Luna of the Cursed Alpha King (Helga and Siegren)

SIERRA WAS STUNNED by Helga's challenge, leaving her at a loss for words. She had always heard about Helga's bravery and recklessness, but seeing it firsthand made her realize just how different she was from the previous generations of Queen Lunas. They were known for their indifference towards their husbands and their country, but Helga was actively involved and determined to make a difference. Sierra may not have witnessed her mother's time as Queen, but she knew from stories that it wasn't an easy role to fulfill.

"Helga..." Siegren reaches for Helga's hand, causing her to turn towards him with a smile. Their fingers interlock in a comforting gesture.

"I'm sorry, I am aware that it is not my place to interfere. However, it is also one of my responsibilities to protect you and our country," Helga explained, observing her mate's stunned reaction to her words. "Just as you wanted to protect me."

She gave his hand a gentle squeeze, hoping it would convey the reassurance she couldn't put into words. She then turned to face Sierra once more, and the princess felt her fist clench with resentment. How could she be starting to waver in her resolve, simply from seeing the strong bond between her brother and his wife? Despite her feelings towards them, she couldn't deny that they seemed like a couple who could bring real change to the royal bloodline. They were like a fresh breath of air, free from the toxic influence of their tainted family history.

Maybe, just maybe, they could make the country thrive for generations to come. The thought made her heart ache with both envy and hope.

"I can see that you're wavering, Sierra." Helga's words caused Sierra to startle and break out of her reverie. She turned to face her sister-in-law, taking in her captivating beauty. Despite looking young, Helga exuded a strength and power that suited someone of her brother's caliber. "We are not your enemies, and I'm sure deep in your heart, you know that your brother would never follow in your father's footsteps. Siegren is not one to crave power or cling to family lineage."

"It may be hard to believe, but he also wants to break the cycle of the royal bloodline. He confided in me that if he didn't find his chosen mate this year, he would abandon the idea of Luna selection next year. But my arrival changed everything." she explained, her tone filled with determination to persuade Sierra and resolve any conflict between the siblings. "Your brother is a capable leader and devoted husband, he's different from the previous Kings."

Siegren's heart raced at those words; he never would have expected her to speak so highly of him, especially because of the sincerity in her voice. It was as if she truly believed in him and had complete faith in his abilities. Hearing someone stand up for him besides his loyal pack member filled him with a warm feeling like the sun had finally broken through the clouds and illuminated his world once more.

Unconsciously, his lips formed a genuine smile as he gazed at Helga with tenderness in his eyes, despite the harsh reality surrounding them. When Sierra noticed the look on Siegren's face, something clicked inside her head. In that instant, she felt a mix of relief and guilt, as if her mind had finally caught up with all the mistakes she had made and realized that it was 

she who was following in her father's footsteps all along, not her brother. Her resentment towards the royal bloodline blinded her.

Without warning, Sierra's eyes began to well up with tears, causing Helga's own eyes to widen in surprise. Siegren then quickly turned his head towards his sister, taken aback by the sight of her crying. Before he could ask what was wrong, a deafening explosion shook the beach, sending everyone into a panicked frenzy as they instinctively covered their ears and crouched down for safety. The sound reverberated off the nearby mansion and seemed to echo endlessly across the forest.

Sierra gritted her teeth, regret filling her whole veins, and shouted, “Leave, now!”

She then turned to her brother and Helga, repeating her command with urgency, "You both need to leave immediately!"

"Absolutely not! You will come with us," Siegren declared, taking a step towards his sister and using his Alpha aura to paralyze her in place. Sierra struggled to break free because the accident years ago made her unable to utilize her abilities; hence why she couldn't manage to get away from Siegren's restraints.

"Everyone, come with me. We're leaving the island,” His commanding voice echoed through the minds of every royal guard and servant in the mansion, as well as the wolves who had been locked in a vicious fight. Without a single thought, everyone who was inside the mansion ran outside and the wolves sprinted toward him, their eyes glinting with determination. Once the largest wolf reached him, he carefully lifted Sierra and placed her gently on its back.

With a firm hold on Sierra's men to stop them from attacking, he began sprinting towards the edge of the island, determined to escape before it was wiped from the map. Every step they took was like a race against time, each pounding footfall echoing through the forest. But despite the urgency of their escape, the scent of sea salt and pine still lingered in the air, a gentle reminder of the fleeting beauty that would soon succumb to chaos and devastation.

"N-no! Let me die here with them!" Sierra managed to speak out before feeling another wave of dizziness, the pain in her head worsening and her legs growing weak. However, Siegren paid no heed to her desperate pleas and continued, determined to reach their destination. Suddenly, a loud explosion shook the island, this time much closer and with greater force which made Helga and the other guards thrown to the ground.

Siegren growled and immediately helped Helga to her feet. “Are you okay?”

"I'm fine," Her head bobbed up and down in a slight nod, but Siegren still scooped her up onto his back and took off towards the mansion. His eyes widened as he caught sight of the pavilion ablaze, roaring with flames that licked hungrily at the night sky. He could only assume that this was where the first explosion had originated, as the air was thick with the scent of smoke and burning wood.

"Where's the captain?" Siegren asked one of the servants who had rushed out of the mansion in a panic from the fire and destruction.

"H-he's already preparing the ship, Your Majesty." the servant said, his voice quivering with fear. Siegren acknowledged this and immediately ordered everyone to board as soon as the ship arrived, not knowing where the next explosion might strike.

"Siegren, what about those who were with Sierra?" Helga asked when she got off his back and looked at the princess who was already unconscious.

"Even if I spare their lives, they will not be able to board the ship. We have a strict limit on how many people can be onboard at once. Plus, their deaths can serve as part of Sierra's punishment for murdering the previous Luna candidates." Siegren responded, his eyes scanning their surroundings before settling on Helga. One of the royal guards informed him earlier that they ruined Sierra's boat, so there was no way her accomplice would be able to escape the island.

Helga's lips tightened as she comprehended Siegren's plan, though she couldn't help but feel sympathy for those who were still within the forest. But ultimately, they must face the repercussions of their actions; they had attempted to harm them. No matter who had given the orders or why, they posed a danger to her and Siegren's safety.

Within moments, another deafening explosion reverberated through the dense forest, sending shockwaves through the trees. Flames erupted from the ground, hungrily licking at the dry underbrush and quickly spreading across the forest floor like a raging inferno. The once peaceful landscape was now consumed by a chaotic dance of fire and smoke, creating an eerie glow against the darkening sky.

"Your Majesty!" The captain's voice rang out, causing Siegren to turn and face him with a sense of urgency.

Acting quickly, the Alpha King took Helga's hand and helped her onto the ship first, followed by the wolf carrying Sierra. He then boarded the ship himself and the others before he signaled for it to set sail.

As the ship began moving forward, he took a deep breath and watched as the fire consumed the forest, accompanied by another explosion from inside the mansion. Memories flooded back to him-moments spent with his mother and Sierra when they were children playing in this very place now being reduced to ashes.

"Siegren," Helga's gentle voice interrupted his daydream, bringing him back to reality. She held onto his hand tightly, sensing the overwhelming sadness and pain emanating from him like a tidal wave.

"I'll be fine. This place was in need of a renovation anyway,” he reassured her as he turned to look at her and then glanced over at Sierra, his heart aching at the thought of her lying still with her eyes closed in pain and her complexion drained from using his Alpha aura earlier.

"Still, you told me how this place holds precious memories for you," Helga's voice was barely above a whisper as she ran her thumb over his knuckles, her touch gentle and comforting. Despite the destruction of the mansion behind them, she could still see the hint of sadness in his eyes. The flames from the fire engulfed the grand structure as their ship slowly glided away from it.

They were supposed to be enjoying their honeymoon, but it seemed that no matter where they went, trouble and peril were never far behind.

"Even though the place may no longer physically exist, the memories of it will always live on in my mind. And when the island regains its tranquility and calm, I want to create new memories with you." Siegren replied, "I'm sorry, our honeymoon was interrupted because of an unexpected event."

"Don't worry, the most important thing is that we're both safe and you were able to reunite with your sister." Helga smiled lightly, "But what are your plans once we get back to the palace? What will become of Sierra?"

"Regardless of her status, she must face the consequences of her actions. Therefore, I will temporarily confine her in the dungeon as punishment."