novelxo Chapter 166
166 Harvest Moon Festival Arrival Day … Miriam My heart swelled with pride as I stood near the edge of the training arena , watching Lyla read the itinerary .
Her poise and confidence reminded me so much of the life I once had .
The youth I thought would never end .
Now watching Lyla my child , grow into a better version of everything I was , made my eyes red with unshed tears .
I had thought having the baby would ruin my life forever , but now Im glad I did and listened to keep my baby .
She was the best decision I ever made .
Today was the first day of the Harvest Moon Festival .
Not only were packs arriving in their pairs : and numbers , but every hand was on deck to ensure the festival went well .
Mother Liora had entrusted Lyla with the significant task of managing all the young apprentices that had come to the pack .
Their job was to ensure the festival arena remained free from dark energy .
Lyla finished reading .
Her voice was firm but kind .
Make sure to double check every corner of the arena , she instructed .
We cant afford even a hint of negativity seeping into this celebration and Ferals .
The apprentices nodded earnestly , some already dispersing to their assigned areas .
Lyla then turned to me , practically bouncing on her toes as her eyes sparkled with excitement .
Nan … Im going to the gates , she said .
Nathan should be here any minute now , and I want to be the first person to welcome him .
Without waiting for more than my acknowledging nod , she darted away , leaving me to handle the rest of the delegation .
I watched her disappearing back , a fond smile on my face when suddenly , a voice came to me from behind .
What is that girl doing wearing the white pearl ? the voice asked .
It was Terra .
They selected Terra , like the other priestesses , to attend the Harvest Moon Festival , representing the current ailing Wisewoman .
Her presence here should fill me with joy but more than anyone , Ive been dreading this confrontation .
Also , as I have stopped talking with Mother Liora , this was her doing .
She must have briefed everything on Terra .
What were you thinking , Miriam ? she followed up without waiting for me to answer her first question .
We need to talk about that white pearl around the Moonsingers neck The smile on my face faded as I sighed heavily .
Not now , Terra , I said in a low voice , glancing around to ensure no one was listening .
Im not in the best of mood to talk about anything right now .
I turned to leave when Terra grabbed my arm , forcing me to stop .
That pearl is sacred to Sigma , Miriam ! You know this .
It was designed specifically for Sigma females when they first get their wolves .
Its meant to help them control their extraordinary power .
Its not some common trinket to be used as a wolf taming accessory , so why do you have it on her ? Youve gone too far this time The accuestion in Tarrae union irritated me .
You think I dont know what that nearl C 106 Harvest Moon Festival Arrival Day The accusation in Terras voice irritated me .
You think I dont know what that pearl represents ? I snapped , yanking my arm free .
Im doing whats best for her .
Lyla doesnt know the truth about herself yet , and I intend to keep it that way until shes ready Terra scoffed .
Open your eyes , Miriam .
Shes no longer a two year old .
Shes an adult .
Why are you still keeping things from her ? Because shes not ready yet ! I said through gritted teeth , fighting the urge to scream .
Why do you all think adulthood is a gateway to everything ? Do you know what she has been through ? What she had to suffer for the longest time and now that she can finally put her legs up … you want me to tell her that she stands at risk of being punished killed for who she is ? And you think having her wear the pearl would help her ? Do you know what it means to suppress a wolf that doesnt have a Sigma host ? Its a training tool , Miriam , a crutch for young Sigma wolves to learn control .
By doing this to her , youre holding her back denying her wolf the freedom to express itself .
Ill find a way to regulate it , I said quietly .
And for the love of the gods , tell Mother Liora to stop meddling .
This is my daughter , my decision .
And Im your friend , Miriam , and as a friend , Im giving you a wise council .
This would not end well .
Fine , we all agree shes your daughter , but you cant shield her forever , Miriam .
If this continues , you might put her at a greater risk so , Im begging you as a friend to s stop .
Youre going to have to face her and Mother Liora eventually .
Im not interested in talking to Mother Liora again .
Cmon , Miriam , Terra sighed .
The other priestesses have noticed that theres a friction .
Stop avoiding her .
Maybe another time , I continued quietly .
Right now , I want to deal with one thing at the same time .
I turned on my heel , walking away before Terra could respond , leaving her standing alone in the courtyard .
Everything she had said was true .
However , if I regulated the pearl , like giving Lylas wolf freedom once every two or three weeks , everything would be fine , and that was the only way I could stop everyone from knowing she had a wolf .
As I made my way back toward the pack house , I saw Lyla .
My heart softened at the sight of her walking next to Nathan .
A genuine smile lit up her face , and she linked hands with Nathan as they walked and talked .
Occasionally , she would laugh or grin at something he said .
The scene brought a sad smile to my face .
My daughters happiness was worth any price I might have to pay .
Lyla more than anyone deserved to be free , but that freedom would come with truths I wasnt ready to share .
My attention shifted to the delegate from Blue Ridge , walking at a distance behind Nathan .
My body tensed as I scanned the group , bracing myself and dreading to see Luna Vanessa after all these years , but she was nowhere to be found .
166 Harvest Moon Festival Arrival Day ..
Was she still coming ? Or did she stop to do something before coming to the pack house ? It was unlike her to miss such an important event , especially not the Harvest Moon Festival .
Something must have happened .
Looking for someone ? A deep voice rumbled behind me .
I felt my wolf stir at the familiar scent even before I turned .
I tried to look startled when I saw Beta Jeremy standing behind me , his broad shoulders blocking out the mid evening sun .
His presence was as commanding as ever , but there was something in his eyes a softness that made my wolf want to lean closer .
The same softness that had gotten me into trouble all those years ago .
My heart thundered in my chest as memories threatened to surface memories of stolen moments and whispered promises , of choices made and paths not taken .
The secrets I have carried seemed to grow heavier under his neutral , knowing gaze .
Jeremy , I managed , composing myself and hating how my voice wavered slightly .
I didnt hear you come .
I didnt expect to see you here .
I thought with Logan gone , youd … Im still Alpha Nathans Beta , he answered me before I completed the question , Until he finds the perfect replacement and why am I here ? his lips curved into a small smile , but his eyes flashed with an intense coldness that frightened me .
The Harvest Moon Festival is a time for reunions , isnt it ? For facing the past months and celebrating surviving them all .
I understood the double meaning in his words .
My fingers unconsciously clutched at the side of my dress , trying to match his gaze .
Sure , I nodded .
Welcome We stood there in silence for what felt like a century until I sneaked a look at him , realizing he was staring at me .
She didnt come , he said , averting his gaze .
Shes pregnant and the baby would be here soon , so she couldnt come .
Oh … I wasnt … I mean , I swallowed hard , trying to organize my thoughts .
I wasnt worried about that , I tried to say cheerily , while I celebrated in my heart .
I didnt even notice .
You can lie to anyone else but me , Miriam .
I know you were looking for her just now .
I thought .
you were going to be brazen and come to his funeral .
But I guess the more one ages , the more logical they become .
If you had applied the same amount of logic back then , maybe … I just remembered now ! I cut him short , backing away .
I was abou High Priestess .
Can we continue this conversation later on ? to go do something for the His eyes narrowed as he studied me for a moment before speaking again .
And Lyla ? How is she handling everything ? My face softened .
Shes doing well .
Better than I expected , honestly ! Youve been avoiding me , Miriam ! he took in a deep breath .
And I have no patience for that .
I am not Logan Dont bring him into this , I said sharply .
Ive been busy C 166 Harvest Moon Festival Arrival Day ….
He wanted to say something but decided against it .
Whatever you say but , the reason I wanted to see you is for you to ask your daughter , to stay away from my son .
Can you do that for me ?