Chapter 3

Felix’s POV

"Miss Vega’s missing."

When the butler rushed to inform me, my quill hesitated mid-air over the document, but I quickly resumed reviewing the papers, not bothering to look up as I interrupted,

"What is it this time? Does the herb garden need moonflowers replanted, or has the kitchen run out of honey again? Tell her such trivial matters don't require special reporting. I don't have time for her to fuss over these things."

I've truly been overwhelmed lately.

The Blackwood Pack is about to embark on its migration, and as Alpha, I need to personally confirm every preparation. From supply stockpiles to migration routes, from the accommodation of the elderly, weak, sick, and disabled to potential threats along the way, every link cannot be overlooked. What's more troublesome is that the pack elders have been frequently pressuring me to reassess the candidate for Luna.

By the time I finished the last supply list, it was already dark outside the window.

At dinner, Elara's usual seat at the long table was empty. Servants carefully placed the cutlery, afraid to make a sound.

I put down my knife and fork, my voice cold and hard, "Since she doesn't dine on time, there's no need to save her food tonight."

The hall fell silent immediately, with only the occasional soft crackling of firewood in the fireplace.

The night wind carried the breath of early snow through the window gap. When I got up to close the window, my gaze involuntarily swept over the training ground. In the moonlight, those claw marks of varying depths were still clearly visible, like marks engraved in time.

I suddenly remembered when we were young, Elara was still a skinny cub, yet she dared to confront a group of Alpha cubs for me. At that time, I accidentally failed in training and was almost backlashed by a out-of-control barrier spell. It was Elara who unhesitatingly rushed forward, shielding me with her body and taking a heavy blow directly.

She was obviously weaker than me, yet she always tried to be brave.

When did my distress for her turn into impatience?

It was later, I suppose, after her wolf soul was shattered, and she couldn't even keep up with basic combat training, yet stubbornly insisted on studying herbs. Those failed attempts that blew up the herb garden, those cloyingly sweet honey teas, those strangely scented but highly effective potions... each one made me both irritable and helpless.

I should have been the one who knew best how stubborn she was.

"...Forget it," my tone softened involuntarily, "tell the kitchen to prepare some meat soup and send it to her."

Suddenly, the captain of the guard knelt on one knee, his voice trembling, "Alpha, forgive my sin! Miss Vega...has been missing since yesterday..."

The air instantly froze.

The butler stepped forward in a timely manner, respectfully handing me a scroll, "My lord, the migration supplies have been inventoried. However..." He cautiously lowered his voice, "Regarding Miss Vega's placement, the council hopes to finalize the plan before departure. Considering the harsh migration environment, they suggest..."

My fingertips tapped lightly on the table. Although my voice was not loud, it made everyone unconsciously straighten their backs. I slowly stood up, and the moonlight stretched my shadow very long.

" Send my order," my voice was calm, "all patrols immediately launch a search, focusing on investigating the herb market and the southern honey workshop."

A self-proclaimed clever guard whispered in persuasion, "Lord Alpha, Blackwood isn't the only one with a white wolf. Why do you have to..."

When my gaze swept over the young guard who made the proposal, he immediately lowered his head, and the fur on his neck involuntarily stood up. Although there was no furious rebuke, the oppressive feeling from a top-tier Alpha made everyone understand the seriousness of the matter.

" Search," my voice was as cold as ice, "turn every inch of land upside down."

The firelight in the fireplace flickered on and off, casting light on an unremarkable glass jar in the corner—inside lay a bunch of dried moonflowers and several strands of silver-white wolf hair stained with dark red spots.