Later that day, I met Dominic outside the pack house. He looked concerned as I approached him. “Hey, is everything okay?” he asked, his brow furrowed with worry.“Just another round with Leonor,” I sighed, shaking my head. “She’s relentless.”“Don’t let her get to you. You’ve made a lot of progress, Elisse,” he encouraged. “Have you thought about our next steps?”“I have,” I replied, feeling a surge of determination. “I want to gather more evidence against Harold, but I’m worried about him finding out.”Dominic nodded, his expression serious. “I’ll reach out to my contact. We need to be strategic. The last thing we want is to tip Harold off.”“Can you really trust your contact?” I asked, skepticism creeping in.“I’ve known him for years. He’s reliable. But we still need to be careful. If Harold catches wind of what we’re doing, he’ll retaliate,” Dominic warned.As we discussed our next move, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie forming between us. For the first time in a lo
The following morning, I woke up with a renewed sense of resolve. The tension from last night with Harold still lingered, but Dominic’s reassurance echoed in my mind, strengthening my determination. I wasn’t alone in this fight; I had an ally by my side, someone who believed in me. Today, I was ready to take the first steps toward reclaiming my freedom.As I dressed, a knock sounded on my door. I opened it to find Dominic, a solemn expression on his face."Good morning, Elisse. I have news," he began, glancing around to ensure we were alone. "My contact managed to gather some valuable information on Harold's dealings. It’s risky, but this could be the leverage we need to challenge him.”"Really?" I whispered, excitement bubbling up despite the caution in his eyes. "What did you find?"Dominic handed me a folder. "There are records here of underground activities that Alpha Harold would never want anyone to see—deals that go against pack law. But before we do anything, we need to be abso
The morning air was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and dew as I made my way through the pack’s training grounds. The pack was stirring, preparing for a long day of patrol and training, and I could feel the hum of their energy. Every person here meant something to me, every life was a responsibility I took to heart. So, when Dominic’s shadow stretched over the path beside me, a knot of worry twisted inside.“Elisse.” His voice was low and carried that familiar edge of determination.I turned, meeting his gaze. His expression was set, brows pulled together in thought. “You’re here early,” I remarked, trying to keep the tone light.He only nodded, studying me with an intensity that made my heart tighten. “I wanted to talk to you,” he said after a pause, his voice careful, as though he was measuring each word.I braced myself, sensing what was coming. “Go ahead,” I replied, forcing a calm that felt tenuous at best.Dominic took a step closer, his gaze unwavering. “I need
The forest was still, shadows stretching long and dark as Dominic and I made our way back toward the packhouse. Every step jarred the wound in my side, but I bit down against the pain, refusing to show weakness. I’d managed to keep going, though I could feel the sting of Leonor’s words echoing in my head.“This isn’t over, Elisse…”It was a promise of more to come, a threat hanging over my head and, by extension, the pack’s. Dominic walked beside me in silence, his expression unreadable, but his gaze flickered over me, noticing my every stumble, every hiss of breath I couldn’t suppress. He finally let out a frustrated sigh and stopped, turning to face me fully.“Elisse,” he began, his tone exasperated, “you’re hurt, and if you don’t slow down, you’re going to make it worse. Just… stop for a second. Let me help.”I shook my head. “I don’t have time to rest. Not with Leonor out there, planning his next move. I can’t risk it.”Dominic’s jaw tightened. “And how are you going to protect t
The packhouse was buzzing with activity the next morning, the usual routines upended by a sudden, unexpected message. I was in the middle of helping organize a patrol rotation when I noticed the change in the atmosphere. Whispers and wary glances passed between pack members, and soon Jason rushed up to me, out of breath and clearly shaken.“Elisse!” he gasped, holding a white envelope in his hand. “A letter… it just arrived by courier.”The weight in his tone told me this was no ordinary letter. Taking it from him, I carefully broke the seal, revealing the rich script inside. My heart skipped as I read the words, and I felt a chill run down my spine.The letter was a formal declaration from none other than the Alpha King himself, Harold’s father. He was coming for a “courtesy call,” and he expected both Harold and me to be present for his arrival.A sense of unease settled over me. The Alpha King was notorious for his rigid expectations and strict loyalty to tradition. His sudden desi
The following week’s morning felt thick with an unnatural quiet, the kind that settles right before a storm. I had barely set foot in the packhouse before Jason intercepted me, his face drawn and tense.“Elisse,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper, “Victor Gutcheri has arrived.”The words hit me like a punch. The Alpha King had arrived, here, on our territory. And not just any Alpha King—Harold’s father, Victor Gutcheri. Known for his ironclad rule and his ruthless demand for loyalty, Victor was a man even the boldest alphas feared. The fact that he had chosen to come here unannounced could mean only one thing: he intended to investigate something, perhaps even disrupt it.I felt my stomach tighten as I nodded and took a breath. “Where is he now?”“He’s in the main hall. Harold is with him,” Jason replied, glancing down the corridor nervously.“Right.” I forced my voice to stay steady, though my pulse thrummed with anxiety. “I’ll be right there.”But even as I spoke, I felt the
That evening, as the entire pack house gathered in the main hall for the event Victor had called. Candles burned in sconces along the walls, their flickering light casting a warm glow that contrasted with the frigid atmosphere.I stood beside Harold, maintaining the carefully rehearsed unity we’d managed to project for Victor throughout the day. The Alpha King sat at the head of the grand dining table, his presence unmistakable as he looked around the room with a satisfaction that bordered on arrogance.Once the last of the pack members settled in their places, Victor raised his glass and gestured for silence. His sharp gaze fell on Harold and me as he began to speak.“It is a rare honor for me to visit my son’s pack, but I do so today with both pride and purpose,” Victor began, his deep voice carrying through the room. “Harold has shown strength and loyalty beyond measure, and I expect no less from his Luna.”I felt the weight of his words settle over me like a shroud. A respectful
FEW DAYS LATER…The chill of dawn brushed over my skin as I made my way down the path, heading to the pack’s warehouse for today’s training session. The air was still, and only the faintest light hinted at the sun rising on the horizon. I kept my focus on the crunch of my boots on the gravel, steadying myself for the rigorous exercises with the pack members and other she-wolves. I relished the intensity of training—it was a moment where I could forget the politics, the secrets, and the careful balancing act I had to maintain in the pack house.But just as I turned the corner, the air shifted, and a hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me back into the shadows. My instincts kicked in, and I spun to confront whoever it was, but a familiar scent and a steady gaze stopped me."Dominic?" I whispered, feeling the thrill and irritation mix in my chest. My first instinct was to push him away, but his firm hold kept me in place.He leaned in, his face close enough that I could feel his breat
The man—whoever he was—was already moving toward the door. His actions were swift and purposeful, like he knew exactly what to do. He turned to us briefly.“Stay low, stay quiet. Follow me,” he ordered, his voice steady. There was no hesitation, no uncertainty in his tone.I glanced at Dominic, who was struggling to steady himself, but I knew he couldn’t do this alone.“Dominic, we can make it,” I said, stepping closer to him, my voice thick with emotion. I wanted to believe it. More than anything, I wanted us to make it out of this alive. But the weight of the situation pressed heavily on my chest.He reached out, gripping my hand tightly, and for a moment, his touch felt like the only thing keeping me grounded. "We will," he murmured, his voice rough but filled with the kind of certainty I desperately needed. "I won't leave you."I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat, and followed the mysterious man. We moved as quickly as we could through the narrow hallways, the sound of our
The darkness was suffocating. My body felt heavy, as if I were sinking into a deep abyss. Distant echoes of voices and the faint rustle of movement seeped into the void, pulling me toward consciousness. My head throbbed, and when I finally opened my eyes, blurry shapes swam before me.I was in a dimly lit room, the walls rough-hewn stone. A single flickering lantern hung from the ceiling, casting long, eerie shadows. My hands were bound tightly behind my back, the rope biting into my skin. Panic surged through me as I tried to wriggle free, but the bindings wouldn’t budge.“Dominic?” My voice came out as a hoarse whisper. I turned my head, searching desperately for him.My eyes landed on him across the room, slumped against the wall. Blood stained his shirt where Caleb had stabbed him. His chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven breaths, and his face was pale, almost ghostly. He was alive—but barely.“Dominic!” I called again, louder this time.His eyelids fluttered, and he let out a l
I bit back a sob, my mind racing. I couldn’t let him find me. I scanned the chamber, searching for anything that could be a weapon or an escape route. My eyes landed on a narrow fissure in the rock, barely wide enough for me to squeeze through.Without thinking, I scrambled toward it, wedging myself into the tight space. The rock scraped against my skin, and for a moment, I thought I might get stuck. But sheer desperation gave me the strength to push through, emerging on the other side into another dark tunnel.I didn’t stop to catch my breath. I kept moving, the oppressive silence around me broken only by the distant sound of Caleb’s pursuit.And then, suddenly, the ground beneath me gave way.I screamed as I fell, the world spinning around me. I hit the ground hard, pain shooting through my body. My flashlight skittered across the floor, its beam illuminating the cavern I had fallen into.This space was larger, with towering stalagmites and a shallow pool of water reflecting the lig
Dominic’s grip on my arm tightened as Caleb’s voice continued to echo, growing louder and more menacing with every passing second. The sound of his laughter twisted the air around us, a haunting reminder that he wasn’t just a threat but a predator, circling his prey.“We need to move. Now,” Dominic said, his voice firm but calm. He was bleeding, his shirt stained crimson, but his focus was razor-sharp. He turned us toward a narrower passage on the other side of the cavern.“Do you think he’s following us?” I whispered, my voice trembling.Dominic’s jaw clenched. “No doubt about it. Caleb doesn’t back down—not until he gets what he wants.”The weight of his words settled over me like a lead blanket. Caleb wasn’t just chasing us; he was hunting us. And he was enjoying it.We pressed on, the narrow tunnel forcing us to move single file. Dominic led the way, his flashlight cutting through the darkness. The air grew colder, the dampness seeping into my skin. The sound of water grew louder,
He stopped abruptly, turning to face me. The dim light of his flashlight illuminated the sharp angles of his face, his expression fierce and unyielding. “This is not your fault, Elise. Whatever happened to Caleb, whatever choices he made, they’re his responsibility. Don’t let him make you think otherwise.”I swallowed hard, trying to hold back the tears threatening to spill over. “But I—”“No,” Dominic interrupted, stepping closer. His free hand cupped my face, his thumb brushing away the tear that escaped. “You are not to blame for this. Do you hear me?”I nodded, unable to speak, and he leaned in, his forehead resting against mine. For a brief moment, the chaos around us seemed to fade, leaving only the sound of our breaths mingling in the confined space.“You’re not alone in this,” Dominic murmured, his voice softer now. “We’ll get through it together. I promise.”The moment lingered, his words settling over me like a warm blanket against the cold fear gnawing at my insides. But th
The air in the cave grew impossibly heavy, every breath I took scraping like sandpaper against my lungs. The voice, low and chilling, reverberated in my ears. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the stranger who had stepped from the shadows.It was Caleb.He was supposed to be dead.Dominic’s flashlight beam fixed on him, the light reflecting off his pale, angular features. His once-kind eyes now glinted with something cruel and unfathomable. He wasn’t just alive—he was thriving in the darkness, as though the years had forged him into something colder, harder.“Caleb?” I whispered, barely able to believe it. “How—?”His lips curved into a thin smile. “Surprised to see me, Elise? I’d imagine you would be, considering you left me for dead.”“That’s not true!” I shot back, my voice breaking with shock and confusion. “We thought you were gone. We searched for you—”“Save your lies,” Caleb interrupted, his tone dripping with disdain. “You moved on. Just like that. And now, here you are, wrap
The respite didn’t last long. The faint light of dawn began to filter through the canopy of trees, and with it came the weight of what lay ahead. Dominic and I stood side by side, our gazes fixed on the horizon where the enemy's stronghold awaited.He adjusted the bandage on his arm, wincing slightly. “We need to move before they regroup. If they track us here, we’ll lose our advantage.”I nodded, though my mind lingered on the fleeting tenderness we had just shared. It felt fragile, like something that might shatter under the weight of our mission. Still, the memory of his kiss was a flame I carried with me, warming the cold edges of my resolve.As we made our way through the dense forest, the silence between us was heavy but not uncomfortable. Dominic’s presence beside m
The air hung thick with tension, the portal’s residual energy crackling like static around us. Dominic’s chest rose and fell in rapid breaths, his blade still glowing faintly as he scanned the shadows for any sign of further danger.“Who was that?” I whispered, my voice trembling.He turned to me, his jaw clenched, and hesitated before responding. “A harbinger. They’re messengers of the order, and their appearance means we’re out of time.”“Out of time for what?” I pressed, the weight of his words settling uncomfortably in my chest. “You need to stop keeping things from me, Dominic. I need to know what’s happening.”Dominic sheathed his blade with a frustrated sigh and ran a hand through his hair, his usual calm facade cracking. “There’s a prophecy,” he admitted reluctantly. “One that speaks of a being with the power to tear down the veil between worlds—or strengthen it forever. That being... is you.”The world seemed to tilt beneath my feet. “Me?” I echoed, my voice barely audible. “
The tremors grew stronger, the rumbling sound deepening into a deafening roar. Dominic’s hand found mine, his grip firm and steady, but his face betrayed the turmoil beneath his calm exterior.“Elise, stay close to me,” he commanded, his voice sharp, cutting through the chaos. “No matter what happens, don’t let go.”Before I could respond, the ground beneath us cracked, a jagged fissure snaking its way toward us with unnatural speed. A gust of cold wind erupted from the rupture, carrying with it an eerie, otherworldly chill that made the hairs on my arms stand on end.Out of the shadows, figures began to emerge—tall, cloaked beings with glowing eyes that seemed to pierce straight through me. They moved silently, their presence heavy and suffocating, as though the air itself recoiled from their existence.“Dominic...” My voice was barely above a whisper, my chest tight with fear.“I see them,” he replied, his tone grim. He stepped in front of me, shielding me with his body. “This is wh