Chapter 9 Cresthold Pack

Cypress POV

The evening was filled with the scent of pine, and the Moon glistened brightly in the dark sky, casting its silver glow on me, As if unaware of the turmoil raging within me. My misery felt intensified by the serenity of the night, making me understand I had little to no hope to rewind my curse.

It was though the universe was against me. Perhaps this was punishment, a backlash I could not escape. But surely, even I deserved a second chance. Didn't I? A chance to redeem myself, to rewrite my life. I

couldn't live like this forever.

I imploded inwardly, hoping for the moon goddess to unveil mercy.

Instead, the voice of the witch tolled in my mind, loudly. " Her blood, her love...." I screamed to distract myself. She was gone, her love and her blood. Everything was gone. I have nothing left to lift the curse. Perhaps the other option will be revealed.

I picked up the drink that sat beside me and took a sip, hoping the burn of wine might calm my uneasy nerves. Yet, it seemed to have no effect. My thoughts pivoted, pulling me deeper into depression.

"Alpha Cypress, dinner has been prepared and ready," a meek voice interrupted. It was one of the servants, her little figure barely noticeable in the dim light.

"Go," I dismissed her coldly without even giving a glance. Dinner was the least of my worries right now. What I needed was a solution to my predicament, not food.

Moments after she dispersed. I noticed one of my guards approaching my stead. His hurried pace and the urgency in his eyes caught my attention.

"Alpha," he began, but my patience was as thin as a thread. I cut him off with a growl.

"Speak."

He flinched but managed to put himself together. "We have visitors," he announced.

Visitors? At this hour? Suspicion crept my senses. "Who are they and what brings them?" I demanded.

"They claim to be from Cresthold Pack. They said they must speak with you, I have no idea what they want" he explained quickly, as though sensing my suspicions.

I heated over his words for a brief moment before responding. "Let them in, but remain cautious. Ensure the other wolves are on high alert," I instructed and the guard left on my command.

As he left, I reached for my sword, holding on it tightly. I wasn't about to take any chances. Whoever these visitors were, I needed to be ready. Their visit seems suspicious.

Soon enough, the guard returned with the visitors in haul as I had demande. As they approached, I studied them carefully. They didn't appear threatening, and my grip on the sword loosened slightly. Still, I didn't completely relent. I was still guarded. Instinctually.

The leader of the group, a noble-looking man, stepped forward and bowed slightly. " For the sake of understanding, I seek permission to introduce ourselves," he began. I nodded slightly for him to continue. My expression unyieldingly arrogant, just what I was known for.

"We are nobles from the Cresthold Pack," he said, his tone formal yet calm. "We've brought a message from the Goddess. It concerns you, Alpha Cypress and your future."

My heart thudded roughly against my ribs as I waited for him to elaborate.

"It is said you are the destined mate of our princess, Ria," he revealed, his words hanging in the air like incantations. "As soon as we learned of this, we set out immediately to inform you, it was clearly the next step to take."

Mate. The word echoed in my mind, building up emotions I thought I had buried. Questions washed my thoughts. Could this be the key to breaking my curse? Was this my chance at redemption? Was this a sign of forgiveness?

I snapped out of my thoughts, as I realized they were waiting for my response. I needed to tread carefully.

"This is not a matter to conclude lightly on," I said finally. "I'll need some time and I'll respond when I'm conclude"

I called for guards and ordered them to prepare safe accommodations for our noble visitors. "Ensure they are well cared for," I instructed, my tone solid.

As the nobles were escorted inside, a pang of hope ignited within me. Could this truly be my route to freeing myself? I couldn't afford to jeopardize this opportunity. Determined to make the most of it, I vowed to treat Princess Ria with the respect and love she deserved. The mating ceremony would commence as soon as possible. I took a deep sigh of relief.

Despite my resolution, a part of me remained wary. I summoned a guard and asked him to fetch Finn, my Beta. I needed his thoughts. However, the guard returned alone, " I haven't seen Beta Finn." he stated timidly. I dismissed him with a simple nod.

Finn might be working on some of my errands, so I decided to talk to him later, besides the guests were still around and I wasn't in a hurry.

Hours passed, and I joined the nobles for dinner. The setting was formal yet cordial. After the meal, I invited them to my chamber to discuss the matter further.

Not long after, Finn arrived. I introduced him to the nobles As my Beta. I turned to Finn and explained the situation. His face remained composed, but I noticed a flash of uncertainty in his eyes. But I gave him a knowing look and turned to the nobles.

"The mating ceremony starts as soon as you return to the Cresthold Pack." I saw the flicker of surprises on their faces. They might not have expected me to comply so fast.

As the nobles departed for the night, Finn turned to me, his concern more evident now.

"Cypress, I don't think this is wise," he began, his voice low but sharp.

"Finn," I interrupted, my tone calm but resolute. "This could be a sign of forgiveness from the Goddess. Can't you see? They seem genuine. I want to right my wrongs. I can't defy the will of the Goddess."

Finn hesitated, his expression conflicted. But eventually, he nodded. Giving his consent.

We decided to travel to the Cresthold Pack the next day, accompanying the nobles to meet Princess Ria. A mix of anticipation and Joy trailed within me.

I knew this was my second chance.