Kamrynn's POV Marwynn’s chanting grew louder, her voice taking on an almost frenzied rhythm. She picked up the knife, its blade gleaming dangerously in the flickering candlelight, and approached me with purpose. My eyes widened in alarm.“What are you—” I started to ask, but she cut me off.“Stay still,” she ordered. “This is part of the process.”With practiced precision, she made small, shallow incisions along my arms, shoulders, and legs, carefully avoiding my stomach. Each cut sent a fresh wave of agony through me, and I couldn’t stop the sob that tore from my throat.“I can’t—” I choked out, my voice trembling. “This—this might’ve been a mistake—”“Endure,” Marwynn snapped, her voice cutting through my despair. “You are stronger than the poison within you.”Her words were like a lifeline, pulling me back from the edge. I gritted my teeth, clinging to her belief in my strength. Then, something strange began to happen. From the cuts she had made, a thick, black liquid started to o
Kamrynn's POV After Aryna awoke within me, everything changed in ways I hadn’t thought possible. It wasn’t just a physical shift; it was visceral, a transformation that radiated from deep within. Strength coursed through my veins, so potent it felt as though I could lift mountains if I tried. My senses sharpened to a near-supernatural degree. I could hear the softest whispers from across the room, smell the faintest traces of herbs lingering in the air, and feel the subtle vibrations of footsteps on the ground before they even reached my ears.Tasks that had once left me winded—bending to pick something off the floor, climbing stairs, or even enduring the day-to-day weight of my pregnancy—now seemed laughably easy. My body felt lighter, almost like I was floating just above the earth but with a grounding force that kept me steady.And my awareness… it was unnerving at first. I noticed details I would have missed before: the slight shift in a person’s tone, the tension in their should
Kamrynn's POV Kyven’s avoidance was immediate and absolute after my rejection, and honestly, it was a relief. The absence of his endless chatter felt like a weight had been lifted, especially now, with the palace abuzz with preparations for the Harvest Moon Festival.The festival was one of the biggest events of the year, a celebration that spanned all Packs, dedicated to honoring the Moon Goddess for her blessings and protection. I had loved it as a child. Back in the Obsidian Pack, it had been my favorite holiday, a time when everything felt magical and alive. Before life turned upside down, Sherelle and I would gather wildflowers to make crowns for everyone, our laughter echoing through the woods.The memory brought a bittersweet ache to my chest. Sherelle had been more than my twin; she was my other half, my anchor. Her absence left a void that even time couldn’t fill. Now, the thought of celebrating without her felt hollow, but I told myself I’d join in, for the sake of the Pack
Kamrynn's POV “I can’t stop thinking about you,” he continued, his voice trembling with intensity. “Your crystal blue eyes, your pink kissable lips, your intoxicating scent—it’s like a drug. I can’t pretend I don’t want you anymore.”“Kyven, stop this,” I said firmly. “You’re drunk. You’ll regret this tomorrow.”“I won’t,” he said, his voice resolute. “What do I have to do, Kamrynn? What will it take to prove I’m serious? Tell me where I’m lacking, and I’ll fix it. Just stop treating me like a child.”“It’s not about you,” I said, my tone softening. “It’s not your age or your looks. There’s nothing wrong with you, Kyven.”“Then what is it?” he asked, his voice breaking. “Why can’t you just give me a chance?”“Because I’m the problem,” I admitted, my eyes stinging. “I’m not fit for you, Kyven. You deserve someone better, someone whole.”His eyes darkened, and he hushed me with a firm warning. “Don’t ever say that again. Don’t talk about yourself like that, Kamrynn, because I won’t sta
Kamrynn's POV The morning sunlight streamed through my curtains, warming my face as I blinked awake. Stretching my arms above my head, I let out a soft groan. Memories of last night came rushing back, unbidden and vivid. My fingers brushed against my lips, a traitorous part of me savoring the lingering sensation of the kiss.“Nope. Stop,” I muttered to myself, sitting up abruptly and tossing the blanket off. “We are not going there.”“But you are,” Aryna teased, her voice playful in my mind.“I’m not,” I insisted aloud, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. “There’s too much to do today. The festival’s starting.”“Keep telling yourself that,” Aryna chuckled.Ignoring her, I shuffled to the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face, scrubbing away the remnants of sleep and last night’s thoughts. Once clean, I padded back to my wardrobe, where Rmonica’s special gift hung waiting for me.The dress was a masterpiece—a deep emerald that shimmered faintly in the light. The cut flatt
Kamrynn's POV By noon, the invited Alphas began to arrive, their entourages adding a new layer of energy to the already bustling palace. The first to make their grand entrance was Alpha Zane and Luna Isla of the Moon Blood Pack.The entire palace staff gathered outside, lined up neatly to welcome them, while Alpha Orion and Luna Rmonica stood at the forefront, their presence regal yet inviting. I lingered toward the back, watching the sleek black Lamborghini come to a stop, followed by a small fleet of expensive cars.When the car door opened, Alpha Zane stepped out first, his posture stiff and commanding. His blue eyes swept over the gathered staff and pack members with an air of superiority. Luna Isla followed, her movements deliberate and her expression unabashedly bored as she adjusted the folds of her intricate crimson dress, the plunging neckline so low it almost made me uncomfortable.“Alpha Zane, Luna Isla,” Alpha Orion greeted with a polite nod. “Welcome to the Blue Bell Pac
Kamrynn's POV The atmosphere was thick with tension, Kyven’s declaration of “mate” still reverberating in the air like a ripple in a still pond. My pulse raced, my mind struggling to catch up with what had just unfolded.Alpha Orion, ever composed, stepped in with the calm authority that seemed to command the entire space. “Thank you all for your presence,” he said, his deep voice steady and commanding. His gaze swept across the gathered group, his presence anchoring the charged moment. “Let us head inside. I’m sure we all have much to discuss.”Everyone moved to follow his lead. I trailed behind the Alpha families with the other palace staff, doing my best to stay unobtrusive, but my eyes betrayed me. They flicked toward Kyven and Thalia, who were walking ahead of me.Their gazes were still locked on each other, as though the entire world had faded away, leaving only the two of them. The intensity between them was almost palpable, their connection undeniable.My chest tightened, an
Kamrynn's POV No matter how much I tried to convince myself that I didn't care, I lingered around the Alpha's office, hoping to read the air when they came out, to know what might have transpired.The meeting between the two Alpha families finally concluded and when both Alphas came out of the office exchanging handshakes with smiles on their faces, I already knew what to expect. I didn't even get time to dwell on it before Alpha Orion called for a broader assembly. The news had to be shared with everyone in the palace, and preparations for the announcement were swiftly underway.By the time we all filed into the Grand Hall, the atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation. The Alphas and Lunas were seated in the front row, their positions elevated above the rest of us who stood. The grandeur of the hall, with its towering windows and glittering chandeliers, seemed even more imposing with the weight of the news that was about to be revealed.I lingered near the back, blending into the cr
Kamrynn’s POVAnxiety curled in my stomach like a stubborn weed, refusing to be uprooted no matter how hard I tried to shake it. It had been two days since the nightmare, but Calvin’s haunting gaze and his bloodied hands still lingered in my mind like a stain. Every time I closed my eyes, the vision of him whispering, “You’re my salvation,” echoed in my ears. The memory left a bitter taste in my mouth, a warning I couldn’t decipher. I couldn't help but wish over and over again that I would never have to cross paths with that man.I tugged absently at the hem of my dress, my mind racing. The party. I still wasn’t sure I wanted to attend. In fact, every fiber of my being screamed to stay behind, to shut myself away with my twins and avoid the crowd altogether.The sound of soft gurgling pulled me from my thoughts. I turned toward the crib and found Astor and Arabella lying side by side, their tiny hands waving in the air as they grunted at each other. They were only a week old, yet they
Calvin's POVThe rhythmic ticking of the clock on the far wall grated on my nerves as I sifted through the endless paperwork littering my desk. Numbers, trade routes, inventory lists—all of it blurred together into meaningless scribbles. My mind wasn’t here, couldn’t be here, not when Kamrynn was still out there, somewhere. The gnawing frustration and helplessness had become a constant ache in my chest, and no amount of work could drown it out.A sharp knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. I straightened in my chair, my voice sharp and unwelcoming. “What?”Franklin stepped in, his expression carefully neutral. He always wore that mask when dealing with me these days, likely to avoid triggering one of my outbursts. “Alpha,” he greeted me with a respectful nod.I wasted no time. “Do you have news?”Franklin hesitated, the pause long enough to stoke my irritation. He knew better than to drag his feet, especially about this.“Well?” I demanded, my tone harsher than I intended.“No
Kamrynn’s POVIt had been five days since I gave birth to my twins, and the world felt both miraculous and impossibly heavy. The aftermath of childbirth wasn’t something I’d fully prepared for, no matter how many stories I’d heard or how many reassurances I’d been given. My body felt like a battlefield, and I wasn’t sure if I was winning or losing the war.My first real struggle came from the constant bleeding. Every movement reminded me that my body was still in recovery, and the dull ache in my abdomen served as a persistent reminder that my body had gone through something extraordinary—and excruciating. I shifted uncomfortably in bed, my hand brushing against the bundle of blankets where my twins slept.The exhaustion wasn’t just physical. Sleep was a distant memory, a luxury I hadn’t experienced since their arrival. Every cry woke me in a panic, my heart pounding as I scrambled to soothe whichever baby needed me more. Even when they were quiet, I found myself lying awake, afraid s
Calvin's POV The moment the witch’s words settled in my mind, I knew what had to be done. Kamrynn was the key to saving the Pack, the only chance to break the curse that had turned our lives into a living nightmare. The realization felt like a hammer striking my chest. I clenched my fists, a mix of dread and determination swirling within me."Thank you," I said to the witch, my voice hoarse. She regarded me with wary eyes, as if unsure whether I meant it.“Remember, Alpha,” she replied, her voice sharp like a blade. “Your Pack’s salvation depends on her forgiveness. Nothing else can save you.”I nodded grimly and left her dwelling, the air around me feeling colder than ever. Kamrynn was out there somewhere, not just carrying the hope of my Pack’s survival, but also my child—my heir. She must have given birth by now, and the thought of her raising my child, away from me, filled me with an unbearable mix of frustration, yearning, and guilt.Returning to the Pack, I knew there was no ti
Calvin's POV“If you think I'd ever—” I had begun my strong rebuttal when I felt Franklin's hand on my shoulder.“We don't have a choice, Alpha. Just do it, please. For the sake of the Pack. She's our last hope.” He pleaded.I knew that all too well but still…I clenched my fists, trying to rein in my temper. “Please,” I said through gritted teeth, bowing my head in surrender. “Please help me, my people are dying. If you know something, please tell me and you'll forever have my gratitude.”She quirked an eyebrow but a smile finally settled on her face. “That wasn't so hard now, was it?” She quipped after a long pause. “Step inside.”The room we entered was darker than the hallway, lit only by the faint glow of a fire in the hearth. The air was even heavier in here, suff
Calvin’s POVHopelessness was a poison that seeped into every corner of my life. No matter how hard I tried to shake it off, it clung to me, a suffocating shroud.For months, I had tried everything—letters, emissaries, messengers, and desperate pleas—but it was no use. Not a single Pack wanted to be associated with us. Not after the children's deaths. The weight of what had happened to our firstborns had turned us into pariahs. The news spread fast, faster than even I could have anticipated. Stories of death, sorrow, and desperation painted the Obsidian Pack as cursed, as a place to be avoided at all costs.The once-bustling Pack lands now felt hollow, every corner of it a reminder of what we’d lost. Mothers who had buried their children wandered aimlessly, their eyes hollow, their grief so loud it felt like a scream ringing in my ears day and night. Fathers clung to their surviving families, but even they looked at me with resentment burning in their eyes. I'd spent weeks, months, tr
Kamrynn's POV The room was still except for the soft rustle of fabric as Tiona finished cleaning me up. My body felt heavy, utterly spent, but there was a strange lightness in my chest. The pain had been unbearable, yes, but holding my children—seeing their tiny faces—had made it all worth it.Tiona handed me a warm blanket, and Rmonica carefully adjusted the cradle where the twins lay, swaddled and sleeping peacefully. “Have you decided on names yet?” Rmonica asked, her voice soft and full of warmth.I smiled, my heart swelling as I gazed at the little bundles. “Astor,” I said, touching the soft tufts of dark hair on my son’s head. “And Arabella,” I added, caressing my daughter’s tiny cheek.Rmonica beamed. “Beautiful names, Kamrynn. They’re perfect.”Aryna hummed her approval in the back of my mind. “Astor and Arabella,” she said, her voice a comforting presence. “Strong names for strong pups.”Tiona stepped back, wiping her hands. “You did wonderfully, Kamrynn. They’re beautiful,
Calvin's POV The day had started no differently than the countless others of late—heavy with tension and a suffocating sense of dread. I was seated behind my desk, the surface strewn with reports and maps that Franklin and I had been dissecting. The room felt oppressive, the walls closing in with the weight of my Pack's suffering.The room was quiet except for the rustling of papers as Franklin explained the latest updates on our attempts to negotiate with the Moon Rock Pack. His voice was steady, but I could sense the exhaustion in his tone. We were both worn thin.I leaned back in my chair, trying to push away the throbbing headache that had been my constant companion for weeks. "We’ll try again," I said, my voice heavy. "We don’t have another option. They’re our last hope for supplies before winter."Franklin nodded but didn’t seem convinced. "I’ll prepare the next envoy," he said, though he didn’t meet my eyes.A sudden, frantic knock on the door broke through the quiet. It wasn’t
Kamrynn's POV The month following the breaking of the Amethyst curse had been a whirlwind. Kyven and Thalia’s mating ceremony two weeks ago was a grand affair, their love shining brighter than ever. Now they were off on their honeymoon, leaving the Pack in high spirits.As for me, I had embraced my role as the Pack’s Guardian with pride. The respect I received from the Pack members was overwhelming, their gratitude fueling my determination to serve. Yet, my heavy pregnancy had prevented me from fully stepping into the position. I promised myself that after the birth of my babies, I would devote myself entirely to the Pack’s prosperity.I sat on my bed, a book in my hands. My swollen belly rested heavily on my thighs, and the occasional kick from my little ones brought a smile to my face. It was a quiet moment, one I cherished. But as always, peace was fleeting.The serenity that came with being lost in a good book was suddenly shattered by a pain so sharp and consuming that it felt l