Chapter 5
HOW DID–Serena didn’t have a chance to finish her question before one of Perez’s warriors came running towards them, out of breath.
“Alpha, we need to go to the battleground, the enemy increased their attack, and the gamma of Alpha King’s pack has ondered everyone to fight.” The warrior announced with a sense of urgency, wiping the sweat from his brow. Perez nodded. in response while Serena hurriedly joined them. She wasted no me changing into appropriate clothes, listening to the panicked voices around her.
As far as anyone could recall, the enemy’s armies were not particularly formidable. However, it appeared that this was just one of their strategies, considering the sudden surge in their numbers and aggressive attacks.
“Ride with me,” Alpha Perez paused and reined in his horse, bringing it to a stop. He then reached out his arm towards Serena, and she accepted his offer without hesitation, allowing him to help her onto the saddle in front of him. The other warriors were already disappearing into the forest on their own horses, while some transformed into wolves and darted off quickly
“Do you also know that I couldn’t shift?” Serena asked, feeling his broad chest against her back as they moved forward.
“Wasn’t that common knowledge? Your pack was well–known in the country, so anyone familiar with Crescent pack knew about that fact.” Perez’s explanation immediately led her to assume that he must know her because of it. After all, his statement was true; their pack was not unknown, as they were one of the largest packs in the East region.
“I see,” was all Serena could reply. It was embarrassing, she must have looked pathetic in the eyes of the others. Not only was she unable to shift, but now she was being openly disregarded because Marga had been officially declared as the heiress of their pack. Serena could already picture the pitying and mocking looks she would receive when she returned home and attended social events.
“Being unable to shift wasn’t something you should be ashamed about,” Perez’s sudden words jolted Serena as if he had somehow tapped into her thoughts. She felt the urge to turn and face him, but she resisted and instead focused on his defined arms and veined hands gripping the reins in front of her. “You’ll be awakened when it is time for that.”
Strangely, those words brought Serena a sense of peace. Enough to make her stop fretting about anything else and focus solely on the current situation
As they arrived at the battlefield, Serena felt a shiver run down her spine, goosebumps prickling along her skin. The sight before her was gruesome and heartbreaking. The ground was littered with bodies, some still twitching in pain, others completely still and lifeless. The metallic scent of blood hung heavy in the air, making her stomach churn.
For the first time since joining the war, Serena saw casualties among her own allies. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread wash over her as she swallowed hard, imagining what it would be like to end up lying there herself, covered in blood and fighting for her last breath.
“I’ll be on the front lines with the Alpha King’s gamma. Alexia, stick by Serena’s side. She wasn’t incapable, but I wanted to ensure her safety.” Alpha Perez said in a hurry before he rushed toward the frontline. Serena’s heart skipped a beat at his tone, it was full of genuine concern for her well–being. Perhaps, he was afraid she might give up op life again, just like she did yesterday.
She appreciated his concern, but the person she was yesterday would be different from who she is today. With each passing day filled with misery, neglect from her family, and betrayal from her mate, she found the strength to keep going and prove to them that she no longer needed their approval. She wouldn’t continue yearning for their love or trying to conform to their expectations… After all, Serena had come to understand one important truth: all her efforts and sacrifices meant nothing to those who refused even to acknowledge her. With that, she was done trying
From that day onward, the war continued to intensify, with both sides using every possible tactic and strategy to inflict more harm just to win and get what they wanted. Serena lost count of how many warriors she watched fall during these brutal fights. What was even worse was the constant pain of Calix’s betrayal, pushing her to the brink of death time and time again from stress and agony.
Chapter 31
Without the protection of Alexia and Perez, she could have been one of the casualties in the war. As the conflict began to settle and their forces gained control over the enemy, some of the warriors were sent back home. Even Alpha Perez had to return to his pack in the North due to an urgent situation, leaving Serena with his remaining pack members.
And so, after a grueling year, the war finally came to an end, with them ultimately claiming a hard–won victory
“Please relay my gratitude to Alpha Perez for all the help he gave me. I didn’t get a chance to say it because he suddenly left two months ago.” Serena said to Alexia as they were ready to part ways.
“All right, I’ll pass the message, but you could also tell him yourself. It won’t be long before we meet again, as I’m sure the Alpha King will host a banquet for us in about a week.”
the female warrior said, and Serena nodded before they parted ways with smiles on their faces.
Although the trauma of the war had been weighing heavily on her mind, it was gradually starting to heal. Serena felt a sense of relief knowing she had survived and was feeling much better than before. She took a deep breath and composed herself. gathering the courage she knew she would need for the upcoming battle back home.
“SERENA!” Tears streamed down Annie’s cheeks as she stepped out of the car. Serena couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her beloved nanny after a year apart. However, it also pained her to realize that no one else came outside the packhouse to greet and welcome her return, I’m glad you’re safe and sound.”
Annie embraced her tightly and gently wiped away her tears before stepping back to look at her. It was customary for the pack to welcome a returning warrior, but the usual spot where they would gather was empty. Annie had tried to persuade Alpha Robert to hold a celebratory feast for Serena’s return, but Luna Emilia insisted it was impossible
After all, today was Marga’s birthday and everyone was busy preparing for the evening banquet in her honor.
“I’m sorry, I asked the Alpha to give you a warm welcome, but today is also your sister’s birthday-”
“It’s all right, Nanny. I already expected it.” Serena smiled, “By the way, where’s Calix? Is he inside?”
“Ah, y–yes… He’s having lunch with your family.” Annie stammered; it was as if she was nervous about something. Serena could sense that her nanny was aware of her husband’s infidelity, but she didn’t want to put her in an uncomfortable position by asking about it directly
Thank you, nanny. Can you please bring my belongings to my room? I will go and greet my family first.” Serena quickly handed off her bag to Annie and made her way to the house area. All of the servants who were bustling around the house stopped in their tracks when they saw her enter, immediately bowing in respect. But Serena only gave them a cold, intense stare that made them all flinch, surprised with the shift in her atitude.
the door.
As she made her way towards the dining room, the sounds of laughter and conversations grew louder, She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath and tucking a strand of her silver hair behind her ear before finally pushing open All eyes in the room immediately turned to her, taken aback by her sudden appearance and cold expression.
When Calix caught sight of her, he jumped to his feet and made a move to embrace her. But before he could even touch her, he was met with a sharp and powerful slap across the face. The Alpha and Luna, along with Marga, all gasped in surprise at the sudden tense atmosphere that filled the room.
“Was it fun?” Serena gritted her teeth, “Did you enjoy sleeping with another woman while I was risking my life in the war?!”
“Serena-“Marga’s words died in her mouth as Serena gave her a sharp glare, shocked at the sudden 180–degree shift in her
attitude
“Anwer me!” Her outburst sent shivers down the spines of everyone in the room, as it was very
unlike Serena to act in such a
“Do you have any idea how much pain I endured? Do you know how many times I was close to death during the battle while you were mating with another woman?! Not only did you do it despite the consequences, but you also repeated it countless
11:21 Thu, Nov 28
Chapter 5
times!”
As her anger peaked, Serena’s tears streamed down her flushed cheeks. Alpha Robert’s eyes widened in surprise while Luna Emilia stayed silent, pressing her lips together and glancing at Marga with uncertainty
“I’m sorry,” Calix spoke, his voice trembling. He then looked at Serena, his heart aching at sight of her tears. “I got lonely without you; being away from you was unbearable so—”
“Hah!” Serena let out a disbelieving scoff, her face showing clear signs of disgust as she wiped away her tears with the back of
her hands.
“Lonely?!” She laughed incredulously at this point, “As far as I could remember, you enjoyed spending time with Marga more than me. And now you’re saying that being apart from her made you feel lonely? Give me a fucking break!”
Serena! Do you really have to bring up this topic as soon as you return? We’re in the middle of a meal. Take your marriage issues elsewhere.” Luna Emilia’s sharp words caused her daughter. Serena, to flash with anger. At that moment, Serena couldn’t imagine things getting any worse, but then Marga unexpectedly stood up from her chair and walked over to Calix’s side, revealing an ugly truth.
“I’m sorry, it’s my fault.” she said, her tone apologetic, “We didn’t intend for it to happen. I know it’s not right, but Calix and I couldn’t help falling in love with each other. And now, I’m carrying his child.”
