Chapter 8 LUISA IS DEAD

"Who would wish for your death, Big Brother? I actually hoped you would survive and be found. I... I sat in your chair only because I missed you. I truly missed you. I am glad you survived and came back."

While sobbing, Blackley immediately threw a warm hug around Elyndor. Elyndor knew perfectly well that all those tears were fake. The scent of falsehood and ambition reeked strongly from his brother's body, but the Alpha remained silent, choosing to go along with whatever cunning game Blackley was playing.

Everyone in the mansion hall gasped upon hearing the news that Elyndor was apparently still alive, as did the Former Alpha, their father. However, in the corner of the room, the father's concubine, Blackley's biological mother, clearly could not hide the flash of disappointment in her eyes. The woman hated the news that Elyndor was still breathing, because she had hoped her own son could replace her stepson.

Seeing the Alpha's condition, Beta Eliam moved quickly. He immediately called their trusted Shaman to treat Elyndor's injured eyes. Within a few days, thanks to the Shaman's spiritual remedies, Elyndor's eyes gradually improved. Slowly he could see again, although his vision was not yet fully perfect.

The miraculous news of the supreme Alpha's return was immediately detected by various neighboring packs, including the Cindermoon Pack.

That day, the Alpha and Luna of the Cindermoon Pack came to visit Elyndor's residence. They did not come alone, they brought along Leasa, their beautiful daughter, who had long been prepared to become the future Luna of the Bloodline Pack.

"Alpha Elyndor, I am grateful that you are still alive. I have been so worried about you and afraid that something bad had happened to you," Leasa said emotionally, throwing a warm hug around Elyndor, who was still half-lying on the bed.

Elyndor let the woman hug him, but his body felt stiff. The two of them were betrothed because of a destined arrangement and a great alliance that had been prepared since before he was even born into the world. It was not their first time meeting. Elyndor had spent time with Leasa on several occasions, but somehow, whenever the woman was near him, the wolf inside Elyndor remained silent. He felt no vibration, warmth, or any kind of destined bond with Leasa.

"Thank you for worrying about me, Lea. I am fine. Someone saved me from death," Elyndor said, his voice sounding flat but trying to remain polite.

"Who was that person? We all owe him or her a great debt for saving your life," Leasa asked quickly, a gleam of curiosity and concern shining from her face.

"I don't know. I don't know who it was. I experienced temporary blindness, so I could not recognize that person's face."

As those words were spoken, a vague image of the mysterious herbalist who had cared for him suddenly crossed Elyndor's mind. At that very moment, for some reason, his heart suddenly ached severely. The pain came so suddenly, striking his chest as if being squeezed by an invisible hand. His heartbeat became erratic, causing Elyndor to reflexively grip his shirt right over his chest.

"What's wrong, Alpha? Are you alright?" Leasa asked panickedly upon seeing the change in Elyndor's expression. She immediately grabbed the man's arm.

"No. I am fine," Elyndor cut in quickly, slowly releasing his grip so that Leasa would not become more suspicious. He made his voice as calm as possible, even though inside he was tormented by immense confusion.

He did not know why his chest suddenly felt so painful and empty. In his entire life, he had never felt such a strange, tormenting, and yearning sensation before.

That night, Elyndor's family hosted Leasa's family for an intimate dinner. However, the warm atmosphere expected was not created at all. At one corner of the table, Blackley repeatedly showed a displeased expression, radiating an obvious aura of hostility throughout the event.

Amid the clinking of spoons and forks, Lady Marano, the father's concubine and Blackley's biological mother, suddenly broke the silence with a mysterious smile.

"Luna Kaylen, I have heard an interesting rumor out there. Your daughter, Leasa, has a twin sibling. Is that news true?" asked Lady Marano, her tone sounding sweet but full of probing sarcasm.

Cough!

That sudden question immediately made Luna Kaylen and Leasa choke simultaneously. The intimate atmosphere instantly evaporated. Everyone at the dining table stopped their activities and stared curiously at the two women from the Cindermoon Pack, including Elyndor, who immediately narrowed his eyes with suspicion.

Luna Kaylen hurriedly wiped the corner of her lips, trying to compose herself. "Oh, that. Yes, that's right. Leasa does have a twin sibling."

"Then where is she now, Luna? I am curious because I have never seen her accompany Leasa all this time," Lady Marano pressed again, ignoring the tense atmosphere that was beginning to creep in.

"Th-that... she..." Luna Kaylen stammered, suddenly at a loss for words.

"She died," Leasa cut in quickly, as if afraid her mother would make a mistake. "My twin sibling died when we were infants," Leasa lied cruelly, because she did not want anyone to know about Luisa, who was defective and had been exiled, including her own future mate. Alpha Elyndor must not know about her twin sister, who was a disgrace to the Cindermoon Pack.