Chapter 83. The fruitful Journey
Chapter 83. The fruitful Journey
Annabelle's POV
That day unfortunately, it rained heavily till the next morning. There's no way I could return to the forest to get the herbs. We couldn't even return to the Blue moon Pack.
Early the next morning, while the moon still shimmered in the sky, I hurriedly woke the guard, and we went back to the forest to continue searching for the moonleaf herb.
A gentle mist hung in the sky, making it difficult for us to see the road clearly.
We rode very gently, venturing deep into the forest to search for the moonleaf herb.
I’ve often heard people say the leaf is only effective when it is plucked under moonlight. It’s completely useless when done any other way.
Early that morning when we arrived at the forest, I was lucky the moon still lingers in the sky.
I need to move quickly before the moon vanishes completely.
Very near the herb was a big tree that had thorns twisted around it, making it difficult for me to pass through.
The guard stepped in to my rescue. He pulled his sword from the scabbard and cut down all the thorns and even weeded some of the grass surrounding the moonleaf.
Without wasting time, I laid my hand on the leaf and plucked some of the leaves.
In the process, I mistakenly dug one of my legs into a hole with a narrow opening that swallowed the whole of my right leg.
I groaned as some sticks inside the hole pierced my leg.
Seeing me in pain, the guard quickly rushed to the scene and pulled me out.
When I came out, I discovered the flesh around my kneecap had been peeled off, leaving blood spotting out slowly.
Well, I'm very much aware of the circumstances surrounding the moonlight tree. No one pluck of the leaves without going through one challenge or the other that would lead to spilling of blood before the tree.
When I almost got bitten by a poisonous snake the last time and I had fled for my life, I ended up hitting my right foot on a tree that resulted in a sharp cut.
History says the tree is life itself, and anyone who tries to take from it must first spill their blood to receive life in return.
Seeing the blood that covered my legs, the guards quickly pulled his shirt and tore a piece to wipe the blood off.
Even though I was in pain, I was more happy for having succeeded in laying hands on the moonleaf before the moon vanished from the sky that morning.
When we arrived in the city, the streets fell completely silent. It was still early, and many of the pack members hadn’t yet woken from their sleep.
There was no point going back to my father's chambers. I'd duly informed them that I'd be heading straight to Blue moon Pack after collecting the leaves from the forest.
As we rode in the lonely and quiet road, I saw some of my pack members walking briskly towards a certain direction.
First, we passed a couple and their child carrying some luggage on their heads as if they were running away from the pack. I wonder where they were heading to that early in the morning.
Then, we rode further again and saw three other women with some of their belongings, heading in no direction, their step hasty.
This left me wondering if they were eloping or something. What could be happening? I smell danger around the corner but can't really place it rightly.
Notwithstanding, I didn't pay too much attention to the distraction . Alpha’s thoughts kept occupying my mind. And the fact that I got the moonleaf herb, intensified the joy inside me.
Hours later, we arrived at Blue moon Pack and headed to the Pack house.
It was almost 8 am by the time we reached there. As usual, every one of the servants busied themselves with their routine, going up and down, doing one activity or the other.
“Please take good care of your legs, Luna. I know Alpha would be mad at me for failing him.” the guard said to me as I was about to get down from the horse.
“You don't have to worry about anything, okay? Alpha won't be mad at you for any reason” I said, my voice soft.
He gave a deep sigh after we got down from the horse, his expression blank.
“Alpha warned me sternly to keep an eye on you before we left for the journey,” the guard revealed.” And now that you hurt your legs…it's the end for me”
Listening to the guard's sorrow-filled voice left me broken inside. But I assured him that nothing would happen to him. That I'll make sure Alpha doesn't carry any disciplinary measures on him also
He bowed to me and led me inside
A couple of maids and guards greeted me as I made my way to the royal chambers.
Eventually I got there, I had to knock on the door because it was locked from the inside.
A moment later, the door swung open, revealing Alpha's worried–filled face. I'm not so sure if he slept the entire night.
“Good morning,” I greeted as I walked in and shut the door behind us.
Turning slowly to me, Alpha's eyes locked with mine. I could see the disappointment written on his face and I know this must have been as a result of my delayed journey.
Then, I quickly went down on my knees to beg Alpha so he wouldn't change his mind about the herbs. .
The herbs must be used today before sunrise otherwise, it would wither and automatically become useless.
“Please, my lord. I'm sorry I didn't show up yesterday. It was the rain… trust me—”
“Henceforth, I won't let you leave the pack house on any meaningless journey. You don't have an idea how worried I was” His voice was soft, yet firm. He meant those words. I could see it in his eyes.
Attempting to leave, I grabbed him by his waist, clenching the bag that contained the moonleaf herb and my damped clothes from yesterday's rain around him.
“I'll do anything you command me to…but please, allow me to prepare the medicine before sunrise. Please” I pleaded, holding Alpha tightly.
The sharp smell of the moonlight herb penetrated Alpha's nose and he began to sneeze.
One…two…three times, he kept sneezing until he loosened himself from my grip and ran towards his study room that was attached to the royal chamber and then shut the door against himself.