RAIDEN POVI should have gone to school. Hell, I even drove halfway there, my tires kicking up the dusty road as I gripped the steering wheel tighter than necessary. But halfway through the winding path, something gnawed at me. The image of Seraphine sitting alone in that house—the cold, suffocating air of Maddox’s shadow looming over her—wouldn’t leave my mind.My hands clenched on the wheel as I imagined Maddox’s towering frame, his sharp, calculating eyes that could strip away your soul. If he suspected Seraphine was hiding anything, he wouldn’t hesitate. He’d crush her. And the way things had been unraveling lately, I had no doubt he was already suspicious.“Damn you, Maddox Gray,” the curse slipped through my teeth as I slowed the car to a stop on the side of the road. My heartbeat was erratic, a mix of fear and dread pounding through me like a relentless drumbeat. I sat there for a moment, gripping the wheel so hard my knuckles turned white. “Damn it,” I muttered, slamming my p
LIANA I stared at the wall Reed had just punched, the crack spreading like a spider web across the surface. For a second, I thought the entire house might collapse from the force of his fury. Then, just like that, he stormed off, his boots pounding against the floor, echoing louder than the thoughts swirling in my head. I blinked a few times, trying to piece together what just happened.“What’s his problem?” I asked, turning to the three men still standing awkwardly in the living room. Asher’s arms were crossed tightly over his chest. Callum was rubbing the back of his neck, and Malcolm—well, Malcolm was staring at me like I’d just grown a second head.No one answered me. They just exchanged glances like I was some kind of puzzle they couldn’t figure out.“What?” I pressed, throwing up my hands. “Did I say something wrong?”Callum’s jaw tightened, and he muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like “Unbelievable.” Asher shook his head and started walking toward
MADDOX’s POVThe air in my study was still, thick with the scent of aged whiskey and the remnants of cigar smoke. The desk before me was cluttered with maps and papers outlining our borders, but my mind had shifted from the elusive “border girl” to the unfinished business I had left behind. Seraphine.I had been interrupted at the worst possible moment. My wife’s body, warm beneath me, her breath shallow and quick, had been the only thing anchoring my restless thoughts until that damn servant barged in with news that couldn’t wait. And now, as I pushed away from my chair, I was ready to pick up where we left off.The corridors of my castle were eerily quiet as I strode toward my chambers. The faint shuffle of servants echoed in the distance, but the moment they spotted me, they froze in place, their eyes lowered in fear. I smirked at their trembling forms; power was a drug, and I was thoroughly addicted.When I reached my room, I swung the door open, already prepared to demand Seraphi
CALLUM POVI stormed into the study, slamming the door shut behind me, the echo reverberating through the house like my boiling anger. My fists clenched at my sides as I paced the room, every word Liana had said replaying in my head like a broken record. If Raiden begged me properly, I’d take him back. What kind of nonsense was that? After everything, after we saved her, protected her, gave her a damn home! I felt like a fool for even tolerating her presence here.The door creaked open, and Asher stepped in, his usual calm demeanor masking whatever storm brewed inside him. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, his sharp green eyes narrowing at me.“You’re mad,” he observed dryly. “Don’t break anything this time.”I stopped pacing, running a hand through my hair as I glared at him. “Mad? Oh, I’m beyond mad, Ash. Did you hear her? If Raiden begged me properly!” I spat the words like poison. “After all he did to her? After he tossed her aside like trash, she has the audacity to
LIANA’S POVI woke up to the golden streaks of sunlight pouring through the tall windows of the Benetts’ mansion. The light illuminated the room, soft and warm, but I felt anything but comforted. The bed beneath me was soft, the duvet cocooned around my frame like a protective shield, but my chest felt heavy. My heart ached. I rubbed my temples, hoping to massage away the sting of regret and self-loathing that had lodged itself there overnight.The memory of the previous day played on repeat in my mind. Reed’s expression—cold, distant, and devoid of the warmth I had begun to cherish—was burned into my memory. His silence had spoken louder than any words. If Raiden begs me properly, I’ll go back to him. A foolish statement, born of my own fear and anger, and now, the sting of its aftermath was unbearable. I had tried all through yesterday to get him to talk to me or at least to see me but all he did was shut me out like I was nothing to him. I sighed as I swung my legs off the bed, t
REED’S POVThe clock on the bedside table blinked 2:03 AM in bold red digits, a mocking reminder of how long I had been awake. I stood by the window of my room, staring out into the dark expanse of the Bennett estate. The cool night air filtered through the slightly ajar window, but it did little to calm the storm raging inside me. Her words echoed in my mind like a cruel refrain: If Raiden begs me properly, I’ll go back to him.My fists tightened at my sides as I leaned against the windowsill, the cold marble digging into my palms. The girl who had burrowed her way into my guarded heart had twisted the knife without even realizing it. I had opened up to her—let her see parts of me I kept hidden from everyone else. And in return, she had reminded me why I had vowed to keep my distance from people in the first place.By 2: 30 AM, I was pacing the length of my room, the soft padding of my bare feet against the wooden floor the only sound. My wolf growled faintly, a restless beast yearn
LIANA’S POVThe air felt stifling as I sat in the principal’s office, flanked by Asher and Callum. Their presence didn’t do much to comfort me; if anything, it made me more nervous. The room smelled faintly of polished wood and coffee, but I couldn’t focus on anything but the unfamiliar environment I’d been thrown into.This wasn’t just any school—it was a shifter’s school, a place for werewolves who hasn’t shifted like me. A school meant to teach us control, discipline, and strength. Yet here I was, feeling anything but strong. The principal, a graying man with sharp eyes that seemed to see too much, leaned back in his chair, observing me with a mix of curiosity and formality. He had greeted Asher and Callum with familiarity, their exchange filled with subtle nods and small talk about Reed.“Reed couldn’t make it?” the principal asked, his tone casual but laced with interest.“He’s busy with work,” Callum replied curtly. “You know how he is.”The principal chuckled softly. “Of cours
RAIDEN’S POVThe morning air was cold against my skin as I sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. My wolf, Fang, stirred within me, restless and hyped. It was unusual for him to be this way so early in the morning, especially considering everything we’d been through in the past two weeks. But I brushed it off as his way of coping, perhaps convincing himself that life wasn’t all that bleak.I threw off the sheets and got to my feet, stretching. My mind replayed fragments of dreams I couldn’t quite piece together. There was a feeling I couldn’t shake—a tug in my chest, almost like an itch that wouldn’t go away. I shook my head, pushing the sensation aside. Today was just another day, and I didn’t have time for cryptic emotions.After a quick shower, I dressed in my usual attire—black jeans, a dark grey t-shirt, and a leather jacket. As I stood in front of the mirror brushing my hair, my wolf, Fang, hummed with excitement. “Calm down,” I muttered under my breath. He responded wi
LILA’S POVThe weight of the blade felt heavier than I expected. It wasn’t just silver—it was power, chaos, and death molded into a weapon and sealed with the blood with the most powerful Alpha to have ever existed. And now, it rested in my trembling hands, hidden beneath the folds of my cloak as I slipped through the shadows of the Crescent Moon Company. My heart hammered in my chest, the sound drowning out the muffled chatter of employees as they passed me by, oblivious to the treachery unfolding right under their noses.I had done it. After years of planning, lying, and earning their trust, I had the Silver Blade. The very weapon I had been sent here for.Reed trusted me the most. That thought twisted something sharp in my chest. I had seen the admiration in his eyes when he spoke of my loyalty and dedication. “You’re more than just an assistant, Lila. You’re family,” he’d said once. Family. The word made my stomach churn.I wasn’t part of their family. I never had been.I still re
REED’S POVThe living room felt heavier than usual. The dim light from the overhead chandelier did little to illuminate the tension in the air. Callum was pacing, his boots scuffing against the wooden floor, while Asher leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his ever-present frown deeper than usual. Malcolm sat stiffly in the armchair, his fingers tapping a restless rhythm on the armrest. I stood near the window, staring out into the darkness, trying to gather my thoughts as the weight of the missing silver blade pressed down on me.It was Callum who broke the silence, his voice sharp and clipped. “The blade is really gone.”I turned to face him, my brows furrowing. “We’re all aware of that, Callum. The real question is—who took it?”Malcolm shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his face pale. “Do we have any solid leads? Any idea who might’ve done this?”Asher, ever the skeptic, pushed off the wall. “I think it’s Maddox,” he said, his tone cold. “He’s been way too quiet lately. If he’s
ORION’S POVThe silence of the night was deceptive—a calm before the chaos I was about to unleash. The Blood Moon Pack, nestled in the shadow of a thick forest, was oblivious to the danger creeping toward it. The moon was a mere sliver in the sky, offering little light as my men and I waited just beyond the treeline. I could hear the faint hum of their nightly routines: laughter from a few houses, the occasional bark of a restless dog, and the quiet rustle of leaves as the wind passed through.I crouched low, my dagger, glinting in the dim moonlight, and scanned the village ahead. Smoke curled from chimneys, blending into the starless sky. These people—soft, complacent—had no idea what awaited them. My orders were clear: infiltrate, destroy, and extract information about the girl. Liana Harper, as the pack members screamed her name out just by the picture I showed them. A name whispered among Kade’s circle, tied to something far greater than anyone in this pack could comprehend.“Move
REED’S POVThe drive home stretched on, each second dragging as my mind spiraled deeper into the chaos that had become my reality. The hum of the car engine was the only sound, blending with the faint whispers of Liana’s soft breathing. My grip on the steering wheel was vice-like, my knuckles whitening under the strain. It felt like if I let go, even for a second, everything would fall apart—both the car and my sanity.I risked another glance at her, curled up in the passenger seat. Her hair framed her face like a halo, the gentle rise and fall of her chest so steady, so calm, it was maddening. How could she sleep after what had happened? How could she find peace in a world that seemed hellbent on tearing her apart?I forced my gaze back to the road, the memory of her limping figure still fresh in my mind. Her ankle had been twisted, swollen beyond reason, and the pain in her eyes when she tried to take even a single step… It was unbearable. She hadn’t cried, though. Not once. That st
SERAPHINE’S POV I sat in my office, my hands working methodically as I mixed herbal extracts into small vials. Healing was a task I had always found solace in—a task that demanded focus and helped quiet the noise in my head. Silver Crest Academy, with all its bustling chaos, gave me purpose. Today, however, the usual hum of my work felt disrupted, like the air itself was charged with something unusual. “Have you heard? Three identical triplets just arrived at the academy,” one of the younger healers murmured as she passed by my door. I rolled my eyes, brushing off the comment. Students and staff were always enamored with gossip, especially when it involved anything remotely dramatic. I had no time for distractions. There were too many responsibilities on my shoulders, and I couldn’t afford to indulge in idle talk.Still, when I saw Raiden walking briskly past my office moments later, my instincts sharpened. He wasn’t just walking—he was practically running, his face set with tensio
LIANA’S POVI watched as the tension in the room continued to increase. Reed stood in the middle of the principal’s office like an alpha commanding his pack, his presence making everyone else seem small, fragile even. He was seething, his jaw clenched tight, his hands fisted at his sides as he loomed over the trembling principal. It was impossible to reconcile this version of Reed with the man who had avoided me yesterday, the same one who had refused to meet my eyes at breakfast this morning. But now… now he stood before me, ready to tear the world apart because someone had hurt me. The principal’s voice wavered as he tried to explain. “I-I had no idea such an incident would occur. I’ve already called the girls responsible. They’ll be here shortly to apologize.”“You called them to apologize?” Reed’s voice was low, dangerous, and laced with venom. “You think an apology fixes this?”The principal shrank back, his face pale as he stumbled over his words. “I-it’s procedure, Mr. Benne
REED’S POVThe office reeked of tension and adrenaline. The moment that man stammered his way into the room, pale and trembling. I knew something was terribly wrong. But nothing, absolutely nothing, could have prepared me for what we found on the thirty-fifth floor.The room was in chaos—glass shards from display cases littered the floor, alarms blaring in the distance, and a faint, metallic scent of blood lingered in the air. My gut twisted as I scanned the destruction, my eyes locking on the empty pedestal in the centre of the room.The silver blade. It wasn’t just any blade—it was the blade. A weapon forged with the raw power of the moon’s forces, said to be capable of slaying any supernatural creature, no matter their strength. It could strip an alpha of their power with a single strike, severing bonds and destroying the essence of the wolf within. Its origin were shrouded in mystery, but one thing was clear: it was the most dangerous artifact in existence, and now it was gone.“
CALLUM’S POVThe car purred softly as we pulled into the underground parking lot of our company. I gripped the steering wheel loosely, letting the silence between Asher and me stretch for a few moments. He was the first to break it, naturally.“Do you think she’ll be okay?” His voice carried a hint of concern, though he tried to mask it with his usual calm demeanor. I knew exactly who he was talking about. Liana. Her first day at school. I leaned back in the seat, pretending not to care. “She’ll survive.”“You could at least pretend to care, Callum.”I turned to face him, raising a brow. “Why? She’s the one who got everyone upset and irritated with her crap about her going back to Raiden if he begged better. Let her figure it out on her first day at school on her own. Maybe she’ll finally understand that not everything revolves around her little tantrums.”Asher sighed, running the back of his neck. “You’re so emotionally constipated, it’s almost impressive.”I shrugged, throwing the
KADE’S POVThe room was dimly lit, the flickering flames in the hearth casting dancing shadows across the mahogany walls. My study, though vast and adorned with trophies of war, felt suffocating. It was very much still moon but my study was very much draped in darkness as I loved it. The soft rustle of papers on my desk blended with crackling of firewood, but nothing could drown the storm brewing in my chest.I leaned back in my chair, my robe barely clinging to my shoulders, exposing the deep scars etched across my chest—reminders of battles fought and enemies conquered. My fingers toyed with the rim of my glass, the amber liquid within barely touched.She was out there. Somewhere. The girl. Her face haunted me, like a ghost whispering though the folds of my mind. I didn’t know her name, but I’d memorized every detail of her picture. The curve of her jaw, the defiance in her eyes, and the birthmark on her neck—a perfect crescent moon. It was maddening. She was indeed the key I’ve bee