Adide’s mind raced. Was this connected to Lycan Erasmus’s demand that she find a mate within three
months?
Lance, knowing her sharpness, figured she’d found some truth.
He said, “No matter who I choose, Lycan Erasmus will think what he thinks. Given my status, could I really pick an ordinary she–wolf?”
It made sense, but Adide sensed something off.
She could lead werewolf warriors into battle. Mating with her was a risk for Alpha Lance.
“Did you propose because you knew I didn’t want to be a priestess? Are you helping me?”
Adide first considered this possibility. “Lycan Erasmus didn’t actually pressure you to find a mate, did he? You’re helping me.”
Lance smiled helplessly. “You’re mistaken. Even without Lycan Erasmus’s push, many she–wolves would vie to be my mate after my triumph. Refusing them risks offense. The sooner I finalize the bond, the better.”
“As for why I chose you,” Lance continued with a wry smile, “we’ve both been through the Warscar Training Camp. You were forced to find a mate, I was on a pyre–it seemed logical to pair up.”
Lies were tough. He couldn’t tell her he’d relinquishmand to bond with her–that was unspeakable.
If Adide knew, she’d never agree to be his mate.
He had to wait until after the ceremony, until he’d fully marked her.
With some things left unsaid, Lance took his leave.
Adide pondered for a long while, grasping parts of the truth but still missing pieces.
Ivy, seeing her distress, hesitated tofort her but was stopped by Beta Valentine.
He shook his head and said, “Bring Cedric some food. He’s been practicing hand strength all day. He must be exhausted.”
Ivy sighed softly. “Alright.”
As she headed to the kitchen, Beta Valentine limped after her and whispered, “I know you want to talk to Alpha Adide, but wait until after the mating ceremony.”
Ivy nodded. “I understand. I just feel impulsive seeing him troubled. I know impulsiveness is unwise<b>.</b><b>” </b>
<b>She </b>sighed again. “I only found out today that Alpha Lance relinquishedmand of the legion.
<b>+20 </b>Free Coins
Connecting the dots, I assume he did it for Alpha Adide. Clearly, Lycan Erasmus used Alpha Adide as bait to test Alpha Lance’s loyalty.”
Beta Valentine said, “Keep such thoughts to yourself.”
Ivy replied, “I know better than to speak out of turn. It’s just that Lance’s feelings for Alpha Adide are unknown to her. Even Luna Aire withheld the truth about Alpha Lance’s proposal.”
Beta Valentine frowned. “Luna Aire was frightened back then. Had Alpha Lance not gone to the Southern Border, she might have agreed. Little did she know the person chosen in the end wasn’t a suitable mate.”
Ivy’s eyes welled up. “Luna Aire didn’t select a royal heir because she knew Alpha Adide’s strong personality. Royal heirs or century–old packs have numerous demands. Only Ulrik dared promise to treat Alpha Adide well before Luna Aire, who was deceived by him.”
Beta Valentine cut her off. “Enough. Bring Cedric his food. His diligent practice is heart–wrenching. He takes medicine daily yet still practices hand strength.”
Beta Valentine, of course, felt for Cedric–Adide’s only kin, who’d endured so much.
The next day, Adide and Cedric visited Elder Halsey.
Halsey had gathered other members of the Davidson family, who’d long since left the Frostfang Pack to join other packs following their ancestors.
Now, they would witness Elder Halsey formally reinstate Cedric’s name in the Davidson family records of the Frostfang Pack.
Many still doubted Cedric’s return, as some hoped their own children might join the Frostfang Pack.
After all, joining promised a future Alpha role and a chance at the Royal Elder Council.
Beta Valentine was tasked with exining the full story.
He didn’t mention the rogue who’d kidnapped Cedric, only noting the case was reported to Lycan Erasmus.
Cedric had already visited the pce, met Lycan Erasmus and rissa, and was recognized by his Thunder Wolf Pack rtives.
With this evidence, most believed Cedric was alive. A few remained skeptical, but the majority epted the truth.
Yet, there were still those who refused to believe.