85

85
The closer we drew to Night Mist Pack territory, the more restless I became. I couldn’t feel Stefano’s emotions anymore, couldn’t reach his mind through the bond we shared. It left me feeling hollow, fighting the urge to turn Thor around and ride back to Alitos. Only now did I fully understand why mated couples could hardly bear to be apart for even a day; here I was, struggling to breathe mere hours since we’d parted.

Of course, I didn’t share any of this with Roberto or Edoardo. Roberto would have laughed it off, and Edoardo would have likely ignored me altogether. Sighing softly, I refocused on the road ahead, where Ferville’s fortified walls loomed in the distance.

As we neared the massive gates, Roberto let out a nervous breath, glancing at the guards stationed there. "Are you sure Emiliano will let us into the capital of the Night Mist Pack?"

A chuckle escaped me, dry and anxious. "Guess we’re about to find out."

Moments later, the gates creaked open, and four guards approached, examining us carefully. One of them frowned, noticing Thor. "That’s General Emiliano’s horse."

"Yes," I replied evenly. "Tell the General that Luna Gianna has returned his horse and has a beneficial offer for him."

The guard blinked, processing my words slowly. "Luna Gianna? And…which pack are you from?"

Not exactly something I was eager to discuss with a haughty gatekeeper. My wolf stirred beneath my skin, filling my eyes with the red glow of an Alpha. "Stop wasting time. Go inform your General."

He flinched at the sight, eyes widening, and a second guard nudged him. “Go. Inform the General.”

He hurried off, and soon, we were led to the heart of Ferville, directed into Emiliano’s private quarters. As we reached the large double doors, one of the guards turned to Roberto and Edoardo. "General Emiliano will meet with Luna Gianna alone. Your escort will be given rooms and food to wait in comfort until her meeting concludes."

Edoardo’s expression darkened. "This isn’t a good idea. I would suggest—"

"It’s fine," I reassured him with a soft smile, masking my own unease. "General Emiliano won’t harm me."

Ignoring Edoardo’s doubt, I followed the guard into Emiliano’s chambers, a spacious room with wide windows and a round table. Emiliano entered moments later, carrying two wine glasses and a decanter of deep, ruby-red wine. His lips curved in a smug grin as he looked at me.

"Please tell me you’ve left Stefano and come to live here with me instead."

I nearly laughed. "You realize Stefano might kill you for even suggesting that?"

He shrugged, setting the glasses and wine down. "I’d hope Luna Gianna would defend me if it came to that."

Suppressing a smile, I nodded. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me."

"And thank you for returning my horse." He gestured to a chair, and as I sat, he joined me on the other side of the table. "So, what brings my favorite ex-shroud wolf to my doorstep?"

"War," I replied simply.

The levity drained from his face. Pouring the wine, he took a deep breath. "You must’ve heard my sister officially joined forces with Alpha Matteo and took her armies with her."

A chill raced down my spine, confirming our fears. I sipped the wine, gathering my thoughts, and looked at him. "There’s something I recently discovered about my parents…something I need to tell you."

His eyebrows lifted in surprise. "Consider me intrigued."

I tightened my fingers around my glass. "It’s possible my father was Alpha Salvatore." I watched as the color drained from his face.

"I thought your father was a warrior from the Black Blade Pack," he murmured.

"So did I,” I replied bitterly. “The man who raised me decided not to tell me the truth. I only learned this when a friend—a witch—revealed that my father must have been an Alpha."

Emiliano cursed softly, downing his wine. After a long breath, he looked at me again. "Then…who was your mother?"

"Her name was Giada. She was a warrior, and—"

"Alpha Salvatore’s true mate," he finished, his voice strained. He laughed, a sound devoid of humor. "Of course. The Fates have a dark sense of humor, don’t they?" He refilled our glasses and shook his head.

I frowned. "What’s so funny?"

With a sad smile, he said, "You even look like her."

My heart thudded. "Like…who?"

"Like Giada Marino, Ornella’s mother. Your mother."

A tightness filled my chest. "You…knew her?"

"Of course. She visited often. She was nothing like Ornella. Giada was…kind."

Tears prickled my eyes, but I fought them back. "Do I really look like her?"

He studied me for a moment, his gaze softening. "You do. She had your bright hair and blue eyes. She was also an incredible warrior."

I swallowed the knot in my throat. "Thank you for telling me."

He sighed deeply. "If things had turned out differently, I might’ve called you my sister."

A weak chuckle escaped me. "Strange, isn’t it?"

"The Fates do love making things complicated," he agreed.

I nodded slowly, savoring another sip of wine. "Emiliano…do you know how my mother died?"

"Rumor has it Alpha Matteo killed her." His expression darkened, bitterness seeping through. "Seems my father might’ve killed both of your parents."

"Perhaps," I whispered.

"Do you hate me for it?"

I shook my head. "No. I met your father; you’re nothing like him."

A faint smile touched his lips. "There’s that compassion."

"It’s fact, not compassion," I corrected.

His eyes narrowed, studying me intently. "So, is that why you’re here? To claim your right as the true heiress to this pack?"

Drawing a steadying breath, I replied, "No. I wouldn’t dream of taking the pack from you."

"Good,” he smirked. “Because I wouldn’t give it up without a fight.”

"But there is something I’ve come to claim."

His brows rose. "And that is…?"

"Did you know Ornella’s armies are bound to her by a blood spell?" I asked. "There’s a witch named Leandra who may know how the spell works. If I can learn it, I might be able to turn those armies against Ornella."

His grin widened. "You’re serious? That could change everything!"

I nodded. "This could be the key to victory… if, of course, you still plan to support Stefano and me."

"I don’t have much choice," he said grimly. "Ornella chose my side the day she sided with Alpha Matteo."

I gave a sly smile. "Then, will you help me find Leandra?"

He held my gaze and nodded. "With pleasure."

"Perfect." I chuckled, glancing toward the door. "I heard she lives just outside Ferville, so I thought—"

Suddenly, the door burst open, and two guards rushed in, breathless. "Apologies for the intrusion, General!" one called, bowing.

Emiliano rose, tense. "What happened?"

The guard swallowed. "Alpha Matteo’s forces are advancing on our territory."

Emiliano clenched his fists. "How many?"

The guard hesitated. "Hundreds."

My heart dropped as I moved to stand beside Emiliano. I met his gaze, a cold dread settling over me. "Which direction are they coming from?"

A laugh, wild with disbelief, escaped him. "From every direction. In a few hours, we’ll be surrounded."