28
Our conversation was interrupted as Zen instructed the wolves to clear the hall. Claire was still angry at him, and his priority was to calm her down at that moment.
"Although your physical body may not be, Ella, there is no doubt that your wolf possessed unique qualities, unlike any other wolf. It would have been impossible for a mere omega or beta to handle the rejection of alpha as effortlessly as you did," the oracle stated, her expression growing somber. "Therefore, this pack is in need of you, Ella."
"This is absurd!" I exclaimed, furrowing my brow. "There is no way my fragile body could have housed an alpha wolf for such a long time. And regardless of whether my wolf is an alpha or not, I have no intention of returning to this pack. I am married and have a life far removed from any connection to my wolf existence."
"You misunderstand, Ella," the oracle responded, her voice deepening. "Claire is already the chosen one. Her wolf possesses such strength that this pack no longer requires another Luna. Regardless of the number of alphas that challenge her, she will undoubtedly emerge victorious. However, it is your wolf that the spring seeks."
"Spring?" I asked, even more confused than before.
The only spring I had ever heard of was a myth, or rather a rhyme, in my childhood book. The sacred and mystical spring that would appear once every few centuries and bless the wolves with its moon water.
The wolves believed it to be nothing more than a legend, as there had been no evidence of the spring awakening in thousands of years.
"Do they really believe in a nursery rhyme nowadays?" I wondered.
"I have already foreseen the energy of the universe. Spring will soon awaken again, Ella. I had a vision of it. The time has come for its emergence. However, the soul that spring is seeking is within our pack. I followed the rituals, but it rejected all the alpha females, including Claire. Now, you are the only one remaining, Ella."
I couldn't believe how selfish this pack was. I grew up in this pack feeling like a stranger. They always made it clear how much they despised my kind and wanted us to leave the pack.
And when I finally severed all ties with this pack, they brought me back just to feed their selfish delusions.
"Pardon," I said calmly. "If this pack wants me to atone for running away and take responsibility for the Sapphire's attack that night, I will do so, following the pack's rules. Whether they hit me a hundred times, a thousand times, or however many times they think will be enough, I will accept it. However, given my current condition, my body is not capable of enduring that punishment."
I paused, unconsciously placing my hand on my belly. "Just give me some time, and I promise I will return to accept my punishment. Besides, Alex and Zen have always been aware of my existence during this time. So, the pack doesn't need to worry about me not coming back," I declared with determination.
"You are mistaken, Ella," the oracle stated, her tone calm but unsettling. "This is not a request. Remember your position. You are merely a prisoner here."
A wave of nausea churned in my stomach as the oracle gripped my shoulder before walking toward Zen and Claire. The oracle's words echoed in my ears, causing a sensation like something crawling beneath my skin. I realized that I had been caught in a much more twisted situation than I had originally thought.
I gently touched my abdomen, worry lines appearing on my forehead. Nobody here knew about my pregnancy. I had no choice but to escape from the group once again to protect my child and my husband. I quickly stood up and made up my mind to find Alex. Only he could assist me in getting out of this situation.
As far as I knew, no one who had been involved with him had died that night or afterward. I still believed he had no reason to harm me. I hurriedly left the hall to search for Alex.