ALPHA VAN’S POV “I... I came because I—" She hesitated, clearly trying to find the right words again. Then Liam cut her short. “I invited her for my wedding tomorrow. I want her to be a part of it.” Mother nodded several times. “He's right...and I want to make it right to you, Liam, and Kacy. Especially you, Van.” The bitterness surged in me again. Make it right? Was this some pathetic excuse to ease her guilt after all these years? It was too late for that. I blamed Liam for inviting her without letting me know first. He definitely wouldn't have informed me because he knew how much I hated her, to the extent that I had prohibited anyone from talking about her. “As you can see, we're all doing just fine without you,” I said through clenched teeth. “You think a couple of tears and a half-assed apology is gonna make up for abandoning me? For abandoning us?” Liam, still oblivious to the tension in the room, stepped forward with his usual excitement. “Van, it’s Mom! You—” “No!” I
NARAH’S POVThe water ran hot, steam curling around me as I stood under the shower, letting the heat flow into my skin, washing away the remnants of the night before.Just as I tried to relax, I heard Liora’s voice scream, “Are you still going to wear that beautiful wedding dress?”I couldn't hear her properly, so I turned off the shower. “WHAT?”“The wedding dress!” she shouted. “Are you still going to put it on? Ellie is calling.”How did I forget about that? “Sure, I will. For dramatic effect,” I screamed back.“That's my girl,” Liora said, and a smile tugged at the edges of my lips.I turned on the shower again and let it all flow—my anger, my confusion, the stench or alcohol, the memories of Hendrix, Ophelia and Jenna, and the mounting pressure of everything I had just uncovered. It was all too much, yet not enough. The truth was a cruel thing, especially when you couldn’t unlearn it.But as the water ran cold, something else was there. A hollow emptiness in the space where my w
NARAH’S POV“What?” Zander asked, surprised.“Are you Mr. Mysterious?” I repeated, assuming he didn't hear me the first time.“No, I'm not,” he blurted out, disbelief thick in his voice. “How could you think that?”“Why wouldn't I? It seems to me that you pretended you'd never heard of the Moon Jade before you met me. You cast a fake mate bond on me, and for what?”Zander fell silent. His eyes darted away, his jaw tightening. Then, he moved closer to me, his demeanour shifting. There was an air of regret in his gaze, something I hadn’t noticed before, but it didn’t soften the storm brewing inside me.“I’m sorry I did that, Narah,” he said softly, his voice calmer now. “I didn’t mean to deceive you like that.”I stared at him, every word a new weight on my shoulders. My chest tightened as the truth hit me with full force. He wasn't denying it. I had been so foolish to believe his excuses before. So many signs, so many warning bells ringing, but I had ignored them all. He had played me
NARAH’S POV“Babe, who is it?” Dahlia’s voice rang out, cutting through the stillness of the room.Arthur didn't respond. He just stood still, eyes wide and staring intently at me, wondering. Then, Dahlia appeared behind him, her head tilting slightly to see past his broad frame. Her eyes widened in surprise as she saw me."Reina?" Arthur's voice echoed softly. He looked as though he were unsure if this was a dream or a nightmare and if he had seen a ghost.“Oh! Narah!” Dahlia exclaimed, her tone so full of warmth and recognition that it almost hurt.Before I could process her words, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug. My body went stiff at first, the sudden physical contact catching me off guard.I swallowed hard, my throat dry as I fought the wave of emotions that threatened to crash over me. She pulled back from the hug and turned briefly to Arthur. “It's Narah. She was the one I told you I met at the bridal shop who looks exactly like Reina.”Arthur
NARAH’S POV“I'll be going back to the Killian's estate. Sharon invited us for the pre-wedding party,” I said.“What's a pre-wedding party?” Chris asked, scrunching his nose.“Apparently, it's a party the rich throw to celebrate their upcoming wedding. Instead of a bridal shower, they're just throwing one big party,” Liora answered.“She invited you too, Liora,” I said, turning back to look at her.“Nope. No more partying for me. I'm good,” she responded, shaking her head.I agreed with her. Maybe she felt that way because she had to hide her identity and mask her aura all day just to hang out with Bryan and the others. It must be a bit challenging and draining for her, I thought. But soon enough, when the truth comes to light, she wouldn't have to hide in the shadows any longer.Chris dropped me off at the bus stop and left. As I waited for the bus, the air biting my skin, I couldn't help but feel an unease within me. I was going to see Alpha Van and possibly tell him everything—the
NARAH’S POV My heart was still pounding in my chest when I pulled away from Van. “I'm sorry to interrupt, but I found the gloves,” Corolla said with a knowing smirk, though her expression was vaguely flustered. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease settle deep within me. She was putting on a bra top, tights, and sneakers. Her red hair was tied up in a ponytail. She must have been working out with Alpha Van before I arrived. “You're not interrupting anything, Corolla,” I whispered, my breath catching in my throat. She took a step forward, her gaze never leaving mine. “I heard about your wedding. I'm sorry it went south.” I blinked, trying to steady my breath as I shook my head. “Thank you. I guess... It was for the best—” “Was it?” she interjected, her voice gentle yet firm as she stepped closer, closing the distance between us. Her scent—fruity, with a hint of something more primal—wrapped around me like a blanket, but her appearance darkened—something between conc
GINA'S POV Today was the day I finally gave my love away. The thought of it alone sent a shiver down my spine, and I slammed my fist on the headrest of the bed, making the frame creak in protest. “I hate my life,” I groaned sluggishly, sitting up right. Last night was f**king hell, and today was… was there anything worse than hell? If there was, you could f**king bet I was living in it. I squeezed my face at the strong stench of booze that danced particularly around me. My mouth felt parched. My tongue was sticky, tasting the lingering flavour of last night's cigarettes and alcohol, a failed attempt to drown and set my sorrows ablaze. All that alcohol doused with wolfsbane and I still couldn't get drunk. The sun filtered through the curtains, and as my eyes drifted across my room, squinting, all I could think of was how miserable my present situation was. Rufus was lying next to me. I gently stroked his fur, and he opened his eyes before shutting them again. I lazily got
NARAH'S POV “He didn't tell you the truth?” “No, he didn't,” Sharon said, wiping her tears. I didn't expect Liam to actually tell her, but when Sharon had a slight change of mind about proceeding with the plan, I asked her to speak with Liam. If he told her the truth about him and Gina, then she could leave peacefully, as she wanted. However, since he didn't tell her, the plan was still on. The entire wedding party would have to see who the Luna had been having an affair with, and for Liam… well, he'd have to deal with his brother afterward, just as Gina would have to deal with him too. I held Sharon's hand, squeezing it gently, I said to her, “Let's go. You've tried your best to give him a chance. Whatever happens now is not your fault.” She blinked several times, fighting back tears that stung her eyes. It was time to go downstairs. The guests were already waiting, and so was the groom. The weather was nice today. The cool wind carried on peacefully, and the birds sang
NARAH'S POV Standing face to face with Van's direwolf, my heart leaped for joy. As my hands slowly trailed over its soft, stunning black fur, it growled tenderly, leaning its head on my arm.Suddenly, with the speed of light, Beta Bernard grabbed me from the side, lifting me into the air, his laughter cutting through the atmosphere like a blade.“Let me go,” I shouted, the wisps of my breath curling in the air as I wriggled in his arms. I could see Alpha Van's wolf running after us, its gaze drifting toward the sky now and then. I didn't even get a moment more to rejoice at his breaking free.Although I had initially wanted to get to Beta Bernard, now that I was soaring about twenty thousand feet above the ground and knowing he had the power to throw me off at any moment, I had a change of heart.“I'll show you what real power looks like,” he said, focusing above as he rose higher.My heart was pounding rapidly, my stomach churning with every gust of air I breathed in. “Murdering p
NARAH'S POV I wiped my tears, smiling and nodding, but it was only for a split second before the creature pounced on me, pinning me to the ground. It seemed to be fighting with the voices in its head, staggering back, growling, and throwing punches at its own head.My heart hammered in my chest as my shuddering legs managed to find the strength to support me. Frantically, I dashed through the clearing once more. However, Beta Bernard was no longer in sight. The creature—Van— was hot on my heels again, a twisted shadow of the man I loved. Each desperate step felt like it could be my last, but there was no time to stop.No! I couldn't stop. Not now, not when Beta Bernard was still out there, controlling everything and planning to destroy people's lives.I glanced over my shoulder just in time to see Alpha Van stumble again, his paws pounding the earth, his body fighting against the unnatural force that gripped him.It was as if a part of him, deep inside, was beginning to take charge,
NARAH'S POV The monsters surrounding us snarled, their eyes empty of recognition, all of them bound by the same cruel will. “So that which was cursed may never be cursed again,” witch Verusia whispered, staring at Jeremiah. Then I understood what she meant. The reason Jeremiah hadn't changed along with the others was that he had been cursed by the Moon Jade, and now the curse Beta Bernard had placed on the other werewolves could not touch him. The air grew thick, making it difficult to breathe, as we shifted back slowly while the creatures approached. My eyes were locked on them, thinking of how to win this battle without hurting them. “Beta Bernard is controlling their minds,” I said, my voice firm. “I'll see how I can get the Moon Jade from him, while you guys handle our friends.” “Our friends?” Liora snapped. “Look at them. I bet all they want is to sink their teeth into our plump flesh and use our bones as toothpicks.” Jeremiah sneered, his eyes flashing with defiance.
NARAH'S POV I could see the feral grin on his face as he rose from the ground like a phoenix rising from its ashes. I expected nothing less. Beta Bernard's appetite for power seemed to know no bounds. His eyes blazed with an intense white light that radiated like a flashlight pointing in all directions until they finally rested on me. I caught Liora's body in midair just before it slammed onto the ground.“Oh my! Thank you,” she mumbled, catching her breath, disbelief etched on her face.“Are you okay?”She nodded instinctively; then her eyes darted toward Beta Bernard, scanning the clearing. His guards were getting back on their feet, along with Luna Tauriel. The flames they had held were now extinguished and the sticks tossed aside.“That old man just won't quit. Motherf**ker!” Liora cursed bitterly, glaring at him.“He looks pretty mad and happy at the same time,” I retorted.Instantly, Liora's amber eyes grew large with surprise as they focused behind me, gawking at something—or
NARAH'S POV When I created a portal to lead us to where Liora and the others were, I thought I had conjured the right destination. I was dumbfounded when it led us to a part of the woods where I saw Gina. She was holding on to dear life…barely.It broke my heart to see her like that—battered and broken beyond saving. I could sense the silver mixing like a drug in her blood. It pulsed through her veins like the rhythm of a mourning song.When I held her, the things she had done since my return were quickly erased from my mind, replaced by a gaping wound of regret and sorrow which scared my heart deeply.For the first time, I caught a glimpse of the sister I had once known and loved. The Gina that had filled my childhood with her elegance. Her sultry green eyes had lost their sparkle. They were bleary with tears, and her pupils were dilating.For Corolla—I didn't exactly know what to feel. Hurt, betrayed, and beneath it, a genuine love for a friend whom I had thought was true. What a t
GINA'S POV “How pathetic! You think you can fight me?” Corolla spat, “You should just go back to your stupid, glittering life, being pretty and useless.”I scoffed, the sound tearing from my throat like a challenge. “I don't care what happens here, but I won't let you go, not after what you did to Liam.”I held back tears as I recalled how my Liam had died in Corolla's cruel hands. For a moment, I let the memories wash over me—the pain, the unbearable grief, the anguish. There was no way in hell or on earth that I'd let her live even if it would cost me my life. I'd fight until the very end.“Do you think father would be proud to see us at war?”“I don't f***king care what he thinks.”“What about your mother?”“Go to hell, Corolla.”Corolla's laughter filled the night's air. I felt a shiver run down my spine. Still, I remained bold and alarmed in case she would pull one of her dubious moves.“How could you work with our enemies? You f**king traitor.”“They're not my enemies. My only
NARAH'S POV“I might know a way to get there faster.”“Is there a shortcut?”“You can call it that. I’ve just never tried it before, but I think I might be able to do it,” I mumbled doubtfully. “I know you're thinking of creating a portal,” Minisi said. “Since you have witch's blood in your veins now, I'm sure you can give it a try. But don't forget that creating a portal is a complex and unpredictable magic. If you lose control, it could rip apart the fabric of space and time, or worse, trap us in a never-ending loop of dimensions.”“Wow, thanks a lot for reminding me of the consequences if I fail. It's a nice way to say ‘don't do it, but hey, might as well go ahead and doom us all,’ Yeah, thank you,” I quipped, releasing a gush of air and blowing a strand of hair out of my face.“I'm just saying,” Minsi added. “I’m glad you understand, though.”“I want to create a portal,”I said to Alpha Van. His brows furrowed and his eyes narrowed.“A portal? I've read of powerful witches creati
NARAH'S POV The music stopped at once, and the musicians ran haywire behind the curtains. The guests watched in horror as the intended sacrifice was released from the trap they had captured her in.Corolla's eyes were dark and her brows furrowed in anger and confusion. But before she could react, a deafening crash from the side of the building echoed through the walls.Gina, flanked by Zander and Isolde, strode into the hall, their eyes scanning the room until they settled on me and my rescuer—Alpha Van, my love.It was he who drew the blade out of my chest. He had managed to come from behind the stage just before Bryan even finished climbing up the stairs. Bryan approached, disbelief masking his features as he accessed us. My glowing eyes reverted to their ocean blue as they locked onto Alpha Van’s. How did he get here? Corolla had been expecting him, and here he was, without her knowledge, I presumed. Here he was— saving me.He scooped me into his strong, muscular arms and lowered
NARAH'S POV I felt a strong wave of dizziness wash over me, and my stomach churned with nausea that seemed to come with cramping that came out of nowhere. “Reina, I don't know how much longer we can go on like this before… Reina” “Please, Minsi, don't give up on me now,” I groaned. My skin was deathly pale, and my eyelids could barely lift. It was too much of an effort to even try. The air was rich with the scent of delicacies and a mixture of various colognes. It felt as if I was being pricked by a needle, and as if blood was rushing to my brain. I felt bad for having to put Minisi in this situation just when she finally came back. “I have to protect you at all cost,” she said, her voice coming in soft murmurs. “If we can get the dagger out, we can easily break free from these cuffs.” “But my hands are bound. How can I pull the dagger out?” How long had it been since Corolla drugged me? Just then, a beam of what felt like sunlight projected into my partly opened eyes