Chapter 30
Adelaide’s POV
“Pay no mind to the outsiders‘ chatter. People are fickle. Soon enough, it’ll all be forgotten. Don’t let it trouble you,” I said.
“Whatever they say, I remain indifferent,” I replied.
Vanya dropped the topic.
She didn’t ask about the royal guards outside, only inquiring about my daily routines.
We chatted for half an hour.
Tamara, fidgeting beside us, finally blurted out, “Adelaide, I need your help.”
I turned to her, her chapped lips and blistered corners revealing her distress.
“Cold as it is, you’re clearly overwhelmed,” I said gently.
“Speak your mind.”
“I came today because Rosemary’s illness flared up last night. She fainted this morning from rage. She’s awake now, but I don’t think she’ll last long. I’m here to beg you to intercede with Shaman Digby for me,” Tamara said, on the verge of tears.
“Rosemary threatened to have Simon reject me if I couldn’t get Digby here. I had no choice but to come to you.”
“Passed out?” I questioned.
“Rosemary took Digby’s herbs only a month ago. Why the sudden severity?”
Tamara’s face flushed with anger. “It’s about yesterday’s bonding ceremony-”
She clammed up, realizing her slip.
Seeing her anxiety, I reassured her, “Go on.”
I was leaving tonight. If I didn’t resolve this now, she’d keep coming back.
Better to hear her out once and for all.
I knew she was not well–liked at Rosemary’s. Born into a small, powerless pack, she had never caused me trouble or put on airs.
I was willing to listen.
Tamara tearfully recounted the chaos of the ceremony: guests fleeing, wolf warriors leaving disgruntled, everyone blaming her-
even her mate Simon.
Velda had overturned tables, and Ulrik, after leaving, was summoned back by Luna Rosemary.
+15 Bonus
“It gets worse,” Tamara said miserably. “This morning, an Omega didn’t spot her neck mark. Velda claimed Ulrik marked her on
the return journey, and the wolf warriors present know of it. Rosemary fainted from rage.”
Ivy, listening in, paled. “Tamara, stop.”
I understood Ivy’s concern. My current position made me unsuitable to hear such breaches of tradition.
Bloodmoon, though no longer a top–tier pack, prized appearances.
Rosemary, always image–conscious, had exploited my assets from Frostfang
After my bond with Ulrik dissolved, she spread rumors of my disloyalty.
Most likely, she’d fueled the gossip, amplified by busybodies.
Listening quietly, I felt a pang of empathy.
I’d gone a year with Ulrik without a mark–a fortunate escape.
Tamara said, “I spoke out of turn just now. But for the sake of our friendship, please help me. Ask Shaman Digby to treat her, or at
least sell us some medicine.”
No response came from me.
Tamara must have thought I’d ordered Digby to stop treating Luna Rosemary.
Ivy snapped, “Think we can summon Digby just because you ask? He refuses to treat Luna Rosemary because he despises her
antics–not because of Alpha Adelaide.”
Tamara sighed resignedly. “Seems I’m always in the wrong. Adelaide, I beg you.”
Vanya mildly chided, “You’ve made your plea. If it’s impossible, tell them to try themselves. Why target you?”
Tamara, voice breaking, said, “They threatened to exile me if I fail.”
Gazing into Tamara’s desperate eyes, I recalled how the Bloodmoon Pack had schemed to drive me out, likely terrifying her as
well.
After a pause, she continued, “Adelaide, I’m telling the truth. Luna Rosemary believes Bloodmoon has risen in status among wolf nobility. She often criticizes me for managing the pack.”
I reflected for a moment. “Shaman Digby holds loyalty in high regard. His anger stems from Luna Rosemary’s actions. If Ulrik and Velda plead with him for a day or two, he might relent.”
