Chapter 5

"Kyler!" Casper's voice rang out. He laughed, explaining, "My Luna has been playful lately. She's taken to gardening and raising a kitten. Don't make fun of her."

He said it casually, but the fondness in his eyes betrayed him completely.

Kyler stopped in his tracks, completely still. It had to be the exhaustion from searching for Elsa for so long, the constant strain on his mind, that made his wolf misread the scent. How could she possibly be here?

The wind still blew, and the scent of flowers was still sweet. However, all Kyler felt was a tightness in his throat and a sting behind his eyes. He remembered how Elsa had loved tending the garden, raising kittens, and chasing butterflies with the maids. But every time allied packs came to visit, Kyler had felt embarrassed.

A future Luna should be composed and graceful. She should be sitting in the parlor with guests, not running around the courtyard like a pup. So, he had ordered the trees cut down, the flowers uprooted, and the kitten sent away. He even punished the maid who played with Elsa.

The courtyard became quiet, but Elsa rarely smiled anymore. She would sit for hours on the giant stone in the garden, staring at the fish in the pond. In winter, when the pond froze, she would just watch the birds in the sky, lost in thought.

No one knew what she was thinking, and no one dared to ask. After all, she was the fated mate the Alpha looked down on.

Hearing the laughter now, Kyler's heart felt like it was being whipped, sharp and aching all at once. It didn't matter. Once he found Elsa, he would let her plant trees, grow flowers, and raise kittens. He would never stop her from playing again, and would never call her foolish again.

As the two Alphas reached the foyer, Oscar approached, looking a little uneasy. "Alpha, Elder Luna specifically instructed to not disturb Luna yet, as she is busy having fun."

Casper raised a curious brow. "What are they up to?"

"Luna has Elder Luna helping her weave something," Oscar replied, trying not to laugh. "She's making a little bell collar for her kitten and insists Elder Luna thread it for her."

"Then, she must finish it properly," Casper said, his tone full of indulgence. "Tell her I'm waiting to see her hand-made bell collar."

Kyler took a swig of his drink, but the smooth taste couldn't mask the sour ache in his chest. "You two are really something to envy."

Casper thought of Kyler's fated mate. He'd seen the she-wolf twice, but only from behind.

The first time was a year ago, just after Kyler had taken the mantle of Alpha of the Frostfang Pack. Casper went to congratulate the pack, and from a distance, saw a she-wolf sitting on a stone in the yard.

The early spring wind was still cool, and she just sat there, staring blankly at the water. She looked so fragile and pitiful.

When Casper chatted with Kyler later, the latter casually mentioned her, but his voice had a hint of awkwardness. "That's my fated mate. Her wolf hasn't even awakened yet. Sorry if she seemed laughable."

The second time was at the border of the Frostfang Pack territory. His Warriors spotted that same she-wolf following a Rogue and quickly intervened.

The Rogue had snuck into the territory, preying on naive wolves to use them as test subjects. Kyler was notified, but to avoid embarrassing his friend, Casper made a hasty excuse about being busy with pack matters and left.

Thinking this over, Casper couldn't help but say, "If she's in your heart, then seal the bond sooner rather than later. Don't let her be hurt."

As he prepared to leave, Kyler sat in the car and stared at the fruit trees and the sea of flowers in Casper's yard. His voice was hoarse as he whispered, "I want to, I really do... but right now, I don't even know where she is."

Not long after, Kyler dozed off. In his dreams, he thought he heard someone calling his name.

A she-wolf ran across the yard, leaping into Casper's arms with fruit in her hands. "I grew these. Taste them. Are they sweet?"

Casper gently stroked her head and said, "Yes."

In the next instant, the she-wolf turned her head. It was Elsa.

She smiled at Casper, that bright, sparkling smile Kyler hadn't seen in so long. Her eyes shone with light.

Kyler tried to move, but his body felt like it had been weighed down with lead. He wanted to shout "Elsa, I'm your fated mate!" but no sound came out.

"Alpha! We're back at the Frostfang Pack!" a voice cut through, pulling him from the dream.

Kyler rubbed his eyes and gave a bitter laugh. He must have gone mad from searching for Elsa to dream something like that. Why would she be with Casper?