Chapter 31
Viona's POV
"You need to rest, everyone will be departing tomorrow..." She led me to the door as we both exited the room.
"Okay... Good night, Mom." I pecked her cheeks unintentionally, slightly touching the tattoo-like mark on her neck. It wasn't obvious, but I just had good eyes.
"I have to go to your dad... he must be waiting for me." She hugged me before letting me go.
I must have really interrupted them for my mom to be in such a hurry to return to his side. I can't be more happy for her.
"Wait, Mom...!" "Hmm..."
"I would need your help tomorrow. You know how you arrange the lists and everything else. Can you include my name without Dad noticing my absence in the pack?"
"Honey... I know what to do. Though I'm not encouraging you to go to this war, I'm not going to stand in your way either. Don't worry, go to bed."
The Day of Departure
Everything was prepared; everyone was really including me, of course. I have to admit my mom did an excellent job sneaking me out, especially as I was present to see my dad off and even hug him. He wouldn't suspect a thing.
Or so I thought.
We reached the camping site as the guards prepared the tents. Luckily for me, I wasn't short in height, and thanks to the silver cloak, no one was able to sense me. I especially enjoyed the fact that everyone had their armor on, so wearing a cloak wasn't weird. At the same time, I can't deny the unbearable heat during the daytime while we trained, and the cold at night while we kept guard.
I thank the goddess for the hot water provided at night to shower. It is limited, so I have to wake up even earlier than I usually do to hide the fact I was a girl, as everyone bathes in groups of ten.
Before noon, everyone was out training, including me. Until now, I never minded my stamina being this low. I knew it was low, but this low? No.
But I'm determined to get stronger.
The blood moon is just two months away. The tension was high. Though my dad sometimes watches the soldiers as we train, he still couldn't detect my scent. Though I sometimes suspect he has a clue, it didn't lead anywhere as there weren't any loopholes.
Jason's POV
A Month Later
Since the letter two months ago, my daughter hasn't been herself. I didn't want to worry her, but I can't let her risk her life in a battle that isn't even hers.
If only I had wiped out the death clan entirely as instructed, I wouldn't be in this mess today. I couldn't bear to kill a few kids, and now they're back in my head.
Well, luckily my dad isn't here. At least he actually gave them my head for disobeying his order. My father was the harshest father with his sons but a lovely husband and alpha. I used to believe he hated me because he always pushed me to my breaking point over and over again.
While Mark did the basic training, I was so envious of him for receiving both parents' love because he was born weak. Sometimes, I wished to be in his place so I could enjoy everything he did.
My mom tried her best to balance her love for both of us, which was difficult, but she tried her best, always watching over me while training, always with a first aid box in hand.
Her death was the most heartbreaking event in my life. Ever since then, my dad hasn't been the same. I have never felt my mate bond break, not like I ever wanted to try. Not even a wolf could survive it.
I always texted my daughter every day to check on her, and her reply always leaves me satisfied. I know she is going to be a great Luna one day.
"Alpha Jason...?"
"Come in."
The young wolf stepped into my tent.
"Is there a problem?"
"Well... Alpha, you see, I think there's an error in the list..."
"I told you before, we can't afford any shortage."
"Yes, sire, I remember, but you see, it was our Luna that made the list, and there seems to be an addition of one person. I'm not sure why...!" The attendant was shivering. Am I that scary?
"Show me..." I demanded, puzzled. I can't simply let this pass; it could be a mole.
"Here, sire..." He brought the list to my face, explaining the names that were called daily, and there was always an additional one person.
"This person could be a spy," he suggested.
"Watch this person closely for now."
"Yes, sire." He left my tent, escaping like I was going to eat him.
Thanks to the invention of the cell phone, it was easier and better than letters, where one has to wait a couple of days for replies.
I called Vivian, my Luna. I have missed her all these months I was away. We do communicate from time to time, but I miss having her in my arms.
"Hello..." Her pleasing voice echoed from the other end of the phone.
"I miss you." I found myself speechless as she took the words right out of my mouth.
"Me too," was all I could say.
"Is Viona here?" I'm not the type to beat around the bush, but hearing her choking, I'm convinced I'm right.
"Honey...?" "Yes or no."
"She insisted on going."
"I trusted you to keep her safe in the pack...!" I scolded in a fit of rage.
"I trust you to protect her, the same way I trust her to protect you. Just like I would have loved to fight alongside you, the pack is in just as much danger as the battlefield, and the twins and the rest of the pack members are here. I can't simply leave them all by themselves without a leader."
"I'm sorry, honey. I know I shouldn't have lied to you, but just as you love our children with all your heart, I love them and want them to be self-dependent and strong. We can't shield them forever. In no time, Viona is going to be taken away from us to become the Luna of the Royals Fraction. I know it's not going to be easy, but our baby is not weak, neither is she a little girl anymore. As much as we don't like it, we have to accept it. Viona is grown up; soon she would even be of age to take over the business just like you're doing now. Come on, please say something...?"
All she said was right. I was the only one who didn't see that my little girl had grown up so much. I felt my anger subside, now replaced with guilt. That's right; my conscience was being the judge right now, and I was guilty as charged.
"You're right... I was still stuck at the time she was still having nightmares and clinging to me whenever she woke up, always finding me to protect her. I failed to see her achievements and strength. I'm sorry for not listening to you."
"Oh honey... it's alright, I'm not mad at you."
"Just take care of our daughter and come back safely, okay? Sorry, I have to go; I think Ariel broke something again."
She disconnected the call. I didn't even realize when a tear slid down my face, wetting the document before me. Maybe I was just afraid of losing her.
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