Chapter 166 166 Harvest Moon Festival Arrival Day ... Miriam My heart swelled with pride as I stood near the edge of the training arena, watching Lyla read the itinerary.
Her poise and confidence remindedso much of the life I once had.
The youth I thought would never end.
Now watching Lyla my child, grow into a better version of everything I was, made my eyes red with unshed tears.
I had thought having the baby would ruin my life forever, but now Im glad I did and listened to keep my baby.
She was the best decision I ever made.
Today was the first day of the Harvest Moon Festival .
Not only were packs arriving in their pairs and numbers, but every hand was on deck to ensure the festival went well.
Mother Liora had entrusted Lyla with the significant task of managing all the young apprentices that had cto the pack.
Their job was to ensure the festival arena remained free from dark energy.
Lyla finished reading.
Her voice was firm but kind.
Make sure to double check every corner of the arena, she instructed.
We cant afford even a hint of negativity seeping into this celebration and Ferals.
The apprentices nodded earnestly, salready dispersing to their assigned areas.
Lyla then turned to me, practically bouncing on her toes as her eyes sparkled with excitement. Nan... Im going to the gates, she said.
Nathan should be here any minute now, and I want to be the first person to welchim.
Without waiting for more than my acknowledging nod, she darted away, leavingto handle the rest of the delegation.
I watched her disappearing back, a fond smile on my face when suddenly, a voice ctofrom behind. What is that girl doing wearing the white pearl ? the voice asked.
It was Terra.
They selected Terra, like the other priestesses, to attend the Harvest Moon Festival, representing the current ailing Wisewoman.
Her presence here should fillwith joy but more than anyone, Ive been dreading this confrontation. Also, as I have stopped talking with Mother Liora, this was her doing.
She must have briefed everything on Terra.
What were you thinking, Miriam ? she followed up without waiting forto answer her first question.
We need to talk about that white pearl around the Moonsingers neck The smile on my face faded as I sighed heavily.
Not now, Terra, I said in a low voice, glancing around to ensure no one was listening.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtIm not in the best of mood to talk about anything right now.
I turned to leave when Terra grabbed my arm, forcingto stop.
That pearl is sacred to Sigma, Miriam ! You know this.
It was designed specifically for Sigma females when they first get their wolves.
Its meant to help them control their extraordinary power.
Its not scommon trinket to be used as a wolf taming accessory, so why do you have it on her ? Youve gone too far this tThe accuestion in Tarrae union irritated me.
You think I dont know what that nearl C 106 Harvest Moon Festival Arrival Day The accusation in Terras voice irritated me.
You think I dont know what that pearl represents ? I snapped, yanking my arm free.
Im doing whats best for her.
Lyla doesnt know the truth about herself yet, and I intend to keep it that way until shes ready Terra scoffed. Open your eyes, Miriam.
Shes no longer a two year old.
Shes an adult.
Why are you still keeping things from her ? Because shes not ready yet! I said through gritted teeth, fighting the urge to scream.
Why do you all think adulthood is a gateway to everything? Do you know what she has been through? What she had to suffer for the longest tand now that she can finally put her legs up ... you wantto tell her that she stands at risk of being punished killed for who she is? And you think having her wear the pearl would help her? Do you know what it means to suppress a wolf that doesnt have a Sigma host? Its a training tool, Miriam, a crutch for young Sigma wolves to learn control.
By doing this to her, youre holding her back denying her wolf the freedom to express itself.
Ill find a way to regulate it, I said quietly.
And for the love of the gods, tell Mother Liora to stop meddling.
This is my daughter, my decision.
And Im your friend, Miriam, and as a friend, Im giving you a wise council.
This would not end well.
Fine, we all agree shes your daughter, but you cant shield her forever, Miriam.
If this continues, you might put her at a greater risk so, Im begging you as a friend to s stop.
Youre going to have to face her and Mother Liora eventually.
Im not interested in talking to Mother Liora again.
Cmon, Miriam, Terra sighed.
The other priestesses have noticed that theres a friction.
Stop avoiding her.
Maybe another time, I continued quietly.
Right now, I want to deal with one thing at the stime.
I turned on my heel, walking away before Terra could respond, leaving her standing alone in the courtyard. Everything she had said was true.
However, if I regulated the pearl, like giving Lylas wolf freedom once every two or three weeks, everything would be fine, and that was the only way I could stop everyone from knowing she had a wolf.
As I made my way back toward the pack house, I saw Lyla.
My heart softened at the sight of her walking next to Nathan .
A genuine smile lit up her face, and she linked hands with Nathan as they walked and talked.
Occasionally, she would laugh or grin at something he said.
The scene brought a sad smile to my face.
My daughters happiness was worth any price I might have to pay.
Lyla more than anyone deserved to be free, but that freedom would cwith truths I wasnt ready to share.
My attention shifted to the delegate from Blue Ridge, walking at a distance behind Nathan .
My body tensed as I scanned the group, bracing myself and dreading to see Luna Vanessa after all these years, but she was nowhere to be found.
166 Harvest Moon Festival Arrival Day ..
Was she still coming? Or did she stop to do something before coming to the pack house? It was unlike her to miss such an important event, especially not the Harvest Moon Festival.
Something must have happened.
Looking for someone? A deep voice rumbled behind me.
I felt my wolf stir at the familiar scent even before I turned.
I tried to look startled when I saw Beta Jeremy standing behind me, his broad shoulders blocking out the mid evening sun.
His presence was as commanding as ever, but there was something in his eyes a softness that made my wolf want to lean closer.
The ssoftness that had gotteninto trouble all those years ago.
My heart thundered in my chest as memories threatened to surface memories of stolen moments and whispered promises, of choices made and paths not taken.
The secrets I have carried seemed to grow heavier under his neutral, knowing gaze.
Jeremy, I managed, composing myself and hating how my voice wavered slightly.
I didnt hear you c.
I didnt expect to see you here.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
I thought with Logan gone, youd...
Im still Alpha Nathans Beta, he answeredbefore I completed the question, Until he finds the perfect replacement and why am I here ? his lips curved into a small smile, but his eyes flashed with an intense coldness that frightened me. The Harvest Moon Festival is a tfor reunions, isnt it? For facing the past months and celebrating surviving them all.
I understood the double meaning in his words.
My fingers unconsciously clutched at the side of my dress, trying to match his gaze.
Sure, I nodded.
WelcWe stood there in silence for what felt like a century until m speaked a look at him, realizing he was staring at me. She didnt come, he said, averting his gaze.
Shes pregnant and the baby would be here soon, so she couldnt come.
Oh... I wasnt... I mean, I swallowed hard, trying to organize my thoughts .
I wasnt worried about that, I tried to say cheerily, while I celebrated in my heart.
I didnt even notice.
You can lie to anyone else but me, Miriam .
I know you were looking for her just now.
I thought.
you were going to be brazen and cto his funeral.
But I guess the more one ages, the more logical they become.
If you had applied the samount of logic back then, maybe ... I just remembered now ! I cut him short, backing away.
I was abou High Priestess.
Can we continue this conversation later on ? to go do something for the His eyes narrowed as he studiedfor a moment before speaking again. And Lyla ? How is she handling everything? My face softened.
Shes doing well.
Better than I expected, honestly! Youve been avoiding me, Miriam ! he took in a deep breath.
And I have no patience for that.
I am not Logan Dont bring him into this, I said sharply.
Ive been busy C 166 Harvest Moon Festival Arrival Day ....
He wanted to say something but decided against it.
Whatever you say but, the reason I wanted to see you is for you to ask your daughter, to stay away from my son.
Can you do that for me?