AriaThey roll across the forest floor in a blur of motion, claws and teeth flashing in the dappled sunlight. Blood spatters the leaves, the coppery scent of it thick and cloying in the air.I know I should do something, should throw myself between them and put an end to this madness before one of them winds up dead. But I can't seem to make myself move, can't seem to do anything but watch in mute horror as the two males I love most in this world try to tear each other apart.It's Callum who falters first, his weakened body no match for Elijah's savage strength. He stumbles, his flank laid open by a vicious swipe of claws, and Elijah presses his advantage with a snarl of triumph.And then his jaws are closing around Callum's throat, and the world seems to freeze in a single, crystalline moment of perfect, terrible clarity.I know in that instant that I am about to watch the father of my child die. That I am about to lose him forever, just when I had finally begun to hope that we might
AriaI'm frozen, my heart pounding in my chest as I stare at Elijah's battered face. His eyes are hazy, clouded with pain and confusion, and I can see the questions burning in their depths."Aria," he croaks, his voice rough and broken. "What... what happened?"I swallow hard, my mind racing as I try to find the words. How can I possibly explain the horror of what just transpired? The madness in Callum's eyes, the cruel twist of his lips as he threatened to take everything from me?But even as I open my mouth to speak, a sudden realization hits me like a bolt of lightning. Elijah doesn't remember. The fight, the betrayal, the sickening crunch of bone and flesh... it's all lost to him, swallowed up by the haze of pain and exhaustion.And in that moment, I make a decision. A split-second choice that will change everything, that will set me on a path from which there may be no return.I take a deep breath, my voice trembling with feigned fear and distress as I begin to weave my tale."It
Aria I sit by Elijah's bedside, watching the slow rise and fall of his chest. He looks so peaceful, so vulnerable, despite the bruises and bandages that mar his skin. A testament to the battles he's fought, the sacrifices he's made. For me. For our pack. For the future we've dreamed of building together. I should be happy. Should be thrilled by his proposal, by the promise of a life spent by his side. But all I feel is a sickening sense of dread, a fear of the secrets that threaten to tear my world apart. Because how can I say yes? How can I pledge myself to him, knowing what I've done? Knowing the lies I've told, the betrayals I've committed? As if sensing my turmoil, Elijah stirs, his eyes fluttering open. They're hazy with pain and exhaustion, but they brighten when they find mine. "Aria," he murmurs, his voice rough and ragged. "You're here." I force a smile to my face, taking his hand in mine. His skin is warm, his fingers strong and callused. The hands of a warrior, a prot
AriaI'm halfway to the door when I hear it. A soft, mocking laugh that sends a chill down my spine, freezing me in my tracks.I turn slowly, my heart pounding in my chest. And there she is. Soren, standing in the shadows, her arms crossed and her eyes glinting with a calculating light."Going somewhere, Aria?" she asks, her voice dripping with false sweetness.I swallow hard, trying to force down the panic that rises in my throat. "Soren," I say, my voice trembling despite my best efforts to keep it steady. "What are you doing here?"She steps forward, her lips curving in a cruel smile. "I could ask you the same thing," she says, her tone light and mocking. "Did you really think you could just run away? Did you think no one would notice, that no one would care?"I feel a flicker of anger beneath the fear, a spark of defiance that refuses to be snuffed out. "I don't know what you're talking about," I say, lifting my chin. "I'm not running away. I'm just... I have to..."But Soren cuts
Elijah I sit at my desk, my mind lost in thoughts of Aria and the future I so desperately want to build with her. It's been days since I proposed, days since I laid my heart at her feet and asked her to be mine forever. But she hasn't given me an answer. Hasn't said the words I long to hear, the words that would make all my dreams come true. I know she's been through a lot. Know that the events of the past few weeks have taken their toll on her, body and soul. But I also know that what we have is real, that the love that burns between us is strong enough to weather any storm. At least, I hope it is. I shake my head, trying to dispel the doubts that creep in like shadows. I can't let myself dwell on the negative, can't let myself imagine a future without Aria by my side. So I send for her, my heart racing with anticipation as I wait for her to arrive. I need to see her, need to look into her eyes and know that she feels the same way I do. A knock at the door startles me from my t
Elijah The phone feels heavy in my hand as I wait for Leah to answer, my heart pounding in my chest. I don't know what I'm hoping to hear from her, don't know if there's anything she can say that will ease the ache in my soul. But I have to try. Have to do something, anything, to understand why Aria turned me away. "Elijah?" Leah's voice comes through the line, cautious and concerned. "Is everything alright?" I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "No," I admit, my voice rough with emotion. "No, it's not. Leah, I need to ask you something. About Aria." There's a pause, a moment of heavy silence. And then Leah sighs, her tone laced with sympathy. "Elijah, I'm sorry, but I don't have any knowledge of Aria's decision. She hasn't confided in me about this matter." I close my eyes, the disappointment washing over me like a cold wave. I had hoped, foolishly perhaps, that Leah might have some insight into Aria's mind, some clue as to why she rejected me. But it seems I'm on my
Callum The pack hall feels too small, too confined, as I pace back and forth like a caged animal. My thoughts are a tangled mess, consumed by images of Aria - the way her body felt pressed against mine, the taste of her lips, the fire in her eyes as she attacked Elijah to save my life. That moment plays over and over in my mind, a testament to her fierce loyalty, her unwavering courage. Even after everything I did to her, every lie and betrayal, she still fought for me with a passion that takes my breath away. And now, with the memory of our stolen moment together seared into my brain, I can't escape the regret that claws at my chest. I never should have deceived her, never should have pushed her away. I thought I was doing what was best for the pack, but the truth is, I was a coward. I was too afraid to face my feelings for her, too afraid of what loving her might mean. I clench my fist, my nails digging into my palm as I try to steady myself. But it's no use. The agitation rolls
Aria My heart pounds in my chest as Leah and I are escorted into the pack hall by two stern-faced pack members. The atmosphere is thick with tension, and I can sense a mix of anger, disappointment, and sorrow emanating from Elijah as he stands with the council members and Soren. Leah shoots me a worried glance, her brows furrowed in concern. I try to give her a reassuring smile, but it feels strained on my face. Something is wrong, very wrong, and the knot in my stomach tightens with each step we take. Elijah gestures for us to take a seat, his expression grim and his eyes filled with a pain that makes my heart ache. I've never seen him look so broken, so utterly devastated, and I can't help but wonder what could have caused such a profound change in his demeanor. "What's going on, Elijah?" I ask, my voice trembling slightly as I try to keep my composure. "Why have you called us here?" He takes a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over the council members before settling back on me. "
Aria Gods, Callum is infuriating. His face hardens as that familiar stubborn glint flashes in his eyes - the same pigheaded determination that got us into this whole mess to begin with. I can practically see the wheels turning as he debates his next move against me. Part of him clearly wants to reassert his dominance, to double down on suppressing my abilities like some addiction he can't kick. The urge to subjugate me is probably humming through his alpha instincts, primal and mindless. But another part of him hesitates, flickering with unease at how thoroughly I overpowered him just moments ago. He knows I'm no longer that helpless prisoner bound and sedated at his mercy. My powers have returned in full, and whether he wants to admit it or not, that reality has shifted the balance of our forces irrevocably. A tense beat passes between us before he finally breaks the charged silence. "Explain how this is possible," he growls. "That serum should have kept your abilities neutralize
Callum The stone walls of the empty corridor seem to press in on me as I make my way toward Aria's room. Each step feels heavier than the last, the weight of what I'm about to do bearing down on me. I know I have to be cruel, have to push her away and treat her coldly. It's the only way to keep up the ruse, the only way to make sure she stays safe. But Goddess, it's killing me. I pause outside her door, squeezing my eyes shut and taking a deep breath to steel myself. Be strong, Callum. This is for her, even if she'll hate you for it. With that last shred of resolve, I harden my expression to a mask of indifference and push open the door. Aria is sitting on the edge of the bed, her muscles visibly tensing as I enter. Those striking amber eyes narrow, lips curving down. "What do you want?" she snaps, hostility etched into every line of her body. I force back the urge to go to her, to wrap my arms around her and breathe in the woodsy vanilla scent unique to her. Instead I keep my t
Aria The morning light filtering in through the curtains is what finally rouses me from a restless sleep. As wakefulness slowly returns, so does the memory of what transpired between Callum and me last night. Shame burns through me as I recall the way I surrendered to him so completely, gave in to desires I should have resisted with every fiber of my being. What is wrong with me? How could I let him manipulate me like that, use my body's traitorous responses against me? I grit my teeth, anger and disgust swirling hotly inside me. No more. I refuse to be weak, to let Callum gain the upper hand because he knows exactly how to play my body like a well-tuned instrument. I am the mistress of my own fate, not some puppet dancing to his twisted tune. Determination steeling my spine, I try again to tap into that wellspring of power I can normally feel thrumming just below my skin. But there's nothing, not even the barest tingle or spark. Whatever chemical cocktail my mother injected me with
Aria My eyes flutter open, and a wave of disorientation washes over me. Where am I? The room is unfamiliar, not my bedroom back home. I try to lift my head from the plush pillow, but my limbs feel weighed down, like they're made of lead. Fragments of memory creep in. My mother...she injected me with something. The liquid burned as it entered my veins. Then everything went black. I remember Callum's face hovering over me, a look of grim determination etched across his chiseled features. He must have brought me here, wherever "here" is. Fear spikes through my body as I finally notice the bindings around my wrists and ankles, securing me to the bed frame. I'm trapped. The sound of footsteps approaching pulls my attention to the shadowy corner of the room. Callum emerges, back-lit by the soft glow filtering through the bedroom curtains. Even in the dim light, I can make out the hard lines of his body, all sinewy muscle and predatory grace. Our eyes lock, and I try to keep my face impa
Aria Shock roots me to the spot as my gaze collides with piercing blue eyes I haven't seen in months. Callum stands in the doorway, tall and imposing as ever, his presence hitting me like a physical blow. My heart lurches against my ribs, confusion and fear swirling in a toxic mixture. "What are you doing here?" I demand, my voice coming out high and thin. Callum's eyes flicker to my mother, comprehension slamming into me with sickening force. She brought him here. Betrayed my location to the one person I've been running from all this time. I whirl to face her, hands balling into fists at my sides. "How could you?" I choke out through the rage constricting my throat. "How could you tell him where I was?" My mother reaches for me beseechingly. "Aria, you must understand, I only want what's best for you..." "Best for me?" I shriek, jerking violently out of her grasp. "Bringing the monster who shattered my heart and trust here is what's best?" "He explained everything, dear," my mo
Aria My brow furrows as my mother's words sink in. There's an implication in her tone that puts me instantly on edge, has apprehension coiling tight in my gut. "What do you mean, I came here like a thief in the night?" I ask hesitantly. My mother sighs, her face growing solemn. She reaches out to take my hand in hers, grip gentle but intent. When she speaks, her voice is heavy with regret. "Aria, your father and I...we know everything that happened. With the Silverfangs." My heart drops like a stone, panic constricting my chest so I can barely suck in a breath. I choke out a stunned "What?" as my mother continues, her words landing like blows. "We know you abandoned your old pack. That you betrayed Moonshadow to join with the Silverfangs. That the child you carry..." She hesitates, eyes shining with disappointment. "That he belongs to their Alpha, Elijah." I reel under the impact of her false words, the injustice of the accusations stealing my breath. Desperate to defend myself
Aria The space between me and Elijah feels charged, electric with the weight of the choice I've just made. I can see the anguish in his eyes as he watches me walk away, can feel the severing of our mating bond like a physical ache in my chest. But I force myself to keep moving, descending the ceremonial platform on legs that feel numb and disconnected from my body. This is the only way, I tell myself. The gathered crowd parts silently before me as I pass, their accusing eyes following my retreat. I catch snatches of muttered conversation, words like "traitor" and "coward" piercing my ears. Each whispered condemnation lands like a blow, the hostility pressing in on me from all sides. But I refuse to cower or quicken my pace. I walk steadily onward, my spine straight and chin lifted. Their judgment cannot touch me - not really. When I finally reach my room, I close and lock the door firmly behind me. Only then do I allow myself to sag against the smooth wood, my breath leaving in a
Aria I arrive at the ceremony grounds, my stomach churning with anxiety as furious shouts assault me from the gathered crowd. Heads turn in my direction, eyes burning into me with outrage and accusation. I straighten my spine and lift my chin, refusing to let them see the nerves fraying beneath my composed exterior. This is my own doing. I have no one to blame but myself for the chaos and turmoil rippling through the Silverfang pack. But it's the only way I can see to finally find some semblance of peace and clarity in the storm raging within me. Elijah stands rigidly on the raised wooden platform at the center of the ceremony circle. His powerful frame is taut with tension, his features an impenetrable mask concealing the tempest of emotions I know must be swirling inside him. Only his dark eyes, boring into mine with smoldering intensity, betray the war waging beneath his Alpha dominance. I inhale a steeling breath and stride forward into the sacred clearing, the simmering hostil
Aria I close the front door to Leah's house with a gentle click, stepping out into the quiet street. A chill morning breeze caresses my skin, and I wrap my arms around myself against the cold. I feel raw and exposed after our emotional conversation, like a nerve laid bare. But I know there's no going back now. My choice has been made. With a deep breath, I make my way down the walk and turn in the direction of the packhouse. The tap of my boots on the pavement echoes in the silence, a lonely refrain keeping tempo with my own tumultuous thoughts. Doubt claws at me, whispering that I'm making a mistake. That a true Alpha would stand her ground, would fight to keep what she'd earned. I clench my jaw, steeling myself against the insidious voices. I didn't want to be Alpha, not really. It was forced upon me, a burden I never desired. Returning it to Elijah is the right thing to do. The only thing left that feels true in a world upended. As I near the center of town, flickers of movemen