Chapter 22 : Find me
~ The Werewolf Realm ~
"Father, can't you just help me? I really need to become the Luna. It has always been my dream since I was a kid. I was furious when Clara became Luna, and now heaven has given me another chance. I don't want to lose it."
Beatrice pouted in frustration, pacing back and forth. "I don't believe that lie Levi told the elders about a second-chance mate. Why didn't he mention the pack she's from? It means it's a lie. He just said that so everyone would leave him alone."
Her father, Elder Greyson, sighed deeply.
"Beatrice, you know that if I could help you, I would. But there's a problem. Elder Williams questioned the Alpha in front of everyone. And right now… he's suspended."
Beatrice froze. "Suspended? Are you serious?"
"Yes. Suspended. And you know what suspension means in a pack like ours. He won't be part of the decision-making. He won't attend council meetings. He practically has no power in the pack for years… maybe five, maybe ten, fifteen? It depends on how long Levi decides. Knowing how angry Levi was today, he might never lift it."
Beatrice's face paled. Even her arrogance couldn't hide her fear.
"So… if we push too hard… Levi will punish us too?"
"Exactly." Greyson tapped his daughter forehead gently.
"You must start using your brain. I know you want to become Luna, but hot blood and rushing only ruins things. If Levi is lying and we want to expose him, we need proof. Evidence strong enough to shake the entire pack. If we rush and make noise like Williams, you'll lose every single chance you have."
Beatrice inhaled slowly, nodding.
"Understood, father. Your method is wiser. I will listen. I will be patient."
Greyson smiled proudly.
"Good. My Beatrice is finally learning."
---
~ Red moon pack~
~ Pack House ~
The packhouse was lively, wolves running up and down preparing for the upcoming festival. Decorations hung everywhere, food arrangements, musicians rehearsing. Festivals in Red Moon Pack were always grand.
"Zaki," I called out.
He turned around with a grin. "Alpha Levi! You finally left that library. I was beginning to think you and Micha turned into books."
I rolled my eyes. "You're dramatic. How's preparation going? I hope you're coping."
He stretched his arms with exaggerated suffering.
"Coping? Levi, please. Doing Luna responsibilities alone is stressful. So, so stressful. I never knew Lunas work more than Alphas. You owe Kate a gift for surviving all these years without running away."
I snorted.
"Kate survived because she loves you. The moon goddess blessed you with patience."
He clutched his chest.
"Aww. Is that a compliment? Write it down, someone! Alpha Levi complimented me!"
I pushed his head lightly.
"Focus. The festival must run smoothly."
"Sure, sure," he waved. "But really… everyone is curious. Is it true? About your second-chance mate?"
"It's the truth."
He blinked, studying me carefully.
"You look different when you talk about her. Like you're… longing."
I exhaled slowly.
"I saw her. I felt her. Even if I couldn't see her face clearly, her presence… her aura… it felt like royalty. Her hair was golden. Elegant. Noble."
Zaki whistled.
"So you want a queen, hmm?"
"I don't care about rank. The moment I saw her, Magnus almost lost control. That's how strong the pull was."
Zaki leaned closer.
"Okay, so where did you see her?"
I paused.
"Another realm."
He stared. Speechless.
"You… what?"
"She entered a portal. A doorway that leads to another realm."
Zaki grabbed his head dramatically.
"Levi. Do you ever wake up and say 'let's not give Zaki a heart attack today'? Another realm?! A literal other world?!"
"It's complicated," I said, tired. "You know the attack that killed my parents. Micha's parents too."
Zaki nodded. His voice got quiet.
"I remember. That night was… brutal."
"For years we found nothing. But after seeing her, everything changed. Micha and I have been investigating quietly. We found clues in the ancient library. We found a book. A living book. It showed us the history of the realms. Wars. Betrayal. Lies. And it's not finished. There's still more we need to know."
Zaki stared at me with wide eyes.
"So… everything we were taught about history… might be a lie?"
"I'm afraid so."
He whistled again, then smiled softly.
"Well, Levi, I'm proud of you. Really. I hope you find her again. I hope you get your happy ending this time."
He slapped my shoulder.
"I have to go. Kate's probably starving. Catch you later, Alpha."
He winked and walked away.
---
When he left, the lively atmosphere of the packhouse suddenly felt far away. I stood there, staring at the entrance, thinking about Micha, about the book, about the portal, about her.
My mate.
Somewhere out there.
Somewhere I couldn't reach.
Somewhere dangerous.
Somewhere beyond this realm.
I went to my room and lay on the bed. I didn't even bother changing clothes, I was to lazy to shower . My eyelids grew heavy—
And then the dreams came again.
Not nightmares.
This time… warmth.
A forest with golden light.
Wind blowing softly.
A girl standing with her back turned, golden hair flowing, shining like sunlight on water.
"Who are you?"
My voice echoed in the dream.
She turned… but her face blurred again.
"Find me…"
Her voice was soft.
Warm.
Familiar.
There was something about that voice , it's sounded familiar too familiar, it felt like I was talking to someone I actually know.
Then a sound—like crackling fire—and everything turned black.
I woke up suddenly, sweating. My wolf, Magnus, paced frantically.
She's real. She's calling. She's in danger.
I held my chest, breathing hard.
Whether it was fate or madness, it didn't matter.
I would find her.
Even if I had to tear through realms.
Even if the past of our ancestors tried to destroy us.
Even if war was coming.
I don't care, I would do whatever I could to find her.
Because this time…
I would not lose my mate again.