SophiaWe walk in silence, the sounds of the forest enveloping us. The crunch of leaves beneath our feet, the distant call of an owl, the soft whisper of the wind through the trees—these are the only noises that fill the air between us. Yet, the silence isn’t empty. It’s thick, almost alive, vibrating with all the things left unsaid, all the emotions neither of us is willing to voice.I can feel Mikhail’s presence beside me, a tangible heat that’s both comforting and unnerving. It’s been so long since we’ve been this close since we’ve shared even a moment of calm together. I don’t trust this peace between us, don’t trust the way my heart seems to be steady in his presence, as if it remembers a time when he was my entire world... my everything.You’ve hurt me so much, Mikhail.My thoughts bitter and sharp.How can I ever forgive you?Every step feels heavy like I’m trudging through thick mud, my legs unwilling to carry me forward. My mind drifts back to the past, to the times when ever
Mikhail The silence between us is suffocating, pressing down on me with a weight I didn’t know I could bear. I steal a glance at Sophia walking beside me, her face expresses nothing, calmness. But I can sense the storm beneath her composed exterior, the whirlwind of emotions she’s trying so hard to hide. I know I’m the cause of that storm, and the guilt twists like a knife in my gut.I never meant to hurt her.But I did.I don't know if she will ever forgive me for that.And I don’t know if I’ll ever forgive myself for that.For so long, I fought against this bond, against what the Moon Goddess had chosen for me. I was a fool, too blind and too stubborn to see what was right in front of me. I was too caught up in my own foolishness, my own insecurities, to realize that Sophia was everything I ever needed. That she was the one I’d been searching for, even when I didn’t know it myself.I took her for granted.Took us for granted. I never wanted to accept it—the bond, the love, the co
SophiaThe morning light filters through the curtains, casting a soft, golden hue over the room. I blink awake, momentarily disoriented, before a tiny hand reaches out to touch my face.Pushing back my gloomy feelings, the remnants of last night, I turn on my side to watch Rose, who seems to have just woken up."Mommy," Rose whispers, her big, blue eyes—so much like Mikhail's—wide with curiosity and still a bit sleepy. "Wake up, Mommy!"They both share the same eye color; however, unlike Mikhail's, Rose's blue looks bright and lively.I can't help but smile, the heaviness in my chest lifting a little at the sight of her. "Good morning, my little sunshine," I murmur, pressing a kiss to her forehead. She giggles, her laughter bright and sweet, filling the room with a lightness I desperately need."Mornin'!" she replies with a cheerful bounce, her hair sticking up in all directions. I reach out to smooth it down, but it springs back up stubbornly. She giggles again, swatting at my hand.
MikhailThe restless energy pulses beneath my skin, the wolf inside me pacing back and forth, agitated and anxious. I stare out the window of the room I am currently staying. Even though I should have returned back to my pack now, since I found Sophia, I am not ready to leave yet.I told Russo that I would shift to the nearby motel, but he refused, saying it was better if I stayed here because, in that way, I would be near to her. Luna Leah was also happy to find out that Sophia is alive and I have found her.The rogue attack yesterday… has rattled me.And then Sophia's doubts that those rogues were after my daughter made me see red.I have made so many enemies and could be anyone, but how did they find out about my daughter?But whoever they are... they made the biggest mistake of their lives by trying to hurt my pup. I will give them a slow, painful death once I find out who they are because no one deserves to live when they even think about hurting who is mine.Rose's face comes be
SophiaWatching Mikhail and Rose together stirs a confusing storm of emotions within me. It’s hard to keep my heart from softening at the sight of them playing on the floor, their laughter echoing through the room. I see the way Mikhail looks at her—with a tenderness and protectiveness that makes it clear he’s already in love with our daughter. It’s hard not to be affected by that.I wrap my arms around myself, leaning against the doorway as I watch them. Mikhail has a way with Rose that I didn’t expect. He’s gentle, patient, and he doesn’t seem to mind making a fool of himself for her amusement. I see Rose light up in his presence, and I realize just how much she’s missed having a father figure. It’s something I’ve never been able to give her, something I’ve kept her from—maybe out of fear, maybe out of my own pain.And now… seeing them together like this, I wonder if I made the right choice by keeping them away.Mikhail looks up, catching my eye, and for a moment, everything else fa
Mikhail Watching Rose run around the room with her stuffed wolf in one hand and a cookie in the other, I feel a strange warmth spreading through my chest, something I haven’t felt in a long time. I never imagined this—having a daughter, feeling this kind of love. It’s a kind of love that’s pure, unconditional, and fiercely protective. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once.I glance up and see Sophia standing in the doorway, her arms wrapped around herself. She’s watching us with a look I can’t quite decipher—somewhere between longing and fear. My heart tightens at the sight of her. I want to reach out to her, to tell her how much I regret everything, how sorry I am for the pain I caused. But I know that words won’t be enough. Not now. Maybe not ever.I turn my attention back to Rose, who’s now climbing onto my lap, giggling as she tries to stuff the cookie into my mouth. I pretend to bite it, making her laugh even harder. Her laughter is like music, soothing the ache in my che
MikhailSophia’s threat hangs heavy in the air, and I can feel the gravity of her words settling in my bones.I don’t doubt her for a second.I know she means every word, and honestly, I don’t blame her.If I were in her shoes, I’d feel the same way. Hell, I’d probably feel worse.But as I watch her now, her gaze softening as she looks at Rose, I feel a flicker of hope. It’s small, almost invisible, but it’s there. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a chance for us to find some kind of peace… for Rose’s sake. Maybe, in time, we can rebuild what was lost. Or at least start fresh.I crouch down beside Rose, watching as she carefully places another block on top of her tower.She’s so focused and so determined, and I can’t help but smile. She’s got Sophia’s spirit, her fire.And maybe a bit of my stubbornness, too.“Careful, little wolf,” I say softly, steadying her hand. “You don’t want it to fall.”She looks up at me, her eyes shining with mischief. “If it falls, I build again,” she declares wi
SophiaThe sharp scent of pine and earth fills my lungs as I step into the training arena. The sun is beginning to set, casting long shadows across the open space, and a cool breeze rustles through the trees surrounding the clearing. I roll my shoulders back, feeling the familiar tension settle in my muscles, the anticipation of a good fight building inside me.I love to train because it not only clears my mind, but it also like a bonding session between me and my wolf, which I have missed for so many years. She is also in front, giving me strength, and sometimes also guiding my actions while I am fighting. But I have to keep her reminding that this is just a practice and we don't have to kill our opponent because she is fiery.Somewhere, her personality has rubbed off on me as well. I walk to the center of the clearing, where Alec is already waiting for me in his wolf form. His fur is a rich, dark brown, his eyes sharp and alert. He’s one of the best fighters we have, quick and str
MikhailMy claws are still out, stained with the remnants of blood and flesh, but my focus sharpens when Alexei runs up to me, his face grim.“I can’t reach Merope,” Alexis voice is strained. “She’s in the middle of the ritual, and Jake, Caleb, Atlas, and Artemis are all part of it. Lucas is with Sophia now."I nod, processing his words. A part of me feels a small wave of relief. At least Lucas is with Sophia. She isn’t completely alone. But that doesn’t ease the knot in my chest. Lucas may be with her, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe. They both are still out there somewhere we don't know... Somewhere where I can't reach my Sophia.My heart aches because she is still not with me.Pushing that thought aside, I focus back on the situation at hand.Destroying Selena's body.Sophia entrusted me with a task, and I have to see it through. I turn back to Alexei, meeting his gaze. “I need you to lead the warriors from here on out.”His brows furrow and I can see the flicker of worry in his
JakeLucas’s pain hits me straight in my chest, raw and sharp, and I can’t tell if it’s his panic or my own tearing through me. We’re all feeling it, this crushing under some invisible burden like something vital is slipping through our fingers.The bond we share with Sophia, even if it’s distant, hums with a growing ache.However, the truth is, we’re powerless. Lucas is the only one with any kind of connection to her right now, and even that feels like it’s hanging by a thread.My wolf is losing it. He’s pacing, snarling, clawing to get out. Every part of me is screaming to run, to tear through whatever’s keeping us from her. But we can’t. There’s this barrier, this suffocating wall between her and us, and no amount of strength or will can break it.I glance around at the others. Their faces mirror my own—a mix of fear and frustration. Their wolves are restless too, practically howling inside them, desperate to get to Sophia.But it doesn’t matter how much we want to help her. It doe
SophiaSelena’s face twists, her lips pulling back in a snarl that quickly morphs into something unhinged. Her eyes dart wildly, unfocused as if she’s seeing something no one else can. Her movements become erratic and jerky, like she’s trying to fight off something invisible.I feel it—a strong, steady presence pushing against my mind. It’s Lucas. His energy hums through the air, sharp and precise, wrapping around Selena like an iron grip. Whatever she’s seeing, whatever is driving her insane, it’s because of him.He is the smartest of us, his mind sharper than a blade. But now, watching Selena unravel, I realize he’s more than that. He’s not just intelligent; he’s got power over the mind itself. Because I can feel he is in her head, twisting her reality, and breaking her from the inside out.He is making her taste her own medicine.Selena lets out a guttural scream, clutching her head as if she can rip Lucas out of her mind. Her magic flares wildly, chaotic and untamed, but it’s not
LucasIt’s like a fog’s lifting in my head, and everything about Sophia starts to click into place. Her blessing as a protector, the way she heals—it’s not just some random gift.It’s tied to something bigger, something deeper. She doesn’t just take pain because she’s selfless, even though she is.It’s because she’s an empath.I watch her now, standing there with that impossible calm, and it hits me. She’s not just feeling the world around her. She’s absorbing it. The energy, the emotions, even the power swirling in the air—it’s all drawn to her like a moth to a flame.I’ve seen glimpses of it before. The way she takes other people’s pain, how she carries it like it’s her own. But now I’m seeing the full picture. It’s not just about healing. When she takes other's pain on herself and heals them, she always pays the price for it. A sacrifice that she needs to make. But this never stops her from healing the people who are in pain. She heals not just physical wounds, but she even tries
LucasThe moment Sophia told me to step back into the shadows, I felt it—something shifted.I don’t know what she did, but whatever it was, it’s hiding me, keeping me out of sight.Sophia's back is straight, her shoulders squared, but I know her well enough to spot the tension running through her.That’s when she shows up.She doesn't walk or anything shifted... she just appears.One second, there’s nothing and the next, she’s standing there in front of Sophia.Even from where I’m standing, the smell hits me. It’s vile. Like rotting meat left out in the sun, mixed with something else I can’t even describe. My stomach turns, and I have to clench my jaw to keep from gagging.But it’s not just the smell. There’s something so wrong about her. Her movements and the way she stands all feel unnatural. Like the world itself is rejecting her presence. The moment I laid eyes on her, I knew. She’s not just bad news. She’s walking evil, plain and simple.Her eyes are black and bottomless, like t
MikhailThe sounds of the fight surround me.Growls, snapping jaws, and the sickening crunch of bones echo as we cut through the Redwood wolves, leaving them behind in a mangled mess. We’re a blur of fur and fury, tearing through them with no hesitation. I barely register the fight anymore. Blood stains the ground, soaking into the dirt as my warriors and I move deeper into the pack.My claws are slick with it, my wolf howling with satisfaction as we tear through the Redwood wolves like they’re nothing more than obstacles in our path.They fight hard, but it doesn’t matter. None of it matters. Not the blood, not the screams, not even the bodies piling up around us.They’re all just obstacles in the way of what I really want. Selena.There’s no hesitation, no mercy. Anyone who comes at us dies, plain and simple.Everything in here reeks of death and fear, but there’s no sign of her.A wolf lunges at me, teeth bared, aiming for my throat. I sidestep and bring my claws down hard, ripping
MikhailI’ve ordered Alexei to take Emily back to the packhouse. The poor kid is completely shaken up, clinging to Alexei like he is the only one she trusts at this moment.I don’t blame her. After everything she’s been through, I wouldn’t trust anyone else either, and honestly, Alexei looks just as protective of her as she is desperate for him.“Take her back,” I tell him again, my voice steady, even though I feel anything but calm inside. “She needs rest, and we need to make sure she’s safe.”Alexei hesitates, his arms still wrapped around Emily like he’s afraid she might crumble if he lets go. He looks at me, his jaw tight, and I can see the conflict in his eyes.I can tell he is torn between wanting to stay and fight along with me and the need to protect Emily."Go, it is an order of your Alpha." I relieve him from this inner conflict.Clenching his jaws, he looks at me and curtly nods his head.“I’ll take care of her,” he says, his voice low but firm, like he’s making a promise.
SophiaStaring at myself on the floor, broken and helpless. The sight of me like that twists something deep inside, but then I feel it—something behind me. A presence that sends a chill down my spine, raising goosebumps on my arms.“You’re smarter than I thought,” a familiar voice purrs right in my ear.Selena.Turning my head, I look at her. She smirks, her eyes gleaming with that same malice I’ve come to know too well. “Finally figured out my little secret, huh? Took you long enough.”Ignoring her, I shift my gaze back to myself.Every other emotion drains out of me, leaving just fury in its place. It rises like fire, burning hotter with every word she says.She laughs, the sound sharp and mocking, and then she steps closer, her hand reaching out. She runs her fingers through my hair, just like she did when I was lying there, vulnerable, beaten, barely conscious.I don’t flinch, don’t move. My eyes stay locked on the version of me on the ground, beaten and defeated. The anger inside
SophiaSelena keeps stroking my hair, her fingers moving slow, almost tender, like she’s comforting me. But her eyes give her away. There’s no kindness there, only malice. It’s sharp and cold, the kind of look that causes a shiver to run down my spine.With her other hand, she dips her fingers into the blood pooling around me—my blood—and starts drawing on the floor. At first, I think it’s random, just messy streaks, but the longer I watch, the clearer it becomes that it’s anything but random. The lines twist and curve, forming jagged, alien symbols that I don’t recognize.She’s so precise, like every mark has some deep, dark purpose. Circles overlap in ways that feel too perfect or too intentional. Inside them, symbols appear that almost look like letters, but they’re from no language I’ve ever seen. The air around her gets heavier and darker with each stroke. It feels wrong and unnatural, like the symbols are alive, feeding off something they shouldn’t be.A strange, low sound comes