Akira’s POVI was back in my parents’ mansion, surrounded by the familiar scent of blooming roses in the garden. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over everything.I was laughing with my mother, feeling light and happy, like nothing could ever go wrong. My mother’s laughter was the sweetest sound, and was as comforting as ever.But suddenly, something shifted.My mother’s joyous expression faded, her face turning pale as if all the color had drained away. Her eyes widened in shock and fear, and then, without warning, she began to collapse.“Mom!” I cried out, rushing to her side as she dropped to the ground.My heart pounded in my chest as I knelt beside her, holding her fragile body in my arms.“Mom, please, talk to me!” I pleaded, shaking her gently, but there was no response. Her eyes were open, but they stared blankly ahead, unseeing.Panic surged through me as I looked down at her, and that’s when I saw it. Blood. There was blood spreading across her stomach, soak
Akira’s POVAs we walked down the hallway, I could feel my nerves tightening.The guard stopped in front of a door I didn’t recognize. This wasn’t Hunter’s library or his study, the places I’d been dragged to countless times before.No, this room was different, and the guard seemed hesitant, as if he was scared to knock. After what felt like an eternity, he finally knocked gently on the door, but there was no response. He tapped again, even softer this time, his hand trembling slightly.I couldn’t take it anymore.Frustrated, I stepped forward and banged heavily on the door, the sound echoing through the quiet hallway. The guard shot me a look of panic, but I didn’t care.“This isn’t the time for your gentle tapping,” I muttered under my breath, irritation lacing my words.Just as I was about to bang on the door again, it suddenly swung open.Hunter stood there; his muscular chest exposed as he tried to slip into a robe. He was cursing under his breath, something about taking the head
Akira’s POVIt had been two long weeks since Brielle had fallen ill. The first three days were filled with a flurry of activity as the doctor Hunter had requested began treating her. But despite his efforts, Brielle’s condition didn’t seem to improve.I spent those days in a constant state of anxiety, watching her struggle to breathe, her small body weakened by the fever that wouldn’t break.Then, out of nowhere, Hunter ordered that Brielle be moved from the dungeon to the servants' quarters.It was a decision that took me by surprise, but one I was grateful for, even if it meant that Lisa and I were left behind in this cold, dark cell.Every day and night since then, I couldn’t stop wondering about Brielle—whether she was responding to the treatment, if she was eating well, if she was being cared for properly.Whenever the servants came to bring food for Lisa and me, I would ask them about Brielle.“Is Brielle okay?” I’d inquire, trying to mask the desperation in my voice. But none o
Hunters’ POVThe evening was cool, and the moon shone brightly in the sky, casting a silver glow over the woods. The air was crisp, and the weather was decent enough for a run—just the way I liked it.This time of day was usually solitary for me, a time when I could exercise and clear my mind. I shifted into my werewolf form and felt the familiar rush of power as my muscles expanded, fur sprouting over my skin.With a low growl, I took off, my paws hitting the forest floor in a steady, powerful rhythm.Running like this, with the wind against my fur and the scent of the earth filling my senses, was the one thing that brought me peace.I’d been doing this since I was ten years old. I still remembered the first time I’d run through these woods. Back then, I was just a scared little boy, unable to protect my mother from my father’s wrath.Alpha Silver, the head of the Silver Moon pack, my father, had been a cruel man.I had watched helplessly as he battered my mother in the living room.
Hunter’s POVI froze, disbelief washing over me. It couldn’t be.But there she was, lying on the ground beneath me, her clothes slightly torn. Her breathing was ragged, her eyes wide with fear and pain.I dropped my claw. I turned to my human form. stepping back in shock. What the hell had I done?I stared down at her, my mind racing to make sense of what had just happened.Why was she out here? Why was she running? The questions bombarded me, but none of them mattered now.My chest tightened as I watched her struggle to breathe, her face contorted in pain.Then, she passed out.As I sat in my study, my mind churned with a storm of emotions, none of them was good. Akira lay unconscious on the couch, her chest rising and falling with each breath. I’d checked her pulse the moment I brought her in, and it was steady, but that didn’t do much to ease the anger boiling inside me.I was angry at her for trying to escape—again.I was angry at myself for almost hitting her, a woman, something
Akira’s POVWhen I quietly pushed open the door to our room that early morning, I saw the surprise flash across Lisa’s face. She probably thought I’d be long gone by now, far away from this mansion and the hellish grip of Hunter.Yesterday morning, when I told her I was planning to escape again, I could tell she wasn’t comfortable with the idea. But I assured her that I would leave alone by using my werewolf abilities to speed my escape and when I get help, I will come back for them. She didn’t even have to say much then; the worry in her eyes was enough to know what’s om her mind.“Akira,” Lisa whispered as I stepped into the room, her voice thick with concern. “What happened? You were supposed to be gone by now.”I sighed, closing the door behind me as I leaned back against it. “I got caught,” I said flatly, not wanting to relive the humiliation of being tackled by Hunter in the woods.Lisa’s eyes widened. “Caught? By who? Hunter?”I nodded, feeling the anger bubbling up inside me a
Akira POVHunter rang the bell again, and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes in frustration. That was the fifth time in the last thirty minutes. Each time, it’s been some petty errand designed to wear me out, and I was getting sick of it.I walked into his study, half-expecting another pointless task, but instead, he looked up at me and said, “Prepare yourself. This evening, I want you to dress and be at your best. We’re hosting a little party.”I stood there, silent, not even bothering to hide my irritation. What business did I have with his party? He already had a woman glued to his side—Kestrel.He looked up at me from his desk, with those questioning eyes, clearly expecting a response, so I finally spoke up.“What does your party have to do with me?” I snapped. “Since you already have a woman, why else would you want me to dress up and play your mate?”His lips curled into that devilish smile that I despised. “Am I truly preserving jealousy from me, doll?” he asked, clearly enjoying
Akira’s POVI wasn't surprised when Kestrel followed me into the bathroom. The moment I excused myself from Hunter’s side, I could sense her predatory eyes on me. It was as if she had been waiting for a moment like this, a moment when I was away from Hunter, to confront me and put me in my place.Inside the restroom, when I felt her presence, I intentionally ignored her.I went about my business, refusing to acknowledge her standing there with that smug look on her face. I knew she was expecting me to say something, but I wasn’t going to give her the gratification. I washed my hands, taking my time, hoping she’d get bored and leave, but of course, she didn’t.Just as I was about to exit the restroom, Kestrel stepped in front of me, blocking my way. I looked up at her, my eyes narrowing. Those eyes were filled with spite, and I could see the barely contained wrath simmering beneath the surface.“So, you think you’ve started growing wings just because the Moon Goddess made you Hunter’s