Ryan POV I was in front of her door. Elena. I had to see her and let her know my real intentions.And then I knocked, soft and hesitant. I knew she was there. Knew she heard it.My pulse was steady. I clenched my jaw, trying to shake off the weight pressing against my ribs.Another knock. No answer again. And I called her name, my voice rough and unsteady. "Elena."Silence.I swallowed hard. My fingers twitched at my sides, itching for some kind of reaction. A word.Then, I heard movement.The door swung open, and there she was.Her dark eyes met mine. She was still in her dress, the fabric slightly wrinkled like she had been sitting for a while, hands clenched in her lap. Her expression was unreadable, but the tightness in her jaw, the flicker of something in her gaze…I knew she was hurting.She stepped back without a word, letting me in.The door clicked shut behind me. She turned slowly, her voice quiet but firm."You didn’t have to do that."I frowned. "Do what?"She sw
Ryan POV "You talk," I said, voice low, "and maybe you'll get a fair trial."His jaw tightened."Or," I stepped closer, fingers curling around the cold iron bars, "you keep playing dumb, and I give you a slow and painful death."A heavy silence filled the room, thick and suffocating.His muscles tensed, his jaw locking… but I saw it.Something flicker in his eyes.He knew something.I smirked darkly."You don't want to test me, Valari."Valari stared up at me from the shadows of his cell. His lips pressed tight, eyes flicking between me and Trevor.He didn’t speak.For a long, heavy moment, just silence. Until.. “Fine.” He said sharply. The words felt bitter in his mouth. He looked away, jaw clenching hard. “It was me.”I stood there, heart pounding. So it was true indeed. The words hit even sharper hearing it from his mouth.Valari… my commander. My brother in arms. My friend.His words replayed over and over in my head. “It was me.”I stared at him, maybe waiting for the wh
Ryan's POVMyself, Trevor and a few trusted men have to set out to the location at midnight. I I had see Elena before I left. I was halfway down the corridor when I heard the low hum of voices through Elena’s door. I slowed, one hand tightening at my side. That voice—I knew it.I knocked once, out of habit, and pushed the door open.There she was—Elena, sitting stiffly on the edge of the bed, and across from her, legs crossed, cool as ever—Aria.My sister.“Thought I’d find you here,” I said, stepping in, eyes flicking between the two of them. Elena looked like she’d just been caught in a storm, wide-eyed, cheeks flushed. Aria? She just smirked at me like I was late for something.“I see you two have met,” I muttered, trying to smooth the tension clinging to the air.Elena stood a little too quickly, brushing invisible dust off her dress. “I didn’t know she was your sister,” she said, voice low, almost apologetic.“I figured as much.” I glanced at Aria, who gave me a look that said
Elena POV Aria stretched and let out a yawn, blinking slow like sleep was already dragging her under. “I think I’ll turn in for the night,” she said, standing to her feet.“Oh… of course,” I said quickly, rising too.She smiled at me again, that same warm, sisterly look that I hadn’t expected but kind of needed. “It was really nice meeting you, Elena.”“You too,” I said, genuinely. Walking with her more was nice. She's really friendly. She walked off with a lazy wave and I stood there a moment longer.As the door clicked shut behind her, my thoughts came up again. I couldn’t shake the image of Ryan. His face from earlier… it hadn’t left me. He was really troubled and worried about something. Maybe he wanted to talk to me about it, but saw I was with his sister, and didn't. He looked... tired. Like the weight of everything was pressing in on him.If he wanted to talk to me, then so should he. I stepped out of my room at once, stepping out into the hall, walking straight toward
Ryan's POV She caught me just before I reached the door. And then, I felt it. The heat of her lips crashing into mine like it was the last thing she’d ever do.I didn’t have time to think.. just feel.I kissed her back, just as desperate.And then she whispered, “Come back. Okay?”I paused for a moment. I couldn’t give her an answer with certainty.But I had to say what she needs to hear. For her own good. “I will.”Then I turned and left. The air outside was colder than before, sharp with midnight tension. My boots echoed against stone as I approached the courtyard, and the moment they saw me, the eight chosen warriors sharpened, straightening their backs. Trevor stepped beside me. “We’re all here.”“Good,” I said, voice low and tight. “No mistakes. We do this clean.”And they all nodded. I scanned their faces. Trevor chose these seven men. His most trusted and skilled men to carry out this secret raid. “Same plan,” I said. “Flank tight, silent approach. If they’re waitin
Ryan's POVIt was him. The man who murdered my parents.Marvin was his name… according to Valari. The alpha of the Shadow Blood pack. All the memories of that day, all slammed into me like a punch to the chest.“You…,” I breathed.Marvin stepped front. “... Your, Alpha Ryan right? Not sure we've met.”Trevor stepped in front of me, steady, but I shoved past.“You'll know soon enough,” I growled.My claws extended, breath shaking. That wasn’t just an enemy.That was the monster who made me an orphan.And then…everything exploded. They moved first.A low snarl rumbled through the air like a warning. The fifty warriors lined up in front of him all charged in at once… their loud snarls thundering through the hall. It was hell breaking loose all at once. Just how I like it. Trevor shifted before they even got close.. his bones snapping mid-run, his wolf form slamming into the nearest one like a freight train. He sank his teeth into the guy’s throat and dragged him down, blood spurt
Elena POVI woke up sharp. The sun was barely in the sky, but my eyes flung open like they'd been waiting all night. I didn't remember getting much sleep. And how could I? Ryan had gone on another raid call, and considering how the previous one went, I had cause to be worried. And just like that, my thoughts snapped to him. As it were throughout last night. I could only sit down here and hope he's alright. “Please be okay.”I whispered it into the pillow before sitting up. My hands shook a little as I reached for my robe. I didn’t bother brushing my hair. I didn't feel like it. I didn't feel like doing anything until I see Ryan. But maybe, taking a walk around, or talking to someone could clear my mind. I stepped out of my room, and then, the soft air of the morning hit me. The halls were quiet, servants just starting their day. I made my way down, to the long hallway that led to the kitchens and the dining hall.The smell of food hit me first. Fresh bread, something warm
Ryan's POV The gates creaked open and the wind hit me first… cool, sharp, cutting through the blood and sweat caked on my skin. Home.The others were behind me, dragging their tired bodies and bruises along. The warriors ahead of us called out, opening the way, and I walked forward with slow, deliberate steps. My body was screaming, my knuckles still stung, and I could still taste the iron of the last fight on my tongue. But my mind was elsewhere.I was scanning through the pack.Looking for her. Then… I saw her.Elena.She stood near the steps, the wind catching strands of her hair, her lips parted, eyes wide, like she’d stopped breathing altogether.And fuck.The rest of the world just disappeared.She looked at me like she wasn’t sure if I was real. Like she’d waited for this moment, held onto it through every ache and tear and silent prayer. My chest clenched. I didn’t know if it was the injuries or her—but it hurt. In the best kind of way.Our eyes locked. That bond sparked, pu
Crystal’s POVThe cold wind stung my cheeks as our horses trotted toward the great iron gates of the White Snow Pack. I kept my chin high, eyes focused. It had been months since I stood on this snow-covered land.Months since I left this place with a joyous as ever and happy. I had Ryan, my mother's love and my step father's compassion, I thought I had it all. And now I was back, not as prodigal daughter, but as the weapon of another pack.Beside me, Thorne rode silently, his expression unreadable but his aura radiating power.From a distance, the guards spotted us arriving, they instantly raised their weapons in self defense.“State your pack!” one of them barked.“Shadow Blood,” Thorne answered flatly. And then, I knew the answer that was coming next. The reaction was immediate. They stepped forward at once, pulling out their blades, ready to fight. “Turn around,” the same guard said. “This territory is closed to your kind.”Thorne’s eyes narrowed. He didn't waste any time to
Elena’s POVI knocked gently on Ryan's door, but there was no answer. And then I knocked again, still no answer. The silence inside his room felt oddly empty, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. Or maybe I was just over thinking? Maybe he was out, busy with something important.Yes, that must be why. I didn’t mind too much, I had all the time in the world to find him. The thought of being near him, especially after everything that had happened last night, made me feel whole.I turned down the hallway, making my way to the war room. Maybe he was there, there were always matters to discuss, and as the Alpha, Ryan was there almost all the time.When I reached the door to the war room, I hesitated for a moment. It was slightly opened, and I could hear voices inside.One of them was unmistakable was Ryan’s. The other voice was Trevor’s. They spoke, their tone serious. This had to be important. I leaned in to listen closely. “...Elena is not ready, Trevor. She
Ryan POVI stayed by the porch a few minutes longer, letting everything all sink in. Even though my body was tired, my mind just kept replaying every moment of Elena’s shift, from the look in her eyes to her figure, the dire wolf, the rarest werewolf species of all.She had no idea how rare and how powerful she was.I finally forced myself to move, stepping off the porch and then walking toward the war room. I had told Trevor to wait for me in the war room. I also figured Aria would already be there too. Knowing her well, she would never missed anything important as this, and sure enough, when I pushed the door open, she and Trevor were seated around the long oak table.They both looked up immediately.“She did it,” I said simply, my voice laced with a tinge of pride.And why not? My fated mate is now a dire wolf. Aria’s face broke into a smile. “I knew she would,” she said, rising from her seat and coming over to me. “How is she?”"Exhausted," I said, running a hand through my ha
Ryan POV The night air was crisp and fresh. The moon hung low above us. I stood there in the fields, staring at Elena, feeling my heart hammering inside my chest harder with every second.She looked terrified.I didn’t blame her. This was it.. the Anchor Bond. The final step of all her days of hardwork. This was her shot at finally shifting.And I was supposed to be her anchor.I walked closer to her, slow and careful, I didn't want to put her on edge. Her eyes found mine, wide and glassy.“Are you sure about this?” she whispered, her voice already trembling.I didn't answer immediately, just kept my eyes on hers. “I’m sure,” I said. “I won’t leave you, Elena. Not now. Not ever.”Her face flushed with warmth at my words, and then she nodded, tightening her face. I stepped closer, enough that she could feel me without me even touching her.“Close your eyes.”She obeyed.“Breathe with me.”We fell into rhythm, her breaths shaky but matching mine. I could smell her warm scent, she
Ryan's POVIn the chamber room, Trevor and I sat across from each other, the silence between us weighed down by the same heavy thought.Crystal, yet again.Trevor leaned forward, elbows on the table, his brow furrowed deep. "She's not just with the Shadow Blood pack anymore. Our source says she’s riding to the White Snow pack as we speak."I exhaled slowly, my jaw tightening. "So it’s true."He nodded once. "With Thorne and a handful of his warriors. It's not for war, but still…"I exhaled slowly. “They’re trying to forge alliances.”"Exactly." Trevor’s voice was hard. "And if they get the White Snow pack on their side…""They won’t," I cut in, sharper than I intended. I met his eyes. "Zaphyr is many things, but he’s not stupid. He hates Thorne’s kind. Always has. He won’t bend the knee to them."Trevor gave me a strange look. Then he spoke. "Zaphyr also has a stepdaughter. One he raised under his roof for years. One who’s now claiming she was betrayed and cast out." He paused. "O
Crystal’s POVI stood in front of the mirror, fingers brushing through the last curls of my hair as I stared at the reflection of the woman I had become. Cold eyes starting a hole at the mirror.I didn’t recognize the young and foolish girl I used to be… the one who thought she had a place among the Star Raiders. How naive I was.. Now? Now I was something else. And I was something more. A knock came at the door, sharp and loud.“My Lady,” a guard’s voice filtered through. “The horses are ready.”I inhaled deeply, steadying myself. “Coming,” I called back, my voice loud enough.I turned to the mirror once more, taking one last look at myself and then I turned away, as I stepped out into the hall.The air outside the main building was brisk, laced with the chill of morning. Today was a big day. I made my way down the steps slowly, deliberately.My mind was playing all the possible ways today could play out. When I reached the clearing by the stables, I saw them… Thorne, dressed i
Zaphyr’s POVThe morning sun filtered through the windows of the White Snow pack house. I was seated in front of my oak desk, my head buried to the paper in front of me, going over the latest patrol reports. It had been a quiet morning, just the way I preferred it.To be honest, that's how it's been for a while now. Then the door flung open.“Zaphyr!” Lucy's loud voice rang out, too high-pitched. My head snapped up as she strode in, her eyes shining with excitement.“What is it?” I asked, instantly on guard. Good news and Lucy rarely came without strings attached.She walked quickly toward me, barely containing herself. “You won’t believe it. I just received word from… Crystal. She’s alive.”I stared at her. “What?”She nodded quickly, a smile spreading across her face. “She’s alive. And not just that… she’s with the Shadow Blood pack. With Alpha Thorne.”I froze. The name struck something deep in my chest. That familiar sting of rage returned almost instantly.I stood up slowly,
Ryan's POVThe council room was dimly lit. The passage way was dead silent. We had to see the council members and inform them about Crystal. Trevor and I pushed through the doors, and the silence deepened. They must’ve seen it on our faces. The weary looks on our faces. Elder Jareth stood slowly, narrowing his eyes. “Alpha Ryan. What news do you bring at this hour?”I moved to the front of the table, Trevor a step behind. “We have confirmed intelligence,” I began. “Crystal… is no longer rogue.”A murmur rippled through the council.“She’s joined the Shadow Blood pack,” Trevor added, voice sharp. “And not just joined. She’s the fated mate of Thorne, son of Marvin and… their new Alpha.”Gasps escaped their lips .One of the elders, an elderly woman with silver hair tied back in braids, stood up. “Are you certain?”I nodded. “Our scouts saw it themselves. She’s there clear and open.”Elder Jareth stepped forward, face hard. “Then this isn’t just personal anymore. This is strategy.”
Elena POV The knock on my door came loudand fast.“Elena, up! We’ve got work to do!” I heard Aria’s loud voice. I groaned. “Why so early?” I mumbled, but I was already pulling the sheets off.I slid my legs into my slippers, dragged my feet to the door. By the time I opened the door, she was standing there with a determined. “Dress warm. We’re heading deeper into the woods.”What?! “Why..”“And bring anything of your mother's too.”She didn’t wait for a reply. She turned on her heel and was gone.Anything of my mother's? What was Aria up to? I got dressed quickly and marched downstairs. Aria was waiting at the usually usual place. The far end of the training fields. I met her and without much hesitation we walked into the forest. The forest was quieter than usual. Aria didn’t say much, and I didn’t ask questions. I could tell this was different from before. The Memory Run had cracked something open in me. And now, whatever we were doing today… it was about facing what came