Fuck. A miscalculation. I made a miscalculation for the first time in years. I miscalculated Lucianโs love for his late brother, Atlas. After Sierra had offered her gift to Lucian and explained what it could do, he rounded up the entire gift giving ceremony and dubbed her gift the best.How could he do such a thing? Did he love his brother that much that heโd be willing to use witchy methods to create a shadow of him? Fuck!I was happy for Sierra, but angry at myself! I blew my one chance. Would I now have to give Lucian his second gift without getting anything in return? Damn it.โWhy are you looking so fussy?โ A familiar voice sounded behind me.I turned around to see Lucian standing casually with his hands behind his back. We were both on the balcony right now. After Sierra won the best gift, I left the hall to get some fresh air.That must have been fifteen minutes ago. What was Lucian doing here? Shouldnโt he be entertaining the guests like a good birthday boy?โDonโt talk to me
In the letter I gave to Lucian, there were two things written on it. The first was that someone he cared about would be poisoned. The second was that I had solid information about the rabid rogues. The second part, though the information was not as solid as I emphasised, was still very useful. I still hadnโt told him the information yet because there was going to be nothing in it for me! The first information of someone getting poisoned was just a bonus and a filler gift.The information about the rogues was the real deal. But how could I give it to Lucian when I didnโt win the best gift award and wasnโt going to get my wish granted by him?So, I played coy and said, โWhat do you mean by that?โโYou still owe me another gift,โ he said.โI donโt feel like giving it to you,โ I turned away to leave, but Lucian caught my wrist and flipped me around.โIt doesnโt matter what youโre feeling. Tell me, now.โ Lucian said with a serious tone. All traces of playfulness from earlier had disappea
Gina was standing a few feet away from me with her hands planted on her hips, and there was a stern expression on her face. I was suddenly reminded of when I first began working as a maid and she tried to kill me.Instinctively, I grew defensive and bowed curtly.โGood morning,โ I said, my voice was void of sarcasm this time around.Gina only hummed in response to my greeting as she came closer to me. โWhy did you do it?โ she asked. Straightforward as ever.โDo what?โ I played around with my words.Ginaโs brown eyes drew into narrow slits as she stared at me. โDonโt talk nonsense and just answer me. I know that it wasnโt totally for your self protection, so tell me. Why did you do it? What do you want from me?โI tilted my head to one side as a smile made its way to my lips. I liked Gina, she was really clever. My kind of person.โIโll be frank with you. Iโm in danger. Itโs only a matter of time before my brother finds out that Iโm still alive and am now living here. When he does, th
โRuby,โ I heard a familiar voice call out to me.I was in a familiar yet unfamiliar place. I was standing in my room back at the Blue Sky pack. โRuby,โ someone called my name once again.I turned around and saw Jonathan standing at my door. His face looked younger than I remembered. He looked like he was seventeen years old. I was confused. The Jonathan Willow I knew was twenty-four years old with a more muscular frame. And the last time I saw him, he had been growing a stubble on his chin.But nowโฆ he had a baby face. And his brown eyes, which were normally clouded with bitterness and contempt, were wide with wonder and amusement now. What was going on here?โJonathan, youโโ I stopped talking as soon as I noticed that the sound of my voice was really high-pitched. I reached for my throat and that was when I noticed how short and small my arms were.I looked down at myself and saw that I was now a little girl. What theโฆ?โRuby, what are you doing? Itโs almost time. I canโt wait to
It was stupid to try and pull the shirt down to cover my thighs at this point since Lucian had already seen them, but I still made that stupid decision.โIf I had come to seduce you, I would have worn something seductive!โ I sassed, recovering myself from the slight embarrassment.Lucian only remained amused. โReally?โ He then stood up from the bench and took only two steps to reach where I was standing.โI thought that you were aware that you can be dressed in only a sack bag and Iโd still get seduced by you.โMy jaw dropped. Stunned at his words, it took me a while to recover. Satisfied by my reaction, the smile on Lucianโs lips broadened. That was all that I needed to snap back into reality and school my expression.I frowned deeply and backed away from him.โI see that you have no interest in holding an appropriate conversation with me. I guess Iโll be returning to my room now.โAs I turned my back to him and was about to leave, Lucian slid an arm around my stomach and pulled me i
โOperation: Rubyโs Caretaker,โ I verbalized for the first time and allowed myself to evaluate how it sounded in me. โI think it sounds quite interesting, doesnโt it?โLucian laughed and leaned back on the bench with his arms crossed. โI guess so. But actually we have to think about if the operation can be completed. It is not enough to simply think of a cute title.โI agreed but my brain was already running with several scenarios about how to achieve that. โThatโs right. First of all, I need to tackle all the issues with the pack and clear my name. Which means off course the issues of me being a threatening Alpha also proving that I am not just a pathetic Omega.โโPrecisely.โ He said and then added after some moments of thought. โAnd I guess the first ones would be the most relevant ones, that is, Gina, Timothy and maybe even Beckett,โ Lucian said this seriously. โThey are the most influential pack members. If they are on your side, the rest will follow.โโGina will be the problem. She
The closer we got to the training area, the more we could hear the sounds of warriors engaging in sparringโgroans of exertion, the sounds of bodies colliding, and infrequent exclamations resonated about us. This arena was a large enclosure in which the members of the pack fought and practiced, fenced by lumber. I was filled with apprehension and glee as I entered at the same time with Lucian.โDo not forget to be courteous. These are the fiercest fighters in our pack,โ Lucian cautioned in a serious voice.โIโll remember,โ I said and set my jaw. โStill, first, it is important that I send the appropriate message if I expect them to take me seriously.โโDonโt worry; we all know you will do it anyway.โ Lucian smiled at me with a look, which was supposed to be calming. โThey will appreciate you for that.โWe stepped further in the arena, and some heads turned our way. Additionally, I could spot a number of warriors huddled together and quietly talking with their gazes jumping from Lucian t
The following days went by in a flash as I dedicated myself to finding out everything I could about the rogues and how they operated. With the help of the warriors, I gathered relevant information that Gina and Lucian insisted on seeing. They both appeared to appreciate my work, which made me more ambitious to show that I am worth it.โRuby, this is fantastic work,โ Lucian said and verified the documents I was presenting. โThis can assist us in forming a plan.โโThanks! I was simply pursuing what the warriors had already told me. They provided useful information,โ I said, feeling a bit proud.โAnd you have turned that information into something tactical,โ Gina said, approvingly. โIf we can find out the way the rogues behave, then we can predict where they will go.โโI am happy that both of you think so,โ I said, smiling. โI only want to ensure the safety of everyone.โโOn that note of assuring everyoneโs security, we need to talk about the upcoming pack meeting and what needs to be do
โI shall be right behind you,โ I answered, still breathless from the zeal of battle.I felt more resolute, perhaps more purposeful, as we journeyed back towards the pack. We were a pack, working towards the same goal, and we would overcome whatever stood in the way.The calm after the rogue attack was more tensioned than relaxed, yet intentional more than careless. The Blood Moon pack had come together once again with a mission of making the pack ready and alert more than ever before in case of an attack. While I passed across the pack grounds, I could sense the atmosphere โ a mixture of eager anticipation and tension. You look after me mom, I got this.โRuby! This way! Encyclia Timothy, workout!โ I heard Timothy and turned to him waving his hands. I found him in the training arena practicing his moves.โHey, Tim! Howโs the training?โ I asked nearing him with a grin.โGreat! I am practicing my footwork just as you taught me!โ he said, showing a quick sidestep.โNice! You are way bette
โRuby! Are you set?โ Timothy asked me, looking over his shoulder with a hint of joy, as he rushed towards me in the common area.โAs ready as I can be, Tim,โ I said hoping my smile would convince him that I wasnโt scared. โJust remember to remain around the warriors.โโI will! I want to assist in guarding the pack!โ he vowed, determination evident in his voice.โGood. Remember, we are all in this together,โ I said and affectionately ruffled his hair.Back in the common area, Lucian was at the helm of the warriors addressing the rest. โTonight against the attacking rogues we have a plan. Weโve reinforced the walls and built cagings. Be alert, and lean on one another.โThe warriors nodded in response, serious looks on their faces. Pride overwhelmed me in equal measure. I was part of this pack, ready to take on all the dangers that tomorrow holds.โTim, you need to be in my line of sight at all times,โ Lucian said with his eyes on the small boy. โI want you to learn how we perform our st
โAnd what sort of thing did you hear?โ I queried, feeling my pulse increase at her sudden outburst.โOn the next full moon, theyโattacks the pack!โ they, foolishly, making sure to pronounce the words like they were dancing, giving up โfool her,โ meaning all along โ scheming against them, completed the rogueโs tale, sounding somewhat hysterical.Lucian, looking grim, met my gaze. โLook, I donโt think we can afford to ignore this. If this rogue isnโt lying, we have to get ready.โโI will inform the rest,โ I said, shaking out of it and preparing to share the information.โStay beside me,โ Lucian said and his voice brooked no argument.On the way back to the rest, a strong kink of insistence engulfed me. There was no time to lose in assisting the pack.As soon as we brought edged the warriors, Lucian turned to them and explained the content of the message received from the rogue. โWe have been informed that the rabid pack plans an assault towards the next full moon. We must now make arran
โI believe in you! Just keep on training and you will reach that level,โ I said feeling proud of him.But not so long after, Lucian walked over to us and watched for a while. โYouโre both progressing quite well. Ruby, your footwork is much better than it was before.โโThanks! I have been trying to improve it,โ I said with a blush on my face.โTimothy, youโre nailing down the techniques. Thatโs good,โ Lucian appreciated this and Timothy adored the praise.Anyway, as it went on, I sensed a bond between us strengthening as well. We were a pack, and we aided each other in meeting the challenges that lay before us.Later that evening, when I was already in bed, I felt apprehensive, like we were about to enter into something. The rogue threat was still very fresh in my mind, and I wanted to be ready for it.***The following day, there was a strange sort of tension in the pack house. The warriors were getting ready for an evening patrol along the borders, and I could feel the pressure in th
The following days flew by like the sands in an hourglass as the Blood Moon pack prepared for the upcoming strategy meeting. There was a strong sense of vigilance in the atmosphere; everyone understood the menace posed by rogues who encircled us and it became rather obvious that a pack welfare strategy had to be put in place.โHey Ruby! Iโm sure youโre all geared up for the meeting?โ Sierra yelled out while I was entering the common room with a heap of paper files chewing on my lip.โAlmost! Just one more go through my notes,โ I said shaking my head and paging through the notes nervously. โI just want to make sure that I cover all the bases.โโYou are going to be okay! Everyone thinks highly of you,โ she said a lot more encouragingly as her smile broke on her face, more light spilled on her figure.โThanks, Sierra. I hope so. I am just soโฆโ I began and retraced my steps again, not pressed to finish that thought. Excited? Caesar was Brutus billing himself as a saint.โJust keep in mind
The day after Lucianโs birth celebration was a different ball game in the pack house. There was a noise of warriors warming up for training, and with it came great expectation. Nobody was oblivious to the current rogue threat, and the enjoyment experienced from the earlier party wore off and solemnity reigned.โRuby! Are you ready for training?โ Timothy shouted as I walked into the common area still drowsy, trying to shake off sleep.โReady as Iโll ever be, Tim,โ I said, smiling at him. โLetโs see if I can catch up with you today.โTimothy smiled widely, showing how he was feeling. โYou will! Just donโt forget what I said last time โ we have to work on your footwork!โโFootwork, check. I shall do my best to keep moving my feet,โ I said, playfully bouncing on my feet. โYou are not going to allow me to lag behind, are you?โ โNever! I will make sure you are the best fighter in the pack!โ he declared, proudly puffing his chest.I chuckled and appreciated the bond that had formed between
In the subsequent days, there was training after training on a different strategy, and interaction with the fighters. I was beginning to feel that I belong to the Blood Moon pack, and I was ready to show myself to be worth it.One of those boring afternoons, I was in the family area skimming through some combat strategies. Just when I was about to deeply engross myself into the book, Lucian appeared, beaming from ear to ear.โYou do seem to be busy,โ he remarked lazily, as he casually positioned himself against the door frame.โJust trying to read as much as possible,โ I answered, my eyes not leaving the book. โWhy are you here?โโThought Iโd check in on you. Howโs the training going?โ he inquired while moving a little closer to me.โGreat! Iโve been training with the warriors, and theyโve really helped me. I think I Am beginning to figure things out,โ I said with a sense of pride that made even my chest swell.โThat is good news. You have come very far from when you first came,โ Luci
In the subsequent days, there was training after training on a different strategy, and interaction with the fighters. I was beginning to feel that I belong to the Blood Moon pack, and I was ready to show myself to be worth it.One of those boring afternoons, I was in the family area skimming through some combat strategies. Just when I was about to deeply engross myself into the book, Lucian appeared, beaming from ear to ear.โYou do seem to be busy,โ he remarked lazily, as he casually positioned himself against the door frame.โJust trying to read as much as possible,โ I answered, my eyes not leaving the book. โWhy are you here?โโThought Iโd check in on you. Howโs the training going?โ he inquired while moving a little closer to me.โGreat! Iโve been training with the warriors, and theyโve really helped me. I think I Am beginning to figure things out,โ I said with a sense of pride that made even my chest swell.โThat is good news. You have come very far from when you first came,โ Luci
In the next few days, there was too much activity orientated towards the birthday celebration of Lucian. The pack was too busy and I was also on the whirlwind. Everyboody was very happy to help out with the preparation and I also wanted to do my part.โRuby, I need help with these decorations,โ Sierra called me over as I passed the common room.โSure! Iโm always up for helping with decorations,โ I said, rushing toward her. The woman was quite surrounded with women. Moreover, I could see streamers and banners ready to be fixed.โPerfect! I need a spare pair of hands,โ Sierra said gleefully. โWe have to make sure that everything is perfect for Lucian.โโBring it on!โ I responded and reached for some of the flowers. โWhat is the mission?โโWe are going to place these flowers at the entrance, like along the door and arrange some of the tables for the snacks,โ Sierra said excitedly. โI want everything to be good.โโGood it is! Letโs begin,โ I answered, filled with the zeal to do the work.