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Suzzanah's POV

It was obvious by the absolutely flabbergasted looks on everyone's faces that what Alpha Penson had just said had absolutely blown their minds to outer space. Most of them were gawking at him as though their eyes would pop out of their skulls any minute, while a few of them, like General Reginald were staring at him as though he had just lost his mind.

But I knew, if there was one thing Alpha Penson would never lose, it was that mind of his.

Everyone around us was so shocked that they couldn't even bring themselves to ask him what the heck he was talking about. And I think I would have been the same, had it not been for the very foreign yet prominent feeling that was currently flooding my system.

A feeling of understanding.

When I had jumped out of that window just a few seconds ago, the portrait of the woman I had seen had been her, the same dark haired spirit from the woods.

Emily Penson.

And although at first the revelation had shocked me, when I felt Emily's spirit sink into me earlier, a strange feeling of acceptance and understanding had consumed me. I didn't know why or how, but I did know this...

Emily Penson and I, we were the same.

But how...I wasn't really sure

I tipped my head up to look at Alpha Penson who was watching me, his eyes glinting with affection, a soft smile playing on his lips.

He would know though, I'm sure

"John", Zuerien finally breathed out, his brows knit together in utter confusion, "What are you-"

The little boy in my arms stirred and all our gazes immediately shot towards him.

Tony!

Zuerien immediately pulled the curtain cloth off Tony's face and the child squeezed his eyes shut before coughing and gasping for breath. His pale face was covered in black soot, and little cuts and scratches were littered across his skin, but apart from that, on first glance, he didn't seem to have any major injuries.

"Get the medic!" Zuerien ordered immediately.

Tony winced in pain and I immediately felt my heart clench at the sight of the poor child. I placed my hand over the burn injury over the back of his right palm, worriedly looking down at him.

Relief hit me when Tony groggily opened his eyes, his disoriented gaze wandering around for a second before fixing on mine. I smiled at him and placed my other hand over his head.

"You okay, kiddo?" I asked, my voice sounding raspy and dry.

Tony's eyes widened slightly at the sight of my face and his lips parted, but the minute he started to say something, he went into a fit of coughing once again. Del immediately picked him up, taking him from me and hurrying away.

"He's going to be okay", Zuerien told me, and I nodded, breathing slowly through my mouth.

"R-Rogues?" I gasped out and he shook his head.

"It's over", he told me, cupping my face, "It's over. We won"

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, thank goodness...

"Are you alright, heart?" Zuerien asked me, his voice laced with deep concern, making me look at him.

His eyes were wandering my face worriedly, pain, and vulnerability clear in their dark depths.

I smiled and nodded tiredly, "I'm fin-"

My voice died in my throat the minute I moved as immense, unbearable pain tore through my back, and I bit my lip hard before crying out in agony.

God! It hurts!

Everyone's eyes immediately went wide in horror and Zuerien hurriedly shifted me in his arms, pulling my hair away from my back.

"Shit!" he cursed as I pressed my face into his chest again, my fingers digging into his shoulders as I tried to bear the pain.

"ROMA!"

"I'm here!" I heard Roma call out.

I grit my teeth as I felt her hands skim over my back. Pain seared through my skin and I whimpered into Zuerien's chest making him hug me closer.

"She's going to be okay, right?" I heard Cole ask worriedly.

I didn't hear Roma's reply because I was too busy trying to contain the pain. It felt like there were a thousand knives sticking out of my back right now and I was finding it hard to even breathe without it hurting.

"Please bring her over here, Alpha", I heard Roma say and I felt Zuerien stand with me in his arms.

"Move aside! Move!" I heard the General calling out for people to make way for us.

When I raised my head slightly to look over Zuerien's shoulder, I saw Rino coming after us hurriedly. The minute his gaze met mine, he smiled at me but the worry shone clearly though the blue-rimmed depths of his brown eyes.

"Its going to be okay Anna", he told me reassuringly and I tried to smile at him but ended up wincing instead.

My gaze shifted from him to look around and I gasped at the sight around me. Several wounded werewolves lay in the grass, some in their forms while others were in their human forms. A large team of who appeared to be medical aids were bent over the injured, attending to them.

Although it was comforting for me to know that werewolves healed much faster than humans, the sight of so many injured people made my heart hurt and I silently prayed that they'd get better soon.

I felt myself being lowered onto a hard bench with a sheet placed over it. I was placed in sitting position, with my legs hanging on either side of the bench. Zuerien sat opposite to me, facing me and I kept my head buried in his chest, breathing raggedly.

Rino knelt next to the bench, "Hang in there Anna", he said and I turned my head to smile at him when I noticed the blood on his arm.

"R-Rino", I breathed out, my eyes widening, "You're bleeding!"

Zuerien's head shot to the side, "Rino!" he exclaimed in disbelief.

"Its fine, don't worry", Rino replied hurriedly, trying to hide his injured hand behind his back, "Its nothing"

Zuerien tsked, "DEL!" he shouted, "Rino's injured!"

Immediately the large Delta appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Rino, "You're coming with me", he said.

"NO!" Rino struggled in his grasp, "I'm fine. I want to stay with Anna!"

"Rino", I said softly, "Please go get your injuries treated"

"But-"

"I'll be fine", I told him, reaching out and taking his hand, "I want you to be too"

He exhaled heavily, his shoulders slumping in defeat before he nodded, "Okay then. Imma go get treated and be right back", he told me and I smiled.

"Okay"

He squeezed my hand before looking at Zuerien, "Its going to be okay Wolfa", he said seriously, "But go ahead and cry if you want to"

Zuerien's face went from concerned to confounded in a split second, "WHAT?!"

"Its okay", Rino assured, placing his hand on Zuerien's shoulder, "Just let it all out"

Zuerien scowled in disbelief while Rino just grinned at him before turning away and hurrying along with Del, leaving Zuerien staring after him in shock.

The look on his face made me chuckle only to flinch and whimper in pain.

"Try not to move Luna", Roma told me softly from behind me.

When her fingers grazed my back, I winced letting out a constrained cry when fiery pain shot up my back once more. Why did it hurt so much?

"There is a lot of glass embedded in her back", Roma said, her voice serious, "We need to remove it before the healer can heal her wounds"

Glass?

I instantly recalled how I had jumped through the window earlier. The shattered glass pieces had pierced through my shirt and into my skin. Oh no.

Zuerien's grip on the back of my head tightened slightly before he moved away from me just enough to be able to see my face. When I looked up at him I saw the pain and guilt in his eyes as clear as day. And it told me one thing.

This is going to hurt

I gulped before exhaling heavily, "Do it", I said, unable to keep my voice from shaking.

His jaw clenched as he cupped my face with both hands, "It'll be over in a few minutes, I promise", he told me and I nodded, looking down at the bench.

I felt Zuerien nod at Roma before her fingers and some instrument press lightly against my back once more. My heart rate spiked in anticipation of the pain, but Zuerien's touch helped calm me slightly.

"Ready?" he asked gently and I sucked in a sharp breath before nodding.

"Ready"

The very next second I shrieked through gritted teeth as I felt the glass being pulled out of my skin painfully. Roma made it as quick as she could but it didn't make the process any less painful.

Every time she tugged at the glass in my back, intense shooting pain tore across by back making me want to scream. I could feel hot blood seeping out of my wounds and drenching my shirt.

"Almost there, heart. Just a little more", Zuerien told me and I held onto him tightly, my fingernails digging into his back hard.

"One would think I'm giving birth or somethin-!"

Yet another shard was ripped out of my skin, and this time I couldn't keep myself from crying out in agony, my words dying in my throat. The torture then stopped for a few more seconds and Zuerien pressed his lips to my temple, hugging me close.

"I'm so sorry love", he whispered against my ear, his voice laced with immense pain.

I could feel his powerful emotions of guilt, regret and his deep sadness about the state I was in. Panting for breath I shook my head, "Don't be, silly", I breathed out, "None of this is you fault"

"But I'm-"

"Don't Zuerien", I told him, placing my sweaty forehead against his bare shoulder, "Don't blame yourself for everything that goes wrong with me. I don't regret a thing. And this pain, it will fade. So please..."

I felt his shoulders sag before he buried his face in my neck and placed a soft kiss against my neck. The soft tingles that his lips left on my skin were a welcome distraction from the pain I was in.

"Just a little bit longer...right?" I asked and he nodded before raising his head.

"Just a little bit longer", he replied.

I took deep breaths, "Okay", I said, before looking up into his eyes.

His face was painted with so many emotions, but the most prominent of them was without a doubt, pain. I knew nothing I could say would make him feel better so I needed to get this over with fast.

"Roma, I'm ready", I told her and she hummed in acknowledgment before I felt her hands on my back again.

Zuerien cupped my face in one hand, "We'll do this together", he told me, "Okay?"

I nodded licking my dry lips, preparing myself, "Okay"

He hugged me close, and I placed my chin over his broad shoulder.

"Deep breath", he whispered against my ear and I did as I was told.

The very next second the torture began again. With every shard that was forced out from my skin I felt a sharp sting that left me gritting my teeth so hard that my jaw started to tremble.

"Once more", Zuerien said and I sucked in a sharp breath.

Another wave of burning pain scorched through my nerves and tears pricked my eyes.

"One more to go, baby", Zuerien whispered, "One more"

And then another bolt of excruciating pain ripped through my back.

"And just one more love"

God. I'm dying.

An extremely large chunk of something was torn out of me making me scream at the top of my lungs. Blood gushed out of my wounds and tears slid down my face as I cried silently into Zuerien's neck, unable to hold it in.

"Shhh, its over love", Zuerien whispered comfortingly, rocking me back and forth, "It's over"

I gasped for breath, whimpering softly at the burning sensation that was radiating across my back. Zuerien continued to whisper soft comforting words to me before I felt him rip the back of my shirt open.

My body jerked forward, pressing further into his as a cold blast of air hit my raw, tormented skin. I heard Zuerien hiss softly before he undid the clasp of my bra.

I was too tired to be embarrassed. I was starting to feel lightheaded and I didn't know if it was from the pain or loss of blood. Zuerien blew softly against my injuries making me slump against him, breathing unevenly.

He moved my hair to the side before kissing my shoulder, "The healer is here", he told me gently, "You'll be better in no time, heart"

I hummed tiredly, closing my eyes, relishing the feeling of his cool skin against my hot, sweaty one. I felt a cool cloth being pressed against my bloodied back. It still hurt but not as badly as it had a few minutes ago.

"You know", Zuerien spoke softly, his deep voice laced with tender affection, "You are probably the craziest woman I have ever met in my entire life"

A smile tugged at my lips, "Crazier than Prophecy?" I asked and he chuckled.

"Yeah", he replied, "Probably even crazier than Prophecy. Because as far as I know, Prophecy has never willingly thrown herself off the second story of a building"

"There was no door", I replied.

I felt Zuerien's chest rise and fall underneath me as he sighed.

"What am I going to do with you, my Luna?" he asked softly, as he continued to wash my back, "The more I tell you to be careful, the more you go out of your way to be reckless"

"I told you", I said tiredly, "I'm good at being reckless"

"And giving me heart attacks"

I exhaled a laugh, "Hey, I always manage to come out okay, don't I?" I said softly.

He didn't reply immediately, but I felt his grip on the wet cloth over my back tighten.

"Hm", he replied quietly and I knew he didn't agree with me.

"I'm okay Zuerien", I told him softly and he hugged me closer.

"Hm", he replied again, smoothing the cloth down my back.

"I did good...right?" I asked him quietly.

His feelings of pain intermingled with distinct sense of warmth washed over me like a wave.

"You did good sweetheart", he told me, his voice thick with emotion, "I'm so proud of you"

I smiled, "I'm glad", I replied before hugging his waist and placing my cheek against his chest.

He kissed the top of my head and said no more. Soon my back started to tingle and a strange warmth started to seep into me and I knew that was probably the healer working her healing magic.

It wasn't long before the pain started to lessen and numb, and I found myself breathing easy. Zuerien continued to stroke my hair tenderly and rock me back and forth gently. The motion was starting to lull me to sleep, but I didn't want to fall asleep, not now.

Not right now.

A few minutes later I felt the warm pressure over my back disappear, just as the last of the pain in my back disappeared as well. I let out a sigh of relief before finally raising my head from Zuerien's chest and looking up at him.

He smiled down at me tenderly, "All done", he said before wiping the sweat of my forehead, "You okay?"

"I'm okay", I whispered back and he hugged me once more.

Now that the pain was gone, I became acutely aware of how my shirt, which was already non-existent at the back, was starting to slip of my chest as well. A soft gasp escaped my lips and I pressed one hand against the garment, holding it in place.

"Zuerien", I whispered uneasily, knowing that there were plenty of other people around right now.

Picking up on my discomfort immediately, he bent forward and the very next second a large blanket was being placed over my shoulders and back. Quickly grabbing the ends of the blanket, I brought them in front of me, covering my chest as well.

"Okay?" he asked me gently and I smiled and nodded, "Thank you"

"Luna?"

I turned to the side to find an unfamiliar woman standing next to me- the lady who had healed me.

She smiled at me, "Almost all your injuries have been taken care of Luna", she told me, "There's just the one on your hand. Would you please let me see?"

On my hand?

I frowned and brought both my hands forward. To my absolute shock there was a giant burn mark over the back of my palm. When had that happened?!

Zuerien immediately took my hand in his, his brows knitting together in absolute disbelief, "How..."

I remembered him telling me that the flames wouldn't be able to burn me, and yet somehow...this had happened.

Although...I didn't remember being burnt at all...

Zuerien's eyes immediately scanned the rest of my body, "Did you get burnt anywhere else?" he asked me worriedly and I shook my head.

"No", I replied, "I don't even know when this happened"

The healer quickly took my hand in hers and I watched amazed as a green glow radiated off her palm onto my injury. Within no time my injury started to shrink in size before it completely disappeared.

I gaped at my now healed hand in disbelief before looking at the healer, "That was incredible!" I exclaimed.

She chuckled, "I'm glad you're feeling better", she said.

"I am, thank you so much", I told her and she nodded before getting up.

"I'll take your leave now", she said, bowing to me and Zuerien who nodded at her.

When she had left he turned back to me, cupping my face in his hands and looking me over for the nth time. I smiled knowingly.

"I'm alright Zuerien", I told him honestly, "It doesn't hurt anymore"

He sighed and I placed my hands over his chest, "Are you alright?" I asked him.

"I'm fine", he replied absently, still searching my body for any more injuries, "I don't get it", he seemed to be talking more to himself than to me, "How could you have been burnt? I made sure that..."

"Zuerien"

His gaze left my hands, coming up to meet my eyes again.

I frowned, "You're a fire elemental right?" I asked hesitantly, "So why didn't you just put off that fire over the orphanage?"

His eyes immediately hardened, "I couldn't", he told me, his voice harsh as though the very thought of it was making him angry, "There was an extremely powerful spell barrier cast on the orphanage. It prevented the powers of elementals like me and Rino from being able to exercise our abilities over anything that was inside the orphanage"

I sucked in a sharp breath, "A spell?!" I breathed out in disbelief.

He nodded, "Apparently the rogues came very well prepared", he growled out, "They were in cahoots with an extremely powerful witch or wizard who cast that spell. We never found that person amongst the rogues though. Our patrol wolves are still searching for the person. I could only put off the fire once the spell was broken, but by that time you had already jumped out the window"

My head immediately whipped towards the orphanage in the distance and I realized that the building was no longer going up in flames. Zuerien had put off the fire while simultaneously caring for me when I had been in pain earlier.

Zuerien pulled me closer to him, tucking stray locks of hair behind my ear, "Since you weren't inside the orphanage when the spell was cast, I could still shield you from the flames by creating a protective barrier around you", he told me, "But I couldn't protect Tony who was already inside the orphanage"

My eyes widened in recollection of Tony's injury before they fell to the burn injury at the back of my hand and my brow furrowed.

Wait a minute...

"But I don't understand", Zuerien said, frowning in deep thought, "The flames shouldn't have been able to touch you"

They hadn't. The flames hadn't really been able to touch me. And yet...I had a burn injury on my hand which was identical to the one Tony had on his...

How...?

"So, how was the spell on the orphanage broken then?" I asked Zuerien, "Was it...Prophecy?"

He shook his head, "Not Prophecy", he told me and I noticed how his voice suddenly sounded a little strained.

If not Prophecy...then...

"Her mother"

Both mine and Zuerien's heads turned to the side to find Marco standing beside us. He too was shirtless, dressed in only a pair of shorts, while Zuerien wore dark jeans. My eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Who?!"

"Prophecy's mother", Zuerien repeated, "Lady Yolanda Ronaldo"

Marco scowled, "I didn't even know she was going to come here", he spat out in what sounded like complete disgust.

"Nor did I", Zuerien said sounding displeased himself.

My eyes went from one male to another, not understanding their sudden hostility. Marco looked down at me and his eyes softened.

"How are you Queen? Are you feeling any better?" he asked.

I smiled, "Oh I'm good", I told him, "All better. How is everyone else? The warrior wolves and you guys?"

"Everyone's alright", Marco told me, "Thankfully there were no casualties amongst our people but some of them were very badly injured, so they're getting looked at by the healers as we speak"

I nodded sadly, "I hope they get better soon", I said.

"Oh don't worry Luna", Cole said walking up to us, "They're werewolves remember. They'll be better in no time"

"How are the children?" I asked.

"They're okay too", Marco said, "We had Roma look at them and none of them were really injured. They were just scared"

"And Tony?" I asked worriedly.

"Tony doesn't have too many injures, but he inhaled a lot of smoke earlier", Cole said, "Still, the doc said he'll be in good health very soon, especially with the help of the powerful healers we had called in"

"By the way" Marco said turning to me, looking impressed, "that was a pretty fierce feat you pulled there today Queen. It was totally unexpected"

I chuckled, "I didn't even know I had it in me", I replied honestly.

"You did great", Zuerien said proudly, "Far better than anyone could have even imagined"

"You're a true Luna", Cole added, "An incredible one!"

I blushed, "Oh you guys, stop it!" I said awkwardly, "It was nothing! I wasn't even thinking. If you have to praise someone then praise Prophecy. She's the true Luna! The way she protected the children earlier...it was just amazing!"

All three of them smiled, but the smiles didn't reach their eyes.

"Yeah well", Marco said, turning to look somewhere in the distance, "You should probably tell that to her mother. Not that she'd believe it or anything though", he added bitterly.

My frown returned as Marco looked at Zuerien, "Who even invited her King?" he asked, his tone disapproving.

"General Reginald actually called for her, once we found out that Megan was a witch", Zuerien replied, "It would have been useful to have a powerful witch here if we had managed to keep Megan with us, to counteract her powers in case she tried something"

"Yeah but she isn't here, she's gone", Marco stated angrily, "Then why does that lady need to be here?"

"I don't like the idea of having her here either", Cole said softly, "But hey, at least it worked out in our favor. If she hadn't come who would have broken the spell on the orphanage?"

"We would have figured something out", Marco argued irritably, "And now that she's helped us, we will never hear the end of it for all eternity!"

All three of them sighed in unison and I stared at them wide-eyed. The opposition against this Lady Yolanda Ronaldo was quite vehement. And if even Cole didn't like her there had to be something seriously wrong here.

"So where is she right now?" I asked.

"Who knows!" Marco exclaimed in distaste, "Probably off somewhere, lecturing some poor unsuspecting person about their ghastliness"

He seemed to be the one who disliked this woman the most. And she was his own Aunt!

"Will I have to meet her?" I asked hesitantly.

"NO!" All three of them nearly shouted making me jump in alarm.

"Don't go anywhere near that crazy lady!" Marco said looking extremely serious.

"Keep it down! She'll hear you!" Cole said frantically making Marco bite his tongue.

"You don't have to bother with that woman Suzzanah", Zuerien added firmly.

Cole nodded, "Trust us Queen. You don't want to get involved in this one", he said before saying thoughtfully, "Although...I doubt Lady Yolanda will just leave without trying to meet the Luna"

"She can try all she wants, but that woman is not coming anywhere near my mate!" Zuerien growled out.

Yikes!

The more we talked about her, the more everyone's hatred for this lady seemed to grow.

"I suggest we get the Queen out of here before that woman decides to pop out of nowhere and grace us with her atrociousness", Marco said and Zuerien and Cole nodded in agreement.

Zuerien was about to pick me up when someone else spoke up.

"No need to worry. She has left for the border with Reginald and the patrol wolves, for now"

I looked to the side to find Alpha Penson making his way towards us.

"Thank God!" Marco exclaimed in relief, "So the coast is clear for now"

"So it seems", Alpha Penson said before kneeling in front of me.

"You alright dear one?" he asked and I nodded smiling.

"Where's Prophecy?" Cole asked, "Is she okay?"

"She's okay", Alpha Penson replied, "Really angry though, which is to be expected seeing that she just had a face-off with her mother. After that she marched off into the woods to cool down"

"WHAT?!" Marco cried out in horror, "Oh no! That stupid cow! We need to send someone after he-"

"Already did", Alpha Penson said coolly, "Four of our best warrior wolves are with her and they've been reporting to me every 10 minutes. Apparently she just entered the restaurant and is now eating every sweet thing she can get her hands on"

Everyone relaxed immediately, feeling relieved. At least she was okay.

Zuerien's gaze immediately zeroed in on Alpha Penson, "You have a lot of questions to answer John", he said, instantly getting to the point.

Alpha Penson smiled, "I know, Alpha", he replied, "And I'll gladly do so. But maybe the Queen needs to rest for a bit after her little adventure"

"I'm fine", I said, quickly shaking my head, "I want answers too"

He nodded knowingly before taking my palm in his and turning it over, "So the burn injury is gone I see", he whispered to himself.

Before I could say anything about it he let go of my hand and stood up, "Very well then", he said, "I'll answer your questions. But perhaps this is not the best place to do so"

"I agree", Zuerien said, "Let's go back to my cottage"

He bent to pick me up again but I shook my head, "I can walk", I told him, standing up.

My muscles felt a little stiff and there was a dull ache in my legs from all the strenuous exercise but on the whole, I was alright.

"You shouldn't exert yourself Suzzanah", Zuerien said softly, "Let me carry you"

"Its okay Zuerien, I want to walk", I told him, "I'm stronger than this"

He smiled down at me, his face glowing with pride before nodding, "Very well then"

I pulled the blanket securely around myself, blushing at the awkward feeling of being clothed in torn and ragged garments underneath it.

"Zuerien, can you have some clothes arranged for me?" I asked and he nodded.

"Talon had everything ready for you at my cottage", he told me, "Oh and by the way, he's pretty mad at you"

I cringed guiltily remembering how I had run off earlier.

"Is he okay?" I asked and Zuerien shrugged.

"He's fine but you'll probably have some explaining to do", he said.

It was refreshing to see how much Mr. Talon had grown on Zuerien. I wouldn't say they were all buddy buddy but they were definitely more comfortable with each other now than they had been before. Mr. Talon could even speak to Zuerien without stuttering!

I bit my lip feeling bad about having left Mr. Talon like that. Knowing him, he must have worried half his hair grey by now.

Well, at least we'd match then.

I looked down and tugged at the silver lock of my hair. The strands were silver all the way down to the tips now, contrasting strikingly with the rest of my dark hair.

I smiled, I kind of liked it.

"Shall we go?" Zuerien asked and I nodded.

"Where's Rino?" I asked.

"He's still getting healed", Zuerien said with a frown, "The fool was apparently more injured than he let on"

Worry immediately flooded my body, "Oh no! He'll be okay though right?"

"Are you kidding?" Marco asked smiling, "Its Rino. He'll be fine"

"He will be fine", Zuerien replied, "I've made sure he's getting looked at by the best healer we have. He should be all better by this afternoon"

I let out a relieved breath, "Well that's good to know", I said, "Honestly seeing him in the battlefield today was so incredible! I had no idea he could fight like that!"

"Rino is one of the best Elemental warriors around", Alpha Penson told me, "He may not look it but he can really fight. His skills are top of the line. One of the reasons why the Alpha assigned him as your bodyguard, no doubt?"

Zuerien frowned uncomfortably, making the rest of us smile.

"Yup, Rino is extremely good", Cole added, "In fact, the Alpha and Rino used to train together"

My eyebrows shot up in the air, "They did?!"

"Sure did", Marco said grinning, "They had the whole fire versus water thing going on, and I have to say, some of the matches were quite close"

"Eh, I was holding back", Zuerien said nonchalantly, "I didn't want the kid hurting himself"

I poked him in the chest, "Don't be so cocky you!" I said, giving him a mock glare.

He raised an eyebrow at me before mind-linking me,

I can't exactly help it. Its part of my anatomy.

My face shot red in a split-second and a smirk made its way to his lips.

Besides, very soon you'll love that I'm so cock-y.

My jaw dropped and I immediately shoved at his chest feeling like my face would explode from the blood overload.

This were-pervert!

"You used to be such a decent man!" I blurted out without thinking, making everyone else exchange puzzled glances while Zuerien shrugged.

"Well you obviously haven't had a very good effect on me then, huh Luna?" he asked me, amusement laced thickly in his voice.

A silent screech escaped my lips while everyone else wore knowing glances.

"Something tells me there is a very inappropriate conversation taking place here right now", Cole said softly.

Marco sighed, "Well whatever it is, be sure to keep it PG-13 people. There are children in the vicinity"

"You're the one to talk!" Zuerien said making him gape at Zuerien in disbelief.

"Hey! I do everything I do very legally", he defended, "You know, behind closed doors, in privat-"

"Can we not talk about this right now!" I hurriedly cut in, "Alpha Penson, lets go!"

The Alpha bit back a smile, "Of course. This way", he said leading me ahead.

My face was still flaming like molten lava, but there was an oddly tingly and warm feeling flowing through me that made me want to smile. As we walked, I soon felt a large familiar arm slip around my waist, and despite being irritated with him, I leaned into him and Zuerien immediately drew me closer.

Alpha Penson walked to my right while Cole and Marco walked to Zuerien's left. As we made our way across the field, several of the werewolves stood up immediately. Some of them were bandaged up, but most of them looked to be in good health.

Zuerien motioned for the injured to stay down and rest. I let my eyes trail over the numerous faces that were now turned towards us, all of whom had fought bravely in the battlefield today. All of whom wore bright smiles as they watched us go.

In a flash my body was flooded with the most unfathomable sense of warmth, respect and affection, and I knew it was coming from the werewolves around us. And when all of them bowed in unison to us as we walked by, I felt my eyes prick with tears of joy as they all spoke two words.

"Luna Queen"

Zuerien's grip on my waist tightened ever so slightly and I looked up to find him smiling down at me with pride and tenderness. Beside me, my companions wore similar smiles on their faces making my heart warm immensely.

But the one feeling that reigned supreme over every other, coming from every single person present here, and the one that made me feel the happiest than I had ever felt before, was without a doubt,

Acceptance

****

"Mr. Talon, I'm sorry"

"Hmph"

"Mr. Talon...I'm really sorry"

"Hmph!"

"Mr. Taaalooon"

I was currently following Mr. Talon around the large bedroom as he went about setting up things properly. Having showered and changed into a comfortable set of clothes, I felt quite rejuvenated, save for the distress I felt regarding Mr. Talon.

He was trying his very best to ignore me, but failing miserably at it at the same time because every time I limped a little, he'd jump and turn around to make sure I was okay.

"Mr. Talon-"

"Ah what is that annoying little sound I hear? I've never heard it before", Mr. Talon said dismissively and I gave him a look.

"Really Mr. Talon?" I said, pouting unhappily, "You're really doing this right now?"

"Or perhaps I have heard it before", Mr. Talon said before turning to face me, "Oh yes! It is the sound of complete and utter betrayal!"

"Mr. Talon! Stop being dramatic!"

"I'm not being dramatic!" he argued, "And I'm not talking to you!"

"Please don't be mad", I said, dragging out each word for emphasis.

"I quote, 'I'm not mad, I'm hurt. There is a difference'", he said, promptly turning away from me again and walking ahead.

I quickly rushed up to him and grabbed his arm, "Mr. Talon, I'm sorry", I said honestly, "I didn't mean to do what I did. I wasn't even thinking when I ran away like that. It just...happened!"

"Oh? And what about the several heart-attacks you gave me?" he asked, crinkling his nose at me, "I suppose those just happened too right?"

"That's why I'm apologizing", I said, squeezing his hand and looking at him with wide sad eyes, "I'm so sorry I made you worry"

"Oh yes you did! Darn near killed me from it!" he said.

"Okay, I'm so sorry I darn near killed you from worrying", I rephrased my sentence and he narrowed his eyes at me.

"Pleeease Mr. Talon", I said, putting in all my sincerity into the apology while simultaneously giving him the infamous 'puppy-dog' eyes.

He was a werewolf after all, such canine eyes must have some influence on him!

He flinched, clearly fighting a battle within himself. I tried harder, bending towards him and widening my eyes even further, filling them with as much sincerity and sadness as my irises could contain.

Mr. Talon bent backwards away from me, before promptly slapping his hand over my eyes, making me cry out in alarm.

"Stop that! You'll make your eyeballs pop right out of that skull of yours child!" he cried out.

I gasped, immediately pulling his palm away from my face and grinning, "You said child!" I exclaimed happily, "The endearment is back! YES! YES! YESSS!"

Mr. Talon sighed, clearly having lost the battle, "What am I going to do with you?" he said shaking his head.

I cocked my head to the side, "Forgive me, maybe?" I asked hopefully and he gave me one last suspicious look before his shoulder slumped.

"Oh very well then", he breathed out, giving in.

"YES!" I exclaimed and threw my hands around him, "Thank you Mr. Talon!" I gushed happily.

He sighed again, before patting my head, "Yes, yes. Alright", he said, before pulling away, "I would ask you to promise me that that will never happen again, but something tells me it is useless"

I smiled and shrugged, "I'm good at being reckless", I repeated the same words I had told Zuerien.

"No, you're good at getting into trouble even when you're not being reckless", Mr. Talon said, "And since we can't do anything about that, I might as well get used to it"

He smiled his usual small, crinkly eyed, wiggly nosed adorable smile and my heart nearly melted.

"Aw, I love you Mr. Talon!" I said, giving him another side-hug when suddenly the door to the bedroom burst open revealing an extremely irritable looking Zuerien.

Mr. Talon's eyes immediately widened, "Oh dear!" he exclaimed before wiggling out of my grasp.

Zuerien stormed up to us and immediately took my hand, "Let's go", he said and I nodded before letting him pull me along with Mr. Talon trailing after us.

"You're going to get me killed one of these days child", he whispered to me and I bit back a smile.

Somehow I knew Zuerien wasn't jealous of Mr. Talon or Alpha Penson. He didn't mind when they touched me because he knew very well that their feelings for me were purely paternal. But before I could put my finger on what exactly it was that was currently bothering my mate I heard a loud shout coming from the living room.

"Aunt Yolanda! You can't be here right now alright!"

"Why ever not?!"

A sharp, pompous female voice snapped at Marco's statement and all three of us stopped in our tracks abruptly, my eyes widening in surprise while Zuerien's and Mr. Talon's widened in what looked like disgust.

"I'm here to meet with the Luna Queen", the same female voice announced and I immediately picked up a distinct accent, Dutch perhaps?

Almost immediately Zuerien grabbed me by the shoulders and pushed me behind him.

"Take her upstairs!" he whisper-yelled to Mr. Talon who instantly nodded and started dragging me back to the stairway we had come from.

"But-"

"Come along child!" Mr. Talon urged in a low voice, "You don't want to be here right now"

I didn't even have time to say anything else when all the commotion in the living room died suddenly and that very same sharp, commanding voice called out, "Alpha Zuerien, I sense you are here"

My eyes bulged out of their sockets and Mr. Talon's ushering became more frantic till the woman's voice added,

"And the human I sense near you, is that the Queen?"

Both I and Mr. Talon stilled in shock at the foot of the stairs and turned to find Zuerien scowling in irritation. He exhaled slowly through his nose before looking back at me and nodding at me to go to him.

Exchanging uncomfortable glances with Mr. Talon, I made my way back to him. He immediately put an arm around my waist and pulled me close.

"Alpha Zuerien?" the woman, who was apparently lady Yolanda, called out impatiently and Zuerien's eye twitched in annoyance.

"Just be yourself", he told me in a gentle voice, but it was clear by the way his brows were drawn together, that he was irked.

I nodded in reply and he led me to the living room, while telling Mr. Talon to wait where he was. The minute we entered the room the first thing I noticed was the extreme discomfort that was oozing out of everyone in waves.

Marco, Cole and Alpha Penson were here, but they all looked like they would much rather be somewhere else right now, their eyes moving tensely between us and the woman who was standing in the center of the room.

Rino was the only one who looked alright. He was sitting next to a window, staring out of the glass as though there were no one else in the room. I was immediately relieved to see that he looked perfectly healed now.

The minute his gaze found mine, he grinned widely and started to get up to come towards us when a voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Ah"

My eyes immediately snapped to the face of the tall older woman who had turned to face us.

"Alpha Zuerien", she said in a smooth, proud voice, her accent quite thick and attractive, "It has been a while has it naht?"

I noticed that although her accent was quite appealing, it was not completely authentic as she pronounced, not all, but quite a few of her words oddly. Yet I couldn't place my finger on what exactly sounded off.

Zuerien gave her a stiff nod, "Lady Yolanda", was all he said.

The older woman's thin lips quirked up in small smirk. She had long dark reddish brown hair, hazel eyes, an aristocratic nose and high cheekbones. Her tall, slender frame was clothed in long, full sleeved elegant black dress, and she wore 3 inch heels which further added to her impressive height.

Her head was held high, her hands clasped in front of her and her posture perfect, radiating a grace that would probably have taken years to master.

She was beautiful, I established, yet she was a stark contrast to her daughter Prophecy, whose thick blonde hair and sparkling green eyes blatantly declared that she had inherited her looks from her father and not her mother.

It wasn't just the looks either. While Luna Prophecy was curious, spirited and warm, her mother was quiet and elegant, giving off an air of cold nonchalance which was not lost on me.

Lady Yolanda's eyes suddenly snapped towards me and I tensed under her scrutinizing gaze.

"This is her", she stated rather than asked as she took a few steps forward towards me and Zuerien.

I immediately felt Zuerien's grip around my waist tighten as he pulled me closer to him.

"This is my mate, Luna Suzzanah Winters", Zuerien told her as she came to a halt in front of us, his voice clearly giving away the fact that he did not want to be speaking to her right now.

I gave her my best smile which the woman did not return.

"Mate", the woman said, her eyes narrowing slightly at me, "And your chosen one as well?"

My smile faltered and my brow immediately furrowed, chosen?

"Of course", he nearly growled out making me press my hand to his back, patting gently, trying to get him to cool down. He looked down at me, his eyes and tone immediately softening, "Suzzanah, this is Lady Yolanda Ronaldo"

I nodded at her, "Its nice to meet you Lady Ronaldo", I told her at which her smirk returned.

"Please, call me Yalanda", she told me.

From behind her both Cole and Marco shook their heads at me vigorously.

Don't!

My eyes widened in confusion and alarm and she extended her hand towards me.

Ignoring how she pronounced her name as Ya-landa instead of Yo-landa, I reeled in my cringe at the sight of her outstretched hand.

"Uh...of course", I said awkwardly, taking her hand.

The minute I did, chills ran down my spine when I sensed the immense power contained carefully inside of her, as though in a cold, empty shell. I almost pulled my hand out of hers, barely keeping myself from gasping in discomfort.

Lady Yolanda held onto my hand firmly, not letting go while she continued to examine my face the way scientist would examine an alien.

Ai yai yai

She tilted her head to the side, "Hmm...human, yet not really", she said sounding oddly curious, and I wondered if she knew that from the beginning or felt it through the handshake or something, "I am surprised Alpha Pensan, that you did naht comment about this. Did you fail to notice it?"

All our expressions, save for Alpha Penson's, turned incredulous. Was this woman serious?

"No I did not, Lady Ronaldo", Alpha Penson replied simply, but even when it was obvious that she was waiting for him to continue, he did not do so.

If the lack of elaboration bothered Lady Yolanda, she did not let it show when her gaze returned to me once more. She was still holding onto my hand, my subtle tugging doing nothing to loosen her grasp.

"Hau intriguing", she said, although her voice did not sound very excited, "Tell me, hau old are you?"

Her question came out of the blue and I felt a sudden wave of anger course through my body. I mentally willed Zuerien to stay calm. He was obviously finding it very hard to control his feelings of dislike towards this woman seeing as they were flooding my body in waves.

"I'm 21, ma'am", I told her and she snorted looking away briefly.

"Just a year older than Prophecy then", she said, "But I can see you are quite tame, unlike her"

Tame?

All the men in the room frowned at her words and a low growl emanated from my mate's chest. Lady Yolanda's gaze flew to him once again.

"Did I offend you Alpha?" she asked with indifference, "I apologize"

"You can start by letting go of her hand then", he snapped and Lady Yolanda finally withdrew.

I took back my hand, massaging it absently as the tension in the room slowly turned suffocating.

"Rather foul mood you are in Alpha", she said, her cold smile not wavering.

"Not quite", he replied, "I was not expecting to have you visit Suzzanah unannounced"

"I could not possibly come all the way here and miss the chance to meet the Queen everyone has been talking about all over the kingdom", she stated matter-of-factly making my cheeks burn, "And it is evident that my coming here has been a blessing as you all could naht have amended things without me"

Marco immediately scowled while Cole discreetly rolled his eyes.

"Yeah right, as if", Marco grumbled a little too loudly making Lady Yolanda's schooled features suddenly contort into a sneer.

"What was that Marcah?" she snapped, turning to look over her shoulder.

Marcah?

Marco's scowl deepened and I finally managed to pinpoint that Lady Yolanda pronounced not all but quite a few of her 'O's as 'Ah's.

"We would have managed somehow Aunt Yolanda", Marco told her.

"I'd rather you don't talk, nephew", she told him sharply, "It is your fault that the rogues got in in the first place. Had you been able to create a maze to keep them out-"

"Its not possible to create a maze solely for rogues!" Marco cut her off, his voice laced with anger and defiance, "My mazes read a person's appearance and the properties of their soul, like what species they are. They don't recognize the emotions or intentions of a person, for me to be able to create them for only those who harbor malice towards us. If I were to create a maze it would have to be for all werewolves and not just rogues!"

"Excuses again", Lady Yolanda spat out, almost as if she hadn't heard a single word of what he had said, even though they had all been facts, "That's what you always do when you fail Marcah, you make up excuses. And what about you, Rinah?"

It took me a few seconds to realize that she was not talking about my sister Rina but about Rino. But apparently Rino did not pick up on it at all as he just looked around the room in confusion.

Lady Yolanda scowled, "RINAH!"

"Where?" Rino asked wide-eyed, his confused gaze falling on me.

"She's talking to you", Marco and Cole whisper-yelled and Rino's gaze turned to Lady Yolanda.

"Me?"

"Ugh", she said shaking her head, "Yes Rinah, you! You are a wizard too. You should have been able to do something about that barrier"

He opened his mouth to reply but she cut him off, "Yes, I know, you specialize in the Elemental arts, but you can still wield magic! If you practice hard enough you would be able to master both!"

He smiled and said brightly, "Thanks, I'll pass"

The expression on Lady Yolanda's face was priceless as she gaped at him stunned, while Rino simply turned to stare out the window again, without having even realized that he had just offended her.

I exhaled a laugh, looking down at the ground. While Alpha Penson managed to keep a straight face, his eyes remained amused. Cole and Marco were trying hard not to laugh, and even Zuerien bit back a smile.

"Hopeless", Lady Yolanda said in distaste, "I should naht even bother talking to that boya. But still", she said looking at Marco, "I do not expect anything from him, but you Marcah? After all these years, I expected better fram you. Fram you and Prophecy both!"

Her harsh words immediately made everyone go stiff once more while I stared at her in utter disbelief. Marco's jaw clenched and his fists balled but he said nothing. Beside him, Cole closed his eyes in momentary exasperation while Zuerien wore an extremely disapproving frown.

Alpha Penson remained strikingly silent, but I found that I could not.

"Prophecy did great today you know", I spoke out without even realizing, everyone's including making Lady Yolanda's attention return to me, "And so did Marco"

I saw Marco's eyes widen in alarm as I continued, "Prophecy used her magic brilliantly to protect the children and she even helped me when I was corned by a rogue. Honestly, I was awed by her abilities"

I saw Alpha Penson smile at me from the corner of my eye as I continued, "And it is no secret that your nephew's abilities are both powerful and admirable. He is the reason werewolves feel so safe in their respective territories", I smiled, "I think your daughter and nephew are doing magnificently. You should be proud ma'am"

I expected the woman to seem surprised or at least a little bit pleased but instead she snorted, her eyes turning hard and unpleasant.

"If they were really doing magnificently then I would naht have had to come", she told me coldly, "Marcah should have prevented this entire fiasco from even happening by using his mazes. But since he could naht, Prophecy should have predicted that it would happen, and once again, she did naht"

"But she did-"

"If she were indeed even half the witch she should be, she would have been able to break the spell on the orphanage herself!" Lady Yolanda cut me off, "I regret to see that she is still as she has always been. A disappointment"

I stared at the woman in front of me in absolute shock and horror. How could she say that about her own daughter?

The feelings of derision and disdain that started to taint my blood this time were my very own. I hadn't been expecting to meet someone warm and courteous but Lady Yolanda took the term cold to a whole new level.

I had no memory of my parents whatsoever, but at that moment I found myself silently praying that they were not like her. Not like this woman before me.

Prophecy...

A harsh pain crept into my system at the thought of Luna Prophecy and how she would feel if she ever heard her mother speaking that way. Judging by the anger and hatred in Marco's eyes on hearing Lady Yolanda's words, she probably already had. That realization made my distress grow, making me wince unintentionally.

Sensing my grief almost instantly, Zuerien stepped in front of me, shielding me from the woman before me.

"That's quite enough Lady Yolanda", Zuerien told her, his voice authoritative and firm, "You've said your part. Now I request you to kindly leave us as we have pressing matters to attend to"

Lady Yolanda's brows rose, "Do naht get me wrong Alpha", she said in a much nicer tone, "I did naht mean anything against your mate. In fact I think she did a fair job today as I heard she dashed into the burning orphanage to save a child. As reckless and thoughtless as it is, at least she did it right"

She looked at me from over Zuerien's shoulder, "You are quite good, for a human that is. Perhaps it is naht even that bad that you are the Alpha King's chosen. Nah, if you can only manage to think before you ac-"

"Your advice is not necessary, Lady Yolanda", Zuerien cut her off, "My mate in not under your jurisdiction. She can do whatever she wants, however she wants"

"I was simply-"

"Don't", Zuerien cut her off firmly, "I appreciate all the help you have provided us and the Royale pack is grateful for your assistance. But understand that even though I do not interfere in the matters of the Ronaldo family, if you try to impose your rules or opinions on my mate, I will not stand for it"

Shock flickered in Lady Yolanda's eyes which she immediately masked with indifference and raised her head, "Very well", she grit out, not saying anything else, "I have met the Queen and I should take my leave now"

Almost immediately everyone in the room seemed enthusiastic. Marco and Cole smiled in relief, Alpha Penson and Zuerien exchanged glances while Rino finally turned his attention back to what was happening in the room.

"Alright", Zuerien said, "I will have someone escort you to your chambers"

"Good", she said before stalking towards the door without so much as a word of farewell.

I didn't miss how her gaze turned distasteful when it fell on Mr. Talon who was outside. And it bothered me to no end. Just before she stepped out the door, her gaze fell to me once more, narrowing ever so slightly in curiosity and another emotion that didn't sit well with me. The look in her eyes told me that this was definitely not the last I would see of her.

I resisted the urge to shiver as goosebumps formed on my skin once more. I understood now completely why no one wanted me to meet her. I almost hoped I hadn't.

The minute the door closed behind her everyone immediately relaxed with Marco falling onto the couch with a grunt, Cole stretching, Mr. Talon sighing loudly, Alpha Penson shaking his head and Rino getting off his spot by the window.

"Anna!" he called as he ran up to us before hugging me tightly, "I'm so glad you're okay now"

I hugged back happily, "I'm really glad you're okay too", I told him just before he was promptly separated from me by a glaring Zuerien.

"That's quite enough", he told Rino who grinned at him before jumping to hug him next.

"WOLFA!"

"Argh! Why me?!" Zuerien cried out in irritation but unlike the usual, he didn't immediately push him away.

Rino pulled away and shrugged, "I don't know. You always look like you need a hug"

Cole and Marco barked out laughs while the rest of us chuckled softly, except for Zuerien of course who squeezed his eyes shut, trying to not lash out at him. When he opened his eyes, they trailed over Rino's form once before he exhaled heavily.

"Well, I guess you're okay then", he said before putting an arm around my waist and leading me back inside the living room.

Rino nodded merrily following us with Mr. Talon, while I exchanged a secretive smile with Mr. Penson, knowing that that had been Zuerien's way of saying he was worried about Rino all this time.

Marco got off the couch and walked up to me, "Hey, I'm sorry you had to go through that Queen", he said and I knew he was talking about Lady Yolanda's visit, "We would have all preferred to keep you the hell away from that woman but-"

"But worry about it", I told him smiling before looking at Alpha Penson, "I hope you kept your word and didn't start explaining things to everyone without me", I said.

Alpha Penson smiled warmly at me, "I wouldn't even dream of it, dear one", he said before motioning for me to take a seat.

I quickly settled on the couch before Zuerien could pull me on his lap, and everyone else took their places around the little table, our eyes intently staring at Alpha Penson.

When he looked at me, I felt my heart rate spike in anticipation and knew that everyone else was feeling the same way.

"I think everyone has some idea of why I called Suzzanah Emily earlier", Alpha Penson said softly.

"Not really", Marco said and Cole, Rino and Mr. Talon nodded in agreement.

Zuerien remained silent but his grip on my knee tightened.

Alpha Penson's gaze stayed fixed to mine as he asked, "You know...don't you Suzzanah?"

Despite every ounce of uncertainty within me, I found myself nodding to his question. No one had told me, but no one had needed to either. I felt it. I just...knew!

And whatever doubt I had had was completely erased the minute Alpha Penson and I uttered that one word together.

"Reincarnation"

Jaws dropped all around us in shock while Alpha Penson smiled fondly at me.

"Very good, dear one", he told me softly before looking around at the rest of our company, "Suzzanah is the reincarnation of my daughter Emily"

"Are you shitting me here?!" Marco cried out.

"Seriously?" Cole said, his eyes darting between me and Alpha Penson while Rino and Mr. Talon just stared on gaping.

Zuerien remained silent.

"Yes", Alpha Penson said, "Honestly, I had had my suspicions about it for a very long time. The day you told me about 'giving Emily a call' to be precise", he added, "But I had no solid evidence to prove the fact"

"And now you do?" Rino asked and Alpha Penson nodded before patting the top of my head.

"Its right here", he said, removing his hand and I knew what he meant, "This silver streak in her hair, Emily had an identical one in hers too"

All eyes widened as they now stared at the silver in my hair in new light.

"But that isn't enough is it?"

Zuerien spoke up making us all look at him.

"Just the fact that she has a silver streak in her hair isn't enough to conclude that she is Emily's reincarnation", he said, "I have a golden streak in my hair and its been in my family for generations. That doesn't mean that I am the reincarnation of everyone before me who had it"

Alpha Penson nodded, "Your case is different Alpha", he said, "The golden streak seen in the males of your family is a symbol of the firstborn Royale heir and the rightful successor to the throne. All the Kings before you had it as you do now. But when it comes to the silver streak, no one in our family had it except Emily, and I can presume it is the same in Suzzanah's family also"

I didn't know for sure since the only family I knew was Karina, and she didn't have it.

"Have you had it all your life?" Alpha Penson asked me.

"Well...no", I told him, "The very first time it appeared was right after Karina got into a terrible accident, the one I told you about where she nearly died"

He nodded, urging me to go on.

"After that, I colored it every now and again because growing up, people used to tease me about it all the time"

Zuerien's jaw clenched in anger and I sighed.

"I did however realize that once I started working here, the color started to wear off much faster than it used to", I told them, "Sometimes I'd color it today and the streak would be back within 2 days. I found it really weird but never really dwelt on it"

"When did it first reappear after you got here?" Alpha Penson asked.

"It was right after the day I met Kai in the woods for the first time", I told him, glancing at Zuerien.

Alpha Penson smiled, "Perhaps having met your soulmate triggered its return. I first noticed the silver streak in Emily's hair when she was 6 years old. She had found an injured pup in the woods and brought it back home with her that day", he told us reminiscently, "And you first noticed it right after your sister was injured. I wonder if the appearance of this silver streak is somehow related to injuries"

I cringed, "That doesn't sound good", I told him and he shook his head.

"Its not a bad thing, Suzzanah. Its not like you cause the injuries", he told me, "In fact...you almost seem to hasten their recovery"

At that I gaped at him stunned, "What are you talking about?"

He shrugged, "Its a theory", he told me, "One that I'm not certain about, but have strong suspicions over"

His eyes dropped to my hand, "You had a burn injury on your hand earlier didn't you? But you didn't remember having gotten one"

I nodded.

"And...it was the same injury as the one Tony had on his hand when you jumped out of the window with him in your arms"

I squirmed in my seat, "It was similar, yes", I said, "It was on the same hand and looked nearly identical to his injury in size and shape and what not but I can't say it was the same"

"Yes you can", he said, "Because that injury on your hand was not your own, but his"

All our expressions turned utterly baffled, "John what are you saying? Its not making any sense", Marco told him.

"Alpha Zuerien ensured that the flames would not be able to touch you while you were inside the orphanage", Alpha Penson told me, "And I distinctly remember that you did not have any burn injures on your arms when you fell out of that window. So that means that you could only have acquired that injury after you got out of the orphanage"

"But there was no fire anywhere outside the orphanage", Zuerien said.

"No there wasn't", Alpha Penson agreed, "Which is why I strongly believe that the burn injury on your hand had not been one that you had acquired yourself, but the one that Tony had gotten, and it somehow transferred onto your body"

"But if the injury really did transfer onto Suzzanah's body from Tony's then that would mean-"

"That's right", Alpha Penson said, cutting Zuerien off, "I spoke to the healer who was in charge of healing Tony's injuries. He told me that when Tony was taken from Suzzanah and brought to him for treatment, the child had had minor burns and injuries on his feet and upper arms, but none whatsoever of his hands"

I sucked in a shocked breath as Alpha Penson's gaze returned to me, "But you and I both saw the injury on his hand just before he was taken to the healer, did we not Suzzanah?"

I nodded, still utterly flabbergasted at his revelation. Tony's injury had transferred onto me! But...

"How?!" I voiced my concern and the Alpha leaned back in his seat.

"That's what I don't know yet", he replied.

"I thought transfer of powers from one person to another was bizarre and here the Queen is transferring wounds!" Marco exclaimed in exasperation, "Do you have a shortage of accidents that you're claiming the injuries of other people as well?!"

"Shut up Marco, its not like she can help it", Zuerien said.

"But I've never heard of anything like this before", Mr. Talon said worriedly.

"I have"

All eyes snapped to Alpha Penson and I gasped.

"You mean..."

He nodded, "I saw it happen with Emily before", he said quietly, "Twice"

"Twice?!" we all exclaimed in shock.

"Hmm", he said, "The first time was when an injury that someone dear to her had acquired was suddenly transferred onto her, while it simultaneously disappeared from her friend's body", he told us, "I could never understand how it had happened. It hadn't been a large injury so it wasn't that big a deal but..."

His voice softened, his eyes darkening in what looked like deep pain, "But the second time it happened...was when it struck me hardest", he took a deep breath before adding, "It was when one of my own injuries was transferred onto my child in the middle of the battle field"

My heart rate spiked and everyone tensed, dread painting all our expressions. Alpha Penson exhaled heavily.

"It was the day my daughter died"

My heart clenched at his words, twisting painfully inside of me. Alpha Penson had never spoken about how exactly his daughter had died, but the look in his eyes told me clearly that he felt guilty about it to this day, about the fact that she had taken one of his injuries upon herself.

Rino placed a hand on Alpha Penson's shoulder and the Alpha seemed to snap out of a trance as he took in all our concerned faces.

He smiled, "Come now, don't look at me like that", he told us, "I'm quite alright. I've made peace with everything already"

I smiled at him before taking his hands in mine and giving them a reassuring squeeze. His eyes softened and he nodded at me, telling me he was alright.

I let go of his hands and let the new information sink in. I could transfer other people's injuries onto myself?! I don't think it had ever happened to me before. This was getting more crazy with each passing second.

"So that was reason two, of why I am certain she is my daughter's reincarnation", Alpha Penson stated.

"But...you called the Luna Emily before you saw that she had transferred Tony's injury onto herself though, didn't you?" Cole asked hesitantly.

"I did", he replied, "Because seeing it happen with Suzzanah only served to further strengthen the foundation of a fact I was already sure of. Suzzanah had always reminded me too much of my daughter. For the longest time, I wondered why. It wasn't because of their appearance, I knew. And it was only recently that I managed to establish the connection"

He looked me in the eyes, "It was your soul", he told me gently, "My ability to recognize a person's soul may not be as strong as that of a Shadower's, but I can at least recognize my own daughter's essence. In addition to which...Suzzanah is an archer. So was Emily"

I remembered how Emily's voice had guided me earlier while I was trying to shoot the arrow. So she had been an archer as well...

Everyone blinked at Alpha Penson in awe and he bent forward intently, "But the thing that baffled me most was the fact that Suzzanah could see spirits", he told us all.

"Could Emily also do that?" Zuerien asked.

"No", Alpha Penson replied making our eyes widen, "Emily never saw a spirit with her own eyes. But she did however hear them"

Hear...them?

"Do you remember the day you went into the woods for the second time Suzzanah?" he asked me, "You went with Talon to look for Alpha Zuerien's jacket and ended up seeing both the blue-green eyed spirit as well as Prophecy and then the Alpha's wolf Kai guided you out of the woods"

I flushed remembering that day, feelings of both joy and embarrassment washing over me as I remembered how I had gotten back to the office with a gaping slit in my skirt, thanks to a certain shameless wolf who had ripped it off.

I threw a glance at Zuerien and didn't miss how his eyes were gleaming with mirth as he looked my way. Clearing my throat I nodded at Alpha Penson.

"I remember", I told him.

"Then you must also remember that after you got back from the woods, you came to my office", he said, "Do you recall what happened then?"

My mind immediately recollected the memory of how when I had gone to Alpha Penson's office to ask him what a Luna was, I had suddenly started to hear the blue-green eyed ghost's voice in my head. It had been echoing relentless within my mind and I had freaked out when I had realized that Alpha Penson could not hear the voice like I could.

I nodded slowly at Alpha Penson, "I heard his voice", I told him, "The voice of that blue-green eyed spirit"

"Mm-hmm", Alpha Penson agreed, "Emily never saw a spirit, but she often heard voices in her head. She told me that she often heard the voice of a woman who always seemed to be guiding her. There was a time when I worried about the strange things my daughter said, but it soon became evident that she was hallucinating but that she actually had a unique ability to hear and speak to spirits"

He tilted his head to the side, "And yet, not all spirits", he said, "Only that one woman whom Emily believed to be her guide. She never really found out who the woman was. She couldn't even tell if it was perhaps her mother, because Emily never met her mother, who died giving birth to her"

A twinge of pain pricked my soul once more but Alpha Penson was quick to steer the topic away to something more productive.

"When I saw you that day in my office, it was like looking at my own daughter", he told me softly, "Emily often freaked out when she heard the spirit's voice in her mind. You were the same that day- scared, confused and vulnerable at what was happening. In fact it must have been worse for you seeing as you are human"

I winced in recollection of that day. I had freaked out majorly. I had really thought I was going insane. But then I had bumped into Zuerien and that crazy echoing in my head had immediately disappeared.

I looked up at Zuerien who was already watching me with gentle, affectionate eyes. I smiled, somehow his presence had always managed to ease my fears, even before I knew or accepted him as my mate.

"And of course, there is also the matter of those crystals"

Alpha Penson's words immediately made all our heads whip back towards him.

"The crystals Megan gave me", I said and he nodded watching Rino as he removed the crystals from his pockets.

"You really shouldn't be carrying them around with you everywhere fool", Marco said, "What if you lose them"

Rino shook his head, "I won't", he said, "They just make me feel closer to my Luna"

"I'm still not sure how those crystals are connected to you and Emily...and even Megan", Alpha Penson said, "But I'm sure that when we figure it out, it will become yet another establishing factor to prove that your soul is the same as that of Emily's"

By now everyone seemed quite convinced that everything Alpha Penson was saying was true. I really was Emily's reincarnation.

So that's why...

"Don't you see Suzzanah? Don't you realize it yet?"

Emily's words from before echoed in my mind.

"I am she who has been exactly where you are and she who knows exactly who you are"

I finally started to appreciate the depth and meaning behind her words to me.

"I am very proud of you. You are everything I hoped you would be and more. And now, seeing you, I don't regret a thing"

I smiled nostalgically, feeling gratefulness well up inside of me. She had always helped me through troubled times, always guided me to take the right path. She had always...been by my side.

"I'm always with you Suzzanah. You and I...we'll always be...together..."

Emily Penson

Those two words now seemed far more warm and dear to me than they could ever have been before this. And I could not be more thankful that it was her soul that was now inside of me.

"You have a wonderful daughter, Alpha Penson", I found myself saying making his eyes widen in surprise. I smiled, "She's really really nice"

Marco chuckled, "I bet!" he said, "It would have been nice to meet her"

"I have"

The relaxed mood in the room suddenly disappeared as yet again everyone went stiff in shock, but this time their inquisitive eyes were directed my way.

Alpha Penson swallowed hard, "W-what?" he breathed out in disbelief and I grinned.

"I've met her", I told them, "I've met Emily. She's the female dark haired spirit I always see!"

"WHAT?!"

All jaws were hanging open at this point of time and I couldn't help but feel gleeful at the reaction.

"H-How did you know?!" Mr. Talon asked bewildered.

"I saw a portrait of her with a name plate in the orphanage earlier, just before I jumped out of the window", I replied, "And just so you know, she was the one who guided me to the window so jumping out was her idea"

"You're kidding!" Marco cried out, "Seriously?!"

I nodded before looking back at Alpha Penson. His face displayed a plethora of emotions- reminiscence, longing, surprise, realization, affection, joy- it was all there, and he seemed to be savoring the moment.

"She's awesome, you're daughter", I told him wholeheartedly, "And she is well"

For a minute I thought I saw a silver lining of unshed tears in his eyes before he nodded smiling gratefully, as though that was all he could manage at that moment.

"Is she hot?"

"Marcoooo" everyone cried out at the same time making him cringe and raise his hands in surrender.

"Wha- it was just a question", he said before looking at Rino, "And its Marco, not Barto!" he snapped at Rino who had indeed called him Barto just then.

Rino bit his tongue, "Oops", he said sheepishly.

I, Alpha Penson, Cole and Mr. Talon chuckled while Zuerien simply shook his head looking amused.

"But its unreal, isn't it", Mr. Talon said, "To think that they're the same, Suzzanah is actually Emily!"

"No they're not"

Zuerien's voice was soft as he spoke, making us all turn to face him again.

"Emily and Suzzanah...they may share the same soul, but they are their own person too", Zuerien said, taking my hand in his, "And although I'm sure Emily was a beautiful person, Suzzanah is Suzzanah, and no one can ever take her place", he looked at Alpha Penson and added, "Just like no one can take Emily's either, right John?"

Warmth and immense affection welled up inside of me for this wonderful man who was my mate. Alpha Penson's eyes brimmed with pride as he nodded.

"You're absolutely right, son", he said warmly, "Suzzanah and Emily may share the same soul, but that doesn't mean that they are the same person. In fact, even though they're alike in a lot of ways, Suzzanah and Emily are quite different from each other too"

"We are?" I asked and he nodded.

"For example", he said in a soft voice, "You, dear one, are claustrophobic, but Emily never was"

My eyes widened as he continued "You are cheerful, spirited, full of life...and quite clumsy at times too", he said smiling, "while Emily was always, calm, quiet and poised. Not to mention, she wasn't half as reckless as you are"

I grinned sheepishly and he leaned back, "You are the Luna Queen, while she was a friend of the then Luna Queen and was titled fondly in the kingdom as lady Elegance"

His eyes drifted to Zuerien, "And finally", he said, "You are the mate of King of all Werewolves, Alpha Zuerien Kai Royale, while Emily was the mate of the Leader of Ashford pack, Alpha Micheal Ashford"

"Alpha Micheal?!" Marco, Cole, Mr. Talon and Zuerien cried out in unison while I and Rino blinked at them.

"That's right", Alpha Penson said.

"Is this Alpha Micheal person someone important?" I asked.

"Alpha Micheal was one of the strongest Alphas to ever walk the face of the Earth, alongside the very first Alpha King and Alpha Zuerien, of course", Mr. Talon told me.

"Werewolf history is full of his battles and accomplishments", Marco said, "He was like a walking talking nuclear bomb"

I cringed, "And that's a good thing?" I asked.

"The most famous of the battles he ever fought was the one against the rogue army", Cole said quietly, "He destroyed over a thousand crazed rogues all alone in a battle that went on for three days. He killed every single one of them before he finally breathed his last"

"He died", I breathed out and Cole nodded.

"Yes he did", he replied, "To this day, no one really knows why he marched off to battle an army of rogues all on his own. No one ever found out"

Alpha Penson remained silent, his face a mask, but his eyes revealing the grief he refused to show openly.

He knew...

"I didn't know Alpha Micheal was ever mated", Cole said, "He was such a legend, one would think they would mention something about his mate!"

"No one ever mentioned it because they never announced it", Alpha Penson said softly, "Because just a few weeks after Emily met Alpha Micheal...she died"

My chest tightened once again in pain and he sighed, "But you see how it is", he said, "Suzzanah and Emily share the same soul, because of which they cannot co-exist together. But the very fact that Suzzanah can still see Emily's spirit despite having the same soul as hers is proof that they have their individual identities too. They are one, and yet they're not the same. Nature is truly beautiful and mysterious, don't you think?"

I was in absolute awe at all the things he had told us. It was unimaginable how things took place in the supernatural. It was both awe-inspiring and humbling at the same time.

"And of course, like the Alpha said", Alpha Penson added, his eyes filled with affection, "No one can take the other's place in our lives"

He took my hands in his, "You, dear one, will always be special", he told me tenderly, "You may not be my daughter, but I consider you no less"

My heart swelled with emotion my eyes filled with tears at his wholehearted declaration.

"I didn't take your place and neither did you take mine"

Emily words from my dream filled my head I let out a teary laugh before shooting off my seat to hug Alpha Penson. He chuckled softly, patting my head and I closed my eyes, relishing the feeling of what it probably felt like to have a father.

Karina...I wish you could feel this too

I was soon pulled back into an even warmer and more possessive embrace and I smiled against Zuerien's chest, hugging him back. He would never change.

"Never forget it, heart", Zuerien whispered affectionately in my ear, "You're irreplaceable"

The emotions that were bombarding my heart and soul at that minute could hardly be contained inside of me. Unshed tears of gratitude and affection pricked my eyes as I put my arms around his waist and my face in his chest.

Thank you...

"Oh by the way Alpha", I heard Alpha Penson say, making me turn to look at him again. He wore both a serious and amused look on his face as he said, "Now that it has been established that Suzzanah is like my daughter, I think you need my permission if you wish to court her"

"WHAT?!"

The incredulity and irritation on Zuerien's face was so priceless that almost immediately everyone burst out laughing.

"And if I forbid it, you must keep you distance from her", Alpha Penson added in mock solemnity.

"Forget it!" Zuerien said, tightening his grip around my waist and pulling me closer, "I don't need no one's permission to be with my mate"

"Oh but you do now"

"John, don't test me"

"If I remember right, its because of me that you even accepted Suzzanah in the first place"

"What?"

I stared up at Zuerien and watched his jaw twitch in irritation. Cole sniggered and I looked at him.

"What is this about?" I asked him and Marco, Rino and Mr. Talon leaned in curiously.

"Nothing!" Zuerien snapped and Cole grinned.

"When a werewolf finds his or her mate, they can either accept or reject the bond", Cole told me, "And it is done by saying it out loud. And I remember that in order to get the Alpha to acknowledge you as his mate, John played a little bit of a mind game with him"

"Cole", Zuerien grit out, his tone laced with warning.

"It was the day I gave you permission to go into the woods with Talon to look for his jacket", Alpha Penson continued, not minding the death glares Zuerien was throwing his way, "In order to firmly establish the mate bond, I needed Alpha Zuerien to acknowledge you as his mate out loud, with his own mouth. He was already furious that I let you go into the woods, so I provoked him a little more and viola! It worked"

"Yeah, and he nearly bit your head off too John", Cole added.

"I'm about to do it right now!" Zuerien growled out.

Mr. Talon, Marco and Rino were chuckling in amusement and I decided to play along. I looked up at Zuerien with big, sad eyes.

"So you only accepted me because you were provoked?" I said in my most theatrically sad voice.

Zuerien's dark eyes immediately turned panicked.

"NO!"

Suzzanah! Suzzanah!

Kai's frantic voice filled my head immediately.

It wasn't my fault, I swear. It was the human who was being stubborn and refusing to accept!

Bloody hell Kai!

What?! I'm not losing my mate because of you, you dense human!

KAAAAIIII

I couldn't hold it in anymore and burst out laughing making him stop his multi-self involved argument.

"This is hilarious!" I laughed, "We should put you on spot more often Zuerien"

"What's going on?" Rino asked excitedly, his eyes darting between me and Zuerien.

Zuerien narrowed his eyes at me, biting back a smile, "My Luna is taking liberties", he told him. I grinned at him before placing my head against his chest and hugging his waist again.

"Its my right, no?" I asked as he placed his chin on top of my head, hugging me close.

Only yours, he told me tenderly and I pressed closer, snuggling into his chest.

"Its crazy how the past couple of days have been", Cole said drawing everyone's attention, "So much has happened that if feels like 5 months and not just 5 days"

"And so much more is yet to happen", Alpha Penson said and anticipation immediately flooded my veins.

Karina...and Megan...

"Any news on Megan yet?" Zuerien asked.

"None yet, Alpha", Cole said, "But Dublin is completely sealed off with heavy security and patrols dispersed throughout the city. She definitely hasn't left the city but she's doing a great job of hiding as always"

"Dublin is a problematic place because it is shared equally between Werewolves and the Shadow People", Alpha Penson said, "We must ensure that she hasn't crossed over into the Shadower territory or finding her will become onerous"

"I've already ensured that Megan can't cross over from the Werewolf territory to the Shadower territory in the city", Marco said, "But if she teleported from here straight into the Shadower territory in the first place then its going to be a problem"

I wondered if Megan would go as far as to hide in the Shadower territory, even though she knew that if they found out that she was a Luna, she would be in grave danger. Was Megan really so desperate that she would resort to endangering herself just to stay hidden from Werewolves?

Megan...wherever you are...please be okay...

"There is no point worrying about that now", Zuerien said, "We'll figure things out once we get to Dublin"

"Yeah, for now lets try and finish the Annual Games without any more trouble", Cole added.

"Speaking of trouble, where is Prophecy?" Marco asked.

"I believe she has gone to bed to escape her mother's...presence", Alpha Penson told him thoughtfully, "And don't worry, she already ate and is safe"

"Worried? I'm not worried", Marco said trying to act nonchalant and the rest of us exchanged knowing looks.

It was quite obvious that even though Prophecy and Marco were first cousins, Marco loved Prophecy like his own sister. I remembered clearly how worried he had been about her powers going haywire, and how he had even suggested using the forbidden Sealing spell on her just to keep her safe.

Even though I'd say that that suggestion was borderline moronic, I was happy to see that Prophecy had someone like Marco in her life who cared about her so much, seeing as her mother obviously didn't fit the part of the loving parent. I didn't know where her father was, but I hoped he was nicer to her than her mother.

"Is Tony alright?" I asked Zuerien worriedly.

"He's fine", Zuerien replied, "But because his Shadow was too close to being engulfed by flames, he's taking a little longer to recover. He should be fine by tomorrow"

"But what do we do about him though?" Marco asked, "Its obvious that his Shadow is no longer dormant"

"He is part of the Royale pack", Mr. Talon said, "Since all the leaders of the pack have accepted him, the others will have to do so too!"

"Even if the werewolves do eventually accept him for being part Shadower like Megan", Alpha Penson said, "He'll be a danger to everyone around him because Terrence can obviously manipulate his shadow. And keeping him in the Royale pack close to Suzzanah, may not be the best idea"

Supernatural shadows are the best spies after all"

Zuerien held me closer, his muscles immediately tensing. I quickly shook my head.

"Please, I don't have any problem whatsoever with Tony being close to me", I said honestly, "In fact, I'd welcome that opportunity. Tony's shadow would never hurt me, I'm certain. We'll all be safe"

"You don't understand dear one, this isn't just safety", Alpha Penson said, "The Royale pack is where all the most important decisions concerning the Werewolf kingdom are taken. All important legislative documents, treasury, pack secrets, history of various bloodlines, manuscripts about our strengths and weaknesses, everything is within the Royale territory. And Supernatural shadows, for obvious reasons, are rather good spies"

My shoulders slumped, "But we can't abandon the child", I said.

"Of course not", Cole agreed, "But since keeping him with us is not a convenient option, we need to find an alternative. To keep him with someone who is willing to accept his Shadower half as well as is able to keep his Shadow somewhat in check"

"Like the Wolfa is, thanks to his fire Elemental abilities", Rino added.

The entire room fell silent for a second before all of us gasped in unison.

"FIRE ELEMENTALS!"

"That's a perfect idea!" Alpha Penson said, "If Tony stays with the fire Elementals, his shadow will be in check at all times because Supernatural Shadows are only susceptible to flames!"

"And there won't be an issue of his Shadow being used by the Shadow People to spy on Werewolves or steal secret documents or anything like that!" Cole said excitedly.

"Rino, you're a genius!" Alpha Penson said and Rino blinked wide-eyed, "Really?"

"But wait a minute, what if Tony doesn't want to go?" I asked worriedly.

"We'll have to ask him to know, wont we", Zuerien said, placing me on the couch beside him before standing up.

Cole and Marco immediately stood up as well.

"Cole, go speak with the healer responsible for Tony's treatment and ask him to inform us as soon as Tony is up", Zuerien said, "Rino, we need to get in touch with the Oba of the Fire Elementals asap"

I frowned, "Oba?" I asked Zuerien.

"Their chief or leader", Zuerien replied.

"Sure thing!" Rino said, jumping to his feet, "I'll get my oompa to get us an appointment right away!"

I frowned once again, "Oompa?" I asked and Rino grinned.

"My grandfather", he told me, "I call him oompa"

"Hey! No fair! That's five letters!" Marco said.

"I can call you oompa too, if you like"

"Uh, no thanks"

"John, its probably best you come with us for this", Zuerien said, "We'll need your help to persuade the Oba of the Fire Elementals, in case he doesn't agree"

"Marco, in the meantime I want you to recheck all the mazes and then go back to coordinating the remaining events of the Annual Games", Zuerien said.

"Gotcha", Marco said.

"What do I do in the meantime", I asked.

"Rest", all the men replied in unison and my shoulders slumped.

"Whaaa", I said dejectedly, "But I-"

"Talon, make sure she eats before going to sleep", Zuerien said Talon nodded.

"But I don't want to-"

"No buts, sweetheart", Zuerien said gently, bending towards me, "You may not feel it now because of all the excitement, but you need to rest. I'm increasing security around my cottage. Don't worry about a thing, rest easy and sleep well. That way you can wake up fresh for the events in the evening"

"Events?" I asked and everyone smiled at me.

"Of course! The last night of the Annual Games is most spectacular of them all!" Marco told me.

"And its even more special this time because its the first one which will be graced by the Luna Queen", Alpha Penson told me making my cheeks burn.

"Will I need to make a speech or something?" I asked nervously.

"No, you wont need to do anything you don't want to", Zuerien assured, "Just have a good time"

I grinned, "I'm excited", I told him and he smiled.

"Good", he said, "But for now, tone the excitement down and try and sleep, after you've eaten something"

I nodded and he pressed a kiss to my forehead, "I'll be back as soon as I can", he told me.

I smiled, "Okay"

Everyone bid their goodbyes to me and Zuerien gave me one last lingering look before bending down once more and pecking my lips.

Tingles shot through my body and I jumped in surprise. He smirked.

"For good luck", he told me before turning around and leaving.

I stared after him, blushing. I still got butterflies in my stomach every time he kissed me, and I didn't think I'd ever grow out of that feeling.

"Ahem"

Mr. Talon cleared his throat behind me and I looked up to find him blushing just as hard as I was.

"So, what would you like for lunch child?" he asked, producing a notepad out of nowhere.

Remembering the last time Zuerien had force fed me, I grinned up at him, "Anything except chicken soup"

****

After having a very filling meal, Mr. Talon dutifully dragged me upstairs and tucked me into bed securely. I still wasn't sleepy so I asked him to tell me a story. When he asked what kind of story I wanted to hear, I told him I wanted to know more about Werewolf history, so he had someone bring a book about Werewolf history from the library.

As he sifted through the pages of the large book I scooted closer to him and asked, "Hey, do you remember that time when Alpha Penson told me about the 'beasts that roam the woods'? How the tribal people used to think that there are beasts in the forests that howl"

"I remember"

"Was that true?" I asked and he nodded.

"I remember Alpha Penson saying that one of the Queens was rescued by one of those very beasts"

Mr. Talon smiled, "Yes, the very first Queen"

The first...

"You mean she was the very first Royale King's mate?" I asked.

"She was", he confirmed, "And she was human, like you"

A strange wave of thrill washed over me and I remembered Zuerien saying that in the speech he made to all Werewolves to announce that he had found his mate.

I pushed myself up on my elbows, "So...who were ruling the Werewolves before the Royales?"

"No one", he said, still turning pages of the book, "The very first King of the Werewolves ever was a Royale, and he was chosen by all the Werewolves thousands of years ago to be their King"

His finger glided down the page as he continued, "To this day they say that the very first Royale King is the strongest Werewolf to have ever existed. As I told you, Alpha Micheal whom we spoke about earlier- the man who had been Emily's mate- was often compared to the first Alpha King"

He readjusted his glasses and smiled, "Although, they do say that the present Alpha Royale may even surpass the strength of the very first King"

I smiled fondly at the thought of Zuerien as Mr. Talon added, "And to this day, the werewolves have never been ruled by anyone but the Royales"

"Wow", I exclaimed in awe, "Do you know their story? That of the first Royale King and his human mate?"

"Not much is known except that she belonged to one of the human tribes that lived in the woods", he told me, "Not much is written about it either, at least not in this book. The books in the Central Library would probably offer more details"

"Tell me whatever you do know", I said.

He leaned back in his chair, "Well...apparently the very first Alpha King met his mate for the first time when he rescued her from rogues who were attacking her", he told me, "Thousands of years ago rogues were far more of nuisance than they are now, and she had been cornered by them when she got lost in the woods"

"And he saved her"

"Yes", he replied.

"And did she ever go back to her tribe?" I asked.

"I don't think so", Mr. Talon replied, "The ancient werewolves were known to keep a very strict distance from humans. Oh!"

His eyes widened as he stared at the pages he had opened.

"What is it?" I asked.

His brow furrowed as he turned the page, "There are a few pictorial depictions in this book of what painters thought the encounter between the first King and Queen would have been like", he told me, staring at the page thoughtfully.

I sat up, "Really?!"

"Suzzanah, lay down at once!"

"Oh come on, show me", I insisted.

He sighed before looking down at the book, a frown coming onto his face.

"How strange", he whispered thoughtfully, his gaze darting between me and the pictures in the book.

"What's strange?" I asked, my confusion and excitement growing.

"The pictures of the first Queen", he said turning back to the previous page.

"What about them?" I asked impatiently.

He leaned in to show me the few pictorial depictions of the very first Luna Queen. And at the sight of them, my breath caught in my throat just as Mr. Talon said,

"In all the pictures, she has silver hair"

****

A/N

Hey darlings,

LOOONG chapter to make up for my tardiness.

I know there were a lot of speculations about the dark haired spirit, and many of you were upset about Suzzanah being nothing but Emily's replacement, but she's not.

Suzzanah is Suzzanah and no one will ever take her place.

What did you think of Lady Yolanda? She'll keep popping in and out of the story fram nah on XD

I'm a wee bit teary eyed right now, you know why?

Because the next one may just be the very last chapter of Unconditionally Book 1.

And it'll be a good one, so prepare yourselves people. 'The Beginning of Revelation' is coming to an end.

I really hope you enjoyed this chapter.

If you did, please do VOTE, COMMENT and SHARE.

Until next time,

All my love

Angel