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"When we're done with Hida, I'm going to find that last marked wolf and keep whoever it is safe from the King's guards," I said loud and clear, my eyes finally meeting Joon's for the first time in days, challenging him to argue. "The King ordered the marked wolves to be killed. If I can find that last wolf, the King will die. I want to make sure he does. I want the King of Wolves dead for what he's done to his pack."
Joon laughed, loud and long. "I do love your passion, Omega. But there's no way you could find that last wolf."
"You don't love my passion," I whispered, narrowing my eyes at the Alpha. I could already feel a sob working its way up my throat, but I shoved it down, not wanting to show weakness in front of him ever again.
Joon's smile fell, and he had the gall to look upset, almost apologetic. It made me angrier. Lex shifted nervously, moving his gaze between us.
"You think you're the only one here with a purpose," I said, my voice hushed and laced with the threat of tears. I stood up, trying to sound stronger than I felt. "You think you're the only one that's suffered and lost and has something left to lose, but you're not. I cannot let one more innocent wolf suffer like we have." I balled up my fists, feeling my rage flow through me. "I will kill Hida to avenge Korban. I will find that last wolf and keep them safe. And that will kill the King. He deserves to die for what he's done to us."
A few silent tears rolled down my cheeks as Joon looked at me quietly, not daring to speak. "I will spend the rest of my days hunting him down if I have to. Even if it brings about the end of the earth, and the stars fade and the Moon ends. I will not stop." My lips trembled, and I fought hard to keep my voice from shaking. I had to say my piece, though. I had to make Joon understand that I wasn't built just to obey and submit and raise pups. I might have wanted some small fragment of that life at one point, but that part of me died with my mate.
"I am not weak, and I am not stupid. I am angry, and this is my purpose."
"This is your purpose," Joon whispered, lowering his head slightly to better look me in the eyes. "And my purpose is to be by your side if you will have me. I will help you now and forever. Until the Moon ends."
Camp Before The City
Byriel
I heldmy tongue as I listened to the Omega declare that she wanted my father dead. She talked so effortlessly about it as if it would be easy to find the last marked wolf and even easier to condemn our King to death. My wolf snarled and yearned to attack. To defend my father, my King, from their threat.
I moved uncomfortably on the forest floor and tried to force my attention to the weak fire. I nudged a few sticks and twigs, my mind racing as the Alpha and siren spoke in hushed tones. I should have been listening to what they were saying, but all my attention was on the Omega. She shuffled off into the woods, a little ways away from us, crouching down near a thicket.
She wiped at her face, tears still dripping down her nose and chin, and busied herself picking berries. She held them gently in the tail of her shirt, not turning to look at her friends as they spoke.
The Omega was so small, typical for a wolf of her status, but I couldn't help but think she might be a real threat. She held a determination the other two just didn't possess. She acted as if she had no fear, and she also seemed to have no issue defying her Alpha.
I had found peace in agreeing to help them find Hida. He was savage and violent, enjoying the fear and pain he inflicted on those we hunted. His death would surely calm the lands and appease the Moon. But killing my father was an entirely different matter.He was our sovereign, blessed by the Moon and stars, and meant to lead his people until his natural death.
As a member of the guard, I had pledged my whole life and being to protect my King. And as his son, I just couldn't imagine life without him, even if he was sometimes cruel.
"You look deep in thought," Tzidal said. She looked at me from over her shoulder, her big, brown eyes a little more tortured than usual. She stood up but stayed near the bushes, holding out a handful of berries.
I glanced at her Alpha, making sure Joon was still distracted before walking over to her. "Thank you," I whispered, taking the fruit but finding it hard to meet her eye. I didn't want her to see my struggle with her new plan.
"What is it you're trying so hard not to say?" she asked.
"I will need my dagger back before we enter the city. It's a part of my uniform." I rolled a berry between my fingers before popping it in my mouth. The burst of tart juice on my tongue was muted over the bitter taste I held just thinking about what I might have to do if she actually found that last wolf.
"No," she said, her voice firm but somehow still sweet. "I'm not giving it back to you."
I nodded and sighed, "I figured as much."
"Are you still committed to this?" she asked. "Have you changed your mind now that you feel better?"
I moved my gaze over her face, taking in her soft features and kind eyes. They were too kind, not capable of the revenge she craved.
"Hida doesn't deserve to live," I said, not feeling bad in the least for condemning an evil wolf to death. “He’ll be in Vaesen. He left to return a few days before me, so I’m confident of that. You’ll get your revenge. I promise.”
I watched her carefully as she picked a few more berries, setting them carefully with the others.
“I’m sorry for what he tried to do to you and for how he acted toward your mate. It shouldn't have happened like that."
"But you aren't sorry you killed him. Are you?" Her voice carried an unsettling peacefulness that made my skin prickle. Her gentle composure set off a rush of panic within me that I just didn't understand. I rolled another berry between my fingers, not sure how honest I should be.
"I love my father," I finally said. "And I love my King. I serve him without question. As a member of his kingdom, do you not?"
"I could never love a King that would so easily sacrifice his pack based on a few words from a witch."
