Chapter 78 Chapter 78

Chapter 78 Chapter 78
~MIKAEL~

The full moon hovered over my pack, glinting so sharply that it caused a string of restlessness within me. The whole pack felt this way too; everyone's energy was bubbling, and it was no mystery why they were affected.

The mating hunt would begin as soon as I finished my speech. However, this moment also filled me with dread because of my mate. Though we had everything sorted out, she would stay back at the pack, and I wouldn't waste any more time in the woods than necessary.

I strode towards the center of the courtyard; everyone went quiet. I let my aura roll across the space and everyone bowed their heads in respect.

"The people of Red Falcon Pack! It's been decades since many of our kind were thrown into the beyond by the full-blooded. We have been treated like slaves, scorned, and much blood has been shed for our freedom," I paused. My eyes roamed over everyone present; I could see some mourning over their lost ones and others brimming with anger.

"But today, we are in a place where food doesn't have to be grown through our blood and magic and powers. We can cultivate and inhale good air without the fear of being poisoned." There was a little cheer. "Coupled with that, we can go out and engage in a mating ceremony — to find our other half. Today we shall roam freely into the woods. No matter what kind of creature you are, you are part of us! Now, with the power vested in me by Selene, I grant you freedom!" I declared.

The drums were beaten hard. Rhythm hung in the air as the wolf hybrids howled, and the remaining hybrids who didn't carry the genes of a werewolf or vampire used their magic or power to demonstrate their eagerness. As soon as I let out a howl, they began dispersing into the woods, and I ran in that direction.

Although I had already found my fated mate, I had a role to play as Alpha. I had planned to stay one hour in the woods and then return to my mate to be with her, since I had announced her sickness earlier.

I knew she would be safe, since the mated ones stayed behind with their mates, but I would only be at peace when I was with her. I just hoped she wasn't overthinking things — I had told her she would be given a sleep-inducing herb to help her sleep early and not worry about her wolf for the time being.

Nyra hadn't argued much with me; I could tell she was sad.

I stopped in my tracks when I noticed someone familiar in the woods. My heart skipped a beat when the person started running; I followed. He was faster… if it was indeed who I thought, there was no doubt, but I needed to be certain.

Once I had chased him deep enough into the woods, he halted. I had almost hit my head on a nearby tree at the rate at which he stopped. I shifted into my human form, bones cracking, and when I had fully transformed, my gaze landed on my godfather, who leaned casually against a nearby tree. His black robe rested perfectly on his body and his long hair was let loose. What grabbed my attention was how pale he looked — black veins were protruding, just like mine.

He was already losing control of his celestial side.

He stretched his hands forward; guilt crept into me at how thin he looked. "Son," his voice was groggy and coarse.

"Time is running…" he wheezed. I clenched my fist at the sight. I dared not get closer to him — not because of how sick he looked, but because I had his cure by my side and simply couldn't give her to him.

The fact that I was willing to go back on my promise to my godfather because of my mate was quite alarming.

"I will find the wolf, godfather. Before it is too late," I said calmly. My stomach churned and my lips quivered slightly.

"I know you will. I just wanted to remind you," he uttered. I let my gaze drop to the floor as I swallowed.

I had no right to look at the man who had shown me what acceptance felt like, even though it had to be hidden because of the creatures in this realm.

"What happens when I bring the wolf to you?" I asked — something I had never considered since beginning my search.

"Why do you ask?"

"I just want to know," I stated.

"Well, only the blood is required, but I do not know how much. However, I doubt it could take the life of the wolf," he responded. His words should have relieved my burden, but somehow they felt off.

He moved forward. "I trust you, son! I trust that you will bring the wolf to me!" He tapped my shoulder before disappearing. I slumped my shoulders; I knew what would happen if I couldn't bring Nyra to my godfather — his soul would be trapped.

\~~~

The moment my godfather left, I left the woods without hesitation, heading back to the pack. I needed to be with Nyra at that moment. I sent Josie a message through the link to take over, and before she could ask why, I cut her off.

I hastened my steps; the only thing clouding my mind was Nyra. I wanted her in my embrace; I wanted to inhale her scent and have it envelope my senses.

The day before, she had happily told me she was willing to wait until I figured out what I felt. I was glad she was ready to give me a chance — though I had failed to ask her what she felt about me.

Did she love me?

Perhaps when I slipped into her room, if she was awake, she might tell me.