Marked By The Alpha's Cursed Blue Moon
Chapter 29. Crossroads of the Heart

Chapter 29: 29. Crossroads of the Heart

Bernard stayed silent for a while, unsure of how to respond to the intense question thrown at him by the highest priest.

"Hmm... If success means that everyone will be happy and no harm will come close to my family and loved ones, then I will pay any price to get success!" he finally said, taking a deep breath, his voice laced with courage and determination.

The highest priest looked deep into Bernard’s eyes.

"You don’t dictate or choose what success puts before you as the price to pay... You can only decide to pay it or not."

He turned away slowly, his robes swaying with the movement.

"You must return home and think about everything. Decide if you’re truly ready to make any sacrifice necessary to protect your kind and all that you hold dear."

"You must leave now and return only when your heart is made up," the lady in white, who had earlier brought Bernard to the sacred hall, spoke gently.

Bernard’s face tightened with worry. "But... how will I find this place again once my mind is made up?"

"Just follow your heart," she replied, her tone serene. "The ring in your hand will lead you to the path of righteousness."

As she touched Bernard’s shoulder, they both vanished from the presence of the highest priest, like mist blown away by the wind...

Meanwhile, back at the mansion, it was already late into the night. Beta Gilbert had been calling Bernard repeatedly, but his phone remained unreachable.

Both he and Victoria were on edge, their faces drawn with anxiety. The living room lights were still on as they sat, worried and restless.

"Should we call the police?" Victoria suggested, wringing her fingers together in fear. "It’s unlike him to be gone this long."

"No," Beta Gilbert said firmly. "Not yet. I’ve already sent out our men to find him. We’ll wait for their report first. There’s no need to cause panic when nothing is certain."

"But I can’t just sit here!" she cried. "What if something terrible has happened?"

"Don’t worry," he tried to reassure her. "Our son is strong. He’s the Alpha of this pack. No harm can come to him."

As if on cue, they heard the creaking sound of the main gate opening.

"That must be our men. Bernard must be with them!" Victoria exclaimed with sudden hope, rushing to the door.

But the moment of hope turned into disappointment. The guards entered—without Bernard.

"Where is Bernard?" Beta Gilbert asked, locking eyes with Mason, the leader of the search party.

"Sir, we’ve searched everywhere," Mason reported. "Every possible place within the city... there’s no sign of him. But I’ve already sent men out to the far ends of the city—and beyond. I believe we’ll have him back by morning."

Beta Gilbert let out a deep sigh, placing his hands on the back of his neck as he sank into the couch, speechless.

Just then, Maria walked out of her room, drawn by the commotion.

"What’s going on? Why does everyone look so tense?" she asked, her eyes darting around, but no one offered her an answer.

The atmosphere remained heavy until Victoria’s voice broke through the silence.

"Mason, please... bring him back. I can’t lose my son. I just can’t!" she pleaded through tears.

"Don’t worry, ma’am," Mason said, his voice filled with confidence. "We’ll bring him back safe and sound."

As he turned to leave with his men, the gate creaked open once more.

Everyone—Maria, Beta Gilbert, and Victoria—rushed outside.

To their relief and utter joy, it was Bernard. He drove into the compound slowly and calmly.

"My son!" Victoria cried out, running to embrace him as he stepped out of the car. "Where have you been? I missed you!"

Bernard looked around, surprised by the drama unfolding before him.

"Mom? Dad? What’s going on?" he asked, confused.

"You’ve had us worried all night," Beta Gilbert said with a relieved sigh. "Your phone was off. We thought something had happened."

"I’m sorry," Bernard said, trying to explain. "I went outside the city. I needed to seek help from some sources... about everything that’s going on."

"You should’ve called," his father said, shaking his head.

"My phone battery died. I got caught up in what I was doing and lost track of everything," Bernard replied, holding his mom’s hand as they all walked into the living room. Maria followed behind quietly.

As the conversations continued, Maria turned to leave, feeling once again like an outsider.

But just as she stepped away, Beta Gilbert called her name.

She stopped and turned.

"Why are you so quiet? Where are you going?" he asked, concerned.

"I was just going to bed," she replied softly. "I have to leave early for college."

"Maria... are you mad at us?" he asked, approaching her.

She said nothing, only shook her head gently.

"I want you to know you’re part of this family," he said with sincerity, resting his hands on her shoulders. "I apologize for any way Bernard might have treated you. Please forgive him. He’s going through a lot, but I believe he’ll change."

"I understand, sir," Maria replied with a faint smile. "And it’s okay. I just have a lot on my mind too, but I’ll be fine."

"I know you will," he said warmly. "Good night, my dear."

"Good night, sir."

Maria walked away and shut her door. Once alone, she flopped onto her bed, exhausted. Her mind raced with thoughts—of James, Bernard, and the pain still buried from her parents’ death.

Something didn’t sit right. She couldn’t shake the feeling that their death wasn’t an accident.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Before she could say anything, the door creaked open.

It was Bernard.

He stopped at the doorway, noticing the irritation on her face. "I’m sorry for just walking in."

"It’s okay," Maria said flatly. "Why are you here?"

"I need to talk to you... about something important," Bernard started, then paused, lost in thought. I can’t tell her everything... not yet, he thought to himself, forcing a smile.

"I need your advice," he said aloud. "With everything happening... what do you think I should do as Alpha? Should I tell the elders?"

Maria looked at him for a moment, then spoke. "I think you should stay calm. Gather enough proof about who is behind all this before you tell anyone. Especially the elders."

Bernard nodded. "Thanks, Maria. That means a lot to me. It’s a relief knowing you’re on my side."

Without saying more, he got up and walked out...