Thorne's POV“Sir!” Alexander, my new Beta said, his voice firm. “Here are the warriors!” I faced a line of wariors. They stood like statues, shoulders squared, chests puffed, eyes forward… but I wasn’t impressed.I paced slowly in front of the line of warriors, the cold morning air biting at my skin. I kept my hands behind my back, my gaze sweeping through each and everyone one of their faces. “This,” I said, my tone very bitter, “is it?”No one dared speak.I turned sharply to face the man at the center, Alexander said he was their leader. A tall one, broad-shouldered, with a long scar running down the side of his face.He seemed larger and more stronger than the others. He took a step forward, his shoulders broad and straight. “Sir,” he started, “we’ve been stretched thin since…”“I didn’t ask for excuses,” I snapped, cutting him off. “I asked why this pack’s elite warriors look more like a disorganized group of orphans.”His mouth twitched. He was biting his tongue.“Spea
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
~Elena~“I do!!”I heard the gentle voice of a woman, whistle into my ears. The air in the grand hall was thick with tension, the sweet scent of roses and the soft hum of the orchestra doing little to mask the storm brewing in my chest.My father, Zaphyr, the Alpha of the pack, stood at the altar, his strong figure like a pillar of granite.His broad shoulders filled out the tailored suit, the fine fabric barely containing the power that rests beneath his skin. Beside him, his new bride, and now my new stepmother.She wore smiles with eyes that glimmer like she’s won some prize. But for me it's wasn't victory. It's betrayal.I stood to the side, my dress tight around my breasts, a mockery of what I should be feeling on a day like today.The bridesmaid's role should be one of joy, of support. But as I watched them, my heart throbbed with disgust. I can’t breathe right. The tears that had threatened to fall earlier are gone, replaced by a simmering rage.“You may now, kiss your bride!
^~Elena~My favourite part of every morning, walking through the forest. There was nothing more refreshing than inhaling the fresh scent of leaves. The forest felt a little heavier than usual, the air thick with damp earth and the faint scent of wild berries. My boots crunched over dried leaves as I followed closely behind Crystal. Gilhirst, our house mistress, had asked us to fill up our baskets with apples. That could only mean one thing, there must be a special occasion.And also, Gilhirst is going to bake her famous, apple cake!! "You’re useless, ," Crystal's stern voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Do you even know how to pick fruit properly, or do you want me to hold your hand like a child?” she asked her voice laced with irritation. I held the basket tightly in arms, trying very hard to hold in my anger. Arguing with Crystal on a great morning like this, would only ruin my mood, it wasn't worth it. Arguing with Crystal never was. The faster we got this over with,
~Elena~I marched towards my father's room and found him writing something. “Did you know Crystal is the devil herself?” Dad remained silent as he continued writing down on his book. He only lifted his head up slightly for a second and then turned back to his writing. “Did she tell you what happened? Or did you even know I was attacked by rogues?” I asked my father, my tone fierce. “Enough!!” dad's voice thundered through the room. I took a few steps back in fear. I've never seen him so angry. “You got attacked because you were too foolish and went outside the pack!” Dad continued. “Yes but Crystal was.. ““Crystal turned back and went to the castle.” I didn't finish when I heard a stern voice behind me. Lucy!! My step mother, and as I call her, a witch in a werewolf clothing.She swung her long black hair over her ears as she walked past me and sat beside my father. Her amber eyes and her thick red lipsticks made the face of a witch. “My daughter realizing she was past the
~Ryan~“NO!! please!!” I heard feint screams in the background. People pleading desperately for their lives, as I crouched behind the remains of our sacred building. “Ryan hide!” I heard distant scream of mother. I obeyed and lowered my head behind the building.Soon after I heard father's loud roar, peeping through the remains, I saw him pounced on two of the rival packs werewolves.And in the next minute, he tore off their faces, blood dripping down from his mouth. “Arggh!!”Dad yelled in pain, as two more werewolves jumped on his back, bringing him down to a knee. But even the two of them weren't enough to take down an Alpha! He gathered strength and returnex back to his two feet. But in a flash two more werewolves took two deadly swipes at his knee, swiping him off his feet. And then they swarmed him! Coming from all directions, wolves pounced on him, some take swipes with their sharp claws, some landing heavy punches to his abdomen. “Dad!” the corner of my eyes began he
~Elena~When I finally got to my room, I rummaged through my closet looking for a suitable and decent dress I could wear, but none was fine enough. “Wait!”Suddenly, I remembered my mom sew me a gown for my coming of age ceremony.its ceremony held once we were reach fifteen years. It was a white gown. I refused to wear it though. A dress like that would have made me the center of attention, something I don't like. I put on the white dress my mom made for me for the first time, and I couldnt help but gasp at how fitting the dress was on my body. I admired myself in a mirror for a few more minutes, something I wasn't really accustomed to doing. But today I had to look perfect, I just had a tinge that my fated mate will be from the Star Raiders pack and will carry me back to his pack so we can live our life. Just as I was admiring myself in the mirror, Crystal barged into my room. Does she not knock? My heart twitched in rage seeing her standing across me.She was really dresse
Elena's POV I opened my eyes wide at what was in front of me, my supposed mate was holding Crystal lovingly, and worse, they were set to marry. How could this happen? This was suppose to be my mate, my union and my marriage. I shifted backwards, my heart beating so fast as it were going to chatter any moment.Horror, sadness, pain, regret and heartache overshadowed me at that moment. I didn't know what to feel at that moment. Should I be angry at father for setting Crystal up with my mate? At Crystal for marrying him? But then again, she didn't know. But still, the pain of seeing her with my mate was to much for me. If I stayed any longer i might cause a scene. I didnt want that. At that very moment, I took to my heels and ran out of the party. I ran as fast as my legs could take me, into the woods.Tears dropped to my face likerain battering me. I screamed at the top of her voice, letting out my frustration. I yelled in pain, suddenly the weather changed, and a heavy stor
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
Thorne's POV“Sir!” Alexander, my new Beta said, his voice firm. “Here are the warriors!” I faced a line of wariors. They stood like statues, shoulders squared, chests puffed, eyes forward… but I wasn’t impressed.I paced slowly in front of the line of warriors, the cold morning air biting at my skin. I kept my hands behind my back, my gaze sweeping through each and everyone one of their faces. “This,” I said, my tone very bitter, “is it?”No one dared speak.I turned sharply to face the man at the center, Alexander said he was their leader. A tall one, broad-shouldered, with a long scar running down the side of his face.He seemed larger and more stronger than the others. He took a step forward, his shoulders broad and straight. “Sir,” he started, “we’ve been stretched thin since…”“I didn’t ask for excuses,” I snapped, cutting him off. “I asked why this pack’s elite warriors look more like a disorganized group of orphans.”His mouth twitched. He was biting his tongue.“Spea
Elena's POVThe sun cracked through the edge of the curtains, brightening the room. Warm, golden light spilled across the room. I lay there for a moment, staring at the ceiling. My heart beat a little quicker than usual.Today was different. Today meant something. For the first time in a while, I had something I really looked forward to. I threw off the sheets and sat up at once. I ran my fingers through my hair, then pressed them against my chest, right over my heart.Could I really do this? Could I really let out that wolf inside me after all these years? Aria believed I could, she was so confident, but I'm notShe said it was buried inside me, caged by pain I’d carried since I was a child. That the wolf wasn’t gone.. It just waiting.I got dressed quickly, barely containing my excitement. I had something to believe in, something that made me feel like maybe I belonged in this world of warriors, of wolves. I pulled my hair back into a loose ponytail, grabbed a flask of wate
Elena POVI gave myself a moment in front of Ryan's door and then pushed it open. “Elena?”My name on his lips stopped me before I could take another step. I inhaled sharply and then stepped inside. “Hey,” he said, standing up at once. “You alright?”“I… yeah.” I closed the door gently behind me. “I needed to talk to you.”He motioned for me to sit, and I did. “What is it?” he asked, his brows folded.I gave myself a moment, letting the silence stretch.“I saw Aria today just before you arrive and we talked.”He nodded, waiting for me to finish. “She said…” My hands curled at my sides. “She said I might not be wolfless after all.”His breath hitched. Just a little. The smallest flicker of shock on his face.“She says she can feel it in me. The scent of a wolf. A powerful one. That maybe… the reason I haven’t shifted isn’t because I’m empty. But because I’m blocked.” I looked up, my eyes meeting his. “That something… maybe what happened to my mother… has locked it inside me.”He
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
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 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
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
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