Alisha’s POV
Before I could say anything, an unexpected and rather dramatic intervention took me by surprise. Shaunda's swift rise from her seat carried with it an air of palpable irritation. Without hesitation, Shaunda directly grasped Archie's tie and pulled hardly, making him lower his head, and angrily slapped his arm with her other hand, each tap like the measured beat of a stern reprimand. It was obvious that Shaunda was very unsatisfied with Archie’s words. Archie moved to struggle, but his resistance, futile against her resolve, forced him to lower his head, a gesture of submission to her silent authority. My gaze shifted between the two, capturing the dynamic of their interaction. I was so happy to see Archie got punishment from Shaunda.
Amidst this display, Shaunda's eyes flicked toward me, an apologetic smile gracing her lips. In that fleeting moment, a shared understanding passed between us. Her gesture spoke volumes—she was well aware of Archie's temperament, so she was apologizing to me on behalf of Archie.
I quickly shook my head; I had grown accustomed to Archie's domineering and capricious behavior; its impact on me had been weathered over time, and I didn't want Shaunda to feel guilty because of it.
At that moment, Shaunda's omega maid spoke up, "Luna, Shaunda says she needs to talk to the Alpha. You two can rest here for a while."
Archie's reluctance, etched across his features like a stubborn shadow, and his gaze bore the weight of an unspoken protest, yet, but surprisingly, he didn't say more to refuse. It seemed that Shaunda's authority still held sway, and Archie held a respect for Shaunda that transcended his own pride.
I blinked, absorbing the unfolding scene with a mixture of happiness and relief. Shaunda's desire for a private discourse was a welcomed proposition. Perhaps her sage counsel would temper Archie's impulsive tendencies.
So, with a smile, I nodded and playfully addressed Archie, "Archie, be a good grandson. Do listen well to Shaunda. Her wisdom is a treasure, I believe her guidance will only make you a better Alpha. Don't make her angry. Don't forget the purpose of our visit this time is to accompany Shaunda and make her happy." That was so great that I could take this chance to “teach” Archie.
The reaction was immediate—Archie's glare, a potent mixture of annoyance and displeasure, and in a angry tone, he began, "I don’t need you remind what I should do. As for you, now that you have finished your meal, shouldn't you be resting in the room? Why are you still here with those two…" Before Archie could finish, he heard a heavy cough from Shaunda, and he begrudgingly closed his mouth. Shaunda exchanged a knowing, unspoken smile with me, then she led Archie away. As they left, Archie childishly looked back, giving Louie and Gray a menacing and threatening look.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes quietly. A quiet sigh escaped me before I turned my attention to Louie and Gray, my voice laced with both amusement and resignation, "Sorry, Louie has been a … a bit off lately, just ignore him."
Louie, that ever-gentle person, graced me with a serene smile and offered his insight with a tranquil demeanor, "Archie means no harm. His concern for you is genuine, despite his action might be rude."
Louie is just too kind, always seeing the best in others. If Louie knew that Archie was having an affair with Erma, and that Erma was even pregnant, it was unlikely Louie would be so quick to paint Archie's intentions in such a positive hue. The thought saddened me, so I forced a smile and changed the topic, " Let's not dwell on him. I haven't asked you both yet, how did you end up here? Just a while ago, I was speaking to Gray on the phone, and now he's right here in person. When I saw Gray, I could hardly believe it."
Gray's laughter resonated through the air, carrying a carefree tone as he leaned back in his seat, his body stretching languidly, "Life has a funny way of weaving threads of fate. I did mention on the phone that I was coming to the East, with a plan to visit the Silent Witch—Shaunda—before seeing you. But I never expected to run into you here. Fate, it seems, had different ideas."
The appellation of "Silent Witch" was a respectful nickname for Shaunda,, though she can't speak, her Gift is powerful – she possesses the ability of prophecy. Shaunda's reputation spanned not only within the bounds of Golden Crest but throughout the entire werewolf realm; no one dares to underestimate her. Many sought her guidance, a testament to her powerful foresight. Gray probably came to find Shaunda for the same reason. However, Shaunda prefers a quiet environment and doesn't want to be disturbed, which is why she resides on this small island, a location known to very few. This very obscurity had piqued my curiosity—how had Gray stumbled upon this hidden haven? So I asked Gray, "How do you know Shaunda is on this island?"
"I knew that the Silent Witch is a member of Golden Crest. I had thought about seeking Archie's help, but given our previous encounter, I dropped that idea."
Indeed, their previous interactions had been far from harmonious in Blood Dawn; they almost came to blows, and according to what Archie acted today, even if Gray did ask Archie for help, Archie would likely refuse. Thinking of this, I smiled apologetically at Gray. After all, that was all because of me. He shook his head and continued, "Fortunately, Louie was willing to help, so I asked him to bring me here."
"Louie?" My surprise was unabashed as I turned my gaze toward him, my brows raised in questioning, "How did you know about this place?" Louie was not the Golden Crest’s member, so how could he know this island’s location? Joey had always been looking forward to see Shaunda to get her prediction, so he asked me several times to tell him the location, but I refused. He tried to find the place by himself, but never succussed.
Louie chuckled softly, "Shaunda is my grandmother."