Ashley’s P.O.V.Vincenzo’s Alpha command left no room for discussion, as I had to head to the pack ground after Enzley’s breakfast. So, holding my son close to my chest, I walked all the way to get massive pack ground.The gentle morning sun felt pleasant to my skin after the first night in the Eastern Gardens Pack. When I reached there, the place was full of warriors, elders, and children clinging to their mothers. Even the pack elders and the council members were also standing tall under the glimmering sun. I thought I would stand in the corner and remain invisible; however, Vincenzo had some other plans for me. As soon as his gaze fell on us, he stepped down from the stage, striding towards me briskly. His large hand closed over mine before I could slip away, firm and commanding. My heart stumbled over its rhythm as he pulled me onto the stage, making sure that I couldn’t disappear this time. All the eyes followed me, full of disgust, as if I carried some invisible mark of shame
Ashley’s P.O.V.Gosh, it wasn’t a teddy bear!A massive ball of black fur curled against me, its chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. That wolf’s glossy coat shimmered faintly under the sunlight, its size so overwhelming that it barely fit on the mattress. My heart thundered in my ears as I spotted the scar on its left ear, confirming that it was Vincenzo, sleeping so peacefully as if nothing in the world was wrong. A startled scream tore from my lips as I jerked back, pulling away from the massive weight beside me.“Vincenzo! Get up!”My hand fumbled against his thick fur until I shoved off his massive paw from me. With a slow, unhurried movement, he stretched. And before I could escape, he laid his huge paw across my back, pinning me down with a frightening ease. His sheer force held me still, but the way my racing heart calmed down, startled me. I hated how the air suddenly felt so safe, and a part of my soul that had never rested, sighed in peace, feeling at home final
Ashley’s P.O.V.As soon as the priest’s words left his lips, the whole crowd dropped to their knees, foreheads pressing on the ground. Their voices broke into desperate pleas.“Forgive us, Moon Goddess. Spare our pack!”The yard filled with the haunting chorus of prayers, a sea of bowed heads trembling under the weight of divine energy. But I couldn’t move! I stood there frozen, my fingers stiffened around the small candle. My brain was unable to process the shock of this happening as countless questions clawed at me.“What have I done? Why now?”A sudden rush of movements jolted me. Vincenzo’s voice cracked through the panic, urgent and commanding.“Warriors, bring water. Now!”However, before anyone could move, the priest raised his hand and spoke.“Stop!” His eyes flashed wide. “Don’t smother it! Pouring water will anger the Goddess. Only a devotee’s sincerity can quench this fire. His truest plea will turn her wrath aside.”Vincenzo’s jaw tightened, his gaze flicking from the tre
Ashley’s P.O.V.My decision brought a warm smile to Luna Rose’s face. She squeezed my hand, gratitude shining through the fatigue on her face.“Thank you, my dear. You did the right thing. And you will see, the goddess will only stand with the truth.”I swallowed a lump in my throat and nodded, still unsettled a bit. Then Luna Rose requested meekly.“Ashley, please let me see my grandson. It's this old woman’s wish to see the next Alpha of the Anderson bloodline before dying.”The moment my son was mentioned, my heart raced. I had now realized what brought her here in such a serious condition. If Vincenzo wanted to bring her for his support, it wouldn’t be possible to convince Luna. He must have lured her here with the news of our son’s birth. I asked the maids to inform Jess, and within minutes, she carried him into the room. My eyes stung as Luna Rose’s lips parted in awe. “My grandson…”She gasped as her frail arms stretched out despite their weakness. When Jess lowered Enzley ge
Ashley’s P.O.V.The moment Luna’s frail voice called me, my feet moved before my mind could catch up. I rushed to her side, dropping down beside the wheelchair as my knees no longer knew how to hold me up anymore.A sharp, stabbing pain pierced my chest, seeing her like this. In my memories, she had always been the unshakable Luna, regal and commanding even in the darkest time. My voice cracked as I turned to the doctor.“How could you allow her to travel in this state? Look at her!She is struggling hard to breathe!”A lump rose in my throat. “Did she get the cure? Why is she like this?”Before the doctor could answer, a trembling hand reached for me. Luna Rose’s palm rested against the crown of my head, caressing me gently. She inhaled deeply, the mask hissing as she pulled it away. I panicked, reaching to put it back, but she shook her head firmly. “My life was saved by the cure.” Luna spoke, her voice thin but steady.“But the weakness will take time, Ashley. I am old now.”Rel
Ashley’s P.O.V.Enzley’s name rang in my ears, echoing with the weight of truth I had tried to hide. My heart slammed against my ribs as though it wanted to burst free and avoid this confrontation.“I don’t want to hear anything from you.” Shaking my head, I tried to wrench myself free. But Vincenzo’s hands closed firmly on my shoulders, keeping me in place. His eyes burned into mine, refusing to let me escape.“Enzley,” he said slowly, “don’t you see? That name... It’s us. Enz from me, and Ley from you. You named him as the perfect sign of our love, Ashley.”The words pierced me deeper than any blade. My breath hitched as I felt the floor tilt beneath my feet. Vincenzo was right!I hadn’t realized it before, but my hands had written that name as though guided by something beyond logic, beyond conscious thought. My heart had chosen it, stitching up together even when I swore, we were broken.A tear stung the corner of my eye, blurring his face as emotions tore me apart. I hated mysel