“We need to get into the house where it’s safe.” River stood up immediately, helping Theresa up.“Why?” Theresa asked“Let’s just go inside. I’m suspecting we are being watched.” Theresa’s anger flared, testament to her red hair. “Who dare watch us in our own territory? They are using the opportunity of Thane’s condition, but I will not let them!”Just then, Alpha Malcolm stormed out of the pack house, his powerful strides devouring the distance. Theresa went to him, her demeanor same as the Alpha's raging fury. River also followed, not daring to be alone in the garden any longer.As they emerged into the bright sunlight, Alpha Malcolm's voice boomed across the courtyard, echoing off the stone walls. "Summon Captain Ryker! And get Beta Erik to my office, now!"The guards sprang into action, their faces set with determination. One hastened to the get the Beta, while another sprinted toward the warriors’ practice ground.Alpha Malcolm's eyes blazed with a fierce inner fire, his jaw cle
River's heart still racing, she carefully refolded the note and slipped it into her pocket. The paper felt like a cold, heavy burden against her leg. Fear began to creep in, its familiar tendrils wrapping around her heart. But River refused to let it take hold. Not again, she thought, steeling herself against the memories of past fears.Her thoughts turned to Thane, his pain and vulnerability etched on her mind like a promise. She remembered the way he looked at her, the way his eyes seemed to see right through to her soul."I will not back down, not now." River whispered to herself, her voice barely audible.With newfound determination, River quickened her pace, her footsteps echoing through the courtyard. She considered going after the strange figure, but remembered Theresa’s words of caution. It could be an attempt to lure her into danger. She would stay safe. The shadows seemed to recoil, the darkness retreating before her resolve.As she walked, River's thoughts beat out a steady
River's voice trembled like a leaf in an autumn gust, her words barely audible. "If I am wolfless…” River began, then paused and glared at Thane.“I did not choose to be wolfless, Thane." The hurt in her eyes was a palpable thing, a reflection of the anguish Thane couldn't shake.For an instant, Thane's glare faltered, his gaze dropping to his clenched fists. Shame and self-loathing flooded in, a dark tide that threatened to consume him. His shoulders sagged, the weight of his failures crushing.I know that you did not choose to be wolfless, but at least, you will be able to protect yourself if you have your wolf, when I can’t protect you from this chair. Thane thought in his heart.The wheelchair, a constant reminder of Axel's betrayal, of his own weakness. The cold metal and leather seemed to mock him, a prison he could not escape. Thane's mind recoiled from the memories, but they haunted him still.His gaze drifted back to River, her fragile strength a stark contrast to his own br
River's mind drifted to the recent full moon night, after her arrival at the Lunar pack. The night she had finally found her wolf. The memory rushed back, a sensory tidal wave: the moon's silvery glow on her skin, the forest's earthy scent, the primal howl that had torn from her throat.A shiver danced down her spine as she recalled the transformation. After carrying out the rituals tying her wolf down, her body had shifted, her senses exploding with newfound power. The world had come alive in a way she never thought possible.Her heart swelled with emotion, River realized she had been protecting herself, but also Thane. She had not wanted to add to his burdens, to his feelings of inadequacy. He might feel inferior to her if he knew that she now had a wolf while he remained in the wheelchair. Now, as the silence stretched out, River wondered if she had made a mistake. Should she reveal her truth, risk potentially easing Thane's mind, or would it drive them further apart?The uncertai
With each step, River felt Selene's strength coursing through her. Their bond would no longer be underestimated. Thane would learn to respect their hidden power, their unbreakable unity.The room seemed to fade, replaced by the thrill of the challenge ahead. River's gaze narrowed, her focus sharpened. The hunt had begun, and Thane was the prey.“What is your plan, Selene?” River asked her wolf, getting excited already.Selene's voice whispered in River's mind, outlining the intricacies of their revenge plan. "First, we will let Thane think he has won. We will retreat, make him believe he has successfully pushed us away."River's thoughts followed Selene's strategy, her mind visualizing each step."Next, we will gather information," Selene continued. "We will learn his weaknesses, his fears. We will discover what drives him, what motivates him."Selene's plan unfolded like a spider's web, intricate and precise."We will use his own pack against him," Selene whispered, her tone dripping
“What?” River gasped. “Tell me the details quickly.” She urges Selene.“That’s all you need to know for now. All things will be revealed in due time.” Selene answered, stooped within River and went to sleep.In spite of River’s many prodding, Selene remained silent and hidden. River had no choice but to sleep too. She dreamt of faceless Axel chasing her with a big sheet of parchment. River ran in the dream, trying to hide from her attacker, but Selene suddenly appeared beside her and lunged at the enemy. River became stronger in the dream and fought, the two of them a great team. The enemy ran away, tail between her legs.And River woke up happy. She was assured by her wolf’s presence. Her enemies will be put to flight if they dare to attack her. Since Thane demanded for space, River decided to keep herself busy that day by becoming stronger. She had read all the books with her except the ones she could not understand. So, she decided to visit the pack house’s library. River pushed
“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
As the months passed, Thane and River's love for each other only grew stronger. They were each other's rock, supporting and loving each other through the ups and downs of parenthood.One day, as they were sitting on the palace steps, watching Atlas play in the gardens, Thane turned to River and said, "You know, I never thought I'd be this happy. But here I am, with you and Atlas, and I couldn't ask for anything more."River smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "I know exactly what you mean," she said. "I never thought I'd find my true mate, but here you are, and I couldn't be happier."Thane wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "I love you, River," he said. "More than anything in this world."River leaned into him, her heart full of love. "I love you too, Thane," she said. "Forever and always."As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the palace gardens, Thane and River sat together, watching their son play and laughing together. They knew that their love would last
As the warm sunlight of summer streamed through the windows of the palace, River's slender fingers trembled with anticipation as she lifted the delicate, porcelain cup. Her eyes, shining with excitement, fixed upon the subtle, yet unmistakable, signs that danced within. The soft, golden light of the morning sun cast a serene and wondrous glow upon the scene, filling River's heart with joy and her spirit with wonder.As she gazed upon the cup's contents, a soft gasp escaped her lips, and her eyes sparkled with unbridled delight. The telltale signs of her condition, once a source of hope and longing, now stared back at her, a beacon of promise and new life. River's heart swelled with emotion as she thought of Thane, her beloved mate and king, and the news that she could hardly wait to share with him.With the delicate cup still clutched in her hand, River made her way to the grand throne room, where Thane sat, surrounded by the trappings of his power and authority. The soft rustle of he
Raymond looked up at her, his eyes filled with tears. "River, please forgive us," he begged. "We were wrong to treat you the way we did. We realize that we made a terrible mistake."River's expression softened slightly as she looked at her family. Thane could see the conflict in her eyes, the struggle to forgive and move on."I don't know," she said finally. "I need time to think about it."Thane nodded, his eyes never leaving River's face. He knew that this was a difficult decision for her, and that she needed time to think about it."Take all the time you need," he said. "But for now, let's get them out of the cold. We can talk more about this inside."River nodded, and Thane led her family into the palace, leaving the cold and darkness of the outside world behind.As they sat in the palace, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of the lavish furnishings, Raymond, River's father, looked at her with tears in his eyes. "River, I'm so sorry for the way I treated your mother, Catherine
Thane's heart went out to River, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "I'm sorry, River," he whispered. "I didn't realize..."River shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's not your fault, Thane. It's just... I never wanted this for them. I never wanted them to suffer like this."Thane held her close, feeling a deep sense of compassion and understanding. He knew that River's family had wronged her in the past, but he also knew that she still cared for them, still loved them despite everything.As they stood there, holding each other, Thane knew that he had to do something to help River's family. He couldn't just leave them to suffer, not when River was hurting so much.He looked at the guard, his eyes narrowing with determination. "We'll take care of this," he said. "We'll make sure River's family is safe and provided for."The guard nodded, looking relieved. "Thank you, my king," he said.Thane turned back to River, his eyes filled with love and compa
The morning after the coronation, Thane woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He stretched his arms and yawned, feeling the weight of his new responsibilities as the Lycan King. He got out of bed and began to get dressed, his mind already racing with the tasks that lay ahead.As he finished dressing, River came into the room, looking radiant in a flowing white gown. "Good morning, my king," she said, with a curtsy.Thane smiled and pulled her into a hug. "Good morning, my queen," he replied. "I have a busy day ahead of me. I want to start making plans for the palace."River's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea," she said. "The council chamber is nice, but it's not exactly fit for a king."Thane chuckled. "I was thinking the same thing," he said. "I want to build a palace that will be a symbol of our power and prosperity. Something that will make our packs proud."River nodded enthusiastically. "I love it," she said. "But it's going to be a big project. Who are you going to put in
The day of the coronation of Thane as the Lycan King and River as his Queen dawned bright and clear, with a warm sun shining down on the gathered packs. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of birds singing their morning songs.The packs had gathered in the grand courtyard of the Lunar Pack's den, their faces filled with excitement and joy. The courtyard was decorated with colorful streamers and banners, and a large throne made of solid oak had been placed at the far end.Thane and River stood before the throne, dressed in their finest attire. Thane wore a tailored black suit with a silver vest, while River wore a beautiful white gown with intricate lace details. They both looked regal and majestic, and the packs couldn't help but gaze at them in awe.Gavin, the old Council leader, stepped forward to begin the coronation ceremony. He raised his hands, and the packs fell silent, waiting for him to speak."My dear friends and pack members," Gavin beg
Thane turned to River, his eyes seeking her support. "River, my Luna, I call on you to recite the prophecy on the map about the scepter," he said.River stepped forward, her voice clear and confident. "The prophecy states that the scepter shall be wielded by the rightful owner, and that owner is Thane," she said. "If the scepter is in the right hand, it shall bring prosperity and greatness to our packs. But if it falls into the wrong hand, it shall bring curse and destruction, as we have seen with Axel.""'When the moon is full and the stars align,A leader will rise, with power divine.A Luminari mate besides;He will wield the scepter, as the right owner;And unite our people, forever to last.'"The room fell silent, the Alphas looking at Thane with newfound respect. They realized that the prophecy was clear: Thane was the rightful owner of the scepter, he had a Luminari mate and he was the only one who could wield its power for the good of their packs.Gavin, the Council leader, no
As the group began to move out of the room, Attila turned to Zara, his eyes filled with concern."Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.Zara nodded, her face still pale. "Yes, I'm fine," she said. "Just a little shaken up."Attila's face softened, and he pulled her into a gentle hug. "I'm here for you," he said. "I'll always be here for you."As they hugged, Zara felt a sense of comfort and security wash over her. She knew that she was safe with Attila, and that he would always be there to protect her.River called out to Zara, her voice gentle but firm. "Zara, can you come here and help me with the Alphas? They're starting to stir, and I need someone to assist me with their treatment."Zara hurried over to River, her heart still racing from the earlier events. As she approached, she saw that the Alphas were indeed starting to stir, their eyes fluttering open as they took deep breaths.River handed Zara a small pouch containing various herbs and potions. "I need you to he
Axel's eyes suddenly turned wild and unhinged, her pupils dilating as she gazed at the scepter in her hand. She raised it up, her arm trembling with an otherworldly energy, and a black smoke erupted from the scepter, striking the nearby Alphas.The air was filled with the sound of screams and groans as the Alphas fell to the ground, unconscious. The room descended into chaos, with pack members running for the doors, desperate to escape the madness that had consumed Axel.Alpha Kieran, Axel's mate, shouted for help, his voice hoarse with desperation. "Someone, please! Help her!" he cried, his eyes fixed on Axel in horror.Axel's feet lifted off the ground, her body suspended in mid-air as she continued to channel the dark energy of the scepter. Malcolm, Thane, and Attila approached her cautiously, their eyes fixed on the scepter as if it was a snake that might strike at any moment.River, who had been watching the scene unfold, quickly removed her Luminari chain and pointed the pendant