CARLYLE’S POV


    “Alpha Carlyle,” she called out to me and my mood changed once again. She was back to the distance


    mood and a part of me didn’t like it..


    Before I could say a word, she continued what she intended to say.


    “From the look of things, you seem to be fully alright now, and since you have more important things to


    do, I suggest you leave before it’ste.” She said and turned to leave, holding the young boy’s hand


    while smiling at him.


    I wanted to stop her but I held back. If I could remember right, she was so nice to meet a few minutes


    ago to the extent that she craved my touch and wanted me to do things with her. She was willing! In


    fact, she never used the word ‘Alpha‘ when speaking to me. Why the sudden change?


    My mind drifted from her to the boy Athena held. For some reason, I felt the urge to know him more.


    Something about him kept drawing me close to him. But Donnie’s sudden switch wouldn’t allow me to.


    “Okay, it’s fine.” I muttered with the aim of going back as soon as I get the chance.


    Back at the pack, Donald raised a question that fueled my suspicion.


    “Carl,” he paused, busying himself with some other jobs.


    “Hmmn,” I hummed in response.


    “Don’t you think it’s weird?” I asked.


    “What is?”


    “Don’t you feel anything when you see that child?”


    Now, I rose my head to pay attention to his thoughts.


    “That child that woman held, I feel you both bear a resemnce.” He blurted.


    Laughing hysterically, I gave him a questioning look.


    “How is the connection made then?” I rolled my eyes at him.


    “That, I don’t know. All I can say is I have that feeling, but I can’t seem to figure it out.


    For me to feel this way, you must have noticed it too, right?”


    I kept silent for a while, thinking.


    “I did. But I feel he’s more rted to Donnie’s godmother.”


    “You think he’s rted to Athena?”


    “I just said that.” I emphasized on my penultimate word.


    “I doubt it. But it’s your choice anyway.” Donald stopped there without saying anything


    more.


    Three weeks had psed since the intense flurry


    attention within the pack. The air was charged activities that demanded my


    with a sense of aplishment, and a temporary tranquility settled over our territory. The agreed–


    upon pact with the pack. elders and various supernatural groups had borne fruit as each faction now


    boasted a meticulously trained army.


    The training grounds echoed with the sounds of disciplined drills and the shing of weapons as


    werewolves and supernatural beings alike honed theirbat skills.


    As I traversed the pack grounds, a subtle pride welled within me. The alliance we had forged was not


    just a paper agreement; it was a living, breathing entity that manifested. in the strength and


    coordination of ourbined forces. The elders‘ wisdom and the supernatural beings‘ unique abilities


    blended seamlessly with the werewolves‘ primal prowess, creating a formidable coalition.


    However, beneath the surface of this apparent harmony, the echoes of challenges yet toe


    lingered. The calm was but a temporary respite, and I knew the storm of uncertainties loomed on the


    horizon. The delicate bnce we had achieved required. vignt upkeep, for the alliances were fragile,


    susceptible to the winds of change.


    Three weeks without seeing Donnic, I couldn’t take it anymore and I made my way to her house. That


    way, I would also thank Athena for her treatment and care.


    As I reached her doorstep, I hesitated for a moment, gathering my thoughts and emotions. The need to


    see her, to feel her presence, propelled me forward. With a determined exhale, I knocked on the door,


    the sound echoing through the quiet surroundings.


    Athena was the one who answered the door. Her eyes exuding wisdom and perception as it held a


    knowing glint. It was as though she could sense the purpose behind my visit.Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    “Alpha Carlyle,” she greeted with a warm smile, inviting me inside. “It’s been a while. You’re highly


    wee.”


    I reciprocated the smile, grateful for the weing reception she offered.


    “Thank you, Athena. Your care has not gone unnoticed, and I wanted to express my gratitude.”


    “It’s my job as a healer. Have your seat.” She said. I couldn’t see Donnie around nor the little boy.


    Perhaps she had gone somewhere but I didn’t ask, not wanting to be too forward. At least, I wasn’t


    there for just a reason. I wanted to have a full knowledge about the wolfsbane Raina poured on me.


    “Athena.” I began, my tone measured, “I need to understand more about the wolfsbane that Raina


    used. Its effects were unlike any I’ve encountered before.”


    Athena’s eyes reflected a depth of understanding as she nodded in acknowledgment.


    “Indeed, Alpha Carlyle, that particr species of wolfsbane is rare and potent. It’s called. the Aridian


    Wolfsbane, named after the region where it’s predominantly found.”


    Aridian Wolfsbane the name resonated with an air of significance, and my interest was piqued as I


    eager to glean more insights.


    “What makes it different from the regr wolfsbane we encounter?”


    “The Aridian Wolfsbane has unique properties,” Athena exined. “Its potency lies in the fact that it can


    temporarily suppress the regenerative abilities of werewolves, making the healing process much slower


    and more painful. It’s a cunning weapon when used strategically.”


    A frown etched across my brow as the gravity of the information settled. The implications of


    encountering such a formidable weapon added ayer ofplexity to the challenges we faced. But


    another thought also crossed my mind. Since it’s really potent as she said, it could be a weapon


    against the Canthrastras too. If it will, there hast to be a way to cure its potency.


    “Is there a way to counteract its effects? To expedite the healing process?”


    Athena considered the question, her gaze focused.


    “There are rare herbs and rituals that can elerate the recovery, but they require


    10.30 PIL


    precision and care. Moreover, it remains a probability nevertheless.”


    “I don’t see Sidonnie anywhere, isn’t she in?” I asked.


    She nodded, acknowledging the sentiment. “Donnie is in the garden far down from here. Go and find


    her. I’m sure you have much to catch up on.”


    Immediately, I stood up and headed outside while trying to find out where exactly she was by tracing


    her scent. The familiarity of Donnie’s home enveloped me as I made my way to the garden. The vibrant


    colors of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves greeted me, creating a serene backdrop for the


    long–overdue reunion.


    There, amidst the greenery, I found Donnie. The sunlight yed upon her features, casting a gentle


    glow that entuated her presence. As our eyes met, a cascade of emotions surged within me – relief,


    joy, and an overwhelming sense ofpleteness.


    “Donnie,” I uttered her name, the weight of the separation lifting as I closed the distance between us.


    Her eyes mirrored the emotions swirling within mine, and without a word,. she shed a smile at me.


    “Alpha Carlyle, to what do I owe your visit?”


    “I haven’t seen you in weeks, it’s not bad toe down here just to see you and probably spend some


    time with you.”


    “That’s a good thought.” Shemented, gazing at some other ce.


    “Yes, it is. Before we talk, I’ll like to ask a question.” I chipped in.


    “What is it?”


    “Who is Mason?” I asked and the air grew tense around us. I could feel it.