Chapter 83
Pierre’s POV
As I approached the gigantic gates of the Lava Moon Pack, my heart raced with a mix of anticipation, excitement and undoubtedly dread. The gates stood tall above me, the irons fashioned into perfect and well–detailed designs, a demonstration of the strength and history of the pack. Thick stone walls encompassed the border, giving the place an air of impenetrability. Guards stood sentinel at the entrance, their muscular frames clad in dark uniforms that spoke volumes of their authority. They radiated an aura of vigilance, their eyes scanning the horizon for any predators.
I parked my car, taking a moment to gather my thoughts. There was certainly a lot going through my head but I couldn’t afford to let the fear or any negative thoughts cloud me at a point like this. I took a deep breath before raising my head to the guards once again.
This was it–the moment I had worked so hard for. I stepped out, smoothing my clothes even when I was sure there was actually nothing wrong with them. As I approached the gates, the guard’s eyes remained trained on me, their expressions unreadable.
“Who are you and what is your business here,” one of them asked in a commanding and aura–filled tone.
“I’m Pierre Wilson, Alpha of Moonrock Pack and I’m here to see King Asher,” I replied, trying to sound confident despite the flutter of anxiety in my stomach.
“Do you have your boarding pass?” he asked, his tone flat.
“Uh, hold on,” I said, fumbling through a stack of well–organized files in my briefcase. I should have set this out, I thought to myself as I rustled through papers. At some point, it began to seem like I had lied about my appointment and I couldn’t help but say a silent prayer to the goddess to lift me out of this awkward moment. Each second felt stretched as I searched for the document, my fingers trembling slightly. The looks on the guard’s face weren’t helping either, the intensity of their gaze causing my skin to crawl. Finally, I found it—a simple card which was sent alongside the acceptance of my project two months ago.
“Here,” I said, handing it over with a renewed confidence, one that remained only at the surface.
I fought hard at the mad anxiety building up inside of me, I couldn’t afford to seem fearful in front of them, I mean, they weren’t even the main deal so why should I let their cold eyes cause me so much anxiety?
The guard took the card, scanning it closely before turning to his partner. “Check him,” he ordered./
I stood still as they began their thorough examination. They pulled out metal detectors and scanned me from head to toe, the cold metal brushing against my skin. I could feel the weight of their scrutiny, their eyes examining every inch of me as if I were a potential threat.
He moved over to my car, scanning it with the metal detector for a couple of minutes before demanding, “Open the car!”
I frowned a bit, knowing that it wasn’t necessary, judging from the fact that the machine didn’t signify that there was something harmful in my car. But I knew I didn’t carry anything dangerous–no guns, no bombs- so did as he said and opened the car. Watching him search the car, I couldn’t help the feeling of invasiveness. The process felt almost too unnatural and intruding, a reminder of the Lycan- werewolf discrimination that lingered in the region.
After he had searched to his satisfaction, he turned to his partner and announced, “Clear,” handing back my pass with one last wash from head to toe. “You can enter.”
As I turned towards my car, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at their behaviour. I hopped back into my car, letting out a deep sigh before reviving the engine and driving through the now–opened gates. As I drove through the gates, I felt a rush of relief wash over me. It was as if I had passed the first stage of a disturbing exam. I took a moment to absorb the surroundings–lush greenery spread out before me, the vibrant colours of nature contrasting sharply with the starkness of the gates. The vast land of the pack sprawled out like an uncharted territory.
The next stage of the process hung heavy in my mind, the thought of what was to come weighing heavy in the atmosphere. But a thought soon flashed through, changing my whole thoughts for the next couple of minutes. Gemini! I found my thoughts drifting to her almost too suddenly, causing my mind to go totally off–point. It had been too long since I had last seen her, and the thought of reuniting sent butterflies swirling in my stomach and also a feeling of dread lingering underneath the joy I felt. What would her reaction be like when she sees me? I thought. Would I even be graced with an opportunity such as meeting Gemini again? I pushed those thoughts aside as I drove further into the pack, the anticipation building with each turn I took.
After what felt like forever, I finally arrived at the King’s palace. The architecture was majestic, a blend of ancient stone and modern design that spoke volumes of the pack’s power and legacy. It looked like the colours had been renewed recently, making the place look
1/3
12:48 PM S
Chapter 83
newly built. I was guided on where to pack my car and once I was done packing, I stepped out, taking a moment to appreciate the massive structure in front of my eyes before heading towards the entrance.
As I approached the door, two guards stood watch, their expressions serious. I squared my shoulders and approached them with my boarding pass and letter of appointment. “I’m here to see King Asher,” I stated, trying to maintain an air of confidence.
“Reason for your visit?” one of them asked, his gaze piercing.
“I have a meeting scheduled,” I replied, pulling out my pass once again.
The guard took it, checking it against a list on a clipboard. After a few tense moments, he nodded. “You’re on the schedule. Wait here.” He beckoned to another guard, who disappeared inside to confirm my visit.
Finally, the guard returned. “Follow me,” he said, leading me through the grand halls of the palace.
As I walked, I took in the opulence around me. The walls were adorned with portraits of triumphant moments which the pack held dearly and also a few portraits of King Asher. It could have included the portraits of past kings and queens, but King Asher was the first to rule this carved–out version. The pictures around hinted at history and past victories.
We reached a waiting room filled with other individuals, each one seemingly as anxious as I was. I took a seat, scanning the room as well as trying to look less anxious. There were about twenty men, all dressed in formal attire, some whispering among themselves while others stared blankly ahead. The atmosphere was tense, charged with unspoken hopes and fears.
Time ticked by slowly. I tried to keep my mind occupied, but the thought of King Asher’s delayed arrival loomed over me. After about an hour, a man stepped in, clearing his throat to address us. “King Asher is not available at the moment, but he will return soon.”
No one dared to murmur despite the frustration that was building within the walls of our minds. It was an honour to be shortlisted amongst those who would visit King Asher and no one dared to take that for granted.
I leaned back in my chair, trying to remain hopeful. I had come so far; surely, my efforts wouldn’t be in vain.
Another three hours passed, and the impatience lingering in the room grew even thicker. Whispers of King Asher returning angrily began to circulate, and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. The guards remained stoic, giving no room for questions, neither were they giving us any explanation as to why we had to wait for so long before seeing the King. I couldn’t help but wonder if I had just wasted my .time.
Just as despair began to creep in, Alan, King Asher’s Beta, entered the room. His presence exuding authority. The room immediately fell silent as everyone waited for him to address us. “The king is in no state to meet with anyone right now. We’ll have someone come to escort you out shortly.”
My heart sank. A weight of disappointment clouded me. Judging from history, this period, was known for regional record analysis, and from the news I got, it was to take place this week. I couldn’t help but think if that was the reason King Asher was being moody that he couldn’t even speak to us. Or was it something else? I had sacrificed so much to be here, and now it felt like it was all for nothing. All sleepless nights, hard work and efforts are a waste. My shoulders slumped, and I stared at the floor, trying to suppress the emotions bubbling within me. This can’t be the end of it, everything can’t just be cancelled.
“Beta Alan!” I called out, my voice echoing with a glimmer of hope amidst the sad faces.
Beta Alan turned back, his heavy gaze urging me to speak up. “Is there a problem, Alpha Pierre?”
“I would like to know if this meeting is going to be rescheduled, considering that the fault wasn’t from our end.” He frowned slightly, causing my anxiety that had almost died down to resurrect. I couldn’t help but think if I had said anything wrong.
“We will relay the message to you all at a later time. But for now, I can’t promise you anything.” I nodded, trying to refill my jar of positivity and hope.
The guards began to lead us out one after the other, but just as I got to the hallways where King Asher’s office sat at the end, something caught my eye. I looked up and saw her–Gemini–walking out of King Asher’s office, flanked by two guards. She moved gracefully, her presence commanding attention despite the tension in the air. Our eyes locked for a brief moment, and time seemed to freeze.
But then, she looked away, her expression clouded with distress. I couldn’t help but think, what could have been bothering her?
“Is there a problem, sir?” A guard asked, noticing that I was barely moving.
“It’s nothing, I said immediately, trying to get a hold of my racing thoughts.
2/3
O
Chapter 83
As we walked out, I glanced back, hoping to catch another glimpse of Gemini. But she was gone, leaving me with a mix of emotions- sadness, and a longing that felt almost unbearable.
3/3
