Ethan wasted no time in summoning Lucas to explain more about the dark poison. Within minutes, Olivia and Michael arrived as well, and I couldn't help but wonder what took the Beta so long to join the meeting.
Olivia, always perceptive, sensed the tension in the air and immediately inquired about the situation. Meanwhile, Michael, ever eager to provoke a reaction from me, walked close and whispered, "How did you get here?"
Ignoring his taunting, I remained silent, not willing to engage in any conversation with him. His grin only fueled my determination to keep my distance, as he had always been hostile towards me ever since I rejected him on that fateful night.
The memory flashed back – Michael tried to force himself on me, and my desperate screams for help reached Ethan's ears. Fortunately, Ethan had shown up in time to put an end to the assault, and you know what happens to who touches the Alpha's pawn. Icarus was a recent example in that category.
Minutes passed, and Lucas was finally brought before us. His fear of Ethan's wrath was evident as he avoided making eye contact with the Alpha. Moreover, Lucas wasn't informed why he was summoned by the Alpha, so he assumed that perhaps, his fate has been decided and he was summoned to face his punishment.
"I heard you know more about the dark poison. Is my spirit wolf being poisoned?" Ethan's voice was tinged with frustration. He was even more angrier, discovering that the healing ritual wasn't effective.
"My Lord, I believe so," Lucas responded, his voice cautious.
Ethan stepped closer to Lucas, placing a firm hand on his shoulder, demanding his full attention. "Look me in the eyes and tell me that the Healing Ritual was for nothing," Ethan commanded.
Lucas struggled to meet Ethan's gaze, fully aware that speaking candidly might lead to drastic consequences. Nevertheless, he mustered the courage to speak the truth.
"My Lord, the healing ritual was performed to save your life in that critical moment. At the time, we were not aware of the dark poison you had consumed, and I believe that's why your spirit wolf left some of the alpha's powers within Emily. I think the load was too much for your poisoned spirit wolf to bear." Lucas explained, trying to defend the actions of the physicians.
Ethan's frustration flared, and he challenged Lucas with a determined tone. "Well, now you know what kind of poison I consumed. So, what is it going to be? I need to restore my dignity as the strongest Alpha in Midgard. I can't remain a poisoned Alpha, you know what that means for the fate of the Moonwalkers pack."
The weight of Ethan's words hung in the air, and the tension in the room intensified. The fate of our Alpha now rested on Lucas's ability to find a solution to the dark poison coursing through his spirit wolf. Everyone present understood the urgency of the situation, and we awaited Lucas's response with bated breath.
The physicians exchanged uncertain glances, unsure of how to proceed. Finally, Lucas spoke up again, presenting a potential solution.
"There is one option," he said. "We could try to find an ancient artifact known as the 'Tears of the Moon.' Legend has it that it possesses the power to heal even the darkest of poisons."
"The Tears of the Moon?" Ethan repeated, hope flickering in his eyes. "Where can we find it?"
"It is said to be hidden deep within the palace," the physician replied cautiously. "If there's any chance of saving your spirit wolf and yourself, we need that artifact."
Ethan's determination flared, his resolve unwavering. "Then we will go to the palace," he declared firmly. "Gather the pack, we leave at once."
However, Laura intervened, understanding the complexities of the situation. "We must inform King Morgath about the gravity of the matter and seek his assistance in finding the ancient artifact. Simply storming into the palace with our pack could be seen as an act of treason against the royal court."
Ethan's anger flared at the suggestion of seeking help from the King. "I was poisoned within the palace walls; I won't beg anyone for assistance. Prepare the soldiers at once!" he insisted.
The Alpha had made his decision, and none of us dared to oppose him now. Even Laura knew she could no longer sway Ethan from fulfilling what he believed to be his responsibility. The pack rallied behind their Alpha, ready to face any challenge that lay ahead, determined to save their leader and restore his strength as the strongest Alpha in Midgard.
Minutes later, Ethan, Laura, Michael, Olivia, and other pack members were prepared to embark on their journey to the palace. Initially, I was told to stay behind for my safety, but Ethan insisted that I accompany them, stating that if something were to happen to me, he would regain his Alpha's powers faster.
I don't think he heard the part when Lucas said that the Alpha's powers were too much for his spirit wolf to bear.
Elizabeth assured me that she would protect me if any danger arose. I couldn't help but feel conflicted. On one hand, I understood the gravity of the situation, and I didn't want to endanger anyone by being part of the group invading the palace. On the other hand, I was eager to see how this all unfolded, to witness the clash between Ethan's powerful pack and the Royal Pack.
Upon arriving at the palace, we were met with an unexpected sight—the Royal Pack was already prepared for battle. It was as if they had known of our impending arrival. My mind raced with questions—how did they learn of our plan? Could there be spies among us, relaying information to the Royal Pack?
King Morgath stood at the forefront of the palace hall. He observed Ethan and his troops with an air of authority. Without hesitation, he confronted Ethan, demanding to know the reason behind the planned invasion of the palace grounds. The tension in the air was palpable as all eyes turned to Ethan, awaiting his response.
Ethan stepped forward, his confidence unwavering in the face of the powerful King Morgath. He knew that the King was already aware of the events that led them to the palace.
"I'm sure your Iota and Epsilon werewolves have informed you about our reasons for being here," Ethan stated, raising an eyebrow in King Morgath's direction.
The King nodded, acknowledging that he had been informed of Ethan's poisoning during the feast and the transfer of his Alpha's powers to me, his pawn.
"I heard that you were poisoned during the feast and attacked at the woods. I also heard that you gave your Alpha's powers to your pawn, isn't she the one you came with to the feast?" King Morgath inquired.
Ethan's expression remained stoic as he replied, "Yes, she was with me."
King Morgath took a moment to assess Ethan and his formidable troops. All Ethan's troops, including his family were all trained for ceaseless battle. He realized that Ethan's pack was a force to be reckoned with as it was capable of taking down more than seven highly ranked packs combined.
"I understand that you seek the Tears of the Moon, but you must realize that we are on the same side, and I am still your King," King Morgath explained. "The artifact you seek was recovered hundreds of years ago and has already been used. The Royal Pack was once a Gemma pack, and we were skilled physicians before becoming a Zeta Pack."
The revelation struck Ethan hard, and he turned to the physicians, especially Lucas, for confirmation of the King's words. Lucas reluctantly replied that he wasn't aware that the artifact had been used.
Lucas admitted that he had only read about the ancient artifact in ancient books about poison and antidote, and he was unaware that it had already recovered.
Ethan was taken aback by the revelation, feeling mix of regret and frustration for not knowing sooner. He was speechless, he couldn't bring himself to look Morgath in the eyes. Ethan wasn't someone who easy apologize for his wrong doings, rather he will try to make up for it.
"I never knew the artifact had already been used. I promise to make it up to you someday," Ethan said to King Morgath, his voice sincere.
King Morgath, however, had a solution to offer. He revealed that there was another place where they could find the exact artifact they sought.
Ethan, being so desperate quickly asked where he could get it.
"Grendor." Proclaimed King Morgath.
Ethan was shocked, Grendor is their greatest rival and asking them for help isn't an option. "King Morgath, I can't ask Grendor for help."
"Did you ask for my help? Just like how you matched here with your troops, do the same to Grendor. Invade Grendor with me, that's the only way they will comply
Ethan was torn. He understood the desperation of the situation, but he also knew that invading Grendor would only lead to more conflict and bloodshed. He needed to find another way, a peaceful solution that wouldn't compromise the stability of the realm.
As Ethan contemplated his next move, he couldn't help but realize that the poison he had consumed during the feast had led to this dilemma. At least now it's clear why Ethan was poisoned, it's all fall back to him accepting to invade Grendor.
Now, Ethan faced a difficult decision. Will he follow King Morgath's advice and invade Grendor, or will he find an alternative way to save his spirit wolf without resorting to violence?
The weight of the situation rested heavily on Ethan's shoulders as he prepared to embark on a journey that would determine the fate of his pack and the realm itself.
To be continued... A Secret Journey to Grendor With The Alpha
(Spoilers for chapter 13: "Emily will have to embark on this journey with you.")