Flora – POVI sat beside Belle's unconscious form in the infirmary. She had suddenly shown up at the pack entrance, a haunting demon hand on her leg. Without hesitation, I alerted Ryker. He quickly arrived to inspect her condition and ordered the guards to bring her inside the Pack safely.I couldn't help but notice Ryker's cold glances towards me. Each time our eyes met, he swiftly averted his gaze. Deep down, I knew he was angry because I had accepted Bryan's gift. But hadn't he accepted one from Melina? Shouldn't I be equally furious? Yet, I wasn't as upset, though a pang of jealousy did sting me."Flora," a weak voice broke my train of thought. It was Belle, slowly regaining consciousness."Belle, I'm right here," I reassured, gripping her hand and helping her sit up. Her following words sent shockwaves through me."Your parents are alive," Belle whispered, her voice quivering. She took a moment to gather herself before continuing. "I met my father, who managed to escape the Dark
Flora – POVRetreating to my room, anger and tears threatened to overwhelm me. Perhaps my bond with Ryker was never genuine. Maybe his affections were just fleeting lust rather than the deep love he professed. It felt like a deceitful lie. I didn't know how long I lay there, succumbing to my tears until sleep took over. A knock at the door roused me."Come in," I managed, my voice raspy from crying.Belle entered, her face etched with concern. "You've been crying. What's going on?" she inquired gently.I let out a weary sigh. Discussing Ryker and Melina was the last thing I wanted. Hoping to deflect the conversation, I asked, "Have you seen Ivan lately?""No, but I did see Ivan stroll with Melina," Belle replied. I leaped from my bed, hastily donning my coat and shoes without a second thought. I'd promised to keep Ivan safe from Melina's influence, and the idea of her possibly manipulating him alarmed me.In my rush, I accidentally bumped into someone. As I stumbled backward, I realiz
Flora–POVRyker ignored me and walked away. I felt a pang of confusion; the man who always cared and spoke openly now seemed distant. I watched as he walked to his room.I followed and entered his room. "Ryker, please talk to me." Before I could reach out and touch him, he pulled away, which hurt even more. I kept my distance from him, trying hard to hide my pain."Flora, I need you to stay away from me for a few days," Ryker said."Wait, do you think I have feelings for Bryan? Is that why you're pushing me away?" I asked."You have feelings for Bryan, don't you, Flora? Your wolf feels the same," Ryker responded, hurt clear in his voice."You're an asshole!" I snapped. "Maybe you're not over your ex-wife, who bullies her child to extract information. Information she shouldn't be getting from a child." Ryker looked shocked, as if this was news to him. I realized he was unaware of what had happened just an hour earlier when Melina had confronted his son."Your shock tells me you didn't
Flora – POVI returned to my room after talking to Bryan. Thoughts raced in my mind about the danger and hearing Elton's name again. The relief I'd felt when he was killed by Ryker was now replaced by dread. But I refused to let fear win this time. If I see Elton again, I'm ready to fight and take revenge for his audacity."I'm with you, Flora. We'll finish Elton for good," said my wolf, Nyla, with fire in her voice. Her determination strengthened my resolve to face my fears. For the past two weeks, Ryker had distanced himself from me and seemed to be closer to Melina. Bryan kept an eye on me for safety, which I didn't like. Ryker only interacted with me during training sessions, and he always looked tired. I'd once asked him about it, but Ryker brushed me off. Though I didn't like Bryan, he taught me how to use magic, and I had to admit he was skilled.Standing close to Bryan, I felt Nyla purring in my mind. When Bryan touched my hand to correct my stance, a thrilling sensation cours
Bryan - POV I felt so drawn to her soft lips and wanted to taste Flora, but I stopped inches away. It was hard to resist the mate bond and my wolf's pull to kiss her, but I knew one thing: if I took advantage of her vulnerable state, I'd only become a villain in her eyes. So I gently caressed her cheeks to comfort her instead. "Why are you hesitating? Kiss her already," my wolf, Orin, hissed. I shut out his pestering. Flora's eyes opened when she didn't feel my lips on hers, and I saw the sadness in them. She seemed to regain her consciousness, resisting the mate bond. "Thank you," Flora whispered. I knew she was thanking me for not surrendering to the mate bond like she had. "I should go," Flora said and walked away. It was tough to watch her leave; I wanted to kiss her and mark her as mine, but only if she wanted the same. I didn't see such desire in her eyes. I clenched my fist in frustration over my decision that let Flora walk away. I punched a tree, splitting it in two. I hat
Flora – POVChelsea and I sat in her mansion. Ivan, after joining us for lunch, walked away to get some studying done. He looked distant and sad. I asked Ivan if Ivan wanted to study with me, but Ivan turned me down. I understood he needed some distance."You should rest," Chelsea instinctively said."I am fine," I responded, sipping a tea infused with a potion to keep the ache of my muscles bearable rather than intense. Chelsea sighed at my stubbornness for not agreeing to rest."What happened to Melina?" I inquired."I didn't expect you to worry about her," Chelsea remarked. "Well, she is in the infirmary, unconscious.""Good," I said without remorse, and Chelsea raised her eyebrows in surprise. "What!" I exclaimed at her stare."You look more like an avenger now, not a forgiver," Chelsea observed. I sighed."What can I say? It was Ryker showing me the side of myself hiding under the forgiving side," I said. "People who mean harm to loved ones deserve punishment, and Ryker is protec
Ryker – POV"We can destroy the Dark Vortex with this spell since Flora is of the Nyx bloodline, which is essential for the spell to work," Chelsea showed me the context in an ancient book. Hope and happiness gleamed in Flora's eyes upon hearing this news."We can give it a try," I said."We need to go to the Dense Forest near the Dark Vortex to cast the spell," Chelsea explained. "It has to be cast close to work, and then all the trapped people can be saved.""We can't go to the Dense Forest now. There's danger around and in the pack," I said. Flora's eyes narrowed at me, wanting to know what I was implying."We can't miss this opportunity with the blue moon, which is rare and happening in the next four days," Chelsea explained."What if we can't perform the spell during the blue moon? Can't the spell work at another time?" I asked."Nope," Chelsea said bluntly. "Why can't we go to the Dense Forest, and what do you mean by danger in the pack?" Chelsea pressed."I can't say," I replie
Flora–POV"Thank you for sharing the truth with me," I said before leaving his room. Ryker stopped me; as soon as his hand was on mine, I felt warm but also an unsettling sensation, and my chest tightened. Ryker let go of me and distanced himself, and the strange shift in my body subsided."Are you okay?" Ryker asked, concern in his voice but maintaining his distance from me."I am. What was that just now?" I asked."Nothing. I suggest you leave my room now; you have your answer," Ryker said, avoiding my gaze. I walked away, angry with his hot-and-cold attitude. I need help to understand what's bothering Ryker today.I went back to check on Ivan, who was sleeping in his bed, mourning Jake's death. I gently caressed his head and putting a blanket on Ivan's small figure relaxed, but I felt terrible for this little guy who couldn't receive his mother's love, only trauma. Now Ryker was keeping his distance, too. I saw the worry in Ivan's eyes about why his father was distancing himself. S
Flora – POVRyker looked at me, then at the pregnancy test I had taken before we were to leave for our honeymoon. "You're pregnant," he stated. I nodded, confirming his words."I'm so happy, Flora," Ryker said with a huge grin, embracing me tightly, his arms warm and reassuring. Tears of joy streamed down my face. I had been so anxious about my pregnancy, wondering if Ryker truly wanted to be a father. But seeing his happiness washed away all my fears, bringing a deep sense of relief."Aren't you happy, Flora? Why are you crying?" Ryker asked, a note of alarm in his voice as we stepped back from our embrace."They're happy tears, Ryker. I'm not sad," I replied, chuckling softly and wiping my tears. It was endearing to see the concern in his eyes shift to relief."We need to start planning for the baby. A new crib, and we must ensure that you have the best health care," Ryker began, his mind already racing with plans."Ryker, let's just enjoy this moment. We have plenty of time," I sai
Chelsa - POVStanding outside Ryker's office, I hesitated, confident that Nathan would be inside, managing Pack affairs in Ryker's absence. Taking a deep breath, I grappled with the realization that Nathan was my second mate.The door opened, revealing Nathan. His brown eyes, always so warm, met mine. "Planning to just stand there?" Nathan queried."I was wondering if I helped Ivan with that potion," I lied, stepping inside. Nathan closed the door, and a wave of warmth enveloped me."Please accept Nathan," urged Mary, my inner wolf."Quiet, Mary. I need time. Nathan hasn't acknowledged the mate bond; maybe he's unhappy," I replied, focusing on Ryker's administrative tasks.Nathan approached, holding a file, invading my personal space. I avoided his gaze, but his proximity left me no choice."Why are you avoiding me?" he asked.Raising an eyebrow, I retorted, "You've been avoiding me too. You only showed up yesterday to dance with me."His voice softened. "I'm sorry."“What do you mea
Flora - POVI awoke at dawn, back in my room, but I wasn't alone—Ryker lay sleeping beside me, his presence a peaceful comfort. Gently caressing his face, I felt a surge of relief. Silently, I slipped out of bed and went to Ivan's room. There, he slept soundly. I kissed his forehead, thoughts of the orb's message for Ivan and my future child lingering in my mind. It foretold a challenging adulthood for them, marked by difficult choices. A sigh escaped me as I pondered the message's fluidity and how the future might shift with every decision made. I clung to the hope that the ominous vision could be altered.Ryker's voice broke the silence. “Flora,” he murmured, his half-asleep gaze filled with confusion. “Why do you look so concerned?”I grasped his hand, leading him back to our bed. “I saw the future, Ryker, but I can't share the details—it's against the rules,” I explained softly. “I can only say that Ivan and our future child will face hard times. We won't be there to support them;
Flora – POV"Where am I?" I asked, confused."We are in the Dark Realm, Flora," Nyla said."Why are we here?" I asked. A man's silhouette became apparent, and he bowed before me."Queen Flora," he said. "I am the guard named Nephro, my lady. I am the one who summoned you." The voice was familiar; it belonged to Nephro, who had crowned me the Queen of Darkness. This happened after I had passed away in the Wolf Realm and came to this side of the world. Since being revived, I could easily traverse between the two realms."Why did you call me here? I was told I would only be summoned if a problem arose," I said, rising from the throne. "So, you're here to inform me of a problem?""Yes, my Queen.""What is it this time?" I asked, worried, walking toward Nephro, who led the way to the issue."Nothing too grave, but I must inform you that our future seers' room has a new message." I gulped. Nephro had explained the significance of this room during my coronation and had shown it to me. The Fu
Flora – POVI opened the letter and began to read its contents. "Flora, the first thing I want to tell you is that you changed my life for the better. When I realized our mate bond, I was initially confused and guarded. I had vowed never to let anyone into my heart again, but you wielded an inexplicable power over me. In the few weeks you stayed with our pack, I felt irresistibly drawn to you. When you were taken from me, I understood that it wasn't just the mate bond; it was my heart yearning to know and understand you. You breached the walls around my heart so effortlessly, I never saw it coming. I pretended not to care, claiming I wanted you only for the power you represented, because you weren't ready to see the warmth and care I could offer. You had your own scars, and I wanted to help heal them. Words often fail me when it comes to matters of the heart, so I'm pouring all my feelings into this letter. I have one more question to ask you." The letter ended there.I looked up at I
Flora – POV"Can I talk to you in private?" Bryan asked. I nodded, sensing Ryker's jealousy, but I knew I needed to speak with Bryan. I glanced back at the group."I'll be back in a minute," I said. Everyone nodded, and Ryker returned to his breakfast, deliberately avoiding my gaze. I walked out with Bryan."I'm glad to see you're back to life, looking happy and healthy," Bryan said."Yes, I'm back, thanks to Ryker using the Odion amulet. And I'm grateful to Belle for giving this amulet to Ryker at just the right time," I explained. Bryan nodded, clearly absorbing this new information, evidently unaware of it until now."So, what did you want to talk about?" I asked as we walked down the corridor, away from prying ears. Bryan looked uncomfortable, shifting his weight from one foot to another and scratching his head."Well, I came to ask you—" He stopped, took a deep breath, and met my gaze, his emerald eyes filled with turmoil. "I want to know why I don't sense the mate bond between u
Ryker - POVFlora gazed at me intently. “I know it’s challenging to confront your mother. Allow me to handle this,” she offered. I nodded in agreement. While Flora engaged in battle with my mother, I hurried to Ivan. Utilizing magical techniques, I cast spells to ease his discomfort within the barrier. However, my efforts seemed futile; my magic had little effect.“I’m not feeling well, Dad,” Ivan murmured weakly. Time was slipping away, and I unleashed a powerful grim reaper spell in desperation, shattering the barrier. Ivan, pallid and sickly, collapsed into my arms. Without hesitation, I teleported us to the Black Mist Pack's Infirmary.“Ivan, are you okay?” I asked, concern etching my voice.“No, I feel strange,” he replied, his voice weak, before vomiting on my shoulder. As we arrived at the infirmary, I entrusted Ivan to the care of the doctors and Chelsa.“Chelsa, please look after Ivan. I must return to aid Flora,” I urged, encountering Chelsa on my way back.“Is Flora okay? H
Ryker -POV"Silence and sit down; let me explain," Mom commanded sharply. "I am a hybrid, part wolf, part demon. As the first heir of the demons, my mixed blood made me ineligible to be their queen, so I was exiled. In my rogue state, I met your father, my mate, but I concealed my demonic powers from him.""Why did you kill Dad? Was it because you didn't love him, or did you want to prevent the Moon Goddess's sword from slaying more demons?" I asked, my voice laden with suspicion and hurt."I did love your father, but things went terribly wrong," she began. "On a trip, he discovered my true origin. His hatred for demons was profound, and it led to a fierce confrontation. Not to mention, I resented him for having a son, Elton, with another woman. Our argument escalated, and your father, in a fit of rage, tried to kill me."Mom paused, her eyes distant. "In self-defense, I unleashed my power and, unintentionally, killed him. Unable to return to the Pack, I created an illusion that we bo
Ryker – POVI handed Bryan the signed peace treaty, and he walked out of my pack, his expression clouded with gloom. I turned towards Melina, who was seated with handcuffs clasping her wrists, while Chelsea gave me a stern look."Are you serious about believing this manipulative woman?" Chelsea asked, her voice loud enough for everyone to hear."Chelsea, let's talk in private," I suggested."No, I need answers right now," Chelsea insisted."I had no other choice, Chelsea. Time is running out, and I'm worried about Ivan," I retorted, my frustration evident. Chelsea's frown softened into a look of concern. She knew the lengths I had gone to in our search."Let's just remove these," Melina interjected, nodding towards her handcuffs. I remained motionless, ignoring her demand."Do you want the antidote to ease your agony, or would you rather provoke me to the point of no return?" I challenged her."Then give me the antidote. The pain is unbearable like my bones are aging rapidly," Melina