𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺.
𝗛𝗲 𝗵𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗲𝘁...
All Ivy has ever known is hiding. Since the day she was born, she has stayed hidden behind her m...
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Xavier
"Goddess preserve us." I whispered. The greatest honor a wolf could have and it was given to an Elf. How was this even possible? The trouble just keeps stacking. Why my mate? What could the goddess be thinking? Ivy's eyes danced between us. Confusion marred her features. My father began pacing, rubbing his temples. I could see the frustration simmering inside him.
"But that's impossible." My father spoke. Eyeing the golden magic, weaving its way through Ivory's pale blue skin.
Ayla chuckled. "I beg to differ."
"You think this is funny?" he asked, taking a step forward. My father didn't like to be looked down on, and though they were both the leaders of our people, he often believed he could control Ayla. It led to many spats over the years. I'm sure Ayla enjoyed the break. There was a humorous glint in her eye as she stared at my father.
"This?" she gestured to the golden magic, "hardly. But you do not believe what's in front of you? Very." she hummed.
"I don't understand. What's a Lunaris?" Ivy asked.
"An omen. And not a good one." Ayla sighed. "Do you remember the last we had?" Ayla asked Carver.
He froze. "William... but that still doesn't explain this. That magic is not hereditary."
"William ended the pack wars. He's the reason we have peace." I answered. The pack wars began on the night William was revealed as the Lunaris. It plunged our home into chaos as Alphas fought for land and numbers. It was madness. Many died, and it lasted years. Until William learned to use his magic and tore invisible borders into the land. The Alphas were killed and new ones were appointed. He infused the Lunaris magic into each Alpha, giving them the ability to reign in the packs and they restored peace.
"Wait... you're saying my father was one too?" Ivy stared at her magic with wide, misty eyes.
"He was the best wolf among us." Ayla whispered.
Ivy froze. Her head whipped towards Ayla. "He was one of them?!" she spat the last word and I flinched. She found out. My heart sank as I watched tears fall down her cheeks and her hands clench as she continued. "If he was one of them and so highly regarded as you claim, then why did his own people kill him?!" she seethed. Her magic glowed brightly and vibrated between her hands. Her anger was affecting it.
I stared at the floor. Guilt crushing my lungs. She was right. It didn't make sense. But the goddess rarely does. There was nothing we could have done. We didn't want to kill them. I heard my father sigh, and he sat down in one of the plush chairs. Ayla looked at Ivy with tear-brimmed eyes. Willow and Liam did not deserve their fate, and Ivy... did not deserve to have her parents... her life taken from her.
"We do not know. The goddess ordered it. Our people have a law. The Lỳkos, wolves, are sworn to protect the Elven race and never fall in love with one. Your father broke that law. She sent the order as soon as they completed the ceremony, and the bond he had with his mate was severed." My father said.
That I didn't know. William had a mate? I couldn't imagine the pain she went through. I glanced at Ivory. She stared at my father, her brows pinched as she was deep in thought. Would she ever do something like that to me? I probably deserved it.
Deafening silence hung in the air as we all stared at each other. Ayla looked like she was about to cry, but she was holding it in. I wasn't sure if it was for Ivy's sake or herself. My father leaned forward and rested his head in his hands, taking in deep breaths. Ivy stared at me. I tried to gauge her emotions, but there were too many to make sense of. Even she didn't know how she felt. My father stood, determination set on his face.
"I've decided. We need answers. Originally, I was going to wait for a response from Ena Alari. But this just keeps getting too complicated. After tonight's memorial, I will send a raven ahead, and then, at first light, you and Ivory will travel to consult the elders and the goddess."
I knew this was coming. It was what he and Drake discussed when I went to see him. Drake knew the situation with my mate and expressed his concern, not only for me, but also for Ivy. We didn't want history repeating itself. Though if push came to shove, I would protect Ivy even if she doesn't want it.
"Memorial?' Ayla asked.
"Yes, to mourn the passing of Willow and William. Xavier thought it'd be better than us celebrating our return, and I agree." My father replied.
Ayla's smile was small as she looked down at her hands. "Thank you."
"Ivory, I know this is our first time meeting. If it's any consolation, I am sorry for your loss. Know that you will always have a home here within this pack, and we will protect you until our dying breath. Once everything is settled, we can give you your own home and a job. I hope one day you will come to feel as we do about Ume Lenora." My father bowed and took his leave. I stood up to follow.
"Thank you, Xavier." Ivory said.
I paused. A pang of guilt rippled through me. I glanced back at her. She was staring at me with a small smile. Her magic had dissipated, and dark circles hung under her eyes. She looked exhausted. I didn't blame her. It had been a long day, and it wasn't even over yet.
I nodded. "See you at the memorial."
I caught up with my father, who was walking with his hands on his head, mumbling to himself. His eyes caught me.
He sighed. "Goddess, I don't know if I can handle this. Xavier."
"I know... But we volunteered for that mission. We have to keep our heads up for what comes next. You should tell mother." I said.
My father stopped walking and turned to me. His eyes were wide. "Why would I... she doesn't need to know."
"Father... you know she'll only get mad at you for keeping her in the dark. I know the urge to protect her is strong, but she's a fierce woman and can handle herself. It's not like I'm telling you to tell the entire tribe. Just mom. She may even help."
His shoulders slumped, and he nodded. "I know. Goddess I know." He straightened and gave me a lopsided smile. "You'll make an amazing Alpha one day, son."
A small smile spread across my lips. "I know."
My father's laughter echoed in the still air. "Come on, your mother is probably waiting for us. She'll need help with all the cooking and preparation for tonight."
