Alisha's POV
After hearing Uncle Joey and his daughter Evita's conversation, a surge of anger ran over my body. It was obvious that they had also come to Blood Dawn, but Evita and Joey were just ordinary guests, uninvited and thus ineligible to attend the formal ceremony.
No wonder she was so furious, but to insult my mother so casually, Evita must pay the price for her actions. Despite losing my childhood memories, I would never allow anyone to disrespect my family.
Feeling much better now and regaining some strength, I got up and walked to a window near the garden, hiding behind the curtains as I secretly observed what they were up to.
"Evita!" Uncle Joey's stern voice stopped her in her tracks. He cautiously looked around, seemingly concerned about being overheard by others. I quickly hid behind the curtain. After a while, feeling safer, Joey spoke seriously and in a low voice, "How many times have I told you! Do not mention anything about Alisha's parents ever again!"
Evita seemed startled by Joey's severe expression, and she stammered, "I'm sorry, Dad, I promise I won't say anything about it again!"
Hearing this, my brows furrowed. Why wouldn't Joey allow any discussion about my parents? Why was he so tense about it? Joey had always spoiled Evita, and this was the first time I remembered him being so stern with her. Recalling my time growing up in the Black Furies, hardly anyone ever mentioned my parents' affairs.
Even when I asked my grandmother about my parents, she would always say that I had suffered a head injury during a dangerous incident when I was a child. Despite my parents' protection, I lost my memory. To spare me from the sadness of recalling past tragedy, she refrained from giving me detailed explanations. Now it seemed that there was more to this than met the eye.
Intrigued and determined to uncover the truth, I continued to eavesdrop on Uncle Joey and Evita's conversation, trying my best not to miss any crucial information.
"Evita, I know you're upset about not being invited to the formal ceremony, but causing trouble here is not the way to handle it. This is a delicate situation, and I need you to understand that," Joey said, his voice tinged with worry.
"But Dad, it's not fair! Archie doesn't have the strength or the status to be the Luna of the Golden Crest," Evita protested, her frustration evident.
Joey sighed heavily, his expression torn between concern for his daughter and a deeper, hidden worry. "Evita, I understand your feelings, but you must learn to control your emotions. You know how important the Blood Dawn is for the Packs. We can't afford to cause any disruptions or offend other Alphas. It's a delicate balance we must maintain."
"But why does everyone act like she's so special? She's nothing but a wildling, a nobody," Evita retorted, her voice laced with bitterness.
"Enough!" Joey's voice rose slightly, his patience reaching its limits. "Alisha is the Luna of the Golden Crest, and we must show respect to the Alpha Archie's choice. As for your feelings towards her, that's your own issue to deal with. But remember, we are here as guests. Don't forget our purpose."
"Purpose?"
"Yeah, there are many excellent werewolves from strong packs. You should seize this opportunity to pick one as your future husband! This way, The Black Furies will gain additional support apart from the Golden Crest!" Joey explained.
"But I just want to be Archie's wife!" Evita said urgently. "Dad, on your last birthday, Archie's mother already expressed her dissatisfaction with Alisha. She intends to find a new she-wolf for Archie, someone who can bear the next Alpha of The Golden Crest. Since Alisha is no longer of use to them, why can't you help me secure Luna's position? I am your daughter! As long as I can become Archie's wife, I will ensure the alliance between The Golden Crest and The Black Furies continues! Isn't that a great outcome?"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Evita's words sent a chill down my spine, and I felt a mix of anger and sadness. How could she be so selfish and manipulative? It was clear that she didn't care about Archie or our relationship; all she cared about was her own ambition and desire for power.
Listening to Evita's words, I realized that she was willing to use me as a pawn in her schemes, just to secure her position as Archie's wife and ensure the alliance between our Packs continued. She saw me as nothing more than a means to an end, someone to be discarded once she achieved her goals.
Uncle Joey seemed torn for a moment, then he said, "Alright, you make a valid point. Alisha is of no use anymore. Every time I ask her for help from the Golden Crest, she makes excuses and avoids responsibility. If it weren't for her timely financial contributions each month, I would have already had enough of her. She's only worth so much now. Hmph! Rest assured, when we return, I'll have her take you to her home to stay for a while. By then, you better seize the opportunity!"
Evita couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. Joey continued, "Now, are you happy, my little princess? Don't throw tantrums anymore. Go to the party and make the most of it. Even though it's just a gathering for ordinary guests, use this chance to make friends and gain resources. I have important matters to attend to tonight, so be smart on your own."
After saying that, Evita left happily, while Joey remained in the garden for a while, looking around to ensure no one was watching. When he was satisfied, he bent down and quietly left the garden.
As the conversation between Uncle Joey and Evita ended, I retreated from the window, my mind racing with questions and uncertainties. My curiosity had been piqued, and I couldn't help but feel that my quest to uncover the truth about my parents had taken an unexpected turn.
After waiting for a while, I stealthily climbed out from the balcony and followed Joey discreetly along the small path in the garden. I kept a safe distance, making sure not to attract his attention. My heart was pounding with both fear and curiosity as I wondered what important matters he had to attend to.