Chapter Four: The Shadows That Watch

Southern Region Palace

King's Office

The King only smiled in response.

Using his mind link, he called his wife, who rushed over immediately.

"Aseal, it's time?" the Queen asked.

Sighing, the King said, "Zephyris, it's best you sit for this."

Zephyris narrowed his eyes, his arms crossed. "This sounds serious."

"Your mother—" the King paused, struggling to find the words. It was something he had long wanted to tell him, yet actually saying it proved difficult.

"I think I'll say it," the Queen interjected softly, reaching for her son's hands. "Zephyr, the truth is your mother had a mate before she met the man you called your father."

Zephyris stiffened, his expression unreadable.

"They were fated mates," she continued, "but for reasons we do not fully understand, he vanished. No one knew where he went, only that he disappeared without a trace."

Zephyris scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "Don't tell me you expect me to believe this nonsense."

Sighing, the King picked up where his wife left off. "The truth is, that man—Kallias—was actually your real father. The silver locks and blue eyes you and your sister inherited came from him."

Silence hung in the air. The only sound was the crackling of the fireplace.

"Your father was an enigma, Zephyris," Aseal continued, his voice calm but firm. "He wasn't a werewolf, nor was he a vampire or witch. He had no dark magic, yet he possessed incredible power. He helped us win the war against the vampires of Veinmore decades ago. And—" The King hesitated before adding, "I am certain he was far older than we ever realized."

Zephyris rubbed his temples. "So, what? He just left?" His voice trembled slightly, anger lacing his words.

The Queen sighed, her eyes full of sorrow. "When your father disappeared, you and Luna were just one year old. Your mother refused to accept it at first, but then Jake appeared."

"The monster who killed her," Zephyris muttered, his hands clenching into fists.

"He came to your mother, claiming she was his fated mate," the Queen explained. "She denied him repeatedly, but he was persistent. He played with you and Luna for months, trying to win her over. Then, one day, your mother came to us and said, 'Mother, Father, I saw Kallias in a dream. It wasn't just a dream, it was a message. He said the only way to protect the twins—especially Luna—was to go into hiding for a few years.'"

Zephyris looked away, his throat tightening.

"And so, they left," Aseal said. "They settled at the far edge of the region, where we could no longer keep in contact. Six years later, we received the devastating news of Zuria's death."

A dark expression crossed Zephyris's face. He let out a bitter laugh. "If this Kallias was so powerful, where was he when we needed him? Where is he now? Luna is out there, alone. Every day, I wonder—if I find her, will she still smile the same? Will her silver-white hair still shine like the moon? Will her ocean-blue eyes still glow at night?" His voice wavered as his emotions surged. "If this 'father' of mine is so mighty, why did he let all of this happen?"

His rage built, his eyes shifting to pure white as his wolf began surfacing.

"Zephyris, calm down," the Queen pleaded. "Your father left us one message after your mother's death. He said Luna was with someone he trusted, and we should continue searching the pack houses. He also said—" she hesitated before continuing, "that your mother is alive… somehow."

The moment she finished speaking, Zephyris turned and leapt out the balcony, vanishing into the night.

---

Silvermoon Pack Forest

"Luke, any news yet?" Draken mind-linked his beta.

"We captured one, but they aren't moving in groups this time," Luke responded. "It's almost as if someone is controlling them."

"This is turning into a headache." Draken scowled. "Call the witch."

---

Elaine's Room

"Child," Elaine said, fastening a cloak around her shoulders. "It seems there's trouble outside. The Alpha may summon me soon. The veilwraiths are masters of hypnosis, so unless I give you our signal, do not come out."

"Understood," Luna replied, gripping the sea-shell ring Elaine had given her earlier.

A knock at the door. "Miss Elaine, the Alpha has called for you."

Sighing, she left.

---

Alpha's Study

"What's the best way to drive the veilwraiths out of the pack by tomorrow?" Draken asked, his tone sharp.

"They target a single person and won't stop until they get them," Chris, the Gamma, said. "So, we use her as bait."

Elaine's head snapped toward him. "Are you out of your mind?" she hissed.

Chris shrugged. "She's a human. Luke can keep her safe. It's the fastest solution."

"You're suggesting something illegal!" she shot back.

Draken exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "Enough. We'll use the girl."

Elaine opened her mouth to protest, but Draken cut her off. "No arguments. If anything happens, I'll find you another human. Now leave."

Her hands clenched into fists, but she turned on her heel and stormed out.

---

Elaine's Room

"You'll need to act as bait," Elaine said, pacing. She rummaged through her trinkets before pulling out a ring. "Wear this. If anything happens, cut yourself just enough to draw blood and pour it inside. Trust me, I want this even less than you do."

Liz swallowed hard but nodded, taking the ring.

---

Silvermoon Pack Forest

The wind howled, and the screeches of veilwraiths grew louder.

Luke's team surrounded Liz, watching for any movement in the shadows.

Then they attacked.

Fifteen veilwraiths emerged from the darkness. The wolves fought, taking down twelve, but as they turned to check on Liz—she was gone.

---

Alpha's Study

"Alpha! The girl—she's gone!" a guard burst in, panting.

Elaine's eyes widened. She immediately cast spells to trace the veilwraiths, her fingers glowing with magic.

Nothing.

"There are no traces of them anywhere!" Elaine shouted.