Chapter 103: Chapter 103: Fractured Alliances

SONIA’S POV

Ivy escorted me to the main source of water. It was the big channel which flowed into all the other sources. The path to it wound through the trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves in soft golden patches that danced across the ground.

Birds chirped in sopranos, making me want to twirl, with my hand lifting the hem of my skirts like the old days. Only that instead of a skirt, I was wearing a gown. The fabric swayed lightly around my legs as I walked, cool and refreshing after the long hours at the clinic.

"I’m glad you’re okay, Ivy," I said to her as we stood side by side on the river bank. The water flowed steadily, its surface glittering under the morning light, carrying a clean, earthy scent mixed with the faint freshness of the breeze.

She turned to me, and although I wasn’t looking, I could feel her smile. It warmed the air between us. "You know, those days laid there, unconscious, I really thought I wouldn’t survive it. I was hurting all over. Not just my body, but also my heart."

There was a pain in her voice that made me look up. Her expression had grown serious, her eyes distant as she stared at the flowing water.

"What kind of hurt did your heart experience?" I asked her. The question came softly, carried away on the gentle wind rustling the leaves overhead.

She suddenly grabbed my hands, and fondled it gently in hers. Her palms were warm and steady, a comforting anchor. "I don’t want to keep secrets from you, Sonia. Believe it or not, you inspire me to want to fight, despite the obstacles standing in my way. But there are things I can’t tell you no matter how hard I want to. I hope when the truth eventually surfaces, you’ll forgive me for not telling you first."

My palms became clammy from the anxiety that rose in me. She was speaking in code. I couldn’t understand what message she was trying to pass by telling me all of that. But I knew I had to reassure her of my loyalty to her. The river continued its steady flow beside us, the sound soothing yet unable to calm the sudden tightness in my chest.

"That’s fine. We all have secrets, I guess. Don’t feel pressured to tell me something you’re not comfortable with telling me." My voice stayed gentle, even as worry gnawed at the edges of my thoughts.

"You’re so kind. And so beautiful," she stroked my cheeks with one hand. Her touch was light and affectionate, easing some of the tension. "I hope for the day the alpha’s eyes clears enough to see you for the gem you are."

I laughed. That day didn’t exactly look like it would be coming any time soon. Sure we were being ruled by the promise of the full moon, hence the desire it brought forth with it. When that passed, I was quite certain Ramon would return to making my life a living hell. The thought sent a small chill through me despite the warm sun on my skin.

"Hey, why don’t I check the waters?"

"Be careful!" She called behind me, as I stepped towards the water. Her voice carried genuine concern, making me smile softly.

I was so tempted to take off my clothes and immerse my body in it. But I would only be hurting myself. A whole day of healing the sick was already taking its toll on me. I couldn’t afford to bring more harm to my wolf. The cool water lapped gently at the bank, clear and inviting, but I knew better.

As I bent to scoop some of the water into a bowl, I caught my reflection. The surface shimmered, showing a girl with messy hair and tired eyes staring back. I jerked, a little startled by what I saw. My hair was a mess. If my personal maid back at my pack could see me, she’d throw a fit.

What was left of the prim and proper lady I was trained to be, was just traces. Ramon was succeeding in turning me into a wild savage. A woman who craved his touch like the dying would, oxygen. Someone who worked with her hands when I barely used to do that back home. I couldn’t take as many showers as I did in my pack. I ate scraps for my survival.

I couldn’t even take care of my body. If my father could see—no, there was no point thinking of him. It was best he didn’t see me this way. There was still relative peace, thanks to his silence. I didn’t want to think of the day he decided he didn’t want to be silent anymore.

Shaking off my wandering mind, I scooped the water, and walked over to a solution I had come up with. For this to work, it would require someone paying attention to the source.

I didn’t need my efforts to be undone by the traitor wandering around the walls of Bloodmoon. That was why the alpha asked that two of his most alert wolves kept an eye on the area. I was the only other person aside him, and the two wolves he picked that knew about this decision.

The purifying solution was finally ready after I had mixed it to my satisfaction. The mixture had a sharp, clean scent that cut through the garden air. "Do you need help?" Ivy called for the umpteenth time.

And each time, I could to help the smile that consumed my face. I had told her to sit still and let me handle everything. But for a girl that loved to get her hands dirty, she didn’t like to stay without doing nothing.

Returning to the source, I began to spray the solution in it. The liquid misted over the water’s surface, catching the light as it settled. As I sprayed it, I closed my eyes in prayer. I had a theory prayers were answered faster around the full moons emergence.

"Purify the water. Purify the land. Bring peace to the people. And lastly, expose the enemies," I prayed in my heart repeatedly. The words repeated like a quiet rhythm in my mind, steady and hopeful.

Soon, I exhausted the solution, and opened my eyes. The water’s surface had begun to change, small ripples spreading outward. "All done!" I screamed, turning my head behind.

Ivy waved, and jumped. "You did it, Sonia!" Her excitement was bright and genuine, cutting through the morning quiet.

She ran to me, and we embraced tightly. My heart was filled with joy. Today, I was happy. The hug felt warm and solid, her arms wrapping around me with real affection. We made it back in time for dinner. Carl, the pack doctor had set aside some food for us. From the alpha’s quarters too. The aroma of roasted meat and fresh bread filled the small space as we sat down, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.

I was eating good. That thought made me pause in the middle of putting a piece of meat into my mouth. The flavors burst on my tongue—savory, warm, and satisfying after the long day. Although I was working a whole lot more than usual, these two days had been a little too peaceful for me. It made me feel like there was doom looming. A quiet unease settled in my chest, whispering that the calm wouldn’t last.

"Hey, earth to Sonia!" Someone snapped their finger across my face.

I looked up, and saw it was Ivy. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she watched me. "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing." I shook my head, and took a bite out of my food. The meat was tender and juicy, but the worry lingered at the edges of my mind.

I was munching hard when purposeful footsteps suddenly filled the room. Just as I turned, someone grabbed a fistful of my hair, and began to drag it. The sharp pain shot through my scalp, making me gasp.

"Stop it, Lorena!" In my distress, I heard Ivy call. Her voice was sharp with anger.

"Or what?!" She screamed, pushing me to the ground. The impact jarred through my body, the hard floor cold against my palms and knees.

"Lorena!" A loud growl responded.

Slowly, I lifted my eyes and found the furious gaze of Alpha Ramon. His presence filled the doorway, dark and commanding, the air around him thickening with tension.