Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Unlike the city center, the road leading out of Astrid is a long stretch of forest. Massive trees almost completely block out the sunlight.

After a few more minutes, I passed the sign that read, You are now leaving the City of Astrid.

My attention shifted to my phone when it rang, displaying Tina's picture. I pressed the answer button and put it on speaker mode.

"I got your message. Are you sure that really happened? Maybe it was just a dream?" she asked. I could hear the sound of her blow-dryer in the background.

My grip on the steering wheel tightened as the events of last night replayed in my mind. How I wish everything was just a dream... But deep down, I knew it wasn’t. The mark left by his sharp claws on my chest was enough proof that it was real.

"I'm sure, Ti. But I just can't wrap my head around why a lycan would dare enter our house. They know our family well. He could’ve died on the spot if he hurt me."

"Exactly. He didn’t come there to hurt you," she replied.

I fell silent, just as confused by the lycan’s actions.

Last night was a full moon. During a full moon, lycans lose control of their wolves. The wolf takes over their body, making them extremely dangerous during those times.

In the past, they would transform into savage wolves during a full moon. But over time, they learned to control their transformation. They can now shift whenever they want—but not into wolves. They can choose what form to take.

However, during a full moon, they tend to be more aggressive. Their instinct to tear someone apart always takes over, which is why most of them chain themselves to prevent harming anyone.

That’s why the lycan’s behavior last night was so puzzling. The claws, the sharp nails, the fierce golden-yellow eyes—they only shift when they’re furious or unable to control their aggression.

But he didn’t hurt me. Well, except for the scratch on my chest, but that’s it… And that’s what’s strange.

The words he said kept echoing in my mind.

"Come home to me…"

His voice was low and husky, almost a whisper that turned my insides to jelly. It made me feel something unfamiliar… Something I hoped never to feel again.

---

I had been driving for over two hours now. I stopped at a gas station to refill my car’s tank. After the refill, I stepped into the convenience store to grab a drink and some food.

My stomach growled every time I passed by the food I liked. I had rushed out this morning and even forgot to drink coffee.

I grabbed a pack of chips and headed to the drinks section. I picked up a bottle of mineral water before walking to the counter.

"Here's your change, sir," I heard the clerk say to the man at the counter. He didn’t respond, just took the change from her. I noticed the clerk discreetly tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

When the man finally turned away from the counter and faced the door, I recognized who he was.

Just like yesterday, his expression was serious. His brows were furrowed, and his forehead creased.

I swallowed hard when he glanced briefly at me. I couldn’t help but look away. His penetrating silver-gray eyes were intimidating. There was something about them that made it impossible for me to hold his gaze for long.

I let out a deep breath when I heard the door open and close. I stepped up to the counter to pay for my items.

The clerk was still bagging my purchases when I heard the roar of his car speeding away. I looked at it through the shop's glass wall, but he drove so fast that even the tail end of his car quickly disappeared from view.

---

After an hour and a half of driving since my stop at the gas station, I finally reached the outskirts of Crescent City. At the entrance, I was greeted by several uniformed men.

I stopped my car in front of their checkpoint and rolled down my window. One of them immediately approached me. My eyes caught the logo embroidered on the right chest of his blue uniform.

It was the logo of the Crescent Pack... the white lycans. They are known for being civil to everyone. They place great importance on maintaining peace between humans and lycans. As far as I know, they are the only pack that hunters never attack. Apart from their neutrality in conflicts, they are also the ones who treat the injured, whether they are hunters or lycans.

"Hi! Tracy Florendale from Astrid. I’d like to speak with the Alpha," I said, handing him my ID.

He examined my ID briefly before radioing their camp. After a short exchange, he returned my ID with a smile.

"Welcome to Crescent, Miss Tracy. Apologies for the inconvenience. You can proceed. Just follow that road and turn right at the third street. At the end of that street is the Alpha's mansion."

I smiled back. "Thank you!"

I followed the directions he gave me. As he said, at the end of the third street was the mansion I was looking for. It wasn’t as large as I had imagined, but the intricate designs on the gate were enough to assure me I was in the right place. Statues of wolves sitting on either side of the gate posts flanked the entrance. The family name of the Alpha was written on the gate’s ironwork.

Barrimore's Residence

Before I could even honk, a man in his forties wearing a tuxedo opened the gate for me. His face was formal as he gestured for me to enter.

After I parked, an elderly woman in a white uniform guided me inside the mansion. Its interior was simple yet grand. Numerous antique vases were displayed throughout the receiving area. The furniture, though old, was evidently well-maintained. Above the fireplace hung a large family portrait, undoubtedly of the Alpha’s family.

"Please have a seat. I’ll inform the Alpha of your arrival," the elderly woman said with a smile.

I nodded in response and watched as she ascended the stairs.

Moments later, a man I estimated to be in his forties descended the staircase. He wore a white polo shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows and black pants. He greeted me with a warm smile. Beside him was a woman, clearly older, but her beauty still shone through. Her sophisticated blue dress added to her elegance.

"Welcome to Crescent, Miss Florendale. It’s been a long time since I last saw you. How’s your father?" the man asked as they took their seats across from me.

"He’s doing well now. He’s fully recovered from the incident three months ago," I replied with a smile.

The Alpha gestured to a servant, who soon returned with a tray of coffee for the three of us.

The Alpha took a cup and sipped from it. "I told Santi to stop hunting omegas. They should just leave them be in the mountains."

"Excuse me? My father doesn’t hunt anymore. Actually, he was hiking with my boyfriend and three of his friends when the accident happened," I clarified.

The Alpha’s brows furrowed slightly at my explanation. He set his coffee cup down on the table and looked at me seriously.

"Boyfriend? He doesn’t go hiking—"

"Really? Who’s your boyfriend, dear?" the Luna interjected, her sweet smile directed at me as she waited for my response.

"Ahm, Rougine Ember, Luna. He’s a sports and travel blogger and a photographer for a magazine in the States," I answered.

I noticed the Luna’s surprise. The smile on her lips momentarily faltered. She exchanged glances with the Alpha, as if having a silent conversation. Their reaction left me puzzled, my brows slightly furrowing at their behavior.

"The truth is, I came here for him. During the incident, he was bitten by a lycan. Someone told me that only the bite of a royal blood can counteract the bite he received."

The Alpha didn’t respond immediately. He sat upright, clasped his hands together, and rested his chin on them.

"It’s true. Only royal bloods can cure the bite of an omega. But I’m sorry, you’ve come to the wrong place," he said seriously.

It felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over me.

"W-what do you mean?" I bit my lower lip as I felt the corners of my eyes beginning to sting.

"Dear, royal bloods are the original families of Alphas. Crescent is no longer a family of royals because there have been multiple transitions of power in our pack. The only remaining royal bloodlines are the Grimmersons of Astrid and the Magnisons of Brenther. Why don’t you ask for help from the Alpha of Astrid?" the Luna explained gently.

My shoulders slumped at her words. I gripped the hem of my shirt tightly. This can’t be happening.

I fought back my tears and forced a smile at the Luna, trying to show I was okay. Concern was evident on her face.

"I-I see. T-thank you. I’ll take my leave now," I said, my voice trembling.

As I stood, the Alpha and the Luna stood as well. The Luna approached and embraced me warmly.

"I know you’re not okay... But I hope you’ll be fine. You’re strong, and you’re destined for something greater. I just hope that someday, you’ll find your way... again," she said softly.

Her words caught me off guard. The Alpha looked at me meaningfully, while the Luna smiled and brushed a stray strand of hair away from my face.

I wanted to ask what they meant. I knew they were trying to tell me something, but I couldn’t find the courage to speak.

When they escorted me to my car, I wanted to turn back and ask them what they were implying… but something held me back. I was afraid to ask, though I couldn’t explain why I felt this way.

---

After leaving Crescent’s entrance, I stopped at a fork in the road. One path led back to Astrid, and the other to the next town.

I stared blankly at the signpost indicating the directions.

Right now, I only had two choices:

To return to Astrid, accept Levi’s offer, and leave Rouge for his own safety,

Or to head to Brenther and take a risk for Rouge’s life.

My grip on the steering wheel tightened. Tears began streaming down my cheeks. I was afraid for my own safety, but whenever I thought of Rouge, lying there almost lifeless, every ounce of self-preservation I had crumbled.

This is for you, hon. I’ll do everything for you…

When I pressed the gas pedal again, I pushed all my fears for myself into the background. This was the only choice I had.

I sighed deeply as I passed the sign:

City of Brenther – 30 kilometers away.