Chapter 2 THE GIRL FROM CRYSTAL PARK

THE GIRL FROM CRYSTAL PARK

CRYSTAL PARK TERRITORY

The morning sun slowly rose above Crystal Park, spreading golden light across the beautiful territory. Unlike Moon Park, which was known for its strict rules and intimidating warriors, Crystal Park was peaceful and welcoming.

The pack members lived like one big family. Children ran through the gardens, women gathered near the marketplace, and warriors trained in the open fields.

But not everyone was enjoying the beautiful morning.

"Yvonne! Yvonne Diamond!"

A loud voice echoed through the house.

Yvonne rolled her eyes as she hurried down the stairs, holding a piece of toast between her teeth.

"I'm coming!"

"You said that ten minutes ago!"

Standing in the living room was her best friend, Isabella, with her hands firmly placed on her waist.

Yvonne removed the toast from her mouth.

"Good morning to you too, sunshine."

"Don't sunshine me. You're late again."

Yvonne laughed.

"Relax. The world won't end because I woke up ten minutes late."

"Your father is going to end you if you keep behaving like this."

At the mention of her father, Yvonne's smile disappeared slightly.

"Is he looking for me?"

"He's been asking about you since breakfast."

Yvonne sighed.

"Wonderful. What have I done this time?"

Isabella shrugged.

"Who knows? Maybe he finally discovered that you sneaked out last night."

Yvonne's eyes widened.

"Keep your voice down!"

Isabella burst into laughter.

"You're impossible."

Yvonne picked up her handbag.

"And you're too dramatic. Let's go."

The two girls stepped outside, unaware that the peaceful morning was about to take an unexpected turn.

THE DIAMOND RESIDENCE

Alpha Richard Diamond sat behind his large wooden desk, studying a report delivered by one of his warriors.

His expression was serious.

Across from him stood his Beta, Marcus.

"Are you certain about this?" Richard asked.

"Yes, Alpha. Our scouts confirmed that the attackers crossed the northern border yesterday."

"Did they leave any evidence?"

Marcus nodded.

"One of our warriors found a strange symbol near the abandoned watchtower."

He placed a small piece of paper on the desk.

Richard examined it carefully.

His expression changed immediately.

"The Winterfall symbol?"

"Yes, Alpha."

Richard leaned back in his chair.

"That cannot be a coincidence."

"Should we inform Moon Park?"

Richard remained silent for a moment.

"Not yet. I want to know why someone carrying that symbol is operating near our territory."

A knock interrupted their conversation.

"Come in," Richard ordered.

The door opened, revealing Yvonne.

"Good morning, Daddy."

Richard looked up.

"Yvonne. Sit down."

She glanced at Marcus before taking the chair opposite her father.

"Am I in trouble?"

"Must you always assume that you're in trouble?"

"Well, experience has taught me a few things."

Marcus tried to hide his smile.

Richard shook his head.

"Your mother would have spoiled you even more."

Yvonne smiled.

"She knew I was special."

"She also knew you were stubborn."

"That too."

Richard's expression softened, but it quickly became serious again.

"Yvonne, I need you to be careful. There have been suspicious movements near the northern border. Until we understand what's happening, I don't want you wandering outside the territory."

Yvonne frowned.

"Daddy, I'm not a child."

"I know. But you're my daughter, and I won't take unnecessary risks with your safety."

She sighed.

"Fine. I promise I'll be careful."

Richard nodded.

"That's all I ask."

THE NORTHERN BORDER

Later that afternoon, Yvonne and Isabella walked through the marketplace.

Yvonne stopped at a small jewellery stall and examined a silver necklace.

"Isabella, look at this."

"It's beautiful."

Yvonne lifted the necklace towards her neck.

"I think I'll buy it."

"Of course you will. You always find something you want."

Yvonne laughed.

"That's because beautiful things deserve to be appreciated."

They continued walking until they reached a quieter road leading towards the northern gardens.

Isabella suddenly stopped.

"Yvonne, shouldn't we head back?"

Yvonne glanced at her.

"Why?"

"Your father specifically told you not to wander around."

"We're still inside Crystal Park."

"That doesn't mean I trust your definition of being careful."

Yvonne shook her head.

"You're such a coward."

Before Isabella could respond, a strange noise came from the trees.

Both girls froze.

"What was that?" Isabella whispered.

Yvonne turned towards the forest.

"Probably an animal."

Then they heard it again.

A low growl.

This time, it was much closer.

Isabella grabbed Yvonne's arm.

"Let's go."

But before they could move, a wounded man stumbled out of the trees.

His clothes were torn, and blood covered his arm.

"Help me," he whispered.

Yvonne immediately rushed towards him.

"Oh my goodness! What happened to you?"

The man grabbed her wrist.

"Stay away from the northern border."

Yvonne frowned.

"What? Who did this to you?"

He struggled to speak.

"Winterfall..."

His eyes suddenly rolled backwards, and he collapsed.

"Isabella! Help me!"

The two girls tried to lift him, but he was too heavy.

Isabella quickly called for the guards.

Within minutes, several warriors arrived and carried the injured man away.

Yvonne stared at the forest.

Something was terribly wrong.

And the name the stranger had whispered continued to echo in her mind.

Winterfall.

MOON PARK TERRITORY

Lucian stood in the training grounds, watching his warriors practise.

His black training shirt clung to his broad shoulders, and sweat glistened along his neck.

"Again!" he commanded.

Two warriors immediately resumed fighting.

Lucian watched their movements with an unreadable expression.

"Your left side is exposed. If this were a real battle, you'd already be dead."

The warriors lowered their heads.

"Sorry, Alpha."

"Don't apologise. Improve."

Adrian approached him with a tablet in his hand.

"Alpha, we received a report from Crystal Park."

Lucian took the tablet.

"What happened?"

"One of their warriors was found injured near the northern border. Before losing consciousness, he mentioned the Winterfall name."

Lucian's eyes narrowed.

"Is he still alive?"

"Yes. But he's unconscious."

"Did he identify the attackers?"

"No."

Lucian handed the tablet back.

"Arrange a meeting with Alpha Richard. I want answers."

Adrian nodded.

"Should we send a formal invitation?"

Lucian gave him a cold look.

"Do I look like a man who needs an invitation to speak with another Alpha?"

"No, Alpha."

"Then make the arrangements."

Adrian turned to leave.

"One more thing," Lucian added.

Adrian stopped.

"Yes?"

"Find out whether anyone from Crystal Park witnessed the attack."

"Understood."

Lucian looked towards the northern mountains.

The Winterfall name was being dragged into something dangerous.

And he intended to discover who was responsible.

CRYSTAL PARK - THAT NIGHT

Yvonne sat beside her bedroom window, staring at the necklace she had purchased earlier.

Her thoughts kept returning to the injured stranger.

There had been something strange about his warning.

Why had he mentioned Winterfall?

She picked up her phone and called Isabella.

"Hello?"

"Hey. Are you thinking about what happened today?"

Isabella sighed.

"Of course I am. I can't stop thinking about that poor man."

"Do you think someone from Moon Park attacked him?"

"I don't know, Yvonne. But your father seemed very worried."

Yvonne looked outside.

"Something tells me this is only the beginning."

"Please don't start investigating anything. I know you."

Yvonne smiled faintly.

"I haven't even said anything."

"You don't have to. Your silence is suspicious."

Yvonne laughed.

"Goodnight, Isabella."

"Goodnight. And stay out of trouble."

The call ended.

Yvonne placed her phone on the bedside table and turned off the lamp.

She had no idea that a meeting between two powerful Alphas was about to bring her face-to-face with the most feared man in the northern territories.

A man who believed love was nothing but a weakness. And a man whose heart would soon be challenged by the one woman he never expected to meet.