CHAPTER 8: To Have His Heir NATALIE's POV:I could never get used to this sensation. The taste of absolute control and I basked in it. I triumphed internally as the guards moved out under my single command, and with a satisfying smirk plastered on my face, I knew I loved every bit of this.This was what power felt like; Being able to manipulate anyone and everything with just a single word. I could have just anyone bowing at my feet and worshiping, or else they’d face the consequences.The single thought of anyone taking my place as the Luna of the Fangborn pack didn't bode well with me. It was unbearable to even think about it. Anyone who dares glance at Alpha Maverick so much as in the wrong way would have me to deal with, personally.Not even that pathetic, useless Omega, Pyra, would ever take my rightful position. I was born to be Luna, and that bitch, Pyra, wanted to take my birthright. Let's just say she won't be seen or missed anytime soon.I made sure my brother and the pack
CHAPTER 9: Welcome To FireHeart Pack PYRA's POV: "This is going to be your quarter for the time being," said Veronica, showing me a huge room that was about seven times the size of my former room in my fangborn pack. I marveled at the beauty of this pack. It was large as it was beautiful. "You can clean up here; Luna would like to see you briefly, so we have to hurry up." Veronica showed me to the bathroom and then pointed to the bed where a fresh, clean dress was kept. "You should change into that, Luna loathes dirt with all her being." "And you remain a fascinating mystery to me. You haven't told me your name," smiled Veronica, her eyes bright with curiosity. That's true. I have been watching everything play out in front of me, too shocked to even utter a statement or ponder my own emotions. Looking at Veronica, I understood she was only being cordial but never wanted to hurt me like everyone has done since I was born. "P-py," I struggled to say, but my throat was s
CHAPTER 10: The Only Way Natalie’s POV: I glared at Luna Elodie for destroying everything when I was so close to achieving my goals. My heart raced with panic as I locked eyes with her bright, surprised ones, filled with rage. She had caught me red-handed, and I knew I had to think fast to cover my tracks or risk destroying everything I'd worked for. “Luna. W-what are you doing here?” I stammered softly, trying to sound nonchalant despite the growing panic I felt within and the fact that I was still straddling Maverick’s unconscious body with my legs. I watched Luna Elodie’s eyes narrow as she gazed at the salacious position. I was still stuck with her son as her gaze flickered to Maverick before returning to meet mine. “What the hell have you done, Natalie?” She demanded, her voice dangerously low and menacing. I stood up slowly, strapping my bra to cover my exposed chest while drawing the lace gown to cover my body, though my attempt proved futile. I nervously fo
CHAPTER 11: Start AnewPyra’s POV:I gasped as my eyes snapped open.My heart raced within my chest as I struggled to breathe. I was drenched in sweat, my sheets tangled around my legs. “It was just a nightmare. Only a nightmare.” I chanted softly, trying to reassure myself to let go of my past, but the memories still lingered, haunting me with every step of progress I made. As I laid on my bed, I felt a presence in the room, scrutinizing my every movement. Tucking my hair to the back of my ears, I veered around to see a figure standing in the shadows, watching me ever so closely. I yelped out in shock, almost falling off the bed. It was Luna Verona; she was watching me with her piercing gaze. My skin crawled as I feared she had watched me tremble from my nightmare. What would she think of me now? Would she see me as the coward I truly am and discard me due to my uselessness?“Luna!” I tried to keep my voice steady. “D-do you need me for anything?But she didn't respond. She simp
CHAPTER 12: Restricted RoomPyra’s POV:It's been weeks since I joined the Fireheart Pack. It was so surreal, but yet, everything I had dreamed about for a normal life. I wasn’t bullied by everyone in the pack, I wasn’t called a freak, and I wasn’t beaten or maltreated.My new future had been navigating the grand castle-like pack house, which never seemed to have any end as it stretched far beyond. I was both thrilled and intimidated by the opulence of the Fireheart Pack and how they respected each other, irrespective of your status. Well, most of it anyway. I had only visited the castle when summoned by Luna Verona, though, most of the time escorted by a pack guard or by Beta Thane. The inside of the pack and also the pack house was too large for me to memorize within only a few weeks. Everywhere felt like uncharted territory, and no matter if I hated saying this, I relied on the escort of Beta Thane and his ever-so-watchful eagle eyes through the labyrinthine halls. It really i
CHAPTER 13: The Cloaked Figure PYRA’s POV:My breath hitched in my throat, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe or what it even meant to breathe. Her voice sent shivers down my spine as she spoke my name. I couldn’t close the velvet curtains due to being frozen in shock. I felt like I had been caught red-handed, which was what was happening. And I couldn’t help but wish I was only hallucinating that I heard my name being called. "Pyra." Luna Verona repeated. My heart sank. I was in trouble—big trouble. What should I do? Run or faint? I ranked my thoughts for a reasonable escape plan, but nothing substantial seemed to come to mind. I hesitated, unsure of what to do. I was about to open the velvet curtain and reveal myself since she had detected I was there, but I paused. Not from fear of being caught or how Luna found out I was here, but from where her eyes were directed. She was looking directly at the red box and not at me any longer. She approached the red box, standi
CHAPTER 14: The Healing SmilePyra’s POV:I grappled for air, my breath utterly escaping me, leaving me gasping in desperation. Everything was moving too fast—too quick to get a concept of a thought. The cacophony of rushing blood filled my ears, deafening me, and I trembled with the utmost fear that gripped me like a second skin, my heartbeat thundering like a stormy night, threatening to shatter my chest, its ferocious deep contraction threatening to burst through my rib cage any moment now. My whole body shook from the intense fear that engulfed me. I couldn’t breathe, staring at the figure as if it had shown me my worst fears. I couldn’t stand up, no matter the amount of force I applied or how much I tried; I simply lost control of my being. I had nothing else to do but stare at the figure as it watched me in silence. “Rhaella.” It called again, and I was finally able to understand everything. That name was the same as what the red-headed man in my dream called me. “Blood wa
CHAPTER 15: The Game Of Lunas Natalie’s Pov“Where the hell is he?” My voice came out in a short gasp, pacing back and forth in the hidden meeting place.My anger and frustration simmering just below the surface, threatening to explode like a volcano. I could barely contain the anger I was feeling, and if this idiot didn't come here right this instant, I’d kill him. It wasn't that I had been waiting here for over an hour for him, but the main reason I was angry was because of Luna Elodie. That witch!She destroyed all my plans. I was so close— too close to achieving my dreams and all I’ve ever dreamed of—only for her to come to spoil everything and even dare curse me. I almost laughed, knowing what she did to even get to the position she was in right now. I had the power to bring her down, but I need defenses. She was the Luna anyway. My words would be treason, and I would be punished, or worse, banished, if I were to accuse her without evidence. My head snapped in the direction
CHAPTER 134: Breakfast Of BrawlsMaverick’s POV:The way Steven looked at Pyra made my skin crawl. I caught a glimpse of his grey eyes following Pyra’s every move, and I couldn’t help but question who he really was. Why was he so strange? And why do I feel like he’s interested in her in ways I couldn’t imagine? It wasn’t only the stare but the intensity in his eyes whenever he looked at her. The way it seemed to reach deeper, as if he saw something in her that I couldn’t.I couldn’t call it jealousy; there was just an irking feeling I always had whenever he was near. Steven turned a glaring eye at me, and I only stood there, my gaze following his every movement but mostly focused on his grey eyes. “Where have I seen those eyes before?” I questioned internally, trying to dig into my core memory for where I had seen such grey eyes. It was like the memory was at the tip of my brain, but whenever I wanted to pick it up and remember, it just vanished. Steven’s grey eyes could see that
CHAPTER 133: A Breakfast TalkPyra’s POV:The sun’s rays seeped through the gaps in the heavy curtains of the large window, casting golden streaks across the concrete floor of the FireHeart pack. The faint warmth kissed my skin, pulling me out of my thoughts as I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the bright light of the hallway. Today was going to be a long day, and specifically a long breakfast. Everyone was invited to dine with me at the dining table. I should have dreaded and demanded that I had my food delivered to my room, but for some unknown reason, I looked forward to this. I must have been so lost in thought that I didn’t notice someone greeting me. “Greetings, my Queen.”I turned in shock to see Maverick standing there in the hallway, his clear eyes staring intently at me. He was just one of the subjects of my thoughts; why do I have to pass by him of all people? “Greetings.” I acknowledged and continued walking, keeping my focus ahead, but I heard the unmistakable sound of h
CHAPTER 132: The Night Messenger Luna Elodie’s POV:As Maverick hung up, a sly smirk appeared on my lips and I crossed my legs, resting comfortably on the couch. “Seems like I won this game,” I chuckled, the sound low and filled with satisfaction. The tension from earlier still lingered in the room like a thick fog, but now it worked in my favour. My fingers brushed over the armrest as I replayed every word he said.Natalie is gone, beautiful. Those words echoed in my mind, sharp and clear, causing the smirk on my lips to widen. I stood up, letting the luxurious silk of my gown slide against my skin, and I crossed the room to the wardrobe, retrieving my long black cloak. The elegant fabric hung on my figure, providing the aura of mystery that I needed for a simple conversation I was about to have that night. After I was done, the cold stones of the floor beneath my bare feet grounded me as I moved to the door and towards the dungeon. I walked without a care in the world. I no lo
CHAPTER 131: Karma Is A Bitch Third person’s POV:As Maverick left the living room, Steven StoneClaw angrily watched him leave. Pyra demanded everyone to go back to rest as the tension in the room grew unbearable. Her voice, sharp yet calm, carried an air of authority that even Steven couldn’t ignore. “We have much to discuss, but not tonight. Go rest. Now.”As Pyra stood in the living room of the Packhouse, she watched Maverick from a distance before turning her gaze to Steven, who walked to his assigned room; a crazy thought went through her head. “Are these men trying to fight for my validation?” Strangely, the very thought of that thrilled her as a small smirk appeared at the corners of her lips. If anything, she knew she was going to enjoy making Maverick so jealous that he would lose it. Steven coming at this time seems more like a blessing, Pyra thought, her gaze still focused on the retreating men, planning on how to use them both. “And what are you smiling at?”Pyra’s th
CHAPTER 130: The Show Of Dominance Pyra’s POV:I stood in the middle of the pack house door, unable to tell my people to calm down. The alarm’s deafening wail echoed through the air, waking everyone as they walked around confused about what the alarm was for. My heart raced just as fast as theirs, and they looked at me—their Alpha—for reassurance, but no words left my mouth.I tried to speak, to shout over the chaos, to tell them that the alarm was now a drill as everything was being taken care of, but it was as if my throat had sealed itself shut. It was like I was back to my old self, unable to utter a single word for fear of being punished. I clenched my fist at my side, gritting my teeth as I forced myself to remain calm; Calm down, calm down, let the pain of the past be in the past, and let thy future commence! I thought to myself, but it wasn’t working. “What is happening?”“Are we being attacked?”“Oh, my Goddess. It’s by those weird wolves that have been taking down packs.
CHAPTER 129: Deep In The WaterMaverick’s POV: I was still staring at the ajar door as my phone rang. I picked up on the first ring, placing the phone to my ear. “Natalie is gone. She has escaped.”She chuckled, and I could feel her smile from where I stood. “Finally. Her facade has broken. Find Natalie, son. Chain her up and bring her back to Fangborn to await her trial, one I would personally pick for her.”I nodded, walking into the room as my eyes scanned the entire space. Natalie left most of her things; she must have been in so much of a hurry as not to pack. “Okay, mother.”“You see why I told you to always listen to me! I have more experience than you could fathom; I’ve seen things you can only imagine. Maybe this will—““Mother, this is not the time to lecture me,” I interrupted, my voice sharper than I intended. “Natalie’s gone, and we need to act fast before she gets too far. Save the ‘I told you so’ for later.” I felt hurt that the two people I trusted most could betray
CHAPTER 128: Natalie’s Apology Maverick’s POV:Back in my lodge, I sat on the couch in the living room, massaging my temples as the stress of the day began to weigh me down. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, the only sound in the otherwise silent room. Small shadows danced on the walls, but none of them brought me the comfort I so desperately sought.“I don’t know, Mother. I’ve had a stressful day, and all I need now is a good rest.” I yawned for the hundredth time this evening, weakly holding the phone to my ear. “Maverick, I wanted to tell you something of utmost importance, but hearing how tired you are, I think you should rest. How was the meeting of Alphas, though?”I sighed, breathing deeply. “It was… well, I think. Everything was perfect, and finally, they were listening to my words. That was until a strange visitor interrupted the meeting.”“Strange Visitor?”“Yes, mother. According to him, he is the son of the Alpha of the StoneClaw pack, and they were attacked by tho
CHAPTER 127: A Call From The Dungeon Third person’s POV:The open clearing emptied slowly, the heavy tension lingering in the air even as the Alphas and Ministers departed. Their murmured conversations echoed faintly, a mix of anxiety and unease woven into every word. As the soon to be Alpha of StoneClaw, Steven, passed by Alpha Duncan, there was an eye-to-eye exchange, a glint shining in their eyes as if they knew and acknowledged each other. With a trade of nods, Alpha Duncan turned away and left. Maverick, who stood at the center of the clearing, his arms crossed, his sharp eyes vigilant as they followed the exchange between Steven and Alpha Duncan. His eyes narrowed in skepticism as he continued to watch the Alpha of the ruin pack, StoneClaw.‘Why would there be an exchange between them when they have never met each other?’ Maverick questioned silently, his suspicion growing even greater. ‘There’s something amiss, and I intend to find it. Moreover, Steven looked too familiar,
CHAPTER 126: To Be The ShieldMAVERICK’s POV: The murmurs spread wide and far, growing louder with every second that ticked by. Their whispers filled the room, swirling around like a storm.“Who’s that?”“Was he attacked?”“I don’t recognize him; maybe a member of some pack!”“Maybe a member of the StoneClaw pack. I can’t seem to find any of their members here in this meeting!”The Alphas and ministers’ whispers grew louder, their unease palpable. I couldn’t help but stare at the lone figure standing in the center of the open space. He looked like he would collapse at any moment. The tension was suffocating, and the air seemed to grow heavier with every passing second. “Enough!” Pyra’s sharp voice sliced through the noise, silencing the crowd instantly. Her fiery eyes swept over the gathered crowd, daring anyone to speak out of turn. Her presence was magnetic, and for a moment, I could only watch as she took several steps forward, her expression unreadable. “This is no time for ba