Third Person’s POV
The announcement left the Bloodmoon Pack stunned, as if struck by lightning.
+10 Free Coins
They couldn’t believe that Velda, who had led reinforcements into battle in the harsh cold, wasn’t even mentioned in the list–no merit, no constion prize.
Rosemary fainted on the spot.
Luna Skye finally understood why she’d been confined.
At Melinda’s bonding ceremony, Adide had sent gifts, but she’d refused them, evenining, “Adide’s being thoughtless. How dare a banished wolf send gifts? What if it brings misfortune to Melinda?<b>” </b>
Alpha Howell, upon learning of this, stormed to the Packhouse.
His usually timid demeanor vanished; his wolf pheromones triggered a dominance disy that shook the crystal chandeliers.
His palm sprouted three–inch ws, leaving w marks on Luna Skye’s cheek. “That’s your own sister’s bloodline! Can’t you feel the family totem on your neck?”
Alpha Howell held no position in the royal court. His pack relied on royal subsidies.
Normally<i>, </i>he was respectful to everyone–his survival tactic.
He didn’t darement on Adide and Ulrik’s former bond; it was Lycan Erasmus’s order.
Had he known Adide would send gifts, he’d have epted them respectfully, even hid them, but never
refused.
Luna Skye<i>, </i>covering her face, was a mix of anxiety and shame. “I was trying to protect you! What if Melinda’s mate minds…”
“You didn’t even know she went to war–you clearly don’t care!” Alpha Howell’s fur bristled with rage. “Your sister once faced a rogue to protect <i>you</i>! Now you disdain even her daughter. When Adide returns, will she acknowledge you as her aunt?”
He wasn’t thinking of just family ties.
With Adide’s military honors and the Frostfang Pack’s backing, he couldn’t afford to cross any powerful wolves.
Luna Skye realized her mistake.
She’d thought Lycan Erasmus’s actions were just for show. Little did she know Adide had earned renown on the battlefield.
12:57 am
+10 Free Coins
She scrambled to fix things. “Melinda doesn’t know yet. When Adide returns, have Melinda apologize… They grew up together!”
“Do you think rtionships are so easily mended?” Alpha Howell sneered. “Because of this, we’re confined and can’t leave the pack. Just wait and see!”
With that, he strode out, crushing ss fragments underfoot.
Luna Skye copsed to the floor, weeping.
She didn’t truly despise Adide.
She’d just been trying to avoid trouble.
“Was I really wrong?” she asked an Omega, her voice trembling.
The Omega sighed, stroking the palm print on her face. “Remember when Luna Aire sacrificed herself to protect you? When Ulrik wanted to bond with Velda, I advised you to go to the Bloodmoon Pack.”
“It was Lycan Erasmus’smand! What difference would my going make?”
“No difference, but your presence alone would ease Adide’s burden.”
Luna Skye rose abruptly. “I’m going to the Frostfang Pack now. Even if it’s an act, they must know I haven’t forgotten our kinship!”
The Omega hesitated.
A visit now would be seen as opportunistic.
But Luna Skye was resolute.
Meanwhile, Adide, unaware of the capital’s turmoil, remained at the southern border.
The war had ended, but withdrawal wasn’t immediate.
Harsh weather and the region’s devastation from years of conflict slowed their departure.
The werewolves assisted in rebuilding the war–tornnd.
News of Velda’s capture and humiliation spread like wildfire.
Despite her denials, many had witnessed the scene.
The truth was undeniable.
Velda tried to get Brock and others to vouch for her, but they’d been brutally tortured–beaten, nd- torn, and left in agony.
They’d lost their wolves and couldn’t heal themselves, struggling in agony daily. They had no energy left to <b>care </b>whether Velda had been dishonored.
12:57 am DDDD
Once loyal to Velda, they now harbored deep resentment.
They detested her and refused to speak with her, let alone testify on her behalf.
Yet Velda, resilient as desert scrub, carried on.
After recovering, she resumed training and missions as if nothing had happened.
Her psychological fortitude amazed and impressed many.
Snke had thought she’d take her own life after such trauma.
He’d underestimated her. 1