ZORA'S POV
Ignis, however, insisted that this was a choice to be considered. “You need to weigh what is more important, Zora. Happiness with Caleb or the position of Luna under Hunter's command. Sometimes, we need to make concessions for what we want.”
However, my resistance persisted. “I will talk to my father and hear what he has to say.”
Ignis replied frankly, “Zora, if you take the matter to Garnet, Caleb may face drastic consequences. Garnet is even capable of killing him. We can use rue to soften the consequences.”
My anger began to manifest when Ignis suggested using Rue to influence my father Garnet's decision. “Ignis, I don't want you to use rue to manipulate my father's judgment.”
Ignis, visibly concerned, questioned my decision. “Zora, are you willing to risk Caleb's life like this? Garnet will order him to be killed.”
I stared at Ignis with determination. “If it is my father's will, then so be it.”
Reluctantly, Ignis agreed. “It's your decision, Zora.”
***
We left the throne room, and my heart still weighed heavily with the decision that loomed ahead. Caleb was outside, eager for news. He looked at us with anticipation and asked about the outcome of the conversation.
“Zora, is everything okay? What was decided?” Caleb inquired, seeking answers.
I looked at Ignis, pondering how we should approach the delicate situation. “Ignis suggested that I take the matter to Garnet. After all, he is the alpha king, and nothing can be decided without his word.”
Caleb tried to touch my hand, seeking comfort, but I pulled away. “Until then, we should stay apart,” I said, trying to maintain a certain emotional distance.
Ignis intervened, addressing Caleb. “I'll ask Garm to reserve a den for you among the omegas. It's the best for now.”
Caleb, optimistic, said, “I'll wait for the good news.”
However, my response was cold. “Don't get your hopes up too much.”
Caleb smiled and walked away, accepting the situation with a serenity that I couldn't share. Ignis, by my side, watched the unfolding scene and, realizing my determination, questioned the certainty of my actions.
“Zora, are you sure about what you're doing?” Ignis asked, seeking to understand my decision.
I looked at Ignis firmly. “You need to start looking for wolves willing to hunt others for a reward. Garnet prefers that method to eliminate unwanted wolves.”
Aware of the reality of the pack, Ignis sighed and agreed. “If that's what you want, I'll take care of it. But remember the consequences.”
I was ready to face my fate, even if it meant challenging my father and giving up on a love that the Goddess seemed to have destined for me.
***
Lying in my den, surrounded by the darkness of the night, my mind was immersed in the uncertainties that Caleb's presence had brought to the pack. Ignis undoubtedly had already discussed the situation with Garnet, and he knew my father well enough to anticipate a fierce reaction against the idea of an exiled wolf taking over the pack. The weight of responsibility and the imminent threat to Caleb's life weighed on my thoughts.
I knew Garnet, and I knew that he would not accept an exiled wolf taking control, even though the wolf in question was my predestined one. Ignis, with his loyalty to the alpha king, would likely suggest hiring mercenaries to hunt and eliminate Caleb, ensuring that he never became a threat to the pack. Meanwhile, I would be free to present myself as a contender for the Luna of the Goddess-chosen heir, Hunter.
The anguish in my chest prevented me from resting. I got up from the bed wearing only a nightgown and, sneakily, made my way through the pack. Each step reflected the internal turmoil I faced, questioning the decisions that had led me to this point. I reached the den where Caleb rested, asleep wearing only pants.
I touched him gently, waking him up to the reality that lay ahead of us. His eyes opened, meeting mine, and the inevitable question arose: “What are you doing here, Zora?”
“You need to leave,” I murmured, the anguish choking my words.
Caleb looked at me with determination, refusing to yield. “I won't go anywhere without you,” he asserted.
“You need to leave soon,” I insisted, the urgency evident in my voice. “My father will kill you.”
Caleb seemed to ponder my words for a moment before responding, “And will you let him?”
I looked at him sadly, acknowledging the inevitability of the situation. “I can't protect you, Caleb. Garnet will probably suggest a hunt with mercenaries, and I don't want you to pay with your life for our connection.”
I explained to him that it was a matter of survival; my father, Garnet, would kill him if he found him here. Caleb, however, resisted the idea of us parting, as if the mere thought of being away from me was unbearable.
“I understand it's difficult,” I murmured, seeking to find a solution. “But if you stay, not only will you be in danger, but I will be too. Garnet won't hesitate to eliminate us.”
Caleb looked at me with a mix of determination and reluctance. The decision loomed over us like an imminent shadow, and I knew time was running out.
He held my hand firmly, revealing the depth of his determination. “I'll only leave if you spend the night with me,” he proposed a condition that triggered a whirlwind of emotions within me.
Without thinking too much, I gave in to the desire that united us. I approached Caleb, our lips meeting in a passionate kiss. In that fleeting moment, I forgot about the threats looming over us, surrendering to the intensity of the moment. The warmth of the touch, the tenderness of that moment, were a temporary refuge from the storm that approached. For that night, we were just Zora and Caleb, connected by the invisible thread that destiny had woven.
***
Lying in Caleb's arms, my mind still echoed with the echoes of our night of love. His gentle touch on my red hair conveyed a sense of security, while my hands explored Caleb's muscular chest. His lips found my forehead in a tender gesture, and his words echoed in the silence of the den.
“I feel like the luckiest creature in the world to have you, Zora,” Caleb whispered, his voice resonating in the calm of the den.
The tenderness of his words warmed my heart, and I admitted with a smile, “I feel the same way, Caleb.”
However, reality weighed on us like a shadow, and I knew we couldn't allow ourselves to be completely absorbed in momentary happiness. Caleb, aware of the limitations of our situation, expressed his discontent with alpha Garnet's resistance to the Goddess's will.
“I don't understand why Garnet would go against the destiny that the Goddess traced for us,” Caleb murmured, his eyes expressing confusion.
Knowing that the truth could further complicate things, I opted for a compassionate lie. “My father already has plans for me, Caleb. He, along with Alastair, has determined Hunter's ceremony as the heir and the choice of Hunter's Luna. I have to participate.”
Caleb, however, didn't accept so easily. “The Goddess would never allow you to be elected Luna of Hunter when you already have your predestined wolf, which is me.”
Holding Caleb's hand, I looked deeply into his eyes and explained what I considered inevitable. “That's why my father will kill you, so that I am free to run.”
Surprise appeared on Caleb's face, but he remained steadfast in his convictions. “This will be in vain, Zora. Hunter already has someone he loves, and he would reject any woman for her.”
Intrigued, I asked who this special she-wolf was who had won Hunter's heart. A playful smile lit up Caleb's face as he revealed the name: “Fierce.”