Kaliyah's POVA week laterI tightened the straps of my small bag, making sure everything I needed was secure. Today was the day the Alpha had decreed that we would leave for the Drakefang pack. This mission couldn't be more important, not just for me but for the entire Volkov pack. We needed Drakefang’s support to face Asterion, and failure wasn't an option. I had been chosen to lead the envoy alongside the irritable Kovu.My hands moved to the blue warrior robe on the hanger, and I slipped into it. It felt like flexible armor, and I liked the way the fabric felt against my skin. I stared at myself in the mirror, admiring my reflection as my mind wandered until it again drifted to the one man I shouldn't be thinking about: Kovu.I hadn't seen him in a week, and honestly, part of me was glad for the break. That arrogant, irritable, infuriating Lycan was a thorn in my flesh, capable of lighting my nerves on fire with just a glance. But still, his absence felt strange. I almost wondered
Kaliyah's POVI took a deep breath and marched into the meeting hall. The tension in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife, and I wasn’t surprised. Everyone knew how crucial this mission was. The elders sat in their usual spots with stoic expressions, while the generals discussed among themselves in hushed tones. A few pack members stood at the back, murmuring, and I even saw Calum standing off to the side.Kovu.He stood to one side, brooding as always, with his arms crossed over his chest and his gaze scanning the room. For a brief moment, our eyes almost met, but I quickly diverted my path to the farthest corner of the room. I wasn’t in the mood for his bullshit. I mean, it was too early for that.**You know he’s staring at you, right?** Akira purred like a kitten that had been offered milk.**Shut up, Akira. I don’t care what he’s doing!** I hissed back and adjusted my stance, trying my best to look calm and composed.**Liar,** Akira purred again. She picked a bad tim
Kaliyah's POV We stepped out of the meeting hall, Calum walking ahead and Kovu beside me as we followed his lead. I ignored Kovu as usual, dismissing Akira's protests, and focused closely on Calum, trying to absorb every word he said. This mission was incredibly important to me, and I didn’t want any hiccups on my end. “We’ll be traveling in a small group,” Calum said with his characteristic calm voice that soothed hearts. “Six of us in total: myself, Kovu, you, and three of our most elite warriors. We don’t need a large number of warriors, as it would draw unnecessary attention to ourselves.” I nodded, listening intently while casting a quick glance at Kovu—unintentionally, of course. He looked bored, disinterested in fact, and I felt repulsed by his attitude. This wasn’t the right mindset to adopt on a mission as serious as this. His eyes flicked toward mine, and I quickly looked away before he could catch me staring. *Aw, a lover’s game of eye contact. Just give in already
Asterion’s POV“Urghh.” I grunted as i thrusted into Tiffany. Her moans grew louder as i pushed deeper into her. Her fingers dug into my back, using it as a scratch post asi quickened my pace. Not that i minded though.I had grown bored of the way her body responded to mine. It became predictable, almost…mechanical. I knew every reaction, every sound she would make. It didn’t excite me anymore. But it did serve it’s purpose as a way to relieve myself temporarily.After a while, a long while, i felt my climax approaching and i slammed into her harder. Her back arched, her nails raked down my skin as my thrust speed increased until finally, i came, spilling inside her as her body shuddered beneath me. “As..asterion.” Her eyes rolled to the back of her head and soon after, she climaxed as well. I watched her writhing body for a while and then with a grunt, i pulled out, swinging my legs off the bed. I grabbed my robe from the chair, slipping it over my shoulders without sparing her
Asterion’s POVI strode down the steps, my footsteps the only sound echoing in the vast Alpha castle I now called my own. The torches lining the walls flickered as I made my way toward the throne room.As I passed, guards stiffened at attention with their heads bowed, too afraid to meet my eyes. Maids scurried away like frightened mice or pressed themselves against the walls, trembling in fear—a fear I had come to enjoy.I turned a corner, almost at the throne room, when a pitiful little thing—a maid—came rushing out from a side corridor. Before she could stop herself, it was too late. Her body slammed into my chest, sending a stack of linens tumbling to the floor.I stopped, staring down at her as she looked up, horrified, her face drained of color. I furrowed my brows, but before I could say a word, she dropped to her knees, bowing so low her forehead nearly touched the cold stone floor.“My lord… please… forgive me,” she said, her voice trembling as she pressed her forehead against
The informant, still trembling like a leaf in the wind, continued his explanation. “After the battle, they confirmed her death… they had already arranged her funeral and lowered her coffin into the grave, but just as they were about to cover it up, she clawed her way out. By the next day, she was as good as new, like nothing had ever happened.”I sat back in my throne, my fingers drumming lightly on the cold obsidian armrest, my eyes narrowed in thought. *Kaliyah. Alive.* The thought seemed impossible, absurd even—yet here it was, delivered by the informant. This could only be the work of the Moon Goddess. Meddling in matters that didn’t concern her, as usual.A smirk spread across my face, excitement surging through me. So, the Moon Goddess had decided to show her hand. *Interesting.* I liked games, and even if I had to play against a supernatural being, I had no intention of losing. I would win, or I’d die trying.“Very well,” I said, leaning back as I reached into my robe and pulle
I tightened my grip on the reins, my knuckles white as I continued to ride towards the Virethorn Glade. The wind bit at my face, but I barely felt it. All I wanted was to get through the cursed ride in silence. Caleb, Kaliyah, and the others were behind me, but I needed space—to be alone with my thoughts. Not that being alone was helping much, though.Kyrax had been in my head all week, relentlessly screaming, and it was getting harder to zone him out.*You disgust me, Kovu. Cheater. Betrayer. You're weak. You’ve tainted the bond with our mate!*This had been his anthem for the past week or so, berating me about the incident with Zelena. I always wanted to argue back, but what could I say in my defense? He wasn’t wrong. I had screwed up. But it wasn’t like I planned it. Zelena ambushed me, and before I could realize it, it was already too late. The damn witch had caught me off guard during her heat cycle, casting a drowsiness spell that left me completely at her mercy. I didn’t stand
Kovu's POVThe world around me blurred as I launched myself into the air. The filthy stench of the rogues filled my nostrils just as we clashed midair. He snarled, baring his rotten teeth at me, but I was faster.My claws extended, glowing with the flicker of red mana as I summoned my energy. With a savage growl, I slashed downward, ripping through the rogue’s chest with the force of my strike. Blood sprayed into the air, and the unfortunate beast let out a gurgled screech before plummeting to the ground, lifeless.One down.I landed in a crouch, claws digging into the earth, but before I could catch my breath, another rogue snuck into my blind spot and lunged at me. The snarl behind me gave him away, and I pivoted just in time. His jaws snapped shut where my neck had been, but I spun around and drove my elbows into his ribs. The impact sent a satisfying crack that echoed through the clearing, and the rogue howled in pain. But I wasn’t done yet.I summoned even more mana, channeling i
Asterion's POVI waited, reclining with ease in the hot tub until the guards dragged Darius into my chambers. He was barely recognizable, his once hulking form now broken and battered, covered in blood and grime. He was slashed open in so many places it was a wonder he hadn’t bled out before reaching me. His wounds were healing, but his mana reserves were low, meaning it might take weeks before he could return to his optimal state.“My lord.” Darius managed a hobbled bow.I lifted a hand, dismissing the girls. They left without a word, and I watched as Darius hobbled unsteadily, barely managing to stay on his feet. The fool looked dreadful.“Explain yourself,” I said coldly.Darius sucked in a deep breath, and then the words started spilling out in a panicked, desperate rush. “I almost had them, my lord! I had Kovu on his knees, and Kaliyah—she was within reach, weakened. But then they used the beasts from Virethorn Glade. They overwhelmed me, tore my men to shreds. It was... ”“Enoug
Asterion’s POVThe hot water enveloped my body as I reclined in the vast hot tub. Steam rose in lazy tendrils, and my muscles unwound as I sipped from a glass of red wine. Its taste was as rich and bitter as the realm I sought to rule with an iron fist.All around me were women who wore next to nothing or revealing clothes, catering to my every need. One held a cluster of grapes, feeding them to me slowly, another held a bottle of wine, ready to refill my cup when it was empty.I grasped the woman closest to me, pulling her into my arms. She gasped as I let my hand trail down her chest, kneading her breasts and pinching her nipples. She gasped again, continuing to feed me the grapes as I indulged myself.The doors of the chamber creaked open, and General Vorn entered. I had mind-linked him an hour ago, after he’d arrived with my army from another conquest, instructing him to come and give his report. His armor was covered in the dust of battle, and in his hands, he held a thick scroll
Kovu’s POVKaliyah stopped in front of me with an unreadable expression. “Are you alright?” she asked sharply.I opened my mouth to retort, but no words came out. Her coldness surprised me, which shouldn’t have even been possible. I was supposed to be used to it by now, but why did I feel a searing pain in my chest just because of something that should have been the norm?Before I could gather my thoughts, Kaliyah knelt beside me, her hands moving to arrange the Irlai leaves around my wounds. They had come loose, barely clinging to my torn skin. I gritted my teeth and moved back slightly.“I don’t need your help,” I muttered.She ignored me entirely, securing the leaves with calm efficiency.“Just let her do her thing,” Calum sighed, rolling his eyes. “You’re in no shape to be stubborn.”“Shut up, Calum,” I retorted, clenching my jaw as I glared at her. She avoided my gaze, still silent as she reached for a small leather pouch on her belt. From it, she pulled more fresh Irlai leaves.
Kovu’s POVI swung my mana-infused claw toward Darius, but he was always faster and one step ahead. The clash still rang in my mind as every attack he landed sent shockwaves through my body. I gritted my teeth, pushing through the pain, refusing to give up.But then… everything stopped.My world became nothing but a blur of agony. My body started to convulse, writhing in pain. Darkness. Heat. Cold. My pulse pounded in my ears, and I couldn't even tell if I was still alive.Then, suddenly, I gasped, and my eyes snapped open. It took me a moment to adjust as I shifted on the rocky ground I lay on. The searing pain in my body didn't relent, but I forced myself to breathe through it.When my blurry vision finally cleared, the first thing I noticed was the sky. The sun was setting, painting the sky in glowing red rays that spread across the horizon, far from the dim gloom of the Virethorn Glade.I shivered a bit as a cold wind blew, but I realized I wasn't freezing.I looked down, seeing a
Kaliyah's POVMy breath hitched as I clung tightly to Calum's fur while he raced like a madman through the dense undergrowth of the Virethorn Glade. His body moved with a frenzy, darting and weaving past the grotesque creatures that lurched out of the shadows and away from the ones pursuing us from behind.He's hurt, our mate! He's hurt! Akira's voice echoed in my mind, moaning in pain as she called out to Kovu.My grip on Kovu's unconscious and still body tightened as I stared at him. Blood soaked his clothes, and his wounds were too deep and numerous. To make matters worse, his regeneration was slow to kick in. I had to place my hand on his pulse numerous times to ensure he wasn’t dead, as my mind swirled with one question:Why would Kovu, of all people, sacrifice himself to save me?It wasn’t logical—it didn’t even make any sense. We were sworn rivals, enemies even. He had always regarded me with such potent hatred that I doubted whether the mate bond had any hold on him. But now…
Kovu’s POVHis claws hovered above me, gleaming with deadly intent. I could barely breathe, struggling to keep myself conscious as I braced for the end. This bastard was going to finish me off, and there was nothing I could do to stop him.I gritted my teeth, my mind flashing with the image of Kaliyah. I was about to be killed, but at least I had stalled Darius long enough for her to escape. I stared at the claws, shining under the moonlight as dark mana swirled around them, and I closed my eyes, waiting for death.*We had a good run,* I reached out for Kyrax, bidding farewell to my Lycan. He responded with a reluctant, tired growl, accepting the fate that was about to befall us.Just as his claws descended, a sharp howl pierced the air.I opened my eyes in shock, and Darius paused, his claws freezing mid-air as his head whipped toward the direction of the howl. Another howl followed, then another, and suddenly the entire forest was alive with grotesque, bone-chilling howls—deep and r
Kovu’s POVHis claws hovered above me, gleaming with deadly intent. I could barely breathe, struggling to keep myself conscious as I braced for the end. This bastard was going to finish me off, and there was nothing I could do to stop him.I gritted my teeth, my mind flashing with the image of Kaliyah. I was about to be killed, but at least I had stalled Darius long enough for her to escape. I stared at the claws, shining under the moonlight as dark mana swirled around them, and I closed my eyes, waiting for death.*We had a good run,* I reached out for Kyrax, bidding farewell to my Lycan. He responded with a reluctant, tired growl, accepting the fate that was about to befall us.Just as his claws descended, a sharp howl pierced the air.I opened my eyes in shock, and Darius paused, his claws freezing mid-air as his head whipped toward the direction of the howl. Another howl followed, then another, and suddenly the entire forest was alive with grotesque, bone-chilling howls—deep and r
Kovu's POV*That little power boost still won’t save you,* Darius's voice rang through the mind link. *I’ve crushed Lycans stronger than you, Kovu. You should’ve stayed back at your pack like a good little pup and waited for your downfall.**Shut up!* I growled in fury. Without wasting any more time, I lunged forward with blinding speed, flooding my limbs with mana, activating Flash Step in the process. The ground cracked beneath me from the force of my launch, and I aimed my claws directly at Darius’s throat, my claws simmering with blood-red mana, sharp enough to slice through bone.Darius reacted just in time, bringing his front paw up to block my strike. His mana hardened around his paw into an impenetrable shield. My claws collided with his front paw, and sparks flew as our energies clashed, the force sending a shockwave rippling through the battlefield. I snarled, pushing harder, but Darius held firm, his muscles straining but unyielding.*Too weak,* he barked as mana flooded in
Kovu's POVThe first step to activating Bloodlust Ascendancy was to become one with Kyrax. It was a merging of our minds and bodies until we were a single unified entity. I had always crossed this stage before, but recently, I couldn’t even get through this stage without a painful backlash wreaking havoc throughout my body. Now, though, as I prepared to activate the first phase, something felt different. The connection between us merged seamlessly into something deeper and stronger. Something different.It snapped into place with a fluidity I hadn’t felt before. My muscles coiled with newfound strength as our energies began to merge, slowly at first, but then with increasing intensity. Kyrax’s instincts melded with mine, sharpening my senses, enhancing my strength, and perfecting my control over mana.The mana around me thickened, taking on a crimson hue, and flared to life like an inferno.*Kyrax* I called for him, my voice merging with his deep growl. This is unlike anything I had