Chapter 77 Wolf Howls

Chapter 77 Wolf Howls
Luna’s POV

“What? Leave?”  Calla steps up to me, confusion evident on her features. “What do you mean? What’s that?”

“It’s a letter from Ymir,” I explain, but do not show her what it says. It’s not her burden to bear. “We have to leave.”

“Not even staying until the Luna Trials begin?” Gale asks, but does so lightly, scuffing her toes on the floor. “That’s odd.”

“It’s important.” I counter, breaking off into a growl. “If you don’t wish to go…“

“I’ll go,” Calla and Gale reply in unison, before glancing at each other, then back at me.

“If it has to do with the Stronghold, then it’s my duty to follow you,” Gale says.
The subject is broached, and I glance at her, meeting her emerald eyes.

“Calla, you go. I have to speak with Gale.”

Calla purses her lips then acquiesces, “Fine.”

When she departs, she gives Gale a warning glance.
Silence follows after the door is shut with a low thud.

I survey Gale, folding my arms across my chest.
At first she stares me down, silently waiting for me to speak.
I know her game; it is a useless effort this time.
Then she begins to fidget.

“What is it? You don’t have anything to say?” She breaks.

Her voice is tense.
Not new, not unexpected.

“No. I want you to tell me why you agree to everything I say now.”  I said, smiling slowly, regarding her every move. Every expression she makes is a reflection of her inner state of mind.

“I don’t know what you mean,” she replies stiffly. “You’re upset because I agree with you?”

“Im not upset, merely wondering about your motivations. You’ve fought with fate so long I don't trust you’re ready to listen to it.” I shrug.

My words make her face flush instantly, then she raises a hand to her face, muttering, “I have wished for freedom all my life. It doesn’t mean I will get it.”

“Is that a way of saying I have your trust?” I quirk a brow up.

Gale pauses, then says, “Yes.”

“Good. because I need your help,” I continue.

We speak for what feels like an hour. When Gale departs, I heave a heavy sigh and head to the bathroom. It is nearly afternoon now, and the full moon party is in full swing. My ears pick up the strains of music through the window.
The maids draw a bath for me, warm and healing. The herbs in the bath soothe what is left of the soreness in my body.

I lean back, looking up at the ceiling.
Ymir’s letter was longer than the previous one. It was a report, one that still sends chills down my spine when I recall what it says.
A report of many happenings, good and bad. The Council has sent out an order throughout all regions, a warning as eerie as it is assuring. We must stand together. More news, much that does not assure me of the future. The Luna Trial is in five days. Then the next set of news is the worst: The Hounds regard me as a weapon. They have a strategy to ensure my powers are used only for them.

I shiver, pressing my palms against the edge of the tub. Watching droplets roll down my fingers, down the back of my hand.
‘You must take your place in the Council. Many regard you as a scourge, and more see you as a necessary evil. You must take charge of our people, to ensure your parents’ efforts are not for naught. You cannot stay out of this, Master. Our lives depend on you.’
That is the last thing the letter states.

I exhale.

Staying in this pack is not feasible, not now and perhaps not ever.

Would Kael forgive me?

I shut my eyes, exhaling deeply.
Steam rises, the fog blurs my vision.

An hour later, I leave the bedroom, backpack hoisted. The hallway is empty, even though it is daytime.

Gale and Calla wait at the end of the hallway, both dressed in outdoor gear.
“Let’s go,” I order. But Calla stops me.
“Will you not say goodbye, Moon?” She asks, eyes wide with concern.

“No,” I shake my head,” Inhaling sharply. I cannot. It implies I will return.

“Are you certain?”
A voice breaks through and I freeze.

Turning around I see Rowan standing at the opposite side, facing me. He is alone, his brows knitted together. I bite my bottom lip, longing to reach out and smooth it out.

“Should we leave you two alone?” Gale asks me in a low whisper.

“No,” I say, louder than intended. “We do not need to say anything more.”

I wonder if he will try to stop me, but instead he smiles, a sad, bitter one. His eyes speak of more than can be said. It is the first time I have ever seen him look so… pitiful.
It hurts to see him this way.

“I believe you have somewhere to be, Luna. Or… shall I call you Moonborn?”

“I…” I find I cannot respond without feeling the guilt coursing through me.

“Go,” He nods. “I’ll see you again. Soon,” He says. “Don't forget that.”

It is a promise shared.
I turn around.
This is the first time the mate bond seems to tug at me with ravenous desire, but I push against it.

Rowan’s gaze burns my back, and does not stop until we disappear from view.

On the opposite end of the pack compound, the lunch party goes on. I thank the Goddess silently for that. For I doubt that Kael would be as willing to let me go.

We set off at a hurried pace. I notice Calla raises a spell, with a film-like invisible barrier around each of us.

“This will prevent anyone from tracking us,” she explains ad Gale’s and my glance towards her.

“Even Master Drake?” Gale teases. I frown slightly.

Calla’s face sports a deep pink hue.
“Especially him. We need to be as invisible as possible until we reach the Stronghold.”

“Oh, by the way. How do we reach the Stronghold again?” Gale demands.

“With this,” I unveil the Compass. In my palm, it sings.

‘Let’s go Home,’ The Wolf howls.
…