Draken stormed out of his room, his pulse hammering as he rushed toward the pack's entrance. His wolf instincts flared, warning him of something unusual. And then—he froze.
Elaine stood at the gate, her expression unreadable, and beside her, the girl.
Alive.
Unscathed.
For a moment, Draken couldn't form words. The sight of her, standing there after disappearing into the night, defied all reason. He had expected a corpse, not this—this impossible return.
His first instinct was relief, but something about her presence unsettled him. He didn't like feeling uncertain, so instead of acknowledging it, he let pride take over.
Masking his emotions behind a stern expression, he crossed his arms and scowled. "Witch, report to my office first thing tomorrow."
Elaine arched a brow but said nothing. The girl, however, flinched slightly at his sharp tone.
Draken hesitated for only a fraction of a second before turning on his heel and walking away.
That night, despite the warmth of his bed, he barely slept.
---
The Next Morning
Southern Region Palace
The royal breakfast was quieter than usual.
Queen Amara glanced at her husband, concern etched across her features. "Still no news on Zephyris?"
King Aseal shook his head, setting his silverware down with a sigh. "Not a trace."
Their grandson had vanished into the night, and none of the scouts had been able to locate him. Even his best friend, the next gamma, had returned empty-handed.
Aseal clenched his fists. "He must be out there somewhere, but why hasn't he contacted us?"
The queen lowered her gaze, worry gnawing at her heart.
---
Silvermoon Pack – Alpha's Office
Elaine entered the room with her usual air of defiance. "Morning, Alpha."
Draken leaned back in his chair, regarding her with narrowed eyes. "You're late."
Ignoring his remark, she got straight to the point. "Before you start your lecture, I have an announcement. We'll be leaving the day after the New Year's celebration. That way, we won't be a burden to your pack any longer."
Draken blinked, caught off guard. "You're leaving?"
Elaine gave a slow nod. "That's correct. I assume you won't object."
Object? Of course, he would. The thought of losing Elaine was… inconvenient. Finding another witch of her caliber would be a monumental task. And despite his reluctance to admit it, she was valuable.
Chris smirked from his place beside the alpha. "Alpha, she's making your life easier. Just let her go."
Elaine shot Chris a glare. The tension between them had been growing for months, though Luke never quite understood why. He remained silent, observing the power play between them.
Before Draken could formulate a response, a guard burst into the room, panting.
"Alpha—the Luna is in labor!"
Draken's chair scraped against the floor as he stood abruptly. "What?! The doctor said she wasn't due for another two weeks!"
There was no time for questions. He sprinted toward the Luna's quarters, then paused, throwing a sharp look over his shoulder.
"Witch, follow me."
Elaine folded her arms. "I'm a witch, not a midwife."
Draken's patience snapped. "If not for you, the doctor would still be around! And as far as I'm concerned, you're still a member of this pack until next week. That means my orders are absolute. Don't waste my time."
Elaine scowled, but she had no choice. She followed him.
---
Elaine's Room
Luna curled into herself, gripping the thin blanket around her shoulders.
She hadn't slept. She couldn't. The cries of the veilwraiths still echoed in her ears.
For years, she had fled from them—those creatures that lurked in the dark, whispering in voices only she could hear. But the snake was the worst of them all. It hadn't appeared since she was running in the forest at seven, but it showed up yet again to claw at her open wounds, it was right within her reach but she let it slip away, yet she knew it was still out there. Coiling. Watching. Waiting.
She squeezed her eyes shut.
Why did it call her Foxy?
Why were they after her?
The questions gnawed at the edge of her mind, but no answers came.
---
Alpha's Room
"DRAKEN!"
The cry sent him sprinting faster. He crashed through the door to find Luna Beatrice drenched in sweat, her hands gripping the sheets.
His heart pounded. "My love, I'm here."
She reached for him, fingers trembling, and when he took her hand, she bit down—hard.
Pain shot up his arm, but he held still, letting her transfer her agony into him.
"Elaine!" he barked.
Elaine stood at the foot of the bed, arms crossed. "Luna Beatrice, you need to breathe and push."
Beatrice gasped. "Can't you just use magic to get it out faster?"
Elaine scoffed. "It doesn't work like that."
Beatrice groaned but obeyed.
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours. Sweat beaded on her forehead, her cries filling the room. And then—
A wail.
A new voice entered the world.
Then another.
The pack erupted into celebration as pink and blue fireworks illuminated the sky. The joyous cries of the wolves filled the air.
Draken exhaled deeply, his entire body trembling as he looked at his mate. She was exhausted, but she smiled weakly.
Elaine stepped back, watching the moment unfold before slipping out quietly.
---
Elaine's Room
Luna pressed her forehead against the cool glass of the window, watching the fireworks.
Twins.
Just like her and Zephyris.
A lump formed in her throat. It had been years since she had last seen her brother, but she prayed for him every night.
She wondered—where was he now? Was he safe? Was he doing way better than her.
---
Somewhere Beyond the Pack
Zephyris ran through the trees, his wolf form a blur against the night. His mind burned with the truth he had learned.
A father he never knew. A past shrouded in mystery.
And Luna—
Was she safe? Was she still smiling like she used to?
He wished he went missing not her.
His claws dug into the dirt as he pushed forward.
He had to find her.
No matter the cost.