A high pitched squeal reverberated on the walls of Lillian’s room. The sudden sound made Lillian crawl away from the mirror as she watched Melania dance in the field of flowers. Lillian didn’t know how to comprehend this emotion as she never saw Melania this way. Is she…happy? Lillian wondered but she knew Melania’s emotions were never as they seem sometimes. Melania was just as unpredictable as Nova. So Lillian waited until Melania was finished. Before reporting Nova’s shift, the moment Lillian contacted Melania she was pulled into a chokehold. Lillian remembered Melania’s threat about calling her but once she was able to tell Melania about Nova, Melania suddenly released her. Her face showed a mirage of emotions from shock to confusion to happiness, at least Lillian hoped for that last one.Lillian massaged her throat which was still healing from the attack from Nova and the chokehold only made it worse. Suddenly Melania appeared closer in the mirror. Her hands caressed the surfac
Inside the candle-lit dungeon, the air was heavy with tension and the smell of burned flesh. Lillian stood over a cauldron filled with fire, swirling a silver knife through the flames. Behind her Lacey groaned in agony, squirming just a bit, which only made things worse. Every movement made the chains tighten around her body, sending a burning pain up her arms. To the left of Lacey sat Frieda, whose hair cascaded over her laps. Lillian had already had her fun with Frieda until the she-wolf passed out from the pain. Freida’s body was riddled with cuts and bruises similar to those on Lacey. Each bruise was taking its time to heal due to the wolfsbane they were injected with hours ago.In the other cell, Princess Carla was bound with chains around her neck and wrists while Aidy and Jane sat in the cell next to her, bound by their wrists. For the past few days, they had to listen to Lacey’s and Frieda’s screams until they subconsciously blocked them out. Lillian pulled the knife out of t
It felt like hours had passed since Lillian left the dungeons and during that time Lacey frantically reached out to Celia. Still, she felt nothing. Lacey wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing. Celia was all she had left of her family, especially with her brother James lost in the world. Her worrying was cut off by Aidy’s sobs and Carla’s growling at her in response. Secretly Lacey rather be tortured than listening to them.“She won’t hurt Celia,” Jane said to Lacey. “She’s on their side. I’ve seen it.”This wasn’t the first time Jane brought this up. The moment they were moved to the dungeons Jane noticed Celia was nowhere to be found. It was surprising since Celia was always there to save Lacey if given the chance.“You lie,” Lacey exclaimed. “You don’t know that.”Jane snorted. “Oh, believe me. I do.”Lacey narrowed her eyes at Jane but something on Jane’s face made Lacey believe Jane knew something about Celia she didn’t. “Well, Lillian is as crazy as they come and she probab
Lacey shook her head, trying to comprehend what Celia just said. She looked at Frieda, who was sharing the same shocked expression, but Jane didn’t look surprised at all. Jane glared at Celia, who kept her gaze on the floor. “Please tell me it’s not true,” Lacey pleaded with Celia. “Please tell me they forced you or threatened your life.”Celia looked up momentarily, catching the mixture of frustration and concern on Lacey's face. Her hands gripped the tray of food as she looked away. Before she could say anything, Rick walked up to Jane’s cell.“Let’s go,” he growled at Jane while opening the cell door, “and bring the other human too.”“Why? What are you going to do?”Rick stalked across the cell, grabbing Jane by the neck. “It doesn’t fucking matter. You are not in a position to ask questions. Do you understand?”When Jane didn’t answer fast enough, Rick tightened his grip around her neck until she nodded. He glanced over to Aidy and pointed towards the door. “Start moving, human,”
Nova observed from a distance as Xenia navigated through the stages of grief, her emotions ranging from mutterings to hysterical crying. Nova felt the urge to comfort her, but every time she approached, Xenia would abruptly jump up with another round of rambling. “It’s possible she got away,” Xenia said to no one in particular. “Right? I mean, we didn't see a body. She probably saw the first light and jumped out of the way. Yeah, my mother is smart like that.” Xenia nodded, seemingly in agreement with herself. “That has to be it. She's not dead unless I see a body.” A moment later. “That explosion was big though. There’s no way she could’ve made it. Oh God please just bring her back. I will do anything. Take me, take me!” Xenia turned to Nova, pleading with her. “Maybe we can bring her back. Like Melania, right? You can ask your goddess or do some magical stuff. Please, Nova! This wasn't supposed to happen. This was all my fault!”Xenia found herself drifting between the tangible re
For hours, Mason remained seated in the armchair, lost in the pages of his book. Occasionally, his eyes would drift towards Xenia, who seemed frozen in place by the window. Perched there, her posture rigid, as though any relaxation might unleash a torrent of pent-up emotions. The silence enveloped them like a suffocating blanket, punctuated only by the heavy sighs escaping Xenia;s lips, each laden with unspoken anguish and unresolved bitterness. Suddenly a timid knock shattered the delicate balance of the room, Xenia’s gaze narrowed suspiciously as the door creaked open, revealing Jane with a tray of steaming dishes. Her eyes darted nervously between Mason and Xenia, who turned her attention back to the outside world.“Excuse me, Alpha,” Jane began hesitantly. “I’ve brought lunch.”Mason gestured for her to approach, and Jane set the tray down on the table. As she turned to leave, Mason halted her.“Xenia needs help cleaning her hands before eating,” Mason commanded.. “I’m not hungr
Mason stormed into his office like a raging bull, his anger palpable as Lillian and Rick trailed behind, hesitant. He paced the room, clenching the letter he just received with frustration. Lillian and Rick shared uneasy glances, bracing themselves for what to come, until Mason finally unleashed a growl of fury.“How the hell is this possible, Lillian!” Mason’s voice thundered, his red eyes ablaze with fury. “I thought you assured me we had nothing to worry about. ‘I think it’s time to get rid of the opposition permanently.’ Isn’t that what you said?”Lillian bristled at his tone, casting her eyes downward. His aura pricked at their skin like pin needles. She could barely breathe in his presence. “You know how difficult it is to kill your brother,” she muttered.“What was that?” Mason demanded, his voice tight with anger.Lillian knew he really didn’t want her to answer so she held her tongue, waiting for his anger to simmer down. Mason gripped the mantle with enough force to crack th
Laurie and Micah exchanged glances across the yard. The market was bustling with people selling or buying items. Lottie’s grandmother was setting up her tent with the most delicious smelling prized pies, declaring it off-limits. They arrived in Greenville the night before after running nonstop and were greeted with a warm invitation. Lottie sent word the day before, so there was already a place for everyone to sleep.The next day, they decided to meet up in the market.“I can go speak with the fishmongers, the gatherers of the pack are usually set up over there, and the warriors would be on their morning run,” Lottie instructed. “Thanks, Lottie,” Micah said. “If we split up then maybe we get as much information as possible.”Everyone nodded in agreement before dispersing into the crowd. Micah’s gaze lingered on the pies, his mouth watering as he almost reached out to touch one. But Grandma Addy, sharp as ever despite her age, smacked his hand away before he could make contact. A low g
Lillian and Rick exchanged glances as Mason stormed into the dining room, his jaw clenched and fists, bloodied and balled at his sides. Lillian knew that meant he was in the dungeons with their shipwrecked guests. Still, she said nothing as he sat down at the head of the table with a force that rattled the silverware on the table. Normally, Lillian would offer him an alternate way to release his tension, but it looked as if even the sound of a fork scraping against a plate might set him off. So, to be safe she was careful with her movements and words.Lillian cleared her throat. “Everything is in place for tonight, Alpha,” she began. “The preparations are nearly complete. The altar has been set, and the ceremonial items are ready.”Mason didn’t respond immediately. His gaze was distant, lost in thought. He reached for a glass of water, his grip tight. Lillian glanced at Rick, who avoided eye contact and focused on his plate. He had seen Mason in these moods before–volatile, unpredicta
The morning of the Red Moon came quicker than Xenia had hoped. She had barely slept through the rest of the night after Mason practically dragged her from the dungeons. She had a bit of solace when something urgent came up and he left her for a while. It wasn’t until later when she felt him enter the room, smelling of earth and blood until he went into the bathroom.Xenia prayed he would leave but that went out the window the moment he climbed into the bed. She moved only for him to grab and pull her into his arms. Xenia pushed against him but he only tightened his hold.“I have to pee,” Xenia lied, preparing to bolt from the bed the moment he let her go.“You lie,” Mason grumbled, his voice drifting off as Xenia sighed into his hold.I’ll just wait until you’re asleep. She thought as she stared at the ceiling, waiting until the shadows in the room seemed to stretch long in the early light, wrapping around her like chains she couldn’t break. What was worse than having a psychotic kidn
Mason walked into the woods far from the packhouse. It was already late and he didn’t like being away from Xenia for too long. His instincts warned him that leaving Xenia alone was a mistake, even if the threats of her friends’ lives kept her in place for now. She was clever, and desperation could make her even more so.Mason paused in his steps, his eyes scanning the darkness ahead. He knew they were close. Lillian and Rick had found something important and refused to let him know until they got back to the packhouse, but Mason was impatient. It was too close to the Red Moon to be left out of the loop.A flicker of movement to his left caught his eye as Lillian emerged from the darkness like a phantom, her eyes blazing with fury. Rick trailed behind her, his expression stoic.“What are you doing here?” Lillain spat with irritation in her voice. “You left her alone.”Mason didn’t flinch under her glare, though her anger was palpable. He knew what she was really angry about. He expecte
Delilah hit the water hard, the icy shock of it stealing her breath. Panic surged within her, a flashback to the last time she had been submerged in the waters from an explosion–a time when death had nearly claimed her. The relentless grip of the ocean, the surrounding darkness, and the crushing weight of the water threatened to drown her in panic. I just have to swim up and I’ll reach the surface. She thought, but her body refused to move. The water was ready to drag her under. Then, in the midst of the chaos, she thought of Xenia. The image of her daughter’s face, strong and resolute, filled her mind, anchoring her in the present. She couldn’t give in to the fear. Not now. Not when they still had a chance to save her baby.Kicking furiously, Delilah forced her way to the surface, gasping for air as she broke through the waves. Her eyes darted around, searching for the others amidst the chaos. Pieces of the boat floated around, and she could barely make out the figures struggling ag
Xenia’s breath hitched as she took in the sight of Lacey, bruised and broken, barely clinging to consciousness. Next to Lacey, sat Frieda in the same condition. Xenia’s nails bit into her skin as her fist tightened from the fierce anger that had been burning inside her. She tried to look away but something wouldn’t let her. The air around her was thick with the scent of blood. She took one shaky step forward, keeping her gaze on Lillian, who had a sickening smile on her face. I want to kill her. I want her dead! Was on repeat inside Xenia’s mind as she got closer to the cell door. I could do it, she thought. I was fast enough to dig my nails into that pretty face of hers. Nova’s power flowed through Xenia and out into the room. She felt Nova pushing her, urging her to act, to tear Lillian apart limb by limb. Every muscle in her body tensed, ready to spring into action.Lillian’s smile was gone now, replaced by a wary glint in her eyes. She had felt the shift of power, the surge of e
The cannon ripped through the side, sending vibrations through the ship and rattling the planks and bolts.“What the hell!” Micah yelled over the noise. “Did you signal them to attack us?”“No,” Archie responded, looking just as confused as the panicked crew. “This is all wrong.”“Maybe they attacked because we’re onboard,” Eric suggested.“How would they know?” Archie asked. “This is a civilian ship with King Gerald’s flag colors.”Another cannon exploded above them. Gunpowder filled the air and like before Micah could taste the silver. Before he called out to Laurie, she already created a whirlwind to keep it away from the crew, especially the wolves.“I think your notion that they don’t know werewolves are on board is wrong Lieutenant,” Micah growled.“I don’t understand,” Archie said in disbelief.“It doesn’t matter what you don’t understand,” Laurie yelled. “Just know right now we are being attacked!”The crew sprang into action, each member knowing their role as Micah and his te
Lottie paused mid-pace, her glare sharp enough to peel paint. “Just great. Now we have two lovesick puppies on this boat.”“Better two puppies than one seasick alpha, amirite,” Spencer quipped, trying to lighten the mood. Silence greeted him like an old, unfriendly acquaintance. “Tough crowd,” he muttered, looking around for a lifeline, None came.The boat swayed gently as the crew exchanged uneasy glances. Delilah emerged from the cabin, stepping right into the middle of the Micah-Cris showdown brewing on deck. Micah, who swayed in perfect time with the boat, looked both determined and like he might hurl at any moment. Despite Eric steadying him like a weary mother holding up a toddler, Micah’s glare at Cris was unwavering.Cris’s laughter broke up the tension. “You can’t be serious, right?”His arms crossed, voice dripping with disbelief. “You realize we’re still together. Have been for a while now. You can’t think you can just come in and break up something as real as what we have.”
Micah stood at the edge of the pier, watching the water lap at the edge of the boat. Sweat was building across his forehead as he took a deep breath, steeling himself to walk across the plank leading up to the boat. The salty tang of the sea filled his nostrils, and the sound of the water was anything but comforting.“Alpha, we have to go!” Laurie’s voice rang out from the haul, carrying a note of urgency. Her usual calm was slipping. “Just pretend it’s a moving house!”Micah growled low in his throat, frustration evident in his tone. His usual bravado was faltering, replaced by a rare vulnerability. “Wow, thanks for that, Laurie. Super helpful. If I hurl, it’s going to be your fault.”“Can’t believe the big bad Alpha is afraid of boats,” Cris laughed, his amusement clear. “This is priceless.”Lottie, standing beside him, quickly hit him across the shoulder. “Said the guy who once jumped on Xenia’s back in the dead of night, screaming like a banshee,” Lottie shot back, a smirk playing
Xenia’s heart pounded as she narrowed her gaze, locking onto Mason’s intense expression. What are you playing at? Xenia wondered as she stared at Mason, searching for any signs of deception. But all she found was a raw mixture of lust and determination.“You can’t be serious,” she scoffed, hoping her laugh would push him back. But instead, Mason smiled, a slow, predatory grin that sent heat pooling low in her stomach.“I think you know me well enough to realize I’m very serious,”he replied, his gaze flickering down to her lips, making his intentions crystal clear. “You realize every time we’ve kissed it was Rodin who was in control. I can’t help but feel a bit…”“...jealous,” Xenia replied.“...left out,” he finished, his eyes darkening as he moved closer, closing the gap between them. She felt her pulse quicken, her body betraying her mind. His nearness was intoxicating, and that made her furious. She tried to fight the rush of heat flooding her, swallowing hard as she placed a hand