*Alec* The world was crumbling, and it was all I could do to hang on. “Bryan!” I screamed, looking around frantically for the young shifter. The water rushed around me, and I struggled to keep my head above the surface. “Bryan!” Chunks of the bridge, blackened with soot and jagged from the explosion, flowed angrily down the river, caught in the vicious current. I dodged a sharp piece of stone and attempted to swim towards the riverbank on what I hoped was the south side of the river. I was so turned around that I couldn’t be sure, but I knew that it was better to be on dry land than to be stuck in the freezing rapids. A body, floating facedown, passed me. I clutched at it and managed to flip it onto its back before the current carried it away. To my relief, the face was unfamiliar to me, and I realized that it must have been one of Lukas’ soldiers. Not wanting to end up in the same situation, I renewed my efforts into reaching the bank. Swimming against th
*Alec* “Why don’t you join me?” the shifter who looked remarkably like Ember asked. I gaped at him for a moment, trying to parse out what was going on. “Don’t worry, I won’t bite,” he joked pleasantly before checking to see if the rabbit was done. I rolled my eyes at the comment, but decided to play along and see what happened. After all, this stranger had waltzed directly into the center of our camp while Liam and Bryan were asleep. If he had wanted to harm us, he would have killed them before they could wake. Shifting back into my human form, I retrieved my clothes and pulled them on quickly, keeping an eye on the stranger the entire time. He seemed amused that I was so suspicious of him, but waited patiently until I sat beside him at the fire. “Who are you?” I questioned. “My name’s Grey,” he replied easily in a forthcoming tone. “And I suppose I’m correct in assuming that you’re the Whitelark Alpha?” I nodded curtly. “What pack do you
*Ember* The days continued to pass, and the tension in Moon Haven remained palpable. It seemed that every day another messenger was coming back to deliver news of the front lines, but there were no updates about Alec or Bryan. Lukas’ army was halted for now, and the forces of Whitelark were recovering, but it wouldn’t be long before the stalemate ended. Tonight, Mary, Lauryn, and I sat outside as the sun began to set. Mary hadn’t eaten much or seemed to realize that she was falling apart every time the messenger came with no news. I wasn’t much better, but I had my training to focus on instead of the pain usually. Today, though, Chastine had kept me from training with the maidens because of some secret rite that they were going through that might hurt me if I was there. I had practiced what I could alone. I hadn’t even managed to rustle any leaves. All of my energy was being consumed by my worry about Alec. I sank onto the steps of the Palace of the Moon, looking out on Moon H
*Ember*We were ready to leave just as the sun was completely below the horizon. The weight of the war seemed to be on everyone’s mind, pushing us to move faster. All the maidens seemed skittish, but they worked quickly. When Chastine came out fully ready to leave, everyone seemed to move any faster. Chastine rolled her shoulders and ushered the maidens into the cart, loaded up all the supplies we could take, and soon we were heading out.The maidens trembled in their white cloaks and traveling bags. They didn’t even have shoes. Rhys and the other warriors flanked us on all sides before we left Moon Haven. The night was dark and moonless as we made our way south to Whitelark. The cool breeze brushed against my cheeks as we traveled. Those that were too young to shift rode on the backs of whatever warrior could take us or on the carts they pulled. No one spoke much as we hurried through the forest. Lauryn had shifted, running alongside the cart I rode on. Mary was poised on the c
*Alec*I still wasn’t sure about what to think about Grey or where he was leading us. As we followed Grey through the dense forest, the shadows of the towering trees cast an eerie, otherworldly glow. My stomach was turning into knots as we walked. Everything in me was telling me that I shouldn’t be here, but I pushed that feeling away. Grey and wherever he was taking us was a safe haven, at least for us to heal up, and if not that, then to get more reinforcements against Lukas. How many were there? Grey had been vague. I didn’t know if that was to protect them or because he didn’t feel it was important for us to know.We moved swiftly, our footsteps muffled by the thick layer of fallen leaves beneath our feet. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and my heart raced with a mix of hope and anxiety. A deep unsettling feeling started to grow further into the forest we went to, but I couldn’t place why. It wasn’t a feeling I had ever experienced before. A part of me knew something
*Ember* Traveling south through the flat lands was easier and quiet, but I could see what Chastine meant when she said I was stronger in the forest. The shadows around us felt weaker than they had in the woods. Luckily, we didn’t run into any more trouble. Finally, I could see the torches of Whitelark. We arrived at Whitelark just before dawn. Men were shirtless, working outside the castle walls as we rushed through the village outside. “Halt! Who–”“Stand down!” Rhys yelled back. “Open the gates!”The patrol was tense and wary about us, but they hurried to help us unload and move everything to where it was meant to go. They hurried, carrying the medical supplies and food into the castle. Then, II turned to see the rest of the warriors who had traveled with us, stuffing their bags with whatever food they could manage to put inside. They crammed bread and cuts of meat into their mouths like ravenous wolves. Rhys was with them, talking with another warrior and seemingly giving
*Ember*The words echoed through my mind like a far-off whisper carried by the wind of my hopes and deepest fears. Alec was alive. He was still fighting, but what of the shadow walkers? Would they betray him? Were they aligned with Lukas?I could hear his voice in the back of my mind. I felt the cold of the night air on my skin and stiffened my jaw as my heart started to race. The cool breeze of the evening ruffled my hair as I tried to think. Whitelark Castle was so far away from where my mind was. “How is the fight going?” Lauryn asked. He winced. “They're pushing back Lukas' forces, but the battle is fierce. There are reinforcements coming from the West, we think."My gut turned. I bit my lip, trying to suppress the surge of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. “How many? How quickly will they get there?” I asked. His eyes widened as he stared at me, seemingly speechless. Was he surprised that I was asking, or was it my tone? “Tell me!”He jolted and shook
*Alec*As I moved through the chaotic streets of the port city, my heart pounded in my chest like a warm drum. The scent of blood and sweat filled the air, a grim reminder of the toll this war was taking. The shadow walkers, led by Grey, fought beside me. Their movements were swift and coordinated as we pressed forward through the city headed toward the bridge, yet there didn’t seem to be an end to the number of Lukas’ enemies there.The city had become a battleground, each alley and street a potential trap. But we were determined and pushed through. With each step, I felt myself growing more tired, yet I couldn’t stop to rest. The coolness of the night dried my sweat. The tension in the air kept me on edge as we moved forward. I cast a glance at Grey. He met my gaze, a silent understanding passing between us. We were getting closer to the bridge, which meant the battle would get harder from here.He gestured behind him, and several of the wolves with him shifted and seemed to
*Ember*Life in Whitelark seemed almost idyllic compared to the life I had before. Between taking care of Evan and getting to know Grey, I couldn’t have asked for a better life. As I got up and headed to Evan’s room, I greeted a few servants. “Your Majesty.”I was still a little uncomfortable with the title, but I was learning to live with it. I walked inside and found Alec lifting Evan out of his bassinet. The room was bathed in a soft, warm light that filtered through the curtains, casting gentle shadows across the walls.“You snuck away again?” I asked as I entered. “I finished a bit early,” Alec sighed, shifting Evan in his arms. I came closer and found Evan still sleeping peacefully in Alec’s arms. “I wanted some fresh air. Are you heading out?”I nodded, and we left the castle together. The gentle breeze rustled through the leaves of the trees, carrying the scents of roasting meat and the movement of the town through the air. It was filled with peace and tranqu
*Ember*The days had passed in a blur of recovery and adjustment, and finally, Chastine decided I was healed enough to start moving around on my own. I couldn't help but let out a relieved sigh as I stood in my room, stretching from the long days in bed. I was a bit sore, but I didn’t feel like I was in need of a nap."Don’t go wrecking your body,” Chastine said sternly. “I’m sure you can wait a few more days before trying for baby two.”My face burned with embarrassment. “Thanks. Where's Lauryn? I was hoping to talk with her."Chastine's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Probably not busy doing what you’re itching to. She has some measure of restraint.”I scowled at her. “Do you know where she is or not?”“She’s likely heading to the main hall. You might catch her before she gets there.”With that, she left, leaving me alone in the room. I took a moment to adjust my clothes and then made my way to find Lauryn. It wasn't long before I spotted her in one of the quieter co
*Alec*I walked down the hallway from the nursery to toward Ember’s room the way I had ever morning since Evan was born. The castle was quiet around us. I nodded at the maid near Ember’s room.“Good Morning, Alpha.”“Good Morning.”She opened the door for me, and I stepped inside. The room was as quiet as always. Ember’s breathing was barely a whisper of noise as I closed the door behind me and rounded the bed. The soft rays of dawn filtered through the window, casting a gentle glow over the room. I sighed and sank down into the chair beside Ember's bedside, my eyes fixed on her peaceful form as she slept. She had regained a bit of color overnight, though she hadn’t moved at all. Chastine said that there was every reason to believe that she would come through, but she still hadn’t woken up. It had been nearly a week already. In my arms, Evan slept soundly, his tiny chest rising and falling with each tranquil breath. I had taken to carrying him with me everywhere I went
*Ember*I clung to Alec’s hand as we walked inside. Alec’s arm was around my waist, steadying me at every pulse of pain. With every step, I could feel the weight of his concern and the depth of his love. Inside, the castle seemed to buzz with energy. Servants ran back and forth with cloth and other things to the birthing chamber. “Where's the midwife?” Alec asked as we walked down the hall. “A messenger went to get her,” a servant said.“I’ll fill in,” Chastine said, seemingly appearing from nowhere. Lauryn was just behind her. She opened the door and let Alec walk with me inside until I reached the bed. “Leave before you pass out,” Chastine said bluntly. Alec flushed. “Really?”She scoffed. “Really.”He looked at me, searching my face. I had no doubt that he would stay if I asked him to, but I shook my head and smiled. “I’m okay. I’ll see you soon.”“I love you,” he said gently. “I love you, too.”He hesitated another moment, but he retreated, and Chas
*Alec*I sighed, sitting back in my seat and rubbing my forehead. It was a beautiful day, and I had been sitting at this desk since about an hour after dawn. The midday sun was high in the sky, my stomach grumbled, and I still had a lot more to do. Had it really been months since Lukas’ death? It felt like I had been working on all the little problems of Allusia for years. What the hell had the previous Alpha King been doing that everything was such a mess? I glanced at the letter from Sawyer. It was probably going to irritate me as all of his reports tended to, but it was probably the most complete and most detailed of all the updates I had left to go through. From his last letter, I knew that the capital was slowly but surely returning to a semblance of normalcy. The Grimborn Pack had scattered between those loyal to Lukas’ vision and those who just didn’t want to be bothered. If it wasn’t worrying about West Allusia, it was dealing with the management of East Allu
*Alec*We left Silver Crescent and met up with the forces in midwest Allusia on the way to the southern bridge. As expected, Ember couldn’t keep pace in her wolf form the whole journey, but she made it half of the way. The men greeted us, climbing onto whatever cart they needed to continue healing and embracing us. The journey south to the port city was filled with cheer. Once we passed over the bridge, it felt as though everyone started to pick up speed. The carts of the caravan bumped and creaked as we picked up pace through the forest, the sunlight dappling through the leaves as we neared Whitelark. It had been a long journey, both physically and emotionally. Ember tightened her grip on my fur as I started to pull ahead of the caravan. As we approached the castle, I could feel a sense of anticipation building in the air.The news of our impending arrival hadn’t reached Whitelark ahead of us as the defenses were still engaged, and archers aimed arrows at us. “Who is th
*Ember*The morning sunlight spilled through the windows, casting a warm and inviting glow over the room. Beside me, Alec was still sleeping. I shifted, and Alec let out a soft sound, his grip on my waist tightening to crush me against his warm body. "Ember," he whispered, his voice husky with sleep and a little desperate. “Stay.”I placed my hand on his arm. “Alec?”He didn’t move or stir again until there was the sound of footsteps coming down the hall. Then, he shot up, grabbing his sword in a flash of movement. His body thrummed with tension. I placed a hand on his shoulder. “Alec?”The footsteps passed the doorway and faded down the hallway. He lowered his sword and looked at me. His eyes were still red-rimmed and a bit tired, but he smiled at me like I was his whole world. He set his sword down and gathered me in his arms. “Did I wake you?”I laughed. “I think I woke you.”He hummed, a low rumble coming from his chest as he nuzzled his face against my ne
*Ember*As Lukas stopped breathing, something in me gave out. A choked sob escaped me. My eyes filled with tears. The scent of his blood filled my nose and filled me with relief. His eyes stared out into nothing, and I knew that I was free. A hand landed on my shoulder. I turned sharply and looked up into beautiful purple eyes that I thought I would never see again. My heart thundered in my chest as the tears gushed down my cheeks, and I threw myself into his arms. He wrapped his arms around me, crushing me to his chest. "Alec," I sobbed into his chest as he stroked my hair. "A-Alec, I–""I'm here. It's over." He whispered, pressing me closer to his chest. "I've got you," The deep rumble of his voice was a soothing balm on my frayed nerves. I dug my fingers into his bag, gripping him desperately as if he would vanish if I let go. His grip felt no less desperate."I love you," I sniffled. "I tried… I didn't…"I couldn't get the words out. I didn't know what I wa
*Alec*The night was thick with tension as we moved through the shadows, our steps muffled by the shadows under Grey’s control. As we neared the castle’s hidden entrance, my heart pounded in my chest, a mix of fear and determination coursing through my veins. Having seen Ember lying in that little room, one I knew too well had once been used by the former Alpha King’s breeder, had set a fire in me that would only be quenched when I saw Lukas’ cold, dead body at my feet. “This way,” Grey whispered, nodding down a dark alley.We followed him. The night was thick with tension as we moved through the shadows, our steps muffled by the darkness. The guards surrounding the castle were unsuspecting, their attention focused elsewhere, giving us the perfect opportunity to strike.Sawyer darted forward, quick and deadly, catching the nearest guard with a swift, silent strike. The man barely had a chance to grunt before Sawyer lowered him to the ground silently. Rhys took the next one and hi