Chapter 35

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Cold Night

Olivia POV

The wheels of the carriage creaked softly, emitting a steady, rhythmic sound as it rolled along the rugged path.

The sound of the horses’ hooves echoed through the quiet night, their galloping blending with the whisper of the wind and creating an air of nobility as we traveled through the wilderness.

The forest around us was alive.

The distant chirping of birds, the occasional howl of nocturnal creatures, and the rustling of leaves beneath the carriage wheels filled the silence from time to time.

Branches snapped lightly as the horses moved forward, their breath visible in the cold night air.

The atmosphere was calm.

Peaceful.

But the air was bitterly cold.

A thin layer of frost clung to the ground, and the wind carried a sharp chill that bit into the skin.

For werewolves, it was nothing.

Barely even noticeable.

But for humans…

It was deadly.

Cold enough to freeze someone to death if exposed for too long.

Despite the heavy clothing wrapped around my body, I was already shivering.

My fingers felt numb.

My body trembled uncontrollably as the cold seeped deeper into my bones.

Without even realizing it, I subconsciously moved closer to Alpha Kingsley

Seeking warmth.

Seeking comfort.

My body leaned into his.

The sudden closeness triggered something instinctive between us.

A quiet, biological pull.

But neither of us acknowledged it

We both pretended as if nothing had happened.

As the journey continued, I found myself snuggling even closer

Almost unconsciously.

I rested my head lightly against his chest, and without hesitation, his arms came around me, enclosing me in his warmth.

The heat from his body spread through me slowly.

Comforting

Safe

Unknown to everyone else, I did have a wolf.

But my constitution was weak.

And my inability to shift made things worse.

The cold affected me more than it should.

Much more.

If this continued…

It could become dangerous.

I felt my fingers stiffening further.

The early signs of frostbite.

Alpha Kingsley seemed to notice immediately.

His grip on me tightened slightly.

He took my hands into his, rubbing them gently to generate warmth.

But it wasn’t enough.

Not nearly enough.

His expression darkened.

“Stop the carriage.”

His voice cut through the night sharply.

The carriage slowed, the wheels grinding against the earth before coming to an abrupt halt.

Before I could react, he was already helping me down.

My legs felt slightly weak as my feet touched the ground.

“We camp here tonight,” he commanded.

“Find a clearing Tie the horses.”

His voice carried authority.

No hesitation

No questioning.

He turned toward the other carriages, issuing a series of quick, precise commands.

Immediately, the entire convoy came alive

The guards moved with discipline and coordination, like a well trained unit that had rehearsed these actions countless times

In a matter of minutes, tents were being set up in a nearby clearing

Their movements were swift, efficient, and almost synchronized.

It was clear they were professionals.

“Set up a bonfire,” AlphaKingsley ordered.

Two guards immediately stepped-forward to carry out the task.

“You don’t have to go through so much trouble because of me,” I said softly, my voice trembling slightly.

“I can manage the cold…”

But my shivering betrayed me.

Completely.

“Don’t overthink it,” he replied coldly.

“I’m not doing it solely for you. They also need rest. And the horses.”

I lowered my head slightly.

But a small smile formed on my lips.

Even if he refused to admit it…

His actions said otherwise.

“Come,” he said.

He turned and began walking toward the center of the camp where the bonfire had already been lit.

I followed him quietly.

The warmth of the fire flickered ahead, casting dancing shadows/across the ground.

As we approached, I felt a sense of relief.

I found a spot near the fire-not too close to get burned, but close enough to feel its warmth-and sat down.

The heat slowly began to seep into my frozen body.

I picked up small dry sticks and absentmindedly tossed them into the fire, watching as the flames consumed them.

Beside me, Alpha Kingsley sat silently.

His presence alone was… grounding.

Then

A voice broke the calm.

“Well, well… look who we have here.”

Kate.

“Can’t even withstand a little cold air?” she mocked as she approached.

“Maybe you should have stayed back in the pack instead of becoming a burden to everyone”

I glanced briefly at Alpha Kingsley.

He said nothing.

Did nothing.

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He remained completely silent.

As if he hadn’t heard her at all,

For a moment…

The light in my eyes dimmed slightly.

But only for a moment.

“Honestly,” Kate continued with a sneer, “I don’t expect much from a wolfless trash.”

That was enough.

I turned to face her fully.

My expression turned cold.

Sharp.

Since the journey began, she had taken every opportunity to provoke me.

And I had ignored her every single time.

But it seemed my silence had only encouraged her.

Not this time.

“As the Luna of the pack,” I said calmly, my voice steady,

“I cannot be absent from an important event like the Wolf Conference… no matter the discomfort or dangers involved.”

Her expression shifted slightly.

Surprised.

I leaned forward just a little, my gaze locking with hers.

“You wouldn’t understand that,” I added with a faint smirk.

“You’re not a Luna.” 1

The words hit their mark.

Hard

Kate’s face flushed instantly-red with anger.

Her fists clenched tightly at her sides as her teeth ground together.

I had struck her weakest point.

“Don’t be smug,” she spat bitterly.

“Enjoy it while it lasts.”

Her voice carried a quiet threat.

She turned sharply and glanced at Alpha Kingsley one last time.

He still said nothing.

Still didn’t react.

حدا

With a scoff, she walked away dismayed.

I watched her retreating figure, my expression unreadable.

The fire crackled softly beside me.

And for the first time…

I didn’t feel small.

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