“Annabel, you’ve lost control.”Zane’s voice was like a slap, sharp and unexpected. He blocked my path the moment I stepped out of the meeting hall, his eyes blazing with accusation.I tensed, arms crossing defensively. “Excuse me?” I didn’t try to hide the edge in my voice, but his words had already struck home. Deep.“You heard me,” he shot back, his stare unflinching. “The pack’s divided, and you’re standing there pretending like it isn’t. You’ve been too focused on—” He hesitated, his eyes narrowing. “On things that don’t matter.”A surge of anger flared in my chest. “Things that don’t matter?” My voice sharpened, cutting through the tension. “I’ve done nothing but try to hold us together! You think that’s easy?”“What I think,” Zane said, stepping closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous tone, “is that you’ve forgotten what it means to lead.”His words twisted in my gut, but I swallowed the hurt. “And what would you have me do, Zane? Elijah’s influence still hangs over us, and y
“If you won’t tell them, I will.”The rogue’s voice, sharp and biting, cut through the clearing like a blade. It stopped me in my tracks, forcing me to turn toward him. His eyes were hard, gleaming with a dangerous satisfaction. The wolves around us shifted uneasily, sensing the tension crackling between us.“You think you can walk into my pack and make demands?” My voice stayed even, but my pulse hammered in my ears. This rogue was pushing me, testing the limits of my control. Every part of me screamed to tear him down, but I couldn't give him that satisfaction. Not yet.He smirked, an expression that sent a ripple of doubt through the wolves gathered around us. “Your pack?” His laugh was low and cold. “You say that like it means something.” His gaze shifted to the wolves watching us. “But from where I’m standing, all I see is a leader who’s lost control.”The murmurs started—a ripple of unease spreading through the pack. He was poisoning them, his words planting seeds of doubt that
“I know what you’re hiding, Annabel.”The rogue’s voice sliced through the quiet like a dagger, sharp and precise. I froze mid-step, my heart skipping a beat. I turned slowly, and there he was—leaning casually against a tree, his eyes glinting with a dark certainty.I forced my voice to stay steady. “And what exactly do you think you know?”He pushed off the tree with a smirk, the movement slow and deliberate, like he was savoring every second of this. “You think the pack hasn’t noticed? How you’re struggling to keep control? They’re already starting to see through your act.”I swallowed the flicker of anger rising in my chest, fighting to keep my composure. “You don’t know a thing about me, or this pack.”“Don’t I?” He raised an eyebrow, his smirk deepening. “You’ve been trying so hard to bury Elijah’s legacy, but his grip is still around your throat. And they all feel it—every single one of them.”His words hit a nerve, but I refused to let it show. “Elijah’s gone. His power over th
“He’s dangerous, Annabel, and he’s getting closer.” Zane’s voice held an urgency that wasn’t like him. I looked up from my plans, catching the worry flashing in his eyes.“I know,” I said, frustration creeping into my tone as I clenched my fists. The rogue wasn’t content to just hang in the shadows, taunting me with Elijah’s secrets and his incessant threats. Now, he’d started targeting pack members directly—inciting doubt, whispering lies that I could feel spreading like a poison through my ranks.Zane stepped closer, his voice lowered. “It’s not just his words anymore, Annabel. Kara saw him near the eastern boundary last night—talking to some of our wolves.”My pulse quickened. If he was actively seeking allies, I was losing control faster than I’d realized. “Who did he speak to?” I asked, my voice tight with barely contained fury.“Olaf and Mirra, and a few of the others who never quite accepted Elijah’s fall. They’re... questioning your leadership.”A bitter feeling twisted in my
“I can’t let you do this.”Kara’s voice rang out, cutting through the low murmur of wolves gathered around the clearing. Her words were a shock to the crowd and, judging by the tightening in her posture, a shock to her too. She stepped forward, placing herself between me and the rogue, her face set, fierce and unyielding.I tensed, feeling the weight of her defiance. “Kara, stand down.”“No.” She shook her head, her gaze fixed on me, unwavering. “Annabel, you’ve fought for this pack, bled for it—but look around you. Do you even see what this fight has cost you? What it’s cost all of us?”The crowd’s attention snapped to her, unease flickering in their eyes. The rogue watched with cold satisfaction, his expression barely hiding his amusement at the discord.“Your loyalty was never in question,” I began, struggling to keep my voice calm, even. “But now? Now you’re aligning yourself with him?” I gestured to the rogue, whose smirk only grew, feeding off every shred of doubt Kara had manag
“You shouldn’t have let him walk away.”Zane’s voice was tight, barely concealing the anger simmering beneath his calm exterior. He met my gaze, the intensity of his frustration almost tangible as he paced in the darkened clearing where we’d stayed to strategize. The pack had dispersed, but the air felt charged, as though the rogue’s poisonous words still hung in the space between us.I crossed my arms, meeting his stare with equal fire. “You think I don’t know that? That I don’t see what he’s doing?” My voice dropped, barely above a whisper. “He wanted a reaction, Zane. And I wasn’t going to give it to him.”Zane stopped pacing, his fists clenched. “But now he’s free to spread more doubt, to rally those who might still sympathize with Elijah. Annabel, the pack’s faith in you is hanging by a thread. He could cut that thread if we don’t act.”The truth of his words weighed heavy. But something about the rogue’s presence tugged at a memory, one buried deep, something I couldn’t quite pl
Kara’s sharp intake of breath beside me cut through the tension. We crouched in the shadowed corner of the cave, watching as the rogue’s fingers traced Elijah’s carved symbols with an unsettling familiarity.I leaned closer to Kara, my voice barely a whisper. “We can’t let him take whatever he finds here back to the pack.”Kara nodded, her expression hardening. “Do we strike now?”Before I could answer, the rogue’s voice echoed softly through the cavern, as if he were speaking to ghosts. “Elijah… how many lies did you weave, even here?” His fingers halted on a particular symbol, one I hadn’t yet deciphered. He grinned, a slow, satisfied expression that turned my blood cold.I motioned for Kara to stay close. If we were going to stop him, we needed to do it now.But before we could make a move, he suddenly spoke, his voice directed to the shadows where we hid. “You can come out now, Annabel. I was hoping you’d be watching.”Kara stiffened, but I placed a hand on her shoulder, signaling
“Elijah’s making a move. Now.”Zane’s voice cut through the tense air like a whip. He appeared out of nowhere, breathless and urgent. His words stopped me cold.“What do you mean?” I demanded, narrowing my gaze. My heart was already racing—there was no mistaking the weight of his tone.“He’s called a secret meeting. Only his loyalists are allowed in, and they’re guarding the doors. It’s happening in the east chamber.” Zane’s voice dropped to a whisper. “Annabel, he’s planning to take out anyone who’s questioned him—permanently.”Every muscle in my body tensed, fury flaring hot and fast. I’d expected Elijah to be ruthless, but this? This was going too far. “Where is he now?”“He’s already gathered his supporters. The guards are ready to follow his orders.” Zane’s eyes burned with urgency. “If you don’t stop him, this will turn into a massacre.”My jaw clenched. Elijah was tightening his grip on the pack, and he wasn’t leaving room for anyone to challenge him. He had pushed me to the ed
Damian hit the ground hard, the impact jarring every bone in his body. His wolf surged forward, dulling the pain as he rolled to his side, instinctively shielding Annabel. Dust swirled around them, choking the air.“Damian,” Annabel croaked, gripping his arm.“I’m here,” he said, helping her sit up. She was bruised but alive. Relief flooded him for a fleeting moment before the sound of footsteps—calm, deliberate—drew his attention.Elijah emerged from the shadows, his figure illuminated by a faint glow emanating from strange markings on the cavern walls. His confidence radiated like a predator circling its prey.“You’re persistent,” Elijah said, his voice low and measured. “But persistence without power is just stubbornness.”Damian rose to his feet, his claws already extending. “You talk too much.”Elijah tilted his head, unbothered. “And you’re too impulsive. That’s why you’ll lose.”Annabel struggled to stand, leaning against Damian for support. “You don’t need me to stop him,” she
The sound of Elijah’s laughter echoed through the darkness of the collapsed cave. It taunted Damian as he tried to focus on Annabel’s weak breathing. His wolf senses adjusted to the pitch-black surroundings, honing in on the faint heartbeat that kept him grounded.“Elijah!” Damian’s voice was raw, a command that ricocheted off the rocky walls. “Face me!”The only response was the steady drip of water from somewhere deeper within the cavern.“Damian,” Annabel whispered, her voice a frail thread. “Don’t—”He knelt beside her, carefully loosening the ropes that bound her wrists. “We’re getting out of here,” he said firmly. “Stay with me.”“You don’t understand.” Her eyes fluttered open, dim but focused. “This is what he wanted. He’s not here to fight. He’s here to break you.”Damian stilled, her words striking something deep within him. But before he could respond, the ground beneath them trembled, a reminder of the unstable cavern.“Then he failed,” Damian growled. “Because I’m not givi
The forest stood still in the aftermath of Elijah’s escape, the silence almost mocking. Damian stared at the empty space where Elijah had disappeared with Annabel, his breathing uneven. His claws dug into the dirt, his body trembling with the effort to hold back the wolf clawing for dominance. Kara staggered forward, clutching her injured side, but her gaze never left Damian.“Damian,” she rasped, her voice tight with pain. “We can still track him.”He didn’t answer. The pack around them waited, the weight of his next decision pressing like a storm ready to break.“Track him?” Damian’s voice was low, almost too calm. He turned to Kara, his eyes alight with fury. “Do you think he’s stupid enough to leave a trail we can follow?”“We can try,” she shot back. “Sitting here won’t help her!”Damian’s snarl silenced her, but it wasn’t just anger; it was despair. He ran a hand through his hair, pacing in circles like a predator in a cage. Finally, he turned to his second-in-command, Jacob.“S
Damian’s growl echoed through the silent room. His fists slammed against the worn oak table, splintering its edge. "You let him get inside your head?" His glare bore into Annabel, who still looked pale and shaken from fainting. Her silence, far from submissive, was deliberate—a choice to observe before reacting."I didn’t let him do anything," she replied, her voice hoarse but steady. "Elijah’s power isn’t something you simply shut out.""Don’t defend him!" Damian’s voice cracked, a mix of fury and pain. He paced the room, hands clenching and unclenching. His wolf stirred beneath his skin, desperate for release. "Do you even know what you've done? You handed him the one thing he needed—us divided."Annabel winced. She hated that he was right. Elijah’s manipulation had left fractures between her and Damian, widening a rift that already felt unbridgeable. She drew a shaky breath, steadying herself before she spoke again."I made a mistake," she admitted, her gaze meeting his. "But I did
Damian’s claws dug into the quarry floor, his stance protective as he stepped in front of Annabel. The beast roared again, its guttural sound echoing across the rock walls. The figure beside it moved with eerie calm, their smile never wavering as they studied the three.“Annabel,” the figure said smoothly, ignoring Damian and Elijah entirely. “I’ve been waiting to meet you.”Annabel’s heart slammed against her ribs. “Who are you?”The figure chuckled, tilting their head. “I have so many names, but for now, call me the one who holds the leash.” Their hand gestured lazily toward the beast, which snarled, saliva dripping from its jagged teeth.“Doesn’t look like you’ve got much control,” Elijah said, his voice cold. His eyes flicked to the beast’s hulking frame, scanning for weaknesses.The figure’s smile faltered for a moment before sharpening again. “It obeys enough. And when I’m done with it, it will obey her.”Annabel’s blood ran cold. “What do you mean?”The figure ignored her quest
The beast emerged from the shadows behind the hunters, its form larger than any wolf Annabel had ever seen. Its massive shoulders brushed tree trunks as it stalked forward, its yellow eyes glowing with an unnatural light. The hunters froze, their weapons shifting uneasily in their hands.The leader cursed under his breath. “What is that thing?”Damian didn’t respond. He stepped protectively in front of Annabel, his claws extending again. Elijah’s stance mirrored his, though his eyes never left the creature as it growled, low and rumbling, shaking the air around them.“They didn’t bring it,” Elijah said quietly, his voice calm but taut. “That’s not theirs.”The scarred leader gestured sharply to his men, who reluctantly repositioned, their crossbows trained on the beast. “Stand down!” he barked at the wolves they controlled. “Focus on the target!”The controlled wolves whimpered but obeyed, forming a wary line between their masters and the newcomers. Annabel gritted her teeth, gripping
Damian’s eyes locked with Elijah’s, the air between them charged with unspoken challenges. Annabel stood in the middle, her hand raised as though it alone could stop the inevitable.“Elijah,” she said sharply, her voice cutting through their silent exchange. “We can’t do this now. Not here.”But Elijah wasn’t looking at her. His hybrid features were sharp, predatory, and utterly focused on Damian. “He’s afraid to act,” Elijah said with a calmness that made the insult sting harder. “That’s why he hesitates. He knows if he crosses me, he won’t survive.”Damian stepped forward, his tone like steel. “You’ve underestimated me before. How did that work out for you?”Annabel’s frustration boiled over. “Enough!” She turned to Damian, her expression pleading. “This isn’t the fight we need to win right now.”Damian’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t break eye contact with Elijah. “You think he can be trusted to stay in line? Look at him.”“I’m right here,” Elijah interjected, a cold smile spreading
Damian’s shout came too late. The rogue leader’s massive jaws clamped down on empty air as Annabel twisted away at the last second, rolling to the ground. Elijah lunged, his claws slashing in an arc that forced the beast back, buying her a moment to scramble to her feet.Annabel’s breath came in short gasps. Her eyes darted to the pack, holding their line against the remaining rogues. “We can’t hold this forever,” she muttered, gripping the silver dagger she’d taken from Damian.“You don’t have to,” Elijah replied. His voice was eerily calm, but his gaze stayed locked on the rogue leader. “This ends now.”“Care to share the plan?” Damian growled, sidling up beside them. Blood streaked his face, and his sword was slick with gore.Elijah smirked, but there was no humor in it. “Keep it busy.”Damian swore under his breath. “Brilliant. Why didn’t I think of that?”Before Annabel could say anything, the rogue leader let out a guttural snarl and charged again. Damian moved instinctively, ra
Damian barely dodged the blow, the rogue’s claws swiping past his ribs. He twisted, bringing his blade upward in a brutal arc that caught his opponent beneath the jaw. Blood splattered, but there was no time to celebrate the kill. Another rogue was already charging.“Elijah!” Damian yelled, blocking the next attack with a grunt. “A little help would be great!”Elijah stood motionless, his sharp eyes fixed on Annabel. She was kneeling just behind them, her shoulders rising and falling with labored breaths. Her connection to the barrier was gone, but the remnants of her effort left her pale and trembling.“She can’t hold much longer,” Elijah muttered to himself.“Neither can I!” Damian barked, shoving the rogue back with a kick.Elijah’s expression darkened, and with a low snarl, he finally moved. He intercepted the next attacker with blinding speed, slamming the rogue into the ground with a sickening crunch. His hybrid strength was terrifying, even to Damian, but right now, it was the