Zayn came over to Lily, gently grabbing her arm.
“Are you hurt? Did something happen?” he asked while scanning the area.
Some of the pack members who were watching Lily’s interaction with Bianca quickly shifted their gaze, worried they might incur their Alpha’s wrath. Lily quickly began signing, not wanting Zayn to misunderstand.
She explained to him that she’d asked Bianca for help, but she was unable to help her.
Before Zayn could finish his question, Lily glanced over at Bianca, noticing how nervous she looked. She quickly turned to her and signaled her to go, not wanting her to get in trouble. Bianca, though a little hesitant, quickly ran off.
As she watched Bianca leave, a sudden realization struck her. Lily turned back around to face Zayn with a look of surprise.
She carefully signed, ‘You understand me?’
Zayn’s eyes widened slightly, surprised at how easily he’d understood her signing. He didn’t know what to say, his mouth hung open. For a moment, he seemed reluctant to acknowledge it. But there was no point hiding it now.
Finally, he nodded. “Yes, I understand you.”
Lily’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. Her hands moved quickly, asking how.
Zayn shifted his weight, oddly uncomfortable with the revelation. “I’ve been meeting with Shirley to learn sign language,” he admitted. “I thought it would be... useful.”
The realization dawned on Lily’s face. Those times she’d seen Zayn and Shirley together, he hadn’t been avoiding her or seeking other company. He’d been learning sign language so that he could communicate with her. She felt as though a weight had been lifted in her heart.
‘Thank you,’ she signed, her eyes glistening with tears.
Zayn cleared his throat and looked away, seemingly uncomfortable with her gratitude.
“You are my Luna, Lily. We’re bound by duty,” he said matter-of-factly. “As your Alpha and mate, I need to ensure you’re cared for properly. Communication is important. I want you to feel comfortable.”
Lily could not help but blush, grateful for what Zayn did for her. Zayn, who was getting uncomfortable with the emotional setting, quickly changed the subject.
He cleared his throat before suggesting, “Since the others are unwilling to help, perhaps pack warriors would be more suited for the task you have in mind?”
Lily nodded eagerly, a small smile forming on her lips.
The training grounds buzzed with activity as they entered. Warriors sparred in pairs, the sounds of grunts and clashing weapons filling the air. The moment Zayn and Lily made their entrance, everyone stopped what they were doing. The warriors immediately stood at attention.
Lily’s eyes scanned the training grounds, quickly noticing the invisible but palpable line dividing the warriors. On one side stood the former members of Thunderpaw, her original pack. On the other side were the warriors of Obsidian Moon, Zayn’s loyal followers.
Though they trained in the same space, the division was clear.
Zayn’s voice carried across the grounds. “Luna Lily requires assistance with a task. She will select volunteers.”
Lily stepped forward nervously, feeling the weight of her position on her shoulders. Her eyes moved from face to face. Among the former Thunderpaw warriors, she recognized an older wolf with graying hair and a stern expression.
She’d seen him before on multiple occasions, but did not know his name. Lily glanced over at Martha for help. She immediately came running to her aid.
Lily signed that she would like Martha to help her ask for his name. Martha nodded before turning to the warrior Lily pointed out.
“Luna Lily would like to know your name.”
He stepped forward before introducing himself, “My name is Ragnar.”
Lily signed another question.
“What did you used to do?” Martha asked, translating on Lily’s behalf.
“I used to work in the fields. I also volunteered in the patrol squad sometimes.”
That explained why she had never seen him amongst the pack warriors during her father’s reign. Most of them were cruel and bullies, and few ever even spared her a glance. Lily looked at all the former Thunderpaw pack members who were now warriors.
Most of them were young, fresh faces, likely warriors in training at the time of their defeat.
Lily pointed at Ragnar and looked towards Zayn, giving him a nod, indicating she wanted him to help her. Zayn nodded in approval.
Ragnar’s face registered surprise, but he gave a slight bow before stepping aside.
Lily then turned to Zayn and signed, ‘Can you recommend three warriors you trust the most?’
Zayn raised an eyebrow, curious about her request. He wondered but didn’t question it.
“Axel, Ryker, Jett. Step forward,” he called out without hesitation.
The three of them took two steps forward. Ryker was massive, towering over the others with broad shoulders and a stoic expression. Jett appeared younger, lean but with sharp eyes that missed nothing. Axel, positioned between them, had visible displeasure in his eyes.
Zayn turned to Lily. “What exactly do you intend to do with them?”
Lily pursed her lips. She debated on telling him, but ultimately decided it would be a surprise. So, she smiled and placed a finger on her lips, explaining it was a secret.
Even more curious than before, Zayn was eager to know.
“Very well,” He conceded, though curiosity lingered in his eyes. “These four warriors will assist you in whatever task you have.”
Axel stepped forward, his jaw clenched tight.
“Alpha,” he said, his voice strained with barely contained frustration, “with all due respect, I request to be withdrawn from this assignment. Perhaps someone else would be better suited.”
Lily bit her lip, her hands tightly gripping the hem of her dress. She turned to Zayn, wanting to tell him she could work with the remaining three, not wanting to stir trouble.
But before she could do so, Zayn turned to face Axel, expression unreadable.
“Are you questioning my order, Axel?” His voice was dangerously low. fre/ew.ebnovel.c om
Axel swallowed hard, his confidence faltering under Zayn’s intense gaze. “No, Alpha, but—”
Zayn took a step forward, closing the gap between them. Axel gulped, heart pounding in his chest as he met his Alpha’s eyes.
“You have your orders, Warrior Axel. You are to assist Luna Lily in whatever capacity she requires.”
“Do not make me repeat myself, Warrior Axel. This is an Alpha order, understood?”
The other warriors shifted uncomfortably, tension hanging heavy in the air. Lily watched the exchange with widened eyes.
Axel’s shoulders stiffened, but he lowered his gaze in defeat.
“Yes, Alpha,” he muttered.
The displeasure remained clearly written on his face. His eyes flickered toward Lily, barely disguising his resentment.
Ragnar observed the interaction with keen interest, his weathered face betraying nothing of his thoughts. Ryker remained neutral, while Jett glanced between Lily and Zayn with barely concealed curiosity.
Zayn turned back to Lily.
“They are at your disposal now,” he explained. “If anything happens, look for me or Ezra.”
Lily nodded, her fingers moving to sign a quick “Thank you.”