“I’ve found it!” River shouted then covered her mouth quickly, in order to disturb the stillness of the night and sleeping residents of the pack house.“It is the Scepter of King Sebastian Vettella!” River whispered to Selene. Some other writings in the scroll then began to make sense.“Whoever owns the Sacred Scepter will rule the Lycan Kingdom forever. His pack shall reign supreme and flourish through all generations. The Scepter holds the power to control all supernatural beings and maintain peace with humans.In the hand of the righteous ruler, it brings blessing; if with the wicked, it unleashes curse eternally.”River’s eyes widened as she read the ancient texts. Such a powerful artifact!No wonder it was well hidden. It could bring disaster if accidentally discovered. River wondered if Thane and Theresa knew about the scepter. Alpha Malcolm would definitely know about it. River checked the date on the parchment. Over a century old! She pondered about the artifact. If it
River considered confronting Bea but she was not sure that she added anything to Thane’s water that particular day. She decided to wait for Bea to leave the kitchen before she would go back to her room and decide what to do with Bea. But then, she saw Bea rest her back against the kitchen wall, her head bowed and tears were dropping from her eyes.“I don’t know what to do. I am suspecting Luna Axel. It seems she is harming Young Alpha through me. I am obliged to obey her because she got me this job and saved me from the slave traders. I won’t harm my Master. No, I will not. But… my family. What should I do?” Bea thought.And River heard Bea’s thoughts from her hiding place. She saw as Bea brought out the potion vial from her apron pocket, shook her head and returned it without opening. River nodded in understanding. Bea was on her way to redemption already.As the morning meal was served, River blended into the background, observing as Thane and the others ate and drank, unaware of t
Since Bea confessed without knowing that River already found her out, River decided to be lenient with her. She asked Bea to submit all the potion vials to her room and keep pretending as if she was doing Axel’s bidding. Grateful for being pardoned and an opportunity to seek redemption, Bea did as instructed. River herself took up the duty of changing Thane’s water. Thane initially raised eyebrows but decided to let River be, as long as she did not disturb him. During another visit to the library, River gathered all the books that caught her interest, her arms cradling them like precious treasures, and returned to her room. She dove into the stories, devouring every word, every sentence. Hours melted away, the fire crackling, and the moon rising high in the night sky.As she read, inspiration stirred within River. Alero's courage, Kaid's resilience, and the other stories merged into a symphony of hope. Her heart swelled, filling with a newfound sense of purpose. She knew that these
River's fingers trailed the spine of the next book, its leather cover worn smooth by countless readings. "The Lame Warrior's Triumph," she whispered, opening the pages to reveal the tale of Kaid.Thane's eyes sparkled with curiosity as River began to read:"Kaid, a warrior injured in battle, was deemed unfit for later battles. Yet, he refused to accept fate's dictate. Instead, he honed his mind, sharpening his wit and strategic thinking."As River spoke, Thane's imagination conjured Kaid's determined face, his eyes burning with a fire that would not be extinguished."Kaid studied the ancient art of warfare," River continued, "poring over dusty tomes and seeking wisdom from battle-hardened veterans. He learned to adapt, to outmaneuver, and to outthink his foes."Thane's gaze intensified, his mind racing with the possibilities. He saw Kaid, limping across the battlefield, yet leading his troops to victory through sheer force of will."Kaid's greatest strength lay not in his physical pro
River shrugged. “Just because. If not for your injury, you are meant to be a great alpha, leading the pack into victory. That is a great destiny, right?”Thane's eyes flashed with anger, but River held his gaze, her own eyes filled with compassion and understanding. “The fact that you are bound to the wheelchair presently does not mean that is the end of your life. No. we must find a way to break the spell hindering your cure and get you cured. Then, you can become the pack’s alpha and even achieve greater things. I know you can do it, Thane.”Slowly, the tension in his body began to ease, replaced by a deep sadness."I feel so trapped," Thane whispered, his voice cracking. "I want to protect you, to keep you safe. But I'm stuck in this chair, unable to do anything."River's hand tightened around his, offering what comfort she could. "You're not alone, Thane," she said. "I'm here with you, and together, we'll face whatever challenges come our way."As she spoke, River leaned forward,
Thane's mood had shifted, like the changing tides. The darkness that once shrouded him began to recede, replaced by a sense of purpose.As River closed the book, Thane's gaze drifted toward the guards stationed at the clearing's edge. Their watchful presence served as a reminder: Axel's pack still lurked in the shadows, waiting to strike. Just like the rogue wolf.Despite the looming threat, Thane felt a sense of calm wash over him. River's stories had awakened something within – a resilience he thought he had lost."River," Thane said, his voice low and thoughtful, "I feel like I have been sleepwalking through life, since that incident. But hearing Alero's and Kaid's stories, it is like I am waking up."River's smile was warm, encouraging. "That is the power of knowledge, Thane. We can find strength in our weaknesses."Thane's eyes locked onto River's, his expression serious. "But what about Axel's pack? They will not stop until they have destroyed everything."River's gaze flicked t
The following morning, Thane's eyes narrowed as he contemplated Axel's threat. He knew he could not take her on physically, not in his wheelchair. But River's stories had taught him that true strength lay in strategy and resilience.He stared at the crumpled threat note on his desk. Axel's words seared into his mind: "Thane will never be yours. You will pay for interfering." The audacity of her claim ignited a fire within him. A soft knock on the door at that moment produced River, bright and lively."How dare she?" Thane muttered, his fingers tightening into fists.River, sensing his tension, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder as she saw the note squeezed into her palm by the elusive personality from Axel. "Thane, don't let her get to you." River said, trying to calm him down.But Thane's anger had already simmered into determination. He would not let Axel dictate his life. Not after everything he had been through."You know what really got to me?" Thane said, his voice low and e
Thane sat tall in his wheelchair, River beside him, Theresa and Zara flanking them. Alpha Kieran and Axel faced them, confident. The duel of wits began in earnest."You are a fool for challenging me, Thane," Axel sneered. "Your crippled body reflects your weak mind. You will never walk again."Thane's eyes locked onto Axel's. "That is not the end of life or usefulness," he said, his voice firm. "A tree that does not walk can still provide shade. Stillness can be strength."Axel snorted. "You are just a shell of your former self."Thane smiled wryly. "A river does not need to be turbulent to be deep. My worth is not measured by my physical strength."The guards with Alpha Malcolm, Beta Eric and Commander Ryker, who had come to witness the duel, clapped for Thane at his preparedness. They were happy with his confidence and were beginning to enjoy this. River wore a proud look on her face as she sat beside Thane. Theresa and Zara gave a silent thumbs up to Thane, a broad grin on their f
"Thane, you are really cured!" River repeated, as if trying to convince herself that her efforts truly paid off.River's tears flowed like a river, joyous and unbridled, as Thane's arms enveloped her in a warm, comforting embrace. The air was filled with the sweet scent of her tears, and the soft, gentle sound of her sobbing. Thane's chest was a solid, reassuring presence against her cheek, his heartbeat a steady, soothing rhythm that seemed to calm her very soul."River, what is it?" Thane asked, his voice a gentle, soothing balm that seemed to ease her distress. His words were a soft whisper in her ear, his breath a warm caress against her skin. "What is wrong, my love?" he pressed, his voice filled with concern and compassion.River shook her head, a soft smile spreading across her face as she gazed up at Thane. "Nothing is wrong, my love," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I am just happy that you are healed!" The words spilled out of her like a joyful confession,
River's lashes fluttered, her eyes slowly opening to reveal a weak but reassuring smile. Her whispered words were barely audible, but they sent a wave of relief washing over Thane. "I am okay, Thane."Thane's hands cradled her face, his touch tender and loving as he gazed into her eyes. His love for her shone brightly, a beacon of warmth and devotion that seemed to envelop her very being.River's gaze met Thane's, and she was struck by the wonder still etched on his face. His eyes sparkled with a mixture of awe and gratitude, and his smile was radiant with joy.As Thane helped her sit up, River took a sip of water, feeling the cool liquid revive her parched throat and revitalize her exhausted body. The water seemed to trickle down her throat like a gentle stream, quenching her thirst and restoring her vitality.Thane stared unabashed at River, his eyes drinking in the sight of her, as if searching for answers to questions he did not even know how to ask. "What is the cause for that
His nerves sparked, renewed connections firing like a network of tiny, glowing synapses. Strength surged through his limbs, revitalizing his muscles and tendons, infusing him with a sense of power and vitality that he had not felt in years. Thane's heart swelled with emotion, his mind reeling with the implications of this transformation. He felt reborn, remade, his body and spirit renewed by the healing power of River's love.Thane's eyes locked onto River's, his gaze drinking in the sight of her serene, peaceful face. Awe, gratitude, and love shone brightly in his eyes, as if the very depths of his soul were overflowing with emotion.River's hands remained on Thane's knees, channeling the last remnants of her healing energy into his body. Her light began to dissolve, her energy spent, but her face remained aglow with a soft, peaceful smile."You are healed, Thane," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the quiet hum of the candles. "You are made whole again."Thane's voice tre
River's hands danced across Thane's skin, her gentle touch igniting soothing warmth that seeped deep into his muscles. Her fingers moved with a deliberate, calming rhythm, each massage stroke releasing a tiny tremor of tension from his body.As her hands worked their magic, a soft, golden light began to emanate from her fingertips, casting a warm glow over Thane's skin. The light was like a balm to his weary soul, soothing his pain and calming his mind.Thane felt his body relax, his muscles releasing their pent-up tension as River's gentle touch coaxed him into a state of deep relaxation. His pain began to ease, the ache in his knees and shoulders gradually receding as River's healing light infused his being.His eyes never left River's face, drinking in the sight of her serene, focused expression. Wonder, gratitude, and love shone brightly in his gaze, his heart overflowing with emotion as he watched River work her magic.As her light infused his being, Thane's heart swelled, his so
A few hours later, River's eyes fluttered open, her gaze soft and serene. A gentle smile played on her lips, a testament to the peaceful slumber that had wrapped her in its soothing embrace. Beside her, Thane stirred, his chest rising and falling with the slow rhythm of deep sleep.River's gaze drifted, lost in the lingering haze of a dream that had left her feeling warm and cherished. Her eyes, still heavy with sleep, shone with a soft, ethereal light, as if the moon itself had left a piece of its gentle glow within her. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the quiet intimacy of the moment, the gentle rise and fall of Thane's chest, and the soft, peaceful beating of River's own heart.In her dream, River's mother, Catherine, stood before her, radiant with a warm, loving light that seemed to emanate from the very core of her being. Her eyes, shining with a deep, maternal love, gazed into River's, as she spoke in a gentle, melodious voice. "River, my child," she said, "T
As they stayed there, wrapped in each other's arms, Thane and River felt like they were floating on air. Their love for each other was like a bubble that surrounded them, protecting them from the outside world and keeping them safe in their own little world of happiness.After a few moments of just holding each other, Thane pulled back and looked into River's eyes. "I have one more surprise for you," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye.River's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.Thane smiled and gestured to the door of the music room. "Look outside," he said, his eyes shining with excitement.River walked to the door and opened it, revealing a hallway filled with people, all of whom were smiling and holding candles. The candles cast a warm, golden glow over the scene, making it feel like a dream come true.At the front of the hallway, River saw a large banner that read "Congratulations, Thane and River!" in big, bold letters. S
River's gaze lingered on Thane's face, drinking in the warmth and compassion that radiated from him. Tears glistened in her eyes, but they were no longer just tears of pain. They were also tears of gratitude, of relief, of feeling seen and heard."Thank you, Thane," River whispered again, her voice cracking with emotion. Thane's face softened, his eyes filling with love and adoration."My love, you never have to thank me for being here for you," Thane said, his voice low and husky. "I will always be here, waiting for you, loving you, no matter what."As Thane spoke, his words wrapped around River's heart like a warm blanket. She felt a sense of safety, of security, that she had never felt before. And in that moment, she knew that she could trust Thane with her deepest secrets, her darkest fears.A few minutes later, Thane wheeled into the music room, the soft creak of the wheels echoing through the space. River followed closely behind, her curiosity sparkling like a firefly on a summe
Thane's eyes sparkled with excitement as he spoke, his voice filled with promise. "We could not have our lunch date because of your duties at the infirmary. No offense. I know you are doing this for me." River's heart swelled with emotion as she realized the depth of Thane's understanding and appreciation for her sacrifices."Tonight, I will make it up," Thane continued, his voice low and husky. "A candlelit dinner in the garden, just us." The words painted a picture of romance and intimacy, and River's face glowed with anticipation."Perfect, Thane," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. The thought of a quiet, candlelit dinner with Thane in the garden was almost too wonderful to bear. River felt her heart flutter with excitement, her senses coming alive at the prospect of a magical night with the man she loved.The garden, once a serene oasis, transformed into a romantic haven, its beauty heightened by the soft, golden candlelight that danced across River's radiant face. T
Their banter wove a spell of warmth, laughter, and love, wrapping them in a cozy cocoon of intimacy and connection. In this quiet, peaceful moment, their hearts beat as one, their love and affection for each other shining like a beacon of hope and happiness. The world outside receded, and all that mattered was the two of them, lost in the joy and wonder of their love.River's eyes sparkled with mischief as Thane feigned helplessness, his playful dynamic with her shifting seamlessly into tender, heartfelt moments. Thane's gaze locked onto hers, his eyes shining with gratitude and love, as he spoke words that came from the very depths of his soul. "River, you bring light into my life," he whispered, his voice filled with emotion.River's cheeks flushed softly, a delicate pink hue that spread across her face like a sunrise. Her voice was barely above a whisper as she replied, her words trembling with feeling. "You are my home, Thane," she said, her eyes locked onto his, her heart beati