Ch. 171..175: Alpha King’s Lost Luna Chapter 171-175

Chapter 171 The final stage of the disease CAS SANDRA After spotting the mysterious dark figure outside, I meticulously inspected the entire lab. I searched high and low and examined every surface to make sure that nothing had been stolen or removed by an unknown intruder. But much to my confusion, nothing was amiss. My heart still raced in my chest from being startled, so I stood there for a second and forced myself to breathe deeply. As the cold air flooded my lungs, I found myself finally growing calmer. Perhaps this was merely a delusion, a residual effect from the unsettling dream. Clearly, I was still frightened and at least half-asleep when I glanced out the window. Seeing shadows out of the corner of your eye at night wasn’t out of the ordinary. It happened to just about anyone. When I settled down, I turned on a lamp, and as its warm, calming light filled. the room, I pulled up my favorite chair and picked up Becky’s report. I sunk into the chair and allowed the soft fabric to comfort me before diving into the report. Becky’s notes facilitated my understanding of the situation. She’d made comments all over the paper and even added little sticky notes to expand on her thoughts. I scanned through her neat handwriting and started to take in the report. Becky outlined that the poison she uncovered in the water from the mountain area of Wild Crawler could induce several physical and psychological disorders. Initially, patients who had fallen victim to the poison in some manner exhibited physical deterioration. Then, the physical decay gave way to the poison attacking their neuro system, which led to a sort of hysteria. However, a question lingered in Becky’s explanation. Her words rambled on with the possibilities and then led to a pair of sentences that she’d circled in dark. ink. Does the final stage of the disease cause patients to lose their minds? Contact 1/4

Dic kson for confirmation. I frowned at the questions for a moment and clutched the papers tighter. Suddenly, I recalled something Emmett had once mentioned. It had been the only time he’d ever spoken to me about poison. Since I’d grown up in Anemond, I’d had no formal education when it came to medicine. None of my classes, in all of my years of high-born education, had anything to offer in the way of biology and chemistry, so when Emmett had brought me to Wild Crawler and took me under his wing as a healer, I’d had to start at the beginning. It was a casual conversation we’d shared in the beginning of my training. Emmett had lent me his book of research and notes, and as I’d scanned through the pages, I’d come across the section that mentioned poisons-both man-made and venoms. *** The healer had explained to me that poison was used not only to kill but also to control. When I’d been confused by that statement, he’d clarified and detailed instances where poisons were employed chronically, for instance, to render female wolves infertile or paralyze wolves’ bodies. The ultimate aim behind such poisons, Emmett emphasized, was control, namely, the sinister prospect of manipulating people’s minds. At the time, that conversation had struck me as odd, but it hadn’t gone any further. My memory of the discussion had been a little hazy, as Emmett had swiftly shifted the subject after mentioning “mind control”: But now, as I read Becky’s comments on Spi ke’s report, the memory resurfaced vividly. As I stared at the pages of the report, I recollected Emmett’s somber expression during the conversation. His blue- green eyes had been distant and sad, as if something deeply sorrowful had affected him. As I pictured him sitting there in the clinic in Wild Crawler, my mind began to race. Why had he been so upset? Had he known something then, something that

2/4 related to our present situation? I hated that I truly knew so little about the man who was at one time, my husband. Though I owed him an enormous debt for rescuing me from the inferno and getting me out of Anemond, there were so many questions I had about him and his background. When he had disappeared all of those years from Wild Crawler, where had he been? And where did he travel to on those mysterious journeys away from the clinic? I set the papers down and cursed under my breath. Though we were getting closer to answers about the poison that was affecting a chunk of Wegalla’s population, there was so much that I desperately needed to know. As the confusion and frustration of the unknown started to consume me, I closed my eyes. I wanted nothing more than to bring Finnick over to my bed and cuddle him close, but I knew that the moment I did, I would likely be plagued with even more bad dreams. I didn’t want to upset my son, so I forced myself to sit up in my chair and regain my composure. I sat there until dawn, pursuing the report until I had the details memorized, and the phrase “mind control” haunted my every thought. I couldn’t shake the notion that this might be linked to the poison, though I had no strong evidence to support the theory. As the golden rays of the rising sun streamed through the window, I rose from my chair, and decided to get dressed. I resolved to eat a swift breakfast after getting ready, and then I was going to go to the palace to visit Spi ke. After I checked in with Erika, I left a note for Becky, who had requested a half day off, and then headed to the palace. But when I reached Merliscire, Lancel was nowhere to be found, and when I checked in with one of the other higher-level guards, he reported that Lancel was unavailable. He explained that the older guard was occupied with a task for Prince Marco and that he wouldn’t be back for a while. 3/4

After I thanked the guard, I walked down the corridor and weighed my options. People went about their business around me, and I was thrilled that no one seemed to notice me pondering in the corner. I could always visit Spi ke unaccompanied, though I knew Asher or Lancel would firmly oppose that idea. They had always been very insistent on one of them being. present on our visits, but as I recalled our past encounters, I realized they’d always been unproblematic. I knew how to evade attention and converse with Spi k e. Besides, Lancel merely stood by during our discussions anyway… Moreover, the notion of visiting the strange imposter without the older guard’s presence enticed me. I could potentially inquire further about my past or Emmett’s without raising Lancel’s suspicions. It wasn’t that I mistrusted the steadfast guard, but rather that I believed he didn’t need to be privy to matters concerning Emmett or the potential of him being a sorcerer. And of course, I couldn’t quite ask Spi ke about myself either, not when I was still keeping my old identity a secret. I couldn’t risk this entire thing falling apart, but I needed to know more. So, I decided to visit Spi ke.. O

Chapter 172 High-level Magic CAS SANDRA Though I wanted to immediately go straight to the dungeon, I suddenly remembered Spi ke’s request for an alcoholic beverage and the approval I’d given to Lancel in Asher’s absence. The last time I’d spoken to Lancel, he’d told me what kind of liquor the imposter. preferred, so I decided there was no time like the present. Spi ke would likely be more willing to speak with me if I sweetened the deal. So, I left the palace and went to Anemond’s market in an attempt to hunt it down. The market was far more bustling than I’d expected at such an early hour. As an array of smells and conversations filled the air around me, I wove through the crowds of people and peered around at the shops. Spi ke’s request was a strange one- it was an orange and cin namon liquor that. apparently had exotic spices and herbs in it that weren’t present in many other drinks. I had to travel to three separate shops in the market before I managed to locate it on a shelf in the back. The bottle was tall and skinny, with a gold, engraved label. The glass was a strange dark green, and when I held it up to the light I was. I surprised to see the liquid practically glowed. When I brought it to the front to pay, the shopkeeper seemed surprised by the purchase. “Only one other guest besides you, miss, has sought out this particular liquor,” he noted as he handed me the bottle. “The other guest deemed the flavor too strange and decided not to purchase it. I suppose we all have our preferences though, don’t we?” < 1/4

Though the shop owner was kind, he was more chatty than I preferred, and I wasn’t quite in the mood for conversation. So, I offered him a polite smile, and after I tucked the bottle into my messenger bag, I left the shop.

I walked back to the palace, and once I arrived, I made my way down the corridor that led to the dungeon. Much to my surprise, I encountered no resistance from the guards. They recognized me at once and stood aside to allow me entry. I was a little taken aback that they didn’t interrogate me, but I wasn’t going to question my bit of good luck. Spi ke appeared surprised to see me. His dark eyes glanced at the empty space behind me, and his eyebrow raised. After a moment of hesitation, he let out a small chuckle “I see you’re unaccompanied today, Healer Cas sandra,” he noted with an arrogant smirk on his face. “How unusual. Does your guard know that you’re here on your own?” I considered telling the truth but stood my ground in Lancel’s absence. I needed to prove I could hold my own without the older guard being here to watch me. “That’s none of your business,” I answered calmly, though not rudely, and then I reached into my messenger bag and retrieved the bottle of liquor from within. I gently held it out toward the bars of the imposter’s cell. “I brought you this, as you requested.” Spi ke was clearly taken aback. He stared at the dark green bottle with a look of confusion and then eyed me carefully. “Really?” he noted. “How interesting. I didn’t think you would accommodate the request.” “I wanted to offer you something in reward for your cooperation,” I replied. Spi k e nodded slowly and then tilted his head to the side. “I must say, Healer, Cas sandra, I’m very much surprised,” he said in a curious tone. “Both by your solo visit and this gift you’ve bestowed upon me. How ever did O 2/4 you manage to evade the guard? He’s not exactly known for his-” “I have questions,” I interrupted him before he could finish his sentence. “Ones that only you can provide. I entrust that you’ll be willing to answer them, given I’ve done what you asked?” Spi ke stared at me for a moment and then smiled, only this time, it was almost. genuine. He accepted

the bottle from my hands and then walked over to his desk and retrieved his coffee mug. He filled it to the brim with the liquor and then turned to face me. “You’ve been withholding information in the guard’s presence. I can tell. Now that we’re finally alone, I’d be willing to answer whatever queries you have. I suppose I owe you that much. Besides, I’m taking a small break from working on the cure to the poisons. The least I could do is speak with you.” I swallowed hard. I hadn’t expected this to go over so swimmingly. Usually, Sp i ke was arrogant and at least a little standoffish, but he seemed genuinely grateful to get the beverage of his desire, and his spirits seemed brighter than usual. Though I wasn’t sure exactly what to say, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to get some clarity about my nightmare. I gathered myself and then spoke. “Spi e, do you know anything about ‘mind control… or something similar to that?” I wondered. “Had you ever heard about it during your time with Dark Abyss?” “Mind control?” he repeated back and I nodded. “Yes,” I said. “I know that sounds strange… but could sorcerers do something like that? Control minds?” As my words trailed off, Spi ke opened the bottle of liquor and sniffed at it. He then took a sip and then pondered the question for a moment. After a minute or so, he shook his head. “I must admit, my knowledge on the matter is limited,” he said. “That being said, I believe sorcery could accomplish just about anything. It had a grim reputation in the past. It’s possible elite sorcerers might have possessed the ability to control minds through spells.” 3/4 “Could they have accomplished that through poisons?” I clarified. “I know your mentioned that the poison affected the neuro system-” Spi ke’s sudden laughter cut me off and heat spread to my cheeks in embarrassment at once. “Mind control poisons?” he chuckled, and then he wiped liquor from his lips. “Okay, now that’s preposterous, even by our standards. I must say, Healer Cas sandra, that you underestimate sorcery’s

complexity. It doesn’t work like that, and even if it did, only the most elite of sorcerers could accomplish such an impossible feat. I know we’re dealing with some higher-level magic, but to pull off a mind- control poison… that would require an immense amount of precision and sk I immediately felt foolish for asking such a question. My theory had been so underbaked and half- developed that I probably should have waited before barging into the dungeon and demanding answers from Spi ke. The imposter had a point, one that I had to concede to. If a poison could wield such power, chaos would reign. Just as I was about to turn on my heels and leave, Spi ke’s laughter ceased abruptly. “Of course,” he mused quietly, and his eyebrows knit together. “There is one possibility. It’s far- fetched…” He set his mug down on the table and then approached the bars of the cell to stand in front of me. “If an exceptionally powerful sorcerer crafted something that could embed a spell into wolves’ bodies, it would require a strong catalyst,” Spi ke declared, but then he shook his head. “But that would be impossible.”

Chapter 173 Deprived of Wolf Soul CAS SANDRA “A strong catalyst?” I wondered, and as my brow furrowed, I took a step closer toward Spi ke’s cell. What do you mean by that?” Sp i ke took a long deep breath and ran his hand through his dark brown hair. His equally dark eyes stared down at the ground for a moment and then he spoke. “Look, it was nothing more than a mere story that was popular among the members of Dark Abyss,” he said dismissively, and then he waved his hand in the air as if to further his point. “It’s nothing, really. I was just supposing.” When he didn’t say more, frustration swelled within me, along with curiosity. What did he mean, and why was he being so vague with it? I began to wonder if coming here was a mistake and debated turning around and heading back to the clinic. I had gotten my answers and needed to get back to work before patients arrived for healing. We were understaffed anyway, so it would make sense for me to throw in the towel and leave Spi ke to keep working on the cure to the poison. But some part of me knew that there was something more he wasn’t being forthright with. Any little detail could be important, no matter how far-fetched it seemed. I knew there was something here. So, I took a breath and pressed a little further. “Spi k e, could you tell me more about it?” I asked gently, and I offered him a kind smile. “I know it’s just a story, but I’d really like to know more.” The imposter exhaled and didn’t seem as if he wanted to share, but he reluctantly nodded his head. 1/4

“It was a time before the destruction of Ewonmiams and the extermination of the most eli e sorcerers,” he began, and he crossed his arms against his chest. “Before their demise, some of the sorcerors foresaw their fate and crafted a legendary talisman of immense power.” “A talisman?” I repeated back, and Spi ke nodded.

“Yes,” he said. “The artifact, which was believed to enable any form of sorcery, was entrusted to the academy’s leader for safekeeping.” He took a seat on the stool in front of his work desk. “Tragically, the leader of the sorcerors was slain during an escape and the talisman was supposedly destroyed. But as I said before, this is an unsubstantiated legend, Cas sandra. There’s no proof that it actually happened.” My lips parted in surprise as I mulled over the story and nodded my head thoughtfully. A talisman that could be used for mind control? Could such a thing really have existed? Spi ke’s eyes trailed over me and then he frowned. “Surely, you wouldn’t consider such a ludicrous tale to be true, healer? I mean, a talisman of immense power sounds good and interesting in theory, but such an artifact likely doesn’t exist. I’m sure it was nothing more than a story shared among my Pack to add to the intrigue of sorcerors.” He was right of course. I found sorcery and the stories around it to be equally incredulous. If you’d asked me a year ago about what I thought about magic, I’d likely have scoffed and dismissed the thought entirely. But now that I knew more about poisons and the Ewomnians, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was any merit to the idea of a talisman. Could such a thing have existed, and if so, could it be used for something like mind control? As I considered the possibilities, Spi ke nonchalantly poured another drink and then consumed it with haste. There was an unusual eagerness gleaming in his dark eyes, as though he sought to finish the entire bottle quickly rather than savor it. As I watched him fill his mug again, I tried to make sense of his actions. 2/4 Why did he seem so off? If this alleged talisman were really nothing more than a story passed around the Dark Abyss Pack, why was Spi ke so nervous? What had him behaving in such a way? As I pondered his demeanor, Sp i ke turned his attention back to me and raised a

dark eyebrow. “You have more questions,” he noted curiously. “I can see it on your face. When you arrived, you mentioned wanting to ask me questions. Was there something more you wanted to know?” He had read me like a book. I indeed had one more pressing question on my mind, one that I couldn’t push away. I wouldn’t have an opportunity like this again. So, I summoned up my courage and exhaled lightly. “Spi ke, do you know of any sorcery that’s capable of extinguishing a wolf’s soul?” I wondered. He was taken aback by my question and frowned. “A ‘wolf soul”?” I nodded. “A person’s ability to shapeshift into their wolf form. Could sorcery take away that ability to change?” Once the words left my lips, I watched Spi ke’s reaction intently. He seemed puzzled by the question and unaware of the underlying intent behind it. My gaze sharpened and my eyes began to sting. Had Sp i ke forgotten about his actions against Cora and how his part in delivering the poison had rendered me defenseless for years? For a moment, anger flickered through my mind. For five years, the inferno had lingered in my brain and plagued my dreams with terrible images. It had affected me physically, me ntally, and emotionally. Since that terrible day, I’d been fearing for my life and the future of Finnick’s, and Spi ke… he didn’t even seem to realize what I was talking about. 3/4 Ever since I’d lost the ability to shift into my wolf form, it felt as if part of me had been ripped away. My wolf had been such an important part of me. The color of my fur was the same as my mother’s and the same as her mother’s. All of the female wolves on her side of the family, in fact, shared the same white fur. Losing that connection to her had hurt me so badly. I struggled to maintain my composure and my hands shook at my sides, but I forced myself to remain steady. Finally, Spi ke spoke.

“Healer Cas sandra, you seem insistent on the fact that poison is omnipotent,” he remarked in a tone that was calm yet still somewhat mocking. “What you suggest isn’t possible. A single poison couldn’t achieve such a feat. Tampering with a wolf’s ‘soul’ as you put it would require far more than what you could imagine is possible. such a thing could truly be accomplished, only the most elite sorcerors could achieve such a suppression of abilities. And as far as I know, no such sorcerer exists or ever has.” “Do you possess such abilities?” I blurted out as the idea struck me. The imposter chuckled and shook his head back and forth. “While I appreciate the accusation, I’m just an ordinary member of Dark Abyss,” he said. “I might be skillful at poisons and such, but I’m incapable of mastering the level of sorcery needed for such a feat. If it were possible, not that it is… the sorcerer would have to be far more powerful than I ever could be.” 4/4

Chapter 174 Obscurity CAS SANDRA My head spun as I walked, and with every step I took toward Keller’s, memories of my conversation with Spi ke faded into obscurity. How I exited the dungeon. eluded me and I felt as if someone else was controlling my movements. This strange sensation of possession wasn’t something I was used to, but with how much turmoil plagued my thoughts, it made sense that I was feeling out of sorts. I was restless and my mind was agitated from the pressure of it all. Mind control, talismans, Emmett… there was so much to consider and I didn’t know how to make sense of it. I wished that Asher was here to help me sort it all out, but with him being gone on some unknown errand, I was alone in the matter. Spi ke had no reason to deceive me, did he? Though he was an imposter and not necessarily a great man, what would he have to gain by lying to me? There was only one plausible answer to the question that haunted me- Emmett had intervened to suppress my ability to shift. But why? Despite the warming weather around me, I remained chilled to the bone. When a gentle breeze danced through my hair, it induced an involuntary shiver that made me pause in place. I stood there for a moment and thought hard about my past. It struggled to recall the moments after Emmett had rescued me from Anemond. Initially, my consciousness had slipped away after the soldiers had departed. from Rosepetal, just as the inferno had begun. When I’d awakened in Wild Crawler, I’d been consumed by searing pain. It had been unimaginable and rendered me unable to do much physical motion. Amidst my excruciating recovery, I’d discovered the unsettling truth- I couldn’t shift into my white-furred wolf form 1/4 Every werewolf, even the lowest ranking ones in the most obscure Packs in Wegalla, could easily slip

into their animal form without a second thought. But no matter how much I tried, no matter how much I strained and attempted… I couldn’t

do it. It was unsettling and sent me into a deep depressive state. Emmett had reassured me that my ability might soon return once I fully recovered from my injuries, but much to my surprise, it never did. I was devastated beyond belief. The power to transform into the form the Moon Goddess blessed me with was gone, and I attributed it to the potion. Yet, Emmett neither confirmed nor refuted my assumptions, which always left room for doubt. As I approached Kellers, I spied Erika and Becky on the porch. They were chatting and wearing bright smiles, and I knew at once that I needed to suppress my turmoil. I didn’t want to burden them with my turbulent mindset. Asher would be returning tomorrow, and I could confide in him then. For now, I needed to fake a positive attitude and act like everything was okay. So, as I crossed the street, I forced a wide smile onto my face and shoved my concerns aside. Erika and Becky spotted me at once and waved happily. Once I reached the porch, my assistant greeted me with a hug. “Hi Becky,” I said once we parted, and my eyes trailed over her. Becky’s appearance was brighter than it had been in a while and she seemed quite well-rested for once. “You look great! Your dark circles have vanished completely.” Becky smirked and then laughed lightly. “Yeah, I slept in pretty late. I definitely needed it after everything that’s been going on lately.” “I understand completely,” I said, and then I gestured to the door. “Well, now that you’ve gotten some sleep, let’s go talk in the meeting room.” She nodded, and then we headed inside I asked Erika to prepare us some tea, and after the maid happily agreed, Becky and I made our way to the meeting room. 2/4

We sat down in the plush leather chairs, and a few minutes later, Erika returned with the tea and a tray with sweet, delicious pastries on them. “That smells great,” I noted as I inhaled deeply, and then I smiled at Erika. “Is that a new kind?” The maid nodded and then offered me a smile of her own. “It’s a new blend I found at the market. It’s a vanilla spice tea. I know you’re fond of jasmine, but this smelled so lovely that I had to purchase it.” “Nothing wrong with something new,” I replied. “Thank you, Erika.” “Of course,” she said. She poured a cup for Becky and me and then left the room. My assistant and I sipped at our drinks and we were both pleasantly surprised by the new tea. It was warm and delicious, almost like a sugar cookie, and it was very pleasant. It helped soothe my nerves a bit, and I managed to roll my shoulders back and relax. Once I was in a calmer state, I cleared my throat. “So, Spi ke and I had an interesting discussion,” I began. I told Becky every detail of my visit with Spi ke, and when I mentioned the bit about “mind control”, Becky’s reddish brown eyes widened. “I don’t know what to think about all of this,” my assistant admitted, and she crossed her legs as she pondered the information. “I can’t help but doubt the existence of a sorcerer powerful enough to orchestrate such events.” “I know,” I admitted. “It’s definitely a lot to think about.” Becky nodded and then frowned slightly. “We can’t discount anything, of course. It’s something we should keep in the back of our minds for right now. I’m not sure what to think about a talisman or even magic in general. But there’s a chance sorcerors could have a hand in all of this.” “Right,” I replied, and then I took a small breath before I tucked my hair behind ווד 3/4 my ear. I’d worn it down today and it hung a little heavily down my back. I swept the locks away from my neck and tried to relax. I could feel my doubts and concerns starting to arise, but I forced myself to remain calm in front of my assistant.

Luckily, Becky didn’t seem to notice anything amiss. “Now, when it comes to the source of the disease… I think we need to inform Wild Cawler that their water source is contaminated,” she mused thoughtfully. I nodded in agreement. “Absolutely. But I think we need to wait until the Alphal King returns tomorrow before making any public announcements. Handling the situation delicately is important to prevent any unnecessary panic.” Becky nodded and then a strange look crossed her features. “Cas sandra… could I have your permission to inform the clinic’s healer in Wild Crawler first? I promise the news will remain confidential, but I think they need to know first.” “The healer of the clinic?” I asked, and my eyebrows knitted together in confusion. “Are you referring to Marley?” My assistant hesitated for a moment and I could see a look of unease on her pretty face. Her cheeks flushed scarlet and she pushed her round glasses up the bridge of her freckled nose. “Right,” she muttered. “Yes, Marley. You’re right, Cas sy. Marley definitely needs. to know.”

Chapter 175 Lighten the mood CAS S ANDRA Despite Becky’s best efforts to prove otherwise, worry and concern painted her features, and her reddish-brown eyes were slightly glazed over as she stared at the floor. Though she’d mentioned the importance of sharing the news of the contaminated water with Marley, I had the distinct feeling that there was something more happening, something she wasn’t sharing. It wasn’t like my assistant to lie, but I knew her well enough to know something was amiss. As she began to fidget nervously and mess with the sleeve of her soft blue sweater, I gently placed my hand on her shoulder and offered her an empathetic expression. “Becky, what’s going on?” I asked her quietly. “You look distressed.” My assistant raised her eyes and the moment she met my gaze, her porcelain skin flushed scarlet and she pushed her glasses up. “Just ignore what I said,” she urged me, and she shook her head and forced a smile. “You’re right Cas sandra. We should just wait for the Alpha King to return before we spread the word to Wild Crawler. The news should come from him, or we should at least wait to make any decisions until he’s back.” Her words and tone were somewhat frantic, as if she were trying to cover her tracks and hide her statement. As I observed her closely, it was all the more clear that there was more to her worry than what met the eye. I didn’t breathe a word. Instead, I opted to allow the moment to happen more organically. We sat there in silence for a moment and then Becky’s shoulders. slumped. “I’m sorry,” she apologized, her voice wavering as her lower lip trembled. “Earlier, when I mentioned the healer in Wild Crawler… I was thinking of Dic kson, not Marley. In the wake of this discovery, I’m a little concerned for him.” 1/4 Things suddenly made a lot more sense.

I vaguely remembered Marley mentioning another healer at the clinic, a young, reserved man she found aloof and somewhat irritating. She’d griped about him for a while one morning and then admitted that despite their differences, she could acknowledge his commitment. She’d chalked up his stoic nature to be the price of his dedication. While normally, I wasn’t one to pry, I could tell Becky cared about this fellow healer greatly.

“I see,” I replied. “That’s understandable, Becky. How was his condition when you left? Do you think he has contracted the disease?” Becky seemed taken aback by the question and shook her head again as her cheeks darkened yet again. “No, no, I don’t think so,” she said, and then she tucked her short dark red hair behind her ears. “He was fine when I left. Just forget I said anything, I’m probably just being foolish, that’s all.” “Worrying about people isn’t foolish,” I assured her calmly. “You care, that’s all. There’s nothing wrong with that, Becky. You have a kind heart.” locky gave me a more, I spoke again. small but fleeting smile and when she didn’t say anything. “You know you can share anything with me, right?” I asked. “No pressure at all, whatsoever, of course. But I think of you as more than just my assistant and colleague, Becky. You’re like a sister to me. I’m here for you, I promise.” Her eyes welled over with tears that streamed down her cheeks moments later. “I think of you like a sister too, Cas sy,” she said, and then she wiped away her tears and took a deep breath. “Okay… so I guess I should tell you that something happened between Dic kson and me in Wild Crawler. At first, we started out kind of estranged, but then he really started opening up to me. We suddenly started becoming friends, and then the night before I left…” III 2/4

My gasp only seemed to further Becky’s self-consciousness, and she quickly pulled away from me. “Oh, Ca ssy, this is awful,” she groaned and she hid her face in her hands. “It’s so romantic, though,” I said in an attempt to lighten the mood. Becky remained still and then removed her hands from her face a minute later. “Look, I must admit that I’m not the most experienced in such matters, but I’m here to support you and lend you a listening ear with no judgment.” My lightheartedness and calm tone of voice seemed to put her at least a little at ease because Becky gave me a small smile. “Inexperienced?” She wondered. “Surely you had more admirers than just Finnick’s father? There’s no way you didn’t.” “I appreciate the compliment,” I said and then I shook my head. “But no. Back then, even if there were any others, I wouldn’t have noticed them. I only had my eyes and heart set on one man.” Becky smiled dreamily. “That’s so romantic.” There was so much more that I wanted to say. I wanted to tell her the great tale of how Asher and I had fallen madly in love, but I couldn’t. Apart from Asher and Erika, no one knew of my past identity, and it wasn’t yet safe to reveal myself to anyone. Perhaps one day, I could share my story with Marley and Becky and finally let go of the lie I’d been living all of these years. As I’d told her just a little bit ago, I saw her as one of my sisters rather than an assistant. I knew they both would understand. But for now, all I could do was smile without speaking another word. ווו 4/4 ASHER Chapter 176 Accidental injury Much to our shock and concert’s contin worsened upon reaching und Ector had been start

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