Novels by Ryder Alegria

Daciana’s P.O.VAdam sat with me at the edge of the pool, our feet gently kicking against the rippling surface of the waters as we stared into the horizon. The sun was well above us now, and the birds which I had scared off when I screamed had slowly begun to return to their nests up in the trees.There was a deer right across the pool from us. It paid us no attention, focused solely on having its fill of water. But each time it had a tree branch snap, it would raise its head and stare at us, watching to know if we were a danger to its peaceful life, until it turned and trotted back into the shadows of the forest.“Maybe I should have struck it down,” Adam said regretfully as we watched the deer leave.I jabbed his side with my elbow and laughed softly. “Why would you say that?” I asked, leaning back with my palms pressed against the ground to hold me up.“Have you ever eaten Venison?” He responded with a question of his own.I paused and looked at him. “You don’t know what it is, do

Daciana's P.O.VThe Moon Festival, and Milton’s wedding ceremony were only days away. The pack was excited, with everyone, young and old eagerly partaking in the preparations.The courtyard of Milton’s house was unusually busy by this time of the morning. The flowers were being trimmed, while the lawn hummed with the sound of mowers shaping it into perfection.Amelia and I didn’t belong here. We were guests, outsiders only tolerated because the Alpha had taken a liking to us. But with his wedding soon, it wouldn't be long before the elders reminded him–subtly or otherwise–that my presence wasn’t welcome, and I had to leave.Standing over the chaos by the balcony’s edge, I quietly watched as everyone went about their designated duties. I didn’t make a sound. I was too afraid of the condescending stares and whispers I’d get if the villagers saw me“Ciana?” A little voice called out to me, soft footsteps approaching from behind me.“Amelia. I didn’t know you were awake,” I smiled, and hu

Milton's P.O.VI stood out in the hallway, my knuckles hovering over the wooden door, hesitation tangling around my thoughts like a thread, pulling me in every direction, but not forward. I let my hand fall to my sides and exhaled deeply, my shoulders dropping as I eased the tension that had risen in my throat.I took a sharp breath, squared my shoulders, and steeled myself. Giving no room to second thoughts, I raised my hand and knocked softly on the door.“Daciana,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “Are you up?”I pressed my ears against the door, though I didn't need to. I could hear her breathing just fine from beyond it, but I did so anyway.“Daciana,” I called to her again, my voice rising slightly higher than before. “I know you're awake. I can hear you cursing under your breath.”A sudden chill swept across the hallway and Daciana's voice beyond the door vanished. Moments after, I heard her feet shuffle across the floor until she got to the door and opened it just enough

Milton’s P.O.V“I didn’t say you could come in.”I was writing down a report on the preparations for the moon festival. It was all I could do to keep the thoughts of Daciana away from my head. The sound of her voice when my hands caressed her skin. The warmth and sweet aroma of her body…My plan to keep her out of my head was failing, until Davies walked into my office without permission.“I don’t recall ever needing your permission to come see you,” Davies frowned as he took a seat across the table. “What are you doing?” He asked, leaning forward to steal a glance at the piece of paper between us both.“Arrangements for the festival,” I responded without sparing him a glance.“Good.” He said firmly, and sank back into his seat.I paused, feeling uneasy with the way he’d accepted my answer so gladly. “Why good?” I asked, dropping my pen and finally gazing at him.“Because there’s someone here to see you,” he smiled proudly.I glanced at the wall clock above the office door, it was alm

Daciana's P.O.V Exploring the village a second time with Amelia gave me deja vu of the old woman and her crumbling relic store. It was strange to be back in the midst of people. They kept their distance and stared at us like some virus roaming their streets.Amelia didn't seem bothered. She was excited to finally be somewhere peaceful enough to let her be a child once more. A place where she could be free to play around all day and night.While we walked down to Adam's home, a boy just around Amelia’s age or a year older approached us and stretched out a hand to her.“Hi… I'm Silver.” He smiled, rocking forward and backwards slightly on his feet.Amelia looked back at me, like she needed my approval before saying a word. I smiled at her and she quickly spun around to Silver and shook his hand.“I'm Amelia.”“You're new here. I haven't seen you before,” said Silver. His smile widened as he studied Amelia curiously.“Yes. I just arrived a few days ago,” Amelia responded.“Are you stayi

Daciana's P.O.VI walked back to the bedroom with a knot in my chest. I didn't understand why, but I was bothered by Milton's conversation with Robert and Adam.When I got to the room, I couldn't keep my feet still. I paced the long length of the bedroom, hands clenched around my body. Was this why he didn't bother looking for me when I left?Amelia was more concerned about my sudden mood swing. A little while ago, I was happily discussing with her. Now,I was not even aware of her presence. She stood in front of me to block my path, hoping to get my attention, but I bumped right into her.It's safe to say she did get my attention, but not how she'd expected to.“Are you hurt?” I asked, leaning over to help her back on her feet.“I'm fine,” she answered, rubbing her hands over her butt cheeks. “What about you Ciana?” “I'm fine,” I lied, gazing into those beautiful brown eyes of hers. “I just need some time alone.”“Is this about Milton?” She asked, striding over to the bed and liftin