Chapter 33: 32

Chapter 32

Pepper and friends anxiously waited outside the clinic.

Amber was sent straight to the place for her condition to be looked over by a physician—and of course, upon the order of the Alpha.

Pepper couldn't sit still as she forced herself to stay, and watch earlier.

Amber's attacks were rendered useless, while her defense pregnable. It was a fight against a squad leader after all. She knows that her friend is a highly-skilled person, but she's still young, and has to gain more experience to stay undefeated.

However, an unexpected outcome occurred.

Before they knew it, Amber won the spar, and overcame yet another barrier to success.

The wolves of River Severn never question success. It's proof to one's aptitude that allows everyone to catch a glimpse of that person's future.

How long will she survive in the wild?

Can she hold her ground in the face of strong adversities?

What's her attitude towards a high-level opponent?

Those questions are an absolute when it comes to completing an analysis on every prospective warrior in their pack.

Of course, strength is of utmost importance as it does a great deal in turning the tide of any losing battle.

In some scenario, a battle of attrition can't be avoided. A pack warrior can only last longer if he or she has the strength and stamina for it. Still, there are instances where this can all be avoided once and for all.

Hence, wit comes next.

In Amber's case, it was clear for everyone to see that she was fighting a losing battle—especially when they realized what Cataleya's real intention was for not blocking her attacks.

It was to drain her out of energy, and make her feel perturbed on the inside.

But, Amber didn't tough it out with her to the end.

Her plan wasn't even well-thought-out.

Whatever she said to the squad leader to make her get off her body, it was all naught.

It only worked out of luck.

And it could have turned worse for her had Cataleya turned out to be unfazed.

Again, it shows that when push comes to shove, she's willing to gamble everything.

What kind of mindset is that?

It's as if she doesn't give much regard to her life.

Who taught her to fight recklessly?

Who said it was normal to put your life on the line each and every time?

Was that the result of self-training?

That's… alarming.

Pepper was pacing back and forth, while her brother remained seated, and in deep thought.

Lukas, on the other hand, stood close to the clinic's door, his expression surprisingly grim and ominous.

He thought his heart was going to jump out of his chest when he saw Amber lying helplessly on the ring, trying to hold out against Cataleya's relentless attacks. The woman showed no mercy right there. She was playing, and Amber just happened to be the toy she got that time.

'Dad won't be happy about this.'

Alpha Severus dismissed everyone, and made the officials stay for questioning. If only he were present right from the start, the sparring match wouldn't have transpired in the first place.

There's no way he'd actually let Amber duke it out with a squad leader of his pack.

That would be too dangerous.

"I can't hear anything," whined Pepper. She was trying to eavesdrop on the conversation inside the clinic since earlier, but to no avail. "Are they talking in whispers?"

"I don't think so. Simply, no one is striking a conversation," Salt calmly told her. Despite his cold exterior, he also came here to check on Amber's condition, and learn the result of the clinical tests—not just because he had to accompany his twin sister anywhere. "If you'd focus on it, you should be able to hear some footsteps, and muffled talk."

Lukas hummed, indifferent. "Salt is right."

"Really?" The worry on Pepper's face subsided, albeit a little. "I don't think I could maintain such focus right now, though…" When the players were asked to leave the ring, Amber's body refused to move at all.

It was only then the adjudicators found out that she had passed out.

In a vertical position.

Her eyes were already closed when they got to her, but luckily, her breathing seemed to be just fine.

They also made it clear that they couldn't overturn the decision, and make it a draw because Amber was still conscious when she was proclaimed the winner.

"Take a seat, Pep. We don't want you passing out on us as well."

"Would that calm my nerves? No."

But then, all of a sudden, a huge man towered over them with his commanding presence. His powerful built told them that he was no ordinary man.

And it took a few seconds for the realization to hit them in the face.

He was that person Alpha Severus came with earlier at the training grounds!

Besides…

This scent and spiritual pressure…

'He's an Alpha!'

But, why is he here?

"Are you friends with that she-wolf?"

At first, they just stared at him blankly.

"And who might you be talking about?" Lukas felt tense. It's not that every day Amber gets to have a personal visitor. Even at the school, no one dares seek an audience with her so blatantly. But now that someone actually has the guts to look for her, it has to be an Alpha?

Of some other pack?

"You must be Severus' son." The man grinned widely. "It's a shame we have to meet like this."

"Who are you? How do you know me?"

"I've visited this pack only thrice." It would come as no surprise that Severus' son didn't know him. The first time happened several years ago, and the next one was recently—around last month? He wasn't very sure.

And tonight was actually the third time.

"So, why are you here?"

'He wants to get to the point, huh?'

As expected of Severus' son…

"I'm quite interested in your friend," Ludwig answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

Is there any point in hiding the truth?

"Which friend…"

"Do you really want to make me say it?"

Lukas clenched his jaw.

How is this man allowed in the pack house anyway?

Even if he's some grand visitor of his father, he can't just loiter as he pleases.

Lukas has a sense of caution, so it would be nearly impossible for Amber's name to slip his mouth.

"Going by how tightly shut your lips are, it seems I won't be getting a proper response from you." Ludwig was contemplating.

He was certain of what he had witnessed back there.

The way that she-wolf incorporated a precarious technique into that move, and executed it perfectly… Ludwig was certain he had seen that before!

You are reading story The Flower that Blooms in the Moonlight at novel35.com

Just what is Severus hiding now?

"Ludwig."

Damn it.

He was fast.

'I thought I was already off his radar…'

Ludwig couldn't hide his dismay. He then turned to Severus who was now watching him intently with hawk eyes. "I got lost?" He lied through his teeth, yet the amusement in his eyes couldn't be mistaken.

Severus looked at the kids briefly before he spoke to him. "I'm not going with you. With how the things are looking, you should understand that at least."

'I suppose that's true…' The man in front of him used to despise hearing excuses himself, yet look at him now…

Severus found something that could be used as a valid excuse!

What a hassle.

"Can I stay the night, then?" Severus has an interesting pack member that he wishes to meet first before going back.

And Ludwig needs to confirm something for his peace of mind.

"You'll stay out?" Severus lifted a brow. "With 'her' condition?"

He smirked knowingly. "It's not the first time," he stated flatly. "Pregnancy is not a disease."

"Then, suit yourself." Severus bridged the distance between them two, and warned him with a low voice. "This is not a place where you can invite yourself in and out freely. I won't bother asking how you found yourself here, but don't try anything funny." He bumped his shoulder, and left silently after that.

He was brooding.

Ludwig watched the riled-up Alpha disappear into the clinic, his mouth contorting into a wry smile. A trace of red hue swirled in his orbs, eliciting a small gasp from the girl who looked worried sick for that… friend of hers.

"That she-wolf is going to be fine."

Pepper wanted to ask 'how can you speak with such confidence?', but decided to shut her mouth. Lukas must have a reason why he was being cautious around this Alpha. And as long as it concerns the safety of Amber, she doesn't mind playing along with Lukas, and imitating his behavior.

However, Alpha Ludwig… is still an Alpha.

Pepper is extremely aware that she can never afford to offend such a person. So, she gathered her courage, and tried to sound as neutral as she could. "We appreciate your pleasant wishes."

"Wish…?" Lukas let out a soft chuckle. "You've misinterpreted me, young child. I wasn't wishing your friend well." The three of them stiffened. He ignored their reaction, and added, "All I'm saying is… nothing is wrong with her."

Ludwig could tell from a glance.

That she-wolf is capable of introducing River Severn to new heights.

Severus just entered the clinic in a mad rush after all. The man couldn't be any more obvious. Nourishing that she-wolf must be a top priority.

Ludwig could be wrong for thinking that, but his interpretations of many incidents had always been spot-on.

Who would have thought, huh?

"I… I hope so, too."

Ludwig smiled warmly at the girl.

Perhaps, it's about time for him to take his leave. Severus' son won't tell him anything, and changing his strategy isn't going to work as well.

Why?

Because he values that she-wolf to the point that he'd rather offend an Alpha than disclose any information related to her.

The other boy had been quietly observing.

'I bet he's even more tight-lipped…'

Ha.

Ludwig was suddenly reminded of the fact that this wasn't his pack. He can't go terrorizing these youngsters to make them… sing. His wife would probably go ballistic, and banish him from his own pack.

Seriously.

What a pain.

Ludwig's stare lingered on the clinic's door for a bit longer before he wordlessly turned his back to leave. The wheels inside his head were spinning.

Where did he see that move again?

It must have happened a long time ago for him to struggle to recall!

"Wait, Sir!"

Ludwig came to a stop, and looked over his shoulder. He couldn't help but smirk inwardly when he saw him.

Severus' son.

"Yes?" he asked in a brusque manner.

This boy has been ignoring his questions on purpose.

So, what urges him to wish to speak to him again?

"May I know what business do you have with our… friend?" For some reason, the boy flinched at the mention of the last word.

This only intrigued Ludwig further.

Don't tell me…?

"I saw her match, and I thought it was amazing. I wish to congratulate your girlfriend for that momentous achievement. She put up a good show for everyone."

"G-girlfriend?"

Ludwig feigned a shock. "Did I read it wrong?"

"She's not my girlfriend, Sir."

Then, why do you look so down while saying that?

He hasn't met his mate yet, has he?

"Oh, okay. I didn't catch her name earlier, though. I was rather preoccupied. Please send my regards to that…" Ludwig stopped on purpose to trigger an unpleasant reaction from them, "…she-wolf."

And he succeeded.

"She has a name, Sir. We'd appreciate it if you called her by her name instead."

Ludwig's mood brightened. "That's not a problem."

Severus' son looked as if he was having an inner turmoil. "Please do remember her name next time, Sir. It's… Amber."

"Amber," Ludwig repeated, the name rolling off his tongue subtly. "Sounds impactful to me. Her parents must be proud."

"Amber is an orphan, Sir."

"Oh… that sounds… tough. Was it just recent?"

"No, Sir. It was ten years ago."

Already?

Ludwig nodded stiffly. Something isn't clicking here.

"And her family name is?"

"Santiago."

What…?

Then, it all came crashing down on him.

Cain Santiago.

The first person who sent a rogue flying by landing a reverse roundhouse kick with his claws out!

Ludwig met that Commander on an interregional mission.

Are they, by any chance, related to each other?

You can find story with these keywords: The Flower that Blooms in the Moonlight, Read The Flower that Blooms in the Moonlight, The Flower that Blooms in the Moonlight novel, The Flower that Blooms in the Moonlight book, The Flower that Blooms in the Moonlight story, The Flower that Blooms in the Moonlight full, The Flower that Blooms in the Moonlight Latest Chapter