“Stop this, Maya. I’ve told you over and over-I only see Isabelle as a sister. Why can’t you understand that?”
“I said I’m not mad!”
I didn’t realise my voice was rising.
Seeing the shock on his face, I quickly controlled my emotions. “I really do understand. But I have to go to headquarters now. We can talk later.”
I ignored his complicated expression and stumbled out the door.
My job at the pack headquarters was to treat warriors who had been severely injured.
As the pack’s most gifted chief healer, my healing abilities were known throughout the werewolf alliance.
My hands could heal injuries that other healers considered hopeless, even resurrecting warriors on the verge of death from silver poisoning.
Even severely wounded patients from other packs frequently travelled long distances to seek my assistance.
Every time I saw a gravely wounded soldier stand up and embrace their comrade after my treatment, I felt a strong sense of accomplishment.
That’s why, even as a Luna, I chose to continue studying the healing arts.
My hands hovered over a patient’s wound, and a soft healing light flowed slowly from them.
Shattered bones began to knit back together with my energy.
“Maya, I knew you’d be here.”
The sound of that voice made my hands tremble slightly.
My mentor, Elder Healer Eliza Sterling, was the pack’s most respected healer.
She hadn’t contacted me personally in years.
“Master,” I addressed her respectfully.
Eliza looked at the warrior I had just treated and nodded in approval.
“Your healing techniques have become even more refined. At this point, you’ve likely surpassed me.”
I shake my head. “Only because I had a good teacher.”
“That’s exactly why I’ve come to you today.” Her voice became husky.
“There’s been a severe silver dust leak in the Eastern Territory. It’s caused massive casualties, and the entire area is under lockdown. At this point, only you have the ability to save the critically injured.”
I looked up and saw that my mentor had set aside her pride, her tone urgent and pleading.
“Maya, I know how hard it is for a Luna to leave her Alpha. But the pack-your people-they truly need you.”
“How long will I be gone?”
“At least three years. The area is part of the border’s restricted zone. To prevent further contamination, the whole region will be completely sealed off. No one can enter or leave. There will be no communication with the outside world until the mission ends.”
Eliza’s voice became hoarse. “For your safety, you’ll have to give up your Luna identity temporarily and go undercover as a common healer. This will be a top-secret medical assignment; not even your Alpha can know your location.”
I had never seen her like this before.
Her eyes lacked authority and were filled with pain and desperation.
She wasn’t commanding me. She begged.
In that moment, I realised the situation was far more serious than I had anticipated.
I remained silent, my heart torn in two.
On one side, there was my Alpha, who insisted I was his only one.
On the other hand, there were my people, those who were blood-related to me.
Finally, I gave a bitter smile. “Master, may I think about it?”
Eliza sighed. “Of course. But the injured are waiting for you, Maya. We don’t know how much longer they can hold on…”
After finishing up the rest of my work, I received an unexpected message from Cassian saying he was going to cook dinner.
