Eleanor's pov
The last thing I remembered before the darkness swllowed my consciousness was me fighting for my life in the dark river and now, I was alive and not just alive but I was on my way to Sebastian's pack.
How in the world did this happen?
I looked down at my hands. The hands my rapists had stabbed when I tried to claw at their faces. There were no scars or bruises on them instead they were silky and smooth. I felt my face. I was warm and alive. The Moon Goddess really granted me my request.
The carriage hurtled to a stop and the horses snorted loudly. We had arrived at the BloodMoon pack.
The carriage door was held open and the coachman, a middle-aged man in black uniform, held out his hand for me.
“We're here, my lady.” Amelia said quietly.
For a moment, I hesitated.
“My lady?” The coachman repeated, his voice snapping me from my intrusive thoughts.
“Right.” I took his hand and was helped down from the carriage.
Amelia came down and held an umbrella over my head. “Shall we, My Lady?”
“S - Sure.”
The tailor's shop was just a few paces ahead and as usual, ladies flooded the entrance. They always did this time of the year. No female wolf missed this season's celebration — The Mating Ceremony. It was a period where everyone would meet their fated mates. 2 years ago, I was excited like they were. I danced like there was no tomorrow and I drank whatever wine was given to me. That same year, I thought I met my mate, not knowing I met the devil himself.
“Make way! Coming through!” Amelia yelled over the uproar. She grabbed my worst as she skewered through the crowd of ladies. Finally, we got in.
“Phew!” Amelia wiped an invisible sweat off her brow. “That was close.”
“I know, right?” I smiled, not because it was funny but because of what was about to happen next.
“Sister?”
“Eleanor!”
Came the voices of two people I never thought I'd see again — Gerta, my seamstress and Loretta, my backstabbing sister.
“You're late, Eleanor.” Loretta linked arms with me. “What happened? I told you to meet me an hour ago.”
Amelia answered in my stead. “She wanted to have one more taste of my apple pie.”
“You’re a greedy little one, aren't you?” Loretta pinched my cheek playfully.
I slapped her hand away, startling her. “Gerta, I want to see my dress, please.”
“Right this way, Eleanor.” Gerta led the way and I followed behind her to the dressing room.
My dress — a pink ball gown shimmering with diamonds and festooned with silver flowers. It was as radiant as it was 2 years ago and I had loved it. I still do.
“Try it on.” Gerta said with a smile.
“Okay.”
With Gerta’s help, I slipped into the gown. She made sure to tighten the corset and add silk where it needed to be added.
Then she took a step back to admire her work. “Gosh. This is the most beautiful dress I have ever made. Go show your sister.”
I bunched the flowing gown at the side and carefully stepped out of the dressing room.
Loretta gasped in suprise when I walked in and so did Amelia.
“Oh my Goodness. You look very beautiful, Eleanor.” Amelia's blue eye sparkled as she gushed over the dress.
“I know, right?” Loretta smiled even though it didn't reach her eyes.
Her dress was purple and was a much dimmer colour. It was difficult to make out the designs etched on the dress. 2 years ago, I had called it a washboard and she had laughed it off. If only I had know she would have her revenge on me.
“I love the dress.” A girl walking past me said with a smile.
I mumbled a “Thank you.” to her and she bade me goodbye as she left the shop.
“So? Are we ready to go? More embellishments?” Gerta pushed her glasses to her face, smiling proudly.
Amelia protested in shock. “Oh no. The diamonds are okay. Do you want her dress to blind everyone at the ceremony?”
Gerta laughed. “Yes. It'll make spending news : Eleanor Caddal and the blinding dress.”
Both women laughed. With a narrowed eyes, I watched Loretta. She tried aid heard to hold her smile. I could tell she was tired and so was I.
“I don't want the dress.” I blurted out.
The two looked at me like I had grown an extra head.
“What?” They asked in unison.
I repeated. “I don't want the dress.”
Gerta rushed to my side. “But why? You want more diamonds? I can make that happen.”
“No,” I laughed. I had almost forgotten how funny Gerta was. Then I cleared my throat. “I want Loretta’s dress. Shiny isn't really my thing.”
“Really?” Loretta asked. Fake tears were already building in her eyes. She really wanted the dress.
“Yeah,” I smiled. “You'd look perfect in it.”
Loretta threw her arms around me in a warm embrace. “Aww. Thank you so much, Sis.”
I patted her back softly. “Anything for my sweet sister.”
“Thank you.”
We pulled away briefly and I touched her hair. She had no idea what I had in store in her.
Night came as quickly as afternoon left and it was time for the mating ceremony.
I slipped into Loretta's dress. It was the perfect fit. I even styled my hair like she did 2 years ago. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I decide on my last look. I made a black dot on my upper lip with my lip liner. It was a natural look Loretta was born with but I couldn't let her wear it tonight. It'd ruin my plan.
When I was satisfied with my look, I pushed back my seat and went to her room.
“Hey, Loretta.” I greeted as soon as I arrived. “Let me do your makeup.”
“Really?” she asked with surprise.
“Of course.” I beamed her a smile.
“Thanks.”
I painted her face the same way I did years ago. I even hid her birthmark. Lastly, I tapped my finger on an open pomegranate and smeared it all over the lips.
“I'm done.” I passed her a mirror.
“Goodness. This is amazing. You have a gift, Eleanor,” Loretta rose to her feet, admiring her looks. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you, sis.” I wrapped my arms around her and quickly took the potion she had hidden in the flounce of her dress.
“I'll go get the carriage ready” she skipped away happily.
I took one look at the potion bottle. The same potion bottle that helped ruin my life. Before my death, at the mating ceremony, Loretta had slipped a drop of this potion into my drink and Sebastian's. Her plan was to make him sleep with me to avoid getting married to him and when that happened, father insisted I get married to him and being stupid, I happily agreed but no. History won't repeat itself. This time I'll have the last laugh.
We arrived at the pack and few minutes into entering the ballroom, a lot of people were calling me Loretta and Loretta, me. We'd laugh at the misunderstanding and correct them. While Loretta's was more of a joke, mine was a real laugh. I was enjoying the way things were playing out.
The moment the trumpetters announced the arrival of the Lycan King, I took that as my cue.
I grabbed two champagne flutes and slipped a drop of the potion into them.
“Hold that thought.” I poured the entire thing into both flutes and gave them a good swirl. “Good. Now, you can fuck each other to your heart's content.”
I carefully took both glasses to Loretta. “You must be thirsty. Here.”
“Thanks.” She grabbed the glass from me and took a sip. “You don't know how I've wanted one. I can barely breathe in this dress.”
Don't worry. Sebastian will rip it off your body.
“Can you hold this? I'll be right back.” I said.
“Okay.”
I literally flew out tof sight and hid behind a pillar.
Just in time, Sebastian appeared and began to talk to her. Then I watched him take the glass from her and down everything.
“Brilliant.” I whispered.
He linked arms with her and they disappeared from the hall. This was almost too easy.
I snatched a champagne flute from one of the maids and took a sip. Plan A was done. It's all down to Plan B. In two years time, I'll have my powers and I can't wait for it to happen.
Sebastian's povI sat in my office going over last night's event.Who started the fire and why?It was a question no one had an answer to. Not even I had an answer to it. There were no traces of gasoline or fossil fuel. There were even no traces of match boxes or a lighter or anything that could start a fire. It was as though the fire started on it's own and that was impossible. Fire didn't just started by itself. There had to be a manmade interference. Someone caused this fire but who?A light knock snapped me from my thoughts and I looked up. It was Luca, my beta.I leaned back into my seat, wondering why he was here. “Yes?”“Sir, the meeting is about to begin.” He said.Oh, the meeting with delegates from the Bloodfang pack. I had completely forgotten about it.“Sure. Let's go.” I said.Usually, I would take the shorter way to the meeting hall but this time, I felt like I needed to clear my head from last night so I decided to take a longer route though the hall leading to the gard
Eleanor's povThe joy I felt in my heart was something I hadn't felt in a while.By now Sebastian must have realized his mistake. The woman he had slept with thinking it was me, was actually my sister, Loretta. My plan had perfectly played out the way I wanted it to.I could imagine the look on Sebastian's face. My victory was a punch to his gut. Now, he had slept with Loretta, he would have to marry her.When Loretta heard the news, she was devastated. 2 years ago, she had planned this to avoid getting married to Sebastian because of the rumours about him. Sebastian wasn't exactly a benevolent king and the praises people sang about him were not cheerful ones.I watched Loretta sobs and pleaded with father to renounce the marriage pact with Sebastian and he refused. The deed had already been done.With a sly smile, I revealed to Loretta that I had intentionally deceived her and congratulated her on her happily hellish (married) life.While in father's office, Sebastian wouldn't stop s
Eleanor's povAs I entered the room, I found a familiar silhouette.“Who are you?” I asked, fearing the worst.The person turned around and my heart skipped a beat.It was Sebastian.Sebastian stood in the center of the room, his green orbs piercing mine. He looked tired, like he hadn't slept in days and I wonder why.I narrowed my eyes as he took a step closer. “Alpha Sebastian, to what I owe… the surprise visit?”Sebastian cleared his throat. Despite his polished looks, there was something broken about it. Like I give a damn what it was. “You look different, Eleanor.”I raised an eyebrow. “Different… Is that all you came here to say?”His jaw tightened for a moment before he finally replied. “Loretta is miserable.”I let out a soft laugh. “And how is that my problem?”Sebastian took another step closer. “I don't know why she is but I figured you should know why.”I crossed my arms over my chest and scoffed again. I did not just leave my potatoes for this.“If anyone should know, it
Chapter 7Eleanor's POV The celebration was supposed to be my moment—an evening to honor my rise as the pack’s new Alpha—but of course, nothing ever went as planned. I couldn't stop smiling as I stood before the mirror, adjusting my long red gown. The silky fabric clung to my frame in all the right places, shimmering under the candlelight. Today was my day- my Alpha ceremony.Outside, the castle grounds were alive with movement. Red and gold banners fluttered in the evening breeze. The scent of roasted venison and spiced mead filled the air as pack members laughed and chatted in excitement. Everything was perfect. Except for one thing.Would he come? The thought made my fingers twitch as I fastened my bracelet. The last time Sebastian and I had spoken, his words had nearly made me falter. "You're the one I wanted." The sincerity in his voice had shaken me more than I cared to admit. But it was too late for regrets. I inhaled deeply, pushing the memory away. Tonight is about
Eleanor's POVI run blindly through a forest that has transformed into a living nightmare. Every step feels as though it reverberates through my very soul, the pounding of my heart matching the frantic rhythm of my feet against the damp ground. The trees around me have become sinister silhouettes, their gnarled branches reaching out like desperate, skeletal hands in the dark. Shadows twist and merge, creating a disorienting image that blurs the line between reality and terror.Breathless and suffocating under the weight of my fear, I can barely form the word "Help!" My voice, raw and hoarse, barely forms through the silence. Instead, I am met with the hollow echo of my own plea—a mocking whisper that bounces back from unseen corners of the dark forest. Every echo feels like an accusation, a reminder that I am utterly alone and helpless.I fight against the rising tide of despair and try to tap into the power I know lies dormant within me. I imagine a blazing fire, a fierce inferno th
Eleanor's POV I awoke with a steely resolve the next day, the lingering tendrils of the nightmare still clinging to the edges of my consciousness. The terror hadn't defined me, though; it had fueled me. I was stronger than my darkest dreams.With my rebirth had come a new persona that dared to face everything I bowed before in my previous life.My first move was to find my Beta, Ryker. His rugged presence was a source of both comfort and strength, his sharp blue eyes reflecting an equally sharp mind. Ryker was always ready to act without asking why."Ryker, I need your help," I said, my voice steady.His expression turned serious. "What is it, Alpha?""I want to investigate the werewolf hunters," I explained, a controlled anger lacing my words. "I need to know who they are, what they want, and why they're targeting us." The memory of their past attacks, their attempt to break me, was a burning ember in my gut.Ryker nodded without hesitation even though I was certain he knew nothing
Sebastian's POVI sit at my grand oak desk, its surface littered with scrolls and ledgers detailing the urgent matters discussed at the recent elders’ meeting—issues of state that demand my attention. Yet, no matter how earnestly I try to focus, my thoughts drift inexorably to her: Eleanor.Her memory is a persistent whisper in the back of my mind. Our last encounter replays like a mesmerizing melody—the tilt of her head, the spark in her eyes, the subtle defiance in her voice—all hinting at a connection deeper than any duty-bound liaison. There’s an undeniable sense that she, like me, has been reborn, carrying echoes of our shared past. I can’t shake the impression that she remembers not only our marriage but also the pain I once inflicted, the mistakes that still haunt me, and she wants to have nothing to do with me.Guilt and regret surge through me with each recollection. I recall how my ambition, my insatiable hunger for vengeance, blinded me to the needs and emotions of the one
Alicia’s POVI strode into Sebastian's office feeling utterly radiant, as if the morning itself had conspired to make me irresistible. I had spared no effort in perfecting my appearance that day—a luxurious dress molded to my curves, the fitted bodice drawing the eye to my delicate neckline while the playful, short hem revealed just enough of my toned legs. My hair, freshly styled into loose, cascading waves, framed my face with an effortless allure, and a dash of makeup highlighted my best features. The subtle, intoxicating scent of my perfume trailed behind me like a secret, affirming my confidence with every step.I expected the moment I crossed the threshold that Sebastian’s gaze would meet mine, his eyes lighting up as they took in the sight of me, never unpeeling them from my body. Instead, he remained absorbed in a stack of papers, his focus unbroken by my entrance. Undeterred, I set a gleaming silver tray of lunch down on his desk with a soft clink that demanded attention."Se
Ryker's POVAfter endless days adrift on the churning sea, the sight of land was a lifeline pulling me from the brink. The salt-crusted deck of my small boat creaked beneath my boots as I gripped the railing, my stomach roiling—not just from the relentless waves, but from the solitude and the haunting thoughts of what had become of the Capris coven. My heart leapt, a wild, desperate thud against my ribs, as the jagged coastline came into view, kissed by the midday sun. I couldn’t wait to see Alpha Eleanor, to kneel before her and share what I’d found—the resting place of the coven she’d longed to uncover. But the good news was tangled with a bitter thread: they were gone, swallowed by the sea, their fate carved into a weathered stone I’d stumbled upon near the shore.I clung to the hope that this would bring her peace, that she’d find someone to guide her, to teach her to wield the extraordinary powers that set her apart. She was special—more than she knew—and my chest ached with the
Alicia's POV Wonders never end, do they? Time and again, I’m cast aside like yesterday’s scraps. Sebastian—damn him—had come crawling to me when his precious bond with Eleanor soured, his hazel eyes brimming with that wounded-pup look he wears so well. I’d been his confidante, his shoulder, soaking up his whispered fears about her witch blood like some fool who thought it meant something. And now? Today, I’d watched from the shadows of the palace courtyard as he carried her inside, cradling her fragile frame like she was spun glass. I’d lingered long enough to see him set her down in their chambers, spoon-feeding her soup with a tenderness that twisted my stomach into knots. Soup. As if that simple act could erase the chaos she’d brought into our lives.I was forgotten. Again.Now, I lay sprawled across my narrow bed, staring up at the cracked ceiling of my quarters. The flickering oil lamp on the table cast jagged shadows that danced mockingly over the plaster, mirroring the restle
Sebastian’s POVThe fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm, amber glow across our chambers. The shadows danced over the stone walls, softening the harsh edges of the world outside, but my eyes were fixed on her—Eleanor. She sat on the edge of our bed, her bare feet brushing the fur rug, her thin nightshift clinging to her frame. The soup had brought some color back to her cheeks, but she still looked fragile, like a bird that had weathered a storm too long. Yet there was a spark in her green eyes, a quiet fire that hadn’t dimmed despite everything Caddal had done. It drew me in, as it always had.I crossed the room, my boots silent against the floor, and knelt before her. My hands found hers, her fingers cool and delicate in my rough grip. “You’re still here,” I murmured, my voice low, almost breaking. “After everything, you’re still here with me.”She tilted her head, a small smile tugging at her lips—soft, tentative, but real. “Where else would I be?” she whispered, her voice a
Sebastain's POV I wouldn’t let her lift a finger—not after what she’d endured. She sat across from me at the worn oak table in our chambers, her frail form hunched over a steaming bowl of soup, the only barrier between us. The rich aroma of broth—herbs and tender meat simmered to perfection—filled the room, curling around us like a promise of warmth. I scooped a spoonful, my hand steady despite the storm brewing in my chest, and brought it to her lips. She ate hungrily, her movements desperate yet delicate, as if she feared the food might vanish. Each swallow seemed to coax a flicker of color back into her pale, gaunt face, the ghostly white giving way to a faint flush. I watched her, my heart twisting with a mix of relief and fury.Caddal. I still couldn’t fathom it. That selfish, scheming wolf—how could he do this to his own daughter? Locking her away, starving her, treating her like some tool to be bent to his will—it was the height of madness. I’d known he was ruthless, but this?
Eleanor's POV That growl—it ripped through the suffocating silence of my cell, a sound I’d know anywhere. Sebastian. My heart surged, a jolt of recognition sparking life back into my weary bones. He’d come for me. Strength I didn’t know I still had materialized, flooding my limbs as I staggered to my feet. “Sebastian!” I screamed, my voice raw and ragged, clawing its way out of my parched throat. I pounded on the iron bars with trembling fists, the cold metal biting into my skin, willing him to hear me.Then he was there—his towering silhouette filling the dim corridor beyond the metal door. His presence was a storm, wild and untamed, radiating fury I could feel even through the barrier between us. A deafening clang echoed as a dent buckled the door, the iron groaning under his assault. He was smashing it down, each blow a testament to the beast within him. Another dent, then a third, the frame shuddering violently. With a final, earth-shaking crash, the door gave way, crumpling inwa
Sebastain's POV The guards at the gate didn’t dare lie to me—not with the fury blazing in my eyes, not with the bloodlust simmering just beneath my skin. I was a storm of rage, teetering on the edge of savagery, and they knew it. One wrong word, one misstep, and I’d tear through them without a second thought. My hands flexed, claws itching to break free.“Where’s Eleanor?!” My voice thundered across the courtyard, drowning out the ceremonial fanfare’s trumpets mid-note. The sound died abruptly, leaving only the echo of my roar. I fixed my glare on the nearest guard, a wiry man whose spear trembled in his grip. His face paled, his eyes darting under the weight of my stare, and he thrust a shaky hand toward the stony palace looming ahead. “F-Father has her,” he stammered.Caddal. That treacherous bastard.“Where is he keeping her?” I snarled, stepping closer, my shadow swallowing him.“I-I’m not in charge of her welfare, my lord,” he squeaked, shrinking back.I didn’t wait for more exc
Eleanor's POV The first day in this hellhole, I’d summoned every ounce of strength I had left. My hands had trembled as I pressed them to the wooden door, willing my power to rise. A surge of heat had flared within me, and flames had licked at the door, charring the surface with a satisfying burn. For a fleeting moment, I had tasted freedom—until Father’s guards stormed in. Their boots had marched against the stone, their growls filling the air as they seized me. I’d tried to fight, to call on my power again, but fear choked it down. The fire died out, leaving me helpless in their cold grip. I was no match for them, not when panic clawed at my throat.They dragged me to another room—a true cell this time, not just a mockery of one. Iron bars loomed around me, rusted and cold, the walls filled with dampness that seeped into my bones. A thin cot sat in one corner, its old mattress reeking of mildew, and a single bucket stood in the other, its purpose disgustingly clear. The air was hea
Sebastain's POV I had to face her. I couldn’t keep running from Eleanor, the woman who’d carved herself into my soul. I’d fought tooth and claw to make her mine—through the pack’s whispers, the tournament, the nights I had lain awake dreaming of her. How could I even think of pushing her away, let alone hurting her? The shame burned in my chest, a bitter gall I couldn’t throw out.It gnawed at me, that moment of weakness when I had let my anger take root. In the heat of it, I’d agreed to strip her of her power—her power, the same force that pulsed through my own veins, the gift that had pulled me from death’s jaws weeks ago. If I’d gone through with it, Eleanor would’ve hated me forever. And I’d have deserved it.I paced my private room, the wooden floor creaking under my boots. I tried to shove that night out of my mind—the night that haunted me still. The sky had been a chaos of fire, flames licking from the sky as the witches’ magic tore through our midst. Screams of able-bodied
Eleanor's POV My hands trembled as I lifted the fork from the silver tray set before me. The plate was adorned with delicate cuts of roasted meat sitting in a sizzling hot, herb sauce. It should’ve been comforting, a simple meal to make me fill stronger, but my mind was a storm. Father’s words clawed at me, each one sinking deeper into my chest. I couldn’t stop replaying them—his revelation about the witches, about me. The truth he’d hidden all these years.Maybe he’d kept it buried to protect me. That’s what I wanted to believe. But now, knowing what I was—a hybrid, born of the Capris coven’s eitches—I felt nothing but a searing hatred for those witches. I wished I’d never learned of them. My powers, once a source of pride, now felt like a foreign beneath my skin. I wanted to shed them, to crawl back into the fragile shell of the old Eleanor—the weak, overlooked Omega everyone dismissed. That version of me didn’t have to carry this weight.I didn't know who I was anymore regardless