Silas’s P.O.V
Zoya's safety became a paramount concern, and my mind spiraled into a frenzy of worrisome possibilities. What if Ezra had committed the murder of his mate? After all, he was the only one with access to that room. And he was only pinning it all on me so he could take my place? And if Ezra was capable of taking Lily's life, what would stop him from doing the same to Zoya?
What if Ezra came back to the pack with the intention of getting revenge for his mother and for his pack abandoning him when he needed us the most?
Was I destined to face the consequences of my parents' choices, forever plagued by the repercussions of their actions?
The walls of my mind closed in, suffocating me with a sense of impending doom. The hours slipped away as I paced restlessly, plagued by doubt and uncertainty.
As I paced back and forth in the guest room, my eyes would occasionally wander towards the window that overlooked the world beyond.
Beyond it was my home; where I was supped to belong to. But my life had taken such a turn that I was left with nowhere to go. My own were hunting me! My own were out for my life.
“How could you do this to me, Ezra!” I grit my teeth, recalling my older, half-brother. “How could you turn on your own brother?”
All the times that we had spent together as children flashed before my eyes. Those were such simpler times, times where I didn’t have to worry about betrayal and being stabbed in the back and possible murders.
“I admit, my mother had been cruel to you,” I spoke to myself, even though I knew no one would hear me. “I admit that my father, our father, neglected you. But I was always there, damnit! I was always with you! I loved you like you were my own brother! I never discriminated! And this is what I get in return?”
I looked at the moon, hoping to find a solution to my turmoil, but the goddess stayed quiet, refusing to answer me.
The valley stretched out before me, adorned with dense forests that seemed to whisper ancient secrets. Towering trees stood tall, their branches swaying gently in the night breeze. The leaves rustled softly, as if sharing their wisdom with the moonlit sky.
Below the window, I saw a couple sentries keeping watch over the property and it made me miss my pack even more, once I remembered that I was no longer in my own property.
However, I did find some sense of relief knowing that I was finally among people who wanted to help me, even if that help came in exchange for certain conditions.
Eventually, clarity dawned upon me. I realized that I couldn't continue hiding in the shadows, paralyzed by fear and indecision. Despite the risks, I knew I had to confront my past and accept the consequences of my actions.
So what if I had to make Anika my Luna? Wasn’t it what I always wanted? To find a Luna who was strong and tough and a warrior? Anika was all that and more! She would be the perfect Luna! She was also a werewolf, unlike Zoya who was a human.
A surge of conflicted emotions washed over me as I contemplated Anika's offer.
The weight of responsibility bore down on my shoulders, and I couldn't shake the nagging feeling that maybe, just maybe, her proposal held a glimmer of salvation.
If it meant safeguarding Zoya from the clutches of Ezra, if it meant setting her free from this treacherous world of supernatural beings, perhaps becoming the Alpha to Anika's Luna was a sacrifice worth making.
And besides, would I really be making a sacrifice if I was the one who gained in the end? With the help of Anika’s men, I could train them to be warriors. I could build a stronger pack and take back control of my own.
And in the end, I would rule over not one but two pack lands. The entirety of the Sapphire Mountains would be under my command. It’ll be a formidable army and others would fear to even look in this direction.
Besides, we didn’t have to be a real couple. It would be enough to pretend. It’ll be a mutually beneficial relationship. We would enjoy equal power over the lands and with a warrior wolf by my side, we’d be a formidable force to deal with.
A determined resolve settled over me, dispelling the doubts that had plagued my mind. If I were to accept Anika's offer, to become her mate and claim the title of Alpha alongside her, it would give me the power and influence needed to protect Zoya.
And that was all that I needed. That was all that I wanted.
Once I regained control of my pack, I would find a way to ensure her safety and send her back to the city where she belonged.
It will keep her safe. It will keep her away from Ezra…even if it meant that I would have to say goodbye to her forever.
For Zoya’s safety…for her sanity…I was willing to sacrifice our mating bond, even if it meant that I would never be able to see her again.
Then…it was decided.
With one last look at the beautiful moon, I strode away from the windows and headed for the door, hesitating only a second as I placed my hand on the door knob.
This was it. My decision was made. My mind was firm. All I needed now was to take the final step.
Opening the door, I found one of the guards waiting outside for me, as if he had been waiting for me to come out.
“Take me to your Alpha.” I commanded.
This was it. And there was no turning back now.