The pack was beginning to resemble its former glory, the echoes of its past slowly returning after the long shadow of war. The struggle to reclaim what was lost had ignited a spark of hope but also stirred old tensions that had been in existence for quite some time but had remained dormant for some reasons.In the days before this war that was knocking on the golden door, the position of Zeta was a sacred one, carefully bestowed to prevent any threat to the Alpha's authority. The Zeta's power was covered by all; they knew it possessed a strength that could turn the tide of battles and command respect, which gives them more leverage to be raised a rank higher in the pack.The elders knew this well. Many harbored secret ambitions, though they understood that achieving Zeta's status was a dream out of reach—except for Elder Albert, who dared to make his move by proposing earlier that he wanted to be the lieutenant colonel.The rest, resigned to their limitations, sought to influence the
“She doesn’t deserve to live,” Bella declared vehemently, her voice echoing through the dimly lit chamber where she and Jane were deep in conversation. “Her time is up in this palace.”Jane, lost in thoughts of all of Bella's lamentations, silently listened to Bella’s frustration, unsure of the next steps.“I can’t accept this,” Bella continued, her voice thick with emotion.A sudden knock on the door broke the tension, causing both women to turn their heads in surprise. This drew their attention away from whatever they were saying. Bella furrowed her brow, recognising that the knock was unfamiliar. She glanced at Jane, who mirrored her confusion.“Are you expecting anyone?” Jane asked, her tone cautious. Bella shook her head, moving towards the door without saying a word.“I don’t think I’m expecting anyone,” she said as she approached the door, her curiosity piqued.She opened the door to find a young, serious-looking man who seemed to be on a mission standing there. His demeanour
Their journey was a brief respite, a fleeting moment where the weight of their burdens was lifted, if only for a short while. But they both knew the peace was temporary, a calm before the storm of chaos that awaited them in the coming hours or days.Camilla lay on Lawrence’s chest in the back of the car, her fingers tracing absent patterns on his shirt. They’d been stealing glances at each other since they stepped into the car; the unspoken connection between them was more profound than words.“Do you remember what we used to say when we were younger and deeply in love?” Camilla asked, her voice a soft murmur as she gazed up at him.Lawrence’s lips curled into a half-smile. “Refresh my memory,” he teased, his voice warm and inviting. “It’s a bit hazy in my head at the moment.”“We once promised each other that we’d travel the world together once we were married,” she reminded him, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips.Lawrence’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Well, there’s still time
Their journey was a brief respite, a fleeting moment where the weight of their burdens was lifted, if only for a short while. But they both knew the peace was temporary, a calm before the storm of chaos that awaited them in the coming hours or days.Camilla lay on Lawrence’s chest in the back of the car, her fingers tracing absent patterns on his shirt. They’d been stealing glances at each other since they stepped into the car; the unspoken connection between them was more profound than words.“Do you remember what we used to say when we were younger and deeply in love?” Camilla asked, her voice a soft murmur as she gazed up at him.Lawrence’s lips curled into a half-smile. “Refresh my memory,” he teased, his voice warm and inviting. “It’s a bit hazy in my head at the moment.”“We once promised each other that we’d travel the world together once we were married,” she reminded him, a nostalgic smile playing on her lips.Lawrence’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Well, there’s still time
"Your silence speaks volumes, Bella," Luke observed, his gaze never leaving her as he awaited her response to his probing question about her dealings with Elder Albert.Bella hesitated, her mind racing to craft a reply that would deflect suspicion from Luke in any form. "He’s an elder of the pack. It’s only natural that I consult him on matters where his experience and knowledge are valuable," she finally replied, her voice calm but her thoughts calculating.She hoped her words would mask the truth of what was really going on between her and the elder.Lawrence, who had been silently listening, frowned. Disappointment flickered in his eyes as he said, "The elder you choose to associate with says a lot about your judgement, Bella. And Albert... he doesn’t exactly inspire confidence."Bella’s gaze sharpened as she turned to Lawrence, a challenge in her eyes. "Do you have something against Albert?""He’s too cunning," Luke interjected, his voice low and filled with warning. "A man like
“The elders might use this against me if they ever find out,” Lawrence muttered, his voice low and filled with unease and tension.“Keeping the truth about my son’s condition hidden is a choice I must maintain. You never know who’s listening... or watching; we need to be really careful.”.As he spoke, the chilling thought of an elder's involvement in Camilla’s attack crept into his mind, leaving him feeling vulnerable and exposed.Luke nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing in thought. “Distrusting those who wield power over your life is a wise move, Lawrence. You never know who’s lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.”Camilla, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, stepped forward. “Your insight and counsel have always been invaluable to us. Your help will never go unrewarded; the pack remains at your service anytime you require any kind of help.”But Lawrence’s friend, with a calm yet distant gaze, shook his head. “I don’t seek mortal rewards, Camilla. What I desire is
“The elders might use this against me if they ever find out,” Lawrence muttered, his voice low and filled with unease and tension.“Keeping the truth about my son’s condition hidden is a choice I must maintain. You never know who’s listening... or watching; we need to be really careful.”.As he spoke, the chilling thought of an elder's involvement in Camilla’s attack crept into his mind, leaving him feeling vulnerable and exposed.Luke nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing in thought. “Distrusting those who wield power over your life is a wise move, Lawrence. You never know who’s lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike.”Camilla, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, stepped forward. “Your insight and counsel have always been invaluable to us. Your help will never go unrewarded; the pack remains at your service anytime you require any kind of help.”But Lawrence’s friend, with a calm yet distant gaze, shook his head. “I don’t seek mortal rewards, Camilla. What I desire is
"What do you think?" Jane finally asked, breaking the heavy silence that Bella had created as she mulled over the suggestion. "There are many paths to ascend as Luna, but this... this is the most fitting, in my opinion."Bella remained silent, her mind racing through the implications. Finally, she leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper."How do we do it without leaving any trace that leads back to us?" she asked, her eyes darkening with determination. The gravity of Jane's proposal had sunk in, and now she was fully committed to every bit of it as it came.She moved closer to Jane, brushing back her hair that had fallen forward, tossing it behind her shoulders as she settled beside her on the couch.Jane’s lips curled into a knowing smile. She rose, walking over to the mirror, her back to Bella, as she gazed at her reflection. In a voice just above a whisper, she said, "Sometimes, to get what you want, you have to do things that most would consider cruel."Her reflection smirked