_Alina's POV_Alaric stepped closer. "You will not harm these people," he said, his voice low and menacing. "I will take responsibility for them. Return to your Alpha and inform him that Prince Alaric has intervened."The soldier hesitated, looking uncertain. "But, your highness...""No objections," Alaric cut him off sharply. "If Caleb has an issue with my actions, he can address it with me directly."The soldiers exchanged uneasy glances but eventually nodded. "Yes, sir," the lead soldier said reluctantly. "We will convey your message."With that, the soldiers backed away, retreating into the forest. Alaric turned back to the frightened group of people surrounding the car, his expression softening."It's alright," he said gently. "You're safe now."The young girl who had addressed me earlier stepped forward, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you," she whispered. "Thank you so much."I felt relieved that the soldiers had gone away. Alaric's presence had turned the tide, and these
_Alina's POV_We traversed through the dense forest, the car navigating the narrow, uneven paths. Alaric walked alongside the group. He occasionally glanced back at the car, ensuring we were following closely.The trees grew thicker, and the undergrowth more tangled as we continued our journey. After some time, we reached a small stream. I could hear the gentle sound of water flowing over rocks. Alaric stopped and turned to the driver, signaling him to halt the car."We'll need to get the car across," he said. He waded into the stream, the water splashing around his boots as he assessed the best route to take. The driver looked uncertain, but Alaric seemed to be confident. "Follow my lead," he instructed, motioning for the driver to ease the car forward. "We'll go slowly and carefully."I watched as Alaric guided the driver. He placed large rocks to create a more stable path and ensure that the car wouldn't get stuck. The car inched forward, the tires slipping slightly on the wet ston
_Alina's POV_I felt a gentle touch on my lips. I expected to feel the warmth of Alaric's lips but I was surprised by the sensation of a soft, brushing movement instead. It was tender and intimate, yet not what I had anticipated. Confused, I opened my eyes to see Alaric’s teasing smile. Realizing I might have misunderstood something, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance washed over me. My cheeks flushed slightly as I glared at Alaric.“Why are you playing tricks on me?” I demanded, trying to regain some composure.Alaric spread his hands innocently. “I wasn’t playing tricks. I was just wiping away some food residue from the corner of your mouth. I had no idea you would think otherwise.”Mortified, I decided to ignore him, turning my attention back to my meal. My reaction seemed to amuse him, and he chuckled softly.“My fault,” he admitted, his voice warm with affection.I huffed in response, refusing to meet his eyes. At that moment, a soldier approached our tent, looking for him.“Pr
_Alina's POV_Alaric smiled gently as he continued applying the ointment. "Emma had to step out for a moment, and I was just about to return when I saw you struggling with the medicine. I thought I would help."I sighed, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. "You didn't have to do that. I could've managed."He shook his head. "I saw the scars on your back, Alina. It must hurt a lot."I bit my lip, unsure of how to respond. His concern was touching, but I didn't want him to worry. "It’s not as bad as it looks. I've had worse."His fingers paused, and I could feel his gaze on me even without turning around. "You always try to be so strong," he said softly. "But it's okay to let someone else take care of you for once."His words were both comforting and disarming. I felt a warmth spread through me, not just from his touch but from the sincerity in his voice.Alaric's fingers lingered for a moment before he spoke again. "If you're uncomfortable, I can go and call Emma back. I don’t w
_Alaric's POV_The moment our lips met, it felt like a bolt of lightning shot through my body. My heart pounded wildly in my chest, every nerve ending sparking to life. Her kiss was soft but intense, filled with a longing that matched my own hidden desires. As we parted, breathless and flushed, I could see a raw vulnerability in Alina's eyes.But then, Leo’s voice broke through my thoughts. "Alaric, Alina is in heat, but this isn't her natural cycle."I frowned, confusion and worry swirling within me. "What do you mean?"Leo growled softly. "Something is wrong. This is not the right time for her to be in heat."I frowned, my gaze still locked on Alina. I wanted to pull away, to give her the space to think clearly, but the look in her eyes, the desperation, held me in place."Alina," I began softly, my voice filled with concern, "we need to stop. This isn't—"She cut me off, her grip on my hand tightening as if she feared I would vanish. "Please, Alaric," she begged, her voice breaking
_Alina's POV_When I woke up, my head felt heavy and foggy. I blinked, trying to piece together the fragments of my memory. I was wearing a different robe than the one I had on last night, but I couldn't remember changing clothes. I started to panic as I realized that I was alone in the tent. Where was Alaric? My mind was a blur, only flashes of the previous night coming to me, leaving me feeling confused and scared.I reached for a small mirror nearby and held it up to my face. My breath caught as I saw love bites scattered over my neck. What had really happened last night? I could vaguely remember Alaric holding me in his arms, but the memories were so hazy.With trembling hands, I checked my body, and felt relieved when I realized that I had not been violated. Alaric had not forced himself on me. Why was I even having such thoughts about him? He was not that kind of man and he would not hurt me.Just then, the tent curtain lifted gently, and Alaric entered. He looked at me with con
_Alina's POV_As Alaric exited the tent, I began to gather my belongings, my mind racing with questions about the night before. One question, in particular, nagged at me, demanding an answer. I turned to Alaric, who was now speaking with his subordinates outside."Alaric," I called out. He turned to me, a questioning look in his eyes. "The ointment… the one that I have been using. Where did it come from?"He sighed, stepping closer to me. "It was a gift from the civilian wolves," he explained. "They meant well, not realizing the effects it would have on you."I nodded slowly, absorbing his words. "I see. I don’t blame them but I don’t think that I should throw it away. Even if I don’t use it, I should keep it."Alaric's expression hardened, and he shook his head firmly. "I’ve already disposed of it, Alina. It’s too dangerous."Panic flared within me. "You threw it away?" I asked, my voice rising in pitch. "Where did you throw it?"His eyes darkened, and he stepped closer, his presence
_Alina's POV_As Alaric and I left the valley, the civilian wolves gathered around us, their faces lit with warmth and gratitude. Their well-wishes and blessings followed us, creating a bittersweet atmosphere. I could feel their affection and appreciation, and it tugged at my heart."Travel safely, Luna Alina and Prince Alaric!" one of the elder wolves called out. "May the moon goddess guide your path and protect you."I smiled and waved, feeling a lump in my throat. These wolves had shown me kindness and care, despite everything. Their gratitude was overwhelming, and I wished I could do more for them in return.As we walked away, Alaric stayed close by my side. He had been observing me carefully, and I could sense his concern. After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke up."Alina, is something wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" he asked, his eyes searching mine for any sign of distress.I shook my head, forcing a smile. "No, it’s nothing, Alaric. I’m fine. Just... a lot on my mind
A few days had passed since the burning in the square and the capital had begun to return to a semblance of normalcy. The people felt safer and their faith in Alina and Alaric was stronger than ever. To mark the victory and bring hope back to the kingdom, Alina and Alaric decided to hold a celebration.The square, where the execution had taken place, was transformed. Banners fluttered in the breeze, and tables were set up, filled with food and drink. Music filled the air and the people danced and laughed. Their fear was replaced by joy.Alina stood on a balcony overlooking the square, watching the festivities. She smiled, seeing her people happy and at peace. Alaric came to stand beside her, his arm brushing against hers."They needed this," he said softly, his eyes on the crowd below."They did," Alina agreed. "And so did we."Alaric turned to her, his gaze searching her face. "You seem different," he said, his voice gentle. "Is something on your mind?"Alina hesitated. She had been
Alina stood over the witch and watched the last of the dark magic fade from the room. This battle was over but she needed to make sure there would be no more from Tanya or the witch.Alaric came to her side. "What do you want to do with her?" he asked."We need to send a message," Alina said firmly. "To everyone. They need to see what happens to those who use dark magic against us."Alaric nodded. "We’ll take them to the capital. We’ll burn them in the square for all to see."Caleb, who had been leaning against a wall, slowly walked over. His face was pale, and he looked exhausted, but there was a fire in his eyes. "I’ll help," he said.Alina looked at him. She was grateful for his support. "Thank you, Caleb," she said. She turned back to Alaric. "Let’s get them ready. We need to do this quickly."The warriors moved quickly. They tied the witch’s lifeless body and carried her out of the ruins. Tanya, still bound and furious, was dragged along. Her eyes were filled with hatred and fear
Caleb looked up at Alina. He felt relieved. He hadn't expected her to find him but now that she was here, he knew that they had a chance."Alina..." Caleb started to say, but she shook her head, her focus entirely on Tanya."You can't win, Tanya," Alina said, taking a step forward. "Surrender now, and maybe we'll show you mercy."Tanya snarled. "You think you can just walk in here and take me down? You're nothing, Alina! Nothing!"Alina didn't flinch. She raised her hand, and the palace guards moved forward, their weapons ready. "This is your last chance, Tanya," Alina said. "Give up, or we'll make you."For a moment, it looked like Tanya might fight back, but then she glanced around, realizing that she was outnumbered. With a frustrated scream, she lashed out with one final burst of dark magic, but Alina was ready. She raised her hands, and a barrier of shimmering light formed in front of her, deflecting the attack.The palace guards rushed forward, surrounding Tanya before she could
Caleb walked through the dimly lit streets. The night was heavy with an eerie silence, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind. He knew that Tanya was somewhere nearby, hiding in the shadows, but finding her was no easy task. Dark magic hung in the air like a thick fog making it hard to track her scent.His mind raced as he thought about what had happened in the square. Alina had been strong, stronger than he’d ever seen her before. She had saved the werewolves from the dark magic and proved herself as a true leader. But now, they were facing a threat even more dangerous than the chaos in the square. Tanya was still out there and her power was growing. Caleb had to find her before she caused more harm.Suddenly, he heard a soft sound, like a whisper on the wind. He paused and listened. There it was—a low, almost inaudible chant. It was Tanya. She was close.Caleb followed the sound, his steps quickening as he made his way through the narrow alleys. The chanting gr
_Alina's POV_As the door closed behind us, the weight of everything that had happened finally began to lift. For a moment, I allowed myself to breathe, to let go of the tension that had been building up inside me. Alaric was still holding my hand and I could feel the warmth of his presence enveloping me like a comforting blanket.He turned to me. “Alina,” he said quietly. “I missed you so much.”“I missed you too,” I whispered. The truth of it hit me hard. We hadn’t had a moment like this in so long—just the two of us.Alaric stepped closer, closing the small distance between us. His hand came up to cup my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin. “I was so worried about you,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “Every moment you were gone, I was terrified that something would happen, that I wouldn’t be there to protect you.”I leaned into his touch and closed my eyes as I savored the feel of his hand against my skin. “I know,” I whispered. “But I’m here now. We’re together
_Alina's POV_Tanya was somewhere inside the Capital and I had to find her before it was too late. As Caleb and I entered the city, the signs of chaos were everywhere. The streets were empty but the air was filled with darkness.We made our way to the heart of the city where I knew Alaric would be waiting. As we approached, I could feel his presence growing stronger in my mind. He was nearby and I needed to reach him before the situation spiraled out of control.“Alina!” Alaric’s voice echoed in my mind. “I’m at the main square. Hurry!”“We’re on our way,” I replied while quickening my pace.When we arrived at the square, the scene was worse than I had imagined. Werewolves were on the brink of tearing each other apart, their eyes wild with fear and rage. The dark magic was strong here. Alaric stood in the center and he was trying to keep order, but even he was struggling against the overwhelming force of Tanya’s influence.“Alaric!” I called out as I reached him.He turned to me. His
_Alina's POV_As Caleb and I moved swiftly along the dark road, my mind was focused on what lay ahead. The capital was in danger, and every second counted. The night was quiet, the only sounds were our footsteps and the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind. But I knew that this calm was deceptive. Something dark and terrible was waiting for us.We traveled in silence for a while, each of us lost in our own thoughts. But then, I felt a familiar presence in my mind. It was Alaric, reaching out to me through our mind link. His voice echoed in my heart, urgent and filled with worry.“Alina,” he called out. “I’ve found evidence of Tanya’s involvement. She’s here, in the capital, but the people… they’re blinded by fear and rumors. They refuse to believe that she’s the one behind this. Her influence is spreading and it’s causing chaos. Some of the werewolves have started to riot. The city is on the brink of losing control.”His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I could hear the desp
_Alina's POV_I knew that I had to return to the capital immediately. The urgency in Alaric’s voice echoed in my mind like a warning bell that wouldn’t stop ringing. The plague had returned and there was no doubt in my heart that this was the work of the witch. Tanya wasn’t dead, as I had once believed. She was still out there, and her influence was spreading like poison. The thought of her dark magic wreaking havoc sent a chill down my spine and I knew I couldn’t afford to waste any time.I turned to the rogues who had gathered around me. Their eyes were filled with concern and a newfound admiration. They had just been freed from the clutches of dark magic and they were still recovering from the ordeal. I could see the exhaustion in their faces, the lingering fear that had yet to fully fade. But I didn’t have the luxury of time to explain everything to them. They needed to rest and regain their strength. They had fought their own battles and now I had to fight mine.“Stay here,” I to
_Alina's POV_I stepped out of the room. My heart was still pounding from the battle with Caspian. As I moved into the open air, a chaotic scene unfolded before my eyes. The rogues, twisted by dark magic, were attacking each other in a frenzy. Snarls and growls filled the night as they bit and clawed at one another, their eyes wild with the madness that had taken hold of them.For a moment, I stood frozen, watching the carnage. These wolves, once proud and strong, were now reduced to mindless beasts, slaves to the dark magic that had consumed them. But then, I remembered the mission that had been entrusted to me by the moon wolf. I had the power to purify them, to free them from the darkness that held them captive.But I knew what I had to do. Closing my eyes, I reached deep within myself, calling upon the power that I had gained in the ruins. I felt it surge through my body. My mind and body merged with my wolf and I could feel her strength and courage flowing through me.When I open