Chapter 5: Sudden Summon

The next morning, I busied myself by doing my duties as the Gamma in the training ground. I was greeted by the sound of steel clashing, and warriors sparring filled the air while others were preparing for the training by rock climbing. Then, I helped to adjust the strap of the harness of one of my fellow pack warriors and taught them how to do it better.

Since I was still on my vacation and couldn't decide what I was going to do for the next few days, I had decided to help with the training. Not only that, but this was to distract me.

It was hard to forget about what I witnessed with Redmund and Lilith. Until now, I still felt the bitterness gnawing inside me, including how I slept with Commander Lucretius.

In my peripheral vision, Alpha Derrick stood near the training grounds, his arms folded as he observed the warriors' progress. His presence was calm yet commanding. He was one of the people I respected the most.

If it weren't for him approving some of the women here to join the royal military, I wouldn't be in this position. He also admired Commander Rachelle Simon for her bravery, which led him to finally promote a few of the women to be Gammas as well.

When I approached him, he turned to me, his sharp eyes softening with recognition. "Greetings, Alpha," I greeted with a bow.

"Euphyllia." He nodded, acknowledging me.

"What brings you here, Alpha?" I asked politely. As far as I know, he was handling some business in town with our Beta.

Not to judge why he came here to the training ground, but I had a feeling that he wouldn't come here for a reason. I noticed that Beta Rocco wasn't with him. Perhaps, he had an errand to do that made Alpha come here.

He studied me for a moment before speaking. "Two matters. First, patrols found fresh rogue tracks near the eastern ridge. I'd like your assessment. You've always had a keen eye for these things."

I straightened, feeling honored at what he said. "I'll look into it immediately. If they're close, we can't risk them circling back."

I knew that I was feeling down lately, but with Alpha Derrick asking for insight, I felt energized and was quick to make a response. Being a tactical keeper was such a good investment.

Alpha Derrick nodded, satisfied with my answer, but then his expression changed. This time, it looked heavier and cautious. "The second matter is... less simple." He fished out of his breast pocket and pulled out a sealed letter. When he bestowed it on me, my breath caught in my throat upon seeing the stamped with the crimson insignia of the royal military. "This arrived by messenger hawk this morning. It's addressed to you."

Staring at it, my heart was pounding so fast. I was in the middle of my vacation leave, and the fact that I was receiving a letter from the royal military, could this mean that something had happened?

I paused, not wanting to jump to a conclusion, touching the parchment before breaking the seal quickly.

'To all enlisted soldiers under the Royal Military Order:

You are hereby summoned back to the capital at once. Your leave is suspended. Attendance is mandatory.'

My throat tightened. I knew it. A sudden summon meant only one thing... There could be a war. Or perhaps, worse.

Was the issue about the rogue faction that had been causing these past few months as to why we were summoned back?

I folded the letter slowly, trying my best to keep my composure as I met Alpha Derrick's gaze.

I coerced a smile. "I am being summoned back to the royal military as soon as possible, Alpha," I told him the truth. "I might have to leave tomorrow."

With this kind of summoning letter, leaving tomorrow was the best solution.

He nodded. "I understand. And I always support the path you chose, Euphyllia," he said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Go and make our pack proud."

My chest tightened at his words. I could also feel my eyes getting misty. Alpha Derrick was always supportive of women pursuing different paths, not just staying at home and doing chores. Because he also supported our Luna, Olivia, who had established her own business. He wasn't feeling ashamed about it. That was why my pack members and I love our beloved Alpha and Luna of the Starry Shadows Pack.

I tucked the letter into my satchel and squared up. "I'll handle the rogues at the northern ridge before I leave, Alpha," I promised. "I owe my pack that much."

Alpha Derrick gave a small, approving nod as a small smile plastered on his lips. "Spoken like a true Gamma right there."

I inclined my head before him as a sign of respect for him, even though something was bothering me about the events for today.

Why did it feel like I had lived this before? Why did it feel like they didn't look new to me, but nuisance?

Perhaps, I really should tend to it for closure... Or that was the thing I should call it.

That night, I had prepared myself for the mission Alpha Derrick entrusted to me. I strapped on my gear, tying my hair back as I went to the northern border for the ridge patrol. The memory of Redmund's lips on Lilith's crossed in my mind, and my wolf howled in pain, but I forced it down to forget.

Duty came first, Euphyllia. We must not let this betrayal be a burden!

I dispatched two pack warriors to scout the northern forest. "Circle wide and flank from opposite ends. If you sense anything unusual, don't engage. Report back. Understand?"

They nodded. "Yes, Gamma Euphyllia." With that, they disappeared into the shadows.

I heaved out a sigh, feeling a little better that I got to execute being a gamma here. My fellow Gammas weren't here as they had their own function. I was the only one available at the moment, as to why Alpha Derrick asked me to take care of it.

Minutes passed, and the faint hoot of the owls and the soft breeze from the forest became the music to our ears. I was alerted by our border guards when someone was approaching, and my guy twisted upon seeing only one scout, who was in his wolf form, emerge from the treeline, breathing heavily when he returned to his human form.

Alone.

"Where is Rivan, Ives?" I demanded, maintaining my calm and composure.

Back in my training days as both a Gamma-in-the-making and a soldier of the royal military before choosing the path as a tactical keeper, one lesson was drilled into us above all. It was to maintain composure, understand the situation, and assess it carefully.

Ives shook his head, panic registering in his eyes. "H-He never made it to the checkpoint, Gamma. We separated at the ride, but... but I didn't hear a fight. I-It was like he vanished."

I cussed under my breath. "Stay here." I tapped his shoulder. "If I don't return in thirty minutes, alert Alpha Derrick immediately," I commanded. "That's an order, Ives," I emphasized and glared at him when he was about to protest.

I transformed into my wolf form, my bones starting to crack with no hint of pain as my four paws hit the ground. I reclined my head so my snout could smell the scent of my fellow pack member before I began running through the forest.

As I evaded the trees, the moonlight became my guide as I looked up, seeing how it was shining beautifully. And it was like it was leading me to where my fellow pack warrior was.

That was how I found Rivan leaning against a tree trunk, not far from the ridge. My heart dropped as I rushed to him. "Rivan!" I immediately placed my hand on his wrist, pressing the pulse while my other hand was on his nose to feel the breathing.

"He's unconscious," I mumbled under my breath, sighing in relief. "Thank the Moon Goddess. He's alright."

Then, I checked if he had any signs of wounds or struggle because I found it suspicious. But then, I came to see a familiar rich pink petals, realizing it was a chrysanthemum peeking at his breast pocket.

As I gently pulled, my brows furrowed upon seeing a small rolled parchment tied in the stem. My pulsation hammered as I unfolded.

For one second, I held my breath as I read the words written beautifully.

'It's good that I finally caught your attention. You're even more beautiful up close than only watch you from afar, Lady Euphyllia. But don't worry. I'm a patient person. I'll wait till you're prepared to meet me. And until then, I'll be watching.'

A chill rushed down my spine, making me freeze in my tracks. "What... What the hell is this?" I muttered in disbelief.