_Alina's POV_My heart raced as my fingers almost touched the faintly glowing plant. The herb we had been seeking for days was finally within our reach. I could almost feel its power, the potential it held to save us all. I extended my hand, ready to pluck it from the forest floor when a sudden movement from the bushes caught my eye.Before I could react, a puppet leapt out, its swift and fierce movements accompanied by a suffocating stench. The creature was upon me in an instant, its eyes gleaming with malicious intent. "Watch out!" Athena warned loudly, but it was too late. The puppet, like black lightning, pounced on me with a terrifying ferocity.The weight of its body pinned me to the ground, and I nearly lost my grip on the herb. Its claws dug into my shoulders, and its sharp teeth snapped dangerously close to my throat. I couldn’t let this puppet stop me—not when we were so close.“Alina!” Athena’s voice in my mind was filled with panic.Fear filled my heart, but in this life-o
_Alaric's POV_As I walked through the corridors, I couldn't shake the weight of despair that had settled in my heart. The werewolves who had been healed by Caspian were now collapsing, their lives snuffed out like candles in a storm. The kingdom was on edge, and panic was spreading like wildfire. I had to do something."Gather the elite warriors," I commanded. "We need to find Caspian."The warriors assembled quickly. When we reached Caspian's residence, my heart sank. The place was deserted. Furniture lay scattered, and signs of a hasty escape were everywhere.I clenched my fists, feeling the rage build inside me. "Damn it!" I cursed, my knuckles turning white. "He's gone."We searched the room, looking for any clues, but there was nothing. Caspian had vanished like the wind, leaving only the bodies of the innocent and a kingdom in panic.Just then, a bloodied warrior stumbled in. It was Lucas, who had been sent to monitor Caspian’s actions. His face was filled with shame. I quickly
_Alina's POV_In the depths of the forest, I fought for my life. The air was thick with the scent of blood and dark magic. My warrior team and I were engaged in a deadly battle against the puppets. These creatures were unnaturally fierce, and it took all our strength to hold them back.One of the puppets lunged at me, its claws slashing through the air. I dodged to the side. The puppet snarled. Its eyes were filled with malevolence. It moved very quickly, and I was struggling to keep up."Watch out, Alina!" one of my warriors shouted, throwing himself between me and another puppet. He managed to fend it off, but not before it inflicted a deep gash on his arm."Thanks," I said, panting as I caught my breath. "We need to hold them off!"The battle raged on around us. One by one, my warriors fell, overwhelmed by the relentless attacks. I could feel despair creeping into my heart. We were losing.Athena spoke in my mind. "Alina, the puppets' weakness is their heart. Remember, just like hu
_Alina's POV_The puppet I had killed was Juliet. My heart shattered into pieces. Juliet, my best friend, was gone. I couldn’t believe what I had done. Tears blurred my vision, and I felt as if I couldn’t breathe.“No,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Juliet, no.”I dropped my dagger and fell to my knees beside her. Her eyes, once full of life and laughter, were now empty. I reached out, touching her face gently, hoping that she might wake up.“I’m so sorry,” I choked out. “I didn’t know. I’m so, so sorry.”The sounds of battle around me faded. All I could think about was Juliet. We had shared so many memories, so many dreams. And now she was gone, and it was my fault.“Alina!” a voice shouted, but I barely heard it. My world had narrowed to Juliet’s lifeless form.I remembered the first time we met, how we became inseparable friends. We had promised to protect each other, no matter what. And now I had failed her in the worst possible way.“Juliet,” I sobbed. “Why did it have to be
_Alaric's POV_I wanted to chase after Tanya. Every instinct screamed at me to hunt her down and make her pay for everything she had done. But then I looked at Alina, lying unconscious on the forest floor, her body surrounded by the bodies of our fallen comrades and Juliet. My heart ached at the sight of her so fragile and hurt. I couldn't leave her like this.I knelt beside her, checking her wounds. Blood soaked her side, and her breathing was shallow. "Alina," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "Please, hold on."She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering open. "Alaric," she murmured, her voice weak. "I'm fine. We got the potion."I nodded. "Yes, we got it. But you need help. You’re badly hurt."She tried to sit up, but she was struggling and it seemed as if she was in deep pain. "We need to detoxify the dying werewolves. They can't wait.""Alina, you're in no condition to move," I said, trying to keep my voice calm.She winced as she attempted to push herself up again, the pa
_Alina's POV_When I woke up, I felt groggy and weak. The room around me was unfamiliar, but then I saw Alaric sitting by my side, holding my hand. I felt relieved that he was there for me. I wasn’t alone.“Alaric,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.He leaned closer, his eyes filled with concern. “Alina, you’re awake. How are you feeling?”I tried to sit up, but pain shot through my side, and I winced. “I’ve been better,” I admitted, managing a weak smile. “What happened? Did we get the potion to the werewolves?”He nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Yes, we did. The healers have already started administering it, and many patients are beginning to recover. It’s working, Alina.”I was very happy to hear this. The potion was working. The werewolves had a chance now. “Thank you, Alaric,” I said, my voice filled with gratitude. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”He shook his head. “You’re the one who made it possible. Your strength and determination are what got
_Alina's POV_As we approached Amora's cell, I felt a mix of emotions—anger, curiosity, and a strange sense of pity. She looked up at me with a smirk that made my blood boil. The sight of her, shackled and defeated, brought me no satisfaction, only a desire for answers."Well, well," Amora said, her voice dripping with mockery. "Look who survived. The little hero herself."I stood tall, despite the pain throbbing through my body. "Why, Amora?" I asked, my voice steady. "Why did you do it?"She chuckled, a dark, hollow sound. "Why not? It's amusing to watch you all scramble, trying to save your precious werewolves."I clenched my fists, trying to keep my composure. "This isn't a game. People's lives were at stake."Amora shrugged, her eyes cold and calculating. "People's lives are always at stake, Alina. It's just a matter of whose lives you value more."My anger flared. "You had no right to play with their lives. You and Caspian both."Her eyes gleamed with a cruel light. "Ah, Caspian
_Alina's POV_As we climbed the stairs, the cold dungeon walls gave way to the warm glow of the palace halls. The change was jarring, like stepping from a nightmare into a dream. But the nightmare still clung to me, heavy and relentless. I could still see Amora's lifeless eyes and hear her mocking voice. The truth about Juliet’s death hurt like a sharp knife.Katie squeezed my hand again as we reached the top. Her quiet support was comforting, but it couldn’t chase away the darkness inside me. I knew what I had to do, but I wasn’t ready to face it yet.In the main hall, Alaric was waiting. His tall figure was reassuring. His dark hair caught the light, making him look like the king he was meant to be. But it was his eyes, those deep blue eyes, that I focused on. They always seemed to see right through me."Alina," he said, his voice full of concern. He pulled me into a gentle hug. "Are you okay?"I hesitated, not wanting to worry him. "I'm fine," I said, forcing a smile. "Just... tire
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