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Liora narrowed her eyes. “I’m in control. I’m completely fine.” She’d never felt better in all her life. The strength that coursed through her veins was exhilarating.“A Luna is the equivalent of an Alpha,” Maia explained, using a calm tone. “That means you’ll also have aggression, power trips, and a strong urge to display dominance and control over others.”“You were born an omega. Your designation subdued these emotions,” Nikolai added. “Your rise in station means all these are heightened. You must learn self-control. Especially since there’s the risk of being corrupted through your bond.”Liora thought about what they said for a moment. If she wanted to be a good Luna and prove to Ronin that she could lead, she’d have to listen to them. Technically, they were also her council now.“Alright,” She sighed. “What do I have to do?”Maia smiled, “The best way to learn control is to start by mastering your new abilities.”“Abilities?”“Indeed. As the Helm and descendant of a legacy bloodl
After trudging across rivers, forests, and open grasslands, hiking miles along a winding and rocky terrain that went higher and higher with each step, the entrance to Lyklos Keep was a glorious sight to behold emerging from the side of the mountain. Ronin could hear a myriad of voices echoing along the path just beyond the stone archway, chanting a sacred hymn to the Goddess that he hadn’t heard since his youth. A fleeting memory teased his mind: sitting on his mother’s knee as she braided his hair, singing a sweet ode that often sent him off to sleep. He wished he could hear her sing again. “Going in?” Thaddeus touched his arm lightly, jolting him from his reverie. “You go,” Sybl urged. “Phoebe and I will keep watch out here until you return.” She moved to the side, sitting on the large boulder near the entrance. Ronin nodded, going in first with his council trailing behind him. Torches lined the walls along the path, shining brighter the deeper they got into the cave. He kept hi
Liora was spending another afternoon down by the fish pond near the greenhouse when her ears picked up the loud rumble of an engine in the distance. She kicked her feet excitedly, dollops of water soaking Callie’s blue shorts.“Liora,” She groaned. “These were my favorite pair.”“He’s back!" Liora sang, giddy as she abandoned her flip-flops, opting to go barefoot as she ran toward the house. It had been three miserable days without her mate, and she was excited to be in his arms again and breathe in his intoxicating scent. Skipping the front steps two by two, Liora veered off to where the plane had landed. Her black frilled mini dress clung to her thighs as she ran, her dark hair floating on the wind. She stuttered to a halt just a few yards away from the plane. Heart leaping in her chest, she greedily took in his appearance. His hair was tousled, hanging over his crimson gaze. A white fitted sweatshirt hugged his torso, tucked into his green cargo pants. A 5 o'clock shadow dusted h
The full moon was especially bright on the night of Liora’s coronation. Shuddering with anticipation, she smoothed her hands down the front of her delicate gown. The white satin was covered in gold embroidered vines and flowers, starting out dense at the lower half of the skirt, and spreading out towards her midriff. The sleeves were fitted lace, flaring out over her knuckles. A heavy gold robe with white fur lining sat on her shoulders, the train pooling behind her.It took weeks, but Maia and her team had managed to pull off one of the most prestigious events the Helm had seen in years. Every high-status wolf from all the neighboring packs would be in attendance. Shifting her eyes from the door to the throne room, she watched as the courtyard slowly filled with civilian wolves.Knowing that they were waiting for her made her heart swell. She prayed to the Goddess that she remembered the proper protocol and didn’t make a fool of herself.The doors to the throne room opened and she st
Ronin knew that his eyes had gone pitch black when Geneda shrank back from him, shivering in fright. He was almost convinced over the last few weeks that his wolf was getting better. The urges had lessened, and the voices had quietened. The deep growl in his head proved just how wrong he was. ‘She dares to invite another male to our bed?’ His wolf was seething. “A-alpha?” Geneda stammered, shrieking when Ronin bared his fangs. Ignoring her, he got to his feet and stalked after his mate. That mate of his was out of her mind if she thought for one moment that he would allow her to fuck another wolf. Over his dead hide. He was naive to trust that she had conceded to their predicament when she didn't push back to him sleeping in the study for as long as he did. Even though he knew through the mind link that she struggled with her heightened sexual desires, he still refused to go to her. Each time they mated put her at risk and he had been determined to protect her. Now she was talkin
Liora fidgeted with the hem of her t-shirt as Dr. Reynolds passed a large hecatolite over her body. The peculiarly shaped stone reminded her of a metal detector, only in this case, he was scrying for any darkness or corruption in her wolf.This was her fourth time on his examination table, but she could never get used to being under such scrutiny. It felt invasive, and her wolf agreed, squirming within her as he moved the glowing stone from head to toe.“Keep still.” The whisper of Ronin’s voice came from her left, filled with anticipation.“Why do we do this every week again? If there was anything–the doctor would’ve found it by now.” She huffed, folding her lips when Dr. Reynolds gave her a stern look. Right. No talking.He made one last pass with the stone before nodding in approval, “Luna’s wolf is clean.” He moved away to the side, scribbling on his clipboard.“Thank you, Doc.” Liora sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the table. “Can we go now? The packs will be here any
“Are you ready, Liora?” Ronin whispered to her as the crowd fell silent, looking at them expectantly.This would be her first time officially addressing her people since the coronation. Considering she used to be an omega with no practice in public speaking, Liora should’ve felt the opposite of ready. To her surprise, all she could feel was a rising urge to display dominance. Linking her fingers with his, she gave him a bold smile.Casting his eyes forward again, Ronin raised his voice for all to hear. “Welcome to our 45th Gauntlet Games!–”Loud cheers erupted, hooting and roars. At the side of the dais, the four visiting Alphas stood in a row, preening at their supporters. Well–all except Alpha Odys. His expression remained blank.“–As is tradition, we’ll kick off the games with the hunt for the Ceryneian Hind.” The Ceryneian was a monstrous fire-snorting doe with a spotted hide and
The rest of the day was filled with several challenges and activities that required teamwork and synergy between the participants. They weren’t exactly doing trust falls, but the daunting games fostered more morale among the people than Liora had seen in a long time. With Alpha Derith’s wedding to be the highlight of the night’s activities, everyone was in high spirits.It took her a while, but she was finally able to slip away from the crowd at sunset, without being drawn into another huddle of small talk and inquisitions from high-status wolves. Dusting off the thighs of her jeans, she scaled the steps of the training center.He was a slippery one, but after a few tries Liora latched on to Nikolai’s strand and found him. Pushing the door open, she was greeted by the rhythmic sound of flesh hitting a hard surface. Moving in rapid succession, his hands whacked the thick bars that extended from the base of the wooden dummy.She stared at his exposed back, gaping at the thin scars that
They guided him through Alastor’s house towards a vast hall. A gazebo was erected in the center, the sides draped with sheer curtains. He could make out tiny details of her silhouette that filtered through.Lupine folk knelt all around, prostrating and weeping, many ripping the skirts of their deep blue robes. The Oracle sat near the entrance, rocking herself back and forth as she mumbled in Greek.Ronin stumbled forward, catching himself against the post.“I’m fine.” He shrugged off Lucien’s helping hand. He didn’t want it.Flipping the curtain aside, he dragged himself in. She lay on a bed of furs and flowers, dressed in a shimmering blue gown, a white rose crown nestled on her head. Her long hair was fanned out over her shoulders, framing the necklace around her neck, which no longer had light.Her hands cradled her belly, almost like she was still protecting their cub.“Liora,” Ronin choked, reaching his trembling hand towards her cheek. It was so cold. His knees gave way and he c
This could not be happening.It wasn’t real.It couldn’t be.She couldn’t be dead.Ronin denied it a thousand different ways inside his head. But her silent heart was too big of a truth for him to ignore. Liora was gone.He killed her.“den me timórises arketá?!” Haven’t you punished me enough? He howled at the moon, holding on to her body like an anchor keeping him from drowning. The colder her skin became, the deeper he sank.He couldn’t think about Maia, sobbing a few feet away. He couldn’t spare a second for Nikolai, who still hadn’t moved from his slumped position.“You can’t be dead,” Ronin coaked, stroking her cheek with trembling fingers. “I can’t do this without you, Liora. Open your eyes!” He touched her lids softly, willing them to pop open, for a blush of red to color her cheeks and for the blue hue in her lips to fade.Kaon, his wolf, recoiled deep into his subconscious, seeking a quiet corner to hide from the agony. Ronin would give him no reprieve.Ronin got to his feet
Liora cried softly into the crook of Nikolai’s shoulder as he carried her through the dense forest. She could feel the sorrow of the pack, hitting her in waves. So many were injured. So many dead.Who would be so cruel, showing no mercy to women and children?What manner of foe was this that drove them from their home?Liora wished she could snap her fingers and make it all go away. The most she could do now was to share in their pain and grief and send soothing words across the mind link.‘Everything’s gonna be okay,’ She resonated. ‘By the Goddess.’“Luna.” Nikolai’s voice sounded tight. Liora didn’t realize how close her lips had inched to his neck. She had no urge to bite him, but she could sense that he still craved it.“Sorry.” She eased away, wiping her eyes. “Can you put me down? I’d like to walk for a while.”“Walk to where?” Callie scoffed, giving Liora a pointed look. She looked way too comfortable perched over Alastor’s shoulder. “You can barely walk a yard with that ten-p
Liora’s lips pressed into a thin line as she watched Ronin go down the hillside. Fine. She turned to Maia, grabbing her hand tightly, “Find Callie. She’ll be hiding somewhere around the old cabins.”“Everything’s going to be fine, Luna.” Maia planted a kiss on her wrist. “I’ll come find you later. Let’s go, Lucien.”They ran to the treeline with Thaddeus and Derith close behind. Liora let Nikolai lift her into his arms as smoky tendrils curled around Enas and the Oracle. When the smoke cleared, they were courtyards of the Beta den. Lupine folk were rushing toward the left backwoods path tucked at the end of the rows of buildings. Guards directed the flow of people while monitoring the entrance gates for mercenaries.A hand lightly touched her shoulder and she jumped. When did the Oracle get so close?“Apologies, Luna. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Inclined her head. “Enas and I will go ahead first and assist Alastor’s pack in receiving the pliveíos.” The Oracle clutched Liora’s hand
Liora’s eyes popped open when she felt a strange sensation in her chest. It was as if a hot wax strip was applied and ripped off without warning. High off euphoria, closed her eyes again, not thinking too much of it.Fifteen minutes ticked by before she noticed that the incessant urge for lupine flesh was gone.It was... gone?!The first thing that came to her mind was to tell Ronin, but she couldn’t interrupt him. So, she did the next best thing.“Caius!” She elbowed him repeatedly, unable to contain her laughter.“Yes, Luna?” He looked at her through one lazy eye that widened in surprise. “Your eyes– they’re normal.”Liora nodded, “I can’t feel the curse in my bond anymore. It’s gone!” If her belly wasn’t so big, she would run out into the feel and frolic like a carefree cub. “How is this possible, Caius? Does that mean Ronin is cured too?!”“I’m the last person you should be asking,” He laughed. “This is a time of miracles. Better not look the gift horse in the mouth.”Light grey s
As the sun made its descent on the horizon, the lupine folk slowly started to fill the clearing. It started with one or two until the entire field was filled with silhouettes dressed in white robes. The adults lounged around in circles, talking animatedly, while the cubs frolicked and chased each other in vigorous play.Looking farther out, Ronin could see Gamma and Delta warriors standing along the perimeter fence, clad from head to toe in tactical gear. Naturally, he couldn't see the shadow assassins, but he was confident they would be well hidden and vigilant.The golden crown on his head felt too heavy as if he would crumple under the weight. Would he be able to wear it after tonight? Would he be worthy? He wasn’t sure. All he could do was count down the minutes until the Rites would begin and he could cure his mate once and for all.Ronin felt the air shimmer beside him. He didn’t have to look to know it was Nikolai. “Everything’s set?”“Yes Alpha, it is all in place according to
“How much of this are we telling them again?” Thaddeus asked as hurried to catch up with Ronin’s quick pace. Ronin cast a sidelong glance in his direction.“We tell them everything except about the curse.” Ronin paused at the entrance of the large boardroom, allowing Geneda to adjust his black silk tie. Brushing his assistant away, he flexed his shoulders and rolled his head to ease the tension in his neck. “They need to know the truth about our Origin so that we can enlighten the packs during the ceremony later tonight.”The attendants opened the double doors and Ronin strolled in with an air of confidence that he didn’t quite feel.All twelve members of his council were present, along with his Regents, their seconds in command, Grandmaster Platon from Lyklos Keep, Elder Enas, and the Oracle. They had moved a much larger table in to accommodate everyone, wide enough that he and Liora could sit side by side at the head of the table.Liora was already settled, dressed in a dark green of
Liora stared at him, drinking in every inch of his towering frame. Her cub leaped within her, kicking with excitement. She tried not to get hopeful but it was a reflex she could not control. For as long as they were bonded, she would have faith that they would find their way back to each other, no matter how long it took.“Get out, omega.” Ronin stepped to the side. Callie threw her a pitiful look before scurrying past him down the hall.“Is there something you need?” Liora waved him in. “I have to see Doctor Reynolds in a few minutes.”As he stepped over the threshold, Liora felt like he was sucking all the air and light from the room. Wanting to put some space between them, she shuffled towards the window, gently perching herself on the loveseat.“That won’t be necessary, I already told him you will be present at the rites.”Liora hummed. “Understood. Do you need a towel to dry off?”“What do you mean?”“Your hair. It’s dripping wet.” Not waiting for his response, she padded to the
“Liora, honey, what are you doing out of bed?” Callie’s voice was low and careful. Everyone spoke to her that way nowadays, as if any louder and she would shatter into a million unrecoverable pieces.Ronin beat them to it weeks ago.“I just wanted to stand for a bit,” Liora let the curtains slide back in place and let her friend guide her back to the bed. She’d hoped that Caius could get through to Ronin, but by the looks of it, nothing good came from their conversation.Holding the underside of her belly, she gingerly sat on the edge of the mattress. Callie settled beside her, reaching out to take her hand.“No.” Liora pulled back, throat thick with emotion. “Don’t comfort me. That makes it worse.” Hot tears pooled in her eyes and she swiped angrily at them. “Damnit! I’m so tired of crying.”“I cannot stand your tears, Luna.” Callie’s eyes went wide, filled with grief. “Please let me soothe you. The stress is not good for the baby.”“I said don’t!” Liora snapped. She knew Callie just