Sophie started her training with Monique. Twice a day, on morning and afternoon. Sophie wanted to rush it. The war was getting near, yet here she was; stuck on the basic. She dared form a guild to help the Kingdom, when she didn’t even know anything about healing. Sophie felt embarrassed.
They had only been training for a couple of days. So far, the only thing Sophie had learned was how the constant use of healing ability would drain oneself, not only physically but physiologically, as well. She learned it because she experienced it. Every single time their session end, Sophie would feel listless. It was extremely tiring that sleeping wasn’t even helping her regain her strength. Now, they were just about to start. But she felt so… sleepy and depleted. Like she had used all her energy in their past session.
“My head hurts a lot, Flora.” Sophie shut her eyes tight. She rested her back on the bench she was sitting, and held her head to support it. “Do you see Ms. Monique? I would like to call this day off.”
“I knew it.” Flora sighed, and sat beside her. “Come, My Lady. I’ll take you to the Alpha’s den.”
“No…” Sophie shook her head. “He has an important meeting today, I can’t bother him.”
Sophie was aware of the problem both Axel and Efraim came across to. They had talked about it yesterday night. It was the same reason Sophie was not able to tell Axel what she had been feeling. She didn’t want to worry him, and add up to his problem.
Not when he’s supposed to have his mind focused on more important things. The war was on its way, he can’t be disturbed.
In addition to that, she was the one who came up with this schedule.
“Then, would you want to go home?” Flora asked with concern. “Stay still, My Lady. I will call the driver.”
Sophie nodded. “Please, do so.”
Sophie was pressured. She still went today despite her headache because she didn’t want to waste twenty-four hours. She wanted to learn, and grow until the day of the war. So, she could participate and help Axel. So, she could go there with the guild. She thought it would help if she’d double the session.
The only flaw was that she didn’t think of the consequences. She didn’t think of what might happened to her. She didn’t pay attention to the aftermath and just simply charged-in. Now, she had to waste another day to relieved this indisposition.
Flora, who was beside Sophie, tried to contact the driver. She had noticed the gloomy aura her grace had since yesterday morning, but she ignored it. She didn’t want to get in her way. She got worked up in learning. But seeing Sophie in her state right now, made her feel guilt.
Because she knew she was the one who put this idea in her head. It was her who suggested to learn, and have experienced.
“I’m sorry I took long. I had to talk to Ms. Jennifer.”
Right when Flora finally managed to contact the driver, Monique appeared. Flora motioned her hands, and pointed to Sophie who looked pale in the bench. Monique quikly understood what Flora meant by her gestures.
“I’m sorry. I’ll just talk to the chaffeur.” Flora excused herself.
Monique nodded her head. She continued to walk towards the Alpha’s Luna. She immediately recognized Sophie’s indisposition. Her face clearly showed it. Monique bet she was feeling sleepy right now. It was the side effect of overusing her power.
“You never used your power often, so the source was triggered.” Monique spoke before she sat on the other side of the bench.
“Ms. Monique…” With her pale and dry lips, Sophie called her mistress’ name. “I deeply apologize. But I have to cancel our practice today.”
“I understand.” Monique smiled at Sophie. “You’re eager to learn. You’re young, and you had no idea this is going to happen. There’s no need to apologize, Luna.”
“Thank you––“
“But please, allow me to ask. Why are you in a hurry?”
–––––
“I’m not an expert in war. So, you’re the only one befitted to lead both the Wesleyeians and your wolves, Alpha of the Western Border. I trust your knowledge in the battlefield.” Efraim said to support Axel’s suggestion of being the one in-charged in their formation. “However, how do you plan on defeating August? He seemed to have something under his sleeves. His men has gotten stronger.”
“Some of my men are interrogating those who fought the Crimson Red, as we speak. And I am hoping we could get something useful.” Axel’s voice remained composed. “However, regarding to your claim, Efraim. I would like to come forward with my honesty. I don’t think I have mentioned this before. But I asked Edward to gather intel. I wanted to know what August would do, especially when the word spread about our alliance. Just like your concern, I was bothered of the kind of trick he might pull to defeat us in this war.”
Efraim’s brows creased. “And?”
“August refused to receive help from any of his allies.” Edward spoke.
This was something he had already told the Alpha of the Western Border yesterday. Edward personally met with Axel, to report what he had gathered. How August did not want any of his allies to participate in the war. How he was confident to defeat both the Wesleyeians, and Western Border. And what August was planning to do afterwards.
But on top of that, what Edward found out was not only his plans, but his evil deeds as well.
“The Crimson Red has someone from the Human World, Efraim. And that person was helping August to get his men stronger.”
It was a scientist, as what Humans called it. A person whose job was to study the natural and physical science. Apparently, August made a deal to the said scientist. He allowed his men to his test subjects, in exchange of the drug.
The drug was what made August’s men strong. An enhancer made to boost their physical strength.
And Efraim was right. August indeed had something under his sleeve.
“What?”