Cynthia’s POVAlpha Maverick’s gaze slips up and down my body in a way that makes my skin crawl. I find myself frozen where I stand as he walks towards me. He pats my shoulder gently.“Go see him,” he urges, whispering in my ear.Then he leaves.I shiver, wiping the spot where he touched me. I feel thoroughly disgusted by his touch. He doesn’t seem angry that I’m here.Why doesn’t he seem angry?I can’t dwell on that now, though. I have considerably bigger things to worry about. Before me, I can see a dark, damp tunnel stretching onwards, and I can hear the sound of rushing water. Water starts to pool around my ankles. As I move down the tunnel, I can see jagged stone walls that could slough skin right to the bone and torture devices even more horrible than the ones Galen was subjected to in the cabin. The sound of water echoing becomes louder and louder. The water starts to feel just a bit more viscous. I look down, and my heart clenches.The water is turning red.It must be Vikrov
Cynthia’s POVLumina…“Oh my goodness, you’re gorgeous!”“What’s her name?”“Cynthia mentioned you. You know, we’re best friends.”Along with Lumina’s voice, a second voice echoes through my mind. Her voice is familiar too, laughter sweet and bright.Who is she?My head starts to ache. ‘Lumina, who is this girl?’ I try to ask my wolf through the haze of pain. But there’s no answer.‘Lumina?’ I ask tentatively. Nothing but silence. I sob, crumpling over Vikrov’s unconscious body. Even after such a brief moment with joy, I’m met with an even greater disappointment. ‘Lumina, are you still there?’Minutes slip away. After a while, I’m certain she’s gone again. But just as I’m about to abandon all hope, Vikrov stirs.“Uh…” he groans. I looked down at him in surprise, touching his face gently. “Vikrov?” I ask quietly, almost afraid to believe it. Vikrov looks up at me in horrified shock. “What are you doing here?”“Saving you,” I whisper back. It’s such a relief to see him awake. I c
Cynthia’s POVVikrov wraps his arms around me, pulling me close enough that I’m certain he’ll never let me go.Just as I start to flood with relief and joy, convinced he’s finally opening up to me, his next words hit me like a cold shower.“I’ve been lying to you,” Vikrov says in a low voice. I freeze. “What?”“About–about your amnesia. The life you led before.” He looks away, almost ashamed to meet my gaze. “You’re not a member of the Eclipse pack, and you never have been. Your true identity is the Beta of the Blood Moon pack, and the Eclipse pack is your most vicious enemy.” My mind goes blank with sheer horror. I stare at him in shock. It can’t be true. “Is this some sort of joke?”Vikrov shakes his head, heaving a sigh. “No. It’s the truth. Beta Brooks recognized you when he found you hurt at the bottom of the cliff, and he knew who you were. We were going to use you against your pack, but when you woke up, you didn’t have your memory. So we changed our plan.”I look away so he
Cynthia’s POVMy best friend is about to marry my crush, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.I’ve had feelings for Liam since I was little, and it’s my secret. I’ve never told anyone, not even my best friend, Elena.But now, Liam has announced that they are getting married. I struggle to hold back tears, not wanting him to see my pain.“So you’ve fallen in love with her,” I say, trying to keep my voice from trembling.“No!” Liam quickly denies. “Then why are you marrying her?” Elena doesn’t love Liam; we’re best friends, and I know it. So why are they getting married? I’m the one who truly loves Liam. Why?“I need her father’s support. I just became the Alpha of the Blood Moon pack. Things are shaky. The Eclipse pack might launch an attack during this time, and if that happens-” he shivers. “I don’t want to end up like my father, Cynthia.”I purse my lips. He does have a point, I suppose. The Eclipse pack is the largest pack in North America, and they’re the ones who killed Lia
Cynthia’s POVI don’t know how long I spend in a haze of pain as my limbs twist and contort, reshaping into those of an animal. When finally, I regain some sense of clarity, I’m shocked by the acute awareness with which I now view the world.‘Hello, Cynthia.’ The ethereal voice echoes in my mind once again.‘You’re my wolf!’ I realize, speaking to the voice through our mind link.‘That I am!’ The voice is playful. ‘My name is Lumina. I’m so happy to meet you.’I pad over to the edge of the lake and stare into the crystal-clear water, where I can see my wolf form for the first time in the beauty of the moon. My fur is fluffy and gray, mottled with white specks, and my eyes are the exact same shade of piercing emerald green.“Oh my goodness, you’re gorgeous!” Elena’s reflection appears in the water next to mind. Her hand ruffles my fur, and it feels surprisingly nice. “Are you ready to turn back yet?”I try to speak, but realize I can’t. I nod instead. “Good. Just focus.” Elena’s voice
Cynthia’s POVAs the first rays of morning sunlight stream into my room, I groan.The pain of being rejected last night had left my whole body sore. Liam had offered to walk me back to my room, but I declined. If he's about to marry Elena, I think it's best to keep my distance from him.I know I should feel happy now – I’m eighteen today. After the Beta Inauguration Ceremony, I'll officially become the Beta of the Blood Moon Pack.It's all in the past now. I encourage myself. Today is a new day, and I'm going to be the best Beta I can be.Morning dew kisses my ankles as I near the top of the hill, where Liam is already waiting. He’s dressed in an Alpha’s traditional attire, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen him look more handsome.“I’m sorry there’s not more of a ceremony for you,” Liam says with a wry smile as I approach. “Normally there would be, but I need to appoint you quickly. You ready?”He catches my eye. I blush and look away. “Born ready.”“Good.” He folds his hands behind hi
POV unknown*** Cliffside ***“No! Cynthia!” Elena cries out, tears streaming down her face. “We can’t lose her!”Liam furrows his brow, staring down at the place where Cynthia fell. He orders his warriors swiftly, like a true Alpha: “Alert everyone in the Blood Moon pack. Get to the cliffs immediately. We need to find Cynthia as soon as possible. GO!”*** Below the Cliff ***Meanwhile, a group of Eclipse pack members–Beta Brooks and two scouts–have just finished their tasks for the day, and they’re on their way back to the Eclipse pack house to deliver their report. “We need to get back as soon as possible,” Beta Brooks informs the scouts. “The Blood Moon pack and the Darkfang pack have a powerful alliance in the works. Our enemies are getting stronger. Tensions between us and the others may start heating up again soon.”The first scout frowns. “Maybe we could break up their alliance somehow?”“I doubt it,” the Beta scowls. “Their alliance is very strong, especially right now. Alpha
Cynthia’s POVA faint headache pulses at the base of my skull. I frown, eyes slowly cracking open. The light of the room is dazzling. Where am I?I glance around and see an Omega maid in the room with me to my left. My chest feels strangely stuffy. I try to sit up, but find myself struggling.“Hello?” I call out to the maid, voice soft.She rushes to my bedside, looking at me somewhat nervously. “I’m sorry, I don’t know…” I trail off. I don't care about that. I lift my arm, and she helps me sit up.“Thanks, I… uh…” What's her name? I don't remember. Do I know her? Maybe I'm just too tired. Why can't I remember anyone?Ice-cold fingers of fear slowly trace their way up my skin.I survey the room again. Everything here feels so unfamiliar. I don’t recognize the room, its unfamiliar furnishings. I don’t recognize the art on the walls or the pain in my limbs. I don’t recognize the bed I’m in.Oh, Moon Goddess, there’s something wrong with me. A hollowness. Something is missing. I can’t p