/-RAVEN-/ “Mate!”The words escaped my mouth before I realized what I'd said. My wolf growled within me, excited, as the minty scent intoxicated me. No! No! No! This can't be real. There had to be a mix-up. The moon goddess couldn't possibly do this to me. It has to be a trick! Here I was, on top of my father's rival, hands clutched around a silver blade, raised in the air to gut him in the glory of our pack, the Bloodfang Tribe… But somehow he was my mate?My hands trembled as those silver eyes fluttered open.I had barely recovered from the shock when he flipped me over, trapping me underneath him. A dark smirk played on his lips, “Hello, little mate.” My body tensed at the electrifying contact. I could easily have performed a thousand counter moves to get back on top but my brain and my body betrayed me. He knocked the knife off my hands, pinning my hands above my head. “Lady Ariella of HallowClave or perhaps you prefer Raven Ampleton, Alpha princess of the Bloodfang Tribe
/-ALPHA DECLAN-/I woke up feeling like a king, or rather, an alpha. The memories of the previous night's encounter with Raven flooded my mind, and I couldn't help but grin. That woman was something. I'd had my fair share of crazy but Raven was different. Thought of her occupied my mind. After a refreshing shower, I made my way to Raven's cell, curious about her morning mood. She was ready to gut me last night. Who knows maybe she'll be willing to have tea this morning. As I approached, her angry voice echoed through the corridor."Let me out of here, you beast! I'll never submit to you!"That's a no to the tea then, I thought grinning.I chuckled, anticipating the sparks that would fly between us. The attraction we shared was the realest thing I've felt in a long time. "Good morning, sweetheart," I said, leaning against the cell door.Raven's eyes blazed with fury. "Don't call me that!""Ah, but it suits you perfectly," I teased, admiring her tangled hair and sleep-creased face. The
/-RAVEN-/I paced the back and forth in the cold cell, my mind racing with escape plans. Every plan I could think of had a blind spot that would definitely get my ass caught. I needed something extreme. As time went by, it was starting to feel like I'd been locked there forever. The guards' silence was deafening. I could hear them and smell them so I knew they were there. I'd asked them repeatedly about the letter, but they just ignored me."Any update on the letter?" I asked again, trying to keep my voice from showing my frustration.The guard, a big man with enough beard to make Santa Claus envious, grunted. "No questions. Just eat your food."I glared at the stale bread and watery soup. My stomach growled, but I refused to touch it. If they wanted to kill me, then a sword through the heart would have been preferable, not food poisoning. I refused to die shitting out my guts. Just as I was about to ask again, a hissing sound echoed outside the cell, followed by multiple thuds whic
/-RAVEN-/I paced my cell, convinced Declan was lying. Eric would never betray me like that. Never. Eric was the most incredible man I've ever met. He was noble and trustworthy. This kind of behaviour was beneath him. Determined, I scribbled another letter, pouring my heart onto the page. Declan must have torn up the first letter out of spite and had his people draw up the fake wedding invitation. He could have convinced me with the Ampleton seal but any moron could forge that with the right tools. "My dearest Eric,I'm trapped, but my love for you remains unshaken. There are some nasty rumours—never mind about that. I'll escape, and we'll reunite soon.Yours always,Raven"As I finished writing, Declan walked in with a smirk on his face. He eyed me then his eyes shifted to the letter. His expression changed but the annoying smirk stayed in place. "Another love letter?" he teased. “Who knew you were such a romantic?" I glared angrily at him. "Just take it." My eyes grew vicious as
-RAVEN-As Eric Ampleton often warned, my pride would inevitably lead to my ruin. Declan wasn't someone to be trifled with. Behind all that charisma and pleasant smiles lurked a ruthless, cold-hearted man.And here I was, practically serving myself up on a silver platter. My gaze shifted to the towering man in front of me.If I wasn’t shackled, I could have easily taken him down with something as small as a penknife. Though, his axe seemed designed for someone far beyond average.“So…” I attempted to break the silence. “Do I get to deliver a solitary speech, or are you just going to lop off my head?”There was a brief flash of amusement in his eyes, though curiosity was more dominant.“It’s not too late to reconsider,” his rough voice exuded such overwhelming masculinity that I momentarily questioned my decision.He had promised a quick, painless end, but was it really worth it?Without warning, he lifted the axe, and I flinched. Dying hadn’t seemed all that terrifying until this very
/-Raven-/On arrival at the slave chambers, I was met with three other women. I was tempted to walk back outside and ask Tiny Tim if they were all Declan's slaves, but I remained rooted to the spot. The hostile gazes they cast at me were already a huge clue pointing to the fact that they didn't want me here. Good thing, because I didn't want to be here either."That's her?" The blonde in a silky white dress asked."Definitely. Lisa said she had full, messy red hair and calculating green eyes," the brunette responded like I wasn't in the same room with them. The one with dark hair walked to me."I'm Othelia, nice of you to join us," she introduced warmly. I made to take her hand but she retracted it. "I'm sorry, I got tired," she smiled and the others giggled. My eyes narrowed at them. I wasn't here to play their childish games. "What's your name?""Raven," the blonde responded on my behalf. "Haven't you heard of her? The dreaded wolf assassin. The one who men fear across kingdoms."
/-Raven-/I sat in the garden, staring at the dark starless skies. The moon was nowhere to be found. Just plain cold darkness, like my sad miserable life. All my life, I have been caged. Lived by the rules and did all I was told. I trained hard and sought Ampleton's approval in everything, and this is what I got.I shut my eyes, fighting the tears that were stinging my eyes. ‘Have you seen her skin? As rough as a man's!’ Eric's words replayed in my head. I lifted my arms and the palace lights flashed on it. He was right. There were scars all over it, but only one of them stood out. I could still remember that day like it was yesterday. Eight-year-old me, frightened to the bones as he ordered me to jump.Flashback“Please don't kill me… I didn't do it, I swear,” I sobbed, trembling like a leaf before the huge men before me. Their expressions were stern and cruel. Besides them stood the scowling woman, hands on her hips as she glared at me. “You little shit! Are you calling me a li
/-Raven-/“No! No! Let go of me you assholes! I'll fucking kill you!” I growled, struggling against them. Lisa knew how to play the cards. She knew a guard or two wouldn't be able to stop me so she brought five of them. We got outside the palace and they shoved me to the ground. A big mistake on their part. It would have been easier for them to do whatever they wanted if they had me in their grip. Now, they just fucked up. I stood slowly, clenching my fists as I took in all their movements. “What are you waiting for? Seize her!” Lisa yelled and they came closer. In one swift motion, I kicked the sand in their faces, momentarily blinding two of them. I lunged forward, elbowing one in the git and twisting another's arm behind his back.For a moment I felt a flash of satisfaction. I'd rather die than let those bastards strip me. “What are you morons doing? Hold her down!” Lisa yelled in panic as more guards scrambled to suppress me. “Don't go for her one at a time, you fools. Gr
/-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.