CHAPTER 75: The Body Of Commander Connor Maverick’s POV:The sound of heavy footsteps followed behind me, echoing off the walls. The heavy iron door of the dungeon groaned as it swung open, revealing the dim, damp corridors of the place I loathed the most. I scrunched up my nose in disgust, the stench of decay mixed with damp stone assaulted my senses, making my stomach churn. This was one of the reasons my father hated this place. He had always avoided keeping prisoners locked here, instead, preferring banishment or death as a form of justice. I never understood why, but now that I was here, I affirmed he was right.The dungeon was no place for the living or the dead.As I walked into the corridor, my mind replayed an earlier event. I had never personally known this Commander, but his death weighed heavily on my mind. If father's methods were followed, Commander Connor would still be alive now. Banishing him would have been a suitable and fitting punishment for his crimes if need
CHAPTER 76: Oblivious ThanePyra’s POV: I couldn’t get over how beautiful my new room was. It was a startling neon green, brighter than anything I would have chosen for myself, but it still had an odd charm to it. Finally, a place of comfort. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed my stay in the pack house, but the constant new faces I see everyday, and not being able to enjoy an entire large room like this to myself as it would be shared with other maids, it was like I was in a whole different world. My fingers traced the edges of the book I was reading on my lap, its pages filled with advice on motherhood. As I read, each word felt foreign, like it was meant for someone else and not for me. Still, I forced myself to read, hoping the words would somehow sink into my soul and make me believe I was ready for this new chapter and episode of my life. I finished page seventy-two and flipped to the next page to continue when the faint hum of conversation outside the room caught my attention. I
CHAPTER 77: Oblivious Thane 2Pyra’s POV: The suffocating tension lingered in the air, the once so large room I had admired felt like an enclosed space, the walls closing in on me. Veronica rushed to Thane, her movements jerky with hesitation. “That’s what I wanted to tell you, Thane, but you gave me no chance!” She said, her voice trembling slightly but slowly regaining its edge. Thane’s sharp blue eyes darted between us, confusion etched into his features as he grimaced slightly. His orbs finally locked on me as he asked the question I had dreaded. “Pyra is pregnant?” His tone was incredulous, each word carrying the weight of disbelief.Even hearing it out made me freeze, my breath hooked in my throat as I struggled to respond. My gaze locked onto his, and I felt utterly exposed. Sitting on the bed, I was like a statue, powerless against the storm swirling in his expression.“Are you pregnant, Pyra?” Thane repeated when he didn’t hear my reply, his voice firmer this time, demandi
CHAPTER 78: The Game Of Truths Luna Elodie’s POV:It was still early as the morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the dining hall, illuminating every corner of the vast space. The soft clicks of my fork against the gold plate echoed through the large room, reverberating and bouncing off the wall, louder than I had expected. I glanced around the table—so many seats, so many spaces, all unoccupied. I sighed, trying to push back the familiar ache of loneliness that crept into my chest. “Well,” I muttered in a matter-of-fact, slicing a piece of bacon, “This is the best time to finally have some peace,” I said, munching on the bacon. Who was I lying to? It wasn’t peaceful; hell, it was suffocating. My eyes betrayed me, drifting toward the head of the table. The most important one, which wasn’t occupied right now. A chair sat there, perfectly in place, but its emptiness weighed heavier than anything else in the room. I didn’t care if Natalie, Beta Derick, or the other
CHAPTER 79: The Red Thing Maverick’s POV:Attack? My pack is under attack?I wasted not even a second and left the office like it was on fire. What pack would dare attack the Fangborns?My pulse quickened, my instincts taking over as I headed for the door and out into the hallway. Behind me, I heard my mother’s voice calling out, her words urgent, but I ignored them. I had no time for explanations or any of her drama and self-righteousness. My people were in danger and they needed me. Just as I was about to leave the office door and race out into the pack yard, a hand grasped my arms, stopping me from med-stride. “What?” I snapped, turning to see my mother’s worried face. “I have no time for a dead commander and your self-righteousness. I have a pack—““Just be careful, son,” she said softly despite my rude words. Her words grounded me for a moment as I stared into her familiar sweet and kind eyes. My gaze softened, guilt creeping in for the way I’d spoken to her earlier. I no
CHAPTER 80: Penance Of Hard Work Luna Elodie’s POV:The air in the Stronghold was thick with tension, filled with the muffled cries of children and loud whispers of frightened women in the dim, metallic chamber. The old cracked walls seemed to close in around us despite its large space, as we waited for good news, but every second seemed to drag on like an eternity. I stared at the frightened women, children and older pack members, sighing a little. I was meant to be their strength, their pillar in this time of storm, but even I wasn’t immune to fear. My hands trembled slightly on my thigh, my heart pounding within my chest as I tried to keep my composure. They need you to be strong, Elodie, I reminded myself. “Luna,” a voice broke through my thoughts, snapping me to attention. I stared up as an older woman approached me, her expression a mix of hope and dread.“I’m sorry to bother you, Luna,” she began hesitantly, bowing before me. “It’s alright,” I said dismissively, forcing a
CHAPTER 81: A Disappointment Third person’s POV:The flames crackled softly in the warrior’s tent, the choking scent of charred wood mingling with the faint tang of steel and sweat. A figure sat motionless, his bright grey eyes reflecting the fire’s hypnotic dance, staring wildly at it as if trying to decipher its secret. His long brown hair fell loosely around his angular face, framing his tanned skin and meticulously trimmed beard.The shadows of the firelight gave him an almost otherworldly aura, covering half of his face, but yet, his expression betrayed the turmoil he felt. "Caspien." A deep, guttural voice snapped through the air like a whip, dragging his attention. Caspien turned towards the opening tent, his jaw tightening as he met the piercing glare of Alpha Duncan, his father. Alpha Duncan stood tall, his imposing figure filling the entrance of the tent, and his hard eyes promising no reprieve nor mercy. “Father,” Caspien bowed his head in reverence, rushing slowly. “
CHAPTER 82: Memory Of The Dance Of Crimson Ashes.Luna Verona’s POV: It was afternoon. The midday sun filtered through the dense canopy above, casting fragmented light across the cobblestone path of the pack grounds. My heels clicked against the cobblestone below, followed by subsequent movement as I was flanked by Minister Elais on my right and Beta Thane to my left. But even though they were here, their presence offered no comfort to me; rather, it offered only irritation. If they weren’t so necessary, I’d have replaced them both a long time ago for their constant failings. “Still no sign of Madraya?” I asked, my voice clipped.Minister Elais slowed his pace down a little, his black cloak brushing the ground. “No, Luna. We’ve been tracking her even to the eastern ridge, but she must have sensed us coming for her. She vanished before we could secure her.”I stopped abruptly after hearing his words, spinning to face him. “What do you mean, vanished?” I asked, my tone icy. “I und
CHAPTER 179: Time To KillMaverick’s POV: The warriors of the FireHeart pack waited with stiff posture, their eyes straight ahead as I passed by them. I rushed into Pyra's penthouse of FireHeart, hoping I wasn’t too late. But when I got to the penthouse, Rhaella wasn’t there. “No, no, no.” I turned away, rushing to the halls of the FireHeart pack, shouting to the nearby pack members. “Where’s the Alpha? Where’s my mate?”The pack member opened her mouth to answer, but no sound came. Her eyes widened—fixed on something behind me. I turned, my heart thudding.Luna Verona stood at the top of the staircase, her long blood-red cloak trailing behind her like a storm cloud. Her expression was unreadable, but her eyes—those fierce dark eyes—held something deeper. One I couldn’t decipher. “Where is she?” I demanded before she could even speak. “Where are the kids?”She descended slowly, deliberately, her heeled boots echoing off the stone floor like a countdown to war. “The kids are fine
CHAPTER 178: DUNCAN ALL ALONGPyra’s POV: It all made sense now. Everything, every piece—like shattered glassware slowly forming a whole again.How didn’t I see this?The lies. The secrecy. The way Steven had always been adamant in knowing everything. The way Steven—no, Caspian—always seemed he was holding back a part of himself like he didn’t belong… because he didn’t. He never did. Not here. Not with us.It all made sense why he was a nervous wreck after I told him he must come with me to the RedClaw pack. “You never know what is around you, Alpha Rhaella. You can sit on your throne, thinking all is safe but oblivious that the enemy can be near.” I recalled one of the strange conversations he had with me. At that moment, it didn’t make sense. I didn’t understand then. But now, I see it all. There was an enemy close by, a wolf wearing sheep’s clothing. And he had always been near. Always been by my side. Always been under my roof and I stupidly trusted this enemy. They had alw
CHAPTER 177: Into An AmbushPyra’s POV: My boots struck the earth. Even the dust couldn’t escape my wrath. Dust kicked up behind me in silent protest, but I didn’t stop. I didn’t flinch. I didn’t even blink. My mind was focused on getting to one place and they shall feel my wrath. The bodysuit I wore molded my frame like a second skin. Sleek and dull red. The material shimmered faintly under the dimming light—thick enough to shield me in combat, yet light enough to move without restriction. It was the mark of the crimson Alphas. An armor they wore in times of battles. One that designates fear, not for any weapon, but the fire in our blood. The bodysuit clung to my form like armor, laced with leather straps and reinforced at the joints for agility and stealth. The style was ancient—Myrrakai, they call it, just like in the legends told of my ancestors centuries ago. No one has worn it for centuries, until me. A silver blade was strapped across my back, its hilt still warm from my gr
CHAPTER 176: A Name To The Gray EyesMaverick’s POV:I walked into my mother’s chamber, still feeling the remnant of her perfume lingering in the air. It was faint now, almost to the point of disappearance. Almost like a fading memory, but unmistakably hers—warm lavender and crushed rose petals. The scent clung to the silk sheet, the walls, the drapes… as if the room itself was infused entirely by her and refused to forget her. My chest tightened.The more I thought about it, the more I realized that she was truly gone. Forever. Yet, everything in here screamed her presence. My heart screamed for her. I stared at everything in the chamber. Her crystal paintbrush she cherished so much, her favorite painting bearing an image of her, me… and my father. Everything now stayed untouched, preserved like relics of a time I’d do anything to return to. I hated this feeling. I stood, watching everything like it was the first time I saw them before finally, I walked deeper into the room and sa
CHAPTER 175 : Commanders Of Stealth Pyra’s POV:The atmosphere was gloomy, and every breath I took felt heavy with grief.No one spoke. No one dared to. The entire pack was in peril, everyone felt the sorrow of loss. Even the air dared not disturb the thick silence that enveloped the whole place. All around me, faces were etched with pain—eyes red from the constant crying, lips trembling with the weight of the looming silence. Even the strongest among us were brought low by the tragedy that had befallen the pack.My two sons stayed beside me, watching the event unfold. I dared not allow them a few feet away from me after what happened to Zerek. Never. Everything was happening too fast. Too fast for me to control. It was like everywhere I turned, danger, pain, and loss filled there already. I should be the anchor to fix everything happening in these packs, but how could I when I was most broken and affected?It hurts to be back here at Fangborn Pack. I thought I was ready to face my
CHAPTER 174: Betrayed PainSteven’s POV:I stirred, yawning loudly as I woke from my slumber. I opened my eyes, and the small light of the morning filtered into my eyes from the window.I blinked against the sting, groaning softly as I stirred from sleep. It was still too early in the morning but I was awake, energized. My body felt heavy, like it wanted more sleep—even though I knew I overslept. I turned on my side, dragging a hand over my face to wipe off the remnants of the strange unease clinging to me. Something felt… off.I didn’t know how to explain it as I stared at the ceiling but I felt that today wasn’t just going to be a normal day. I sat up slowly, rubbing my temples. The scent of the morning breeze drifted in, mixed with the faint perfume of pine from the woods beyond. My throat itched with thirst and I reached for the bottle of water beside my bed only to feel something crisp. I frowned, turning to see a letter sitting right there. What the hell?I turned on the ligh
CHAPTER 173: An Empty CradlePyra’s POV:Cold. That was all I could feel. It slipped into my bones, tearing at me from the inside. I couldn’t move, barely able to breathe except for the cold moisture that was so dense that it felt like I was breathing in water. I took another painful breath in, choking on it immediately. My choking seemed to snap me out of whatever I was in because one moment I could feel my eyes closed permanently shut, and air as thick and dense as liquid entering my lungs, and the next moment, I stood before a forest.The trees towered over all, animals ran into their hiding spots as if running from something dangerous. The branches of the towering trees crept like hands, promising a destructive hug but even with that, nothing could hide what hung prominently in the sky, casting red lights that bathed the ground. The moon. It was bleeding a bright crimson red. I veered around, searching all around me. As strange as this place was, it was familiar. I didn’t kno
CHAPTER 172: Revenge Served With A Syringe Third person’s POV:The darkness was persistent, not a ray of moonlight sipped through. The lands of Lunaria were bathed in total darkness. Not even the stars dared to blink. The once lively whispers of the wind had grown still, and even the wolves, proud guardians of the night, were silent—watching, waiting.And the lands of the FireHeart pack were not immune to this. Deep in the darkness, a pair of dark eyes blinked, making his way straight into the path where a lady waited patiently for him. He stopped before her, their eyes locked into each other, no words being spoken. After what felt like forever, Alpha Rhaella shifted, giving access to Alpha Maverick into her penthouse. Immediately he was in, she shut the door. “I’ve been waiting for this,” Maverick said, impatiently going to hold Rhaella’s hand, his body almost gluing to hers. Rhaella didn’t respond with words—she didn’t need to. The way her breath hitched, the way her fingers t
CHAPTER 171 : Death To OneThird person’s POV: Tonight— a day of celebration for the RedClaw pack. Banners of crimson and gold fluttered in the wind coming from the windows, strung from every pillar in the heart of the territory. In their celebratory halls, Soft Music drifted through the air, a cheerful tune that tried—desperately—to fill the silence that hung over the pack like a thick fog.A performance for the Alpha and his newly appointed Ministers who sat watching from their raised platform. The scent of roasted meat and sweet wine mingled with the heavier stench of anxiety. Eyes darted nervously. Voices were hushed. It was meant to be a wedding, after all.Natalie’s wedding.A dream she had always sought. Achieving what she always wanted; to be Luna. But not to the Alpha she wanted. She is, after all, now the bride to Alpha of the RedClaw pack. Natalie sat at the center of the highly perched table, different meals present and she was cloaked in white silk that shimmered lik