XAVIER'S POVMy footsteps echoed through the cold, dimly lit corridors as I descended into the bowels of the castle. The torches along the damp stone walls flickered, casting dancing shadows that mirrored the turmoil within me. The weight of the metal keys at my belt clinked softly, a constant reminder of the impending confrontation awaiting me.Approaching the heavy iron door leading to the dungeons, my grip tightened around the reinforced leather gloves I wore. The moonlight outside filtered through small, barred windows, casting an ethereal glow on the path ahead. Thoughts of Athena's near demise fueled the fire in my eyes, and the notion of being seconds away from losing her intensified the fury building within me.Pushing open the creaking door, I revealed a labyrinth of damp, narrow passageways. The dungeons exuded an unsettling atmosphere, heavy with the musty scent of captivity. Distant moans of other prisoners echoed, creating an eerie of suffering.My boots echoed against th
SCARLET'S POV“Are you out of your mind, Scarlet?” I flinched at the tone my brother used at me. I had never seen him so out of composure. “What were you thinking running back here like a coward?” I face my brother’s accusatory gaze as anger simmered within me. Was he kidding me? He was blaming me? For coming back? Really? That's all I meant to him? A pawn to use for his plans? Did we have no other relation apart from him controlling me like a puppet for as far as I remember?“Are you even hearing yourself? I did my best, Cyrus! I did every fucking painful thing for you to achieve your goals. And this is how you repay me? By putting it all on me when you knew I had no other choice! I did my best Cyrus!” I defended, my voice booming and competing against his sharp one. He can't do this to me. It was enough. It was time he actually started treating me like a sister. Not his puppet. “You are one to call me a coward when all this time you have hidden behind the shadows and used everyone e
SCARLET'S POV“Let her go, Cyrus. Don't be so harsh with her! It's not her fault things turned out the way we didn't plan.” Cyrus raised an eyebrow in amusement before abruptly letting go off my shoulder. A crazed, sinister look marked his face as he turned completely to face Panton. His lips curled at one corner evilly as he gave Panton the ‘you are dead’ look. “Of course. You'd be one to say that.” Cyrus started taking threatening steps towards Panton, while he stood his ground observing Cyrus' every move silently. I don't know what was going to happen. But I could smell the smoke before the giant fire. Things were about to go very wrong. And I didn't want to witness it. Not like this at least. My brother had lost his mind, and he would now go on a killing rampage if he didn't get what he wanted. His expression said everything clearly. My heart broke, thinking about what had happened to him. To us. He was never like this. We were never like this. But I guess mom’s and dad’s death
XAVIER'S POVMy fingers dug into the injured witch's arm, her pained gasps echoing through the moonlit forest. Colby, Cameron, and Devon accompanied me with determined expressions along with our trained warriors from the werewolf army. I couldn't take the chance of going without any preparation. We were a band of shadows moving through the tangled woods, chasing the elusive promise of Scarlet's hiding place. If Panton was really telling the truth, then there was no doubt that Scarlet would be the one to lead them to Cyrus. And once I get my hands on him, he will be done for. The air was thick with tension, the rustling leaves conspiring with the shadows to conceal our pursuit. Despite the witch's injuries, fear kept her moving forward. Her every stumble and wince ignited the burning memory of her deceit. The pain she inflicted on Athena fueled my determination, the vivid recollection of how Scarlet had treated her churning anger within me. If it weren't for Panton revealing the harsh
ATHENA'S POVAlone in the quiet refuge of my room, I cradled the delicate locket in my hands, a link to my mother whose absence left an indelible void within me. The last gift she bestowed before being claimed by an unforgiving fate, this treasure had weathered the storms, both literal and metaphorical, of my life.I let my fingers trace the intricate patterns on the locket's surface, a dance of memory and longing. I remembered the day I thought I lost it in the river, the torrent threatening to carry away not just a piece of jewelry, but a piece of my mother's memory. It was Maggie who handed it back to me. That moment etched in my mind, I decided to stop wearing it daily, to shield it from potential loss.This enchanting stone, a marvel of icy brilliance, held within its heart swirling shades—sky blue and turquoise interwoven in hues that never failed to captivate me. Its strength was palpable, as though my mother's spirit lingered within, whispering tales of love and resilience. It
ATHENA'S POVThe rain fell relentlessly, a somber backdrop to the mournful occasion that unfolded before my watchful eyes. The pack, gathered in a circle around the freshly filled grave, bore the weight of sorrow evident in their drooping shoulders and bowed heads. The rest of the Elders of the pack stood as silent witnesses, shock and sadness marked on their faces as a clear representation of what they were feeling. Sorrow for losing their beloved companion. Elder Panton had succumbed to the inevitable cycle of life, leaving behind a void that seemed to seep into the very air we breathed. Whispers of curiosity mingled with the raindrops, questioning glances exchanged among the pack, seeking understanding in the face of an unexpected departure. I heard some whispers of the pack members, wanting to know how it turned out to be like this. I particularly felt nothing. I was never close to him anyways. It was quite the opposite actually. From the first day I had stepped foot in this pac
XAVIER'S POV My office welcomed the soft glow of the light, casting a warm ambiance amid the seriousness of the paperwork that lay strewn across my desk. As Alpha, the weight of leadership demanded attention to the intricate details that governed our pack. Tonight was no exception, as I delved into the piles of reports and documents that demanded my scrutiny.A gentle knock echoed through the room, and I looked up to find Cameron at the doorway. His presence was expected, and with a nod, I granted him permission to enter. Cameron stepped in, the subtle tension in his shoulders indicative of the news he bore."Alpha Xavier," he began, a respectful tone laced with a hint of excitement. "Alpha Malcolm from the neighboring Blue Moon Pack, they recently welcomed their first pup, and in honor of this joyous occasion, they've announced a formal celebration."A flicker of interest sparked in my eyes, and I leaned back in my chair, inviting Cameron to elaborate. He handed over an intricately
ATHENA'S POVI felt the luxurious fabric of my evening gown against my skin as Xavier and I entered the grand ballroom, arm in arm. Soft music and murmured conversations created an ambiance of sophistication. Xavier smiled at me, and for a moment, everything seemed perfect. We exchanged our pleasantries with Alpha Malcolm and his mate. As we gracefully moved through the crowd, my eyes caught a familiar figure approaching—the source of my heartbreak and betrayal. My gaze sharpened, and my pulse quickened. The room seemed to fade away as he drew nearer, accompanied by none other— the woman I despised. Seriously, what was he doing here? And he had the nerve to have her stuck to him like a leech? After everything he did? I stood paralyzed in my tracks as my gaze settled upon him, the atmosphere turning heavy with tension. Nate and the woman he had cheated on me with walked toward us, their laughter echoing in my ears. My shock turned into a silent rage, my fists clenching involuntarily