Chapter 4

Amelia

My body was paralyzed but my brain was not. The water was bone-chilling and I felt the pain as the overlapping waves rushed through me. I was in grave danger but I could do nothing to save myself. My body was paralyzed.

Images of mom flashed through my mind as my body sank to the bottom.

“Wait for me, mom.”

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A sound of thunder bolt jolted me awake and I clutched my chest, heaving for air.

“Are you alright?” A voice asked. I turned to the left and found a tall figure sitting beside me.

“Are you alright?” He repeated the question. I rubbed my eyes and looked at him. He was an unfamiliar face.

“I thought you were dead. We found you on the shore two days ago and brought you with us,” The handsome stranger said, sweeping his fingers through his hair.

“Thank you for rescuing me.” I muttered my gratitude.

“That dialect,” he pinched his eyes. “You're not from around here, are you?”

“No.” I shook my head. I thought to myself not to tell him what happened but I had no choice. I narrated everything that had happened at the pack to him. A part of me hoped he would believe me while the other half knew he wouldn't be convinced.

“That’s a terrible thing to experience, Amelia,” he began. “But don't worry. I'll help you.”

“Who are you?” I asked out of curiosity. He leapt to his feet.

“I'm Alpha Kaiden and this is the Silvermoon pack.”

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Life in the Silvermoon pack was smooth and fascinating. I got to meet new faces and make new friends and enemies.

During the time I spent there, I got to discover my witch heritage and used magic for the first time ever. That happened when I was testing the waters.

A maid had caught me healing a wounded bunny and I made her promise not to tell anyone. But that same evening, Kaiden summoned me to the throne room, asking me if I could heal wounded soldiers.

I was infuriated at first but as I exploited my healing powers, I discovered other sides to it - communicating with nature and its gifts. I could use magic and it was all thanks to Kaiden and the books that guided me.

Apart from becoming the pack's healer, I rendered help where it was needed whether it was planting seeds in the soil or helping with breakfast. I wanted to be useful.

Another day passed and I stared about the window of my room, counting the days I had spent here - 90 days. It has been 3 months since I got here. And it had been 3 months since the BloodMoon pack had made any announcements concerning Damien's coronation as Alpha nor any news of Freya becoming his Luna. It didn't worry me but I was curious about the delay. Three months was a lot of time.

Something caught my eyes and I squinted. A brown carriage was riding through the gate. The golden highlights I found on the carriage informed me that this was no ordinary messenger. It was a royal courier.

I turned away from the window to head downstairs when my door clicked open. It was Kaiden.

“Do you have a minute?” He shut the door behind him. “We need to talk.”

“Sure.” I said.

He led me to the garden where we discussed over lunch.

“Someone paid me a visit,” he began, slicing the steak on his plate.

“I know. I saw.” I reached for a glass of water and took a sip.

He rose to his feet with the plate in hand and replaced my place of uncliched steak with his.

“The messenger was from the Blood Moon pack. There is trouble.” he said as he took his seat.

“I thought so too,” I stabbed one sliced steak and ate. “Why do you think they want to?”

Kaiden sat up. “Well, they told me that they heard stories of a powerful healer in my pack and they were in desperate need of this healer's services.”

I curled an eyebrow, not saying a word.

He continued. “Alpha King Donovan is dying.”

I reached for the glass of water again, not uttering a word.

Kaiden heaves a sigh. “I know you hate him for what he did…”

“Damn right I do.” I cut him off mid-sentence.

“- -But the Bloodmoon pack and the Silvermoon pack are sworn brothers, Alpha King Donovan might be an asshole but he and my late father were best friends. We have to help,” he stretched his hand across the table and took mine. “But if you don't want to help, I won't force you.”

All of a sudden, I was trapped in a state of dilemma. Kaiden’s request was something I couldn't accept. Alpha Donovan slaughtered mother's entire pack.

“I hope you do what's right.” He told me and my mind reeled.

It would be selfish of me to consider my own feelings. Donovan was a father figure to Kaiden and Kaiden had saved my life. Helping him would return the favor.

“Fine,” I took a bite of steak. “I'll help.”

“Thank you. We leave the BloodMoon pack at first light.” He smiled, digging into his food.

“But what about my face? Everyone at BloodMoon thinks I'm dead.” I curled an eyebrow.

Kaiden flashed me a grin. “What are veils for?”

After packing the things we needed, I was ready to leave for the north.

With a few guards as our aide, Kaiden and I began our journey to BloodMoon. And as planned, my face was hidden behind a black veil.

The carriage arrived at the gate of the Blood Moon pack. As instructed, the coachman passed the scroll, granting us entrance.

I looked out the window. The place was still the same -  the bronze statue of Alpha Donovan sitting over the water fountain in the center of the cobble street, the cobble street still had the same gray color and the market place bustling with activities.

“You miss home?” I felt Kaiden’s hand on my lap.

I looked at him as though he grew another head. “No. Why would I?”

The carriage rattled to a stop. We had arrived at the Pack house.

As I was helped off the carriage, the herald announced in a loud voice. “Presenting Alpha King Kaiden Kaiden of the Silvermoon pack and his healer…”

“I didn't get your name, ma'am.” the man whispered and I panicked but Kaiden was quick to come to my rescue.

He spoke on my behalf. “Her identity is not necessary.”

“Aye,” the herald nodded. “Presenting our royal guests — Alpha King Kaiden and the legendary healer of the Silvermoon pack!”

As we approached the stairs, we were met with four figures and three of them were my sworn enemies - Beta Jasper, Luna Bella, Damien and that bitch, Freya.

“Welcome to the BloodMoon pack, Your Majesty.” Beta Jasper spoke first.

Luna Bella came up to greet us. “Oh, Kaiden. You're all grown up.”

Kaiden smiled. “I am. It's been a while, aunty.”

He gave her a hug and pulled away quickly. Then he gave Damien a nod.

“Nice to meet you, Kaiden,” Damien said, then he turned to me, offering a hand. “My lady.”

“I'm fine, thank you.” I said, curling my fingers into a fist. I felt like killing them all.

“Shall we?” Kaiden closed his fingers around my fist, holding tight.

“Yes,” Luna Bella turned to me with misty eyes. “I’m glad the legendary healer is here. Thank you for coming to our rescue.”

I gave her a brief nod. “I will do all I can to help your husband, ma'am.”

She smiled. If only she could see the angry look on my face.

“This way, please,” Damien was quite the gentleman. “You must be tired from your journey.”

“Thank you.” Kaiden laced his fingers with mine and we both walked past Damien.

They all thought I was here to help but little did they know that before leaving this place, I would exact my revenge on all of them.