Just then, I heard footsteps behind me. My heart skipped, and I spun around, unsure what to expect. My breath caught as Drake stepped into view.“Drake!” I exclaimed, relief washing over me like a tidal wave. I bolted toward him, throwing my arms around his sturdy frame. His warmth was a small comfort in this chaos.“How are my kids?” I blurted, gripping his arms as if to anchor myself. “Are they fine? Are they safe?”Drake nodded, his face grave but steady. “They’re safe. I promise you—they’re safe.”His words steadied my racing heart, but only for a moment. “What about Maximoff?” I asked, my voice trembling. “Is he okay?”Drake hesitated. He dropped his gaze, his silence louder than any answer. “Follow me,” he said at last, his tone low and heavy.A knot formed in my chest. “Drake…” My voice broke. Tears blurred my vision. “Tell me he’s okay.”“I can’t,” he said, his words sharp and final. “You’ll have to see for yourself.”Drake turned and started walking. I stood frozen, glancing
Huh, huh. I was breathing heavily as I crashed to my knees. My horse had grown exhausted, and I had to continue the journey on foot while dragging it.We were in the middle of the desert at this point. Turns out that our rival pack was on the other side of the world.My eyes caught a glimpse of the Kingdom mere meters away, and I knew it was only a matter of time before I arrived.With determination, I forced myself to my feet and began walking, holding the rope of my horse while leading it.We kept walking in the desert, struggling to move as the wind became another obstacle in our path. Dust covered everything, but I kept pushing and struggling.Just then, I heard a noise behind me. When I turned, at first, I didn’t see anyone because of the dust carried by the wind. But soon enough, as the person approached, I got a glimpse of him.He had a cloth tied from his chin to his nose and a turban that extended to his forehead, leaving only his eyes visible. Those grey eyes seemed to impre
I stared at Kyle in shock, my heart pounding in my chest. This was the last thing I had expected. To discover that Kyle had been the Alpha all along was overwhelming enough, but everything that followed felt like a blur, almost dreamlike.The crowd that had gathered around us held their breath, waiting for my response. My palms were clammy, and shame pricked at my skin like needles. I felt small under their judgmental stares.“I can’t accept Kyle’s offer,” I thought, struggling to keep my composure. “Even though he’s kind and has always been there, my heart belongs to Luca. He’s the father of my child. But if I reject Kyle in front of everyone, it’ll only make things worse between us.”Closing my eyes to block out the sea of faces, I took a deep breath. My answer came out clear and steady, though it felt like a weight pressing against my chest.“No,” I said firmly, my voice cutting through the silence. “I can’t marry you.”The murmurs from the crowd grew louder, filling the hall like
With that, I walked toward him, my hand outstretched to help him up. His breathing was ragged, and the slight trembling in his shoulders hinted at hidden pain.He grabbed my hand, but as soon as he did, blood trickled from his mouth. His grip slackened instantly, and he let go as though my touch burned him.“Are you okay?” I asked, stepping closer in alarm.He stretched out his hand, stopping me in my tracks. “Stay away from me.” His voice was low, almost a growl. His eyes burned with a mix of anger and fear. “You’re a monster. Don’t touch me.”My chest tightened at his words, but I kept my face calm. “A monster?” I repeated, more to myself than to him. He had just agreed to help me minutes ago. Now, he acted as if I were his greatest enemy.Then it clicked. My heart sank as I realized what he was—what he had tried to do. He was a wolf stealer, just like Drake.I squared my shoulders, anger rising to meet my disappointment. “Did you just try to steal my wolf?” I asked, my voice sharpe
The huge gates of the Moonlight Pack Kingdom groaned as they swung open. Their sheer weight sent a low rumble through the ground beneath my feet. I stepped out, the cool air of freedom brushing against my face.Once I was outside, I mounted my horse, the leather saddle creaking under my weight. Kyle remained behind, still within the safety of the gates, flanked by his ever-present guards.He smiled faintly at me, his expression unreadable. I gave him a curt nod before pulling the reins and urging my horse forward.I didn’t look back.The path stretched out before me, long and unyielding. There was no rest, no time to stop. Every moment wasted was another moment closer to destruction. Kingdom after kingdom awaited me, their leaders and armies the only hope of stopping what was to come.The next kingdom on my journey was Kree—a distant human kingdom surrounded by mystery and whispers. The name alone was enough to stir unease, but I couldn’t afford to hesitate.The hours blurred into a r
THE NEXT DAYI spent the night in the Kree, and the priestess showed me great kindness. She fed me, offering me a simple yet hearty meal, and even provided me with a room to rest. Now, as I stood at the edge of the bridge that connected the Kree kingdom to the rest of the world, she handed me a bundle of fresh fruit. “Eat when you’re hungry,” she said kindly, her voice calm and maternal.“Thank you,” I said, feeling the weight of her kindness. She nodded silently, a small smile gracing her lips.Just as I turned to leave, her voice stopped me. “Wait.” Her tone was soft, yet filled with a quiet urgency. I turned back, my eyes meeting hers, wondering what else she had to say.She smiled again, this time more knowingly. “Safe journey. When you meet the King of the Skull Empire, give him this. Do not open it on the way.”I took the letter from her, the paper crinkling under my fingers. “Okay,” I said, tucking it into my pocket. With one last glance at her, I climbed onto my horse, feeling
The King of the Skull Kingdom stood tall as I turned to leave, his words still ringing in my ears. His promise of support felt like a double-edged sword, sharp and unforgiving. It was a step forward, but not nearly enough to bring me comfort.I glanced back one last time before stepping into the wilderness. My chest felt tight, my breaths shallow. His parting words gnawed at me like an insistent echo: "They won't make it easy for you, Cathrine. Be ready to face anything ."The forest welcomed me with shadows and whispers. Daylight blurred into twilight, and twilight into an oppressive darkness. Each step forward was a test of endurance, the rough terrain tugging at my boots and pulling at my resolve. The air was sharp, almost biting, carrying the faint cries of unseen predators. My senses stayed on high alert, the slightest rustle of leaves enough to make my muscles tense.The attack came without warning, a blur of motion and guttural growls breaking the fragile silence. My instincts
The damp chill of the cell wrapped around me like a second skin, heavy and suffocating. The faint drip of water echoed in the silence, each drop like a countdown to something I couldn’t name. My wrists burned where the ropes bit into my skin, but the pain was a distant second to the anger simmering in my chest.I didn’t come this far to be ignored.The sound of boots—heavy, deliberate—broke through my thoughts. My wolf stirred uneasily as the footsteps grew louder, echoing through the stone corridors like a death march.The door creaked open, revealing a group of men. Wolves. Their presence filled the room, a suffocating mix of authority and disdain. Their eyes roamed over me, assessing, judging.“Welcome to the Blood Pack’s hospitality,” the largest of them said, his voice dripping with mockery. His scarred brow twitched as he smirked, revealing teeth too sharp for comfort.I clenched my jaw, meeting his gaze without flinching. They wanted fear. I wouldn’t give it to them.Two of the
Two days had passed since the battle, but the grief in my heart felt as raw as the moment Kieran fell into the chasm. The sky was a muted gray, the sun hidden behind heavy clouds, as if mourning alongside us. We gathered in the heart of the Moon Shadow pack's territory, wolves and humans standing side by side in solemn silence. It wasn’t just a memorial—it was a moment to honor a hero, a leader, and a brother. As I stood beside Luca, my heart ached for him. Kieran wasn’t just the previous Alpha; he was his brother, his blood. The loss had carved a wound so deep it would take a lifetime to heal. Luca stepped forward, his face a mask of stoic determination, though I could see the pain in his eyes. His voice carried over the crowd, firm yet tinged with sorrow. “Kieran was more than a brother to me,” he began, his words measured. “He was my challenger and although he did wrong in the past, he proved himself worthy of being called an alpha. And though he’s no longer with us, his spirit
Damian stretched his hands forward without a word, and his army surged toward us like a relentless tide.Ahead of my army, Luca and I didn’t hesitate. With a shared glance, we charged into the fray, breaking through Damian’s men with swift, brutal efficiency. The sounds of battle roared around us—clashing blades, howling wolves, and cries of pain—but none of it mattered. My focus was singular: Damian.His soldiers came at us from all sides, but we carved a path through them, our movements a deadly dance. My claws slashed through flesh and bone, my senses heightened as the red energy burned through me. Beside me, Luca fought with unmatched ferocity, his strikes precise and lethal.Damian stood in the distance, unmoving, his eyes cold and calculating. Flanking him were his two dark priests, their presence radiating a dark, oppressive energy. He didn’t flinch as we cut through his wolves, his confidence unshaken.The ground beneath us trembled as the battle raged on. My army clashed with
I stood frozen, my knees weak and my heart pounding so hard I thought it would burst out of my chest. Tears blurred my vision as the weight of Damian’s words settled over me.“I can’t go against them,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. Even as I spoke, I hated myself for saying it.Damian’s sharp eyes locked onto mine, and his lips twisted into a cruel smile. He didn’t need to hear me—he had read my lips. That wicked grin of his made my stomach churn.He turned and strode toward my mother, who was bound and broken in those heavy chains. The sound of them scraping against the cold, hard ground sent shivers down my spine.“You give me no choice, Cathrine,” he said, his voice loud enough to cut through the silence.I wanted to scream, to fight, but my body refused to move. I could only stand there, trembling, as Damian grabbed my mother’s chin with his hand.“Out of my generosity,” he said with a mocking smile, “I’ll offer you one last chance to speak. Any final words?”My mother, he
I stood frozen, my knees weak and my heart pounding so hard I thought it would burst out of my chest. Tears blurred my vision as the weight of Damian’s words settled over me.“I can’t go against them,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. Even as I spoke, I hated myself for saying it.Damian’s sharp eyes locked onto mine, and his lips twisted into a cruel smile. He didn’t need to hear me—he had read my lips. That wicked grin of his made my stomach churn.He turned and strode toward my mother, who was bound and broken in those heavy chains. The sound of them scraping against the cold, hard ground sent shivers down my spine.“You give me no choice, Cathrine,” he said, his voice loud enough to cut through the silence.I wanted to scream, to fight, but my body refused to move. I could only stand there, trembling, as Damian grabbed my mother’s chin with his hand.“Out of my generosity,” he said with a mocking smile, “I’ll offer you one last chance to speak. Any final words?”My mother, he
I took a cautious step forward, my army moving as one behind me. The earth beneath my boots seemed to pulse with the weight of the moment. The tension was suffocating, the distance between us and Damian’s army feeling like a fragile thread ready to snap. My gaze never left Damian’s face, though my peripheral vision picked up the shifting forms of his wolves. They were restless, teeth bared, waiting for the command to strike.But then, Damian raised a hand, and his wolves parted once again. This time, another figure emerged from their ranks—a man I knew all too well.“Dennis,” I whispered, my chest tightening.He walked with measured steps, his head bowed slightly, a gleaming sword clutched in his hand. His shoulders were stiff, and his movements lacked the usual confidence I remembered. My heart ached as I saw him stop just a few paces from Damian, the blade in his grip trembling ever so slightly. He turned his head just enough for me to see his face—teary-eyed, conflicted, and filled
After days of relentless marching, we arrived at the border of Damian’s territory. The dense forest seemed darker here, the trees more twisted and suffocating. Each breath felt heavier, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and something foul I couldn’t place. My heart pounded, though I kept my expression cold, my head held high. I couldn’t let the others see even a flicker of doubt.But when we broke through the tree line, I froze. Damian was already there.He stood at the head of his army, a wall of snarling wolves behind him. His presence was as commanding as ever, broad shoulders squared, his eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. Beside him, his generals stood tense, their claws glinting in the faint light. Every one of them was poised to strike.For a brief moment, I questioned everything. How had he known we were coming? Had someone betrayed us? Or was Damian just that arrogant, so confident in his rule that he expected us to challenge him eventually? It didn’t matter now.I
The air was crisp, filled with the scent of damp earth and anticipation as we assembled for the battle that would change everything. I stood at the forefront, my horse shifting beneath me, its energy mirroring my own. To my left and right stood the leaders of the allied packs and kingdoms, their faces set in grim determination. Behind us stretched an army of thousands—wolves, warriors, and mages united under one cause. I turned slightly, catching the gaze of each leader beside me. No words were exchanged, but the weight of their nods was louder than any speech. They were ready. Drawing in a deep breath, I raised my arm, signaling the march forward. The first step was mine to take. My horse moved, and as I rode forward, the thunder of hooves and the rhythmic beat of footsteps followed behind me. We were a single force, moving as one, ready to meet our destiny. ************* Meanwhile… Damian stood atop a high stone platform, overlooking the sea of his men. The dark fortress loomed
I walked into the grand hall, the echo of my footsteps bouncing off the towering marble walls. The air buzzed with a tension so thick it felt almost alive. Around the long, ornate table sat kings, alphas, and leaders from every corner of the lands I had visited. Their faces bore the weight of the decision we were about to make—a decision that could either unite us or spell our doom. Taking my seat at the head of the table, I felt the gravity of my position settle over me. This wasn’t just about leading; it was about ensuring survival. I exhaled slowly, allowing a moment of silence to gather everyone’s attention. “This war isn’t one we sought,” I began, my voice steady yet commanding. “But it is one we must win. Today, we finalize our strategy and set the course for victory.” I gestured for the maps to be unfurled. The intricate details of the enemy’s strongholds, their troop placements, and the surrounding terrain were laid bare before us. My finger traced the map as I spoke. “Our
Now that I had forged an alliance with all the kingdoms, I carried their hopes and fears with me as I led them to the Shadow Pack’s territory. This was where we would prepare for the battle of our lives.The journey took two days. Each step felt heavier than the last, not because of the distance, but because of the responsibility pressing on my shoulders. I was no longer walking alone; I was leading an army of strangers bound together by a fragile trust and a shared goal.It was only when we paused for a break that I realized how far we’d come. The trees and skies were different here, unfamiliar yet oddly welcoming. I had never ventured this far in my entire life.At night, we camped in the woods. The fire crackled softly, throwing shadows on the faces of humans and werewolves sitting together. For the first time, they laughed, shared stories, and passed around food like old friends. I stayed on the edge, watching them. This was the future I dreamed of—a world where the past didn’t ma