Unconditionally Book 1 is to be called:

THE BEGINNING OF REVELATION (TBOR)

Dedicated to boysOvaflower for your incredible comments and lovely votes. Thanks hon!

A huge shoutout to intrudawindow for your heartfelt comments and wonderful votes. Thank you!

This chapter is unedited so kindly excuse the grammatical errors. Enjoy!

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"Just because the process hurts doesn't mean the results won't be beautiful" - Unknown

Suzzanah's POV

It took me two seconds to realize that I had stopped breathing. Zuerien's intense gaze kept drifting from my lips to my wide eyes as though he was wondering if he should wait for me to react or just go ahead and do...what he wanted to do.

"And now...I want to claim my prize"

An involuntary hiccup left my lips making amusement seep into his darkening gaze.

"What the matter Suzzanah?" he asked, his lips tugging into a smirk, "You suddenly look rather pale"

My heart was thundering inside of me as multiple possibilities of what he could ask me to do for him raced through my mind, ranging from extremely explicit to plain embarrassing.

Or both!

He suddenly leaned closer and both my palms flattened against his chest, "WAIT!" I literally squawked, "This is against the rules!"

"Rules?" he asked raising an eyebrow, "And when exactly did we establish any rules?"

"The general rules!" I said, pushing at his rock hard chest, "Like the winner gets what he wants when he wins, not if he wins!"

"So?"

"SO, you only get what your...ahem...prize when you win the finals", I told him, "And those haven't happened yet"

"I told you I already defeated-"

"That is irrelevant!" I cut him off hurriedly, "You only get the prize when you win in the finals"

He narrowed his eyes at me and I mirrored his expression, "If you're so confident that you'll win, then beat him in the finals and claim the prize rightfully", I told him, knowing that I was still digging my own grave but this was the only way I could buy some time, at least to prepare myself mentally, "Unless of course", I smirked at him knowing this would do the trick, "You aren't that confident that you'll win after all"

In a split second his face was less than half an inch away from mine, his nose grazing my own, his lips merely centimeters away.

"You should be careful what you say mate", he whispered as his eyes burned with an intense fire, "Provoking me will only make things harder for you in the end"

I gulped, pressing my lips in a straight line, knowing he was right.

A smirk formed of his lips as he said, "Very well, have it your way", a soft gasp escaped my lips as he moved away, just enough to let me breathe in my own personal space, "I'll claim my prize after I win the finals day after tomorrow"

I exhaled a ragged breath, feeling relief flood my body, only for it to disappear in the blink of an eye when he added, "But you're just delaying the inevitable Suzzanah", he drawled out, the smirk never leaving his face, "Because you know just as well as I do, that I'll win"

My heart skipped a beat at his words and he smirked devilishly at me before adding, "And when I win the finals day after tomorrow, you're going to regret having provoked me"

*****

I had spent almost the entire walk there, asking and asking and asking some more, and I had finally given up, knowing that Zuerien would not tell me what it was he was going to get me to do if- when he won. He had spent the rest of the walk mind-linking various people, but not before making it very clear to me that there would be no backing out, no turning back.

And to say that it had made me nervous just didn't quite cut it...

The minute we reached the orphanage, we were surrounded by grinning and shouting children who grabbed our hands and hugged our feet. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they all seemed extremely fond of Zuerien who might not have laughed out loud or picked them up and hugged them, but did caress a few of their heads and give them all a small smile. That was enough to thrill everyone.

"LUNAAA!" all the kids shouted in unison and I immediately shook off those thoughts and smiled widely at them before sitting down to talk to them.

"Hello my darlings, have you all been good?"

"YESSS!" they replied in unison.

"You haven't been giving Ms. Maria too much trouble, have you?" I asked smiling.

"NOOOO!" they chorused and I grinned.

"Well then", I opened my large purse and pulled out the huge bag of snacks I and Zuerien had picked up for them from the restaurant earlier, "Treats for everyone!" I shouted.

A cacophony of loud cheering and laughs sounded as the children took the bags of food from me and I stood up. They all shouted their thank you's and I blew them a collective kiss before looking at Zuerien to find him staring at me with gentle eyes.

"Come on! Let's go inside and eat!" one of the boys shouted and the others clapped their hands and nodded before pulling me and Zuerien along.

Ms. Maria greeted us at the door, thanking us profusely for having made time to come visit. As soon as she went to set the table, a familiar voice called out loudly, immediately making me grin and Zuerien scowl.

"ANNA! WOLFA!"

We both turned around to find Rino running down the wide corridor towards us, with Ginny sitting on his shoulders, "So glad you finally made it!" Rino beamed and I waved at him happily.

"Luna!" Ginny cried out gleefully, bending down over Rino's head and I stood on my toes to kiss her on her cheek, "Hi sweetie"

Rino grinned, "Do I get a kiss too?"

Almost immediately I felt an arm come around my waist possessively, "Forget it!" Zuerien growled, "She won't kiss you!"

Rino grinned wider, "Will you?"

"RINO!"

Rino burst out laughing and so did I and Ginny while Zuerien exhaled heavily and shook his head, "Unbelievable", he said, "And what the heck are you wearing?!"

I, Rino and Ginny looked down at Rino's fluorescent sweater with bright pink and orange flowers. I almost instantly knew where he got it.

"Do you like it?" Rino asked Zuerien excitedly, "Prophecy made it for me"

"Its blinding"

"I know right! Isn't that awesome?"

"Ugh", Zuerien pinched the bridge of his nose in exasperation and I giggled.

"I like it Rino", I told him, "It looks good on you"

"Aww thanks Anna", Rino beamed, "I'll tell Prophecy to make one for you too"

Both mine and Zuerien's eyes went wide in horror and I looked up at him worriedly while he gave me a you-brought-this-on-yourself look.

"That is if she hasn't already made one for you", Rino added making my head shoot back towards him.

"U-uh...is that so?"

"Mm-hmm", he nodded, "She did tell me she didn't want to meet the Queen empty handed. But now that I think about it, I wonder if I ruined her surprise by telling you", he said thoughtfully but then shrugged, "Ah well! Who wants candy?"

Loud shouts sounded from the room on the side as children flooded the corridor. Rino and I laughed and I added, "Count me in too!"

"Come on!" Rino said turning and walking towards the dining room, "I got the candy from the lounge"

"Was that why you were wrestling with the candy machine last night?" Zuerien asked incredulously and he nodded.

"Yeah. I wanted to know how it works. But man! It's complicated!" he said, his eyes widening in recollection, "Luckily I went there with Del earlier and he showed me how it works, so I got lots of it for the kids"

"So Del was the one who brought you here?" I asked and he nodded.

"Explains how he didn't get lost", Zuerien whispered to me and I slapped his chest playfully.

Once in the dining room, Rino placed Ginny on one of the chairs at the humongous table. All the other children took their places too, and quickly started eating the food that we had brought along with many other snacks that were already in the cabinets.

At the sight of all their happy faces on hearing their laughs and gleeful chatter, I felt an overwhelming love well up inside of me and I found myself hoping that all these little darlings could stay this happy forever.

"It's all because of the Alpha", Ms. Maria said and I turned towards her to find her looking lovingly at the children, "He was the one who had this orphanage built, as well as all the others around the world"

"There are others?" I asked and she nodded, "There are many others, one in every pack, in order to ensure that the orphan children never get neglected"

Warmth filled my heart and I turned to look at Zuerien who was busy trying to stop Rino from shoving a cake piece into his mouth.

"The Alpha has always taken care of the children here", Ms. Maria said, "Taking out time from his busy schedule to visit them, providing for all their education as well as daily needs, lavishing them with everything they want. These children never feel alone because they know they have an Alpha who cares for them", she looked at me and smiled affectionately, "And now...a Luna too"

I smiled wholeheartedly at her, before looking around the large dining room. It was large and spacious and comfortably furnished. There was air conditioning for the summer, heating for the winter and appropriate lighting facilities. The floors and walls were clean, the food was abundant, and every child wore nice and comfortable clothing.

This was the first time I had seen an orphanage where the children were this happy. Had I and Karina grown up in a place like this, we would have had many fond memories of our childhoods. Zuerien had made sure that he provided the children with everything their parents would have given them, not letting them lack a thing.

As my eyes focused on the tall frame of my mate, finally giving in and taking a bite from the cake piece, I felt tears prick my eyes as my affection for him grew double fold.

Zuerien...I lo-

My eyes widened as that thought flashed in my mind, but I didn't have time to dwell on it when Ms. Maria suddenly gasped, "Oh dear, where are Tony and Juno?" she said, looking around the table.

"Big brother and Juno are upstairs in the reading room", Ginny said through mouthfuls.

"Reading room?" I asked and Ms. Maria smiled, "Oh its like a study dear, for anyone who finds it too loud in their rooms and wants some peace and quiet to read in", she exhaled a laugh, "As you can guess, it's not used very often, but Tony loves to read and often goes up there"

"Should I go get him?" Ginny asked and I shook my head, "No sweetie, it's alright", I said, "I'll go get them"

****

Maria had apologized profusely for making me go and fetch them, but I had told her it was no problem at all, she was busy after all. Having asked Ms. Maria where to go, I quickly climbed the last flight of stairs to the second floor and turned right towards the reading room. Zuerien had been mind-linking and Rino was busy eating so I didn't disturb them and came alone.

This orphanage really was enormous. If I was left alone, I could easily get lost here. As I walked down the corridor, I glanced at the paintings put up on walls on either side. There were many of them, all individual portraits of handsome men and beautiful women dressed regally.

I read a few of their names which were inscribed into the title plates and realized that there were all titles ranging from Alphas to Omegas here. I wondered if these were all portraits of significant werewolf entities.

I quickly ran down the corridor till I reached the study. Quietly opening the door, I peeped inside. It was a large room with many shelves that reminded me of the library. There were multiple wooden tables and chairs in the room and my eyes immediately found the ones that were occupied.

Juno, the young child who had injured himself at the lounge last night, sat on the table leaning over a large book. Tony, Ginny's older brother and the only boy at the orphanage who probably still disliked me, was reading out the book to Juno and I couldn't help but want to 'Aww' at the sight.

They were sitting with their backs facing me, so as silently as I could, I walked towards them, not wanting to disturb Tony in his story reading. As I neared them, I could hear what Tony was reading out.

"Gee Grandma, what big eyes you have!" Tony read out and I smiled, immediately recognizing the lines.

Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf

As Tony continued to read the book to a wide eyed and excited little Juno, I decided to wait till he finished, before calling them. I took a seat on one of the chairs farther away from them, when something underneath Tony's chair suddenly moved, catching my attention.

What the-

My brow furrowed as I lowered my head, trying to see what it was. For a few seconds, nothing happened and I was about to shrug it off and look away when yet again, the darkness under his chair swiveled and swirled, immediately making my eyes go wide.

A terrified gasp escaped my lips and I shot off my chair making it fall noisily to the ground. Both the children jumped in shock, their heads whipping towards me, as I gaped at the now still darkness under the chair.

What just happened?

"Luna!" Juno cried out happily on seeing me while Tony just stared at me wide eyed.

Not wanting to scare the children, I smiled at Juno, "Hi sweetheart", I said before looking at Tony, "Hey", I said and he just gulped and looked away.

My eyes flicked back towards what I had seen under the chair, and I quickly walked up to the children, "Just a minute honey", I said quickly pushing Tony away from the chair then picking up Juno and handing him to Tony.

Quickly sitting on the floor, I moved the chair aside, letting my eyes search everywhere for anything that seemed even remotely off...or for that matter, anything that was moving.

Nothing.

I released a breath sitting up, feeling extremely puzzled. Had it just been my imagination?

"Uh...what are you doing?" Tony asked from behind me and I turned to find him staring at me weirdly, while Juno gazed at me with wide curious eyes.

"Oh! Uh...I thought I dropped something here, that's all", I lied quickly and stood up, "Come on now, everybody is eating and Ms. Maria wanted me to come get you both"

Tony frowned, looking uncomfortable, "You didn't have to come", he mumbled and I smiled, "Yeah, I know", I replied, "But I wanted to"

I quickly bent forward and pinched his cheek making him cry out and step away from me.

"D-Don't!" he said, his cheeks flushing red before he quickly rushed out of the room with Juno in his arms.

I laughed, watching him run away embarrassed, and once they had left, I quickly searched all around the room. I didn't find any small animal or even toy that could have moved under the chair, simulating what I had seen.

I guess I really did just imagine it...

Sighing heavily, I walked to the door, giving the study one last glance before, closing the door behind me. And as I walked down the corridor, the uneasy feeling didn't leave me, and I knew exactly why that was.

It was because what I had seen...had looked exactly like...

A Shadow

*****

Walking down the stairs and back into the dining room, I reassured myself that it really must have been my imagination. Or maybe Tony had been moving his legs and that had made the shadows move too.

It was nothing, relax

Taking deep breaths, I walked into the corridor, only to choke on air when I found Rino inspecting Juno thoroughly while holding him upside down by his legs.

WHAT IS GOING ON?!

"RINO?!" I shouted alarmed.

Rino raised his head, looking dazed. Tony was staring at Rino in horror while Juno was giggling happily, not caring that he was hanging upside down.

"What are you doing?!" I asked him in confusion and he simply blinked at me before looking at Juno, "It's so weird", he said, and pressed Juno, still upside down, to his chest.

"Hey! Put him down!" Tony shouted, looking mortified.

"Uh...Rino, you might wanna, turn him around!" I said urgently, worried that Juno would throw up or something.

Rino looked down at Juno's topsy-turvy body before his eyes widened in alarm, "Oh my god!" he shouted before quickly turning Juno upright, eliciting another joyous giggle from the baby, "Sorry little man, I totally didn't mean to do that!" he said, "I didn't even notice that I was holding you wrong"

HUH?

"Yeah because its normal for people to have legs growing out of their heads right?!" Tony shouted in aggravation making Rino look down at him.

"Not really? Who ever taught you that?" he asked, making Tony's jaw drop in shock.

"Okay, I guess I'll take Juno then", I said, quickly snatching the child from Rino.

"I'll take him inside", Tony said and I nodded, giving Juno to Tony.

Once they had gone into the dining room, I turned towards Rino to find him running after Ms. Maria into the kitchen. Blinking in bewilderment, I scratched my head and walked into the dining room. The children were all talking and eating happily, and I noticed Zuerien on one corner of the room, busy on his phone.

I sat down on an empty seat, and started talking to the children. They happily recited their day's events to me, and I found myself forgetting all about any disturbing thoughts when I suddenly spied Rino running across the corridor towards the door.

Was he leaving?

Excusing myself, I quickly ran after him, "Rino!" I called out just as he was about to leave and he turned around, "Where are you going?" I asked quickly walking up to him.

"O-oh...uh...something's come up", he told me, "I need to go take care of it Luna"

Luna...

Rino almost never called me Luna after he had started calling me Anna, and he also wasn't wearing his usual happy-go-lucky smile, immediately making me worry.

"Rino...is everything alright?" I asked, "You seem a little tense"

He inhaled deeply before sighing and smiling, "You never miss when a person is feeling off, do you Anna?" he said softly before shaking his head, "Don't worry, I'm fine. There is just something I need to check out, and I don't want to tell the Wolfa about it because he already has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders"

He bent close to me and whispered, "The Wolfa hasn't slept in over 8 days"

"WHAT?!" I cried out shocked and he immediately motioned for me to keep my voice down.

8 days?!?!

"How is that even humanly possible?!" I whisper-yelled and he shrugged, "It's not", he said, "The Wolfa isn't human remember"

Concern immediately washed over me and Rino smiled, "Anna, it's okay. The Wolfa has done things like this before", he told me, "Once he went an entire fortnight without sleep. It's the only way he can manage to keep up with all the work he has", he exhaled heavily, "The Wolfa already has a lot on his plate. I don't want him to exert himself any more than he has to. So don't tell him I left on business okay. I'll try and come back ASAP"

I nodded and he grinned, looking like his usual self again, "Thanks Anna! Bye!"

"Be careful!" I called out and he nodded and called back, "I will!"

Once he had left, I immediately walked inside to go find Zuerien. He hadn't slept in over a week! Even if he was a werewolf, this definitely could not be good for him. He needed to rest at least for a little while.

I found him in the living room, surrounded by all the children. He had a paper in his hand and was saying something to the children, while they were hanging onto his every word attentively. When he saw me, he stood up from the couch.

"Suzzanah, the children want to play a few Games", he said, "Why don't you join them?"

I was about to object but the children all started to clap and jump around and tug on my hands, urging me to play with them. I tried to tell them that I'd join them later, but they didn't listen, so I gave in, saying I'd play a few rounds.

I played two rounds of 'Circle of Silence', discus throw and tag with the children before quickly leaving them under the watchful eye of Ms. Maria and hurrying towards Zuerien, who was leaning against the wall and watching silently.

Every chance I had got, I had stolen a glance at Zuerien, making sure he was alright, and occasionally I had caught him yawning or rubbing his eyes tiredly. I had immediately felt guilty for not having noticed his fatigue. He may have done a very good job of concealing it, but it still made me feel terrible.

When he saw me coming towards him, he pushed himself off the wall, "Hey, done already?" he asked with a small smile, and now the more I looked at him, the more I could see the signs of fatigue in his face.

Not answering his question, I quickly grabbed his hand and tugged at it, "Come on"

He looked at me questioningly, "Why? And where to?"

"It's important, let's go inside", I told him quickly and he let me pull him along into the orphanage.

I led him to the living room where there was a large couch by the coffee table. Pulling him along, I brought him to the couch before pushing his shoulders down, making him sit.

He looked up at me in amusement, "What is this about?" he asked me.

"Sleep", I said making his brow furrow.

"It's about sleep?" he asked.

I nodded, "You Alpha, have not slept in a week!" I said making his eyes widen, "And I'm not letting you leave here till you get some sleep"

"Who told you?" he asked me and I shook my head, "That isn't important. Sleep, now"

He snorted, "I'm alright Suzzanah", he said about to get up, but I placed both my hands on his shoulders, not letting him do so.

"You need to sleep Zuerien", I told him seriously, "Going without any rest for so many days isn't good for you!"

"It isn't that big of a deal Suzzanah", he told me, "I'm an Alpha Werewolf remember"

"Oh yeah?" I said, "Well I'm your Luna, and I am ordering you, Alpha, to get some rest, right now"

He didn't reply immediately as he stared at me intensely, and I didn't miss how his eyes darkened slightly before he drawled out, "You're sexy as hell when you're like this, my Luna"

A blush threatened to creep up my neck, but I didn't let it distract me as I repeated, "Sleep. Now"

"I will", he said reaching out and taking my hand, "If you sleep with me"

Without any warning, he pulled me onto his lap and buried his face in the crook of my neck. I was still recovering from the shock when he started to suck on the sensitive skin of my neck making me gasp.

"Zuerien, not now!" I whisper-yelled, to ensure that no one heard us.

He didn't make any move to stop and continued his assault. I tried to get off his lap, but his grip only tightened around me, pulling me closer. His lips started to descend till they found my collar bone, and when he nipped the skin there, I almost couldn't contain my moan.

"Z-Zuerien please", I breathed out, but he paid me no mind, as he continued placing open mouthed kisses up the side of my neck.

Trying to stay in control on my senses, I slowly lifted my hands and started to massage his stiff shoulders making him groan into my neck. This time, I did blush pretty hard but I didn't let that stop me.

I pressed his shoulders, making sure I massaged the entire width of them before moving to the nape of his neck and letting my fingers apply gentle pressure there. Almost instantly, I felt him relax as his shoulders sagged slightly and his grip around me loosened.

The pace of his kisses slowed down, and I smiled before letting my fingers tangle in his thick hair. Gently I massaged his scalp making him pull me closer, and press his face against my neck. Making sure I didn't miss any spot, I guided my fingers to his forehead and rubbed his temple gently in circular motions, making him exhale and slump against me slightly.

"You're amazing", he whispered against my neck, and I shook my head before pressing a soft kiss against his temple, "Actually, that would be you", I told him and felt him smile against my skin.

"Please sleep Zuerien, hmm?" I said softly, making him raise his head from my neck to look at me, "Just for a little bit, what do you say?" I asked, "For me?"

He closed his eyes and smiled before bending forward and pecking my lips gently, "Just a short nap", he said, before looking into my eyes and adding, "For you"

I grinned widely and nodded, sliding off his lap. But when I tried to get off the sofa, he didn't let me. Instead, he turned to the side and lay down, placing his head on my lap.

I sucked in a surprised breath, not having anticipated this and for a few seconds, I had no idea what to do as I stared at his handsome face while blushing profusely. Zuerien moved around a little, till he felt comfortable and then turned his head to the side letting it rest against my stomach lightly.

At the sight of his peaceful face, I couldn't help but smile, before slowly letting my fingers run through his thick, soft, dark hair. His eyes remained closed, but his lips turned upwards slightly.

"This feels nice", he told me, "Reminds me of home"

I smiled lovingly at him and he added, "I never thought I'd find another woman on whose lap I could sleep so comfortably"

I cocked my head to side, caressing his defined jaw, "Another?" I whispered softly and he nodded, "The last time I did this was with my mother"

My fingers stilled for a moment, before I slowly started to caress his hair again. He fell silent and I thought he didn't want to talk about it anymore, but after a short while, he began again.

"My mom and dad...they were really good people", he told me, "always looking out for others, always putting others before themselves. They were known throughout the Supernatural realms as the most compassionate and kindhearted rulers"

I gently pressed his head closer to me, running my hands through his hair as he continued, "They made peace with all the kingdoms and Supernaturals. There was not one person who could pick out a flaw in them, not one soul who could not vouch for their uprightness. They were the most perfect rulers, the most perfect mates...and the most perfect parents"

Pain pricked my heart on hearing the word were, but I didn't say anything, not wanting to interrupt him, especially because this was Zuerien talking and not Kai. Even though Zuerien and Kai were essentially the same person, they did have their differences.

I knew that, for some reason, Kai found it easier to speak his mind and heart to me than Zuerien did. But despite that, it was still Zuerien who was telling me all this, and it warmed my heart to know that he trusted me enough to do so.

"I always wanted to be like my parents", he said, his voice growing heavy and sleep laden, "I wanted to make them proud by following in their footsteps but-"

But?...

"But I didn't", he breathed out softly, "and I don't anymore...because undue compassion and kindness doesn't get you peace or happiness", he said, his voice sounding pained, "it gets you killed"

A soft gasp escaped my lips as Zuerien swallowed hard, "It gets you killed by the very people whom you trusted more than anyone else in this world"

Tears pricked my eyes as I realized what his words meant. His parents didn't die in an accident...they were murdered...

Killed by those whom they loved...

"When they died, it was like they took with them my every reason to want to keep living", he told me, his voice a bare whisper, "I stopped believing in happy endings. I stopped hoping for a better tomorrow. In a way...I stopped living altogether...I just survived...every day of my life...because I couldn't die. Not after promising my parents that I would live for them, for my people"

Warm tears slid down my cheeks as his words made pain well up from the deepest parts of my soul.

"That night, my entire family was massacred", he said, "I was the only Royale who survived...and to ensure that the Royale family line did not end that night, my father's Delta, along with a few other wolves who were loyal to my family, took me and we went into hiding"

He exhaled a heavy breath before continuing, "For the longest time, I couldn't bring myself to do anything but want to die. My family used to be everything to me...without them...I felt empty...a mere shell of my former self"

I wiped my tears before they fell, but fresh ones started to slide down my face as he continued, "My father's Delta as well as the others tried to encourage me, but I just couldn't bring myself to believe. They didn't know what I was going through. Their words did nothing to console me. And when I was at the verge of giving up...that was when I shifted for the very first time"

My eyes widened slightly. Shifted...into Kai?...

"The very first shift of a werewolf is the most painful one of them all", he told me quietly, "It's the most excruciating pain a wolf can feel in his lifetime....and I remembered actually thanking the fates for that pain, hoping that it would kill me so that I could go and be with my family"

I gently caressed his cheek, feeling my heart clench in pain at his every word.

He fell silent for a short while, and I wondered if he had fallen asleep, but he suddenly smiled- a small smile- and I could see that it was a genuine one. It almost immediately made some of the pain fade a little.

"As you can see...I didn't die that day", he said smiling, with his eyes still closed, "On the contrary, it was like I was born again...and this time...I wasn't alone. There was someone with me who knew exactly what I was going through"

My heart skipped a beat and a small smile tugged on my lips as I realized whom he was talking about.

"Kai", he whispered, confirming my thoughts, "He came forth from deep inside my soul that day...and he became my constant companion, one who knew exactly what I was going through"

I leaned my head against the couch, smiling softly at Zuerien as a little spark of joy replaced the pain that had been constricting my heart.

"Kai...unlike me...was an optimist", Zuerien went on, "He always looked at the brighter side of things, he hoped for better. He believed that one day, everything would be alright, and even though to me, it all sounded like bullshit, truth was...everything he said...it was actually what I wanted deep, deep down...more than anything else in the world"

Zuerien readjusted his head on my lap, pressing himself closer to me, "I know you've noticed...how Kai is much more open with you about his feelings and his thoughts than I am", he said softly, "I know you've managed to pin point the differences between us"

He reached up and took one of my hands in his, "It's not that I am a split personality or anything like that", he said, "It's just that Kai's essence is that of an animal's. He doesn't understand human notions of hiding his emotions or keeping secrets from the ones he cares about...In a way...you can say...he is far more genuine and truthful than I could ever be. He is...what I hope to be one day..."

I squeezed Zuerien's hand gently and he sighed, "When our wolves speak", he said, "Most of the times...they are voicing our innermost thoughts, things our human sides desperately want to say...but are unable to or don't know how"

Oh Zuerien...

"What I have gone through in my past has made it difficult for me to communicate my feelings", he whispered to me, "So much that sometimes I wonder if I even have any feelings. And at times like those, I feel grateful to have a wolf who constantly reminds me of my innermost desires, wishes, hopes and emotions, letting me know...that I still possess them"

I smiled before wiping my eyes and running my fingers through his thick hair again.

"Even though the day I shifted was the day I felt the most unbearable physical pain in my life", he spoke gently, "I would do it over and over again if it meant that at the end of it, I would have Kai by my side. Because he taught me...that sometimes...the most painful experiences...can give birth to the most beautiful things"

My heart warmed on hearing his words, feeling immense reassurance and hope flooded my entire being.

"He was always there for me", Zuerien said, "But it was only after you came into my life, that I started to really appreciate all these things", he squeezed my hand gently, "And while Kai was a constant reminder to me that deep down, I wanted nothing more than to hope again...you were the person who taught me how to do so"

Tears welled up in my eyes again as Zuerien tugged my hand up to his face and gently pressed a kiss on my knuckles.

"You are my reason now Suzzanah", he whispered softly, "You are the reason why I can go on. Why I can hope again, and why I can finally believe what I have always wanted to...that one day...everything really will be alright, as long as you are..." he gently placed my hand over his heart and said, "here..."

His voice faded away as he whispered that last word, and his head fell against me gently as he finally fell asleep. Tears of joy and gratitude streamed down my face, as I looked at my hand which was placed against his heart. I could feel it beating strongly and steadily in his chest, and I knew that I would give anything just to ensure that it stayed that way.

Wiping my tears before they fell down my face, I cupped Zuerien's cheek and bent down, pressing my lips to his forehead.

"I promise you, that I will never leave you", I whispered to him softly, "And you will always be..."

Lifting my other hand, I placed it against my heart.

You will always be right here...

*****

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a familiar and yet, unfamiliar room. I blinked, finding it difficult to focus on my surroundings, which for some obscure reason, seemed rather off.

This isn't where I was a little while ago...

Rubbing my eyes, I turned my face to the side to find an empty bed on the other corner of the room. My room. Room number 8, that I was sharing with Megan!

But wait...wasn't I at the orphanage...playing with the children...sitting on the couch...listening to Zuerien-

ZUERIEN!

I gasped, and sat up in bed. Had he carried me back her when he had woken up? I looked around the room to find that Megan wasn't in. The time was nearly 6:30 pm and last I had seen it in the orphanage after Zuerien had fallen asleep, it had been 5:15 pm.

I wonder if he got much sleep...

Sighing, I quickly stood up and went into the bathroom to freshen up. My dress had gotten slightly crumpled, but it still looked fine. Once I was done, I walked out of the bathroom and took out my phone. I had no calls but I did have a text message from Zuerien.

Hey,

When you wake up, come to my room.

- S

I was still smiling on seeing the 'S' when I saw the P.S. underneath it.

P.S. Try not to get lost

I narrowed my eyes at the sentence in disbelief. Why that cocky canine!

Quickly running a brush through my hair and applying some of the perfume Zuerien had gifted me, I walked to the door. Just before leaving, I glanced at Megan's empty bed and wondered where she could be. I had wanted to thank her again for helping me try and understand Zuerien's point of view earlier, but that would apparently have to wait.

Sighing, I walked out and closed the door behind me. When I got to room number 7, I was pleasantly surprised to find Cole and Marco inside along with Zuerien, only to be embarrassed when I noticed that all the gifts were still all over the place and the Alpha and Beta were giving me mischievous knowing smiles.

When my eyes found Zuerien's I suddenly felt nervous for a little bit, wondering if he was regretting having told me all those things earlier, but when he gave me a small but affectionate smile, I immediately felt better.

I was also happy to see that he was looking more rested and fresh than earlier. I felt relieved.

The men told me that Alpha Penson and Rino were waiting for us at the library and Alpha Penson wanted to teach me a few more things about the werewolf kind this evening.

As we walked through the woods, I asked them about Luna Prophecy and was relieved to know that she had woken up in between, but after eating, she had fallen asleep yet again. I was glad that she ate something at least. The poor thing hadn't eaten since last night!

Marco reassured me that she would be back to normal by tomorrow morning, so we could ask her to teleport to the future then, in order to figure out if the Luna she saw in Dublin really was Karina.

I hope it is you Rina...

When we reached the library, we were immediately greeted by Rino, who was back to his usual cheerful self. He gave me a big smile and wave and I returned it. I wondered if he had taken care of the matter he had been worried about but before I could ask, Alpha Penson came down the stairs, smiling at us.

"Good evening everyone", he said and we greeted him in return.

He looked at me and smiled, "I know you've already had a lot of new information to take in today Suzzanah", he said, "But there was just one more important concept I wanted to tell you about, because you will be playing an important role in the matter. I apologize if its burdensome"

I shook my head, "Oh no, not at all", I said, "In fact I really appreciate you taking time to tell me all these things. Otherwise I'd be so clueless and confused"

He smiled, "It's my absolute pleasure" he told me warmly.

Lately, I had grown much closer to everyone in this group, and I had a special soft corner for Alpha Penson. He may have confused the hell out of me with his riddles and mystery talk before, but I knew that he did it all for my good. And now, I could see a fatherly glint in his eyes whenever he spoke to me. He was much more affectionate and kind and I appreciated that fact with all of my heart.

"Please have a seat", he said motioning towards the table we had sat at this morning.

We all took our seats and waited for Alpha Penson to begin. He looked at me, "As you already know Suzzanah, Prophecy had predicted that the Luna Queen would play a very important role in both the identification and retrieving of the two lost Lunas", he told me, "But I think it would be rather hard for you to do so if you knew nothing about them to begin with"

He leaned forward, "So I thought I'd tell you, as well as the others here, a little about High Council Members", he said, "so that it will make it easier for you to identify the lost Luna other than Karina, if and when you see her and also so that we can determine which of the Lunas Karina is"

I bit my lip and nodded.

Is she the Luna of Hearts or the Luna of Intercession?

"And once we know which Luna she is", Alpha Penson said before looking at Rino, "we'll know which Luna you are a Guardian of too"

That's right! Seeing as Rino had sensed the presence of his Luna coming from inside Annabelle, and Annabelle had never made contact with Karina, the other one would invariably be the Luna Rino was the Guardian of.

"And that's where you come in Suzzanah", Alpha Penson said turning towards me, "You need to help us figure out which Luna Karina is"

I nodded, "Sure, I'll do my best", I said and he smiled.

"Great. I guess it's time for class"

*****

"So Suzzanah, can you please recite the names of all the Werewolf Council Extraordinaire Members", Alpha Penson said putting down the piece of chalk in his hand.

I took a deep breath and nodded.

"Alpha of Power, Alpha of Wisdom, Alpha of Mazes", I said, "Luna of Intercession, Luna of Hearts and Luna of Time"

"Very good!"

I smiled and scratched the back of my head, feeling awkward. It had been a while since I had attended a classroom lecture, and boy did this feel like one.

Right after Alpha Penson had said that it was time for class, we had all headed upstairs to the first floor of the library. As expected, the upper floor was also filled with shelves that were brimming with books, but these seemed more like adult reads, unlike the ones on the lower floor.

I had been rather surprised when I had seen how one corner of the room had been cleared of the shelves and how individual desks and chairs had been arranged neatly in that area, making it look much like a classroom.

There was even a chalkboard hanging off the wall, on which currently sported the words Werewolf Council Extraordinaire in neat calligraphy, courtesy of Alpha Penson aka Professor Penson, our teacher.

The word our made me smile. This particular class wasn't just for me but for all the men too. Apparently Alpha Penson was the only one who knew a significant amount about lost Lunas. Marco, Cole and Zuerien only had a vague idea and Rino was just as clueless as me, so Alpha Penson had decided to take this opportunity to educate us about them.

Presently, I was sitting behind the desk right in the middle, feeling rather awkward. To my right, Cole sat leaning against the back of his chair looking relaxed. The seat to my left was empty because Rino apparently preferred sitting on the desk.

Zuerien and Marco had vehemently refused to sit on the chairs, or desks for the matter, the former stating that he had already spent more than his fair share of time behind a wooden desk under Alpha Penson's tutoring in the past, while the latter had simply stated that it looked uncool.

So now, Marco casually stood beside Rino, with his hands in his pockets while Zuerien stood leaning against the wall, with his hands crossed over his chest.

Such an interesting student body

"Now that you're thorough with the titles", Alpha Penson told me, "and you already know which three of us are Alphas, can you guess who is who?" he asked.

I smiled before pointing at him, "Alpha of Wisdom", I said with a 100% surety and he smiled and nodded.

My gaze drifted to Zuerien who was already looking at me, a small smirk gracing his lips. I narrowed my eyes at him.

He was the Alpha King, an Elemental and an Alpha Extraordinaire. So I could think of only one title that would suit his face to the T.

"Alpha of Power", I said blankly and he exhaled a laugh, before nodding, "Right", he said.

I shook my head at him, smiling before looking at Alpha Marco, "So you must be the Alpha of Mazes"

He did a dramatic bow before nodding, "Absolutely right Queen. Although I am hurt that my title was arrived at after applying the principle of exclusion"

"At least she got them all right!" Rino exclaimed, "Even I can't remember all your titles most of the times"

"Remember our names first fool", Marco said.

I giggled before looking at Alpha Penson, "So you guys all possess special abilities in addition to those possessed by the usual Alpha Wolves right?" I asked and he nodded.

"Exactly Suzzanah", he said, "And our special abilities have a lot to do with our titles. As mine suggests, I am wiser than most others, and understand difficult concepts with ease. I tend to deliberate a lot on minute details and analyze situations from multiple angles at the same time, which helps me arrive at more than one possible answer to a question"

Picking up the chalk piece, he wrote Alpha of Wisdom on the board before putting a hyphen next to it and writing Internal.

He turned to face me, "Most of the special abilities possessed by the Council members are powers that are meant to be used on other people", he told me, "But my power, that is extensive Wisdom, is something which I cannot use on other people. It is a power which exists only inside of me and something that only works on me. Therefore, it is an Internal ability"

I nodded and he continued, "Most of the other abilities which are fundamentally directed at being used on other people are External abilities. For example-"

He gestured towards Zuerien, "Alpha Zuerien, as you know, is the Alpha of Power. And as the name suggests, one of his abilities is that he is gifted with immeasurable strength, the magnitude of which is beyond anything anyone can ever imagine"

I stared at Zuerien wide-eyed, trying to get the information to sink in. I knew he was strong, but then I figured all werewolves were. But now that I thought about it, he did seem to possess much more power than the others, as he displayed oh so overtly in the Combat event last evening as well as what was evident after viewing poor Delta Del's condition.

"This unfathomable strength he possesses is not something he can use on himself", Alpha Penson told me, "but he can use it on other people in battle or on other objects around him. The other powers he possesses are also abilities he can use on other people, but not on himself", he replied, "So he is an example of an exclusively External Power wielder"

I nodded in understanding.

"Prophecy on the other hand, is like me", Alpha Penson said, "Her powers also don't work on other people but only on herself, meaning that she can't teleport other people to the past or future but can only do so herself. Her powers, like mine, are exclusively Internal"

"I see!"

"Then there are those whose abilities which can be both Internal as well as External", he said before looking at Marco, "And Alpha Marco is the perfect example of such a person"

Alpha Marco smirked, tugging at his collar and I cocked my head to the side. I still didn't know what kind of power the Alpha of Mazes possessed.

"What kind of Power do you think he possesses?" Zuerien asked, obviously having read my mind.

I narrowed my eyes at him indignantly before turning back to Marco, "Uh...you create Mazes?" I said feeling stupid but much to my surprise, Cole, Rino and even Marco himself started to clap.

"Spot on Luna", Cole said making me furrow my eyebrows at him.

"Yeah but...what does that mean?" I asked confused.

Alpha Marco smirked before walking up to my desk.

"Why don't I show you?"

****

"That was INCREDIBLE!" I exclaimed, still feeling extremely dazed.

"I know, I'm perfect", Alpha Marco replied, dusting his shoulders before smirking at me.

Show off, Kai growled in my head and Zuerien added, I know

I smiled, he may show off, but he had the right to. His abilities were phenomenal! In the past few minutes, he had created several illusions aka Mazes within the library to demonstrate his power to me.

One minute I had my eyes closed and knew I was standing in the middle of the library, and the next minute, when he told me to open my eyes, I was standing in a long straight corridor with strange doors on either sides. And no one else was around.

I had totally freaked out in the beginning, not knowing what had suddenly happened, but then I had slowly relaxed and started walking around trying to open the doors. Most of them were locked, but when I managed to open a few, inside, I'd find many racks of books, just like it would be on a shelf.

A few minutes later, Marco had dissolved the Maze, I realized that I was still in the library, and he had strategically placed doors in front of all the shelves so that on opening them, I ended up seeing rows of books on wooden racks.

He had then created the same Maze specifically for Rino, and I had watched gob-smacked as Rino made strange movements of opening doors which weren't even there, or rather, which I couldn't see. It was beyond incredible!

When he was done, I had started seeing Marco in a new light. He didn't look it, but he was exceptionally intelligent. He may be able to create large scale illusions, but he needed to do so such that it would still make sense.

If he created the illusion of an open door in a place where there was actually a wall, the person within the maze would obviously go and crash into it because in reality there was no door. And that would be a problem because the person would immediately know that something was wrong.

The Alpha of Mazes needed to be someone who had exceptional understanding of how to use the space around him, and also needed to be someone extremely creative who could think up multiple new ideas for his illusions, while at the same time, making sure that they remained as close to reality and believable as possible.

He is a genius!

"Oh shucks Queen, now I feel flattered", Marco said grinning at me and I realized that I had just said that out loud.

I smiled, "But really, this is-this is just...AMAZING!" I said, meaning ever word, "So there are actually multiple such mazes cast all around the woods in order to keep out anyone who isn't affiliated to you?"

"That's right Suzzanah", Alpha Penson replied, "We could be standing right in front of them, but because of the Mazes, they wouldn't be able to see us or hear us"

"And humans don't have access into them"

My question raised hackles, not just my own, but everyone else's too, because they immediately tensed. And I had my answer, even before they gave me one.

"So...how could I?" I asked, my apprehension growing as the men exchanged looks.

"That's the thing Luna", Cole said, "We haven't figured that part out yet. You're unique like that"

"You can do a lot of things most other humans can't do", Zuerien told me.

"Yeah, like seeing ghosts", Marco said, "Or how you can use mind-link without being Marked"

The word Marked immediately sent tingles and chills down my spine, but I quickly brushed that feeling off, before looking at Alpha Penson.

"So was that why you said I am human but only...for now?" I asked.

"John", Zuerien glared at him, while everyone else gave Alpha Penson exasperated looks.

He smiled, "Yes Suzzanah, it is", he replied, "As of now, you are human, because we don't sense anything otherwise, but it is possible that you have hidden Supernatural traits in you which make you different from the rest of the humans, and more like us"

"It makes me wonder if your ancient ancestors used to be Supernaturals", Marco told me making my eyes widen.

Supernatural Ancestors...I couldn't even imagine!

"We'll worry about that later", Alpha Penson said, "For the time being, lets concentrate on Council Members. Alright, so now that you know a little bit more about the Extraordinaire Council Members and their powers, let's move on to their personalities and other characteristic traits shall we?"

I nodded, taking a seat again.

"As I have already told you Suzzanah, the Extraordinaire abilities are not inherited", Alpha Penson told me, "They have nothing to do with lineage or genes, but the powers of the Extraordinaire title wielders are attributed to their special souls"

"That means that Karina could still be a Luna Extraordinaire, even if you had no Supernatural ancestry", Zuerien added and Alpha Penson nodded.

"Exactly", he said, "Now every time an Alpha or Luna Extraordinaire is reincarnated, they need to be recognized. And seeing as their abilities don't always manifest fully in their early lives, we often need to depend on certain other factors in order to find them, those other factors being characteristic personality traits and aptitudes"

He looked at Zuerien and Marco, "Each Council Member, owing to the type of power he or she possess, is bound to have certain capacities and personality types that complement their abilities", he told me.

I nodded and he continued, "For example, the Alpha of Wisdom is most likely to be a person who is exceptionally good at his studies, has impeccable abstract thinking skills and great aptitude in problem solving, be it theoretical or practical", he told me.

I smiled as he continued, "And when it comes to personality", he smiled slightly, "he is likely to be a quiet person, someone with impeccable observational skills. He would probably be the first person in the room to notice if something was off, but most likely not the first person to voice it"

"Mm-hmm", Zuerien said amusedly, raising an eyebrow at Alpha Penson, "And also likely to be rather secretive and philosophical about things which could often annoy the shit out of the people around him", he said.

Everyone laughed including Alpha Penson, "Indeed, that too", he said before looking back at me, "So you see Suzzanah, in a long line of Alphas, these would most probably be the traits you search for when looking for the Alpha of Wisdom", he told me.

He then turned to Zuerien, "Similarly, when it comes to the Alpha of Power", he said, "The first and foremost trait that one can recognize in him, even as a child, would probably be his unbelievable strength"

I wiggled my eyebrows at Zuerien who bit back a small smile before looking away.

"Even as a child, when his powers have not completely manifested, he would be likely to exhibit abnormal strength, much beyond what can be expected even from Supernatural children", Alpha Penson continued, "Meaning he would probably be the child who was given the responsibility to vacuum clean under heavy furniture"

Marco, Cole and Rino burst out laughing, while Zuerien narrowed his eyes at Alpha Penson who smiled at him.

"Also most likely to be a someone who performs exceptionally well outdoors", the Alpha continued, "Personality wise, he'd most probably be someone who is extremely self-confident and determined", Alpha Penson said, "Someone with impeccable leadership skills and someone everyone around him looks up to and reveres"

Fits the description down to the last letter, I thought.

Alpha Penson smiled, "Now when it comes to the Alpha of Mazes, he is likely to be an extremely creative person, someone who has a wild imagination and someone who could come off as a little bit eccentric"

"Hey", Marco said defensively while Cole and Rino sniggered.

"Also", Alpha Penson continued, "he is likely to often be seen doing strange things like walking straight into a wall or casually strolling into the women's loo"

My jaw dropped in shock while the room was suddenly filled with loud hooting and laughter.

Marco flushed slightly, "Ah! John! That was an accident!" he said, looking rather embarrassed.

"Of course, I understand Marco", Alpha Penson said looking amused, "You see Suzzanah, he is likely to do these things because when his powers have not manifested completely, he would probably unknowingly create mazes in which he would get trapped himself. So where there is a wall, he'd see a pathway, and where there is a loo, he'd see a classroom. You see my point?"

I bit back a laugh and nodded, poor Marco! Cole and Rino were still laughing while Zuerien subtly hid his smile.

"Hardy har har, now can we get a move on?" Marco said irritably and Alpha Penson nodded.

"So each Extraordinaire title wielder has certain qualities that make it a little bit easier for us to recognize them", he told me, "Now I'll tell you a little bit about the lost Lunas, and let's try and figure out which one of them Karina is likely to be, shall we?

I nodded and he smiled, "Alright, let's begin. But before that, I must tell you that everything I am stating is purely the product of a lot of previous analyzing combined with a little common sense", he said, "There is hardly any information at all on either of the lost Lunas, seeing as they have been missing for over a 1000 years now. So my data can be inaccurate. Feel free to add your own points to what I'm stating"

We all nodded in unison.

"Okay, let's start with the Luna of Hearts", he said, his eyes glinting in excitement, "Unfortunately I don't have much of an idea of what kind of powers she may possess, and I'm hoping it isn't along the lines of matchmaking", he said making us all smile, "But as the name suggests, she is probably a woman who does most of her thinking from her heart"

From the corner of my eye, I could see Zuerien occasionally glancing my way, wondering if any of that sounded familiar to me.

"I'm guessing she is a very emotional person", Alpha Penson said, "Someone very understanding. She would probably be the person everyone would go to with their emotional problems, and someone who could invariably make them feel better"

My eyes immediately widened at that description. It sounded a lot like Karina. Both Zuerien and Alpha Penson seemed to notice my reaction.

"Does all this ring a bell Suzzanah?" Alpha Penson asked and I nodded.

"Karina...is a lot like that", I told him, making all the men exchange excited glances, "She can be super emotional and in tune with her feelings. And she always used to make me feel better when I was down. She was also often the one taking her friends, who had undergone messy break ups or other family problems, to a movie or a restaurant or the ice cream parlor to make them feel better"

"Sounds like a nice person", Cole said and I smiled, "Oh she is. She is always standing up for people. Always helping those who need it. She's very big hearted"

"I think she's going to make a great Luna!" Rino said and I nodded.

"And I think we're making good progress", Alpha Penson said smiling, "Alright, let's move on to the Luna of Intercession. So this one is a little tricky", he said, "Unlike with the Luna of Hearts, where I knew more about her personality, when it comes to the Luna of Intercession, her powers are what I feel more confident talking about"

I leaned forward intently as he went on, "Again, as the name suggests, she is an Intercessor or a Mediator. Someone who acts as an 'in-between' to help matters get across, be it communication, different opinions, points of view...and...Powers"

Everyone exchanged confused glances as he stated, "Basically she is a person who helps everyone around her overcome their naturally established boundaries by acting like an intermediary", he said, "If someone is having trouble taping into their powers, she could help them do so mediating between them and their abilities. Prophecy is most likely to be able to control her powers best when she is around"

"Sounds awesome!" Marco exclaimed and everyone else nodded in agreement.

"That's one theory", Alpha Penson said, "The other one is something I'm not very sure of, but I'll tell you regardless", he said walking up to us, "Seeing as being a mediator generally refers to facilitating between two people, or maybe more, I have a theory that she may be able to help us overcome the boundaries of our individual powers...meaning she may be able to let us share powers"

"WHAT?!" Zuerien and Marco cried out shocked while the rest of us gaped in bewilderment.

"Calm down, this is just a theory", Alpha Penson said, "I don't know how far its accurate, but if it is a possibility then she would be able to temporarily let us utilize each other's powers"

"Unreal", Cole breathed out, "So she could get a wizard to turn into a wolf temporarily?"

"No Cole, not quite like that", Alpha Penson said, "In order to mediate between two things, they need to have at least some similarities at the fundamental level. Wizards and wolves are fundamentally different, so I doubt she'd be able to do anything about that"

He scratched his chin, "I'm thinking more along the lines of channeling some traits from one power into another. For example, she could channel Zuerien's super strength into Rino for a little while because that doesn't require altering him in any way at the fundamental level"

"So she could transfer your extensive Wisdom into somebody for a little while and make them smarter?" Zuerien asked and Alpha Penson nodded, "Yes, I believe so. Or at least get the other person to see and analyze things the way I do"

"Neat!" I said, "It's really fascinating"

"It is", he agreed, "She can basically make those around her a lot stronger. One of the reasons why people would want to get their hands on her and force her to use her abilities for them"

Our smiles immediately fell, a seriousness befalling us all. We all knew how important it was to locate and bring back the two Lunas, and now it was even more important to ensure that no one else found out who they were till they were safe with us.

"Alright, I think that's enough for now", Alpha Penson said, "Think over what I've said so far and tell me tomorrow if you have any theories of your own about the Lunas or their abilities", he looked at me, "And I think as far as Karina is concerned, we are leaning more towards Luna of Hearts", he said and I nodded.

He then glanced at Rino, and we all immediately knew what he wanted to convey. Karina was not his Luna, and if she was the Luna of Hearts, then that left only one other option. Rino nodded, not smiling, and I knew why. It was because of what Alpha Penson had said earlier about others wanting to capture and use the Luna's powers for their own selfish needs. And it made sense that such a Luna would need a guardian.

Luna of Intercession...

That night, I had a rather disturbed sleep. After leaving the library we had gone to the lounge to have an early dinner and then the men had all gone to take care of work. Zuerien had dropped me off at my room before leaving, promising me that he would sleep tonight. Not knowing what else to do, I had retired to my room and fallen asleep early.

And all night I had dreamt of eerie shadows that danced around in dim lights, of a caped figure who teleported into an unknown world and of a mysterious silver haired woman firing arrows into the night.

****

Zuerien's POV

Keeping my promise to Suzzanah, I made sure I got some sleep that night. After having told her about my past and my family, I felt much lighter. And more importantly, I felt much closer to her.

This was the first time I had willingly opened up and spoken to anyone about my family. The only person I ever shared such things with was Kai. And speaking of Kai, he just could not shut up since last evening.

Every few minutes, I'd hear him chuckle to himself at the back of my mind and it was starting to really get on my nerves. Truth was, I had brought this on myself. Everything I had said about him to Suzzanah had him really fired up. And although his childish behavior did irk me, somewhere deep inside of me, I was glad he knew how much I appreciated him.

Once I was ready, I quickly texted Suzzanah to meet me behind room number 7. She had shown up just a few minutes later, and although she smiled at me, I could immediately tell that she was tense.

Prophecy was going to be teleporting to Dublin this morning to determine whether the Luna she had seen really was Karina or someone else. If she did it right, Prophecy could be back within just a few minutes, but we all knew that that was as farfetched as a hope could be.

As long as she goes and gets back safely, it'll be fine

Putting an arm around Suzzanah's waist, I gently kissed her forehead and told her everything would be alright. She nodded quietly, taking deep breaths. Pulling her along, I led her towards Prophecy's room, taking a shortcut through the woods.

As we neared the door to the room, I felt Suzzanah's body stiffen and I gently rubbed her back. We had already had all the windows of Prophecy's room, that I had unintentionally broken yesterday, repaired, but despite that, due to my advanced auditory senses, I could hear Prophecy and Marco bickering in the living room.

I opened the door to the room and Prophecy's irritated shriek nearly blew my eardrums.

"WHAT THE HELL! Why don't you just trust me for once and let me do this!" we heard her shout and Suzzanah cringed before looking up at me nervously.

I sighed and shook my head, leading her inside and closing the door behind me. As we walked into the living room, I immediately spotted Prophecy and Marco standing in the middle of the room, bickering animatedly.

"You know exactly why!" Marco shouted, "You're like a walking disaster just waiting to happen, Prophecy. Just teleport to Dublin, see the Luna's face and teleport back. If by some miraculous feat, you manage to pull it off, then we'll consider whether or not we can let you go to Canada, maybe", he stressed.

Prophecy threw her hands in the air in exasperation, "Come on brother", she pleaded, "This is my one chance to show the Queen that I'm actually kinda cool. Do you even know how embarrassed I am at how many times I've just lunged at her and disappeared like a puff of smoke?! She must think I'm some sort of freak!"

"She won't think that, the Queen is a sweetheart", Marco told her and I immediately felt a wave of irritation wash over me. I didn't like it when anyone but me called Suzzanah that, "Besides, she is the one who said that she didn't want you to go to Canada", he continued, "She actually didn't even want you to know about it, but you had to eavesdrop like the little witch that you are and ruin everything"

"I can do this!" Prophecy cried out, "Just let me try!"

"No chance!" Marco grit out.

I exhaled heavily, knowing that this conversation was not going to get anywhere. I glanced down at Suzzanah to find her staring at the two siblings with concern etched into her features.

I squeezed her waist reassuringly, making her look up at me. Giving her a small smile, I led her into the large living room where everyone else had already assembled and were watching the sibling brawl while trying to act like impartial observers.

The minute we walked in, everyone nodded or bowed their heads in acknowledgement, except the two seething siblings who hadn't even noticed us come in.

"I feel bad for causing this", Suzzanah whispered and I shook my head, "Don't worry, this isn't your fault. They're always like this"

"Look", Prophecy cried out stepping away from Marco, her back still facing us, "If you at least give me a chance, I'm sure I'll be able to do this. I just have to concentrate really hard, like this!" she said.

Squeezing her eyes shut, she clasped her hands together and started chanting loudly, "Dublin-Dublin-Dublin-future-future-future-1 week-1 week-1 week-spirit-spirit-spirit"

"Ugh, come one!" Marco cried out exasperated, "At this rate you'll probably end up in Dublin for a week, in spirit!"

She stopped chanting and grit her teeth in irritation, but didn't open her eyes, "Shut up Marco. Stop being a pessimist. This is going to work! And when I have to go to Canada, I just have to chant like this- Toronto-Toronto-Toronto-present-present-present-spirit-spirit-spirit"

Marco growled in frustration, "I can't talk to this woman!" he shouted and turned around. His eyes immediately found me and Suzzanah, and he sucked in a breath, his eyes going wide before he looked at Prophecy who was still busily chanting to herself.

He cringed before shaking her, "Hey stop it! Look who's here"

"Don't disturb me Marco, I'm trying to concentrate!" Prophecy grit out before going back to chanting.

"Fool, open your eyes!" Marco shouted and she quickly turned away from him, with her eyes still closed as she chanted away.

"You cow! Look in front of you!"

"Stop talking Marco! Dublin-Dublin-Dublin-future-future-future- Toronto-Toronto-Toronto-present-present-present"

Marco face palmed and we all shook our heads. Prophecy...

Suzzanah smiled and walked up to where Prophecy was doing her continuous recitation. She stopped when she stood right in front of Prophecy, who still had not noticed her presence.

She looked back at me and I smiled at her reassuringly. Marco gave her an apologetic look while the others smiled at her, encouraging her to go ahead.

She turned back to Prophecy who was chanting something really strange now, "Dublin-Toronto-future-present-spirit-spirit"

Taking a deep breath, Suzzanah reached out and gently placed her hand on Prophecy's shoulder. But the minute she did, Prophecy's eyes flew open, her head whipping towards the window on the other side.

And all breath left my body when a blindingly bright light suddenly engulfed the both of them, making a chorus of horrified gasps echo in the room.

WHAT?!

Time suddenly seemed to decelerate, as everything happened in slow motion. My body lurched forward, as I started to run towards them desperately, everyone shot off their seats in panic, Marco lunged at the two Lunas in shock, Suzzanah took a step back in alarm and Prophecy's lips parted releasing a breathless and utterly astounded shout, that nearly stopped all of our hearts.

"LUNAAA!"

Another dazzling bolt of light flashed across the room and before any of us even knew it, both Prophecy's and Suzzanah's bodies were plummeting towards the ground.

In the blink of an eye, my arms wrapped around my mate's body and I pulled her into my chest, preventing her from hitting the hard ground. Next to me, Marco had just caught Prophecy's body and was staring at her unconscious frame in unparalleled shock.

My head immediately whipped downwards to find Suzzanah's body laying limp in my arms. And my world nearly shattered into pieces when one bone chilling realization stabbed me right through my heart.

Both Prophecy's and Suzzanah's spirits were no longer here.

That meant...

My head shot upwards and my frantic gaze skimmed over the plethora of panicked and pale faces, till it found the shocked one of my mentor and fellow Alpha. John stared at Suzzanah's lifeless body in my arms in blatant horror, and one earth-shattering fact became as clear as day.

Suzzanah's spirit had also been teleported in time...

And we had absolutely no idea how to bring it back...

*****

A/N

Hello my dear readers,

A long chapter to make up for a long wait. Sorry for the cliffhanger lol, but I can't help it, I love them XD

And OMG, Uncondtionally hit #1 in Werewolf on 5th May 2016! OH MY GOD!!! I'm screaming so loudly!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU GUYS!!! XD

Also, I'm very happy with the feedback I received for Shadow Play, and I'm so glad that many of you are looking forward to reading what's to happen next.

And for those of you who are worried that Shadow Play will side track my attention towards Unconditionally, then don't worry. It wont. Unconditionally stands to remain my first priority.

So...how did you like this chapter?

If you enjoyed it, please do VOTE and COMMENT to let me know what you think.

Until next time,

All my love

Angel