Ch. 131..135: Alpha King’s Lost Luna Chapter 131-135

Chapter 131 What happened five years ago. ASHER “Asher,” Cas sandra breathed, and her lower lip trembled as she broke eye contact with me. “We can talk about this after we get the disease sorted out-” “What if we can’t figure it out?” I argued. “What if we can’t find out what’s going on or how to cure the disease.” “That’s not an option,” she countered fiercely. “I’m going to do everything I can to find a cure.” I knew she meant it. Cas sandra was passionate and dedicated, not to mention an excellent healer. But deep down, we both understood that there was a possibility we might not be able to find a cure, at least not in time. I also knew that she was using the disease as an excuse to avoid this topic. Though we’d healed most of our problems, I knew she was still afraid. Moon Goddess only knew that I was as well. But now, I felt the need to talk, not only because of Kane and Kaleb’s sudden advances but also because what Cas sandra had said about mates and protection reminded me of our past. She was strong and clever. She didn’t need to be shielded and protected like a delicate flower. She needed the truth. I wouldn’t hold things back in an attempt to protect her. I would tell her the truth. I released my hold on her chin and instead took her hand in mine. “Will you sit with me?” I asked gently. “Please, Cas sandra?”

She hesitated for a moment and looked as if she were going to refuse. I couldn’t blame her. This wasn’t going to be an easy conversation, but it couldn’t be avoided 1/4 any longer. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Cas sandra nodded. “Let me set this stuff down,” she whispered.

I let go of her hand and let her stash her equipment back into her pack. Once she was finished, I scooted a little further down and gave her some room to sit on the couch beside me. It was a sp ac ious piece of furniture, and I wanted us to have some closeness while still giving our conversation literal room to breathe. She sat down beside me and nervously tugged at a lock of her hair. I cleared my throat and then began. “Do you want to know what happened to me five years ago?” I asked gently. She stared at me, visibly nervous, but after a second of hesitation, she nodded. “Yes,” she whispered. I nodded and then gathered my thoughts before taking a long, deep breath. What happened all those years ago was the source of Cas sandra’s nightmares, but also mine. “As you already know, I reason I had to take the crown so hastily was because of my father’s sudden death,” I explained. “Normally, the coronation ceremony would have taken months, if not an entire year to plan. Every detail would have been a whole team of people. It would have been a happy day for the entire Pack. But things didn’t work out that way.” planned precisely b Cas sandra nodded. “Since Father’s death was so untimely, my coronation was a surprise to everyone,” I continued. “So the ceremony was hastened. With everything going on… my attention was elsewhere. It’s no excuse, but if I’d only known that the accident would happen that day… I’d wouldn’t have left you alone. I would have brought you to a safer place.” “Asher,” she breathed. ||| 2/4 I sighed and ran my hands through my hair.

“Back then, being the king was just an abstract idea,” I said. “Until Father was gone. Suddenly, I was to be the ruler of an entire empire. I had so much to do, but I didn’t know how to do it.” Cas sandra nodded again. “For example, I didn’t know how to clear the name of your family,” I admitted. “I wanted to set the Felix family free, but I didn’t know what to do. And that’s when Adalyn turned up. She told me that she could help. She proposed that if I married her, her father would ease up enough to want to forgive your father. She said she wanted to help us-” “And you just believed her?” Cas sandra gasped and then she shook her head. I gave her a bitter smile and nodded. “I was st upid.” “Yes, you were,” she mumbled, and her eyes fell to the floor. I wished I could read her mind, but I feared what she could be thinking about. I certainly wasn’t painting myself in the best light, but I had to be honest about it all. I owed her that. “I can’t rewrite the past,” I said. “All I can do is explain myself. I innocently thought that Adalyn’s intentions were good. I thought we could use our marriage to fre: your family. It wasn’t the most perfect of plans but given the circumstances of your father’s imprisonment and your brother’s exile to the borderlands… I don’t know. I could see what she was saying. I was desperate to save you and give you your life back.” “I know what you’re trying to say,” Cas sandra whispered. “But it was still-” “S tupid,” I finished for her. “Yes, it was.” ။ O 3/4 “I was saved by Emmell Keller, she foru and brought me to Wild Crawler.” Emmett Keller. The healer. And Cas sandra’s ex-husband. It all made sense now.

Back in Wild Crawler, I’d questioned Cas sandra’s origins and how she’d met Emmett Keller in the first place. Her story hadn’t lined up with what Lancel and Kane had uncovered in their reports. But now that she explained a little of what had happened… it all made sense. I thought back to the day of my coronation ceremony. The day of the fire. Every Pack in Wegalla had brought their elite members to Anemond and attended the coronation ceremony to greet and congratulate their new Alpha. The elites, namely the Alpha and Luna of Wild Crawler, had said their outstanding healer had important business, so he had to return to his Pack before he could greet his new king. Back then, I hadn’t paid much attention to it. I had no reason to think otherwise about some healer from a Pack on the border of the country. I had too much on my mind that day to care. If only I’d known that insignificant healer was going to be the one to save Cora. 4/4

Chapter 1 32 Secret of her husband CAS SANDRA I suddenly felt as if it were hard to breathe. The air felt heavy, and a strong wave of emotion engulfed me as I thought about the fact that Asher had ventured into the inferno to find me. The burn marks that covered his back made sense and answered the questions that hid in the back of my mind for so much time. He’d plunged right into the blaze and searched for me. As my thoughts swirled around my mind like a hurricane, I felt almost sick. I couldn’t help but think about what life could have been like had he found me after all. What if he’d arrived in time to save me? Would I have retained my old face, my old form? We wouldn’t have been separated all of these years. But as tempting as it was to consider what could have been, there was no room for regret. Had Asher saved me in time, I wouldn’t have become a healer. Finnick’s life would have been in immediate danger since he was Asher’s son, and I was nothing more than an exiled, foolish girl in love. Everything happened for a reason. What mattered now was that Asher and I were together again. “Cas sandra, I need to ask you something,” Asher brought me back into reality with a simple question, and his expression softened. “I need to know… why do you look different now? Why is your face no longer the same as it was, and what happened to your wolf? I couldn’t recognize you when you first got here because. you were so different. What happened?” “My appearance had been significantly altered by the burns from the inferno,” I explained. “My entire body sustained major injuries. It was so bad that Emmett had to perform multiple surgeries to treat the burns. Once my body healed… I wasn’t the 1/5 more beautiful now.”

“Thank you,” I whispered. “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t self-conscious. It’s hard to go through a transformation like that. Sometimes I find myself staring at my reflection, especially when I wake up in the morning. I still look like a stranger.” “That has to be hard,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.” “It’s okay,” I replied. “I’m alive, at least. Besides, my change in appearance was necessary. Once I recovered from the burns, I knew I needed to seek out a new life. I couldn’t be Cora Felix anymore. She died in the inferno.” Asher nodded thoughtfully. I wasn’t sure how to word my next statement, but since we were being honest with one another, I had to just say it. “After the inferno, I never thought about turning back or returning to Anemond,” I revealed. “In fact, if it weren’t for the accident Marco had suffered in Wild Crawler, we probably wouldn’t have crossed paths again.” Asher remained silent. The pain on his face was unmistakable, though he tried to hide it. “I know it’s hard to hear,” I admitted. “But Anemond was too dangerous to come back to. After everything I’d been through, all I had wanted was a stable life with Finnick” The Alpha King nodded, and his serious gray eyes fell to the ground as he considered my words. I hadn’t said them to wound him in any way. I just wanted to provide clarity as he had with me. O 2/5 “As for my wolf, I don’t know why it’s gone,” I continued. “Even Emmett couldn’t figure out why my wolf soul had disappeared. I suppose it could be due to the poison I had ingested.” “Poison?” Asher repeated back, and his eyebrows knitted together as his eyes met mine. When I nodded, his lips parted in surprise, and he leaned forward. “One of the soldiers had forced a liquid down my throat,” I explained as Asher’s hands formed into fists at his side. “It burned at once, so I knew it was some kind of poison. It was probably meant to kill me, but for some reason, it didn’t. I’d tried to beg them not to do it, but it was no use. He grabbed me and

made me drink it. It made me delirious and my vision was altered. It was awful, probably the worst thing I’ve been through.” Asher’s eyes began to tear up. “Cas sandra,” he whispered. “Cas sandra, I’m… I’m so sorry.” “It’s okay,” I assured him. “I’m okay now.” We sat in silence for a moment, and I let Asher collect himself. Surely, this wasn’t easy for him to hear. The Alpha King wasn’t weak by any means, but this information had brought out another side of him, one that rarely saw the light of day. He held me close for a while, and once I was sure he was alright, I finished my story. “When Emmett got me back to Wild Crawler, he was able to detect a very tiny amount of poison in my blood, but he was unable to identify it.” “Was Emmett skilled with poisons?” Asher suddenly blurted out. I blinked, completely taken aback. “What do you mean, Asher?” “Was he skilled with poisons?” he repeated back. 3/5 I considered the idea for a moment. “As bad as it sounds, I didn’t know much about Emmett, to be honest,” I admitted. “Our relationship was purely out of benefit to Finnick’s wellbeing, as well as my own. Our marriage was more of a formality than anything. He also preferred to be alone when working or studying something. He had a few notebooks that related to common wolf poisons. Other than that, I couldn’t tell you what he knew.” mind. Asher remained silent for a moment, but it was clear he had something on his “Lancel gathered some intel about Emmett Keller,” he revealed. “A little while back. I know this isn’t going to sound great on my part, but I wanted to know more about him. Emmett was born in Wild Crawler territory with his family, and then his parents were killed when he was young. Their murderer kidnapped Emmett too and when he never returned, the rest of the Pack thought he was dead.” I gasped. “What?”

Asher nodded. “Yes. He came back to Wild Crawler when he was sixteen. Everyone was surprised by his return since they thought he was dead. When he came back, he was suddenly a self-taught healer.” I had never heard anything about this. Emmett hardly mentioned anything about himself or his past. But there was one thing Asher had been right about- Emmett was an outstanding healer, probably better than most of the royal healt Anemond. But where had he learned it all from? Was there something more here that needed to be discovered? Did Emmett have a dark past that I knew nothing about? Then, Asher asked a question that completely took me by surprise. “Cas sandra,” he said. “Is there any possibility that Emmett could be a sorcerer or related to the Dark Abyss?” ။

Chapter 133 Memories of her husband CAS SANDRA I was stunned by Asher’s question. My lips parted in shock and her entire body trembled as I stared at a point beyond me. Emmett? Related to Dark Abyss? Or even worse, a sorcerer? No… there was no way. Emmett may have been a mysterious person, but there was no way that he had anything to do with the sorcerers, the Ewonmiams, or any of it. The man I knew in Wild Crawler was nothing like those wicked magicians. After a long silence, I shook my head. “I… I don’t think so,” I said quietly. “Emmett was always so nice and kind and kind to everyone, including me and Finnick. It’s impossible. There’s no way he was entangled in dark magic.” When Asher simply stared at me, confusion swelled within me. We’d barely ever spoken about Emmett before. Why would he be acting so strange about all of this? “Did you like Emmett?” he asked me after a minute.

I frowned and then shook my head. “It wasn’t like that, Asher. And this has nothing to do with it, either.” When he continued to study me, realization crashed over me. 1/5 “Are you jealous?” I asked him directly. The Alpha King hesitated for a moment and then nodded. “Yes,” he admitted. “Yes, I am. I know it’s foolish, but I can’t lie to you. I’m very jealous, Cas sandra.” I smiled despite myself. I had never realized the Alpha King was jealous of Emmett. I had always seen Emmett as my savior, my teacher, and my friend rather than

my husband. But at the end of the day, he was in fact, my husband, and Asher was clearly jealous of that. “Are you jealous of Adalyn?” Asher asked me. As he stared me down, I tried to keep my expression even. There were plenty of things I could say, but I chose to only reveal so much. “Maybe a little,” I said, but my reaction obviously didn’t satisfy Asher, because he then leaned over to kiss me. It was a strange moment to be intimate, but the feeling of his lips against mine was always welcome, especially with how tense this conversation was. I knew it wasn’t easy to put all of this out in the open, but it would only serve us better later. “I’m sorry,” Asher apologized once we parted. “I know that wasn’t a fair question to ask of you. I know your history with Adalyn isn’t great.”” “And it’s only worse knowing what she said to convince you to marry he murmured. “Cas sandra,” he whispered, and he ran his hand along my cheek. “I’m sorry. I told you, I was st upid. If I’d been a smarter man.'” “It’s okay,” I said. “Let’s not talk about it further, okay?” This time, I leaned back in to kiss him. In all honesty, I just needed a second to clear my head and shift the subject. I was so angry with Adalyn for poisoning Asher’s mind like that. He’d been in such a vulnerable position, and she’d exploited 2/5 that for her own political and social gain. Asher had been a gheving both his mate and his father, and all she could think about was herself. Adalyn was selfish. That much I already knew. But I coudn’t believe how deep her narcissism went. She was a vile, evil person, and it would take all of my effort to not tear her hair out the next time I saw her.

It was a good thing, at least, that we no longer resided under the same roof. If I were still living in Merliscire, I’d have no choice but to go after her. When we parted, I forced myself to breathe. I wasn’t a violent person. That wasn’t in my nature. Sure, I was protective and fierce when I needed to be, but I wasn’t bloodthirsty. I needed to release some of my anger and deal with it in a constructive way. Asher stared at me and then frowned. “Do you remember anything else about Emmett?” he wondered. Clearly, he seemed suspicious of Emmett’s identity, and he wouldn’t stop asking until he got more answers. I pondered his question for a moment. Even though we’d been platonic partners, his death made my heart hurt, so I rarely thought of him. But when I searched my mind, I did remember something peculiar about Emmett. He made it a point to travel every year, and he would usually disappear fo months at a time. During those two months, I wasn’t able to contact him at all. In fact, that was a big reason why I couldn’t believe he was dead when I first received the news. I thought he was simply on another one of his mysterious trips. I explained this to Asher, and the Alpha King’s frown deepened. “Where would he go?” he wondered. “On these trips, I mean. Did he ever tell you?” 3/5

Chapter 134

I shrugged. “I don’t know. I asked him once, but all he said was that he was visiting some patients in other Packs. There were letters and papers he held on to for those patients, but since my house in Wild Crawler had been burnt down… the records are gone.” With everything going on in Anemond, I’d completely forgotten about the fire. frowned as I thought about it again. “Was the arsonist ever found?” I wondered. and then c Asher shook his head “Lancel found someone suspicious, he disappeared during the chase before he could be apprehended and brought in for questioning.” “Disappeared?” I repeated back, completely puzzled. He nodded. “That’s why I’m wondering if Emmett could be related to all of this sorcery. I had talked to Sp ik e about it in the dungeon, and he mentioned that some sorcerors were able to teleport with talismans. So, I’m wondering if the arsonist was a sorcerer.” I nodded as I considered this new idea. Asher’s theories and suspicions were valid and reasonable, but it was nearly impossible to confirm if they were true, since Emmett was dead. “I’m sorry,” he apologized. “I know this is a lot to consider. I don’t war think ill of Emmett or anything, or think I’m saying all of this because I’m j just trying to determine if these things are related or not. This is all a hug puzzle, and it seems like it’s only growing more complicated with each pass. “I understand,” I said. “I feel the same way.” We fell into silence again, until I realized that Asher had nothing else to say. To be honest, I didn’t either. There were a lot of things to consider, and tensions were high. I got my medical kit back out and prepared to take Asher’s blood. 4/5

Shortly after I finished the king’s health check, there was a knock on the chamber door. Who is it,” Asher called out, his tone dripping with irritation. “I told you that ! will not be disturbed today.” “My apologies, Your Majesty,” the guard on the other side of the door replied, his low voice mu ffled. “The Beta Silas has arrived and wishes to speak with you.” 5/5 her belongings.

“I should take my leave,” she said quietly, and she nervously tucked her hair behind her ear. “We can speak more later. Have a good night.” “You too,” I said, and then I addressed the guard. “Send him in at once.” The doors parted and in walked Silas Moses. My brother-in-law’s face was weary, and his eyes had dark circles beneath them as if he hadn’t gotten much sleep. Not that I could blame him, of course. Last night’s events had gone long into the night. The entire Pack had been so thrilled to see the Beta that the celebration had been drawn out. I Silas glanced at Cas sandra but didn’t say a word as the beautiful healer passed him. Instead, he offered her a soft nod, which she returned in kind, and then he gave me a polite bow of respect. “Good evening, Your Majesty,” he said formally in his calm, even voice. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything.” “No, not at all, Silas,” I said, and I gestured at the leather couch opposite mine. “Please, take a seat. I’ve been wanting an audience with you anyway. This saves me the trouble of having to track you down.” “Yes, Your Majesty,” Silas said politely, and then he made his way over to me. I hadn’t had a great opportunity to spend much time with the young man during the celebration party yesterday. There had been a great deal of people, and my attention had been pulled in a million directions. But now, as I

studied Silas Moses, I found he was quite different than his father. Actually, unlike Adalyn, Silas seemed to be more like Linda than Oliver. O 1/5 He shared my wife’s strange golden eyes, but his gaze was calmer, more steady. His dark hair was neatly combed and his appearance was put together without trying too hard. We spent a little time chatting about the festivities of the night before, and once the conversation reached a natural, organic end, Silas shifted the subject and reported on his inspection of the military. “The Myriad is in good function,” he explained, and he crossed his lon folded his hands in his lap. “And so are the other troops. They underwen inspection, and everything is in great standing. Training and logistics are ju optimal as ever and morale is good.” “Good,” I said. “I’m glad to hear they’re up to code.” “Yes, Your Majesty,” Silas replied. “They’re doing fine work. There is something on my mind, though, if you don’t mind my bringing it up.” “Of course,” I said with a gesture of my hand. “Please, go ahead.” “Well, I was thinking on the subject, and I believe we should implement a change,” he began. “I think the recruitment of the Myriad should be open to more ordinary werewolves in Wegalla rather than just young werewolves from upper-class families.” req “Oh,” I remarked, and I was admittedly taken aback by this idea. This had my immediate interest because most werewolves, especially the ones in Anemond, believed warriors in the Myriad should be elites, and elites were the to only come from upper-class families. “What made you think of this?” I wondered with a small smile. Silas took a moment to gather his thoughts and then locked eyes with me. “Upon my observation, there are no huge gaps in capabilities between ordinary wolves and so-called ‘prestigious’ werewolves,” he answered. “I’ve seen plenty of capable warriors from ordinary families

who outperformed warriors from families in Anemond. I think it’s classist and ridiculous to pretend otherwise. A fighter is a ||| O 2/5 fighter. Why should one’s family name determine their skillset?” I was in shock. I hadn’t expected such words from Oliver Moses’ son. I nodded in agreement. “Well said, Silas. I agree with you completely. Honestly, I think that logic shouldn’t just apply to warriors either. I think Wegalla should focus less on the pecking order and more on ways to better ourselves and our country.” “I agree, Your Majesty,” Silas replied, and he offered me a small smile. “Please, it’s just you and me,” I said. “Not to mention I’m your brothe can just call me Asher.” “Asher,” he repeated back. “Right.” As we looked at one another, I remembered what Cas sandra had told me earlier and shifted the topic. “Yesterday’s party,” I remarked. “I know it’s likely a tough subject, but I have to bring attention to it since I have you here.” “I figured as much,” Silas said quietly. “Speaking as the Alpha King, I don’t think this incident was a mistake,” I noted. “Like your father noted.” Silas’ body stiffened and then he nodded slowly. “I don’t think so either,” he admitted. “Why didn’t you just speak the truth?” I wondered. “Why didn’t you announce the banquet hall that Becky was your mate? After a second of silence, Silas answered. “It’s because of my father,” he explained. “I’m…. worried what he would do to Becky if I were to claim her as my mate. He’s ruthless and callous, and I wouldn’t want him to bring her any harm. He doesn’t think as we do. The class system of L

O 3/5 Anemond suits his agenda, so he has no reason to question it.” I was surprised again by the way he spoke. Not many talked against Oliver Moses. Silas was honest. I liked that about him. “So, it was out of protection?” I asked. “Yes,” he replied. “I know it sounds… cowardly.” “No,” I said. “No, I understand.” A sigh rose up from my chest, and again I thought of Cas sandra, and furthermore, Cora. “You shouldn’t do this based on your own assumptions,” I said, and I rested my hands in my lap. “It’s unfair to Becky, and it could also hurt her. I know you’re doing your best to protect her, but you’re risking hurting her feelings, as well. Some hurts will never heal, even if you try to apologize for it later. Regret only goes so far.” “I understand,” Silas replied thoughtfully. “If it’s alright with you, I’ll take this conversation into consideration. I don’t know what I want to say to her, but I need to gather my thoughts. I want to be honest with her, but I can’t risk her safety.” “Of course,” I replied. “Do what you must. Just know that should you need anything, I’m here to help.” “Thank you, Your Maje- Asher,” he corrected himself. “I appreciate your of wisdom.” “Any time,” I said. I hadn’t meant to sound like the young man’s father, nor had I intended t him a lesson. I simply wanted to help Cas sandra and her friend. So, I quickly shifte the conversation back to business. “Now, is there anything else you’d like to report?” I wondered. Silas nodded, and suddenly, his expression grew even more serious. He took a 4/5 moment to gather himself and then spoke.

“When I was inspecting the border, I came across someone,” he said quietly, and he glanced around as if he were worried about being overheard. “Someone I didn’t expect to find. Ector Felix.”

 

Chapter 135 Ector Felix ASHER “Ector Felix?” I replied back in disbelief, and when he nodded, my calm expression turned into a frown. There was no way. Ector, Cora’s brother, had b banished to the border shortly after their father, Darrin Felix was imprisoned allegedly trying to harm Oliver Moses. On paper, his punishment seemed kinder than that of his father’s, but in all reality, it was far worse. It was nearly impossible to survive at the border of Wegalla. The land was deserted and lacked many resources. A sentence to the borderlands was a sentence of death. Back then, after Cora perished in the fire, and I’d built my own power in Anemond, I’d sent guards out there to search for Ector and see if he was still alive. But when my team returned, they were empty- handed. Ector was nowhere to be found. Since that day, I’d assumed he was dead. But now, Silas said he’d found him? “How did you find him?” I asked as I tried to wrap my brain around this information. “And how do you know for sure that it was Ector?” “When I was inspecting the borderlands, I found a man being chased by roguel werewolves,” he explained. “The man’s clothes were ragged, but it wasn’t difficult for me to recognize that he was from Wegalla. So, I saved him from the rogues. Once we got away, I got a good look at him. The man was thin and weak, and suffering from malnutrition. He could hardly hold his head up or even speak. He led me to a house he’d built out of tree branches and dry grasses. It was a terrible sight, Asher. It was a wonder he was still alive with a shelter that poor. I wanted to take him away, but he insisted on staying at this ragged house. While I was there, I found a Felix family badge.” ||| 1/4

My lips parted as I fought the urge to drop my jaw. A badge of Felix. Ever since the family had been framed, no one had dared to keep a Felix family badge, lest they be accused of conspiring with them. Considering where Silas had discovered the man, it was easy to believe that he was really Ector. “So why why hadn’t I found him myself?” I asked aloud, not even realizing I’d spoken the words until Silas sat up in his seat. “I think it might be because the man hid himself deliberately,” he answe calmly. “When I found him, he was panicked to see my armor and the crest of Wegalla. He’d tried to run away from me, but before he could get too far, the rogue wolves appeared. He couldn’t get very far, which is how I got the opportunity to catch him.” I nodded, and when my head began to pulse again, I gently rubbed my temples to soothe the pain. “Where is the man now?” “He’s still in that house,” Silas replied. “I left a guard there to look after him, and some basic supplies should be arriving to them soon. I wanted to bring him back to Anemond, but I don’t see that being an easy task. It was almost impossible to get him out of that ragged little house. When I ordered the guards to drag him out, hel tried to hurt himself. So, I had to give up on the matter.” I nodded. This… this was so much more than I’d expected to hear from Silas, and I di know what to do with this information. Cora, Ector, and I had been so close as children. We were an inseparable trio, always playing games with one another, and always going on adventures throughout the palace and the surrounding area. I’d always considered Ector to be family. Since I hadn’t had siblings until Kane, Ector had always served as a friend and role model. He’d taught me how to properly hold a sword, how to climb trees… We’d spent countless hours together reading, drawing, playing… He was one of the best ment

111 2/4 that I knew, and I looked up to him greatly. He was kind and thoughtful, not to mention he had a wonderful sense of humor that kept me laughing even when palace life grew tense. When the Felix family met their demise after the false accusations had been made, my heart ached like no other. Undoubtedly, my biggest regret was the loss of Cora, but Ector’s exile hit me hard as well. When I hadn’t been able to find him, I’d blamed myself. His death felt like another on a long list of heartaches, and it was one of the nightmares that kept me up at night. Until recently, I hadn’t believed in miracles. But now that Cora had returned to me and Ector Felix had been discovered in the borderlands… I needed to offer an extra prayer to the Moon Goddess in thanks. My mind went immediately to Cas sandra. This was incredible news, but I didn’t know what to do with it. Until his identity was confirmed by either my own eyes or Lancel’s, I couldn’t take it as fact. I needed to know with one hundred percent certainty before I got Ca ss andra’s hopes up. She was in such a fragile state lately and this news, if wrong, had the possibility of really hurting her. Of course, if it was true, this could really turn things around for her. Being reunited with Ector was a possibility she probably never considered. But, I was getting ahead of myself in more ways than one. I needed to be level-headed and get all of the facts before I proceeded. If it wasn’t really Ect Felix, I couldn’t risk Cas s andra’s sanity. “What do I need to do with the man?” Silas asked me calmly, and I was insta pulled back into reality. “How should I proceed?” I considered the Beta’s question for a moment, and before I gave my answer, I had one question. “Does your father know about this?” I asked quietly. Silas frowned slightly and shook his head. 3/4 “No,” he replied. “I didn’t tell him and I don’t intend on telling him. We both know how that information would affect him. No, the only people who know about the man are us and the guards I have stationed

with him at the borders.” “Indeed,” I said, and after I let out a long exhale, I rolled my shoulders back. “For now, Silas, I want this to be kept between us. No third party should be privy to this, not even your parents. I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea and I don’t want to risk any harm coming to the man. It sounds as if he’s been through a lot.” “Of course, Asher,” Silas replied, and he gave me a small bow. “You can t loyalty.” I studied Silas. Unlike the rest of the Moses family, he seemed to be sincere and kind-hearted. But I couldn’t easily trust him, especially on this. I needed to visit the man in person if I wanted to confirm that he was Ector. I certainly wanted the man to be Ector. If so, that would definitely lighten. Cas sandra’s spirits and bring her some much-needed happiness.