Lycannar. Why did she need to know anything about my rtionship with him?


    “Aunty,” I called atst, closing the distance to hug her. She stiffened, then rxed, guiding me gently toward the dining area.


    Lord Yua, her husband, was already seated, along with three of my rtives. I smiled faintly and settled into the seat reserved for me.


    “Since you do not want a big ceremony yet for Yoir ascension, we have decided to make dinner,” Lord Yua said. I nodded, eyes on the dishes, feeling Blue’s watchful gaze behind me.


    “I still can’t believe you are here,” my aunt said as she settled with her cutlery. “It has been five years… such a long time. And yet you return… able… and even in a rtionship with a King.”


    I swallowed. Here we go again. I lowered my gaze to the wine poured for me by a maid. Red, like blood, and for a brief moment, memories of the past shed before me.


    I haven’t slept since returning. The only time I closed my eyes peacefully was when I passed out after the Moon Goddess’s blessing. The battle five years ago still haunted me whenever I am here in my pack.


    “I heard Apex is cursed… I mean, we all know he is cursed. Are you okay with all that?” my Uncle Yua asked, bluntly. I swallowed.


    “What bothers me,” I murmured quietly, “is your concern about it. I wasn’t even bothered. Why should you be?”


    I looked up, meeting his gaze, and he understood the tension. He smiled gently and cleared his throat.


    “Never mind, my husband,” my aunt said with a smallugh. “You know what they say about Apex. They say he is forever exiled to the ck Tower. He is not innocent either, with women loving him for his unnatural


    12:32 Sat, Sep 6 GM<b>. </b>


    beauty. And men… you know men. Once they see a woman’s body, they are easily distracted.”


    I could not help but smile.


    426%


    +8 Pearls


    “If that’s how my uncle gets distracted,” I replied quietly, “Aunty, I’d say you deserve far better. Lycannar… yeah, women will fall for his unnatural beauty, but he does not get distracted. What is between us is genuine.”


    “In that case, it is too bad you can’t have him,” my uncle muttered, taunting. “As Alpha of this pack, you won’t do anything that would bring chaos to your people.”


    I swallowed hard. He had won, gravely, deeply. By the Moon Goddess’s decree and blessing, I could noty with any man I was not mated to. Once I rejected Nyroth, I would wait for a second chance mate. Only then…


    I lowered my gaze and sighed. My aunt reached out, caressing my palm.


    “Zephyrine, you are still my niece, even though you are an Alpha now. Why not let go of Lycannar and focus fully on the pack? There will be many suitors crawling at your feet. What do you say?”


    The tremor in her voice, the coldness from her touch, told me something darker. That she wanted me away from Lycannar. But why?


    I looked up at her and smiled softly.


    “Have you ever met him? The Lycan King?”


    She swallowed, shaking her head.


    “Good night, aunty. Thank you for the meal.”


    I rose and hurried through the hall. Before reaching my quarters, I passed Jurrek, who had appeared on mymand. I bypassed him,manding as I walked.


    “Come in.”


    He hesitated, the awe from my maids obvious. No man dared cross this threshold, but I knew Jurrek Bane. He felt no romantic inclination toward me.<fnf528> Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n find?novel</fnf528>


    I entered my chamber, walking toward the letter I had written and sealed. With a lump in my throat, I turned to Jurrek, who had stepped in reluctantly, and handed him the letter.


    Isolde stopping right outside behind those close doors where she can’t hear me.


    “Ride the fastest horse, Jurrek. To everyone, you are only on a mission for the welfare of the pack. Truthfully, you are delivering a letter to the man who has words about my brother. Tomorrow morning, I leave for White Pack. Once you have delivered the letter and receive response,e find me.”


    He swallowed hard and took the letter carefully. Then he asked, eyes on me,


    “Your spirit guard… what about him?”


    “Where is he?” I asked.


    12:32 Sat, Sep 6 GM<b>. </b>


    25%


    +8 Pearls


    “In the underground chamber, empty for years now,” he replied quietly. “The pack members are still shaken by his appearance. I am afraid without you, he might get out.”


    I sighed and walked to the window, staring out. A dragon is my spirit guard. One who could rage and breathe fire.


    I lowered my gaze and nodded.


    “He won’t cause any problems. As my spirit guard, he knows protecting Ash Pack is his first priority.” I corrected myself. “Protecting me is his first priority. Since I am not in danger… he won’t go berserk.”


    “Such a powerful beast,” Blue murmured. “Mydy… what shall we call him?”


    I looked away briefly, thinking.


    “Le Fey,” I answered quietly.