My father laughed hysterically, “Of course, you almost did. Look at your fucking self, Rhiannon!”

“I didn’t expect an ambush!” He blinked as I told him, even my brother flinched. “It seems he had been eyeing me for a while. He seemed to have a deep grudge against you, father.”

He snorted. “Of course, he does. I’m an Alpha. He’s a Rogue. We’re hereditary enemies, child. What else do you expect?!”

We went silent for a few minutes as the Healer continued to clean my scrape wounds and bleeding nose. Then, Alpha Dorian called in for the two nearby Warriors. “Find this Rogue if he’s still in that forest. And if you find another Rogue, kill them too.”

“But father—” I tried to sit up but the Healer pushed me down with one hand instantly. “There’s another Rogue who saved me,” I protested weakly. “H-He saved my life!”

The Alpha grabbed my wrist, his grip firm despite my protests. “Stop being stubborn, Rhiannon,” he muttered. “He will die too.”

“No!”

But my father said, “He’s still a Rogue. And knowing from you that there’s two Rogues near our territory, then it’s just a matter of time before they attack the pack. Prevention is better than cure, daughter.”

“So you’ll just condemn all Rogues nearby just for your petty bloodthirstiness?” I pouted.

Before my father could counter, my brother stepped between us, his body a formidable shield. “Rhia is right, Father. Spare him. You owe that Rogue your daughter’s life.”

My father grunted. His gaze sweeped mine as the Healer finished cleaning all my wounds, removing the dirt and blood all over my body.

“Please,” I begged. Even with a wounded pride, I still stood meek and humble before my father. Before the Alpha. “Please!”

Alpha Dorian clicked his tongue. Along with a few foul words that definitely found their mark. “None of these wouldn’t happen if you didn’t dramatically run away and spit out all your emotions!”

I know my father is upset. But I can see it in his eyes, in his face, that he cared for me. Albeit not totally, but he still did.

Rowan followed after him, offering a gentle smile. “None of this wouldn’t happen if Homer or Lazel didn’t kiss each other’s asses off,” I whispered to my brother.

***

Calmness finally settled over me as dawn breaks. And when dawn gave way to a bright new morning, the warmth of the pack healer’s magic inspected me for any further internal wounds and broken bones.

The sharp scent of herbs filled the air, and the soothing touch of the healer began to ease the worst of my pain—both physically and emotionally. Slowly, my racing heart calmed.

“You’re fine now, princess,” the healer beamed. “You’re as good as new. Just rest for a couple more days to regain your strength.”

“Thank you, Healer.” She stood and gathered her supplies. As I was about to lay down again, I suddenly felt the need to embrace. I don’t know why but perhaps it was because I was feeling down and hopeless.

“Healer, can I have a hug?” I called after her. At first, I didn’t think she would entertain me, a patient, for the need of such touch, but then…

“Of course, Rhiannon.” It was friendlier than I expected. She smelled of sweet jasmine and—and something else I can’t really place.

“I was just feeling down after my father—”

“Hush,” she put a finger on my lips. “Don’t worry about your father. He’s just being protective over you. You’re his only daughter. Besides, his principles were still honed from the older Alphas from hundreds of years ago who saw their female daughters as nothing more to advance their pack’s power—or their own.”

True. “But it’s for the betterment of the pack after all...” Well, after Homer’s betrayal, it seems the best revenge is to marry another male—an Alpha—to slap in his face that I can easily move on from his actions. Him and Lazel.

“It is, my child.” Alpha Dorian stood nearby. I gasped, but the Healer just curtsied and exited silent. His gaze over me was unreadable. For once, I thought there was a tear sliding down from my father’s face. “Rhiannon,” he said gravely, “You’ve always been strong and proud. But I cannot lose you.”

My father sat beside me, and in a heartbeat, his entire expression softened. The strict and firm Alpha melting away to a caring father I often thought he never could have been. “Beta Homer is a bastard and an idiot, I know that. That is why...I don’t think it is fit for you to marry him. Lest of all birth him his pups.”

“But he still betrayed me. He still kissed Lazel—”

“As I’ve said, they are still Betas. They still serve me, the pack. And you.” He held my chin lovingly.

This time, I let him see my smile.

“That’s why Alpha Azriel is the right choice.”

I met his eyes, my voice resolute. “Father...that’s what I’ve been debating anyway. And today, as we speak, I’ve made my decision.

“And that is?”

I heaved a deep breath, “I will marry Alpha Azriel,” I declared. “It’s what a strong daughter does—for the benefit of her pack and her family.” I looked straight in his eyes. “For her father.”

Alpha Dorian’s eyes lit with joy, but I continued before he could interrupt. “When one becomes a political pawn, it doesn't mean they're weak, Father.” I said with a fierceness I never used before in front of him, “It means they're the strongest, the bravest—because they make the first step when no one else dares.”

Silence hung heavy in the room. My father’s eyes twinkled, a smile blooming his lips. He looked to the ground as if he could see my mother’s buried body all the way from here. “Your mother will be so proud of you.” He choked on a laugh, a single tear falling from his left eye. “You’ve always had your mother’s spirit,” he added. “You’re both stubborn, but wise.”

Sitting up, my lips curved into a wider smile despite the pain still throbbing at my side. “I’ll always fight for this pack. Even if the battlefield changes.”

As the healer returned with my breakfast on a tray, I allowed myself to relax, knowing I had made a choice not out of weakness, but of strength. A strength born from love, loyalty, and the courage to shape my own destiny.

“I shall be the Luna of the strongest and most fearsome Alpha,” I vowed—not to my beloved father, but to myself.