เข้าสู่ระบบPENIELI woke up to an empty bed and the smell of soap. The space beside me was already cold. Luciano had gotten up earlier. A tiny flicker of disappointment flicked through me, but it was drowned out by the deep, throbbing ache in every single muscle.I groaned, just as Preya bustled in, panting, she was holding a fresh set of clothes. “Thank the Moongoddess that you’re awake! I was about to shake you. You have twenty minutes to get ready. Rhea doesn’t tolerate people wasting her time.”Twenty minutes? I grumbled, throwing the covers back and tried to stand, letting out a pained filled moan as my body protested violently. My legs felt like they were made of wet clay and broken glass.Preya chuckled, “Up, up, Luna! The faster you move, the sooner it stops hurting.” She made shooing motions with her hands. “Don't worry, after today's training, I'll prepare a hot bath to soothe your muscles.”I managed to the stumble to the bathroom, get out of my clothes and showered, which mostly cons
PENIELFinally, she gave a short nod, seeming almost satisfied. “Better. Now, let's see if you can hold it under pressure.” Before I could ask what she meant, she stepped toward me, her hand coming slowly toward my wrist in a clear, simple grab.It wasn't a real attack. Just a simple lunge to grab my arm, slow enough that I could easily dodge. But to someone who had experienced her strength. It was terrifying.Instinct took over. I jerked my arm back, scrambling away from her, abandoning my stance completely, to throw my hands up in a panic.Rhea stopped, her hand hovering in the air where my arm had been. She looked disappointed. I didn’t understand why I felt hurt by that knowledge. "You froze." She said simply."I was surprised!" I protested, breathing hard."Your enemy will not send you a letter announcing their attack," Rhea said flatly. "Again."This time, I managed to sidestep, though it was clumsy, and awkward, almost tripping over my own feet.She didn't even hesitate. “Again
PENIELElias’s mother immediately slipped into hostess mode. “Please, let me get you some tea and biscuits.”“I’m so sorry,” I said, genuinely regretful. “I wish I could stay, but I also have to report for training.”They looked to each other. “Training?”I gave a small smile, “Yes, training. Your Alpha has been so kind to set it up for me.”We said our goodbyes, the atmosphere now warm and genuine. As Preya and I stepped back out into the morning sun, Elias’s mother called out from the doorway.“Luna.”I turned.She was smiling, a real smile this time. “Don’t beat yourself up anymore. You are a good influence. Both on this pack, and on him.”I shook my head. “You say that, but I don’t really feel like one.”“Look at it this way,” she said softly, her eyes knowing. “Alpha Luciano would never have come to apologize on behalf of anybody in the past. But he did. He came by last night, after everything settled. He stood right where you are and asked for our forgiveness, for your actions a
PENIELSomeone was shaking me awake. Gentle, but insistent.“Luna, it’s time to get up,” a familiar voice said.I groaned, burrowing deeper into the blankets. The exhaustion of the last few days was just showing now, my muscles and joints aching with the slightest movement. Then the events of last night rushed back, the dungeon, the fight with Luciano. My eyes flew open.“Preya?” I gasped, sitting up. She was standing by my bed, dressed in a simple, clean dress, her hair neatly braided. She looked like she’d had a full night’s sleep. “What the? How are you here?” I asked, my eyes wide.She gave a shrug, a little smile on her face. “Alpha Luciano had me released last night. Shortly after you left, actually.”I stared at her, stunned. After all that arguing, after his talk on all actions had consequences, he’d let her go? “Why?”“He didn’t say,” Preya said, turning to lay out some clothes for me on a chair. “But he did sent me up here and had me prepare this.” She gestured to a large, b
LUCIANOI didn’t move. I stood facing the window, looking out at the dark, silent pack grounds.Peniel went straight to the dungeons. The guard, under my earlier orders, let her pass. I watched through the security monitor, a human invention I’d installed for moments like this.She found Preya in a small but clean cell. The moment the maid saw her, she rushed to the bars. They grasped each other’s hands, both crying.“I’m so sorry, Preya,” Peniel sobbed. “This is all my fault.”“No, Luna, don’t say that,” Preya said, her own voice thick. “I don’t ever regret going with you. My only regret is that I let you go into that cave alone. I should have stayed closer.”“You didn’t let me do anything. Besides, you did the right thing running for help,” Peniel said, wiping her face. “If they had caught you… I can’t even think about it.” She shuddered.Silence reigned for a few minutes.“Your mother?” Preya asked. “Is she…”“She’s safe.” Peniel cut in, she smiled then frowned. “All thanks to Luci
LUCIANOI pulled her into my arms then, because I couldn’t stand to see her cry, even when she was in the wrong. “I know you are. But sorry doesn’t really fix this. Trust is broken. Not just mine. Members of the pack too. Elias.” She hunched her shoulders at his name. “And it has to be rebuilt. And part of that means you understand that your actions have consequences beyond just you.”I stroked her hair, “But now, how about you worry about that tomorrow and get some rest instead. Hmm?”She nodded against my chest, muttering about how she'll do better and left.The door clicked shut behind Peniel. I stood there for a long moment in the study, the weight on my shoulders gone. She was safe. Her mother was safe. That was what mattered. I sat at my desk and pulled a stack of reports toward me, needing the mindless work. I had just started when a soft knock came at the door.“Enter.”Silas stepped in. He looked tired. “Alpha.”“Report,” I said, not looking up.“We did a thorough sweep of







