Ch. 151..155: The Rogue is a Female Alpha chapter 151-155

Back Where 151

Zephyrine

“It’s the Alpha! Open the gate!!” The order rang out from within, and my horse shot forward, carrying me into the pack’s grounds.

In no time I heard the rush of footsteps, and I wheezed, the arrow still piercing my side, the claw mark searing me with unbearable pain.

I rolled from my horse only to be caught perfectly in the arms of Jurrek Bane. Clutching his collar, I tightened my grip and coughed out blood.

“My gods. Get her inside!”

I tried to speak, to tell him I knew where Varyn was but my words failed me, as did my strength. All I knew was that he was running with me in his arms, and when the morning breeze swirled across my skin, I felt strangely at peace. My eyelids lowered, and I passed out.

When I opened my eyes again, it was to the soft sound of water wrung from a towel into a bowl.

I felt… normal. Almost as though I had never been hurt. Blinking, I realized I was lying in my bedchamber, dressed in fresh clothes, my body washed, my wounds cleaned.

I turned my head and saw her. At the bedside, attending to needles. Princess Mearez, the greatest healer I had ever known. Blue was beside her, wiping away the last stains of blood. Relief filled me.

Princess Mearez had answered my letter and come as I requested.

I swallowed and tried to sit up, but my movement caught her attention. She turned toward me, and the stare she gave made me sink back into the bed.

“My lady?!” Blue cried in excitement, rushing to my side. “My lady, you’re awake?”

I didn’t answer. My gaze stayed fixed on the Princess, who looked at me as though she might strangle me back to death after just saving me.

Unspoken words passed between us. She had asked me to see her before I left the Lycan Kingdom that day, but I had fled without saying goodbye. No wonder she was glaring.

“Lay back. I’ll check your pulse,” she said stiffly.

I obeyed, and she took my hand. Her touch, once warm and full of love, now felt stiff and cold. She was furious.

She pulled back.

“You’re fine now. You can go back to wherever you were running off to, getting yourself hurt without telling those who care about you.”

Her words chilled me. Before I could respond, she began packing her bag. Watching her move to leave, I rushed from bed and blocked her at the door, my movement leaving a whoosh of air.

She looked up at me and smirked.

“You want to brag about your speed to a Lycan?”

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I knew what she meant, and I respected it. No matter how quick we wolves think we are, we will never match the speed and agility of Lycans. They carry the moon goddess’s blood. We only carry her blessing.

“Princess Mearez, I’m sorry,” I said softly. She squared her shoulders and glared coldly. “Honestly, I am. I didn’t think it would worsen and…”

“Shut your mouth, Zephyrine.”

I sealed my lips instantly.

“I will.”

紧

“You didn’t,” she snapped. We stared at one another in silence before she finally rolled her eyes and sighed shakily. “I can’t believe you of all people would do this. You literally bear Lycannar’s claw marks on your arm, and you dared leave on a trip with it?”

Her incredulous tone made me lower my head.

“I didn’t think it would worsen. I thought it would heal in days.”

“A claw mark that doesn’t heal instantly, don’t you think that’s not ordinary? And why keep it a secret from me, or even from your man?”

I sagged my shoulders.

“I didn’t want to worry you. That’s all.”

“Worry?” Her mask of hostility cracked, and I heard the emotion in her voice. “Didn’t you end up making me worry and panic even more? You’ve no idea what could have happened if you’d been a little later. And for this, I’ll make sure Lycannar knows.”

She moved to bypass me, but I caught her wrist, my eyes flashing with horror.

“Princess Mearez… wait. That’s not a good idea,” I whispered. “Please don’t tell him. He didn’t even want to make love to me that night. I was the one who begged him. He was honest. He said he might hurt me, but I turned deaf ears and took the pain with the pleasure. I don’t want him to feel guilty for touching me. Please.”

She stared at me in silence for what felt like an eternity, then sighed shakily.

“You still think your life belongs only to you, don’t you, Zephyrine?”

I shook my head and lowered my gaze. Even if I didn’t want to admit it, the truth was plain to everyone in the empire.

“I know I belong to Lycannar, whether I want it or not. My life belongs to both of us. I’ll be careful from now on. I promise.”

She nodded, then hit me with the truth.

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“Well, he already knows about the letter you sent me. And he also knows you lied about going to the Lycan Kingdom. So trust me when I say he’s already mad at you.”

My heart sank. Oh no.

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Staring at Princess Mearez, I swore I saw nothing in her face. Quietly, I walked toward the bed and lowered. myself down.

Lycannar had gone to White Pack to find me? A sigh escaped, heavy with fear of what he might do. Anything but that silence and rejection like he always gave me when displeased.

My gaze dropped to my feet, but memory struck back sharp and raw. That dreadful place, the stench, the weight of despair still clinging to me.

Blackwater.

I had felt my brother’s energy there. The thought made me swallow hard.

“My horse,” I murmured suddenly, rising at once. I rushed out, heading toward the Ashmere stables, ignoring bows from maids and guards as I strode through the hallways.

I hadn’t gone far before I saw her standing proudly beneath the sun, feeding. Relief swelled in my chest. At the sound of my steps, she turned, neighing in recognition.

I hurried forward, embracing her, stroking her mane.

“Without you, I would have been trapped,” I whispered, grateful. My eyes softened, marveling again at the priceless gift Lycannar had given me.

Pulling back, I saw no bloodstains. She had already been washed. Relief left my lips in a sigh, but when I turned, I caught Blue watching me, concern in her eyes. The realization struck.

“Wait, why are you here?” I asked.

“We rode with Princess Mearez,” she answered, stepping closer.

“We?”

“Yes. Miss Dessyn and Moon too. The King asked Princess Mearez to bring me here, and your best friend and her younger brother decided to join.”

“Oh.”

My gaze shifted, noting how people crept in at a distance. Turning, I headed back toward my bedchamber, only to find Jurrek standing at the threshold, clearly there to see me.

“Come in,” I told him, though I was quick to pass by, allowing Isolde to open the chamber door for me.

Inside, Princess Mearez stood by the mirror, holding the amulet necklace Lycannar had given me. When she heard me, she turned.

“This is a powerful charm. Only witches in my Kingdom can make one like this. It bears the King’s blood, his protection. Who gave it to you?”

I stepped forward, took the amulet from her, and sighed.

“Lycannar gave it to me for protection.”

“And you didn’t wear it? Not even when you went on a dangerous journey?”

Her gaze pierced mine. I sighed again, my eyes soft with apology.

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“I don’t want to burden him more than I already do. He has so many limits, as though even walking is forbidden. I didn’t want him to worry.”

She shook her head, then reached for my hand gently.

“Lycannar loves you. You are his woman. If he thought he wasn’t capable of protecting you, of shouldering your burden, would he have asked you to be his lover?”

“But…”

“You think my brother would look twice at you if he hadn’t felt forever for you?”

Her words hit deep. I swallowed hard. He was a man who never spared anyone a glance, so extraordinary, untouchable. I understood.

I nodded, exhaling.

“I am sorry. I apologize. I will…”

The door opened. Jurrek entered. At the sight of Princess Mearez, his gaze faltered. Her hand on mine went cold, her poise shifting to nervousness.

Tension swirled silently until Jurrek bowed.

“My Princess.”

The beautiful woman lowered her gaze quickly in reply, then turned back to me, her voice strained.

“I’ll leave you two to speak. I’ll inform Dessyn you’re awake.”

“Thank you,” I murmured. She smiled faintly, then slipped out, Blue trailing behind, leaving me with Jurrek.

The door clicked shut and Jurrek’s sigh was heavy before his words cut deep.

“Does your life mean nothing to you?” His voice trembled with restrained anger. “You’re not the only one half–mad, desperate to find Varyn. Zephyr. You nearly got yourself killed, and…”

His voice broke off, anger consuming him. My heart sank. He had called me by my name, proof of how furious he truly was.

I walked slowly to the drawer, retrieving the broken mirror that had revealed the truth driving me. Without a word, I extended it to him. He frowned in confusion but accepted it, holding it before his face.

“Stay calm. Breathe. Be patient. Then you’ll see why I ignored the tolling death bell to risk everything.” I whispered.

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Jurrek gazed at his reflection until the glass shifted, revealing the truth. His anger melted into awe, then.

horror. The unshakable Jurrek went pale, staggering until he lowered himself onto my bed.

“What is this place?” His voice was hollow.

I met his eyes, arms folded tight across my chest.

“Blackwater.”

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The silence that settled between Jurrek Bane and me was enough to tell me something big was coming.

War, maybe, but then I shrugged. Blackwater alone was not enough to call out Ashmere warriors. That would be too foolish. Right?

“Stone is dangerous, Alpha Zephyrine,” Jurrek said quietly. “And he also has the blessing of the Imperium Council.”

I swallowed hard at that. The Imperium Council are those who stood above all packs, whose laws we were bound to obey.

I was about to respond when the door opened and Dessyn walked in with Moon. The sight of them lightened my heart instantly.

“Zephyr,” Dessyn called, and I rushed into her arms, hugging her tight. Only a few days had passed, yet it felt like years since I’d last seen her.

“Blue told me you followed Princess Mearez to…” I began, but she shoved me back and smacked my shoulder.

“Ow! What was that for?”

“How dare you use the sacred Lycan Kingdom as a cover to go alone on a suicide trip?” she demanded, and I sighed.

I would have to answer that question to Lycannar, but for now, we had to focus on the facts. I took the mirror from Jurrek and held it out to Dessyn.

She looked at it, then back at me.

“What?”

“Look into it. Then you’ll understand why I couldn’t just come back.”

She searched my eyes with concern before turning back to the mirror. Seconds passed and I watched the fire in her gaze drain away. Dessyn lowered her hand slowly, awe replacing every trace of anger. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ find⦿novel.net

“Zephyr….” she whispered.

Moon, recognizing the relic, stepped forward to take it from his sister. He looked, and there it was, the truth I had seen, the truth he had doubted. His face shifted to awe as well, but I was already watching Jurrek, who sat in silence, thinking deeply.

“I will get my brother out of Blackwater, Jurrek,” I declared firmly. “I don’t care how much hell I must rain down. If I have to call upon my spirit guard to bring destruction, so be it. I will not leave him there.”

That vow earned me many looks of awe.

“Blackwater?!” Dessyn gasped, but she quickly clapped her palm over her mouth. Her hand trembled as she

whispered, “Zephyr… Blackwater?”

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“I felt it when I stood before Stone, the leader,” I said. “Varyn is there. But he won’t release him to me. He won’t.”

Jurrek sighed, meeting my gaze.

“Any slave in Blackwater is bought. He has the right to refuse release.”

“So what do we do? Stand aside while my brother rots?”

He nodded grimly, swallowing hard.

“The elders are talking, Zephyr. Even your own relatives whisper. The pack needs an Alpha, but you vanished the night after your ascension. You never held a ceremony to mark it. On top of that, Ash Pack’s supplies are dwindling. We must open trade and seek partnerships. That’s the gossip. And people are beginning to suspect you became Alpha for another reason altogether.”

His words hit me like a blade. I should have known it would come to this.

“You are the Alpha. An Ashmere,” he pressed. “It’s your call. If you command the army to storm Blackwater, we will obey. But we must tread carefully. If we alert the wrong people, Varyn could be killed before we even reach him. We still don’t know who betrayed us on the battlefield.”

I sighed shakily, turning toward the window. He was right. I couldn’t trust anyone openly, not with Varyn’s life. If I acted rashly, I might lose him forever.

My eyes rested on the massive gates of Ash Pack. Slowly, I exhaled.

“Perhaps it’s time to open the gates wide for the first time in five years and hold a ceremony.” I turned back to them. “Fine. Let’s have a party. We’ll celebrate my ascension as Alpha. Invitations go out today. Next tomorrow night, under the stars, we feast until dawn.”

“What’s the plan?” Dessyn asked.

“To silence the gossip.” I sighed again. “And I will need some time to think about it.”

Jurrek nodded. He rose to his feet and asked,

“So the Imperium Council gets the first invitation?”

I paused to think. They had always favored my father. They praised Ashmere victories on every battlefield. By right, they deserved the first honor. But… no.

“Deliver the first invitation to the Lycan Kingdom. The Blood family is welcome here. Address the King with respect and present the scroll yourself, Jurrek, with a bow. The Imperium Council will follow.”

Jurrek nodded obediently and turned to leave. But at the door, he stopped.

“How about… Hue Pack?”

I merely shrugged.

“Invite them. Send a messenger. A letter will do. We won’t hold grudges. Our focus is justice and rescuing

Sat, Sep 6

Varyn.”

“Understood, Alpha Zephyrine.” He bowed and left, closing the door.

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I stood there, swallowing hard, before turning to Dessyn. She blinked quickly, holding back tears, then sighed shakily when I placed my palm on her shoulder.

“We will bring him home, Dessyn,” I promised softly. “At all cost.”

Her eyes searched mine before she nodded, voice breaking.

“Promise?”

“With all my heart.” I vowed, squeezing her hand gently. “How about you do what you do best? Host my ceremony, hmm?”

“Yes. Oh yes.” She breathed out a shaky laugh. “That’ll even keep me from brooding.”

“You know your way around Ash Pack.”

“You bet,” she said with a smile, then walked out, ready to work. I heard her speaking with Isolde in the hall as the door clicked shut.

That left only Moon and me. He hadn’t stopped staring since he looked into the mirror and realized I wasn’t mad.

When our eyes met, his were heavy with regret.

“Zephyr… I’m sorry,” he said bitterly. “If only I had gone with you, maybe you wouldn’t have been struck by that arrow.”

I swallowed at his words and nodded.

“We are comrades, Moon. Brothers–in–arms. We watch each other’s backs without complaint, without distrust. When you doubted me, it hurt.”

“Zephyr…”

“But I understand. You only worried for me and I appreciate that. Even before your apology, I had already let it go.” I stepped forward, this time embracing him first. “It’s fine, Moon. I’m fine.”

He hugged me back, his hand warm against my back.

“Thank you,” he whispered, his voice thick. “Fierce and stubborn…. that’s how you slashed open the demon portal back on the battlefield.”

I chuckled, and he laughed with me. Just like that, the past faded, and we reconciled.

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It has reached my ears, and I could hardly believe it that she is hosting a ceremony at her pack to celebrate her ascension.

As I stood at the window of my bedchamber, my gaze fixed on the gates of Hue Pack, I found myself waiting for the beta of Ash Pack to arrive and present me with the scroll of invitation.

I mean, I know Zeph and I parted on ugly terms, but she wouldn’t use that grudge to refuse Hue Pack an invitation to her ceremony… right?

The question hadn’t even settled in my mind when a knock came at my door.

I turned as it opened, and Olivia appeared in the doorway, exhausted and frustrated.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“It’s Mother,” she muttered. “Babbling again about Zeph… I mean… Alpha Zephyrine. I left her bedchamber for just a few minutes, and when I returned, she wasn’t there.”

I raised an eyebrow, then pulled away from the window and burst into my mother’s bedchamber, only to find it empty.

With a roll of my eyes, I followed her scent. It led to the clothing store.

Wait. Why there?

I entered just in time to see her rifling through outfits, choosing one… for me.

“Oh, Nyroth, you’re here.” She smiled faintly. “I was thinking of which attire would suit you best as Alpha of Hue Pack when you represent us at Ash Pack’s ceremony. How about this white one?”

But I wasn’t focusing on the fabric.

I strode to her side. She had only recently recovered after days of sickness, the healer’s service costing me too much, and yet here she was.

“Mother, you were told to rest in bed, not walk around choosing clothes,” I snapped quietly, my voice edged with worry.

She searched my eyes in awe, then spoke firmly.

“What are you talking about, Nyroth? Don’t you know what’s at stake? Your woman, you need to win her back.”

I swallowed hard. Ever since she regained her senses, she hadn’t stopped talking about Zeph. And truthfully I hadn’t stopped thinking about her either.

It all hit me right after the rejection. She was the one I loved all along. I had just been blinded by Kaela’s lies.

“But Hue Pack hasn’t received an invitation, Mother. You know how untouchable Ash Pack is. They’re the

most respected of all, and I won’t be able to go if the invitation…”

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I was still speaking when the store door opened gently. Kai entered, silent. He stepped closer and finally said,

“A messenger just came. He left right after delivering the message. Ash Pack has invited Hue Pack to the ceremony in two days, under the evening sky. But there’s a condition that no holy relics allowed.”

I froze at that. A spoken message only? No scroll? And why ban relics?

Lowering my gaze, humiliation washed over me. I asked,

“Who received the first invitation?”

Kai studied me for a moment before nodding, confirming my suspicion. Newest update provided by

“The Lycan Kingdom. Jurrek Bane himself delivered the golden scroll with full respect. The entire Blood Family has been invited.”

My chest tightened. Zeph had fallen so completely for that unsettling man, she wouldn’t even give me a chance.

“She will,” my mother cut through my thoughts, as though reading them. “This invitation is proof. Even if words were delivered instead of parchment, you were honored. Now come, let me choose something fine for you.”

I didn’t answer. Instead, a bitter sigh escaped me as memories returned of her waiting on me while I wasted myself on Kaela.

If only I could turn back time. If only…

Maybe I could still get a second chance. It wasn’t too late. After all I was her first love.

I walked to the garment my mother had chosen and nodded.

“Kai, prepare. We leave for Ash Pack tomorrow. We’ll grace the ceremony.”

My mother’s eyes gleamed with pride as she clasped my hand.

“You must win her back, Nyroth. Don’t let a cursed man, forsaken by the Moon Goddess steal what belongs to you. Understand?”

I nodded firmly. She was right.

Why should I lose to someone condemned, when I still had the chance to take back what was mine?

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I made my way silently through the glowing lane that night, alone and attentive, until I reached the abode where Luna Tahlia lived. I stopped at the door and nodded to the guard stationed there, who bowed at once before stepping aside.

Then I moved forward, gave the door a gentle knock, and stepped back to wait. I soon heard the shuffle of footsteps. The door opened, and the maid assigned to Luna Tahlia appeared.

The moment she saw me, she bowed deeply.

“Alpha Zephyrine.”

“You’re well?” I asked.

She straightened, her face brightening with a small grin.

“I am. I’ll call for my lady at once. She has been wishing to visit you.”

I nodded, and the maid slipped inside. While waiting, I turned to the quiet path and sighed. Luna Tahlia’s movements within my pack had limits. There were places she could never step, for her identity and her survival had to remain top secret.

The door opened again, and this time, she appeared. Luna Tahlia, with young Black in her arms. At the sight, I smiled.

I stepped forward and gently took the boy from her arms. He was growing well, already speaking, though his words were still incoherent.

“He’s becoming a big man,” I teased, and Luna Tahlia laughed.

We walked the path together, her silent beside me while young Black rested his head on my shoulder, tugging absently at my hair.

“I’ve never been as terrified as I was earlier today,” she confessed softly, “when you rode into the pack wounded. I wanted to come, but… I knew you wouldn’t want me showing myself so soon.”

I remained quiet at her words. My arrival this morning, bleeding and broken on my horse, had frightened many but I understood.

“I was pierced with an arrow and dying, but now I’m perfectly fine. Princess Mearez healed me completely. Not even a scar remains.”

She smiled faintly, stealing a glance at me.

“That’s a bonus of having the Lycan King as your man,” she said. “I’m glad for you both. From what I hear, you’re a power couple.”

I stopped gently and turned to her, eyes narrowing.

“The Lycans will be here the day after tomorrow. Not just them. The werewolves as well, including

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members of Blackbridge Pack.”

I saw her throat bob as she swallowed.

“I… I know. I heard.”

I studied her a moment, then lowered my gaze.

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“You won’t be able to attend the ceremony. You mustn’t step outside this home until every last one of them has left Ash Pack.”

Again she swallowed hard, then forced a smile.

“I understand. I know what’s at stake. I’ll obey you, Alpha Zephyrine.”

Her obedience felt heavy. I searched her eyes and said quietly,

“You don’t need to be so tense with me. See me as a friend or even a sister.”

She laughed lightly, but shook her head.

“I’ve heard what you’ve done on the battlefield, unbelievable things. You’re not a friend, nor a sister. You’re an Alpha, and the lover of the Lycan King. To me… you’re a savior.”

I couldn’t help but smile.

“You flatter me.” I sighed, then turned back toward the path. “How have you been adapting since last we spoke?”

“Ah,” she said eagerly, “I’ve been thinking about enrolling young Black into combat training once he’s of age. What do you think?”

Her words made me pause. It was as if she had given up hope of reclaiming her pack. I lowered my gaze and changed the subject.

“What about the food here?”

She seemed to sense my shift, stealing a glance before nodding.

“Perfect.”

“The men?” I asked lightly.

She chuckled bitterly.

“By the gods, who would want a single mother? A widow? No one. I’ve resigned myself to focusing only on young Black. Living quietly here is enough. In fact, I wanted to ask if there’s any task I could take up for you. Sitting idle wears on me.”

Her words reminded me too much of Lycannar, who once believed there was no salvation for him. Well, he still do.

“Let’s talk after the ceremony,” I said gently. “The ceremonial meals will be sent to you with respect. Enjoy them. Don’t worry. You’ll smile soon, Luna Tahlia.”

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She looked at me in awe, clearly taken aback by the absolute certainty in my voice. She bowed in response. I handed young Black back into her arms, and without another word, continued down the path toward my bedchamber.

Even as I disappeared from sight, I could still feel her gaze lingering on my back.