Since his accident, he had not been current on news within and outside the packs, not to talk of the capital. The mere fact that diplomatic Theresa came to tell him about the news could only mean that it concerned him."What news?" he asked, his tone neutral, but his eyes betraying a hint of concern.Theresa's expression turned serious, her features etched with gravity. "Rumors of Axel's pack forming alliances with rival packs." The words dropped like a stone into a still pond, sending ripples of unease through Thane.Thane's grip on his wheelchair armrests tightened, his knuckles whitening as he struggled to maintain control. The mention of Axel's name still had the power to evoke strong emotions, a tangled web of pain, anger, and regret.River's hand brushed against his, a gentle reassurance that sent a spark of comfort through him. Her touch was a lifeline, anchoring him to the present.Theresa noticed the fleeting contact, her eyes shining with approval. "I knew you two would hit
Thane’s mind drifted to their lack walk beside the river just before the battle that claimed his legs. They had strolled down hand in hand, pausing to kiss ever five minutes. He just could not have enough of Axel.That day, she had gazed up at Thane with concern etched on her face. "Thane, I don't know how much more of this I can take," she said, her voice laced with frustration. She made to withdraw her hand from Thane’s but he quickly clasped his second hand on it, holding her right hand in both of his.Thane's gray eyes, flecked with warmth, locked onto hers. "What is troubling you, my love?" He squeezed her hand reassuringly. He removed his right hand to remove a lock of hair that fell on Axel’s worried face as he waited for her response."It is those other she-wolves, especially Helena and Akira." Axel replied, her voice trembling. "They cannot seem to keep their eyes off you. They think you are still the same Thane, the fearless warrior, and they want you for themselves."Tha
"There have been instances where the mating was… influenced," Alpha Malcolm continued, his words dripping with caution.The admission hit Thane like a blow, his mind reeling with implications. Axel's manipulation, the pack's involvement – the possibilities swirled, threatening to consume him.Theresa's eyes locked onto Thane's, a silent apology etched on her face.River stepped forward, her presence a gentle reminder of her support. "Thane, what does this mean?" she asked, her voice soft.Thane's gaze never left his father's. "It means that everything I thought I knew was a lie," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.Alpha Malcolm's expression turned grave. "It is possible, Thane. The Moon Goddess's power can be influenced by those with sufficient magical prowess."River's eyes widened. "You mean someone could have forced the mating?"Alpha Malcolm nodded. "Yes. But it would require immense power and knowledge of ancient rituals."Thane's mind reeled. "Axel. She did not truly ch
Amidst sobs, Thane wondered. How did Axel succeed in manipulating him? Why had Axel manipulated him? Had their entire relationship been a ruse?Thane's heart felt shattered, his love for Axel still lingering despite the betrayal.As the tears flowed, Thane mourned the loss of his first love, his fated mate, and the future they were supposed to share.Hours passed, Thane's emotions spent. Exhaustion claimed him, and he slumped into his bed, surrounded by darkness.Alone in his room, Thane's mind surrendered to the memories of Axel, like a tidal wave crashing against the shores of his soul. The recollections swirled, vivid and alive, transporting him back to the day the Moon Goddess declared them fated mates.He recalled the soft, golden light of the ceremony hall, the sweet scent of blooming wildflowers, and the hushed murmurs of the pack members. Axel's smile, hesitant at first, had blossomed into warmth, illuminating her face like sunrise over a summer horizon. Thane's heart, once
Maid Bea brought entered with a jug of fresh water. She courtesied and left the room.Thane continued his train of thought, which sent a shiver down his spine. Thane's fists clenched, his nails biting into his palms. He felt abandoned, betrayed. The pain was a palpable thing, a living, breathing entity that writhed within him. His gaze fell, his eyes fixed on the darkness. The shadows seemed to twist and writhe, like living serpents. Thane's mind recoiled, horrified by the possibility that his feelings were not his own."Am I still under her spell?" he whispered, the words barely audible. The uncertainty was a poison, spreading through his veins like a slow-moving toxin.Thane's head dropped into his hands, his body racked by a silent, anguished cry. The darkness closed in, a suffocating shroud that threatened to consume him whole.Thane's thoughts turned inward, desperately seeking solace in the depths of his own mind. "Lunos," he called out, his inner wolf's name a whispered plea. T
In the garden, River's thoughts turned to Thane, her heart aching for his pain like a gentle ache in her chest. She envisioned his haunted eyes, the weight of his emotions bearing down on him like a physical burden."I want to help him," River said, resolve etched in her voice, her words infused with conviction. Theresa's smile softened, her eyes crinkling at the corners."You already are, River," Theresa said, her tone gentle. "Just being near him, sensing his emotions, it is helping him heal." River's determination grew, fueled by Theresa's words.As River spoke, she felt an inexplicable connection to Thane, a bond forming beyond empathy. It was as if their hearts beat in tandem, their emotions intertwined like the threads of a tapestry.River's senses came alive, her intuition whispering secrets about Thane's inner world. She felt the depth of his pain, the fear of vulnerability, and the glimmer of hope he dared not acknowledge."I will keep reaching out to Thane," River vowed, her
“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
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