Nora's POV:After Alina left my room, I was overwhelmed with profound sadness. I did not know what to expect, but it felt as though everyone I ever loved was turning their backs to me. I could not help but get the feeling that things were not alright.In fact, it felt as though things would never be alright.In one sad heap, I collapsed before the ornate mirror, sitting on the stool that Alina had previously occupied.I stared at my reflection, examining the reflection of a new and beautifully dressed Luna. I saw a well-attired Luna of one of the greatest wolf packs around. But deep within, I felt peaceless. To any observer, I looked the perfect picture of strength and beauty, but deep within, I was a fractured and unsettled soul.As I gazed into the glass, I couldn't help but wonder when the rift between me and those around me would finally mend. Would I ever get the one thing I wanted? Would both sides of my existence ever come together and resolve their differences?My deepest wish
Nora's POV:Excitement raced through my veins as I practically rushed into my chamber, filled with the anticipation of leaving the pack house after so long. The prospect of attending a ball was like a breath of fresh air after feeling cooped up for so long.Lily was in the room when I entered, sitting on the bed and waiting for me. Her eyes widened as I burst into the room, and I watched as the smile on her face mirrored my own.She was clearly taken aback by my enthusiasm, and she asked, "Okay, what is going on?" I sighed. "Wait, let me bask in this euphoria, Lily!"And then I pranced around the room, giggling and throwing my hands up. I could no longer contain my joy. Finally I would be able to see the world beyond the four boundaries of this slowly stiffling pack. I would be able to meet other people and have a taste of the freedom I so much craved.I caught Lily staring at me as though she had seen a ghost. There was an uncertain but reassuring smile on her face, as if she was tr
Nora's POVI kept my eyes shut for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady myself. The shadow of Alpha Jacob's presence was looming over me like a portentous shroud. His piercing gaze still felt like an icy touch on my skin. It was like a regular reminder of that incident on the balcony during my coronation ceremony. Do not forget my words, he seemed to say with his eyes.Do not forget me. I am coming for you, Nora.His stare, then on the balcony and even now in this ball, had felt like a thousand feathers caressing my spine and causing uncontrollable shivers.That night, he had leered at me, making me feel exposed and vulnerable. I could still remember his proposition, offering to make me his Luna. It had left me feeling violated and unsafe. How could I think of forgetting it?I wanted to tell Alpha Chester about that encounter, but I couldn't bear the thought of his fiery temper flaring up once more. I knew well and good that he had a tendency to react violently, and I didn't want
Nora's POVAs I pushed Alpha Jacob aside, a tempest of anger surged within me, turning my emotions into one whirlpool of rage. The shock on Alpha Jacob's face was unmistakable, and it brought a devilish smile to my lips. It was very clear that he had underestimated me, never expecting me to possess the strength I'd just displayed.It was most possible that he thought I was the same timid Luna he'd met during my coronation ceremony. It was surprising, even to me, how quickly I had developed in the space of a week. I knew that I had endured even more than most people had, and it had shaped me in ways that I was yet to even discover.I watched as Alpha Chester staggered to his feet, and a look of disbelief and anger was evident in his eyes. His face contorted with rage as he stood upright, and in a roar that shook the corridor, he bellowed, "Oh, you cannot escape me, Nora!"His words were a challenge, but I welcomed them. I could not deny that the power struggle between us excited me. It
Nora's POVMy heart thudded heavily like a tribal drum, as Chester led me out of Alpha Jacob's pack house. I could not help but feel the weight of several gazes from the guests upon us. The curious eyes of the pack members bore into me, and a blush of embarrassment crept up my cheeks. I could hear their whispees trailing me like poison, their silent accusations and wary expressions.They were probably judging me right now, I thought. They most likely thought I was cursed for two different men, alphas for that matter, to throw hands against each other because of me.I knew what they were thinking – that I had somehow caused this confrontation between the two Alphas. It felt as if every event I attended was destined to be disrupted simply because I was there.My thoughts drifted to the poisoned food at my coronation ceremony. How could I forget that single event that had left our pack house in disarray for days? It had taken weeks to fully recover from the chaos that unfolded that night
Alina's POVWhen I stormed into the house, it felt as though my frustration and irritation was spilling out with every step I took. The door swung shut behind me, and the commotion drew the attention of my parents, who were sitting at the dining table. My parents were still staring at me with the identical perturbed looks on their faces. I could see the confusion on my father's face slowly turning to anger."You went out this evening in such a hurry. Now you are storming in with a look to kill on your face. Care to explain?" He growled.I sighed, trying to control myself. However, my mother's words cut through my reverie."Why are you in such a hurry, Alina?" she asked, her eyes filled with concern.I stopped in my tracks, feeling a rush of anger and disappointment flood over me. Nora, as always, was at the center of everything, completely stealing the air from my lungs and the joy from my heart. I didn't know how to compete, how to escape the shadow of her existence. And the though
Nora's POVA minute later, Chester led me into his room. He laid me down on his bed, the white down comforter absorbing my body. Leaning up and resting on my elbows, I watched as he pulled his shirt over his head. His broad shoulders and that perfectly crafted chest came into view. My eyes lingered on the sprinkling of dark hair on his chest, knowing how good it would feel against my own breasts.I realized my satisfaction wouldn’t be complete until I had him inside him. Until he was on top of me, that hard body resting above mine.He pulled off his boots and I saw that I was still putting on my own shoes. I shifted to remove them.He knelt on the bed before me, and before he could move farther, I leaned forward and grasped his hard length in my hand. My gaze lifted to his, searching for his reaction, and finding the heat I sought.I yearned to explore the effect I might have on him, but his hand came down over mine. “As much as I like you touching me, Peach, I need to be inside you r
Nora's POV Chester wasn't convinced. He reached across the table and gently took my hand in his, his thumb rubbing comforting circles on my skin. "You know you can tell me anything, right?" he said softly.I nodded, feeling grateful for his understanding. "I know, Chester. It's just... a passing phase, I hope. I am fine, really."I picked up a fork and attempted to eat some of the breakfast that had been laid out for us. But to my dismay, it tasted like wet cardboard in my mouth. I couldn't bring myself to swallow a single bite. Frustration crept over me as I placed the fork down with an annoyed sigh.Chester watched me closely, his concern deepening. "Nora, you hardly touched your food," he remarked.I bit my lip and shook my head, not wanting to complain about the bizarre taste in my mouth. "I guess I'm just not that hungry," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.Chester's brow furrowed further, and his expression grew even more worried. "Nora," he said softly, "if something's bother
Nora's POVMy father's eyes fell on me, and I felt an insatiable anger fill me up from within.Suddenly, all I wanted was for this man to pay for every single thing he made me go through. I remembered the look of satisfaction I had seen on his face, as I had cried and groveled at his feet on that fateful day, when he'd thrown me out of his house.But the wheels had turned now. He was in my shoes now, and I would make sure he experienced the pain I had gone through as well.Or even worse.I understood that I was not his daughter, but what I did not understand was how I came to be in his house in the first place. How had I escaped the massacre that Jacob had done on my family, and how had I gotten to this vile man's household?However, all that was pushed to the back of my mind as I watched a fleeting look of fear pass across his face."Nora?" He called out, as though I was an apparition, and calling my name would dismiss me. "Surprised to see me, aren't you, Elder Lyall?" Goddess, how
Chester's POVAll of a sudden, Nora was standing before me, and it felt as though all my troubles were dissipating into the air.My hands darted forward, as though I was trying to catch air, and my mouth hung open. I could not believe my eyes. Was I dreaming? Was the alcohol finally kicking in and I was imagining things?"Nora...." I whispered again. She smiled as I called her name. Oh, that smile. How I had missed it so much!I felt my wolf jump in excitement before me. In the space of a few seconds, my eyes cleared, and I saw Nora standing before me, live and in person."I'm here, Chester." She whispered. I watched as a tear fell from her eyes, and something within me shattered into a million pieces. I stumbled forward, kicking my goblet aside. Finally, reaching before her, I stopped again."What are you doing...." I stammered. "Why are you here? Where have you been?"A million questions and more chased each other in my head. Nora's smile fell for a moment. "It is a long story, Ch
Nora's POVI walked the rest of the way to the packs border, trying to blend into the shadows that surrounded me. The moon was high in the sky by now, and I guessed that it was midnight already.On and on I walked, until finally, I got to the river that divided Moon Gold Pack from Wolf Claw Pack. I felt a tugging in my heart, and Chester immediately came to mind.Even though we were estranged from each other, I still missed him terribly. How I craved for the little moments that we'd shared. It was appalling how, in the space of a few months, this man whom I had hated with every passionate bone in me, had slowly grown to become an integral part of my life.I still hadn't forgiven him for pushing me out of his pack all those weeks. I still hadn't forgiven him for thinking the worst of me, but deep down, I could not deny that I missed my fated mate.I stopped in front of the river, contemplating how to cross to the other side. The bridge that would have helped me was broken, and the only
Nora's POVThe moment I confirmed that he was dead, I slowly rose to my feet. I kept my eyes on him all through, half expecting him to open his eyes and stare right through me.I waited for a few seconds, but it felt like several eternities. I had to make it look as though he wasn't truly dead.Crouching beside him, I placed both hands underneath his armpits and lifted him up. He was extremely heavy, the brute of a man!Wuth several grunts and heaving, I placed him on the bed. Finally, I stared at hid unmoving body and smiled to myself. If only he knew that I would be his undoing, he would not have taken a liking to me, would he?I rearranged his clothes, placing a folded piece of cloth against his neck to hide the gaping hole in there. I arranged his hands around him to give off the impression that he was asleep, then I took several steps backwards.Perfect, I thought. Save for the unusual paleness of his skin, he truly looked like he was fast asleep.Suddenly, I heard several steps
Nora's POVMy eyes caught a platter of cut apples, lying on a table by my side. Right beside the platter was a small, sheathed dagger.I narrowed my eyes as curiosity got the better of me. Slowly, I laid down the picture frame in my hands, then reached out to pick up the dagger. I pulled the dagger out of its scabbard and turned it in my hands, momentarily awed as it caught the sunlight at almost impossible angles. I immediately knew it was made of dragonblade, one of the strongest steels known to werewolves.The hilt was studded with several tiny rubies, but was built of pure, solid gold. On the hilt was emblazoned the initials Y.L; this dagger once belonged to my mother. It gave me a tiny comfort to know that I was holding something that once belonged to one of my parents."Hmm..." I murmured, sizing the dagger up against my hand. It was very small: not nearly as big as my entire hand, but sharp enough to do damage.I smiled to myself, a sinister fire burning within me. Sinking thi
Nora's POV"Who is there?!" One of the guards called out.Sarah and I froze, then exchanged terrified glances. Oh, Goddess! What would happen if we were discovered? I knew that we would immediately be taken to Alpha Jacob, and there was no questioning what he would do to us to punish us."Oh, we're done for!" Sarah wailed, quite loudly."Oh, keep your voice low!" I snapped. "Let's leave before they notice people are here." I pulled her hand as we scurried towards the door.But as Sarah and I hurried toward the exit, we found ourselves face-to-face with the guards already inside the dimly lit Black Door Room. In a quick decision, we stood perfectly still, hoping the shadows would conceal our presence.Pressing ourselves against the darkened corner, I held my breath, praying that the guards wouldn't notice us. Their looming silhouettes moved through the room, their voices echoing in the hushed space."Why's this door open?" one guard's inquiry reverberated in the chamber's silence. We h
Nora's POV.As I dressed up, I kept my mind resolute on the fact that I would find that door, whether Sarah helped me out or not. Julius' words kept ringing in my ears, giving me the courage I desperately needed.Sarah fetched a simple gray dress from a chest on the far end of the room—it was obvious that Alpha Jacob had stocked this room full of dresses for me, in case I happened to change my mind about marrying him."Here, Luna Nora," she murmured as she handed me the dress. Her eyes were averted, head downcast. I knew, deep down that Sarah wanted to help, but she was scared of the consequences that would follow if someone found out.I couldn't blame her. If I was in her shoes, I would be scared too."Thank you, Sarah." I murmured, accepting the gray dress. I slipped it on and fastened the buttons myself. Then I turned back to her. "Do you have a black cloak anywhere around this room?""Um...yes." Sarah replied. "Alpha Jacob's former wife used to keep one for special occasions, whe
Nora's POVThe smile on Alpha Jacob's face faded slowly; it was clear that my abrupt change of heart had caught him off guard."Are you....are you certain about this, Nora?" Alpha Jacob asked, his voice laced with a hint of disbelief. "You've changed your mind?"No! My heart screamed. But I met his gaze firmly. "Yes," I replied, my voice resolute.A smile, bright and triumphant, crept onto Alpha Jacob's face, illuminating his features. He motioned to his guards. "Let her out!" He ordered, then cackled like a witch. "She is to be my wife! Finally, my dear Nora is to be my wife and Luna!"As the heavy metal door creaked open and the guards escorted me out, a whole storm of conflicting emotions engulfed me. My heart still ached for Julius, who had selflessly guided and supported me. I felt the weight of my failure to rescue him in his darkest hour.He had helped me throughout my stay in the dungeons. And now, when he needed my help the most, I was utterly powerless to help him.Walking a
Nora's POVI sighed, turning back to Julius. The first hurdle was over, finally!"That was stressful. Eh, Julius?" I asked.Julius, who was slurping the last dregs of soup away, looked up. "Ah, yes, Nora. You did a good job."I nodded. I felt braver than I had been days ago, when thosw guards had dragged me all the way down here. It was as though in the space of a few days, my life had changed in drastic ways.And indeed, it had.I had been chased out of my former pack in shame. I had been locked in a room for an entire week, existing on nothing but porridge. I had made a friend in the form of a lone man in a dingy dungeon, discovered secrets and uncovered several lies and truths about my life. And now, I was facing the next hurdle in my journey head on.I was going to face the one man who had made my life a total, living hell."Do you think the guards would listen to me and tell Alpha Jacob about my offer?" I asked.Julius shrugged. "That is left for us to see. Though, I am sure that