Deal
***FLASHBACK: TWO DAYS AGO***
ISABELLA’S POV
“That woman could be colluding with Theodore.” Luna Grace remarked, her face serious as we discussed with her the decision to get Sophia out of the pack.
I stood silently at the side, we were currently in a private room inside the pack house and the
only people present around were Alpha Martin, Luna Grace, Xavier and I.
“If we let her go now, Theodore could probably recruit her along with those rogues.” Luna
Grace continued, her brows furrowing in concern.
“Although you mentioned that Theodore had claimed they’re not mates, we can’t be entirely sure he’s telling the truth or if he has ulterior motives.” Alpha Martin also added, he was sitting beside Luna Grace, both of them wearing grim looks on their faces.
“We have considered that possibility.” Xavier spoke beside me. We were sitting on the couch
just accross from Alpha Martin and Luna Grace’s spot.
Slightly, I shifted my sight towards his frame, my heart tightening with an inexplicable
emotion. It was not just the mate bond doing its work because of our proximity, but something
else.
Earlier this morning, after confronting Sophia, he had assured me he would get Sophia out of
the pack as soon st as possible.
But then, I knew my demands had stemmed from impulse. Sophia had done so many things
that threatened us in countless ways. But then, I know that we also need to consider a lot of
things if she’s to be banished from this pack, especially with the looming threat from
Theodore.
For a moment, Xavier tilted his head and our lines of sight met for a second. I was the one to
break the contact first when I heard Luna Grace’s question.
“So, what’s your plan?”
“I know a secret formula that can trace a person’s whereabouts.” I was the one who answered
this time. “I was planning to cast it on Sophia once she gets banished in the pack. That way,
we can monitor her movements.”
I pressed my lips together as I continued explaining, my tone growing more serious. “But the
only thing is, this secret formula may not last for long. It could be just a week or so, and its
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Deal
effect would be worn out.”
“That sounds like a good idea. But as you’ve just mentioned, it doesn’t guarantee we’ll find
anything useful from that woman.”
“Yes, I know.” I nodded in understanding, knowing clearly that the plan I just proposed wasn’t
too ideal, especially with Sophia’s case.
“Theodore uses black magic. There’s also a possibility that Sophia could possibly use it too.
And the thing is, I remember my mentor telling me that the secret formula would dissipate
quickly with the presence of black magic.”
“If that’s the case, then your plan would be futile.” Alpha Martin responded, his expression
contemplative.
I sighed, slowly nodding in agreement.
“That’s why we wanted to consult you about it. We want to ask for your advice.” I said earnestly, looking at both Luna Grace and Alpha Martin.
They exchanged glances with each other, while I felt Xavier’s gaze on mine, constantly looking
at me ever since earlier.
My heart thumped within my chest, noticing the slight intensity in his stare. I looked at him for
a moment, before immediately averting my gaze when I heard Luna Grace sigh.
“This is a tough one.” She sighed, almost in exasperation, as she crossed her arms, her frown
deepening before she narrowed her eyes towards Xavier.
“In the past, I said that woman was up to no good. Look at what happened now?!” Her tone held an accusatory edge as she glared at Xavier.
I was slightly taken back, not really expecting Luna Grace to reprimand Xavier right at this
moment.
“If only you
〃
“Alright, stop it. If there’s anyone to be blamed here, then it’s that woman.” Alpha Martin interjected, trying to calm Luna Graced down, but then, he was the one to receive Luna Grace’s
glare this time.
“What? You’re siding with this stubborn son of yours now?”
Alpha Martin sighed, his expression turning helpless under Luna Grace’s stare as he tried to
soothe her anger.
I fought the urge to smile as I witnessed their interaction. Despite the heaviness of the
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situation and the issue we were currently facing, seeing how strong Alpha Martin and Luna Grace’s bond was somehow stirred something warm inside me.
The next moment, I felt Xavier’s gaze drop on mine, causing my heart to thump fast in my
chest once more.
I cast a glance towards him, and saw him looking straight at me. Something seemed to flash
in his orbs for for a moment, but it quickly disappeared in an instant so that I didn’t realize
what it was.
“It was my fault.” He admitted, his voice low and sincere.
His words slightly caught me off guard. But his intent stare at me made me unable to speak
any words for a moment. We were just stuck there, staring at each other’s eyes.
“And it took you a long time to realize that.” Luna Grace’s voice erupted throughout the room,
sharp and accusing.
“I remember I still haven’t had a good word with you about what you did to Isabella.”
I cleared my throat, feeling the atmosphere shift awkwardly as I forced out a smile towards
Luna Grace. At this moment, I didn’t know whether to feel happy or concerned with her
bringing the matter of the past right now.
“Let them handle that matter. We should not interfere anymore.”
“You – “Luna Grace narrowed her eyes at Alpha Martin, her frustration palpable.
“I’ll make sure to fix this, mom.”
“We need to get rid of that woman.” Luna Grace’s tone turned serious this time. “We cannot let
a threat stay here longer.”
“I know.” Xavier responded with an equally calm yet serious voice.
I pressed my lips tightly when the topic of Sophia being brought back. It was not until Luna Grace called my attention as she wanted to speak to me alone, ordering Alpha Martin and
Xavier to go out of the room first.
I stood up and took the seat beside her, somehow dreading yet anticipating what she was
going to say.
“I know someone who could possibly help us with dealing with that woman.”
My eyes slightly widened as soon as I heard her words.
“I have a former acquaintance. She knows how to counter black magic. However, if we want to
ask for her help, there would be a price – a return favor. It’s her requirement.”
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The idea looks somehow tempting, yet also fraught with uncertainties. However, I could not let
such an opportunity slip, so I had to take the chance and try.
The following day, I unexpectedly found myself meeting one of the unique beings of Syrin, the
werewolf continent–a witch.
“This is Martha, an acquaintance of mine.”
Luna Grace introduced me to her, and I could feel my nerves wracking even though Luna Grace
told me prior about the identity of the woman we would be meeting.
“This is my son’s mate, Isabella.”
The woman standing in front of us was wearing a huge, black cloak which obscured most of her facial features. The only thing I could see was her pale white chin and her chapped lips.
She nodded at me, and the next thing I heard was a deep, yet almost echoing voice coming
from her.
“I assume you’re here for my assistance.” She directly guessed our intention.
Luna Grace nodded. “We need your help to erase certain memories from someone’s mind, not
entirely–just the part where she holds information that could endanger the pack.”
“Oh, how intriguing,” Martha chuckled, her long nails glinting as she brought them to her lips. ”
The mighty Lunar Crescent Pack threatened by a mere she–wolf?”
“It’s more than that,” I interjected, my resolve firm. “We need to ensure she can never step foot
on our territory again.”
“Hmmm,” Martha mused, her smile curling as she assessed me. “I can do that, but you’re
aware of my rules, right?”
“Please, tell us what you require in return,” I said, my heart racing.
Martha’s gaze lingered on me, as if deeply assessing my whole being. The gaze irked
something out of me as I heard her chuckle softly.
“I can’t think of anything right now. But once I do, I’ll expect you to grant it, personally.”
My breath hitched at her proposition- it was directed to me. I exchanged glances with Luna Grace, who showed a hint of hesitation.
“Let’s decide first. Are you willing to do it?” she asked quietly.
Taking a deep breath, I looked back at Martha, pressing my lips tightly as I finally made my
decision.
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This was my chance to rid ourselves of Sophia for good, and I was ready to take the risk.
“I am.”