Catching Up

The sun cast a warm glow over the pack house as Alpha Richard and Alpha Lucas continued their discussion on politics and the ever-changing dynamics of the kingdom.

Their voices were low but firm, exchanging concerns over the growing instability caused by rogue attacks and the increasing number of refugees.

Meanwhile, Luna Kim and Luna Evelyn had found themselves deeply immersed in their own discussion, each woman's expression reflected on the burdens of their shared concern, worry etched deep into the lines around their eyes. Luna Evelyn's hands, slender and elegant, were clasped tightly around her wine glass, her knuckles bone-white. Luna Kim's gaze was distant and troubled, absently tracing the patterns on the polished tabletop. The fine fruit platter lay untouched.

"We need to raise more necessities for the refugees," Luna Evelyn said, her voice a low murmur, laced with an urgency that belied her calm demeanor. The concern etched across her face was not just worry; it was a deep, abiding sorrow. "Their numbers are growing, Kim. It's heartbreaking. I saw a child yesterday... barely older than my own son... with eyes that held the weight of the world. We can't simply stand by." A single tear escaped her eye, tracing a delicate path down her cheek before she quickly brushed it away. 

The silence that followed was heavy, filled with the unspoken grief that bound them together.

Luna Kim nodded solemnly, her gaze distant, lost in the sea of suffering she carried in her heart. "The King has already assigned them a plot of land," she said softly, her voice barely audible, "and the strongest packs are contributing to ensure they don't starve. But it's not just food they need. Many of them… they've lost everything. Their homes, their families… their very sense of belonging." A single tear traced a path down her cheek, unnoticed.

Luna Evelyn reached across the small table separating them, her hand resting briefly on Luna Kim's. The simple gesture spoke volumes, a silent offering of comfort and shared sorrow. "They're here because someone sacrificed for them," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. "Their loved ones… gone. And the memory of that sacrifice... it's a wound that will take time to heal." The unspoken understanding hung between them, a bond forged in the fires of shared compassion and the chilling reality of loss.

The weight of their earlier conversation settled upon them, a heavy cloak they couldn't quite shed. The unspoken grief lingered, a faint ache beneath the surface of their polite chatter. Luna Evelyn unconsciously rubbed her thumb over the rim of her empty wine glass, the faintest of clicks a quiet counterpoint to the shift in tone.

The burden of leadership, always present, felt particularly acute in these moments of shared responsibility and unspoken sorrow.

After a while, however, the conversation meandered towards lighter topics, a gentle shift as natural as the fading sunlight. They spoke of the well-being of their respective packs, the burgeoning strength of their young warriors, and the promising developments within their lands. The warmth of the fireplace, the comforting aroma of woodsmoke, and the soft murmur of voices seemed to ease the tension that had previously filled the room.

Luna Evelyn's smile, as she turned her attention to her friend, still held a hint of that earlier sadness, but her eyes held a playful glint. She leaned forward, a subtle gesture that spoke of a change in topic, and with a slight smirk, asked, "Has Amelia found her mate yet?" The question, light, and teasing, served as a carefully placed bridge, a gentle transition from the weighty matters of state to the lighter, more personal concerns of their lives.

Luna Kim chuckled knowingly. "I was wondering when you'd bring that up." She sighed. "Not yet. She hasn't even gotten her wolf. We're waiting for the ceremony... less than two months away now."

"Two months… not too long," Evelyn mused. Then, with a playful glint in her eye, she added, "Wouldn't it be something if she turned out to be Sebastian's mate?"

Luna Kim's lips curled into a smile. "They would make a stunning pair, wouldn't they? And imagine us as in-laws!"

Both women burst into laughter at the thought, but deep down, they both hoped for that exact outcome.

At the Pack's Recreational Center…

Sebastian and Williams found themselves at the heart of the reserve, engaged in a competitive match of archery tag.

The game required agility, precision, and quick thinking, all of which Sebastian seemed to have in abundance.

"You sure you're not cheating?" Williams grumbled as he retrieved another arrow.

Sebastian smirked, drawing his bow effortlessly. "You're just mad because I'm winning. By how many points now? Oh, right...five."

Williams scowled playfully. "Shut up and shoot."

Sebastian released his arrow, hitting the target dead center. "Another point."

Williams groaned. "I hate you."

From a distance, Amelia watched them, frustration clawing at her insides.

The wait for the ceremony felt unbearable. If she had her wolf, she'd know for sure if Sebastian was her mate. Instead, she was left waiting, hoping, and, in the meantime, completely mesmerized by him.

Her gaze lingered on his strong frame, the way his muscles flexed as he moved, the sharp focus in his hazy eyes. He was… breathtaking. She was a goner.

Lost in her thoughts, her attention shifted when she spotted an omega slave, Matilda, returning from her task of collecting firewood with two other girls.

The three of them, weary and dust-covered, were making their way back to the kitchen to finish their duties.

The presence of the Rathords had brought a rare sense of peace to the Hillson pack, a warmth they had missed. But Amelia had no time for sentiment.

"Hey, you!" she called out, her voice carrying authority.

The three omegas froze, eyes darting nervously toward her.

Everyone knew Amelia was trouble, a storm in human form. She hadn't earned the nickname Hurricane Amelia for nothing.

Slowly, they approached, their nerves stretched thin.

Amelia crossed her arms, exuding arrogance. "Go to Madam Tera and tell her we need snacks and drinks. For me, my brother, and of course…" she cast another longing glance toward Sebastian, "our guest."

Matilda hesitated, but a sharp glare from Amelia had her bowing quickly. "Y-yes, my lady."

"Good," Amelia said, flipping her deep-brown curls. "Now move."

The omegas scurried away, and Amelia turned her gaze back to the field, a small smirk playing on her lips.

Soon… soon she would know if fate was on her side.