Chapter 13

My stay in the Pack was blissful, but I couldn't help but notice Wang's increasing presence by my side. He often sought out conversations with me instead of spending time with his wife, Selena. 

One afternoon, as we walked through the gardens, Wang turned to me with a serious expression. 

"Luna Xanthe, I've been thinking a lot about what you said the other day about following your instincts," he began. "It's something I've struggled with, especially with the weight of leadership on my shoulders."

"I understand, Wang," I replied softly. "Leading a Pack is no easy task, and sometimes it feels like the world is on your shoulders."

Wang nodded, his gaze intense. "You have a unique strength, Xanthe. It's inspiring."

I blushed slightly, unsure of how to respond. "Thank you, Wang. But I believe everyone has their own strengths."

Before Wang could say more, Selena and Henna joined us. Selena's eyes narrowed as she glanced between Wang and me.

"Wang, there you are," Selena said, her voice laced with irritation. "I've been looking for you."

Wang turned to his wife, a hint of guilt in his eyes. "Selena, I was just discussing some Pack matters with Xanthe."

Selena's glare intensified, and Henna shifted uncomfortably beside her. "Is that so?" Selena said coolly. "Well, I need to speak with you, Wang. Alone."

Wang nodded, giving me an apologetic look before following Selena away. I watched them go, feeling a knot of tension in my stomach.

---

As I headed back to my chambers, I was suddenly stopped by Selena, who stepped in front of me with a cold expression.

"Xanthe, we need to talk," she said sharply.

"Of course, Selena," I replied, trying to keep my voice calm. "What is it?"

"Stay away from my husband," she hissed. "I see the way he looks at you. You think you can come into our Pack and steal him from me?"

"Selena, that's not my intention at all," I said, taken aback by her accusation. "Wang and I are just friends."

"Friends?" Selena scoffed. "I've seen how he lingers around you, how he seeks your company. You're a threat, Xanthe."

"Selena, I assure you, I have no interest in Wang beyond friendship," I said firmly. "You have nothing to worry about."

"Just remember what I said," Selena warned, her eyes flashing with anger. "Stay away from him."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, feeling a mix of frustration and sadness. How can I fall a man that took my pride away from me? 

Disgusting...

But I think I will use this to find out why he did what he did to me and if he found the killer.

---

 Later That Evening

That evening, I went to visit Marla at the divine temple to finally talk about my origin, a conversation I'd stopped her from having in front of everyone earlier.

Marla greeted me warmly. "Eva, I'm glad you came." I wasn't surprised she knows my real name . 

She's a divine witch after all..

"I needed to know more about my origins," I said, sitting down across from her. "You mentioned something about it before."

Marla nodded. "Yes, Eva. Your origins are tied to ancient magic, a lineage that has been hidden for generations. You come from a line of powerful witches, guardians of a sacred power."

I felt a chill run down my spine. "What does that mean for me?"

"It means that you have a great destiny ahead of you," Marla said softly. "But it also means that you are a target. There are forces that would seek to control or destroy you because of the power you possess."

"How do I protect myself?" I asked, feeling a mix of fear and determination.

"You must embrace your heritage and learn to harness your powers," Marla explained. "Only then will you be able to protect yourself and those you love."

"I understand," I said, nodding. "Thank you, Marla. I'll do whatever it takes to protect my family and my Pack."

---

★★★ COVEN OF SHADOWS ★★★

In the dark, eerie confines of the Coven of Shadows, Hecate paced the room, her eyes blazing with anger. Malachar sat not far away from her, watched her with a predatory smile.

"Hecate, you must calm yourself," Malachar said, his voice a low rumble. "Your anger clouds your judgment."

Hecate whirled on him, her eyes burning with fury. "Our plans are failing, Malachar! Eva grows stronger by the day, and our spies have brought back nothing useful."

Malachar approached her, his eyes glinting with dark amusement. "Then we must adapt. We will use her strengths against her, manipulate her desires and fears."

Hecate's anger gave way to a wicked smile. "Yes, you're right. We will twist her instincts, make her doubt herself and those she trusts."

Malachar's smile grew as he stepped closer to Hecate. "And while we weave our web around Eva, we will consolidate our power here. No one will be able to stand against us."

Hecate's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Yes, together we will be unstoppable."

Without another word, Malachar kissed Hecate hotly, their dark passions igniting. Minutes later, their robes lay discarded on the ground, and Hecate's moans filled the room as they reveled in their shared power and desire.

---

Hecate lay beside Malachar, her breath coming in heavy gasps. "We must move quickly," she said, her voice a low whisper. "Eva must not be allowed to discover her full potential."

Malachar nodded, his eyes dark and thoughtful. "Agreed. We will strike at her heart, undermine her confidence, and turn those closest to her against her."

Hecate smiled, a sinister gleam in her eyes. "And once she is isolated and vulnerable, we will strike the final blow."

Malachar's smile mirrored her own. "To our victory, my love."

"To our victory," Hecate echoed, their voices blending into the shadows that surrounded them.

As they lay in each other's arms, their minds churned with dark plots and devious schemes, ready to unleash their full malevolence on Eva and anyone who dared stand in their way.