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
The grip I had on Scar’s neck loosened slightly as I stared into his wide, terrified eyes. His lips quivered, and his hands trembled against mine, clutching at my wrist in a desperate attempt—not to fight back but to plead for mercy.“P-please don’t,” he stammered, his voice cracking under the weight of fear. “Please don’t hurt me. I’ll do whatever you say.”I arched a brow, disbelief flooding through me. His words were desperate but lacked conviction. Could I trust him to follow through? I leaned in slightly, my voice dropping to a cold whisper. “You’ll do as I say?”He nodded frantically, his head bobbing like a marionette. “Yes, yes! Just… let me live.”For a moment, the room was silent, save for his ragged breaths and the faint groans of his incapacitated guards. My wolf growled softly in the back of my mind, urging me to hold my ground, to show no weakness. But this wasn’t about brute strength anymore—it was about strategy.Slowly, I released him, watching as his feet hit the flo
The tension in the air was thick, the weight of the deal between Scar and me still settling over us. But just as I turned to face him, ready to discuss our next move, the earth beneath our feet trembled. A low rumble echoed through the kingdom, vibrating the stone walls and sending a shiver down my spine. Scar’s eyes widened in recognition. “She’s here with her army,” he muttered, his voice tinged with something between fear and respect. “Who?” I asked, narrowing my eyes as I stepped closer. My instincts were on high alert. I hadn’t sensed anyone approaching, not even with my heightened senses. “The Wolf Queen of the Skrill Pack,” Scar said, his jaw tightening. “And they’re here for war.” My heart sank. The Skrill Pack. They had been a long-standing rival to the Blood Pack. Fierce, relentless, and with an unmatched army of warriors, they were a constant threat. But this? This was unexpected. Their presence was a clear sign that something had shifted. They weren’t here just for
The Wolf Queen's grip tightened around my neck, her claws pressing against my skin. Stars danced in my vision, and my breath grew faint. Just as I felt myself slipping away, my Null Wolf stirred, an unstoppable force surging through me. My vision sharpened, and a fierce growl erupted from deep within. Summoning all my strength, I raised my knee and drove it into her chest with a force that sent her sprawling back across the boundaries.The Queen crashed into the ground, a cloud of dust erupting around her. Her warriors immediately rushed to her side, but they hesitated at the edge of the booby traps, growling in frustration.Scar stepped closer to me, his voice low but urgent. “Are you insane? You just attacked their queen. They’ll rip us apart.”I shook my head, my breathing ragged but steady. “No, they won’t. Not yet.” My gaze fixed on the Wolf Queen as she rose, brushing herself off like the fall was nothing. Her sharp eyes locked with mine, blazing with fury and pride.“Let’s stri
The queen moved first, her speed nearly inhuman as she lunged at Cathrine. The Null Wolf barely managed to sidestep in time, her enhanced reflexes saving her from a devastating blow. Ash’s claws raked through the air where Cathrine had been standing, the force of her swipe sending a gust of wind whipping past.Cathrine retaliated quickly, her foot connecting with Ash’s side in a powerful kick. The queen stumbled but didn’t fall, her snarling face twisting in anger."You’re quick," Ash admitted, circling Cathrine like a predator sizing up its prey. "But speed won’t save you."Cathrine didn’t reply. She focused on Ash’s movements, watching for any sign of weakness. The queen’s confidence was evident, but Cathrine could sense something else—a faint hesitation, almost imperceptible.The two clashed again, their blows echoing across the battleground. Ash’s strength was undeniable, but Cathrine’s Null Wolf abilities gave her an edge. Her resilience allowed her to absorb the queen’s attacks
The air between Ash and me was thick with tension. Our earlier fight still simmered in the background, but something else now hung in the space between us—something I hadn’t expected. A shift, a subtle change. I could feel it, just as I could feel the weight of all the eyes from both packs on us, watching, waiting.This moment was pivotal, and I knew I had to speak. My next words would determine everything.Taking a deep breath, I straightened, my heart pounding in my chest. This wasn’t just a battle for survival anymore. This was something they needed to know .“I need to tell you something,” I said, my voice steady, though I could hear the slight tremor beneath it. I wasn’t sure if it was fear or anticipation, but I pushed it down. “I’m not just a Null Wolf. I’m a wolf queen just like you. A stronger queen than most can imagine.”Ash’s sharp gaze flicked to mine, narrowing slightly. Her stance remained unwavering, but I could sense the shift in her. She didn’t let it show, but I kne
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