Chapter 9 Selenophile Six-two

• Oscar reached for his coffee mug. He inhaled the unmistakable aroma that warmly filled the air and indulged his taste buds with the first sip. A refreshing taste jolted him and his eyes cleared.
• "Our sales growth has been steadily increasing for the past two quarters. With a more aggressive marketing strategy, we've managed to attract attention in the market, especially in the international market."
• Oscar put the coffee cup back on the coaster and asked the marketing director, Donald Hall.
• "What about the competition? Are there any new trends we should be aware of?"
• Donald shook his head. "So far, we remain ahead, but I suggest we focus on product innovation. Competitors continue to try to approach our superiority in the premium market."
• "What about the new project we're developing? How is it progressing?"
• "We are currently in the testing phase for the organic product line with a broader market reach," Donald replied, rolling the slide on the projection monitor. He presented slides outlining the stages of the aforementioned project. "This will involve working with local farmers and changes in our supply chain, sir."
• After studying the slides more closely, Oscar took a deep breath. He nodded and spoke with a raised index finger.
• "I want to see the report on this organic project next week. Focus on quality and sustainability."
• "Understood, sir. Also, what about the meeting with potential investors next week? Do you want me to prepare something for that meeting?"
• "Uh." Oscar paused for a moment and thought. "Prepare a short presentation on our long-term vision. Emphasize innovation and sustainability. I want them to see that we're not just focused on current profits, but on the future of the industry."
• "Very well, sir."
• The meeting ended about ten minutes later. Oscar reminded Donald not to forget to give the presentation file to his secretary, Anne Young. He needed to study it before the investor meeting. Besides, it was undoubtedly the most effective way to distract him. In fact, even the slightest pause could make him growl suddenly, just like now, and Philo jumped.
• "Alpha."
• Oscar paused while Philo looked around, worried that the staff might suddenly see Oscar growling in a frightening manner. He quickly pushed the elevator button and they entered.
• "This is more tiring than I thought. Now I'm wondering what's more annoying? Waiting years or waiting a few more days?"
• Philo understood Oscar's restlessness and struggles, especially when it came to patience, which was his weakness. With Era's presence, Oscar's patience was wearing thin by the second.
• "Be patient, Alpha. Only two more days."
• Oscar growled again, and Philo reflexively looked at the security camera in the corner of the elevator.
• "Two days is as long as waiting fourteen years."
• Philo made no comment. He racked his brain to distract Oscar's thoughts. As a Beta who also served as a personal assistant for work matters, he knew almost everything about Oscar's business and affairs. So, he tried to remember quickly, whether it was work schedules, pack complaints, or...
• "Is there any news from the pack? Are they still talking about Era?"
• Still about Era, but this was more serious. Philo nodded. "Some of them still doubt the truth of Ursa's prophecy."
• "It seems they hope I won't find my mate for a lifetime."
• Philo furrowed his brow; it seemed the gossip was not about that. However, he decided not to discuss it further, though unfortunately the topic came up again when they arrived at the palace.
• "Shouldn't you reconsider this matter, Alpha? I'm not sure if she really is a werewolf. You can see for yourself. How can there be a werewolf who doesn't eat meat? She's a vegetarian."
• Oscar rolled his eyes. He had just arrived at the palace five minutes ago, and Julie showed up. He thought it was something to do with the pack, so he decided to go to his office, and it turned out that it was indeed to do with the pack, although not in the way he had thought.
• Philo looked at Julie. He gave a slight shake of his head, but Julie ignored it.
• "It was Philo who found Era, and it fits Ursa's prophecy, so what else is there to doubt?"
• Julie opened her mouth, but Oscar continued.
• "If there are doubts, that's exactly your job, Julie, to put them to rest. I told you to watch The Palace and the pack when I'm not here."
• "I have done that, Alpha, monitoring The Palace and the pack. Some of them still have doubts, especially with Era's attitude, which seems disrespectful to the pack. You saw it yourself, didn't you? She tried to escape several times.”
• Oscar sighed and his face lifted. "Do you think I'm that stupid?"
• "Alpha."
• Julie's initial enthusiasm faded when she saw the sharp look in Oscar's eyes. His tired face turned serious, causing Julie to hold her breath. Oscar did not slam the chair or bang the table, but his expression conveyed a warning.
• "Era is a werewolf. We will all prove it during the Sacred Ceremony, and even without that, I can sense it. I am the Alpha, Julie Davis, and she is my chosen mate."
• Philo just sighed as he saw Julie's face go pale. One of Oscar's habits, besides expressing emotions through actions, was to call people by their full names.
• "I-I apologize, Alpha. I just—"
• "I'm sure you have many other duties."
• Julie swallowed and nodded. "I apologize, Alpha."
• Julie's departure from Oscar's office coincided with Aaron's arrival with a cup of chamomile tea. Oscar greeted the drink with a long exhale, and after exchanging brief glances with Philo, Aaron spoke.
• "Today, Ursa checked all the preparations for the sacred ceremony. The altar, the candles, the scents, everything is ready."
• The tiredness in Oscar's eyes vanished in an instant. He accepted the chamomile tea and asked with sparkling eyes, "Everything is ready?"
• Aaron nodded. "Everything. Even Ursa prepared a beautiful white dress especially for Era."
• Oscar's sigh flowed rhythmically. He sipped the chamomile tea and then said, "It seems this chamomile tea is more pleasant than I expected."
• Aaron smiled as he looked at Philo again. "Of course, Alpha. Besides, you need to stay calm and get plenty of rest."
• "You're right, Aaron. Thank you."
• The empty teacup disappeared in seconds. Oscar stood up and walked away with a light feeling.
• "You can take a break."
• Oscar's departure lifted the tension from Philo's shoulders. He could finally breathe a sigh of relief as Aaron chuckled softly.
• "So, what happened at the office today?"
• Philo shook his head as he ruffled his hair. "Alpha had an impromptu meeting. Everyone was in a panic, but luckily the marketing department brought good news. Still, he growled and almost transformed after the meeting ended. His mind was empty for a moment, and surely Era was on his mind."
• "That makes me even more convinced that Era is indeed the one we've been waiting for. Besides, what's with all the gossip? It's impossible for an Alpha not to recognize his own mate," Aaron said as he put the teacup back on the tray. He wiped down Oscar's desk, then smiled. "Isn't that right, Philo?"
• Philo just nodded.
• *
• The long-awaited day for the Xylvaneth Pack arrived. The night of the 14th. Everyone prepared with anticipation, including Era.
• A beautiful long white dress draped her body. Her hair arranged gracefully. Perfume was sprayed and makeup adorned her face.
• Era had never looked so beautiful. She almost did not recognize herself when she looked in the mirror until Ursa gently touched her shoulder.
• "We're going now."
• Era looked at Ursa with eyes full of emotions. There was fear, anxiety, worry, and all the emotions Ursa had never seen before.
• "Ursa."
• Ursa took Era's hand, squeezed it gently and smiled, hoping to calm Era. "Everything will be fine. Besides, don't you want to know the truth?"
• Era remained silent, but Ursa's words were true. The longer she stayed in the palace, the more curious she became about the real truth. Was she really a werewolf or not?
• Era gathered her strength. She nodded, and they headed northwest, toward the Lunaria Forest from a different side than she knew.
• They arrived and the pack had gathered. Era scanned her surroundings, and her eyes lingered on Oscar. They locked eyes as Era walked on, guided by Ursa.
• Ursa led Era to the altar. They stepped onto the ancient carved floor that shimmered in the moonlight. Then Era felt a magical and mystical sensation that made her body react.
• Ursa let go of Era's hand, leaving her in the middle of the altar before she began to circle around it.
• Era felt uncomfortable. All eyes were on her, especially Oscar's. She tried to stay calm, but she couldn't, especially when Ursa began to speak.
• "Oh, children of the wolves!"
• All the members of the pack showed reverence. None of them spoke. They listened to Ursa's words without blinking.
• "Tonight, all veils will be lifted. Bonds will be broken. Captive spirit will be released."
• Era blinked repeatedly. She felt her breath catch in her throat. Her body warmed and a wave of sensation made her chest thunder.
• Era ignored everything. She no longer knew what Ursa was saying, nor did she care what would happen next. The only thing she was aware of was a bang that made her rebel uncontrollably. Pain exploded and every nerve in her body screamed.
• Era could not stand it. She clutched at her chest and fell. She tried to get up, but couldn't. The pain was overwhelming. She could not hold it any longer, and finally, with her mouth wide open, she let out a long scream.
• No.
• Era howled loudly.
• *