At the Lycan pack, John felt uneasy as he approached King Golden, known for not taking no for an answer. Golden's reputation wasn't bad, he was known as a helper who didn't limit his helping capabilities. He was a Lycan King, a father, and king of all shifters, but he wasn't one to take no lightly. John's demeanour changed to that of a puppy who'd committed a serious offense as he stood before Golden.
"My King, I know you need me too much for the coming banquet, but will you please grant me some leave?" John asked, his head bowed. "I need to find Digna; she was my aunt's pride, my cousin, a lovely one. Please allow me to try if there's any hope."
The room fell silent. After a few minutes, Golden responded, "What do you take me for, John? I've seen the letter from your cousin. I understand what you feel; why would I stop you from trying? My only wish was to let the banquet pass, and then we'd go and find her together. We were friends since we were young; I know how close you were. Since you can't wait for a few days, let me grant your wish. I'll follow you as soon as the banquet ends."
John breathed a sigh of relief as he looked at Golden in disbelief. "Although we're friends, I thought this request was inconvenient, given the busy week ahead to complete preparations. Digna was, or rather, an family pride. Grandma used to call her Pride when she was alive. If Aunt, Uncle-in-law, and Digna didn't die back then, Grandma might still be alive. Let me go and find answers. Let Victor know I'm coming, but don't tell him the reason. I'm going to bring her home."
John bowed his head, struck his long coat, and went out, already carrying his bag. He had left it in the car as a plan to convince the King, making things easier. As he sat in the car, his mind switched back to the past.
"Grandma was still young to have a heart disease, which was caused by that heartbreak. She was so stressed after finding out that her daughter and husband had stepped into death after being injected with silver, which was tormenting to werewolves and could kill them in any way. Although Digna's body was never found, everyone thought she was dead because all leads showed she perished. But yesterday, after reading that letter with Golden, I have hope. Although the handwriting is matured, unlike those letters from 11 years ago, the flower was there, exactly as before, Digna's symbol. If this is a trap, let it be."
John's thoughts were consumed by determination. "I have to find my cousin, even if my parents find out that I've left to find Digna. They won't be angry; she's their favourite girl, my father's favourite niece." As he pulled the handbrake, he noticed his tears dropping and wiped them away quickly. He was a Beta and the best of a King; how could he cry like that? He pulled the car out of the parking lot and started his journey. His mind settled back to the letter from yesterday:
"DEAR LOVELY COUSIN, I KNOW YOU'RE DOING WELL. I THINK IT'S TIME TO MEET AFTER ELEVEN YEARS. FORGIVE ME IF I HURT YOU BY DISAPPEARING, BUT IT WAS FOR THE GOOD. I'M SAFE AND SOUND AT MILLER'S PACK. DON'T TRY TO FIND ME, BUT SOON, I'LL FIND YOU AND ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS. YOUR COUSIN"
The letter didn't state the writer's name, but it was clear who wrote it. John's mind went back to the reddish-haired girl, always adorable and extraordinary. She was always ahead, leaving teachers behind in many subjects. He remembered how she dragged him to a warrior's practice resort. Her voice was still etched in his mind: "John, let go! I want to show you my little secrets. I want you to know that I'll never be a burden to you in times of need.
He followed her, only to find out she was secretly training with warriors behind their backs. She even made fake people in the forest to practice fighting. That was when he understood how she became so strong; even at eight years old, she was fierce and never needed his help when facing trouble. Boys or girls, Digna would fight.
His mind was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of Digna and the past. He didn't notice his parents' greeting, his focus solely on the road ahead. He automatically returned the honk, his thoughts snapping back to the present. "Will Victor aid me in finding my dear cousin, or was he involved in my aunt's demise?" A surge of anger coursed through him. "If he's implicated, I'll make him pay.
He was their family friend; how could he betray them so callously? After their death, his pack rose to prominence, while Digna's pack fell into ruin, nearly bankrupt. Mike took over as Alpha after Uncle Steve and Aunt Dignity sacrificed themselves to save him. He claimed they were trying to save Digna too, but she was taken to feed bulldogs. I need to uncover the truth. Once I find her, I'll call Mike; he'll be overjoyed."
Meanwhile, at Miller's pack, Pride paced around the bedroom, her footsteps quiet on the plush carpet. She exhaled slowly, her breath misting the windowpane as she gazed out. Turning to Victor, her voice barely above a whisper, she confessed, "Dad, I'm really scared for the full moon shift. I've faced shifted rogues without flinching, and even survived a brutal war without being able to shift, but today. I'm terrified of the unknown."
Victor moved to stand beside her, his presence calming as he asked, "Do you want to make me dizzy? All this pacing is draining your energy. I told you to rest, so when the moon reaches its peak, you'll be stronger, not looking like a tired ghost." Pride's laughter filled the room, a warm, rich sound, as she met Victor's gaze. "Okay, but promise me you'll lend me your Luna for today."
As she spoke, she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, her fingers trembling slightly. "By the way, I've reached out to my mother's family. I sent a letter to John. They loved us once, but their lack of revenge doesn't bring me peace. Trusting people is hard for me now. I asked him not to look for me. I want to meet him after this shifting ordeal, when I'm fully in tune with my wolf. I'm ready and prepared, but the mistrust lingers."
The scent of fresh laundry wafted through the room, mingling with the faint aroma of moonflowers, a calming presence that seemed to soothe Pride's frazzled nerves. Victor's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his voice gentle as he replied. "John is on his way here," he said, his voice low and measured. "King Golden called. We'll find out the reason for his visit when he arrives. For now, leave everything to me. Focus on the matter at hand, your shift."