My Vow to the Ruthless Alpha

6

Amara's POV

“I can help my mother. But… aren’t we really leaving now? Should we…umm…tell Alpha Gabriel before we leave?”, I ask.

“No need, too much fluff in his speech that made me irk every time I heard it. The truce already established and the first thing they care is not getting obliterated by me.”

Lucian’s word firm and reassuring. I should not wasting his time, quickly get out from the bed then put my clothes on. As soon as I opened the door, a man bowed right in front of me. Opposite with menacing looks of Lucian, the man is approachable in my first impression.

“Greeting, Luna. My name is Theo. Alpha Lucian had give me his order to accompany you to your mother so we can get prepared for our journey.”

“Oh…okay…nice to meet you, Theo.”, I replied awkwardly since its my first time for people so polite while calling me a Luna.

“I’m genuinely surprised Alpha Lucian chose you as Luna, to be honest.”

What a sharp and painful question to hear. I’m guessing even the Shadow Moon Pack itself is questioning their leader's decision to pick a mate.

“Oops…sorry, I don’t mean any offense to you, Luna. It's just a silly question that you should not think of!”, Theo added in panic.

“Alpha Lucian is quite selective when choosing his mate. All I want to say is he can see the thing that we can’t still comprehend. We believe our leader's decision is the best for all of us.”

“Even I can’t figure out what’s going through his mind, Theo. Perhaps we’re both lost in the same storm.”

“Oh, Luna, don’t make me laugh so hard over this. Please let me know if you need anything to help, Luna…”, Theo giggled.

I continue my way to my mother’s room, followed by Theo guarding behind me. The night breeze and the full moon guided my steps toward the little house beyond the ballroom — a home of me and my mother. It stood only a few steps from Celine’s lavish estate, but the inside of it felt like two different worlds — one bathed in light of nobles and royalty, the other in the quiet shadow of mere maid and slave.

The thought of telling the truth to my mother about my new mate still haunts me as I walk my way to the home. Is my mother ready to hear all of this chaotic turn of event that almost emerge a great war in the ballroom? Is she can accept my decision to become Lucian’s mate? I know my mother will respect my decision, but it will be meaningless if my mother getting stressed out and affecting her condition in the end.

“Mother, I’m home.”

I come inside, welcomed by mother who lay quietly on her bed. Surprisingly enough, her face as not as pale to be, even though her breath still sounded fragile, but at least I can see a glimmer of hope to see her smiled at my arrival.

I closed the door - Theo secure the house from outside.

“Mother….I miss you…”, I quickly hugged my mother and cries, not sure what the first thing I should tell her. But the King Lycan want me to fast for taking my mother to his palace.

“I know you seem to have a lot to tell me, Amara my dear.”

“Yes…don’t know which part I should begin with.”

“You can tell me the gist of it.”

I took a breath, calming myself, hoping my mother can bear it. I don’t want made her sad for telling her about Damon’s betrayal.

“Well….I’m become a mate, mother. But not with Damon…with Lucius, the leader of Shadow Moon Pack.”

My mother eye widened, stuttered, but her smile remains still. Not judging or blaming anything to me.

“Do you love him, Amara?”

“I’ll…try, mother. I’m still trying.”, I looked down, not sure that answers is proper for her. I’m not doubting Lucian, I just need time to adapt my new life and knowing Lucian. No wonder my bond mating is not perfected yet with this kind of mindset.

“No need to rush, dear. Be patient. Everything has their time.”, mother gradually caress my hair, smiled at me that always give me a relief everytime I see it.

“Do you hate my decision, mother? To be honest, I’m still scared to moving forward. I’m a weak wolf, mom. I—”

“Stay true to your heart, dear. You’re stronger than you think. Don’t put yourself down.”

I cries, not with a sorrow or fear, but with a hope that emerge from comforting word of my mother. I know the future still dark and vague, but to keep moving forward is the only way. For my mother. For myself. And for Lucian, the man I vowed my life to.

“Alpha Lucian want us move to his palace, mom. We had to move now. You don’t have to worry about your things, I can handle it.”, I quickly pack my mother clothes and some remaining medicine that she usually has.

“Alpha Lucian also said he have an alternative Shaman for your recovery. You don’t have to worry about it.”, I added.

“Nice to hear, dear.”

I moved quickly, gathering the few clothes I needed for my mother and me. Suddenly, a knock from the door outside. For a moment, I froze, looking at the knocked door. Is that Theo?

I hurriedly walk to the door and opened it, a cold breeze night coming in, but something felt odd. The air felt too heavy, almost suffocating. The scent of blood amidst the wind alarming me.

“Luna! Close the door!”

The scream echoes through the night, trembling with panic and rage. My eyes darted toward the source, and there he was—Theo, lying on the ground, his body drenched in blood. He was badly wounded, struggling to move, his voice cracking as he tried to warn me. My breath catches when I see his shirt, shredded beyond recognition, slashed open as if by claws.

Before I can even fully grasp what happened, a blinding pain exploded through my chest. Something cold and sharp tore through me. I gasped, but my voice are not coming out. Warm blood trickled down my skin, soaking my dress, panting my trembling hands red. My knee can’t hold me anymore, the ground rushing up to meet me as I struggled to stay conscious.

My vision blurred, but I caught a glimpse of it, a wolf without eyes, standing right in front of me, waiting for me to entirely fall. The eyeless wolf clamp its claws around my ankle dragging me across the cold ground, scraping against dirt and stone. I tried to lift my arms to free myself, but my body already feel heavy. Even keeping my eyes open felt like lifting mountains.

Above me, the full moon loomed in the sky, watch me like I already dead in the night. The world around me began to fade into a dull, distant blur, until a familiar sound echoes through the night. A scream, filled with rage and desperation, calling my pet name that not everyone know yet.

Lucian?