“Is this okay? You can tell me if it’s too tight,” Esyn asked, looking at Ashlee while tying an ice pack around her waist.

“Yeah, it’s okay. It’ll be fine by the evening, don’t worry too much,” Ashlee replied in a soft voice, giving Esyn the gentlest smile.

“Alright.” Esyn smiled back, patting Ashlee’s arm. She started gathering her mystery bag filled with every kind of medicine. She was a healer with enough ability to be the best doctor in the world. Through her natural, fast methods, she could even make it into the Guinness Book of World Records. But despite her abilities, her powers wouldn’t work on Ashlee, as if some unseen barrier kept them at bay.

“Alpha Kyle!” A guard came, huffing from the long run he had made. His hands rested on his knees.

“What’s wrong?” Kyle asked, concerned, stepping closer to him.

“They’ve started fighting during training, and I can’t stop them. Beta is busy at the base. Could you come out for a moment?” he asked, returning to an attentive stance.

Kyle looked at Ashlee and sighed. He didn’t want to leave her alone. She might get bored and could start remembering everything that happened in the last few days.

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep her company. You go,” Esyn reassured him through their mind link, sensing his tension.

“Stay close to her, okay? Don’t get hurt again,” Kyle whispered, taking Ashlee’s hands and softly rubbing them.

“I won’t,” Ashlee replied with a genuine, reassuring smile. He nodded and left with the guard.

“I think you should rest a bit. It’s afternoon anyway, and there’s not much to do.” Esyn raised her brow, taking out a box filled with strange gems and other odd items. She winked at Ashlee, who naturally looked curious.

“I think I’ll prefer resting here if you don’t mind,” Ashlee giggled, settling onto her bed as Esyn took out more items.

“Of course, you can rest wherever you’d like, Little Missy.” Both chuckled as Esyn playfully pinched Ashlee’s nose. They didn’t have to try too hard; their friendship just clicked.

“How about this one?” Esyn suggested, holding a half-moon clip as Ashlee chose the prettiest one. They were surely having a great time.

“I said stop!!” Kyle’s voice boomed, his eyes blazing as he glared at everyone. The laughter and mocking vanished into thin air as everyone stood, heads bowed in shame.

“What is going on? Have you all never been defeated in a fight before? Do you think you’re all incredibly strong? Do you want me to show you just how strong you really are?” he shouted, frustrated by his pack’s behavior.

He had always taught them kindness towards each other, yet here they were, mocking someone who had been defeated. He couldn’t believe his own eyes.

“That’s not it, Alpha Kyle,” a young man spoke, while everyone else gave him looks, warning him to keep quiet. He was overconfident.

“Then what is it, Esther? Care to enlighten me?” Kyle dared him, crossing his arms and giving him a stern look.

Esther, too dense to take the hint, smirked and said, “It’s because she got defeated by a weak human.” He sneered at Heather. Everyone instinctively took a step back, already sensing what was about to happen.

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“Did no one teach you how to respect your Luna, kid?” Kyle growled, his voice dripping with menace. Esther finally realized how much he had angered the Alpha, but it was too late to back down.

Even if the Alpha killed him, he’d just have to take it—no one was willing to step in.

“I…” He gulped, as drops of sweat appeared on his forehead in fear.

“Come on,” Kyle exhaled sharply, turning around. “Let’s practice a bit, shall we?” He took a deep breath, trying to keep calm.

“Get over here, or would you prefer to fight the Luna? Maybe she could teach you a lesson herself. It might open your eyes a bit, and make you realize that if she were a weak human, she could still take you down with one blow. Do you want that?” Kyle asked, his gaze fierce. Until Esther answered properly or fought him, he wasn’t getting out of this.

“I’m sorry, Alpha. I… I’m sorry for disrespecting our Luna and my fellow wolf. I promise it won’t happen again. Please show mercy,” he begged, dropping to his knees.

Kyle sighed, “So much for strength. You’re nothing but a loudmouth,” he hissed, letting Esther go as Derion arrived to see what was happening.

“What’s going on?” Derion asked one of the men standing nearby. After hearing the story, he gulped. Old Kyle was back. If Kyle lost his mercy, everyone’s lives would be miserable.

“Let’s go for a hunt, everyone. Adding a little more to the practice session won’t hurt,” Derion announced, chuckling awkwardly and glancing at Kyle, trying to lighten the mood. Everyone agreed, and Derion looked at Kyle, who nodded in approval.

“You can stay back if you don’t feel up to it,” Derion whispered to Heather. But there was no way she’d stay when Kyle was going out without Ashlee. She couldn’t miss her chance.

“I’ll go,” she smiled at him, staying close to Kyle. Derion shook his head at her persistence.

Ashlee and Esyn were exploring a whole new world. Everything Ashlee hadn’t seen before was now in front of her. She couldn’t believe she was learning about so many different kinds of pearls.

“How can there be so many types of pearls?” Ashlee asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

Esyn chuckled at her cuteness. “Well, some of them are handmade. I made them myself, mostly out of boredom,” she replied.

“How can you make a pearl?” Ashlee tilted her head, curious.

“Want to see how?” Esyn bit her lower lip, her smile growing with excitement. Ashlee nodded, just as eager.

“We’re going somewhere in the evening. Bring your bathing suit, and if you’re allergic to anything, bring some cream,” Esyn told her like they were about to go on vacation.

“Are we going to swim?” Ashlee asked before leaving Esyn’s room, her curiosity on high.

“You’ll see. Now, grab your things and meet me downstairs at five.” Esyn playfully ordered her, feeling like Ashlee was her younger self, eager to explore new things.

They both packed their things and came downstairs on time. Ashlee had her bathing suit and some antiseptic creams for mosquitoes, while Esyn carried an old, lightbox in her hands. Odd.

“You look like a granny,” Ashlee giggled, pointing at Esyn’s old box.

“Come on, I look stylish. See?” Esyn pouted and struck a model pose, showing off her box. They both burst into laughter and headed outside.

“Don’t tell anyone I went with you,” Esyn whispered, pushing aside the bushes in their path.

“Why?” Ashlee asked, carefully stepping on the forest’s uneven ground.

“Because I’m pregnant and technically not allowed to come here alone,” Esyn muttered, leaving Ashlee in shock. She froze, realizing what she had gotten them into.

“What?” Esyn looked back, acting as if nothing had happened.

“You… you’re pregnant?” Ashlee stammered, pointing a finger at her.

“Uh, yeah.” Esyn didn’t know how to take Ashlee’s reaction but still answered.

“Let’s go back.” Ashlee turned around, only to realize she had forgotten the way.

“Oh, come on, Ashlee. We’re almost there. Don’t be silly now.” Esyn rolled her eyes and kept walking.

“Yeah…” Ashlee muttered, slowly following her, “You’re not alone anyway. I’m with you.” She clutched the corner of Esyn’s dress.

“You forgot the way back, didn’t you?” Esyn saw through Ashlee immediately.

“Are we there yet?” Ashlee ignored the question, focusing on keeping pace.

“Yes, we’re here. Look.” Esyn stopped at the foot of a tree and pointed.

Ashlee gasped at the sight before her. A calm, silver-colored lake stretched out under the night sky, stars reflecting off its shimmering surface.

They had arrived just as night fell. Even in the darkness, the moonlight was enough to illuminate the scene. A sweet, sap-like smell filled the air, and a cool breeze brushed their cheeks.