Amara’s POV I was already on my knees cleaning the blood-stained stone floor of the Lycan Pack's great hall before the sun had even risen. The strong soap left my fingertips sore and hurt. As though the pack wanted to constantly remind me of my position, the wolves' strong, overpowering scent permeated the air around me. "Slave, hurry up!" yelled Greta, a member of the pack's elite. She spoke in a deep, icy tone. "Are you going to be on this floor all day?" Knowing that answering would gain me more than just words, I chose not to do so. What happened when I dared to resist them was evidenced by the scars on my arms and back. I looked at the floor instead. Dirty, hollow-eyed, and sporting knotted black hair, my reflection in the pool of soapy water looked back at me. The girl in that reflection was someone I detested. Weak. Sad. "Do you see that, Greta?" As they went by, one of the other women of the elite said. I could hear them, but their voices grew quieter. "On her wrist." Tha
Amara’s POV My wrists hurt from the tight chains digging into my flesh as the carriage shook on the uneven route. I tried not to cry as I looked at the floor. I couldn't stop the pain in my chest, but crying was pointless. The warrior seated across from me said, "Move," and pushed my leg with his boot. I averted my gaze and bit my lip. In the Lycan Pack, they had treated me like trash, but now? This was awful. I was now cargo, something to be exchanged, not merely a slave. The door swung open as the carriage came to a stop. I stumbled as my feet scraped the gravel walkway as two soldiers pulled me out. A tall fortress with icy stone walls stood in front of me. Viktor's domain. One of the guards snarled, "Welcome to your new home." At home. It sounded like a cruel joke. They pushed me forward, causing me to stumble and drop to my knees. I didn't scream even though my palms scraped the floor. Weakness would just exacerbate the situation. As he pulled me back to my feet,
Amara’s POV My wrists were raw from the iron cuffs as I was pulled back into the chilly chamber. Cold rage flooded Viktor's piercing grey eyes as he stood in the doorway. With a voice as keen as a sword, he said, "Let's try this again." "What is meant by the crescent mark?" I shook but boldly said, "I told you." "I'm not sure." A ruthless smirk twisted Viktor's lip. "Falsehoods." I prepared myself for what was about to happen as he approached me with calm, methodical steps. Days of abuse had left my body hurting, but I resisted showing signs of weakness. He walked around me like a predator and asked, "Amara, do you think you can defy me?" "Your pitiful existence is pointless. You will regret not telling me what I want to know. I forced myself to look into his eyes and swallowed hard. "I do not know at all. I won't offer you answers I don't have, but feel free to do as you please. His hand swung out and seized my chin firmly. He hissed, "You're brave for a slave." "But
Amara’s POV I pressed myself against my cell's chilly stone wall and held my breath. Even though my heart was racing, I made myself remain composed. I needed to leave. Before Viktor ruined me entirely, I had to get out. There was a loud yawn from the guard outside my cell. He was becoming reckless. Excellent. For me, that would simplify things. I clenched the little pin I had stolen earlier, looking down at it. I knew how the mechanism operated because I had seen them lock and open the door enough times. I carefully twisted the pin into the lock. Even though my hands were shaking, I couldn't afford to fail. Click. I paused when the door cracked open one inch. The guard remained still. I barely managed to get through by pushing it open. I walked slowly in the direction of the exit, listening for any alarm. The chilly night air pricked my flesh as I arrived at the outer gate. I took off running. My breath came out in quick spurts as I ran into the darkness, my legs burning. I kn
Amara’s POV The chilly night air burnt my lungs as I ran, breathing in quick gasps. Despite the pain in my legs, I persisted. The thick woodland was hardly lighted by the moonlight, and the shadows encircled me like claws. My heart thumped with both terror and resolve. They couldn't catch me. Never again. "Amara!" The sound of his voice chilled my blood. Darius. My chest heaved as I whirled around. His dark eyes were fixed on me as he stood a few feet away, his face unreadable. I felt a flash of anger. My hands were clenched. With a trembling voice, I spat, "You have no right to say my name." "You turned me down. I was taken by them. Why have you come here now? Darius stepped forward, a puzzled expression on his face. "Amara, I" "No!" I interrupted, gesturing to him with a quivering finger. "You're not allowed to talk! After everything, you're here now, even though you flung me aside like I was nothing? Why? He looked... confused as he opened and closed his mouth. The
Amara’s POVI ran as quickly as my legs would allow. My heart was racing as the trees passed in a blur. Darius was immediately behind me, stomping on the leaves with his big feet. Tension filled the air, and the smell of the fight's blood was still strong."Wait, Amara! Darius yelled.I continued. I was unable to. My legs felt odd suddenly—too light, too fast. My vision seemed to intensify as the ground underneath me seemed to change. My body felt stronger and different.And then I suddenly jumped. This was faster and higher than before. With tiny gasps of breath, I fell on a large tree branch. What was going on with me?Below me, Darius skidded to a halt, his eyes wide. "Amara... How did you accomplish that?"Panic swelling in my throat, I glanced at him. "I—I'm not sure."Reaching for me, he ascended and said, "You must be honest with me. Who are you?"I leaned my back against the tree trunk and shook my head. "I'm not sure, Darius! There's a problem with me. Since then—“The mark.”
Amara’s POVI felt weird when I woke up. My vision was blurry, and my body felt heavy. My legs and arms would not budge.There was a problem.My muscles didn't react as they should have when I attempted to raise my head. My breathing was erratic, and my thoughts were delayed. My tongue was stuck with a thick, harsh flavour. I had taken a medication.I felt panic, but my body was still lethargic. My last memory was of slinking through the Lycan Pack's hallways, trying to find a way out before they decided to hand me over to Viktor. I had heard the elders discussing a possible agreement with him in whispers. But darkness had engulfed me before I could do anything.A chilly hand touched my cheek."She's awakening," a rough voice whispered.I opened my eyes and saw that four elders were standing around me. They had no emotion on their faces. Thick ropes sliced into my wrists, tying my hands behind my back."Why? With a dry throat, I croaked.Elder Marcus was kneeling next to me, his face
Amara’s POVBlood was streaming from Darius's mouth as he lay on the ground. His body struggled to rise, and his breathing was laboured."No! I yelled and tried to rush to him, but I was stopped by Viktor's soldiers.With evil enjoyment shining in his eyes, Viktor stood above Darius. He mocked, "Look at you, Alpha." Is this the powerful warrior that everyone is afraid of? Horrible.With a roar, Darius got to his knees. His voice was scratchy as he spat, "You won't win." "I will always stand up for her."Viktor laughed. "Oh, but you're wrong. I've already triumphed.Darius crashed to the ground after his boot struck his chest. Blood spattered the floor as Darius coughed.My eyes hurt with tears. Despite my best efforts, the guards' hold proved unbreakable. "Please," I pleaded. "Avoid killing him."Viktor turned to face me with a composed, almost happy look on his face. Then, with ease, he remarked, "Amara, make your decision." "Give me the child, and I'll spare him; be mine."I went co
Amara’s POVA painful, relentless pain tore through me. I suppressed my scream by biting my lip. I had to keep Viktor's men from hearing me. I wouldn't be caught now that I'd come this far.My entire body shook as I gripped my stomach. In the shadows, my back was forced up against a tree's rough bark. The fire inside of me remained unabated despite the chilly night air.With fear, I inhaled. I can do this.However, my eyesight became blurry as another contraction struck.As I struggled to remain conscious, sweat trickled down my brow. My child was on the way.I tried to steady myself by digging my fingers into the ground. The forest was illuminated by silvery light from the full and beautiful moon above me.Wait, young one.Nearby, footsteps crunched. My heart was racing.They were near.I covered my mouth with my palm and forced myself to remain silent. Even though my entire body shook, I was unable to let them locate me.Not right now.Not when freedom was so near.DariusI stumbled
Amara’s POVThe flames of the ceremonial fire wavered, casting lengthy shadows across the elder’s features. Their demeanour was stiff, their eyes stern. My wrists were still hurting from the ritual Viktor had attempted to impose on me as I sat in front of them. My mind was bright, but my body was weak.I had received an urgent call from them. It wasn't good news, judging by the expressions on their faces.An elderly man with a long white beard went forward and introduced himself. "Amara," he began gently, "you need to pay close attention." A prophecy has been found. One that worries you.My heart was racing. "Which prophecy?"Then came a sharp-eyed woman, another senior. She said, "The Blood Moon Prophecy."I took a deep breath. I had previously heard rumours about it. But only briefly.The senior with the white beard went on. A kid born under the Blood Moon is thought to permanently alter the balance of power. Either redemption or devastation will result from the child.A shiver went
Amara’s POVMy heart was racing as I gazed at the woman before me.She said she was my mom. However, how? Her death was expected.I said, "I don't believe you."The woman's eyes become painful. "Amara, I understand that this is difficult to accept. However, I am your mom. And the truth must be told to you.I gave a headshake. "No. I was a child when my mother passed away.Her hands shaking, she took a step closer. "They intended for you to think that."I took a deep breath. "Who?"She inhaled deeply. "Those who were afraid of your strength."Strength? I scowled. "I don't get it."She looked down at my wrist and the crescent mark pressing into my flesh. "Your mark," she said in a whisper. It is more than a birthmark. It represents a long-standing lineage that was created to overthrow despots like Viktor.My stomach turned over. "What are you discussing?"She gave me a desperate look. "Amara, you have a forgotten family history. The purpose of our lineage was to establish equilibrium. T
Amara’s POVBlood was streaming from Darius's mouth as he lay on the ground. His body struggled to rise, and his breathing was laboured."No! I yelled and tried to rush to him, but I was stopped by Viktor's soldiers.With evil enjoyment shining in his eyes, Viktor stood above Darius. He mocked, "Look at you, Alpha." Is this the powerful warrior that everyone is afraid of? Horrible.With a roar, Darius got to his knees. His voice was scratchy as he spat, "You won't win." "I will always stand up for her."Viktor laughed. "Oh, but you're wrong. I've already triumphed.Darius crashed to the ground after his boot struck his chest. Blood spattered the floor as Darius coughed.My eyes hurt with tears. Despite my best efforts, the guards' hold proved unbreakable. "Please," I pleaded. "Avoid killing him."Viktor turned to face me with a composed, almost happy look on his face. Then, with ease, he remarked, "Amara, make your decision." "Give me the child, and I'll spare him; be mine."I went co
Amara’s POVI felt weird when I woke up. My vision was blurry, and my body felt heavy. My legs and arms would not budge.There was a problem.My muscles didn't react as they should have when I attempted to raise my head. My breathing was erratic, and my thoughts were delayed. My tongue was stuck with a thick, harsh flavour. I had taken a medication.I felt panic, but my body was still lethargic. My last memory was of slinking through the Lycan Pack's hallways, trying to find a way out before they decided to hand me over to Viktor. I had heard the elders discussing a possible agreement with him in whispers. But darkness had engulfed me before I could do anything.A chilly hand touched my cheek."She's awakening," a rough voice whispered.I opened my eyes and saw that four elders were standing around me. They had no emotion on their faces. Thick ropes sliced into my wrists, tying my hands behind my back."Why? With a dry throat, I croaked.Elder Marcus was kneeling next to me, his face
Amara’s POVI ran as quickly as my legs would allow. My heart was racing as the trees passed in a blur. Darius was immediately behind me, stomping on the leaves with his big feet. Tension filled the air, and the smell of the fight's blood was still strong."Wait, Amara! Darius yelled.I continued. I was unable to. My legs felt odd suddenly—too light, too fast. My vision seemed to intensify as the ground underneath me seemed to change. My body felt stronger and different.And then I suddenly jumped. This was faster and higher than before. With tiny gasps of breath, I fell on a large tree branch. What was going on with me?Below me, Darius skidded to a halt, his eyes wide. "Amara... How did you accomplish that?"Panic swelling in my throat, I glanced at him. "I—I'm not sure."Reaching for me, he ascended and said, "You must be honest with me. Who are you?"I leaned my back against the tree trunk and shook my head. "I'm not sure, Darius! There's a problem with me. Since then—“The mark.”
Amara’s POV The chilly night air burnt my lungs as I ran, breathing in quick gasps. Despite the pain in my legs, I persisted. The thick woodland was hardly lighted by the moonlight, and the shadows encircled me like claws. My heart thumped with both terror and resolve. They couldn't catch me. Never again. "Amara!" The sound of his voice chilled my blood. Darius. My chest heaved as I whirled around. His dark eyes were fixed on me as he stood a few feet away, his face unreadable. I felt a flash of anger. My hands were clenched. With a trembling voice, I spat, "You have no right to say my name." "You turned me down. I was taken by them. Why have you come here now? Darius stepped forward, a puzzled expression on his face. "Amara, I" "No!" I interrupted, gesturing to him with a quivering finger. "You're not allowed to talk! After everything, you're here now, even though you flung me aside like I was nothing? Why? He looked... confused as he opened and closed his mouth. The
Amara’s POV I pressed myself against my cell's chilly stone wall and held my breath. Even though my heart was racing, I made myself remain composed. I needed to leave. Before Viktor ruined me entirely, I had to get out. There was a loud yawn from the guard outside my cell. He was becoming reckless. Excellent. For me, that would simplify things. I clenched the little pin I had stolen earlier, looking down at it. I knew how the mechanism operated because I had seen them lock and open the door enough times. I carefully twisted the pin into the lock. Even though my hands were shaking, I couldn't afford to fail. Click. I paused when the door cracked open one inch. The guard remained still. I barely managed to get through by pushing it open. I walked slowly in the direction of the exit, listening for any alarm. The chilly night air pricked my flesh as I arrived at the outer gate. I took off running. My breath came out in quick spurts as I ran into the darkness, my legs burning. I kn
Amara’s POV My wrists were raw from the iron cuffs as I was pulled back into the chilly chamber. Cold rage flooded Viktor's piercing grey eyes as he stood in the doorway. With a voice as keen as a sword, he said, "Let's try this again." "What is meant by the crescent mark?" I shook but boldly said, "I told you." "I'm not sure." A ruthless smirk twisted Viktor's lip. "Falsehoods." I prepared myself for what was about to happen as he approached me with calm, methodical steps. Days of abuse had left my body hurting, but I resisted showing signs of weakness. He walked around me like a predator and asked, "Amara, do you think you can defy me?" "Your pitiful existence is pointless. You will regret not telling me what I want to know. I forced myself to look into his eyes and swallowed hard. "I do not know at all. I won't offer you answers I don't have, but feel free to do as you please. His hand swung out and seized my chin firmly. He hissed, "You're brave for a slave." "But