“Alpha…I would like to apologise on behalf of my fellow Elder. Er…what he did was…” Elder Callen's words were cut off by Regan.“He committed a despicable crime, Elder, he would pay for it. There's nothing, not even your plea, that can save him from that.” Regan said dismissively. He was apparently still in rage.Who wouldn't be? This was an utter betrayal. A treasonous act of the highest order. He had been stabbed in the back by his own subjects, people he had thought he could trust in running the pack with.“I know, Alpha. I…I just want you not to act based on your rage. You need to punish him according to the laid down law so the people will not see you as a wicked Alpha.” Elder Callen said softly.Regan gazed at him longingly. For a moment, he thought if he would also betray him. He doubted that.There were some people whose loyalty weren't questionable and waverable. One of those people was Elder Callen. He had served Regan's father till his last breath and still continued his se
“Quick, get him to the infirmary!” Regan bellowed at the guards standing by.Immediately, both of them bent over and carried Estan's unconscious body. That was when Ivorie came running into the dining hall. She had almost collided with the guards as they carried Estan out.Horror and confusion etched on her face as she watched them leave.She faced Regan. “What happened?” She asked tensely.Regan walked past her, following the guards.“I have no idea.” He answered gravely. They both followed the guards to the infirmary. A few minutes later, Estan was in the inner ward, receiving treatment from the healers while Regan and Estan waited outside – in the waiting room.Regan was seated in an apparently thoughtful manner – his elbows rested on his knees while his jaw rested on his two knuckles.Suddenly, he faced the guard who had mindlinked him.“Tell me what happened,” he said.“I'm not sure what, Alpha. But when they were all eating, he suddenly fell down unconscious. No other signs occ
“What? Is that possible?” She asked, her eyes spelling shock and excitement.Regan nodded, “It has only happened a number of times but we can try our luck.” He said.Ivorie was getting excited. The prospect of having a wolf shot adrenaline through her veins. It was exhilarating.She wouldn't be wolfless again, she wouldn't be regarded as weak.“So, how can it be done? When can we begin?” She asked, rasping excitedly.Regan gestured with his hands, “You have to relax…” he was suddenly cut off by the sound of a voice in his head.‘Alpha, Beta Estan has regained consciousness.’ Shaerah's voice echoed in his head.He immediately stood up, although not responding.“What's wrong?” Asked Ivorie, her worried gaze following him.“It's Estan, he's awake.” He told her and made his way towards the exit.“Should I come along?” She asked, desperate to know what he had to say about finding her wolf.Unfortunately, Regan shook his head as he walked out.Regan made his way to the infirmary. He knew th
Ivorie's scream echoed in the silent Archives hall. By instincts, she dived to the side, avoiding Martin's fangs by a heartbeat.Ivorie wasted no time. She dashed towards the direction she had dived to and bolted. That was what her brain could give her at the moment– run.“Help!” She yelped, hoping someone would hear her screams and come to her rescue. She stumbled upon shelves as she ran, not daring to look back.Suddenly, as she made a turn by a shelf, she came face to face with Martin.The scream of horror that escaped her mouth was almost deafening.Martin roared loudly, displaying his horrid fangs and gold glowing eyes. He grabbed her by the shoulders, gripping her with his claws.Ivorie wailed, her eyes widened in horror.She had been caught.She gasped once, her breath seemingly failing her. She gasped again for breath and again. It was as though her consciousness was slipping from her.She became scared. The fear in her was at its peak. It was at the point where she couldn't
“Urgh!” Martin groaned loudly as blood spewed out of his mouth, splattering the floor with crimson hue.He was in a dungeon, strapped to a metal chair where he was receiving punishment from Regan and Estan.The duo were standing before him, Regan's fist was stained with the guard’s blood as he glared at him with peak killing intent.“He won't say anything.” Estan remarked, equally frustrated as Regan was.Martin raised his head and faced them, grinning from ear to ear. His blooded mouth gave him an irritating look.They had been at it for two days since he had been detained, trying to get information out of him. His stubbornness was peak and he hadn't given in to their tortures.“How are we supposed to know why he wanted to kill my wife? And who sent him. For all we know, he might even know something about Jenna's whereabouts.” Regan said, his veins popping out from his neck.Estan nodded slowly. “You think he is working for Jenna?” He asked.“I know it.” Regan maintained. He went o
Brennan sighed deeply, slumping on the small bed in the room of a motel. He and his men had been on the search for Jenna for days and their search has yielded no result.It was only fair for them to take a few hours of break in the nearby motel in the middle of the town.Brennan was about to pull off his gear when there came a loud knock on the door.“Captain!” The voice behind the door cried, sounding urgent.Brennan sprang to his feet and opened the door quickly.“What is it?” He asked as the face of his comrade came to view. He looked excited and anxious at the same time.“I spotted her!” Were the first words he spewed.Confusion hit Brennan and his face contorted with it.“You spotted who, warrior?” He asked in a bold tone.“The Duchess, I spotted her!” The warrior answered, still sounding overly excited.Brennan's eyebrows shot up in shock. “Are you sure of this?” He asked, even though he walked back into his room to grab his sheathed sword.“I'm certain, captain. But we have to
Estan's men had rounded Jenna's men and they were being taken back to the castle in carriages.Estan was in the first carriage with Jenna and another warrior. He deliberately chose to stay here so he could have a conversation with Jenna.“So we've been to every hike searching for you, not knowing you were in an abandoned uncompleted manor all along.’ Estan said to Jenna.The latter didn't respond, she just remained silent. She had been dosed with wolfsbane to weaken her just like her men. So even if they wanted to escape, they wouldn't have enough strength to outrun them.“Why did you do this?” Estan asked in a sincere tone. As much as she was a traitor, he was genuinely concerned about her. It was in his nature.Jenna chuckled slightly, taking Estan by surprise.“You really…are …clueless,...beta…” she drawled, her voice coming out faintly. She was on the verge of collapsing.“Okay then, enlighten me.” Estan sat upright and faced her.She turned to him slowly. Her face was pale, her e
“Regan stop!” Ivorie yelled from where she sat as she witnessed Regan booting Jenna's head.The Alpha stopped immediately, but was still breathing hard and glaring down at Jenna with contempt. ‘Alpha, she still has to be tried.’ Estan warned him through the mindlink. Ivorie walked over to his side and held his shoulder. He faced her and met her solemn gaze. She shook her head once and Regan breathed.He stepped back and walked back to his throne.Most of the elders were already there and the guards went back to their posts. Jenna was to be tried and even if it was against Regan's will, it was the protocol.On his throne, Regan was still glaring at Jenna on the floor at the center of the throne room.“You have committed several crimes, some of which are false accusations, frame, attempted murder and so on.” Elder Callen began.“What were your motives when you committed all these crimes?” He asked.Jenna raised her head slowly, revealing her wide grin.“It…was…fun…” she drawled.“In y
Meanwhile, Ivorie was in her chamber, fiddling with the old parchment she had stolen from Elder Sherman's chamber back in Blackwood pack.She went through the content again, still finding it difficult to grapple with the truth that it held.‘Is this real?’ She thought.‘You’re holding the parchment in your hands.’ Maia’s smug tone filled her mind. Ivorie was sure she was rolling her eyes but she ignored her.‘Do you think I should tell him?’ She asked Maia.‘It’s your choice to make, Ivorie. If you really want to live the rest of your life as Alpha Clawn's sister, then tell him.’ Maia replied.Ivorie sighed, her shoulders slumping. She shifted her position as she felt slightly uncomfortable in her lower belly. Her baby was always stirring.She contemplated the difficult decision further.‘Maybe I should tell Regan, instead. He’ll know what to do. Or perhaps we'll be able to come up with a solution together.’ She thought.She looked up, determined. “Yes, that's what I'll do.” She decla
The golden rays of the sun upon the pack shrine illuminated the solemn faces of the gathered pack members. Five days have passed since Estan's tragic demise. Five days of absolute pain for his loved ones. Especially Regan. The Alpha hadn't just lost his Beta and most trusted advisor. He lost a friend, a brother. And the thought of that weighed on him for days.The burial ritual for Estan had begun, and the air was thick with grief. Regan, his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep, stood at the forefront, where the priests were lined up and chanting. His jaw clenched in a mix of despair and rage.Soon, the priests were done chanting and one by one, members of the royal family and Estan’s own extended family, moved forward to the wooden platform his body was tied to.One by one, they poured handfuls of red sand on his lifeless body. Some wailed, some simply couldn't utter a word.Regan moved forward after Ivorie, he was last to pour his sand. He stared longingly at his lost friend. Memori
“Estan?” Regan muttered in a soft tone, etched with shock. His eyes widened in shock as Estan and Ivorie stood before him, their faces etched with exhaustion and worry. With the dirt that enveloped their bodies, it was apparent that their journey had been rough.“Regan…” Ivorie sighed as she ran to her mate, throwing her arms over his shoulders. She pulled him into a tight embrace, snuggling closer into his warmness.Goddess knew how she had missed his touch.“Wha…how is this possible? I…I thought…” Regan stuttered, trying to maintain his emotions between the exhilarating joy of having his mate in his embrace and the genuine shock of seeing his supposedly comatose Beta right before him.He sighed and submitted to the sparks that Ivorie's touch sent through his veins. He cuddled her and sniffed her white hair. Although it smelt like wet leaves and mud, he could still find her intoxicating lavender scent in there.He finally pulled away from her and asked with a quizzical look. “What
“Let them through.” Regan ordered the guards that were questioning a coachman at the castle gates. He already knew who it was -a witch. Not just any witch, but one of the special ones he had requested from every pack that was allied with him.‘Alpha. That's the witch from Moonbeam pack. The twelfth witch that has arrived.’ A guard informed him through his mindlink and Regan nodded.‘That leaves just one more Pack to send its witch.’ he responded.‘Its Blackwood pack, Alpha.’ The guard informed.Regan sighed and turned around, heading back into the castle. He went to the hall where Alpha Clawn and a few other Alpha's were discussing casually. The rest of them were in their chambers, patiently waiting for the witches.Regan had told them to remain in his castle until the witch has been located and their actual enemy has been discovered.“What is it?” Clawn asked as he followed Regan out of the hall.“The witches. They're all here except for your pack’s.” Regan informed.Clawn's eyes nar
It was night, the moon hidden behind the blanket of clouds in the sky. The entire pack seemed as silent as a graveyard as no sound was heard. Even the animals in the forest were silent -no chirping, howling or barking. Just silent. A deafening silence.Ivorie sat on a chair in the small cottage that served as her temporary home. Her eyes were shut but she wasn't asleep. The night air clung to her skin like a damp shroud as many thoughts raced through her troubled mind. It was truly a hard day for the white haired Luna.“Luna,” Estan's husky voice called from across the room, shattering the silence that cloaked them. She looked up to face him.“It's time to go back to our home.” He said. “It's time to head back to Cresthowl.” He added with a straight face.Ivorie sighed heavily as she sat upright. “Estan…I know you want to get me somewhere safe in time and I appreciate that. But you have to understand that we can't just leave.” She said.“No, Luna, we have…” Estan began but Ivorie cut
''Careful at the entrance, Luna.'' Estan cautioned Ivorie as she neared the entrance of the small thatched roof cottage.''I'm pregnant, Estan. Not blind.'' Ivorie retorted as she pushed the weak door open, the hinges creaked irritably.-evidence that they were entering a very old house.Before they arrived here, Estan had gone to a peasant pack member to request for a place to crash. Obviously, the Beta had friends all around this pack. She should have, however, expected something of this caliber.Ivorie turned around to face Estan as he also walked in. She sighed, ''And I know you are only caring for me.'' She remarked softly. She took Estan's hands in hers, ''Thank you so much for your help.'' She appreciated genuinely.Estan simply nodded with a warm smile.While Ivorie settled down, Estan went to a corner in the shabby cottage and took an empty cup, then he went out of the cottage. After a few minutes, he came back in and handed Ivorie the already filled cup.The Luna collected
Her lungs gave in, throwing out shallow breaths out of her. Her heart beat at an unimaginable rate and with each step she took, it felt like it would pop out of her mouth any second.Ivorie glanced around as she ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Her lower belly ache excruciatingly, but that was the least of her problems. According to Estan, she ran still.“Luna Ivorie!” She gasped out of extreme fright. Even the mention of her own name was terrifying to her now. But it was just a guard.“Get to your chamber, Luna. We’ll take care of the intruders!” The guard instructed.Ivorie could barely utter any words so she simply nodded and kept on running.As she went nearer to her chamber, she saw more guards running back to where she was coming from.Why did it seem like the entire castle guards were ‘taking care’ of Nick and Kiya?“Ahhh!” Ivorie let out a heavy gasp as she arrived at her chamber. She rested on the door to catch her breath. All the pain she had ignored seemed to return
Ivorie stared blankly at the old parchment in her hands. The parchment that held the greatest secret in the entire pack that she was dwelling in. The parchment that held the secret to her true family.What will she do with it?She gulped hard, feeling the room getting stuffier. Sweat drops tickled down her face onto her chest. Her dress was getting soaked.“Alpha Clawn is my brother.” She muttered, the words heavy in her mouth.It felt so unreal, so unbelievable.She read the contents of the old parchment again just to confirm what she had read before. But the words remained the same.Her mother was Clawn's mother. Or is, to be precise. So her father wasn't actually Alpha Johan.‘I think that explains why he has always been so hard on me.’ she thought as she remained rooted to the spot, taking her time to gather her thoughts.‘He has?’ Maia asked.She had arrived late and thus, unaware of all of her host's life before her emergence.‘Right from childhood, he has always treated me like
“That’ll be okay. Leave him there.” Liliana’s voice echoed through the thick walls of the dimly lit dungeon of Moonbeam Pack castle. The guards with her dropped Estan in a harsh manner, grunting as they marched out and left them both alone.Estan, who was still strapped to the chair, raised his face and shot Liliana a glare.“You're a traitor! After Alpha Regan brought you out of your peasant life, he gave you shelter and clothing. And this is how you repay him!”He spat with utter disdain.“He was also the one that killed my family!” Liliana shot back at him. Her eyes flared at him.Estan was visibly taken aback by her words and stared at her plainly.“During those years of his incessant wars and conquests, he didn't think about us peasants. He didn't care which innocent soul got in the way of conquering his so-called enemies. He just fought and killed.” She expressed heavily, her voice dripping with pain.Estan remained speechless but had a look of pity.“Aiding his enemies won't bri