/-RAVEN-/I've never felt the need to be responsible for anyone until now.As I walked back to the healer's hut, I looked at the children, playing around on the streets, giggling and laughing without a care in the world and all this will be gone by dawn? Because of me? How? Why?I had so many questions. I wanted to go back there and probe her answers but I knew she wouldn't give me anything other than what she had just said.I walked into the hut and the healer had a strange expression on her face. One I couldn't read. “I'm guessing you didn't get any good news?” She said and I shook my head, crestfallen. “You know one thing about visions? They don't always show you everything. Only a crucial part of your actions determines whether the end will favour you or not. There's a reason it is hidden, you know,” she said with a smile, yet I couldn't bring myself to return it. “She said the village will go up in flames,” I told her. “We know that,” the healer shrugged, stunning me.“Why di
/-Raven-/We stood at a distance, watching the village go up in flames. My lips were slightly apart as I watched in shock.It was dawn already and the village was up in flames, just as she predicted, but it wasn't caused by the fire wielders or cloaked persons or whatever was chasing me. It was set ablaze by a man beside me. Maybe that was why she wanted me to leave as soon as I could. Because in the end, fate couldn't be changed. It would happen one way or the other. If Declan didn't do it, the cloaked men would have still done it. I looked at him, but he stood there, an emotionless expression on his face like he didn't slaughter an entire community and set their village ablaze.It made me realize just how powerful and dangerous he was. He could have killed me if he wanted but he tolerated me talking back at him and defying him.I wasn't innocent, but this… this was a massacre. No one was spared, not the women, not the children. He killed every living thing in it. It was suffocati
/-Raven-/“You're going to stain my sheets, Raven,” he stopped by the bedside. “You can change them in the morning,” I answered. “Join me in the bathroom,” he offered and my eyes flew open. “I beg your pardon?” “Don't act innocent now. You just spent a whole night and half a day with my naked self,” he shrugged. My cheeks flamed up. “Don't say things like that. People might think there is something between us,” I groaned. He climbed the bed, straddling me. “And there's not?” he smirked. I pushed him off me and jumped out of the bed. He laughed as I ran towards the door I assumed was the bathroom. There was an inbuilt pool, a tub and a shower cubicle. The whole place smelled so nice and I could feel the pool calling to me. I took over the soldier uniform and jumped in. It was so refreshing to swim freely in the water. Declan suddenly walked in and I submerged my body inside the water, leaving only my head out. “Do you not know the meaning of privacy? You can't just walk in
He stood in the middle of the room, his back turned to them, with the purple royal regalia covering a vast area of the floor. The two cloaked men fell on their knees, shivering as they pleaded for mercy. They knew their master would not forgive this incompetence.“You had one job…” His iciness in his tone made them shudder. “May I know why five of you left here yet two returned without her?”The two men exchanged glances, none willing to speak first. “Answer me!” He growled, turning to them with raging dark eyes. “We… we almost had her, Your Highness, but then we were suddenly attacked by this large grey wolf. He moved so fast that we couldn't even make a move at him. Three of our brothers were killed by him…”“You mean one wolf took down all five of you and left with the girl?” He demanded, his voice laced with disbelief. “Yes, Your Highness…”“Then you are all useless if a mere wolf could take you down. Do I have to do everything myself?” He growled. “Please have mercy on us, Y
/-Raven-/I couldn't sleep. My mind was haggling between Selene and Declan. While the doctors said she was in a very critical condition and would likely not survive it, Declan’s agonizing howls could be heard across halls and buildings. They said the injections needed time to kick in, but it was almost an hour, and I found myself flinching with every cry of pain. Othelia and Lisa were by Selene's side, which left me alone in the room. Unable to take it anymore, I found myself going toward the hall that led to Declan’s room. His painful howls turned to hysterical cackling at intervals as he threw threats. “I will kill all of you…” an unsettling chortling followed. “These chains won't hold me…”I stopped at his door, contemplating going in or not. A heavy silence fell suddenly like I was being given a chance to make a decision. “Make up your mind, princess…” his voice was calm, almost as though he was perfectly fine. It made my skin crawl like it was pricked with a hundred needle
/-Raven-/“I'll be heading back in now,” I got off the floor abruptly. He quickly stood. “Come on, Raven, don't tell me you're upset,” he said, and I shot him a look. “I know how you feel about him, I just need this small favour…”“We're not close enough to exchange favours, Tim,” I said plainly. If Declan hadn't been involved and he wasn't just a pawn in Lisa's sick games, I would have helped.“But we can be…” he insisted.“Tim…”“Let's be friends, Raven. Please?” He extended his hand. Friends? The word was almost strange to me. I have been a loner all my life, and I wouldn't even lie; it felt good. I could do whatever I wanted without stopping to consider anyone's feelings. Tim was going to complicate my life, plus the fact that I didn't plan to stay here for long. Something clicked in my head and I took his hand. “Fine!” I said. “But don't think you will be spared any brutality.” “I'm counting on that,” he chuckled. “I need to head back in and check on Selene, if they let me,
/-Declan-/All my life, the only thing I have ever truly known was pain. From my mother's hate and curse, to my father's betrayal, to my mate's rejection, to the stigma of killing my father to the tower and many others I would rather not remember.Yet none could compare to the pain of another rejection. She didn't know what she had done. She probably thought it was funny… but it wasn't. My heart rate sped up, and my heart clenched so tight it felt like I was suffocating, but I fought to keep it in. “Hmmm…” Raven stared curiously at my blank face. “Did I say the words wrong? You seem pretty comfortable.” With each passing second, it felt like multiple daggers were plunged into my heart. Rolfe growled in my head and I knew things were going to blow out of proportion in a couple of minutes. “Raven…” I could barely recognise my own voice. “Take it back…”“Why should I? Did I hurt your little Alpha pride?” She mocked. I moved away from her as I felt the shift in my body. Rolfe was f
/-Raven-/This wasn't Declan. I could tell from the glowing red eyes. I now understood why Declan insisted I leave the room. I just wanted to taunt him a little, not infuriate his wolf. The minute he ripped off those chains to pounce on me, I knew I had taken things too far.It was the first time I was ever truly afraid of Declan. I mean, a were breaking off wolfsbane, it was almost impossible. The persistent banging on the door reminded me that there were people outside, trying to get in. Possibly the doctors. I cursed myself for locking the door in the first place. The pain in my shoulders was crippling and he kept sinking deeper into me.“Rolfe please…” I pleaded as blood trickled down my arms. Surprise crossed his features briefly. He probably didn't expect me to be able to tell the difference. “Please stop… you're hurting me,” I pleaded. “Please…”“You. Hurt. Me. First.” He gritted. “I'm sorry… I swear to the goddess, I am,” I pleaded. I thought having those fire wielders ch
/-Raven-/We lay upside down facing each other with the sheets sprawled over our bodies. Our bodies were covered in sweat and we were panting heavily.“No one said our wedding night was going to be so long,” I muttered. I could barely feel my legs but my core was burning from six rounds of lovemaking. Declan smirked at me, “Our honeymoon would be even longer.” “Where are we going?” I asked him. “Anywhere of your choice,” he said and I shrugged. “I don't know, we could tour. Or just stay here…”“Don't even suggest that,” he cut me short. “Those elders always have one problem or the other when they set eyes on me. Unless you want your husband to be working during his honeymoon, I suggest you cancel all plans of staying here.” I chuckled. “You are so serious about avoiding work.” “Because I want to spend time with my wife. That is perfectly logical. Anyone can understand that,” he said and I laughed. “Of course. Like I don't have duties as Luna.” He frowned, “Cha we put this whol
/-Francesca-/I admit it. It was pointless. Fighting for someone who didn't clearly want me. But the truth was that it didn't really matter what Declan wanted; I was giving up for Raven's sake. Right from the moment she called me sister on the roof, I couldn't bring myself to hurt her in any way. That was why I was humbly accepting defeat. It was her big day and whether I liked it or not, I was going to be happy for her.The IronClaw Courtyard had never looked more radiant.White blossoms bloomed from enchanted vines that shone under the moonlight. A carpet of silver petals led the way down the aisle, which glowed faintly as if the moon itself had kissed every inch. The air was thick with magic, anticipation, and, despite myself, love.I stood just beyond the arched entryway, my hands clasped in front of me, fingers trembling only slightly.The pack had gathered in full. Alphas from allied clans, betas in full ceremonial garb, omegas glowing with awe. Everyone had come to witness
/-Raven-/“You smell nice…” Declan muttered, hugging me from behind out of nowhere. I was in the dressing room at the . designer's shop, trying out my wedding dress. “You're not supposed to be here,” I whispered. “Who let you in?” He chucked mischievously. “I don't need permission to see my woman whenever I feel like.” “Don't tell me you came here, all the way from the palace…”“Because I missed you? Fuck yes,” he interrupted. I couldn't believe my ears, yet as much as I wanted to scold him, I found myself smiling like a fool.“You're an Alpha, don't you have duties to perform?” I asked him. He took a step closer and I backed away. Another step and moved back. His lips curled into a mischievous smile. “You know if you keep moving back, you're going to trap yourself between me and the wall.” That brief second when I glanced to see if I was that close to the wall, he pin me to the wall and caged me in a chokehold.“Oops,” he smirked. “I got you.” I didn't even know how to react a
Two Weeks Later/-Francesca-/They were so happy. Raven and Declan. After everything they've been through, it was only right for them to celebrate, right? Have some rest and finally live the good life they deserved. IronClaw deserved a break. That was the thought of many wolves, not mine. I assumed you against someone as powerful as Amelia would have been enough to severe whatever ties Raven had with Declan. I hid for so long. Playing the coward. Allowing everyone to have their shots and when the chances were high, I walked in their skin, hoping to complete the mission and finally get the man I deserve. Yet every single time. Every. Single. Time. That little redhead found a way to beat me at my own game. I struck a deal with Azaiah to get her out, it failed, I set her up, it failed, I walked in her skin but it took only minutes for him to recognize me. All the while I played sweet little Francesca, pretending my elf blood was useless and magic almost non-existent, hoping I cou
/-Raven-/The air smelled fresher than it had ever been. Being back to IronClaw felt like a dream. With Diane and Amelia gone, things were beginning to fall into place. The Elders regained themselves and the darkness looming over the pack was finally gone. Azaiah couldn't come back with us. He insisted on taking back the bodies of the men he lost in battle back to the mountains. I offered to help but he declined. He insisted I take Declan home and here we were. Francesca and Othelia were waiting eagerly for us and beside them was my very old friend. “Greetings, Alpha!” They all bowed and Declan merely nodded. I don't know the level of damage Diane did to him but I hoped with her death, the curse she put on him would also disappear. The way his body felt cold against mine was making me skeptical. The guards immediately rushed to help him off me. “Tim!” I exclaimed, hugging him before I even realized it. Francesca frowned beside me and I understood her jealousy. She expected I wou
/-Raven-/I didn’t breathe.Couldn’t.Declan’s body jerked unnaturally, his head tilting like a marionette on frayed strings. His mouth opened, but the sound that spilled out wasn’t his voice.It was mine.“I should’ve killed her when I had the chance.”My own words. A whisper I’d spat to myself as I held Ava's corpse in my arms. How the hell did she…?“No…” I stepped back, heart thudding so loud it felt like it echoed in the cavern.Azaiah's joints twisted, bones popping, contorting in ways no living body should. His eyes were a soulless abyss. Whatever spark once made him Azaiah had been stripped clean, replaced with something cold. Controlled.“Do you like it?” Diane cooed, her voice sweet and venom-laced. “It’s not possession. That’s so... temporary. I rethreaded them. Blood, bone, and memory.”She cocked her head, watching me with childish delight.“You’re lying,” I snapped, more to myself than to her. “Declan’s still in there. Azaiah too. I’ll get them back.”“You think love can
/-Raven-/My heart stopped. I stared down at Diane, no, whatever the hell she’d become, as she walked calmly through the burning remnants of the forest, her voice echoing in my head like a curse.She wasn’t just mimicking Azaiah.She was him now.“We need help in here, Raven…”The exact same voice. Same words. Same rhythm. Except this time, her lips curled into a grin as she said it aloud, like she knew I was listening.As expected of a witch…But this was something darker than anything I’d ever felt. Something deadly. I wasn't even sure this was just Diane anymore. I hovered higher into the clouds, hiding behind a veil of smoke and fog, praying she couldn’t sense me. My heart hammered in my chest.I’d seen death. I'd caused death. But this… this was beyond it. She had devoured them. The silence from the mind-link wasn’t a glitch or mental interference.It was because everyone was dead.And now she wore their voices like masks.“Come on, Raven,” she called out, twirling once slowly
/-Raven-/I shifted into dragon form and flew as far away as I could. As much as I wanted revenge, I couldn't jeopardize the living for the dead. If my presence was going to secure their victory then I would take pride in that and let go of my anger.For Declan. I don't know how long or how far I flew but i was at a distance I couldn't intervene quickly even if I wanted to. “Azaiah, what's your status?” I asked through the mind link. “She's down. So is half of our men. I hate to admit it but Declan is helping a lot. Are you coming in?” He asked.“Unfortunately, I can't. I need to take care of Amelia's soldiers but until then I can't come in,” I said. “But make sure she is dead. Take off her head, that is the best way to kill a witch and set her ablaze. We can't risk her suddenly resurrecting.” “That was the same thing Amelia said. Don't worry, Raven, do what you have to do, we have it all under control,” he assured me. Relief washed through me. This was definitely a good thing.
/-Raven-/On getting outside, I met Amelia. Unlike before, she had gotten here earlier than I expected.“Let's get this over with. I have more important things to deal with,” she said. “If the more important thing you're talking about is Diane, then I think we should take her down first instead of wasting our energy on each other,” I told her. “Why should I…” she cast me a condescending look. “...collaborate with you to do anything?” “Because you can't take her for me on your own,” I said plainly. “If we work together, we might actually have a chance to defeat her then we can face each other.” “Really? You must be bold to think that I would actually need help from you!” She huffed and I rolled my eyes. “I don't have time for your boost your little ego. When I'm done taking Diane, you can come fight me,” I said, shifting into dragon form. “Like I would wait for you to do that!” She muttered and leapt into the air, too. A smirk played on my lips. One down, one more person to go.