Chapter 7 Selenophile Five-two

• The Palace was silent, much like any other day. Silence enveloped it as if time stood still. Some people were visible, but almost without any signs of life. They breathed, walked, and worked almost without making a sound.
• Only occasionally did they speak, when curiosity arose and finally forced them to ask questions. Even then, only after making sure no other ears would hear.
• "Have you seen her? I heard she's from the Avaluna village."
• "Oh, really? Avaluna Village? The village that never sees the sunlight? How is that possible? I'd rather think there are vampires there than werewolves."
• "Exactly, and honestly, I doubt that woman is the one. Ursa could be wrong, and—"
• "Ahem!"
• The clearing of the throat ended the small talk. They turned reflexively, their eyes widening.
• "Ursa."
• Ursa said nothing, but continued down the corridor. Her indifference made them look at each other with an uncomfortable feeling, and they resumed their work.
• It was not the first time. Ursa assured herself that she was not offended at all, especially since there were more important things than her feelings.
• The continuity and peace of the pack, that's what mattered most.
• So, Ursa decided to go to Oscar's room. She wanted to check on Era before Landon arrived to examine her injuries and before Aaron suggested taking Era for a walk around the palace.
• Ursa had just gotten off the elevator that took her to the seventh floor, the highest floor in the palace and Oscar's private area. Not everyone was allowed to go there, and she was sure her reasons were strong enough to get some leeway.
• An unusual sight caught Ursa's attention. Her eyes narrowed and she quickened her pace.
• "Good morning, Era."
• Era turned and showed a desperate face that made Ursa feel uncomfortable. She knew that Era was still in shock, and everything that had happened must be very confusing, but Ursa couldn't do anything but reassure her. Besides...
• Ursa's eyes widened. She stared intently into Era's eyes and was sure that she hadn't made a mistake. Deep inside, reflected in Era's retina, was a struggling soul.
• "You are already aware of the existence of your wolf spirit, aren't you?"
• Era was stunned. Her reaction answered Ursa indirectly. Ursa's slight uneasiness vanished; Era was indeed a werewolf, destined to be her Luna.
• Unfortunately, Ursa's relief turned into Era's fear. She was silent for a moment. Then she shook her head repeatedly. She rejected the possibility and took a step back. She distanced herself from Ursa, as if she could keep her away from the approaching fate.
• Era's steps were stopped by something solid. She winced and almost stumbled, but a pair of hands caught her.
• Era turned and looked at them reflexively. "You."
• "I'm pretty sure you mean good morning."
• Era immediately pulled out of Oscar's embrace. She created a safe distance, though not enough to calm the storm raging in her chest.
• Oscar leaned forward, one hand rubbing his chin. He looked at Era from head to toe, then commented, "It seems you've improved. Does your body not hurt anymore?"
• Era instantly checked her condition. She felt her body and touched the wound on her forehead, then nodded. "It seems that I have indeed improved."
• "Thank God," Oscar said as he approached. He reached out to grab Era's hand, but only got empty air. "You."
• Era looked at him expectantly. "What do you want to do?"
• "What do I want to do?" Oscar repeated with a grin, then sighed briefly at Era's attitude. "Ahem. I'm sure you want an honest answer."
• Oscar's words made Ursa freeze. She quickly shook her head, but Oscar completely ignored her.
• "So, what I want to do is invite you to be my mate. Are you ready? Besides, you're already healthy."
• Oh no! Ursa quickly closed her eyes and grabbed the wall. She cursed in her heart; she should have had a better breakfast, as Aaron had suggested.
• "How about this?"
• Era gaped. "You're crazy."
• Oscar was not offended. He just nodded. "I can wait. It's no problem. How about tonight? Besides, I'm a little busy this morning."
• "W-what?"
• "Uh-huh. I think tonight would be better," Oscar continued and approached Era. "Tonight sounds more intimate and exciting."
• Era was flustered. Amid the relentless heartbeats, she found that Oscar's gaze made it hard for her to breathe. She continued to step back, both hands outstretched.
• "Don't come closer."
• "Don't come closer?"
• Era swallowed hard. Pressed and cornered, she reflexively wondered what to do.
• Era waited. A second, two seconds, and... she should not have waited so long. Normally, the voice would come immediately, guiding her.
• Where are you? What should I do?
• Oscar's eyes narrowed. His expression changed, seemed uncertain. "What are you doing?"
• Era did not understand. "What do you mean?"
• Oscar could not explain his meaning either. He saw Era's eyes fixed on him and he realized that there was something unusual there. There was something like a magnet that made him want to keep staring.
• "That's her wolf spirit, Alpha."
• Oscar was stunned and his steps stopped instantly. He blinked, only then realizing that he had lost control for a few moments.
• How could that happen?
• Oscar's hand was on Era's neck. Their faces were inches apart, causing Era to hold her breath and freeze.
• Oscar stepped back immediately. He never lost control, especially when he acted out of control. He was truly unaware of what had just happened.
• Oscar's heart rebelled. His blood suddenly heated up and boiled. His breath became heavy and he began to pant.
• "What should I do, Ursa?"
• Oscar's voice grew hoarse and raspy, like thunder in broad daylight. Era jumped and moved away quickly, shaking.
• Ursa acted quickly. She shielded Era behind her and spoke to Oscar, "I'm sure the newly arrived horses must be checked immediately, Alpha. Philo must be waiting for you."
• Oscar blinked. He tried to concentrate instead of following his animal instincts.
• "Horses?"
• Oscar growled. His fists clenched and sweat began to trickle down his face, slowly dripping and staining the ground.
• "Y-you're right. I have to check the ranch today. I have to check the newly arrived horses."
• Oscar turned away. Without saying anything more, he forced his legs forward. He tried to suppress the restlessness of his wolf spirit. He closed his eyes and calmed the primitive desire as much as possible.
• Oscar left, leaving Era still stunned by what had happened. She looked at the end of the corridor, the last point where Oscar disappeared from her sight. She stood still and then felt something strange inside.
• Emptiness.
• *