Time Skipped Luna

UNEXPECTED AUDIENCES

ALMIRA

I woke before sunrise, no longer overwhelmed by confusion. Instead, I felt determination and purpose.

I no longer hoped that I will open my eyes back to my own time. At least, before I learn everything I needed to know.

Yesterday's visit to my parents' graves kept replaying in my mind.

Their names were carved into proper headstones and could finally rest in peace. It was several years too late, but it was one thing I've wished for so long.

There was proof that somewhere within the five years I've skipped, the truth had finally come to light.

I could use that evidence. Maybe not here, but if I ever found a way back to my own time... I could prove their innocence and change this future. I can't end up in this future no matter what.

"I'll find the truth," I whispered to myself.

Not only about my parents, but about everything. About that mysterious light that had pulled me into this future, how I come to this point of marrying Aquil and about the Guardian Wolf.

There had to be answers somewhere.

After washing up, one of the omegas brought breakfast to my room as usual.

She smiled warmly before setting the tray on the small table.

"Good morning, Luna."

I returned a polite nod.

"Good morning. Thank you for bringing me food."

She bowed before quietly leaving.

I stared at the food for a moment. Hearing them call me their Luna would forever feel strange. Every time someone called me that, I couldn't help feel the urge to look back to see if they were talking to someone else.

I quickly finished eating while thinking about my plan.

If I remembered correctly, the pack archives weren't inside the pack house. They had their own building where all the records were properly preserved.

I had only seen it a handful of times while cleaning nearby.

Servants weren't allowed inside. Only the Alpha's family, the Betas and a handful of trusted people had access to that place.

Back then, I wasn't even permitted to step onto its front stairs but now that I'm the pack Luna...perhaps no one will stop me from going inside.

The missing five years of my life should be waiting inside those shelves.

The more I thought about it, the faster my heart races in both anticipation and worry. This was the first real clue I had, and I had to figure it out no matter what.

I quietly left the room. It was still early and not many people were around yet but the further I left the room, the more people in the house I cross paths with.

"Good morning, Luna."

They all greeted me respectfully and I acknowledged each greeting with a small awkward nod and greeting back before making my way downstairs.

I reached outside the pack house while still optimistic enough to think that this plan would work...until I unconsciously spotted Aquil from a distance.

He was speaking with his other betas but he quickly noticed me and excused himself. His expression was something I was more familiar with, serious and almost gloomy.

But this time, he also looked exhausted. There were dark circles beneath his eyes as though he hadn't had a week of good sleep.

Our eyes met, and the dark expression immediately softened.

I halted from walking and quietly turned around. Another route. I don't mind walking around just to avoid him.

"Almira, wait." He called, and I heard his footsteps approaching behind me.

I closed my eyes for a second to compose myself before turning back.

He stopped several paces away, fortunately far enough for my comfort.

"I have something important to tell you."

Aquil took another small step closer, making me take two steps backward.

My reaction made him freeze and I saw familiar pain cross his face, but I didn't budge.

I lowered my gaze and spoke with formality, “What is it, Alpha?"

It was easier this way. I was more used to talking to him formally. I could stomach that better than us talking casually with each other as if we were close.

"You don't have to bow to me, Almira. You're my Luna."

I fought the urge to grimace. That title again. Every time someone else called me Luna, it only felt unfamiliar and alienating.

But whenever it came from Aquil, the hairs along the back of my neck stood. It doesn't only make me uncomfortable. Also angry and disgusted.

No matter how gently he spoke now, the only Aquil I truly remembered was the one who looked down on me covered in filthy mop water.

The one who called me disgusting and the one who reminded me time and time again that I was beneath everyone else.

That was the version of him I remembered and that was who he was to me.

I bit the inside of my cheek. There was no point creating another argument.

"What do you need to tell me, Alpha?" I asked, ignoring his correction and slowly lifted my gaze.

He looked at me intently before sighing. His shoulders slumped in defeat.

"I know you're still confused about everything. I originally wanted to explain everything properly." He spoke with frustration in his voice. "But the doctors warned me not to overwhelm you."

Right, they did warn us not to bombard me with too much information at once. Otherwise, the headaches might overwhelm and make me pass out again.

"I've been trying to follow their advice as difficult as it is..."

I looked at him without responding, as I figured he was something else to say.

"Unfortunately, we'll be receiving visitors today."

His expression became grim again.

"Visitors? Who?”

He nodded. "They're from different packs."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"The're here for you. They'll want to speak with you."

Confusion immediately flooded my mind.

"Me? Why?”

Familiar footsteps approached before he could respond.

Sebastian appeared, looking frustrated as well. He stopped before us and gave a respectful nod.

"Four Alphas have arrived, Alpha Aquil. I tried distracting them but they demand immediate audience with the Guardian Wolf."

My eyes widened. Why would four Alphas travel here just to meet me?

I was no one...at least five years ago.

My thoughts went into haywire in an instant. I finally looked directly at Aquil, expecting a proper explanation.

"What is really happening?” I demanded, “What exactly is a Guardian Wolf and why would other alphas want to see me?”

I bombarded them with questions out of panic but I was met with complete silence.

They exchanged a glance, only confusing me further.

They definitely knew what was up, but couldn't tell me because of they think I have amnesia and didn't want to overwhelm me.

Several unfamiliar scents drifted to our direction before I get any decent answers.

I instinctively turned and saw four men approached together, each carrying undeniable intimidating presence like Aquil's.

Even without recognized them, I immediately knew what they were.

Behind each Alpha followed several warriors and other pack members. Their combined presence alone made my stomach tighten.

My mind blanked out for a good moment, unable to properly react when I didn't even know why they were here.

Their eyes settled on me, not with hostility but respect.

The oldest among them stepped forward first. I fought the urge to run away while instinctively glancing towards Aquil and Sebastian.

Aquil was openly glaring at them while Sebastian looked like he was fighting a scowl to appear on his face.

To my surprise, the older alpha lowered himself onto one knee and the remaining three alphas immediately followed. The people behind them also bowed their heads in unison. .

"It is an honor to stand before the Guardian Wolf."