HUNTER'S POV
“How did you know... about Luna's choice?” I dared to ask, suspicious of the extent of Ignis's knowledge.
Ignis smiled enigmatically, revealing an understanding that went beyond the surface. “Hunter, I am a Peeira. I have a direct connection with the Goddess of the Moon. There are no secrets that can hide from me, especially when it comes to matters so crucial to the pack's destiny.”
I sighed, understanding that resisting Ignis's ability would be futile. “I see. So, did you tell Garnet? Surely, he would have the right to know, but...”
Ignis held her piercing gaze as she replied, “Hunter, I did not come here to cause trouble. I'm here to guide you and ensure that you fulfill your destiny. You chose Zora, and I respect that.”
I felt relieved to hear that she didn't intend to reveal my dilemma to Garnet. However, Ignis continued before I could express my gratitude.
“No need to thank me, Hunter. I am doing this for Zora and also because I've been in your place,” said Ignis, her eyes expressing a mix of compassion and nostalgia.
I was intrigued. “What do you mean by 'I've been in your place'?”
She smiled, but the sadness in her eyes didn't go unnoticed.
“Yes, Hunter. Many years ago, I also rejected my destined wolf. I vividly remember the day I heard its howl, a call that echoed in my heart, marking my awakening as a Peeira. I went to his pack, and introduced myself, but my wolf had already chosen a she-wolf he loved.”
I was intrigued by Ignis's story and the connection she shared with me. “What happened next, Ignis? How did you deal with it?”
Ignis sighed, recalling an old pain. “As expected, my wolf asked me to reject him, as he couldn't do it on his own, being me a Peeira. I complied with his request and rejected him, but defying the Goddess's will has its consequences.”
“What were the consequences, Ignis?” I asked, curious to understand the price she paid.
“When I rejected my destined wolf, he lost the woman he loved, and I, as punishment, was forced to stay in the pack, taking care of his daughter who became his only heir, and facing the loneliness my choice imposed,” Ignis continued, her eyes reflecting the sorrow of the past. “However, rejecting the wolf I loved is the greatest pain I carry every day.”
My chest tightened imagining the burden Ignis carried. She seemed so confident and assertive that she had her own internal battle, an eternal scar reminding her of her choices.
“I now understand why you're so willing to help me, Ignis. Zora is your way of correcting the past, isn't she?”
Ignis nodded, her gaze lost for a moment before focusing on me again. “Yes, Hunter. Zora is like a daughter to me, and I would do anything to ensure she doesn't tread the same painful path I did.”
I understood Ignis's motivation. She sought redemption through Zora, wanting to protect her from the consequences she had faced herself. Silence reigned for a moment before Ignis broke it.
“Like me, you've made a choice, Hunter. The path you've chosen also determines the destiny of Zora and the pack. The Goddess of the Moon has given us free will, but with it comes responsibility.”
“I understand that every choice has its price,” I murmured, pensive. “What the Goddess demands often exceeds what we can imagine.”
Ignis agreed, her words laden with wisdom. “Yes, Hunter. Each of us faces our own battles, and the Goddess tests us in mysterious ways. Now, as the future Alpha King, you'll face challenges that will shape your pack's destiny.”
I reflected on Ignis's words, realizing the truth in them. “Thank you for sharing your story with me, Ignis. Your words were not in vain, and I'll carry them with me as I face the challenges ahead.”
Ignis smiled, a gentle smile reflecting the complexity of her experiences.
“You're young, and the road ahead is long. Stay strong, Hunter. Be prepared for what the Goddess has in store.” With these words, Ignis withdrew, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
***
At the end of the meal, while the omegas tidied up the mansion, Zora and I were alone again in our room. I was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching Zora apply soothing cream to her skin, when she mentioned how intense the night had been.
“It was an intense night,” she remarked, seeking my gaze. “My father was better today, I think Ignis's herbs are working.”
“Yes, intense,” I agreed, trying to convey the whirlwind of thoughts consuming me.
Zora continued, but her expression reflected a certain concern. “I'm sorry for how Ignis acted towards you. She shouldn't have been so invasive.”
I shook my head, trying to downplay the significance of the situation. “Don't worry, Zora. In the end, she seemed more willing to accept things.”
Zora paused her cream application for a moment and looked at me, curious. “What did you talk about?”
I hesitated for a moment before replying. “She mentioned my obligations as the Alpha King, the need to ensure the pack's prosperity, and fulfill my destiny. Nothing you didn't already know.”
Zora smiled, but there was a hint of worry in her eyes. “Obligation,” she murmured. “That's how she calls it.”
I nodded, agreeing. “Yes, obligation.”
Zora slid to the side of the bed where I was sitting, her hand gently touching mine. “Don't worry, Hunter. I won't let anything or anyone interfere with our relationship.”
I looked at her, grateful for her understanding and support. She smiled and, taking my hand, stood up to approach me. Zora then captured my lips in a passionate kiss, but then, on impulse, I pulled away.
“What's wrong?” she asked, her eyes searching mine.
I hesitated, feeling the weight of the secret I carried. “There's something you need to know, Zora. Something I wanted to tell you before, but...”
Zora interrupted me, her expression indicating she already knew what I was about to say. “You're talking about Fierce, aren't you?”
I was surprised by her perception. “Yes, Zora. I feel like you deserve to know the truth...”
She sat next to me, her expression serious. “I know everything, Hunter.”
Surprised, I asked, “You know? How?”
Zora sighed and explained that Fierce told her as soon as she arrived. She knew about our love. A feeling of relief and surprise mixed within me. “But don't feel guilty, Hunter. You're not the only one here living this situation of loving someone else.”
“You too?” I asked, curious.
She nodded sadly. “Yes, some time ago, I met a young wolf who didn't belong to our pack. I knew he was my destined wolf, but my father, Alpha King Garnet, didn't take it well. I'm his only heir, and Hunter's luck is that he at least knows that Fierce is alive and in the pack. My destined wolf didn't have the same luck.”
I felt a pang in my chest hearing Zora's story. I asked with sorrow, “What happened to him?”
Zora looked at me sadly. “Do you think my father reacted well when he learned about us two?”
“I'm sorry, Zora,” I murmured.
She sighed. “The only thing that comforted me was Ignis. She said the Goddess of the Moon would send someone to share my life, someone who would choose me as their Luna.”
I knew what she meant. “And I chose you, but...”
Before I could continue and with, Zora interrupted me.
“I chose you too,” she said, looking into my eyes. “Even if we don't love each other the same way, we can build something together. A friendship, a partnership, a relationship.”
I thanked her, feeling a mix of gratitude and understanding. “You're a good person, Zora.”
She smiled, but there was sadness in her eyes. “I try to be, Hunter. But I want you to know that you'll always come first in my life, regardless of whom you love, I'll stand by your side and support you.”
I felt a mixture of relief and gratitude seeing the understanding in Zora's eyes. She took my hand, conveying a sense of comfort.
“Let's face everything together, Hunter. Nothing will separate us,” she said with determination.
I agreed, knowing that despite the challenges we would face, we had each other to lean on and overcome any obstacle. Together, we lay down to rest, preparing for the days to come, knowing that our union would be tested but also strengthened by the destiny we shared.