ZORA'S POV
Ignis's den was a peaceful refuge, away from the festivities that stirred the pack in celebration of the expectation of a new heir for Garnet.
Months had passed since I refused to follow the imposed destiny as the priestess of the Moon Goddess, and my father, the Alpha King, chose to ignore my presence in the pack.
While everyone celebrated the arrival of the heir, I was immersed in studying the properties of plants and herbs, seeking a deeper understanding of their powers. Ignis, my mentor and confidante, was my only connection to the pack's world. Today, I worked meticulously with herbs and plants, preparing something that could be useful in the future.
The soft light of candles illuminated the den when I sensed Ignis's presence. Quickly, I hid what I was preparing, took a deep breath to clear my mind, and then swallowed some Artemisia.
Ignis entered the den, her scrutinizing gaze landing on me. “What are you doing, Zora?” she asked.
A disguised smile formed on my lips as I replied, “Just separating some Hops. Surely, the wolves will want to celebrate when the heir is born, and we need plenty of Hops for brewing.”
Ignis approached, examining what I had in my hands. She nodded in agreement and said, “You're right; moments of celebration will come.”
I approached her with the plant, shifting the focus of the conversation. “And how is Gwenyth?”
Ignis eyed me suspiciously. “Why do you want to know about Gwenyth?”
I stepped back a bit, holding the Hops in my hands. “Curious about Gwenyth, that's all. After all, as soon as the heir is born, Garnet will find a way to get rid of me for good.”
Ignis stared at me, evaluating my words. “Zora, you don't need to worry about Garnet. He won't do anything against you.”
I arched an eyebrow, incredulous. “How can you be so sure of that?”
Ignis approached and said in a confidential tone, “I did something, not something bad, but something to protect you. I prepared a Rue potion for Garnet, and I am controlling his thoughts. He can't do anything against you.”
My eyes widened at the revelation. Controlling the thoughts of an Alpha was something I had never imagined possible.
My eyes widened in surprise. “Is that really possible? To control an alpha?”
Ignis nodded but warned, “Yes, it is possible, but you shouldn't get involved with it. Altering the course of the pack in this way brings unpredictable consequences.”
I was intrigued and, at the same time, cautious. “Did you do this for me?”
Ignis smiled and said, “Yes, Zora. You are like a daughter to me, and I don't want you to suffer at the hands of Garnet.”
Gratitude warmed my heart, but at the same time, a sense of curiosity settled in. “Ignis, how long have you been doing this? How many wolves are under your influence?”
Ignis stared at me with her penetrating eyes, and for a moment, I thought she would hesitate. However, her response was firm and direct. “It's not something you need to know, Zora.”
Those words resonated in the silence of the den, leaving me with more questions than answers. Ignis then busied herself storing the harvested plants, her graceful movements revealing a skill honed over the years.
As she handled the herbs, Ignis dropped a small red pepper. Its conical shape and pointed tip caught my attention. I picked up the pepper, examining it with curiosity. “What kind of pepper is this?” I asked Ignis.
She turned to me, staring at the pepper in my hands. “Cayenne pepper. It's often used to mask the smell of herbs that have unpleasant odors.”
My eyes fixed on the pepper as I pondered its properties. “Can it really mask all smells?” I inquired.
Ignis gently took the pepper from my hands. “Yes, but today is not the day to learn about it.”
I nodded, understanding that certain secrets were reserved for specific occasions.
“You're right,” I admitted, changing the subject of the conversation. “Did the Goddess say anything recently?”
Ignis frowned, not immediately understanding what I was talking about. “About what?”
I stared at Ignis, eager for any glimpse of my destiny. “About my destiny. Did she say anything?”
Ignis pondered for a moment before answering. “No, Zora. The Goddess didn't speak about your destiny. However, she revealed that the next Alpha King is in Gwenyth's belly.”
The impact of the revelation reverberated through my being. Gwenyth, the new Luna chosen by my father, carried in her womb the next leader of the pack. The news shook my hopes that fate could change in my favor.
The future of the pack, once linked to me as the Alpha's daughter, was now being gestated by another. What did this mean for my destiny, for the curse I supposedly carried?
I looked at Ignis, seeking a solution to the intricate situation I found myself in.
“Ignis, could you convince Garnet to let me visit Gwenyth?” I asked, eager for any opening that would allow me to get closer to the future heir.
Ignis raised an eyebrow, her suspicious gaze probing my intentions. It was as if she knew that behind this simple request, there was ill intent on my part.
“Why do you want to visit Gwenyth?” she questioned, suspicious.
Keep calm, I thought to myself. “Ignis, as strange as it may sound, Gwenyth's baby will be my brother. Blood of my blood. Even if you don't believe it, I want what's best for him and would like to get closer and be part of it. You can read my thoughts if you want.”
Ignis approached, her penetrating eyes delving into mine as she began to read my thoughts. A sense of vulnerability invaded me, but I kept my mind open, allowing Ignis to see the true intentions behind my request.
After a few moments, Ignis smiled, as if she had found the answer she was looking for. “Alright, Zora. I'll use the Rue potion. I'll convince Garnet to make this exception for you.”
Relief spread across my face. Ignis, with her unique ability, would be the intermediary that allowed me to enter Gwenyth's territory. For a brief moment, I allowed myself to believe that I could somehow influence the course of events, even when destiny seemed predetermined.
On the appointed day, I accompanied Ignis to Garnet's presence, whose gaze revealed a mix of curiosity and suspicion. Ignis, with her persuasive ability, led the conversation, mentioning the importance of maintaining family ties, especially considering the new member who would soon join the pack.
Garnet, under the subtle influence of the potion, reluctantly agreed to allow my visit to Gwenyth.
I entered the den that had once been my home, now inhabited by Gwenyth, the new Luna. The soft light of the torches revealed her lying on my old bed, caressing the massive belly that housed the future alpha of the pack. Ignis and I approached, and Gwenyth, with a surprised expression, struggled to rise when she spotted us.
“What are you doing here?” Gwenyth asked, suspicious, her green eyes fixed on me.
Ignis, who was always by my side, replied for me. “The Alpha King allowed Zora to come and visit you.”
“I came with the best intentions, Gwenyth. Now, we are all a family,” I responded, trying to ease the tensions between us. Gwenyth seemed to consider my words, and a sign of consent manifested on her face.
We sat around the den, forming an improvised circle, and the atmosphere seemed charged with a mixture of expectation and uncertainty. Ignis, always attentive, addressed Gwenyth. “How are you feeling?”
Gwenyth, caressing her belly, sighed with a smile. “I can't wait to meet little Ragnar.”
The name echoed in the den, a choice made by Garnet, the Alpha King. My thoughts wandered to the implications of that decision, but I maintained a polite smile.
“Ragnar is a strong name,” I commented, trying to contribute to the conversation.
Gwenyth nodded, a glow of happiness in her eyes. “It was Garnet who chose it.”
My smile faded a bit, aware that Garnet was somehow building a future to which I no longer belonged.
“Can I touch your belly?” I asked Gwenyth, feeling that it was appropriate to show my interest and participation in that new life forming.
Gwenyth nodded gently. “Yes, you can.”
I approached and placed my hand softly on her belly, feeling the pulsating life within. It was a delicate moment, and I allowed myself to absorb the energy and expectation surrounding that little being carrying the weight of the pack's destiny. It was hard to believe that there, under my hands, was the future alpha.
Gwenyth looked at me, perhaps realizing the mix of emotions enveloping me. I decided to make an effort to express words as if they were sincere. “I hope Ragnar brings joy and prosperity to the pack. He is a blessing to all of us.”
Ignis, watching closely, intervened, “Ragnar's destiny is special, as the Goddess revealed. May he bring light to the paths the pack will tread.”