Chapter 169
Fiona's POV
Morning light poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the East Hall, spreading a golden blanket across the marble floor.
I stood at the end of the corridor, overlooking the well-arranged buildings scattered across Silver Moon Pack's territory—the main house, training grounds, warehouses, pack members' residences. Everything ran with perfect order under Julian's governance.
In the distance, several young werewolves were mending fences, their laughter carried over by the morning breeze. Further out, Omegas busied themselves in the vegetable garden, their baskets filled with fresh produce. This scene of peace and prosperity stirred pride in my heart—this was the result of my brother's wisdom and compassion.
I took a deep breath and turned toward the council chamber.
There was important intelligence to report today. I couldn't be late.
Pushing open the heavy oak door, I found Julian already seated at the long table, several documents spread before him. His golden hair caught the sunlight, gleaming with a soft luster.
He looked up and gave me a gentle smile.
"Good morning, Fiona."
"Good morning, brother." I sat across from him, noticing the faint exhaustion in his eyes. "You stayed up late again last night?"
He rubbed his temples, not denying it. "Some matters needed attention."
As he spoke, a knock sounded at the door. Beta Samuel Harper entered—one of Julian's most trusted intelligence officers, his expression grave.
"Your Highness, Princess." Samuel bowed, then handed Julian a sealed document. "The latest intelligence from Free Haven."
Julian took the document and scanned it quickly. I watched his brow gradually furrow, a sharp glint flashing through his blue eyes.
"'The Goddess'?" He read the term aloud, his tone probing.
Samuel nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. According to our informants, a mysterious figure has recently appeared in Free Haven, referred to by locals as 'the Goddess.' She appears to possess some powerful ability. Witnesses claim to have seen her calm a storm that was about to destroy the docks."
My heartbeat quickened.
Wind element?
Julian set down the document, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.
"Blood River Pack has always coveted elemental power, and now wind element clues surface in Free Haven..." He looked up at Samuel. "Do you think this 'Goddess' is connected to Blood River Pack?"
"That remains to be investigated, Your Highness." Samuel's tone was cautious. "But there's another possibility—she may be hiding from Blood River Pack's pursuit. Either way, this warrants our personal investigation."
Julian fell into thought.
"If Louis gets the wind element..." I couldn't help but speak. "He'll surely unleash another bloodbath."
"Precisely." Julian stood and walked to the window, sunlight casting soft shadows across his face. "I must investigate this matter personally. Samuel, make preparations. I'm going to Free Haven."
Samuel looked momentarily surprised, then nodded. "Understood, Your Highness. How many guards should accompany you?"
Julian considered for a moment. "Not too many—five or six will suffice. A larger group would draw unwanted attention." He paused, a thoughtful smile playing at his lips. "Besides, I've been planning to take Ella to Free Haven anyway."
I froze for a moment, then understood. My brother had been looking for a chance to be alone with Ella. The Free Haven news came at the perfect time.
"Your Highness intends to..." Samuel caught on as well.
"A honeymoon." Julian turned around, a certain determination gleaming in his eyes. "We've been mates for so long, yet we haven't had time that truly belongs just to the two of us. Free Haven is the place Ella's always longed to see." He looked at me. "Fiona, what do you think of this arrangement? It would allow Ella to fulfill her wish while completing the necessary investigation."
"I think it's wonderful," I said sincerely. "Ella really does need to leave here for a while. She's under too much pressure, always keeping herself wound so tight."
Julian nodded, his expression softening.
"She's always like that—never willing to show weakness, never truly willing to rely on others." His voice was gentle. "Perhaps in a different environment, she can let down her guard a little."
"I'll arrange the itinerary immediately," Samuel said. "It will take approximately two to three days to prepare."
"Keep it simple and low-key," Julian instructed. "Publicly, it's just a private trip. Don't make a fuss about it."
After Samuel left, only my brother and I remained in the council chamber.
He sat back down in his chair, but this time his expression was much more relaxed.
"Brother," I asked tentatively, "have you been wanting to take Ella away for a while now?"
He was silent for a moment, then nodded in admission.
"Yes. Ever since she became Luna, there's always been too much pack business to handle, too many people to consider. I want to give her some time... that belongs only to the two of us."
Warmth filled my chest.
"How do you plan to tell her?" I asked. "Will you mention investigating the wind element?"
"No." Julian shook his head. "I want this trip to be truly relaxing for her. As for the investigation, I'll handle it privately without involving her too deeply. She's already been through too much danger."
I understood my brother's intentions, but couldn't help reminding him: "But Ella's very perceptive. She'll notice."
"I know." Julian sighed. "But at least in front of her, I want this trip to be as simple as possible. I want her to feel that to me, she's not just the Luna, not just a strategic partner, but..." He paused, his voice growing even softer. "But someone I want to cherish for a lifetime."
My eyes grew moist. "Brother, Ella's lucky to have met you."
"I'm the lucky one," he corrected, something complex flickering in his eyes. "Fiona, could you help me prepare some things? I want to make this trip special for her."
"Of course!" I perked up immediately. "What do you want to prepare?"
"Wild lilies," he said. "She loves wild lilies. And... those herbal tools she uses, some light clothing. I don't really understand these things—you know better what a girl needs."
I smiled. "Leave it to me. I'll make this trip perfect."
Over the next several hours, I threw myself completely into the preparations. I sent servants to gather the freshest wild lilies from the outskirts, selected several light dresses suitable for the seaside, and specially prepared a small medicine box filled with the herbs and tools Ella commonly used.
As I organized these items, my thoughts drifted back to when Ella first came to Silver Moon. Back then, she'd been like a frightened fawn, her eyes full of wariness and fear, always shrinking into corners, afraid of drawing anyone's attention.
But now, she'd begun integrating into the pack, taking on Luna responsibilities. I'd seen her instructing young warriors on the training grounds, tenderly caring for injured pack members, the light of growing confidence kindling in her eyes.
These changes made me happy for my brother, yet also left me vaguely worried. Could Ella truly let go of her past trauma completely?
Could the scars Kane left on her really be smoothed over by time?
I sighed, placing the last bundle of wild lilies into the delicate wicker basket. No matter what, I hoped my brother could find happiness, hoped Ella could find true belonging.
As evening approached, I heard Ella was at the training grounds. I had servants load the prepared items onto the carriage, then went to find Julian.
On the training grounds, Ella was instructing several young warriors. Her movements were clean and efficient, her voice clear and strong—nothing like the timid person she'd once been.
"Keep your center stable!" She corrected a warrior's stance. "Don't rely only on brute force when attacking—learn to use your opponent's strength against them."
The young warriors listened intently, their eyes full of respect. I saw a faint smile appear on Ella's face—genuine satisfaction.
After training ended, the warriors bowed their thanks to Ella, then gradually dispersed. Ella wiped the sweat from her forehead and was about to leave when she suddenly noticed me, Julian, Father Walter, and Mother Jenna walking toward her together.
Her body stiffened slightly, a flash of wariness crossing her eyes.
This instinctive defensive reaction made my heart ache.
She'd suffered so much...
"Ella." Julian spoke gently, his voice carrying rare warmth. "You've worked hard."
Ella lowered her head, saying respectfully, "It's my duty, Your Highness."
"I have something I'd like to discuss with you." Julian stepped forward, taking the bundle of wild lilies from a servant behind him. "I want to take you to Free Haven. There are beautiful coastlines and mild weather—we could stay there for a while and rest properly."
Ella looked up, surprise and complex emotions flickering through her eyes as she stared at the wild lilies.
"But... the pack..." she said hesitantly.
"Everything's been arranged," I quickly added. "Father Walter will temporarily handle pack affairs, and Mother Jenna will assist. You don't need to worry—just go and enjoy the trip."
Father Walter nodded, a rare smile appearing on his stern face. "Go, child. You haven't had proper rest in far too long."
Mother Jenna said gently, "As Luna, you need to take care of yourself too. This trip is important for both you and Julian."
Ella's eyes gradually reddened. She clutched the wild lilies tightly, her voice catching. "I... I don't know what to say..."
"Then just say you're willing." Julian extended his hand, palm up, waiting for her response.
Ella looked at his hand, then at us, and finally took a deep breath before placing her hand in Julian's palm.
"I'm willing," she said softly, tears sliding down her cheeks even as a genuine smile curved her lips. "Thank you, Julian. Thank you all."
I smiled too, the weight in my heart finally lifting.
Perhaps this trip really could mark a new beginning—not just for my brother and Ella, but for the entire Silver Moon Pack.