Alisha's POV
Finally, I made a decision. I would treat this journey as a part-time job – finish it, get paid, and leave here. Surprisingly, adopting this mindset brought some calmness to my emotions. I was determined to focus on my music and my own growth, no longer allowing myself to be consumed by the turmoil of my past.
The next day, as Mireya and I descended the stairs with my suitcase in tow, I was taken aback by the sight of Suzy standing in the living room. Suzy, our Pack's Gamma, was an imposing figure, exuding strength and authority. Her bronze-toned muscular physique was a testament to her exceptional skill as a warrior and her crucial role in the training of werewolves in the Golden Crest.
"Luna, the Alpha ordered me to accompany you on this mission," Suzy declared at the sight of me, her voice flat and cold.
Grateful for the protection Suzy would provide, I hesitated for a moment before asking, "What about Brad?" I had been under the impression that Archie had promised Brad would be my companion on this journey. The sudden change in plans left me feeling uneasy, unsure of Archie's true intentions.
"I don't know, I was only tasked with escorting you," Suzy replied.
My heart sank as I pondered Archie's motives. Was this another one of his manipulative games? I couldn't shake the feeling that he was deliberately keeping me off balance, leaving me in a constant state of confusion.
As we arrived at the airport, I couldn't help but recognize the private plane waiting for us on the tarmac. Its fuselage was gleaming, adorned with a minimalistic design. A polished gold emblem, depicting a howling wolf above mountains, proudly adorned the tail of the aircraft, representing the symbol of power the Golden Crest. It was Archie's private plane.
I had been on this plane before, a luxurious experience when he took me to visit my grandmother Shaunda in a remote mountain area. The memory of that trip stirred conflicting emotions within me.
The plane's interior was a sight to behold, exuding elegance and comfort. Plush leather seats in rich mahogany tones beckoned, inviting me to relax and enjoy the flight. The ambient lighting set the perfect mood, resembling a high-end hotel more than an aircraft. The well-equipped bar and lounge area added to the opulence, complete with a selection of premium spirits and wines.
A wave of nostalgia washed over me, knowing that this would be the last time I'd have the chance to enjoy such luxury after my divorce from Archie. Thinking of this, I decided to indulge myself, picking a bottle from the collection. However, my plans were quickly thwarted as Suzy stepped in, "Stop, Luna! Alpha has said, that you are not allowed to drink."
I couldn't believe it, a surge of anger boiling inside me. Archie was off gallivanting with Erma, yet he had the audacity to dictate my actions, denying me even a simple drink. It was infuriating to think that he could control every aspect of my life while living his own without restraint.
"Damn!" I muttered in frustration, but seeing Suzy's imposing figure, I knew it was futile to argue. I reluctantly gave up on the idea and slumped into my seat, seething with resentment towards Archie. He was playing with my emotions, using his power to control me, while he was free to do as he pleased.
After this, Suzy remained silent during the trip. I couldn't help but feel a slight sense of awe and fear towards this courageous she-wolf, making me reluctant to engage in small talk with her. Instead, I shifted my gaze towards the window, observing the scenery outside.
The view from the window was mesmerizing as we soared through the clouds. The vast expanse of the sky seemed to symbolize the unknown possibilities that awaited me. I took a deep breath, trying to relax my nerves. It was my first time traveling with someone from another pack, and the tension inside me was evident.
The scenery of the north was vastly different from the familiar landscapes of the Golden Crest. The breathtaking beauty of towering mountains and dense forests left me in awe of nature's majesty. I felt a sense of liberation, as if the vast expanse of the north was offering me a chance to break free from the chains of my past.
As the plane touched down at an unfamiliar airport, I knew we had arrived in the territory of Blood Dawn. Stepping off the plane, a gentle breeze swept through, and my heart felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity and calmness. I took a deep breath, taking in the surroundings, as Suzy led the way towards a sleek black limo. Waiting by the car was Brad, a warm smile on his face as he saw us emerge from the cabin.
"Luna, you've had a long journey. Alpha sent me to take you to Blood Dawn for tonight's ceremony. Do you need some rest or perhaps a meal?" Brad greeted, holding open the car door.
Relieved to see Brad and break the silence that had hung between Suzy and me, my desire to chat surged. "Thank you for coming to pick me up, Brad, but I'm feeling fine for now and not hungry. We can go straight there."
"Alright, if you need anything, just let me know. Alpha will be thrilled to see you sooner if we can make it there earlier," Brad replied as he started the car, with Suzy and me as passengers.
Upon hearing Brad's words, I couldn't help but chuckle sarcastically, "I doubt that. He's busy with other women; how could he possibly be happy to see me?"
Brad glanced at me through the rearview mirror, concern evident in his eyes. He began, "You misunderstand Alpha. He really cares about you, and ask me to bring the ring..."
Not wanting to hear Brad defend Archie, I crossed my arms and closed my eyes, pretending to be sleepy, effectively shutting down any further conversation. Brad fell silent too, and the whole car was filled with an uneasy quietness.
As time passed, maybe because of hearing bastard Archie's name, it triggered a discomforting feeling within me. My head started throbbing, and terrifying images flashed through my mind – raging flames, mangled bodies, haunting darkness. It felt as if I were trapped in a nightmarish realm, struggling to break free, but unable to escape. Suddenly, eerie and horrifying screams echoed in my mind, and a blood-red vision seemed to confront me, leaving me in a state of shock.