CHAPTER 3
Rose jumped high into the sky; it was as if she could fly as she leaped over the pack members.
She landed with a loud boom a few feet away from the new Alpha. Without a second's thought, she charged straight at him.
She moved at an incredible speed that appeared like a blur. Only a few of the omegas could keep up with her.
"Traitor!" She yelled, swinging her claws as she reached her target.
However, Reed barely blinked. "Too slow," he muttered, sidestepping her attack with ease.
Rose landed on her hands and feet.
“See?” Reed laughed mockingly, “I knew you’d kneel to me eventually.” His eyes sparkled with triumph.Rose’s face flushed with anger. She gritted her teeth and slammed her fists on the floor.
She sprang back up from her position on the ground, her movements sharp and determined.
"I’ll never kneel to a usurper!” she declared with fierce conviction. She charged at Reed once more, her voice full of wrath. “I’ll shred you into a million pieces!”
Reed stood his while wearing a cruel smile across his face.
This time, he didn’t move. As Rose lunged at him, he reached out with one swift motion and grabbed her by the neck.
His grip was like iron, unyielding and firm.“So, this is the speed of an Alpha?” He muttered with a tone dripping in sarcasm, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
A low, mocking giggle escaped his lips as he tightened his hold.
“I am invincible!” His laughter filled the room, a chilling sound that underscored his dominance.
Rose struggled, her hands clawing at his, but his grip only tightened. Reed’s eyes darkened as he began to choke her.
"You should know your place," he said coldly before slamming her into the ground with a force that left her unconscious.
Without a second glance at her, Reed turned to his new subordinates."Take her to her room and lock her up."
--- THREE WEEKS LATER...Rose was chained up in her chambers; she was kept there without so much as a muzzle of food or drop of water.
The door to Rose’s room creaked open, and an elderly man stepped inside.
"Princess..." he said softly.
This man was Trusk, one of the elders of the pack. Unlike Pope, who had been quick to confront Reed, Trusk was more level-headed and careful with his actions.
Rose sat chained in the corner, but there was no sign of surrender in her eyes.
Instead, there was a fierce determination that surprised Trusk.He remembered the kind-hearted daughter of his Alpha, and it pained him to see such venom in her gaze now.
Trusk sighed, saddened by the change. He moved closer, carefully freeing her from the chains.
"I’ve waited for the right time to act," he explained quietly as he worked.
Once the chains were off, he reached into his cloak and pulled out a small piece of meat, handing it to her.
"It’s not much, but it should be enough for you to regain your energy," he said gently.
Rose snatched the piece of meat from Trusk’s hand, tearing into it like a savage.
She hadn’t eaten in weeks, and hunger consumed her. She didn’t care how she looked, even in front of a respected elder. Survival was all that mattered now.Trusk watched her eat, then spoke firmly, "Hurry now, follow me."
But Rose pulled back, her eyes narrowing.
"I’m going after Reed," she declared, her voice sharp with determination.Trusk shook his head.
"You’re in no condition to fight, Rose. Even if you were, you’re no match for the power of an Alpha who’s grown stronger for thousands of years."Rose glared at him, her frustration boiling over.
"So, what then? Do you expect me to just sit and do nothing?"
Trusk’s gaze softened.
"No, I don’t. I’m offering you a chance at revenge, but you must be patient. If you let rage control you, it will only lead to your ruin."Rose stared at him, her resolve wavering. After a tense moment, she sighed, the fire in her eyes dimming just slightly.
"Fine," she muttered, giving in to Trusk’s reasoning.Trusk handed Rose a cloak, his expression serious. "Cover your head," he instructed.
Rose did as she was told, pulling the cloak over herself. They quietly exited the room carefully so as not to make a sound.
They moved stealthily through the castle, avoiding the guards who patrolled the hallways.
They managed to exit the castle making it to the courtyard.
"We're almost there," said Trusk as he reached into his cloak and pulled out a sealed letter.
"Here my princess," He handed it to Rose. She looked at it, then back at him with confusion in her eyes.
Trusk explained, "Your father entrusted this letter to me with strict instructions."
He paused, seeing the question in her gaze."Alpha Vale predicted that he might meet his end at the hands of an enemy or even an ally seeking to take his power.
After all, such things are common in the world of supernaturals.
He wrote this letter and entrusted it to both Pope and me in case something like this happened."
Trusk continued, "Pope and I swore not to open it. Whatever is inside is a secret between your late father and you."
Rose hesitated for a moment, staring at the sealed letter in her hands. She took a deep breath before she carefully opened it...
[My dear Eternal Flower,If you’re reading this letter, the worst has come to pass.
Tears welled up in Rose’s eyes as she continued reading. Her father’s words felt heavy with finality.
Trust me, I hoped you’d never have to read this letter. But I wrote it just in case. The world is cruel. But I will have my eternal slumber knowing that whatever condition you may find yourself in, you will endure.
Rose, you are the single greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I want you to be strong during these hard times.
Now, onto the important part of the letter...]
Trusk, noticing the tears streaming down her face, spoke gently. "My princess, you don’t have to read it out loud. It’s personal."
But Rose shook her head. "No, I trust you, Trusk. My father did too."
She continued reading, her voice trembling slightly.
[I know you have always asked about your mother...
Your mother wasn’t just a one-off encounter I had during my travels. It was more than that, but I kept it a secret for your own safety.
However, given that your life is already in danger, I am forced to have you fight poison with poison.
Rose, you are special, and I don’t mean that figuratively. You are the product of the union between an Alpha Werewolf and a Vampire. You are a Hybrid.]
Rose and Trusk gasped simultaneously as they read those words. The revelation struck them both with the force of a tidal wave, leaving them speechless.
Rose turned to Trusk, her voice trembling with shock. "Vampire?"
Trusk’s eyes widened in disbelief. "It’s... unthinkable."
The idea of a werewolf and a vampire, two of the most powerful and ancient races in the supernatural world, falling in love was unheard of.
The two species had been at war for centuries, their hatred for each other almost primal. Yet, somehow, her parents had defied that ancient enmity. And it resulted in the birth of a rare breed - The Hybrid.
Rose felt her mind spinning, but she forced herself to continue reading the letter aloud, needing to know the rest.
[You should head to Nostville. I have attached further details to your destination. You will find her there.
Please, be safe.
I love you, my eternal flower.
Alpha Vale.]
CHAPTER 4As soon as Rose read the final line of the letter, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. Suddenly... One of the guards spotted them. "The princess!” he yelled, his voice sharp and loud.Rose’s heart skipped a beat as the guard's shout caught the attention of the others. They quickly began swarming the area, their footsteps growing louder by the second.“Shit,” Rose cursed under her breath. She looked at Trusk with frustration. "They're onto us!" Trusk’s eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. “There’s no time to argue. Run, Rose! I’ll hold them back.”She hesitated, fear gripping her as she considered leaving Trusk behind. “But what about you? I can’t just leave you here!”Trusk shook his head, a stern expression on his face.“It was my honor to serve your father, and it’s my honor to serve you now. Go, My Princess. While Alpha Reed is away, this is your chance.”Tears welled up in Rose’s eyes, but she knew he was right. With a nod, she let out a shaky
CHAPTER 5CHAPTER 5: Eavesdropping Rose made up her mind to confront the first person (Lord Grim) she had met in the forest. She didn't even know the name of the monster that just left the godforsaken room she was confined to, but she called him Grim, too.She had many questions to ask: if her Mom was indeed alive and well, then why wasn't she here at the Nostville Empire? Suddenly, her wolf, Lara, who had been quiet for a long, long time, spoke, “Do you remember when I warned you about Reed?” “Oh! You finally remembered I exist, and that you exist because I am still alive.” Rose replied.Lara chuckled, “You thought you had it all figured out. I hope you'll listen to me now, especially now that your mom isn't here like your dad said in that letter.”Rose sighed, she couldn't even imagine her mom being dead before she got to meet her. What if Lord Grim had done something bad to her?“Arrggghhhh!!! I hate my life.” Rose yelled. Just a few weeks ago, she was a princess with people at
CHAPTER 6“Speaking about the devil.” Rose heard Dale say and she froze. She suddenly regretted eavesdropping on them, she should have left when she had the opportunity to.“How dare you!” Grim’s voice thundered. Dale gave a sarcastic laugh, “She doesn't even have respect for you. Do you know she sees you as weak?”“That's not true,” Rose went on her knees and bowed to Lord Grim.“I'm sorry for my actions, it won't happen again.” Rose didn't understand why she was kneeling before Lord Grim, but she knew she had committed a serious offense, and the only way out was to ask for mercy.“So you have the guts to challenge me?” Dale kicked Rose in her stomach and that sent her rolling in pain.“Ahhh!” Rose cried, holding her stomach in pain.“Dale! What has gotten into you?” Lord Grim questioned, his voice drained in irritation.“So you want to take her side now, Grim. This is exactly why she doesn't have respect for you.” Dale answered and moved to Walk away but then Lord Grim stopped him.
CHAPTER 7Rose's lips were still locked in Lord Grim’s when Rose suddenly pulled away from him. “What happened, angel?” Grim asked, laughing.“You just want to take advantage of me, I can see that.”“Don't speak like a child, Rose.” This was the first time he was calling her name. It sounded strange on his lips.“Please I want to be alone,” Rose replied. Lord Grim chuckled, “I know you want to take your revenge on Reed but you can't do that alone. You need guidance.”“I don't need your help, the only reason I'm still here is because of…” Rose wasn't done when Grim cut her short.“Your Mom?” He asked. Her silence made him laugh more.“You don't even know what you've gotten yourself into. I'll get my maids to bring you some dresses, dinner is in ten minutes. I don't condone lateness so let that stick now.”“What do you mean by what I've gotten myself into?” Rose blinked her eyes to stop the tears that she had been fighting; she was getting more confused and regretted ever coming to No
Chapter Eight “Where is this woman and what is taking her so long to get ready?” Grim wondered aloud.He had assigned her a maid to get ready and she still couldn't make it to the dinner table in time. A few seconds had clicked past the ten minutes he had given her to get ready.A maid volunteered to go check up on them.Grim groveled and was about to grant her request when Rose barged into the dining room.Her movement was rid of any grace or poise. She strode in like a woman on a mission and stopped in front of Grim!“You better have a reason for storming in here and you better have an even better reason why you are standing beside me with your breath fanning my face!”In the heat of her rage, Rose had forgotten the instruction Grim had dished to her the last time they met.“Do you know one mistake you should never make? Raising your voice at me, disobey
Chapter 9 The command was obeyed as swiftly as it was given. In a matter of seconds both her arms were held apart by two guard's and they dragged her back up the stairs. “Who is that commoner?” Feria asked, turning to look at Rose being dragged away. “She is no commoner. She is just a girl I picked up by the woods. She was naked and helped her in here. Don't worry about her.” Feria sat down to have a meal. She had just come from a long trip and her taste buds hadn't tasted good blood in a long while. She took a sip of the virgin blood Grim served her and suddenly her energy was refilled. “I saw her going toe to toe with you when I was walking in. What was that about?” “Nothing. Eat your food.” Feria too has sensed the power field around this woman. She could tell that Rose was no ordinary vampire. “Is she a werewolf?” She asked. “It's none of your business Feria. You should be worried more about getting your energy back because soon I have another mission for you,” Grim said
Chapter 10Grim grabbed a nearby garment and put it on. It wasn't until he was done that he acknowledged the other presence in the room. “Are you going to sit there and watch me get dressed or are you going to start stating your purposes?” “What the hell happened to you? You look like you have just seen a ghost.” Grim refused to pay him any attention. He still didn't understand what had happened between him and Rose earlier. The last person he wanted to confide in was Dale. “You better say what you have to or you can get out of here.” Dale studied Grim carefully. The last time he had seen his younger brother was when he had stormed out of the dining room in annoyance. Dale didn't bother stopping Grim because he knew where he was headed off to; to kill the guest. “Your teeth are not bloodied nor am I seeing pieces of meat. That means two things. Either you floss heavily on your way down here or you haven't had your meal. I know you don't floss so I'm going to go with the first
Chapter 11Rose didn't know what to make of what had just happened. One moment sharp claws had been wrapped around her neck and her life seemed like it was about to be drained from her. The next moment, the most ferocious leader she had heard of was fleeing from her. She had a billion questions. Was he reserving her for later? Has he scurried out of the room because of her stench? She hadn't showered for days so maybe that was what had repelled him. It was a bit embarrassing but it wasn't her fault nonetheless. The door to the room opened once more. Another figure emerged from the shadow. Rose thought Grim had returned but it turned out to be Judy. She walked in with a bowl of water and a towel. She crouched in front of Rose and began wiping off Rose's arms and legs. Rose sighed. “Did Grim send you to clean me up?” “No, I'm here because I know you didn't get the chance to have a shower. As for Lord Grim, I haven't seen him since he stormed out of the dining room.”“He just left
CHAPTER 64Rose walked slowly to the Sorceress's house. She knew she shouldn't get angry or even offended but she couldn't help the sadness she was feeling. It seemed like every time she made progress in anything, something suddenly happened and took her backward. First, she was making progress towards being Alpha of her pack and inheriting her father's power, then Reed came along, killed her father, and became Alpha and what she had been prepared to be. Then she came to Nostville, realized she had powers and started working on them. Then she thought the magic training with the Sorceress was making progress, she had even saved herself from turning to paste, then the news about the mental block stopped her. And then now, whatever it was she had been building with Grim was stuck again. He had kissed her but she had been too shocked to kiss him back. Then he had trained with her like nothing had changed between them.She had gone to see him but she had not been allowed to enter because
CHAPTER 63The atmosphere in the coven’s private hall was thick with tension because of the news Grim had received. He had called for a meeting between the covens that were close to Nostville to address it. The five leaders of the most powerful covens in the region had gathered in one room, and the subject of their meeting… the dark shadow… had most of them on the edge of their seats. The five of them, Grim included, sat at the long oak table. The room was dim, lit only by the flickering light of a few candles. The air smelled faintly of the blood that had been served but it was the scent of their uneasiness that hung heavily in the air.Grim, as always, sat at the head of the table. His posture was stiff as his mind kept wandering to what the Sorceress had told him before the meeting began.His mind was elsewhere. She had told him not to say anything about what he suspected to be caused by. He was not to mention Althrea. He had been careful to keep his suspicions about the shadow t
CHAPTER 62The clearing was still, except for the rustle of the wind brushing through the trees and the occasional chirp of birds. The early morning air was cold. Sunlight filtered through the spaces between the leaves of the trees, warming the cool earth. Grim had chosen this place for their training. It was isolated, quiet, and a perfect spot for training although it was not better than the mountain.She had received his message the night before, instructing her to meet him here for training at dawn. She had been hesitant, unsure of how she felt about training with Grim after the tension that had simmered between them recently. The last time they had been nearby, the kiss but he hadn't even stared at her the last time she had seen him. Yet, she couldn’t deny that the thought of what they could become outweighed her unease.As she had walked towards the clearing, she had replayed their last encounter in her mind… Now, she stood a few feet away, stretching her arms and legs as she p
CHAPTER 61Rose couldn't bring herself to look for the diary. She stood at the door praying that whoever had scattered her things out of anger and not because they were looking for something. Even as she stood at the door, she had doubts. She walked to the bag and slipped her hand into the hidden compartment of the bag and tapped around but the book wasn't there, she looked inside and couldn't see anything. Her heart sank. She didn't even know who to blame. Feria had avoided her for a while now and she couldn't have just decided to scatter her things around… unless she knew about the kiss. That was also not possible because Grim didn't look like he was going to tell her. There was a knock on her door and Judy poked her head in. “Wow, don't tell me you got angry and did all this. It literally looks like a hurricane was here,” Judy said as she got in. “No,” Rose replied sharply. “I'm sorry for how I spoke to you the other day. I was just annoyed and jealous and...”“It's alright.
CHAPTER 60“I've got news,” Kael whispered in Reed's ears. He was making his way to the clearing for the mating ceremony when Kael pulled him aside and told him. The mating ceremony was a tradition that had been in the pack for generations and he had to follow it. When Kael told him, Reed pulled back. He stared at the other wolf's face, trying to get the nature of the news before he was told but Kael's grim face had been replaced by an easy smile. “This better be good, Kael,” he said. “It's good news but I'd tell you after the ceremony,” Kael stepped back and allowed the Alpha to continue his walk to the clearing where his mate Lyla was waiting.Lyla was the daughter of a Trusk, who was the elder of the pack before he was killed by Reed when he saved Rose. When Reed reached the clearing, he looked around at the members of the pack that had gathered, silent and expectant. They had settled into a tense silence, the murmurs from before Jaxon’s death now quieted. Reed had killed the fo
CHAPTER 59Rose woke up to the sound of a knock on her door. She had ignored it, hoping the person would get the idea that she wasn't interested in seeing anyone and leave but the person didn't leave. It was after she stood up from her bed and went towards the door that the person left. She groaned and returned to bed, her hand instinctively going under her pillow to retrieve the book and flip through it again.She had flipped through the pages of her mother's red book so many times that she knew the number of pages. The thing was that even then, the brown pages were still blank. She had tried to read the book beside the light of fire, under the sunlight, under the moonlight but she couldn't see any writings. It was like a bad joke with no punch line.She had gone through so much trouble to carry an empty book. At the back of her mind, she believed that maybe her mom had taken the original and left the fake or she had met the sorceress to hide the writings in the book to prevent j
CHAPTER 58Reed had decided to call for a general pack meeting. The restlessness within the pack had increased and just like Kael had told him, he needed to do something about it. Make a power move. He was no longer respected, no longer feared, no longer revered. He knew they had their thoughts about him being Alpha but they had only been murmuring, now they were beginning to have the nerve to speak up. It felt like his control had slipped. But not anymore. For generations, the only language the pack understood was strength, power, and brute force and he would make sure they remembered who ruled them.He walked into the clearing where pack members had gathered for the meeting. The moon was not full but its glow was enough to illuminate the grounds, enough for them to see him and for him to stare into their eyes. Just as he had instructed, Kael had ensured that the place was packed with all the pack members. He walked up the highest rock where he stood alone, staring down at them qu
CHAPTER 57Rose turned around to see one of the maids frowning at her. The maids had started to hate her since Grim started training with her and had kept her alive. “What are you doing here? Lord Grim is not here.” The maid said sharply.“I know that,” Rose replied, her heart racing as she thought about an excuse. If she just said she came to see him, the maid would be expecting her to leave immediately after she realizes that he was not around. If she tells the maid that she came to pick something from the room, the maid could just wait until she is done. She needed the maid to leave so she wouldn't see her enter the restricted room. “Grim sent me. There's something urgent I need to do,” Rose replied with as much confidence as she could muster. The maid stared at her and she returned the stare without blinking. Her father had taught her about the importance of holding a stare. After a few seconds, the maid turned to the side and looked down. “Oh, okay,” she said as her cheeks tur
CHAPTER 56Reed sat in the dimly lit room. The former Alpha had created it for council meetings, but now he stood alone in it… waiting. His claws had extended because of his agitation and he drummed slowly on the edge of the table with it, but his mind was racing… it was the thought of her. Rose. He could still hear her father’s voice in his mind, the last words he had spoken before Reed had silenced him with a single strike. “My daughter will take my place. She will be the Alpha.” Like the pack needed another weak Alpha that stunted its growth.Rose had been too foolish. She had been weak. And now, because of her father’s misplaced words, some pack members still had their loyalties to the dead man. They wanted her to be Alpha. They didn't say it out loud but he could feel it. She was his obstacle to gaining complete control of the pack.He had thought about everything perfectly and had even started the execution. Imprisoning her. Starving her. Watching her lose hope, lose strength a