LIRA The sun barely kissed the horizon when I stepped onto the training grounds. The morning air carried the scent of damp earth and pine, mingling with the faint crackle of magic in the air. I stood across from Ivy, her green eyes sharp with focus. The young witch had been training with Morgana for years, and though she was still learning, her magic was already formidable. “Again,” Morgana instructed, her voice calm but firm. I took a deep breath, feeling the energy surge through my veins. Ever since my first shift, the power within me had grown stronger. It was no longer a whisper but a steady pulse, waiting to be wielded. Ivy raised her hands, a soft golden light forming between her fingertips. “Ready?” I nodded. “Go.” She flicked her wrist, sending a pulse of energy toward me. I barely had time to react before the blast hit my shield, a shimmering barrier that flickered in and out as I struggled to maintain control. Morgana hummed. “Better. But still unstable.” I clenche
LIRAThe sun was warm against my skin as we stepped out of the Alpha mansion, but even its golden light couldn’t ease the unease settling in my chest.It hadn’t just been a trick of the light. I had felt someone watching me, their presence thick and oppressive in the air. And then, just as quickly as I’d seen it, it had vanished. My wolf, Sylara, had bristled, urging me to remain on high alert, but there had been nothing—no scent, no lingering energy—just the eerie silence of the morning.I glanced at Caius beside me as we walked, his fingers brushing against mine as if sensing my tension.“You’re still thinking about it, aren’t you?” he murmured.I nodded. “I know what I saw, Caius. There was someone watching us.”His jaw tightened. “I don’t doubt you. But whoever it was, he disappeared before I could sense him. That’s what bothers me.”We took our time heading toward Morgana’s cottage, walking at a relaxed pace. The usual chatter surrounded us—Elias and Ronan discussing the best com
LIRAThe sun had barely set, but the entire pack was already buzzing with anticipation. Tonight was the full moon, the night Caius and I would finally complete our bond. I should have been excited—this was something I had dreamed of, something I wanted—but a strange unease settled deep in my chest, like a whisper of warning I couldn’t quite hear.Morgana, Ivy, and Kora were in my room, helping me prepare. The ceremonial dress I wore was a deep crimson, the fabric flowing around me like a river of blood—bold, untamed, and alive. It clung to my form like it knew me, fitted at the bodice with delicate embroidery that shimmered like flame when the light caught it. Intricate patterns of gold thread traced ancient runes across the sleeves and neckline, symbols of unity, strength, and fate. The skirt fanned out in layers of silk and velvet, trailing behind me like a royal shadow, commanding attention with every step.The color wasn’t just for show. It was symbolic—red for power, for passion,
CAIUSThe full moon stood high above us, bathing the clearing in its silver glow. The night was still, the only sounds were the hushed breaths of the wolves surrounding us, waiting, watching. This was the moment we had been waiting for—the moment Lira and I would complete our bond.She stood before me, her crimson ceremonial dress shimmering in the moonlight, her eyes locked onto mine. A wave of possessiveness surged through me. This woman—this fierce, powerful Luna—was mine.Fenrir stirred within me, his voice filled with pride. Make her ours, Caius. The bond will be unbreakable.I took a step closer, my hand gently caressing Lira’s cheek before sliding down to her neck, feeling the rapid pulse beneath my fingers. She wasn’t afraid, but there was tension in her body—a mixture of anticipation and something else.I lowered my head, pressing my lips to her shoulder before whispering against her skin, “Are you ready?”Lira let out a soft breath, tilting her head slightly, baring her neck
LIRAThe night air was fresh, the scent of pine and damp earth filling my lungs as I steadied myself. The raw power coursing through my veins felt… different. Stronger. Wilder.I turned my head slightly, meeting Caius’ golden gaze. Something shifted between us—an unspoken understanding.Then, a voice brushed against my mind.'Lira?'I stiffened. My breath hitched.I could hear him.Not just sense him through the bond. I could hear his voice inside my head.Caius’ brows furrowed, his head tilting slightly. 'Can you hear me? Can you hear my thoughts?'I swallowed hard, pressing a hand to my chest where his mark rested against my skin. 'Yes. I can.'Warmth surged through me—his emotions spilling into mine like a tide. I felt his relief, his joy, his steady love.'We are one now,' he said softly, through the bond.I gasped as another wave of sensation hit—his calm, his strength… and underneath, the way his heart beat for me.“I can feel you,” I whispered aloud, though we no longer needed
CAIUSThe forest was alive with the sound of paws thundering against the earth, the crisp night air carrying our howls through the trees. I had never felt this powerful before—not just physically, but in every sense of the word. Marking Lira had completed something within me, something primal, something ancient.Fenrir ran beside Sylara, our wolves moving in perfect unison. I could feel Lira’s exhilaration through our bond, her wild joy as she embraced her newfound strength.'You’re incredible,' I told her through the link, feeling a swell of pride.'You’re not so bad yourself, Alpha,' she teased back.I growled playfully, nipping at her flank before she sped up, laughing in the way only wolves could. The entire pack followed behind us, their energy electrified by the full moon, by the ceremony, by the thrill of the night.Then, a voice cut through the rush of wind.'Fenrir. Bring Sylara here. Now.'Sylara slowed beside me, her ears twitching as she turned to meet my gaze.'Did you he
LIRA The air was thick with tension, every breath laced with the weight of what Morgana had just revealed. The Dark Lord was here. Watching. Waiting.I could feel Caius through our bond, his fury a simmering storm barely restrained. Sylara shared his rage, our wolf ready to fight if it came to that. But Morgana’s voice was clear—not yet.Then, from the distance, the sound of pounding paws echoed through the trees. The pack was closing in, returning from the run, unaware of what had just unfolded.Morgana acted fast. She whispered an incantation, her fingers tracing a sigil in the air. A soft shimmer surrounded her, and in the next second, she vanished from sight.“Ease up,” her voice floated through the air. “If you look on edge, they’ll sense something is wrong.”Caius exhaled sharply, forcing Fenrir to relax his stance. I followed his lead, though every instinct in me screamed to stay alert.Are you sure this is the best way? I asked, my voice laced with concern.“We can’t let the
LIRAThe atmosphere inside the Alpha mansion buzzed with energy. The grand hall was alive with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the rhythmic beat of drums as the pack celebrated. The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the familiar smell of my packmates. This was a night of unity, a moment of triumph.I stood beside Caius, his warm hand resting possessively on my waist. Everywhere I turned, I was met with smiles and words of congratulations. It was overwhelming yet heartwarming.“Luna,” Elias grinned as he approached, holding out a goblet. “You look like you need a drink.”I chuckled, accepting the cup. “That obvious?”Ronan appeared beside him, his golden eyes gleaming with mischief. “You marked each other. Officially mated. What did you expect? The pack has been waiting for this moment for months.”Caius let out a low chuckle. “Let them celebrate. Tonight is a night of joy.”Kora suddenly threw her arms around me, squeezing me tightly. “
CELESTEI never intended for it to go this far.When I first reunited with Lucien, I thought fate was giving me a second chance at something I didn’t know I wanted—a mate. The bond, undeniable and powerful, wrapped around my heart like ivy around a tree, slow and steady until it was too tight to break free. I tried to deny it. Goddess knows, I did.Lucien was dangerous. I knew what he did. I knew what he became. But I also knew who he was before the darkness took hold of him. I had seen glimpses of that man in the quiet moments—when he looked at me with regret in his eyes, when he touched my hand as though he didn’t deserve to. That man still existed… somewhere deep within him.At least, that’s what I told myself.I didn’t know about the black crystal. I swear it. When I agreed to spy on Valenwood on Lucien’s behalf, I thought I was doing it to protect my people. To keep the remaining members of the pack alive. To make sure that if Lucien ever did go too far, I’d be there to stop him.
LUCIENValenwood.For years, it had been a ghost of a memory, a place buried beneath layers of magic and secrecy. A sanctuary hidden from the world, impenetrable to those who did not know its paths. But I knew them. Every trail, every clearing, every hidden passageway that the elders thought would keep their precious haven safe.They underestimated me.Even now, as the protective enchantments wove their illusions to obscure the pack’s presence, I walked through the forest with certainty. The scent of the land, the familiar rustling of the trees—it all remained the same. The magic tried to confuse, to shift the terrain and lead me astray, but I was Valenwood’s son once. It could not deceive me.And I had a reason to return.Celeste.Her name alone brought an ache to my chest, a reminder of something I had lost long before I even realized it was mine to claim. My mate. The one destined to stand by my side, to tether my soul in a way no other ever could. And I had left her.When I first
LUCIENTwenty-five years ago, everything changed. I was a promising young wolf, destined by my own ambition to take my place as Alpha in our pack. My sister Seraphina had been the chosen heir, but when she renounced her claim and left the pack, I believed that our father, Alpha Thoren, would finally see fit to crown me as the new leader. I was not prepared for what happened next.Instead of giving me the throne, Thoren reaffirmed his position as Alpha. I was left with nothing but bitter disappointment and a sense of betrayal. I had sacrificed so much and built my reputation within the pack, only to be cast aside. In the days that followed, I found myself wandering away from the camp, too ashamed and angry to face my people.I eventually found myself at a nearby river, its cold, clear waters reflecting a bleak sky. I sat there for hours, letting the chill of the water and the cold night air numb the searing pain of rejection. As I stared at the river, I noticed something unusual: half-
LUCIENThe black crystal pulsed faintly, its core swirling with a darkness that even I, a disciple of the shadows, could not fully comprehend. I ran my fingers over its jagged edges, feeling the raw energy thrumming beneath my touch. A sinister presence seeped from within, connecting me to the distant whispers of my master—the Dark Lord.‘He had done it again.’Despite Grimhowl’s heightened security, despite their so-called “precautions,” another crystal had been planted deep within their lands. Hidden in the very foundation of their walls, it absorbed every word spoken near it, feeding me their plans like a constant, dripping stream of knowledge.I leaned back in my chair, the dim candlelight flickering across the stone chamber where I sat. The crystal sat atop a carved pedestal, its surface shifting as though alive. I smirked. “Fools,” I muttered. “No matter how hard they fight, they will never see what lurks in the dark.”Closing my eyes, I let my mind attune to the crystal, allowi
LIRAThe Grimhowl territory had never been this alive before. Warriors sparred in the training grounds, their grunts and the clash of weapons filling the air. Wolves in their beast forms dodged and lunged at each other, testing their agility and strength. Those who couldn’t fight played equally crucial roles—preparing meals, crafting armor, and ensuring that shelters were built for the warriors arriving from different packs.The war was coming, and every single person was doing their part.I stood near the training grounds, watching as Caius, Elias, and Ronan instructed warriors on battle formations. Beta Orion was on the other side, leading a group in close combat training. My father observed from a distance, his sharp eyes scanning the fighters as if assessing each one’s strengths and weaknesses.Caius caught my gaze and gave me a small nod before dodging a strike from one of the warriors. He countered effortlessly, his body moving with lethal precision. My heart swelled with pride.
CAIUSThe moment our strategy was set, we wasted no time. If we were going to stand a chance against the Dark Lord, we needed numbers—and we needed them now.Alpha Tobias and Beta Orion led the charge, using every connection they had to reach out to the packs we knew. Lira, Elias, and Ronan assisted, sending messages through mind-links where possible and relying on trusted messengers for those too far to reach directly. I took charge of speaking with the Alphas I had personal ties with, those I had fought beside in the past.One by one, we made our calls.The first to respond was Alpha Marius of the Silvercrest Pack.“I thought you’d never ask, Caius,” Marius said, his deep voice filled with rough amusement. “You saved my hide in the battle against the Bloodfang rogues two years ago. I owe you for that. You’ll have my warriors before the next full moon.”I exhaled, relief settling in my chest. “Thank you, Marius. We’ll need every blade we can get.”“I’m sending two hundreds of my best
CAUISThe air inside the main house was heavy with unspoken tension as we entered. The war room was dimly lit, the long wooden table in the center of the room surrounded by chairs that had been hastily arranged. Maps and strategy notes littered the surface, remnants of previous discussions about the looming battle against the Dark Lord.Tobias, Orion, Lira, Elias, Ronan, Thoren, Dain, Morgana, and I took our places, the weight of the moment settling over us. Outside, the Duskborne pack was settling in, their presence merging with Grimhowl’s as the two packs began the slow process of integration. But inside this room, the real work was beginning.Orion’s sharp silver gaze scanned the room before landing on Tobias. “I won’t waste time with pleasantries. When we heard of the Dark Lord’s resurgence, we knew it would come to this. Duskborne doesn’t fight for causes—we fight for our own. But Lira is our own.” His voice was steady, unwavering. “So, we are here. Not just as allies. As family.
CAIUSThe Elders' visit had reinforced what we already knew—this war was no longer something looming in the distance. It was here. We were standing on the precipice of a battle that would shape the future of our kind, and every choice from this moment forward would determine our survival.But the Elders were not the only ones who came.Just hours after their departure, the wind carried the scent of approaching wolves—hundreds of them. The air shifted, thick with the presence of another pack moving as one, their steps silent but powerful. The warriors at the gates of Grimhowl stiffened, their hands gripping their weapons instinctively. I raised a hand, signaling them to hold their ground, even as my own senses sharpened.At the front gates, Alpha Tobias stood waiting, his expression unreadable. He had been calm all morning, but I knew this moment held weight for him. He had left Duskborne under the care of his Beta, Orion, uncertain of what would become of them in his absence. Now, the
CAIUSThe soft glow of dawn seeped through the curtains, casting golden rays over the room. The air was still cool from the night, carrying the scent of pine and earth through the slightly open balcony door. Lira lay beside me, her dark hair spilling over the pillows, her breathing steady and even.For a moment, I allowed myself to simply watch her. The way her lashes fanned over her cheeks, how the corners of her lips twitched slightly, as if she were dreaming of something pleasant. My mate. My Luna. My everything.The events of the past days weighed heavily on my mind—the marking ceremony, the ominous presence in the woods, the looming war. But here, in this moment, all of that faded.I reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face before leaning in to press a soft kiss against her temple. She stirred slightly, her body instinctively shifting closer to mine.A low, contented hum escaped her lips. “Mm… Caius?”A slow smirk tugged at my lips. “Morning, love.”Her eyelids