Chapter 5: Panic

Valerie

“Enough,” I spoke, using a tone that quieted them. I felt like I was a Luna again. Fighting the penetrating stare by my side looked away before continuing.

“Let's resolve this issue.”

As a mediator I was meant to listen before making my judgment. Both of them stated their case, the latter being one of the Beta's daughter getting injured by Alyn before a break was proposed.

I was free to walk around as I thought over my judgment but stopped when I overheard murmurs from a corner. It was my former pack members talking.

“This is so annoying. Alpha Tristan barely said a word.” one of them hissed which I frowned at.

I noticed it and was equally confused. How did the man who supported Alys suddenly fall silent?

“Is he still sick? The pack doctor didn't say there was something wrong with him though…” Someone whispered, making my ears perk up.

“Alpha Tristan hasn't been the same since he suddenly fainted.” the other hummed, “It's been two weeks since that happened and suddenly this conflict started. He must be going through a lot.”

“And now Lu- the Former Luna joined the Shadow Moon pack? What the hell? Do you thi-”

I walked away before I could hear anymore.

‘He'd fainted two weeks ago?’ my brows furrowed. That never happened in my memories. What changed?

‘Many things could have taken place.’ I justified,

It was the same way I was surprised that Alyn wasn't Luna yet, or called ‘Future Luna’ at least. It has been months since I'd left. I would have expected them to have a mating ceremony by now. Was this the reason why?

I quickly pushed the thoughts away. It wasn't my place to think about that anymore.

….

When we returned for the meeting I was ready for the judgment. The conflict that had escalated and taken my life the last time was going to meet its end.

As I took my seat, I spoke.

“The end of this conflict is simple and could have been solved easily if it weren't for pride. As it was the Eclipse pack who had done the first offense, it would be them who would pay the price.

Alys Valentine of the Eclipse pack is to make a public apology to the Shadow Moon pack and the Beta's daughter. Based on the tradition of packs, the Eclipse pack is obligated to sau their public apology and send an offering to the pack.”

It was the easiest and simplest resolution. The Eclipse packs weren't short of resources. But would they accept it easily?

I held my breath, waiting for resistance when Tristan suddenly stood up.

“I, Alpha Tristan, accept this punishment.” be announced.

I stiffened. Of all the people I would have expected him to argue.

His eyes were still looking at me in that strange way. I forced myself to look away.

Meeting Alistair’s gaze, I relaxed. My worries faded as he looked pleased with the judgment, smiling.

“In that case, the conflict between us is resolved,” he announced. It was like a weight had fallen off my chest.

Alyn was forced to publicly apologize. I felt her and my parents glare my way. I ignored them. It was harder to ignore how Tristan gaze penetrated me, but I was set on ignoring it.

It didn't matter when I was leaving soon.

But I couldn't. To my surprise, Alistair suddenly proposed an impromptu party to celebrate the realliance of their packs. There was no way to escape as the moment he spoke, suddenly servants and other pack members came in with food, drinks and music. All of a sudden the hall filled with tension had reduced to music and joy, like nothing ever happened between them.

I stepped out nearly 20 minutes after the party began, slipping into the nearby garden for fresh air. It was evening when I'd arrived in the pack and now that things were resolved it was already nighttime.

After sending a quick text to Nina, I relaxed against one of the pillars and looked up at the sky. The crisis that had taken my life had been fully averted. Once they left now, there was no reason for me to contact them.

“Valerie.”

I froze at the voice behind me. Snapping backwards I faced Tristan and my breath hitched.

He should have been celebrating. The Eclipses pack had left without so much as blood spilled and Alys was with him, so why was he here?

Heat prickled me at the look he gave.

“What are you doing here?” I snapped defensively.

“To see you.”

Before I could comprehend his words I was suddenly crushed by his arms. Shocked, I realized that he was holding me.

Panicked, I pushed him away, stumbling.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” I cried out, wrapping my arms around myself.

“I needed to see you Valerie,” he breathed out, reaching out to grasp my shoulders. I flinched at his touch yet it was gentle as he looked over me.

“Excuse me, Alpha Tristan, but we're no longer mates and …”

“That doesn't matter. What matters is knowing why the hell are you here?” he snapped, shutting me up, “What were you thinking being in this pack? Were you captured? Are you hurt? How is the baby?”

‘Wait…’ I froze as I realized.

“How did you know about the baby?” I asked, horrified. Even now it was cryptic and he definitely didn't know back then, unless...

Looking at him, my heart trembled.

That same look came into his eyes,

“I saw it. The baby you lost…when you died.” he said.

Disbelief pricked me. This couldn't be happening.

He looked up at me resolutely, something akin to desperation and sadness in his face.

“I know everything.”