ZORA'S POV
I walked through the pack, thoughts swirling in my mind like leaves in the wind. The name “Fierce” echoed like a disturbing mantra, an unwanted presence in my plans to assume the position of Hunter's Luna. Every step was laden with uncertainty, and I knew the only way to dispel my doubts was to confront the truth head-on.
I found Ignis talking to Garm, a warm smile lighting up her face when she saw me. However, my focus was on a more urgent matter, something weighing on my heart like an imminent shadow.
“Greetings, Zora!” Ignis greeted enthusiastically. “Garm was sharing the good news about our expansion. We've opened another one in Idaho.”
Garm nodded, caught up in the excitement. “We're thriving at the speed of light, Zora! It's thrilling!”
My serious expression contrasted with the celebratory atmosphere around me. “Ignis, I need to talk to you alone.”
Ignis sensed the seriousness in my voice and nodded to Garm. “I'll join you later, Garm. Please, go and share the good news with Alpha King Garnet.”
Garm left, leaving us alone. Ignis, with an intrigued expression, gave me a questioning look. “What happened, Zora? You seem worried.”
We walked to a more secluded spot where our conversation wouldn't be interrupted. I looked into Ignis's eyes, my tone filled with urgency. “Caleb told me that Hunter is in love with a she-wolf named Fierce.”
Ignis scrutinized me momentarily, her penetrating gaze searching for any signs of my true intentions. “And why would you care about that, Zora?”
I took a deep breath, trying to explain the complexity of my feelings. “If Hunter is truly in love with Fierce, it means he might not choose me as his Luna.”
Ignis furrowed her brow, reflecting on my words. “Are you afraid that Hunter will choose another Luna over you?”
I nodded, admitting my vulnerability in the situation. “Yes, Ignis, and I feel she's an obstacle to what I desire—to be Hunter's Luna,” I confessed, sharing my apprehensions with Ignis.
Ignis pondered for a moment before speaking. “That may be true, Zora, but the Moon Goddess has already revealed that you are destined for Caleb.”
My eyebrows furrowed in frustration. “Hunter is the designated Alpha King. Being his Luna would put me at the apex of the pack, that's what I desire. Plus, I hope you and my father are dealing with the 'Caleb' matter as a priority.”
Ignis sighed, choosing her words carefully. “Garnet, your father, has taken measures to handle the issue. Banished wolves from Alastair have been hired. Tomorrow, Caleb will no longer impede your desires.”
A shiver ran down my spine considering the implications of these actions. “Is this how you deal with the problem? Hiring banished wolves who were once part of the same pack?”
Ignis nodded, maintaining a practical tone. “Sometimes, it's the only viable solution. Banished wolves have no loyalty to any pack and do whatever is necessary in exchange for rewards. Garnet is acting to ensure your plans move forward. I hope that makes you happy.”
I took a deep breath, trying to process the situation. “It would have made me happy before knowing about Fierce. Now, I feel like I'm in a maze, not knowing which way to turn.”
Ignis placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Perhaps Hunter's passion for Fierce is fleeting. Emotions can change. Don't worry too much.”
“We can't let a simple passion disrupt my plans.” My distress was evident in my gaze. “I need to know if Fierce is really a threat or just a harmless she-wolf. Ignis, you need to consult the Moon Goddess. However, I don't want something broad; I want to know exactly if Fierce will be Hunter's Luna.”
Ignis sighed, understanding the gravity of the situation. “What you're asking for, Zora, is a risky practice. Moreover, the Goddess may punish me if you use this to harm Fierce.”
“I won't harm her, I promise.” I stared at her, determined. “But if there's a chance to understand what Hunter feels for Fierce, I need to take the risk. Ignis, please help me. I need to be sure of this before the ceremony.”
Ignis sighed again but nodded. “Let's try, but understand the risks, Zora. What we seek might be something you don't want to know.”
We reached the riverbank, and Ignis prepared to enter the water. She undressed, leaving her garments on the shore.
Ignis waded into the river, waves swirling around her as she prepared for the spiritual communion. Wet strands of hair clung to her skin, and her gaze became focused, tuned into realms beyond human comprehension.
Waiting on the shore, I wondered about the outcomes of this quest for truth. Hunter, Fierce, and my destiny were intertwined in ways that eluded my understanding.
Ignis, submerged up to her waist, began reciting words in an ancient language. Her body trembled slightly, a reaction to the mystical energy flowing through her. The atmosphere around me gained an ethereal aura, and I felt a presence beyond human sight observing every movement.
“Oh, Moon Goddess, reveal to us the truths buried in shadows. Unveil the ties between Hunter, Fierce, and Zora's destiny,” whispered Ignis, her words echoing like a prayer.
She gave me a confident look before diving into the river's depths. As she connected with the Goddess, my anxiety grew, and I hoped for the answers to be revealed.
The gentle murmur of the river seemed to echo my restlessness. I impatiently waited on the shore, wondering what Ignis would discover by attuning with the Moon Goddess.
After a period that felt like an eternity, Ignis emerged from the river, her eyes reflecting a mix of seriousness and surprise. She walked towards me, and I could feel the divine energy surrounding her.
“Fierce is Hunter's destined Luna, isn't she?” I inquired, seeking confirmation.
Ignis, for a brief moment, hesitated, but then nodded. “Yes, Zora, it's true. Hunter and Fierce share a deep and ancient bond.”
The news wasn't surprising, considering how Caleb shared the information. However, Ignis's direct confirmation brought a wave of discouragement and challenges to my plans.
“What does this mean for me?” I asked, my voice laden with uncertainty.
Ignis sighed before responding. “It means that Hunter already has a destined Luna, and that Luna is Fierce. The Moon Goddess has already woven your destinies before you were born.”
Reality hit me like a cold gust of wind. I knew the Moon Goddess had an intricate plan, but accepting this as an unchangeable truth was painful. Ignis noticed the anguish in my gaze and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.
“Zora, I understand this wasn't the outcome you expected. But the Goddess has her plans, and they aren't always immediately understood by us.”
I stared at Ignis, a mix of frustration and resignation in my eyes. “And now? What should I do?”
Ignis pondered for a moment before answering. “I believe it's time to accept what the Goddess has laid out for you. Your path may not be what you expected, but there may be purpose and happiness in following the chosen destiny.”
“I can't just accept it, Ignis. If the Moon Goddess has decided that Fierce is Hunter's Luna, then I'll find a way to reverse it,” I declared, my determination resonating in my voice.
Ignis looked at me with a mix of concern and skepticism. “Zora, you know you can't interfere directly. The Goddess's will is unquestionable, and manipulating Hunter's feelings can have serious consequences.”
I smiled, but there was no joy in the expression. “Ignis, I'll honor my promise not to harm Fierce, but I won't let her become Hunter's Luna. I need your help to contact the banished wolves from Alastair. They might have information or ways to reverse this situation.”
Ignis furrowed her brow, revealing her reluctance. “Zora, this is dangerous. Dealing with the banished could attract unwanted attention to us.”
I reassured her with a firm look. “I know the risks, Ignis, but I have no choice. I'm willing to face the consequences to reach my destiny.”