The Rouge ls a Female Alpha (Zephyrine) novel Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Zephyrine

I waited with bated breath, and then the massive gates parted. I stood still in the middle of it all. A place I had left behind for five years. An identity I had shed to fulfill my parents‘ greatest wish.

I took a step forward, and as though the fallen warrior heroes themselves were welcoming me, a cold wind swirled around me, blowing my hair backward.

I am Zephyrine Ashmere of the Ash pack. Twenty–four years old. The only daughter of the last Warlord, Vale and War General, Seraphine. Younger sister to the best war strategist, Varyn.

The Asp pack members are warriors, who lay down their lives to protect the Shifter Empire from demons. The last battle that sealed the Demon Portal? I led it. I was given a medal, praised as a hero. Earn the title Goddess of war but I left all that behind… to be with Nyroth.

“Zephyr.”

That voice came and My breath caught.

I would know it anywhere.

Commander Thorn.

I turned slowly to see him emerging from the tent ahead, the Moonstone Vessel in his hands. The one that carried my parents‘ ashes. Their remains.

I never expected to feel this emotional. But being here, on the combat ground where I was raised and trained by my parents and others like them… it broke me. Tears welled in my eyes, but I forced them down.

As an Ashmere, we sacrifice many things. Emotion is one of them. We let it go.

“Commander Thorn,” I greeted, bowing my head as he approached.

He stared at me in silence for a long moment, then gave a firm nod, his jaw set.

“It’s good to see you again, Zephyr,” he said at last, blinking. Then he extended the Vessel to me which I received it with a heavy heart.

“I apologize for the delay. The final battle to close the Demon Portal was brutal. By the time we found their wolves, it was already too late. We couldn’t retrieve anything personal. No possessions remained when we arrived. If not for you, who led that charge… we would have all perished.”

I heaved a deep sigh and nodded.

“Thank you, Commander. You did your best.”

He looked relieved at my grace, then his face fell slightly.

“Zephyr… about your brother…”

My heart stopped. My hands tightened on the Vessel.

He paused. Then, carefully,

“We couldn’t find his body. Or his wolf. He wasn’t among the dead. So… maybe your instincts are right. Maybe he is stil

there.”

“He is,” I said quietly but with conviction.

Commander Thorn nodded solemnly. After a few seconds in silence, He shifted his gaze around, scanning the area.

“Alpha Nyroth didn’t come with you?”

GULD

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His question struck something sharp inside me, but I smiled through it.

“He’s preparing for the Blackbridge Festival this weekend. There’s been a lot to plan.”

“That he couldn’t accompany you on such an important occasion?”

Before I could respond, He sighed.

“You’re an adult now, Zephyr. I trust your judgment. But remember this. If you ever wish to return to Moonveil Fortress… this gate will always remain open.”

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