Zephyrine


    +10 Free Coins


    Standing beside the broken but repaired mirror, I could feel the weight in the air. The cold, heavy tension pressing against the atmosphere.


    The Dusk household had been called, and Dessyn had heard the truth with her own cars. Moon too had listened to why we were sent into that war. The Ashmeres were deemed too dangerous, and in order to wipe us out, we were thrown onto the battlefield.


    Only, it wasn’t just Ashmere warriors who died. Those from other packs, who joined our ranks, and armies also lost their lives. The Imperium Council had crossed a line they should never have dared.


    I released a slow breath and turned to face everyone. My decision was already set. The Pack that had belonged to my forefathers, down to my father, would no longer bend under the rules of the Imperium. I wanted out.


    “It will be a difficult and dangerous decision, Alpha Zephyrine,” Jurrek’s voice cut in. As though he could read my very thoughts.


    I swallowed and moved toward the window, gazing outside. There, I spotted Lycannar standing with Princess Mearez, speaking in quiet conversation.


    He had stepped out minutes ago when his sisters called for him. I had kissed him goodbye, told him if he felt any difort he should return to me. For now, mirrors and holy relics were forbidden. Lycannar had to remain safe.


    My eyes lingered, noticing the way his hand rested protectively on Mearez. The sight made me almost smile. If only Varyn had not been lost to that war… perhaps he would have treated me with the same kind of devotion. But the Council, always the Council.


    -They came yesterday,” I said curtly, breaking the silence. “They sat at my table, ate and drank in my pack. They dared to speak the Ashmere name from their mouths… and Lady Sylvara herself had the gall to mention Varyn.” My eyes locked on Jurrek. “They mocked me. Mocked all of us. My father never once thought of rebelling, I swear it.”


    “We need to act quickly, especially for your brother,” Moon’s voice followed, steady but firm. “You said Stone looked into the mirror. If he saw War strategist Varyn’s face, then he may already be torturing him to get back at you. Don’t you think?”


    A cold shiver gripped my spine at his words. Moon was right. Stone of ckwater had stared into the mirror and seen Varyn rotting away.


    “We must get him out of ckwater. If it takes a war, I will lead it,” I said heavily, and Jurrek gave a slow


    nod.


    “What’s the n?”


    The word caught in my throat. I swallowed.


    “We can’t rush. ckwater is fortified with walls that won’t fall easily. If I were him, I would never go down without blood. We must know what lies inside before we move.”


    7:25 pm P PPP.


    “That means someone has to return,” Moon said, “in disguise.”


    “Yes,” I finished. “If only I could, but…”


    10 Free Coins


    “But Stone knows your face,” Jurrek cut in. “Even in disguise, he’d recognize you. And ckwater iswless. Anyone who enters must tread carefully. Alpha Zephyrine, I will…”


    “I’ll go.” Dessyn’s voice sliced into the room, drawing every gaze. “What? Can’t I?”


    The silence that followed spoke volumes.


    “You’ll be too emotional, Dessyn,” I said softly.


    She shook her head.


    “Too emotional? No, Zephyr. I can handle this. I can…” her voice faltered, trembling before she steadied it, “I can do it. Let me.”


    Tears welled in her eyes before she turned away, trying to hide the crack in her voice.


    “We are all emotional when ites to Varyn. But I won’t sit back anymore. He is my man. I want to bring him home. To me. To love me. Would you sit idle if Apex were gone for five years without touching you?”


    Her words struck hard, dragging heat to my chest. I lowered my eyes. If Lycannar left me for even a day, I’d be lost. Five years? I would go mad.


    She was right. She deserved a say in his rescue.


    I had known Dessyn since childhood. She might not wield weapons, but she was clever, resourceful, and stubborn enough to force her way through. <fnfbb3> The rightful source is f?ndnovel</fnfbb3>


    “You’ll go but not alone. You need someone who can fight if things turn bloody,” I said atst, meeting her tearful gaze.


    Moon stepped forward.


    “I’ll go with her.”


    I nodded. Moon was unmatched inbat. I had seen him in the battlefield. He had saved me more than


    once.


    “You’ll need a n to blend in,” I added.


    “I’ll think of one before night falls,” Dessyn replied.


    Finally, I turned to Jurrek, heart heavy.


    “Arrange me a meeting with the Imperium Council. I want answers.”


    No sooner had I spoken than the door creaked open. Isolde stepped in, bowing low.


    “Mydy, your aunt requests your presence and that of the Lycan King for breakfast.”


    I gave a brief nod as she slipped out, then turned back to the window. Lycannar now stood by his horse,


    7:25 pm P p p p.


    My throat tightened at the thought of that breakfast.


    +10 Free Coins


    Something in me knew my aunt meant no good. Not about anything. And especially not about my bond with the Lycan King.


    7:25 pm Pppp.