8. Where Are You?

~Zella~

Thankfully, nothing happened such as a snake attack while I was busy doing my thing behind the overgrown bushes.

After the bathroom break, I returned to my carriage, looking through the windows, enjoying the scenery while passing mountains, lakes and rocky terrain.

Hours passed quickly, and that’s when I saw the woods ahead, a hundred meters away. The land after that is the territory occupied by the Blood Canine Pack.

I looked at Alpha Declan, he was riding his horse beside the carriage. “Alpha, please stop the carriage at the entrance to the woods. I will walk alone towards the Blood Canine Pack on foot.”

He nodded his head. “OK. As you wish.”

A few minutes later, we arrived at the entrance to the woods. I quickly put the backpack on my shoulder with my twin inside and some medicine. Better be prepared and ready all the time. I left the carriage in a relaxed mode. Alpha Declan was already waiting for me outside.

He looked at me wearily. “Tell me… what is your plan?”

I shook my head. “I will just go there and try to convince them to surrender peacefully. That's my simple plan.”

“Really? That’s all you’ve got?” he asked in disbelief, his brows narrowing in astonishment.

“Yes,” I answered simply, feeling unbothered, looking like I’m just going to have a walk in the park.

“Are you fucking sure?” he asked again.

I smiled and responded confidently, “The Moon Goddess will keep me safe today because I’m trying to save people from death. She will bless me and keep me safe.”

“Alright, the ball is in your court. Good luck!" he finally said, his voice laced with irritation. “Any last words?”

I took a deep breath and replied, “If I can’t return here tomorrow morning before 12:00 noon, then I’m already dead. If something comes up unexpectedly, I will send you a message.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “How are you going to do it? How will you send a message to me?”

“If a brown or dry leaf drops on your lap, it means I’m dead. If it’s a green leaf, it means they will surrender peacefully. If it’s a young plant… that means I’m encountering a setback but need more time to turn the situation in my favor. Just give me more time to accomplish my goal,” she said in a pleading tone.

“Alright, noted,” Alpha Declan said, his eyes glinting with doubt and pity for her dangerous flight. “Good luck!”

"Thank you." I took a deep breath, marched towards the woods without looking back and disappeared behind the trees.

I walked the path carefully in alert mode, looking for poisonous snakes blocking my path.

After a few minutes of walking, I finally reached the other end of the forest safely.

I didn't see the danger coming…

Damn! Something hit my back. I reached for it. It was an arrow!

I passed out a few seconds later.

…

When I wake up, I’m already inside a wooden house, lying on the bed, stared at by men and women. They are looking at my face with curiosity flashing in their eyes.

“She finally woke up!” A voice cut through the noise.

I blinked twice. “Where am I?” I asked. They look familiar to me.

“You are now in Blood Canine Pack territory,” an old woman replied.

I tried to stand up but I felt weak. I came here last year to cure the sick children of the Alpha and Luna of the Blood Canine Pack. When they come to my pack and seek my help, I come with them willingly because I’m a healer. It is my duty to cure the sick with my healing abilities.

Besides, our packs were not enemies of each other. We are just neighbors, separated by mountains and lakes.

“Why are you here, Luna Zella? Why are you accompanied by the king's men?” one of the women asked.

A guy interjected, “Our men saw you getting out of the carriage and entering the forest. Did the King send you here to poison us?” one of the men asked fiercely.

They didn't bother to hide their suspicions, afraid I would betray them.

“No! I’m here to convince you, guys, to surrender peacefully,” I explained quickly. “If you don’t surrender, their bombs will destroy your houses and kill many of your pack members.”

They looked at each other, trying to make sense of my statement.

The crowd suddenly took their leave when Alpha Rudy and Luna Belinda entered the room.

Luna Belinda rushes to my side. “Luna Zella, why did you suddenly come here? We are in the middle of a war against the king’s men. It is dangerous times to come here," she said worriedly.

“That is exactly the reason why I’m here. I need to convince you to surrender peacefully so no one will die,” I said in a serious tone.

Alpha Rudy shakes his head. “No! I would not surrender my pack easily. My men and I will fight the king’s men till our last breath,” he said vehemently.

Foolish decision! As expected from him.

I sighed inwardly. Why do men always prefer violence to peace?

I heaved a sigh and looked him in the eyes. “Alpha, please reconsider your decision. It’s better to surrender peacefully and survive another day than to die instantly. Please think about women, the old, the sick and the children’s safety. The invaders will throw bombs at your homes, destroying everything in the blink of an eye. Their modern weapons are scary… I’m talking about bombs, grenades, and rifles. They are very destructive!” I said, trying hard to convince him that this war would only bring heavy casualties to his pack.

Alpha Rudy looked at me hard. “How about your pack?” he asked.

I responded, “We surrendered peacefully. No one was hurt.”

“What will happen to me and my family if we surrender? What will happen to my pack?” he asked.

“You will still be the leader of your pack, but instead of your pack's name they will change it to District. Our pack's name is now District 20. Every month, all the districts will pay taxes to Alpha King. All districts will be under his mandate,” I elaborated further.

“I see… and everything will be the same except for the pack name?” he asked. “And will I still be the leader?" he asked for further clarification.

“Yes. You will still be the leader of your pack.” I nodded my head.

Alpha Rudy looks at his wife and they both fall into deep silence. They are probably communicating through a mind link.

Then he finally spoke. “My Luna and I will discuss this issue. We will inform you of our decision tomorrow.”

“OK. But the deadline for surrendering is tomorrow at 12:00 noon. Alpha, please make a wise decision as soon as possible,” I said urgently.

“Noted,” Alpha Rudy replied.

Luna Belinda patted my hand gently. “You will stay here for the night in this room to recover from the sedative that we put you through. I’m sorry about this,” she apologized sincerely.

“Apologies accepted,” I responded with a smile, showing them that I hold no grudge against them for the arrow they used to capture me.

Sighing heavily, Luna Belinda stood up. “I will assign an Omega to serve you. She will cater to your needs.”

I nodded my head. “Thank you for your hospitality, and please don’t call me Luna anymore. I’m no longer the Luna of the Iron Fist Pack. I’m now an ordinary person with no status.”

“OK, as you wish.” Luna Belinda smiled warmly and left the room with her husband.

The servant entered the room. “Luna, my name is Lurie. I’m your maid while you're here. I’m ready to serve you,” she said politely.

I smiled, then I asked, “Did you see my backpack?”

Lurie responded, “Yes, it’s outside. I'll get it for you.”

I watched the maid leave the room. A few moments later, the omega returned and handed me my backpack.

“Thank you,” I murmured gratefully. “Can I have some water please?” I asked politely.

“Sure.” Lurie left the room.

I opened my backpack and checked its contents. I’m glad nothing is missing.

I put the empty wooden cage on the bedside table. My twin Zion is not inside. Where is he?

Suddenly my heart was filled with worry. What happened to him?

I quickly established a mind link with him. ‘Zion, where are you?’