WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
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The forest was still, and only the noises of eating and crunching could be heard. The summit had long since been destroyed, leaving only dust behind. And the bodies of the elders were nowhere to be found; Vasta had already swallowed them all.
"What I wanted the most is you," Luna mumbled as she looked up to observe Vasta's face. Her ears had turned into pointy shapes as she glowed. "I don't care about severing the mate bond--- I can kill them to be freed--- nor do I care about this world." She raised her right hand and moved it as if she were caressing Vasta's cheek without touching him. "It's been a while, and I've really missed you."
Vasta let out a roar.
"Yes. I know. It took me a while to revive you, but don't worry," Luna smiled, "I'll have you back to your full form soon." The realm was small, and she had power over it. Alinta wouldn't be able to escape her notice. There was no hurry. What she needed to do now was...
"Milady!"
Luna's eyes narrowed, and the corner of her lips raised. Perfect timing. She had been anticipating their arrival. When she saw the new arrivals, her expression softened.
Kara and the others breathed a sigh of relief as they saw Luna in excellent shape. But they stayed cautious as they gazed at the massive monster who was busily consuming on something.
"Milady, we need to get out of here right now!" Kara grumbled. They'd better get out of there before the monster notices them.
"Kara," Luna sighed. "Among the people who have followed me, you're the first. You've never defied me, nor have you questioned me. It made you my favorite child," she said, raising her hand to caress the woman's cheek.
Kara's face flushed. "Milady, what are you saying now? This is not the time for that," she remarked, but she was moved. Their lady was impressed by her devotion. It made her happy!
Luna's smile deepened. "I will never, ever forget you."
There was a sudden roar, and everything became chaotic. Kara had no idea what had happened as she suddenly found herself lying on the ground, soaking in her own blood. Tears welled up in her eyes as she witnessed her companions being slaughtered at the same time. Then, gasping for air, she shifted her attention to Luna, who was only a meter away. The woman was standing motionless, her eyes devoid of any emotion.
Why?
She couldn't understand.
Why?
She opened her mouth to express her indignation. But she could already feel her soul being pulled out.
Finally, she closed her eyes. And her soul, along with the souls of her companions, was swallowed by Vasta.
Luna raised her head. She then smiled contentedly as she saw Vasta's power gradually return. "There are more of them, and I hope they will come to us rather than us wasting our energy trying to find them."
---
"Where are we?" Alinta, who was still dangling from Severino's arms, inquired.
"Blood Clad Pack," replied Severino.
Alinta's eyes immediately widened in surprise. She looked around and couldn't help but think that Severino was mistaken. The location appeared to be a ruin from an ancient dynasty, and fog hung in the air. She also noted that there were a lot of runes written on the ground. They were flashing crimson, so there was no way she wouldn't notice. Moreover, there was no snow in the area. She had only been at the pack for a few days, but she remembered the terrain being blanketed with snow.
"Your pack warriors... where are they?"
"Dead."
Silence.
"I'm sorry," Alinta apologized quietly after a brief pause.
Severino only hummed in response. He was already aware that his pack had died. He merely came here to double-check something. And, just as he suspected, the ritual to resurrect Vasta took place here. His pack warriors' spirits were one of the catalysts that brought that monster back to life. That thought... enraged him in some way.
"Magic is still heavy and fresh here," Alinta pointed out. "But there is currently no one around except for the two of us."
"I know."
Severino looked around for a time before turning around and heading southward. He intended to leave.
"We're not staying here," Alinta wondered. She had assumed they would hide here.
"This location is unsafe; we should look for a better one."
"Which location is better?"
"A safe place."
"So, which place is safe?"
Severino did not respond. Instead, he started sprinting faster again.
Alinta couldn't figure out where they were going. She couldn't see anything except blur. After what seemed like an eternity, Severino finally came to a halt in a lush forest with vibrant foliage and flowers. They entered the jungle and arrived at a cabin half an hour later.
Severino came to a halt in front of the door and exclaimed coolly, "Mother!"
A gorgeous woman with long grey hair emerged before Alinta could register what Severino had just said.
"Sevvy!" said the woman, sprinting towards Severino and clutching him firmly; Alinta remained dangling on Severino's arms. "You've scared me to death! Cross and the others are already here, and you're still missing! I feared something bad had already happened to you!"
Cross, Luke, and the blonde gazed out the door as if on cue.
What was going on? Alinta blinked and looked up, finally getting a good look at the silver-haired woman. Alinta's mouth oohed in astonishment; blue glinting eyes, pink thin lips, and a high nose— what a beautiful lady!
Then, the said beauty lowered her head and blinked multiple times upon seeing her. "Alinta?" the woman inquired, her voice hesitant.
Alinta simply nodded.
"Oh, dear!" the woman exclaimed, her eyes twinkling. "My son's mate! Finally! Oh, finally, my son got a mate!" She pinched Alinta's cheek and added, "I am your mate's mother, Morrigan. It's nice to finally see you!"
Morrigan?!