---- 6 But I didn't say it directly, just deflected. "I was just speaking casually. Don't overthink it. Since we haven't had our mating ceremony yet, I want to go back to Stormfang Pack first and explain things to my family." Damon clearly didn't believe me and wanted to ask more questions, but Lydia interrupted. "Miss Rivers, I heard you're a chief healer and a pillar of the research institute. I know where to find precious blood moon grass. Want to take a look? If we could gather fresh blood moon grass, that would be even better-it's a key ingredient for werewolf strength enhancement potions." I shook my head. "No thanks. I don't want to look, and I don't want to gather herbs." But Lydia persisted. "Don't worry, Miss Rivers. The elite guard teams from both Ironwood Pack and Ashen Peaks Pack are here. There won't be any danger. We'll all go together." ---- Damon's expression darkened. He obviously didn't want me to go either, and still wanted me to clarify what I'd said earlier. But then the guard team members started persuading him. "Alpha, let Luna go. Today is the last day of blood moon grass blooming season. Blood moon grass is the raw material for werewolf strength enhancement potions. If we could gather several stalks to make potions, it would greatly boost our pack's power." After speaking, one of them leaned close to Damon's ear and whispered something. Damon's face instantly darkened, but after what seemed like several seconds of hesitation, he finally nodded. As Lydia pulled me away, I felt an uneasy feeling in my heart. Ihad the sense they were brewing some plan. I just wanted to gather the herbs quickly and leave. But just as Lydia and I entered the herb section of the ---- hunting grounds, Lydia suddenly received an urgent mindlink from Ashen Peaks Pack members. She said seriously to Damon, "Our pack's Alpha is requesting support. There must be an emergency situation. Come with me to check it out." Damon frowned, clearly somewhat impatient, but Lydia grabbed his sleeve, her voice tearful. "Our two packs have been allies for generations. Even if you don't marry me, our pack has strongly supported your Alpha King campaign. When our pack faces difficulties, you can't just abandon us, right?" Damon finally compromised. He turned to me and said, "Sage, I'll take some people with her to check on Ashen Peaks Pack. You go gather herbs first, and when you're tired, head back. I'll leave guard team. members with you." I nodded, but felt even more uneasy. After Damon left, I was about to leave when those guard team members stopped me again, saying it was rare to encounter fresh blood moon grass, so we