THE ALPHA’S VENGEFUL LUNA

CHAPTER 19: WANT

FREYA

“You have to stay alert at all times over here.” said the woman whom I had come to know as Cara. Her son clung tightly to her as we walked around the spine-chilling market.

We were able to source most of the ingredients, but I had just one left. The Moonbell flower.

“The moonbell has not been seen in any wolf realm since the last blue moon which was hundreds of years ago. ” Came the disappointing report from one of the sellers in the black market.

“But I hear there is a wild flower that was recently discovered and it's rumoured to be as potent as the moonbell.” The old woman whispered to us, eyes wide as she explained where we could get such flower.

“You have to journey deep into the heart of the black market to the last row of stalls, where you will find an old woman, Darlene.” She explained. “She looks and acts deranged, but she really is not. She is just eccentric. Approach her with caution and state your business immediately to avoid getting harmed.”

Cara and I shared a glance before nodding in sync.

“Thank you.” We said in unison before going on to find Darlene.

“So…” Cara began, as we walked deep into the darker sections of the market. “I do not mean to pry, but these ingredients you search for… they are rather lethal to us wolves…”

I knew this was going to come sooner or later, so I already prepared a convincing lie.

“Indeed…” I replied, dodging a bottle that was tossed out of a stall. “You see, I am a healer and I intend to further my research to be able to develop cures for the most deadly diseases.”

“Wow…” Cara gasped. “That is really inspiring… I hope your research pulls through. It would be a great breakthrough for us wolves.”

“Of course it would.” I replied, a small smile tugging at my lips.

“There!” Cara whispered, pulling me to a corner. She was pointing at a woman who was sitting on the floor, wearing clothes that looked a lot like rags.

“That must be Darlene.” I replied and Cara nodded.

“I think I can find my way from here, Cara.” I said to the woman. “I would not want anything bad to happen to you or your son. You have helped me so much today.”

“No, no, I want to.” Cara doggedly refused. “He owes you his life, and I am indebted to you. This is the least we can do.”

“Well Cara, consider your debt paid. ” I said with a smile. I would not forgive myself if harm came to them because of me.

“Thank you so much.” Cara curtsied, before surprisingly pulling me into a hug. She skittered away after, pulling her son along with her.

As they disappeared into the distance, I took a deep breath, looking around before approaching Darlene.

I stood a good distance from her before stating my business, just like the seller had said.

“Hello Darlene. I need the lethal wildflower. Got any?”

Sharp eyes turned towards me and I almost flinched when she jumped up and ran into her stall.

“Well that was worth the shot.” I muttered, thinking she had gone to hide away from me but she ran out soon after holding a pouch of dried flowers.

She tossed them to me, raising her fingers to tell me how much I had to pay. I quickly reached into my purse and tossed it to her which she caught with ease before returning to her spot on the floor.

I looked around once again before backing away from her. I did not want to find out what would happen if I turned my back towards her.

When I got to a safe distance, I took to my heels. I got out of the market as soon as I could as the day began to darken.

I could not wait to prepare Icarus's last meal.

I snuck into the castle a little after dark, shutting myself inside my room. I had earlier collected cooking utensils to prepare the potion and the meal, so I got to work immediately, hoping I could complete it before dinner time.

I did some spells to assist my cooking and I was able to complete it all just in time for dinner. I showered, put on one of the seductive night wears Ava hung in my closet, and then headed over to Icarus's tower.

As I arrived at his door, he was just stepping out with some guards and was surprised to see me at his doorstep.

“Freya, I was just about to send a search party for you, not knowing you have been in the castle.” Icarus exhaled in relief, his eyes marked with worry.

”Oh, I am really sorry I did not let you know I was back. I really needed to prepare this special meal in time for dinner, just like I promised.” I winked, biting my lower lip as I walked into his room.

Icarus followed after me, and so did his guards, which made me really uncomfortable. I needed to make Icarus to get rid of them.

I cleared my throat, eyeing the guards furtively before leaning close to Icarus.

“Icarus? Um...your guards…” I eyed them cautiously. “It feels weird having them around in our private moment.”

“Oh, right…” Icarus replied, and with a simple hand gesture, he dismissed them.

“Thank you.” I wrapped my arms around him in a brief embrace before going to set the table. Icarus on the other hand had already gotten rid of his robe and was taking off his shirt.

What did he think I meant by private moment? I hope he was not expecting us to…

I shook my head to dismiss the thought. I needed to focus on my mission here.

“Dinner is ready!” I announced and Icarus was already seated in no time.

“Mhmm, it smells amazing.” Icarus groaned, taking in the meal in front of him. “Will you not join me?”

“Oh, I already ate.” I chuckled and he shrugged, digging into the food.

Yes! This was my moment of truth. Any time now and Icarus would drop dead!

I sat by his side, waiting patiently for the potion to kick in, but the only thing kicking was Icarus' foot as he relished every morsel.

“Damn, Freya. I did not know you were such a good cook. Your food tastes amazing.”

I managed a nervous smile, wondering why Icarus was still hale and hearty, munching on the meal.

So many thoughts ran through my mind. Did I miss any ingredient? Did I get the measurement wrong? What did the blasted potion not work?

After eating, Icarus sighed, leaning back on his seat with a satisfied smile on his face.

“Now that was a good meal…” Icarus said. “Thank you so much for this treat, Freya. I could get used to it.”

“You better not.” I replied, a frown etched on my face. I could not hide my disappointment anymore. Why was anything not working on Icarus?

The only thing that had worked so far was Feralbloom, but that was only going to make his wolf go feral, and that was of no benefit to me.

I needed Icarus dead, not wild.

“Freya…” Icarus called out, drawing my attention towards him.

“I was meaning to tell you this earlier. But now you are here, I guess I would just tell you now.” Icarus said with a serious expression on his face. I gave him my full attention, feeling anxious about what he was going to say.

“I will be travelling to our sister clan soon for a masquerade ball.” Icarus announced.

“Well that sounds fun…” I replied. “Is it far from here?”

“A long way from here.” Icarus replied. “It is actually the white wolf clan in Rivendale.”

The white wolf clan...there was something familiar about that name. It sounded like what I had seen in a book or heard from someone.

“Hmm... Rivendale…” I muttered, thinking hard about the name. Then it clicked!

The white wolf clan was the home of the lethal moonbell, and if there was any place that could have any of that plant left, it would be Rivendale!

I had to go with Icarus to Rivendale.

“Can I come with you?” I asked Icarus, looking at him with pleading eyes.

“No, Freya. It is too dangerous. The roads are pretty rough these times and I would not want anything bad to happen to you.” Icarus replied, taking my hand in his.

“That is a flimsy excuse and you know it.” I huffed, folding my arms over my chest. “If it is a ball, then it means you need to go with a partner. You want a chance to flirt with other girls, don't you?”

“Not at all Freya. How could you say something like that?” Icarus asked, his face scrunched up in confusion.

“If you want to prove me wrong, then take me along.” I insisted. Icarus on the other hand, sighed in exasperation.

“Freya, they made arrangements for just me. It would be weird taking you along without prior information.”

“Surprises are part of life, Icarus. Plus, I bet they would be happy for you if they find out you have finally met your luna.” I replied, brow raised as I waited for Icarus's comeback. He looked about ready to give up, and I was right.

“Fine.“ Icarus sighed. “I will ask Ava to get your things ready.”

“Yes! Thank you!” I squealed in so much excitement that I wrapped my arms around him in an embrace.

Icarus chuckled, pulling me on his lap as he tightened his arms around my waist. The feel of his touch from underneath my nightwear tickled my skin and I felt the hairs on my body stand at attention.

“You are welcome Freya... always…” Icarus replied, staring into my eyes like it was the most beautiful thing he had ever looked at. The fondness with which he looked at me, gnawed at my stomach and I looked away.

“What is wrong?” Icarus gently asked, turning my face back to him with his index finger.

I just stared at him, unable to form words as I found myself being drawn to him. His face seemed to draw closer to mine and I sat there, straddled against him.

His lips touched my cheek and my entire body lit up like a wild flame. He peppered dry kisses down my neck, causing me to sigh in pleasure. I was so lost in my emotions for a brief moment, until his words brought me back.

“I want you, Freya.”

It felt like I was shot with a jolt of electricity which brought me back to life and I immediately jumped from his laps.

“I-I can't...We can't…” I replied, scratching my neck awkwardly.

“Until the mating ritual, right?” Icarus asked and I nodded, looking for a way to get out of the awkward situation.

“I-um...have to take these to the kitchen…” With shaky hands, I grabbed the dishes, dashing out of the room as fast as I could.