Chapter 107 Drink it...

Chapter 107 Drink it...
"They know your requirements."
Derik turned to her and took her hand, gazing at her intently.
"And what about you, Hira? Are you absolutely sure you are on board with all of this? I have no right to demand sacrifices from any of you, let alone you, my friend."
"Derik, don't think like that. It is no sacrifice for us to serve our Alpha and our pack!" Hira smiled, her eyes softening. "Besides, ever since my mate died, I thought I would never be able to fulfill my dream of becoming a mother. If my womb can be blessed tonight, it will be an honor and a pleasure, not a sacrifice. And if it turns out to be an Alpha pup, it will be an even greater honor to serve the pack through him."
As she spoke, Derik's wolf stood with its ears perked, hidden deep within his core, while his third form began to violently rebel. The sheer brutality of his Beast's reaction was so intense that Derik bent over, groaning from the sudden, sharp pain.
"What's wrong, Alpha?" the Beta asked, rushing to his side.
Hira ran to fetch some water for Derik, who was coughing as if he were choking.
"My wolf agrees, but the Beast rejects my decision," Derik rasped, catching his breath. "I just hope the old man's brew works, or I won't be able to finish what I have to do."
"Everything will work out, Derik! The human's arrival has a purpose. She was drawn here by the gods to save us, to save our pack and secure our future!"
"Hira is right, Alpha," the Beta added, a look of pride on his face. "You are a good leader. You are acting for the survival of our nation, and I am proud to have you as my Alpha. If you'll excuse me, I will finish the arrangements with the pack and with my female for later tonight."
The Beta smiled warmly, turning on his heel and closing the door behind him.
"Exactly. Every single one of us stands by your side, today and always," Hira said, stepping closer. "We've been friends since we were pups, Derik. We would never support you if we thought what you were doing was wrong."
Hira wrapped her arms around Derik, offering an encouraging embrace.
"Hira, I am grateful to the other females for volunteering," Derik murmured, his voice heavy with emotion. "But I need you to know that my gratitude toward you is even deeper. Your male, my former Beta, saved my life and died because of it—"
"Do not blame yourself for that anymore, Derik, please!" Hira placed her hand over his mouth, cutting him off gently.
The Alpha pulled her hand away, locking eyes with her with absolute sincerity.
"Alright, I won't speak of it again. Let's speak of you instead. You are a strong, fearless female, and your sacrifice will not be in vain. I was thinking earlier... if everything goes according to plan and you bless us with an Alpha pup, I will make you the Luna of this pack."
"But Derik, I couldn't possibly accept..." Hira gasped, her eyes widening in modesty and surprise.
The Elder Council had been pushing her name for the role of Luna for a very long time. If she were to conceive an Alpha's child, it would be a fitting and well-deserved reward.
"I don't have a fated mate, and our females desperately need a Luna to guide them. There isn't another female in this entire territory better suited for the title than you. Besides, you are strong enough to carry that weight."
"Thank you, Derik. I will honor the calling. I will always remain loyal and faithful to you."
Hira hugged him tightly. The sudden display of affection made Derik visibly uncomfortable; he had to force himself not to show her that physical intimacy outside of sex was unwelcome. Still, because he was profoundly grateful and refused to act like a bastard to his childhood friend, he endured the embrace for as long as he could before stepping back.
"Now go, take care of the final details. It won't be long before Ares arrives, and everything must be ready at the exact right moment."
"Yes, Alpha."
"When you are finished, take the garments to Esmeralda. Help her get dressed, and then bring her to me."
Hira smiled and nodded before slipping out of the room.
Derik sat back down in his chair, his features hardening once more. His decision was set in stone, and he was about to set a plan into motion that would alter their destiny forever.

HER
I came out of the shower feeling completely rejuvenated. On the small table next to the bed, a basket filled with more exotic fruits was waiting for me. Between the absolute comfort and the constant attention, it felt like I was staying at a five-star hotel.
The little redhead Beta was all smiles. Every now and then, I'd catch her sighing and staring at me in the strangest way. I couldn't quite figure out what that look meant, but it was definitely weird. I even started to wonder if she swung both ways, if you know what I mean...
She had brought in a selection of different outfits for me, and lo and behold, every single one of them was red. What is it with the people in this world always bringing me red clothes? They were sheer pieces of fabric stitched together in a way that looked like they were barely hanging onto each other, yet somehow draped perfectly over the body, mimicking a flowing, completely indecent dress.
"I can't wear these things, it's haram. It exposes way too much of my body!"
I know that ever since I ended up in this world, I don't know for sure if I can still consider myself a true Muslim, but a girl has to have her limits.
Suddenly, the door swung open without anyone knocking or asking for permission. In walked the honey-haired beauty, her silent steps and regal posture making her the kind of person who would easily stand out in any crowd.
She was gorgeous, sure, but... I don't know how to explain it. Do you know that feeling when you just don't vibe with someone, even if they smile and greet you? You almost feel a little guilty for feeling that way, but your own smile instantly freezes the moment they walk into the room?
Anyway, she stepped inside carrying a tray with mugs and a clay pitcher.
"Luna Esmeralda, I hope you are doing well," she said. "Alpha Derik sent me to serve you a refreshing drink. It's summer, and this room is getting quite stuffy."
She placed the tray down on a side table, and the redhead Beta rushed over to pour the drink.
"Oh, what an excellent idea, Hira! A chilled wine sounds amazing right now, doesn't it, Luna?"
She handed me a mug and picked up her own, smiling at me with her eyebrows raised.
This female werewolf was looking at me funny again. Was she actually hitting on me? Did I somehow give off the vibe that I play for both teams? I've never been good at telling whether people are flirting or just being friendly...
"Drink up, Luna, you'll love it," the Beta encouraged. "It's sweet and smooth, it barely tastes like there's any alcohol in it at all, just a rich flavor of the finest grapes."
She took a sip, almost as if she were demonstrating to a child what to do. Hira took a sip as well. A single drop of the liquid lingered on her lips, and she subtly swiped it away with her tongue.