Just as Cathrine’s unease grew deeper, she felt a sudden, unexpected tap on her back. Her breath caught in her throat as her heart raced, and she spun around, startled. Her mind was already racing with the worst possibilities, wondering who could be behind her in this unfamiliar place. When her eyes finally landed on the person standing there, her shock was undeniable.The King's son."Hi," the man said with a calm, almost casual smile, as if he hadn’t just given her the fright of her life.Cathrine blinked, trying to steady her breathing, her hand pressed to her chest. "Hi," she responded after a beat, her voice shaky as she exhaled slowly, relieved it wasn't anyone dangerous. She couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped her, more from nerves than anything. "You startled me.""Sorry about that," he replied, his tone apologetic but lighthearted. "I'm Dylan. We saw each other earlier."Dylan. The name hit her like a wave as she remembered catching a glimpse of him when they had arriv
After what felt like miles of walking, they finally arrived at the palace. The grand structure loomed before them, its towering walls casting long shadows as the sun began to set. Cathrine took in the sight, her legs aching from the long walk, but something about the place made her uneasy. It wasn’t just the grandeur or the eerily quiet surroundings—it was something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on.Luca, who had been carrying both his and Cathrine’s bags, trailed behind them in silence. His eyes were fixed on the path ahead, but Cathrine could sense the tension in his steps. Dylan, was leading them with brisk strides, his expression unreadable.Dylan finally spoke, his voice cutting through the stillness. "This way," he said, gesturing towards the palace entrance.Luca glanced around as they walked in, his gaze lingering on the ornate carvings on the walls. The place was old, ancient even, but well-preserved. There was something about it that unsettled him, though he couldn'
Cathrine’s footsteps echoed in the dark as she approached them, her eyes glowing, burning with a rage that couldn’t be contained. Her body moved with purpose, each step filled with the promise of destruction.One of the men, clearly the bravest or the most foolish of the group, raised his gun, aiming directly at her. His finger barely touched the trigger when Cathrine blurred into motion. In a heartbeat, she closed the distance between them, grabbing the gun from his hands and crushing it as if it were made of plastic. The man’s eyes widened in shock, disbelief etched on his face. He hadn’t even had time to process what happened before her fist connected with his jaw. The force of the blow sent him stumbling backward, his balance lost as he crashed to the ground.The other men stood frozen for a moment, shock rippling through them like a wave. But shock quickly turned to anger. They charged at her, their expressions twisted in fury, but it was a mistake. These men didn’t stand a chanc
"It's because I love you, Cathrine," Luca finally admitted, his voice trembling with emotion as the words spilled out. He stepped closer to her, his gaze intense and unrelenting. "I love you. I always have."Cathrine’s breath caught in her throat, her heart skipping a beat at his confession. She blinked, trying to process his words. He loves me? It was a surprise—one she hadn’t anticipated. For so long, she had suppressed her own feelings, burying them beneath the weight of everything else happening around them. She liked him too, but she had always kept it within her, hidden beneath layers of doubt and uncertainty.“I know it may sound strange because I’m not your mate, but…” Luca’s voice faltered, as if the next words were too difficult to say.Before he could finish his sentence, Cathrine acted on impulse. She closed the gap between them, crashing her lips against his with an urgency that took them both by surprise. She kissed him fiercely, silencing whatever hesitation had lingere
“Interesting. So, who’s this wolf you say was spotted at the warehouse?” Orchard’s voice was calm, yet a glint of intrigue sparkled in his eyes as he turned to Dylan. The tension in the room was thick, and everyone seemed to lean in slightly, awaiting the response.“His name is Luca,” Dylan replied. “And… he’s in the palace.”Orchard’s expression shifted, his lips pressing into a thin line. He wasted no time, turning to face two guards who stood stationed nearby, their faces tense and alert.“Go find him,” Orchard ordered, his tone hard and unforgiving. “Dylan, you’ll show them exactly where this wolf is hiding. Catch him. Bring him to me—alive.” The last word echoed through the room, cold and sharp. The guards nodded, a flicker of determination in their eyes as they followed Dylan.*************Meanwhile, Luca sat silently, his eyes fixed on the bathroom door as he waited for Cathrine. The minutes stretched out like hours, each one slower than the last. He could hear the faint sound
Just then, Dylan walked toward her, trying to put on his most sincere expression. He thought comforting her would be the best way to win her over, to become the person she would turn to for solace. But he didn’t realize that her heart had already been taken—taken by Luca, the very man he had just betrayed. He stepped closer, moving with careful intent, and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. The touch seemed to break something within her. Catherine turned to him, her eyes blazing, and slapped him across the face. “You monster! How could you let them take Luca away?” she yelled, her voice trembling with fury. Dylan winced but tried to keep his composure. "Catherine, calm down. It’s not what you think. It’s… it’s not my fault,” he stammered, clearly rattled by her rage. "How is it not your fault?” Catherine screamed, pushing him back as her fists pounded against his chest, fueled by raw anger and pain. "It’s not my fault, Catherine!" Dylan shouted back, finally losing his pati
They were under attack. The warning came in a blare of trumpets that echoed through the air. Before Cathrine could fully grasp what was happening, the crowd erupted into chaos, with people scattering in every direction, fleeing as fast as their legs could carry them.Cathrine watched in confusion, her eyes darting around, taking in the frenzied scene. Her heart pounded, her mind reeling as she tried to understand why everyone was running. But amid the terror, one thing caught her attention and brought her a strange sense of relief: Luca’s execution had been interrupted. Even the executioner, who only moments before had stood ready to take Luca’s life, had dropped his weapon and joined the panicked crowd, desperate to escape whatever threat loomed over them all.She glanced toward the royal platform and spotted the king himself, hurriedly making his way through the grand hallway that stretched toward his private chambers. She saw him disappear into the shadows, likely seeking refuge wi
Dennis plunged downward, all his strength directed into the fierce strike, his sole intention to drive the knife into Luca. But Luca reacted fast, his hands shooting up to catch Dennis’s wrists, and for a moment, the two men were locked in a desperate struggle.Dennis pressed down harder, his muscles straining as he bore his weight into the blade, pushing it mere inches above Luca’s chest. Luca gritted his teeth, fighting back with all his might, but he was starting to weaken under Dennis’s unyielding force. The blade wavered, inching closer to his heart with each passing second. The struggle between them was silent but filled with deadly intent, the air thick with the tension of a battle that could end in a heartbeat.But then, from the corner of his eye, Dennis noticed Cathrine edging closer. Her presence disrupted his focus, breaking his concentration for just a moment. Seizing the opportunity, Dennis tore himself free from Luca and turned on Cathrine with cold intent. Without a se
A howl erupted, echoing in the distance. My chest pushed forward involuntarily, and I felt my bones shatter into a million pieces.Pain radiated through me as my hands twisted unnaturally, bones protruding through my skin. A scream escaped my lips as my structure began to change."It's going to be okay," I heard Luca’s voice behind me, but it sounded distant and muffled.Hairs sprouted from my skin, and before I could process it, everything changed. I stood shakily on my feet, feeling a strange, primal energy coursing through me.I glanced at the priest, noticing the fear in his eyes. Why was he so scared? Turning around, I faced Luca, and even he looked shocked.Why were they all staring like that? Confused, I stepped toward the mirror with trembling legs. What I saw made my heart pound.Standing before me was a massive, furry wolf. Its presence sent chills through me—until I realized it was me. My wolf.Its eyes glowed red, and its fur was a striking mixture of black and brown. I to
My eyes widened in shock, heart pounding as I saw Kieran lift his hand, aiming for Luca’s neck. I’d always known Kieran was a man without dignity or integrity, but to stoop so low? This was beyond anything I could have imagined.Adrenaline surged through me as I launched myself at him. My shoulder collided with his side just as his hand began its descent. The impact sent both of us crashing to the ground, a sharp gasp escaping my lips. The metallic scent of dirt and sweat filled the air as I scrambled to regain my footing.The heavy thud of our fall drew Luca's attention. He turned toward us, his face frozen in shock. For a moment, the battleground fell silent. The crowd that had been roaring moments before now held their breaths, their collective tension thick in the air.I glanced up at Luca and saw the disbelief in his eyes. It was as if he couldn’t reconcile the betrayal he had just witnessed—the man he had spared trying to stab him in the back.I pushed myself off the ground, bru
Luca raised the sword high, his muscles taut with tension. The crowd held its breath, the arena falling deathly silent. All eyes were on him as the blade glinted in the moonlight.With a guttural roar, Luca brought the sword down.Gasps rippled through the crowd. But instead of piercing Kieran, the blade slammed into the dirt, embedding itself mere inches from his face.Kieran froze. His heart thundered in his chest as the dust from the impact clouded the air around him. Slowly, his trembling body gave way, and he collapsed backward, his arms weak beneath him.A moment passed before Kieran squeezed his eyes shut, his breath coming in rapid, shallow bursts. His body shook uncontrollably, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t stop the tremors. Fear gripped him, cold and unrelenting, like chains pulling him down into the abyss.The metallic tang of sweat filled his mouth as he forced himself to open his eyes. His gaze landed on the sword, its edge still gleaming dangerously close
Bang! The swords met with a deafening clash, sparks flying as the blades collided. Luca’s arms trembled from the force of the strike, his body slick with sweat. He had been fighting Kieran for over an hour, yet the man showed no sign of tiring. This can’t be right, Luca thought, his muscles screaming, but Kieran still fought with the same unyielding strength.Luca’s legs wobbled as he dodged another strike, the weight of his sword growing heavier with each swing. His breathing was labored, his chest rising and falling in quick bursts, yet Kieran didn’t seem to be slowing down. The smirk on Kieran’s face only seemed to grow, his eyes gleaming with an intensity that sent a chill down Luca’s spine. He shouldn’t be able to do this. I’m stronger than him. But something was wrong. Something Luca couldn’t explain.Cathrine watched from the sidelines, her eyes narrowed in disbelief. Her heart pounded in her chest, but it wasn’t just from the intensity of the fight. It was Kieran. His energy w
"Fine, it’s a deal. If you accept it, then I’ll give you the support you need," Maximoff said firmly, his voice echoing across the tense room."Dad, how can you? You’re practically sending people to die!" Kieran cut in, his tone sharp with disbelief."He’s someone with sense, Kieran," Luca replied before Maximoff could respond. "He’s not like you. He pictures a better future, not one destroyed by Damian’s chaos.""Shut up, Luca! You’re nothing. You have no right to decide what happens here," Kieran shot back, his eyes blazing with anger. "You’re not even worthy of the position given to you. That’s why I, Kieran Maximoff, challenge you to a showdown at sunset. A battle to the death. The winner keeps the throne.""Kieran, are you out of your mind?" Maximoff exclaimed, his face tightening in shock.Before he could say more, Luca raised a hand, signaling him to stop. "You want to fight, huh?" Luca said, his voice calm yet menacing. "Fine. I accept your challenge. If you’re man enough to f
Luca Maximoff.The atmosphere of the pack shifted as Maximoff announced his decision. A murmur rippled through the crowd, spreading like wildfire, voices hushed but thick with shock. No one had expected this—least of all the people who had devoted their lives to Kieran, believing he would be Maximoff’s successor.Kieran’s expression was unreadable at first, but his eyes soon betrayed him. Shock, anger, and disbelief flashed across his face, each emotion sharper than the last. He had grown up his whole life believing this role would one day be his. Now, to hear that the title would go to someone else—someone he barely knew as a brother—was a blow he could hardly comprehend.Even Cathrine, standing off to the side, was stunned. She could hardly believe it. Luca is Maximoff’s son? she thought, her heart pounding as her mind raced through the implications. She hadn’t known. None of them had.Kieran’s eyes burned as he stared at Luca, his once-familiar gaze turning hostile and venomous. Th
Luca stared at Maximoff for a moment, letting the silence linger between them. He finally cracked a smile, though there was no humor in it. Shaking his head, he muttered, “That’s a really nice coincidence.”“I’m not sure that’s a coincidence, Luca,” Maximoff replied, his voice unusually serious. “What if—”“It can’t be,” Luca snapped, cutting him off, a defensive edge creeping into his voice.“You have to face the truth, Luca. I’m your father.” Maximoff’s tone was steady but filled with something deeper, something almost…regretful.“No.” Luca’s voice was barely a whisper, but each word carried an undeniable force. “You’re not. You’re Kieran’s father. My real father…he died a long time ago. He fell in a battle I led.” The memory of that day flickered in Luca’s mind—a day filled with blood, loss, and the pride of knowing he’d avenged his fallen father.Maximoff shook his head slowly, his gaze unwavering. “He wasn’t your real father, Luca. I am. The man you called ‘father’…he only took
“Answer me, Luca. Did you look her in the eye?” the priest yelled, his voice echoing sharply against the chamber walls. The room was tense, shadows flickering in the dim candlelight that seemed to dance in his eyes.“Yes, I did,” Luca shot back, his tone laced with a mix of defiance and regret. “There was no other way! She told me that if I wanted to save Cathrine, I’d have to lose my wolf.”His fists clenched as he took a steadying breath, struggling to keep his emotions in check. “I did it. I did it for Cath… for everyone. Cathrine is the only one who can stop Damian. She can’t die, not now—not when we need her the most.”The priest’s face softened, his anger fading into something like sympathy. He let out a long, heavy sigh, shaking his head. “You shouldn’t have done that, Luca. That’s a heavy price to pay. You should have tried to convince her, or looked for another way.”Luca’s face twisted with frustration, his voice breaking slightly as he spoke. “I tried. She was persistent, a
“What brings you before the Moon Goddess?” The voice echoed through the dark void, deep and calm yet carrying a strange weight that pressed against Luca’s chest.Luca, on his knees with his head bowed, felt the pull of her presence and took a steadying breath. He had prepared himself for this moment, yet now that he was here, his voice wavered. “Dear Goddess of the Moon,” he began, forcing himself to speak clearly, “I have come to ask something of you.”Silence stretched, thick and tense. Then, after a pause that seemed to last forever, the voice answered, cool and almost amused, “And what is that?”Luca’s throat tightened as he fought to keep his composure. “I have come to plead… to save the one I care about.”A low, mocking hum filled the air, almost like a bitter laugh. “Ooh, I see. So, you’re here to save your love. But what makes you think you’ll convince me to spare her when you are not worthy of her?”The accusation stung. Luca flinched, and his heart ached as her words landed