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 83: Ground Zero Maverick’s POV:Everything was different here. Like a whole new world. We stood at the edge of Lunaria as the city of Humans rose like a crown of steel and glass against the twilight sky, a contrast between our natured world and their technological advancement. This place was called SOLHAVEN, the boundary where wild and untamed land of werewolves met the order and chaos of humanity. Towering skyscrapers filled the place, stretching towards the heavens. Massive holographic billboards loomed above, projecting images of human achievement: Their advanced AI, medicine, and exploration beyond the stars. This place; The Solhaven, was humanity's pride, a testament to their ingenuity and ambition.I glanced back at my companions as we crossed into the bustling metropolis. Minister Blackthorn, ever composed, adjusted his black cloak against his body, blending seamlessly with the human attire, his sharp gaze scanning for potential threats. Natalie was beside him, he
CHAPTER 84: Balance Over Dominance Alpha Maverick’s POV: The doors to the elevator opened, revealing a sterile pristine corridor bathed in white light. The walls seemed to shimmer faintly under the floor of the overhead panels, and as we walked in, the smell of something hit me instantly—sharp, synthetic, and overwhelmingly potent. I scrunched up my nose in disgust, my nostrils flaring as I fought the urge to throw up. “Apologies for the smell,” Dr. Monroe said without turning, his voice tinged with amusement. Despite his walking cane that supported his old stature, he moved with a deliberate gait, his cane clicking sharply against the polished floor. “This is my private lab. I suppose you could call it a guilty pleasure of mine. Had I gotten a head start I’d be hosting werewolves In this place, I would have toned it down.”I nodded in response, trying to get used to the foreign chemical smell. I felt Natalie, Minister Blackthorn, and Daemon walking behind me, with Daemon occasio
CHAPTER 85: Rhella FireHeart Pyra’s POV: It’s been a week since Beta Thane’s unexpected visit to the mansion, and might I say I have been treading carefully ever since his visit. I still hadn’t written that letter to the hospital to officially take a leave due to my condition. Well, courtesy to Veronica who refused my application, insisting she’d cover my shifts, claiming it was better to keep any attention away from me. I agree, she has helped me this far, and I wouldn’t have even gotten to where I am currently without her. She is my angel. I sat on the chair at the kitchen table, cradling a warm cup of tea, specifically brewed by Madraya who had sworn it was the best traditional medicine to take, insisting it was good for my babies’ health. “Eww, Taste like poop,” I grimaced, hating the fact I agreed to her persuasion. Madraya was an odd soul—her presence in the mansion was barely noticeable, rarely leaving her room and only venturing out at night for fear of being
CHAPTER 101: The Recording Luna Elodie's POV:The soft glow of the moonlight filtered through the curtains of my chamber, illuminating the thoughts swirling in my mind. I’ve been wracked by the mere thought of everything falling out of place. To this day, nothing has been spoken much about the maid’s disappearance. There has been no report of a trace, a scent, or a trail. Nothing. Maverick has lost all focus on that; he has been too focused on the pack—on protecting them, rebuilding, and mourning the fallen. That left me. I was the only one with enough time and determination to continue the investigation. But the problem now was, where could I possibly start?I crossed my legs, tapping my fingers on the armrest of my chair. The humming tune I let escape my lips did little to spark any inspiration whatsoever. I had one confidant, and that was Minister Blackthorn. He had been my closest ally in these matters, and now… he was gone. Goddess blesses his soul. I rose from my chair, br
CHAPTER 100: Intermission Third person’s POV:The heavy diamond double doors of the FireHeart Pack’s throne room creaked open, their ancient carvings glowing faintly under the golden light spilling from above the chandelier and open skylights. Wolves, moons, and runes whispered stories of battles fought and alliances forged that were engraved in the stone walls. For more than a decade, the doors had remained sealed, the throne room shrouded in mystery that only the elderly could remember its former glory. Yet now, for the first time in a long while, the room was alive with the presence of the FireHeart pack members. Hundreds of pack members filled the grand chamber, their voices hushed in awe. Stone pillars loomed overhead, while the arched ceiling glistened. All eyes turned to the Crimson throne at the heart of the room. Nothing could compare to its beauty; it was a masterpiece, its crimson surface shimmering like blood in the sunlight pouring through the high windows.Standing be
CHAPTER 99: Friends Pyra’s POV:It had been two weeks since I’d confessed to Luna Verona that Alpha Maverick was the father of my unborn children. To my surprise—and of course, relief—she had promised to keep the revelation between the two of us, honouring my plea for secrecy. She had probed for more details about how the event went, wanting to know everyone to the point where I was found by the shore, but I had refused to say much, unwilling to relieve the pain of my past. But after some persuasion, I told her most of it. Now, nestled in the luxurious penthouse, while lying on an impossibly soft bed I’d never dreamed of, I found myself struggling with a different kind of burden. The doctors, along with Madraya, had insisted on strict bed rest. “It’s for the health of the babies,” they said. While I appreciated the care, I couldn’t help but feel restless.I glanced at my protruding abdomen, now noticeably larger than it was before. I couldn’t believe just how much I’d grown in just
CHAPTER 98: End The Bad BloodMaverick's POV:“This is something we should have done a long time ago, Maverick.” Mother’s voice followed after the initial silence. “Collaborating with the FireHeart pack and joining our forces as one should have been our first and top priority; maybe none of this would have happened.”I sighed, instinctively rubbing my palm over my face in frustration. As much as I would hate to deny it, my mother was telling the truth. It was all my fault. If I had not been too stubborn, too headstrong to believe I could handle everything in and out of my pack, then those wolves, or if I could even call them that, would have been stopped. I fear we are too late now. “But there’s bad blood between our opposing pack, Luna.” Derick’s worried voice pierced through as the ministers who sat around the meeting room all nodded in agreement, most whispering amongst themselves. “It’s been far too long. Our pack would speak to them now, since after the Great War, spark their in
CHAPTER 97: No Death ScareThird person’s POV:The laboratory was still filled with tension and the smell of chemicals and antiseptic. Alpha Duncan laid rigid on the edge of the examination table, his teeth gritted against the waves of pain that surged through his body. His normally imposing and staring frame was slumped, weakened, his healing slower than expected. The Crimson’s power still eluded him.Alpha Duncan turned to Caspien who watched his father with curious eyes. “There is someone I have kept locked up in the car’s trunk. Get him out.”“Father,” Caspien began, his voice hesitant and brows furrowed from the strange command, “What kind of—“ Duncan cut him off with a guttural growl, his voice commanding and unyielding. “Do as I say, Caspien. Now.”Caspien’s jaw tightened, but he nodded, his defiance swallowed by duty. He turned and left the lab, his boots crunching against the steel ground before exiting to the gravel path outside. The forest surrounded the facility, dense a
CHAPTER 97: No Death ScareThird person’s POV:The laboratory was still filled with tension and the smell of chemicals and antiseptic. Alpha Duncan laid rigid on the edge of the examination table, his teeth gritted against the waves of pain that surged through his body. His normally imposing and staring frame was slumped, weakened, his healing slower than expected. The Crimson’s power still eluded him.Alpha Duncan turned to Caspien who watched his father with curious eyes. “There is someone I have kept locked up in the car’s trunk. Get him out.”“Father,” Caspien began, his voice hesitant and brows furrowed from the strange command, “What kind of—“ Duncan cut him off with a guttural growl, his voice commanding and unyielding. “Do as I say, Caspien. Now.”Caspien’s jaw tightened, but he nodded, his defiance swallowed by duty. He turned and left the lab, his boots crunching against the steel ground before exiting to the gravel path outside. The forest surrounded the facility, dense a
CHAPTER 97: No Death ScareThird person’s POV:The laboratory was still filled with tension and the smell of chemicals and antiseptic. Alpha Duncan laid rigid on the edge of the examination table, his teeth gritted against the waves of pain that surged through his body. His normally imposing and staring frame was slumped, weakened, his healing slower than expected. The Crimson’s power still eluded him.Alpha Duncan turned to Caspien who watched his father with curious eyes. “There is someone I have kept locked up in the car’s trunk. Get him out.”“Father,” Caspien began, his voice hesitant and brows furrowed from the strange command, “What kind of—“ Duncan cut him off with a guttural growl, his voice commanding and unyielding. “Do as I say, Caspien. Now.”Caspien’s jaw tightened, but he nodded, his defiance swallowed by duty. He turned and left the lab, his boots crunching against the steel ground before exiting to the gravel path outside. The forest surrounded the facility, dense a
CHAPTER 96: A New SourceThird person’s POV:Caspian paced the pack’s common room, his restlessness was evident in every taut movement he made. The common area was filled with silence and tension as everyone waited. Warriors sat or stood in small groups, their gazes flickering toward the door every second with anticipation. Four hours. A whole four hours had passed since their Alpha had left without a word to Caspien or anyone, and every minute stretched endlessly.“Where is he?” Caspian muttered, his voice low and simmering with frustration. “It’s been hours, and he hasn’t returned.” His patience was wearing thin, his worry masked by irritation. After he came back from his successful mission, he expected to see his father waiting for him. Beta Alaric, leaning against the wall with arms crossed, turned to him. “Patience, boy,” he said with a calm authority that only deepened Caspien’s scowl. “Our Alpha wouldn’t delay unless it was necessary.”Boy? That single word was like a spark
CHAPTER 95: Kicks Of JoyPyra’s POVI was still shaken a bit from the events of the day as I stood in the throne room, the air thick with the lingering echoes of the Wanderer. Madraya stood beside me, her voice a soothing balm against the storm inside.“Do not stress, Pyra,” she murmured, her hand rubbing gentle circles on my back. “You need rest. Such stress isn’t good for your unborn children. Remember, the gestation period of crimson wolves is far shorter.”Her words caught me off guard, my brow furrowing in confusion. She must have seen my confusion and furrowed brows as she smiled, explaining further. “It takes five to seven months for crimson wolves,” she continued, her tone soft. “And you’re already five months along.”I blinked, processing her revelation. “But I don’t feel like I’m close to giving birth. I’m not even that big.”Madraya smiled faintly, “Things are strange now, child. The awakening of a crimson wolf is something I can never understand, for it shifts everything.