RockanI didn’t like the suggestion of bringing in a healer. We still had zero idea of what was wrong with Denera, and things had taken a drastic turn in a matter of minutes. She lay unconscious, her breath shallow, her face pale. I couldn't bear seeing her like this. My mind raced with worst-case scenarios, and I felt utterly powerless.Impatiently, I paced back and forth in the hallway outside her room. Every few steps, I would glance at the door, hoping for some miracle. Then minutes stretched into what felt like hours, each one a reminder of how helpless I was. The problem wasn't just that I didn't trust healers. I had a history with them, a history that had left me scarred in more ways than one. My face bore a mark that numerous healers had tried and failed to remove. Each failure had only deepened my resentment. Even my mother had lost her life trying to heal me completely. Her death had been the final straw, and I had given up on the hope of ever being whole again.And then t
Rockan Hours passed, and finally, Denera began to stir. Her eyelids fluttered, and she let out a soft groan. Relief washed over me, and I squeezed her hand gently."Denera," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.Her eyes slowly opened, confusion giving way to recognition. "Rockan?" she murmured."I'm here," I said, my heart aching with love and worry. "You're safe."She tried to sit up, but I gently pushed her back down. "Rest," I said. "You've been through a lot.""What happened?" she asked, her voice weak."You were sick," I explained. "But you're going to be fine now."She looked at me, her eyes searching mine. "Thank you, Rockan."I kissed her forehead, my emotions threatening to overwhelm me. "Just rest now. We'll talk later."She nodded, her eyes drifting shut again. I stayed by her side, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts. Adriana's revelation had changed everything. I needed to learn more about Denera's past, to understand her abilities. But for now, all that mattered was th
Denera I sat in the steaming bath, my hands resting on the edge as I stared down at them, still trying to process what happened the last few days. The warm water lapped at my skin, but I barely felt its soothing caress, my focus entirely consumed by the realization that I possessed the power to heal."Healers..." I whispered, the word foreign on my tongue. I had heard the stories, of course - tales of werewolves blessed with the extra ability to mend wounds and cure ailments of other people than themselves with the mere touch of their hands. But to think that I, of all people, was one of them... it was almost too much to comprehend.Closing my eyes, I tried to recall the moment when it happened, when the flickering pain in my side had suddenly faded, replaced by a surge of warmth. "What does this mean and why am I just realizing it?" I wondered, my brow furrowing as I contemplated the implications. My gaze drifted towards the door, and a twinge of worry tugged at my heart. “Where
DeneraGranny Yeneva let out an exasperated sigh, her brow furrowed in frustration as she watched me stumble through the dance steps yet again. "One, two, three. One, two, three..." she hummed, shaking her head."You missed a step. Again," she said, her voice tinged with annoyance.I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. This was the umpteenth time I had failed to get the dance right, and Granny Yeneva's patience was wearing thin."I'm sorry, Granny Yeneva," I said, my voice meek. "I told you earlier that dancing isn't my forte, but you insisted it was a vital part of the Luna ceremony."Granny Yeneva pursed her lips, her eyes narrowing as she studied me. "It's a simple dance, child," she said, her tone sharp. "If you would just put your mind and heart into it, you'd have it down in no time."I swallowed hard, the weight of her words settling heavily on my shoulders. "I'm trying, Granny Yeneva, I really am. But it's just not coming to me the way it should."The old woman sighed, ru
DeneraI shuffled restlessly on the bed, my mind buzzing with anticipation rather than the restful sleep I so desperately needed. Despite the exhaustion of the dance, the adrenaline coursing through my veins refused to subside, leaving me wide awake and restless.Glancing over at the big wall clock on the mantel, I saw that it was only just past 2 o'clock. Surely Rachel would be waiting outside, expecting me to be resting as I should be. But the thought of staying cooped up in my room while the preparations for the ceremony were underway was simply too much to bear.With a resigned sigh, I pushed myself up from the bed, smoothing down the soft fabric of my shirt and pulling up my shorts. Perhaps a brief stroll through the castle would satisfy my curiosity and allow me to stretch my legs before the ceremony tomorrow.As I opened the door, Rachel's concerned face greeted me. "My lady! I thought you would be resting."I offered her a reassuring smile. "I'm afraid I just can’t settle dow
Denera The day had finally come. The day my life changes drastically, from a poor slave girl to the Luna of the most powerful pack. Very unbelievable cliche when you think about it. But it was my reality. "Breathe in!" Rachel commanded, and I obeyed. The two maids behind me swiftly tugged on the strap laces, tightening the corset around my waist. The pressure was almost uncomfortable, but I knew it would be worth it in the end."Perfect!" Rachel exclaimed, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. She stepped back, allowing me to fully appreciate the reflection in the mirror.The dress was a vision of ivory satin and intricate lace, tailored perfectly to my frame. The long sleeves hugged my arms, and the bodice accentuated my curves in a way that made me feel both regal and alluring. As the maids worked their magic, my plain features were transformed.They smoothed the foundation over my skin, creating a flawless canvas. Delicate strokes of eyeshadow enhanced my eyes, making the
BrunoI stared at the ceremonial invitation, my heart racing with a mix of hope and trepidation. The names etched on the parchment seemed too unbelievable to be true – Rockan and Denera. Could it really be her?Freya's voice cut through the deafening silence, her grip on my arm tightening. "I've told you," she said, her tone firm, "it's not her."I glanced over at her, not believing her words. We had been driving for nearly an hour, making our way to the Dark Lion pack's territory. The invitation was extended to every alpha under the Dark Lion's rule, with the opportunity to bring a plus one.I begged my mother to accompany me, but she insisted that I bring Freya instead. Now, as I held the invitation in my trembling hands, I couldn't help but wonder why.It wasn't until this morning that I finally took a closer look at the invitation, and that was when I saw it – the names that set my heart racing: Alpha Rockan and Denera.Denera? Could it really be her? The girl I had thought lost t
Denera“Bruno…” Sevyn, my wolf finally spoke. I blinked several times, my breath catching in my throat as I stared into the piercing gaze of Bruno. He looked as if he had seen a ghost, and I knew the expression mirrored my own."What is he doing here?" Sevyn's voice growled, the anger and disbelief vivid. "After all he's done, he dares to show his face?"I felt the tension coiling within me, a mix of shock, fear, and resentment. Bruno, the man who had so callously rejected me and banished me from his pack, stood mere feet away, his eyes locked onto mine with an unreadable intensity."This can't be happening," I whispered, my fingers trembling as I gripped the bouquet of flowers in my hands. "He has no right to be here."Sevyn's growling rose, her presence in my mind a constant reminder of the pain and humiliation I endured at Bruno's hands. "We should tear him apart, Denera. Make him pay for what he's done."I swallowed hard, my gaze shifting to the familiar face of Freya, my cousin
DENARA’S POV I stepped out of the medical wing, the sterile scent of antiseptic still lingering in my nostrils. Each step I took felt heavy, as if I was dragging the weight of the world behind me. My heart was still racing from the news about Rockan, and the sharp pain in my lower abdomen reminded me of the fragile life growing inside me. I had to stay strong—for him, for our child. But as I walked down the dimly lit corridor towards my room, the weight only grew heavier. “Denera, are you sure you should be out?” Rachel’s voice trailed after me, filled with concern. “I need to see what’s happening,” I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. “Please, just rest a bit longer,” she urged, her footsteps quickening to keep pace with me. I shook my head, the determination surging through me. “I can’t. I need to know.”As I approached the large window overlooking the courtyard, a low murmur began to rise outside. I paused, my heart pounding in my chest. I peeked through the curtain, and
DeneraHurriedly, I reached into my back pocket, hoping that what I kept there was still there. “What’s going on?” Rachel questioned, but I was too stunned to respond. I could feel my heart racing, a mixture of anxiety and hope swelling within me. Finally, my fingers brushed against the familiar texture. “Great!” I exclaimed softly, pulling out the piece of paper I had tucked away. I placed it beside the one from my neck and squinted at the writings. They were similar, but the new paper was old and wrinkled, the ink fading, making it difficult to decipher. Suddenly, the door swung open, and my head snapped up. “Is she awake yet?!” Tyris rushed in, his expression a mix of relief and urgency. The moment his eyes met mine, a wave of comfort washed over me. “Oh, thank goodness,” he said, releasing a heavy sigh. Relief spread across his features, but it was quickly overshadowed by something darker. “Where’s Rockan?” I asked, my heart pounding in my chest. The question hung in the ai
Denera….“Denera…”My brows furrowed at the mention of my name, the sound echoing in the void around me.“It’s okay, you can open your eyes,” a soothing voice added as if to reassure me. I obeyed, slowly peeling my eyelids open. At first, everything was blurry; my eyelids felt heavy as if weighted down by the grief and pain I had been carrying. But after a few seconds, the haze began to clear, and I started to take proper mental notes of my surroundings.“Am I dead?” I asked my voice barely a whisper, tinged with confusion and fear.I heard a chuckle that caught my attention, warm and familiar. Turning my head, I searched for the source of that laughter.“No, my love. You’re not dead.”My heart skipped a beat. My eyes widened in disbelief, and my jaw dropped as recognition flooded over me.“Mum…”There she was—my mother. Though she looked a bit older, I knew it was her, the essence of her spirit shining through. It felt surreal, like I was staring at a reflection of myself, yet she
DENARA’S POV He killed Bruno…“No,” the word escaped my lips as a desperate whisper, my heart plummeting into an abyss of fear.I rushed away from Freya’s still form, her lifeless body haunting me even as I sprinted toward Rockan. Each step felt like a weight bearing down on me, but I couldn't stop. I needed to get to him. I needed to know he was okay.As I reached Rockan, horror gripped me at the sight of blood pooling beneath him, soaking through his shirt. I dropped to my knees beside him, panic surging as I placed my trembling hand over the wound, trying to staunch the flow of crimson. “No, no, no! Please don’t die. Don’t leave me,” I cried out, my voice breaking.“I’m not dying, little mate, I’m not,” he chuckled weakly, his hand reaching up to touch my face. But I could see through the lies in his eyes. The bullet had gone through him. The force of the shot, aimed at him, had struck true, and he was losing strength by the second.“Rockan, I have to tell you something,” I manage
DENARA’S POV She was gone.The realization hit me like a physical blow, the weight of it crashing down on my chest. I could feel the warmth fading from Freya’s body, her heartbeat growing fainter until it vanished completely. I lost her even before I could forgive her. At that moment, the world around me dulled into a blur of chaos and noise. I could still hear Rockan and Bruno struggling, their bodies colliding with a force that sent shockwaves through the air, but it felt distant like a storm raging far away. All I could focus on was the lifelessness in my arms, the way Freya’s body felt so heavy and still. “You’re a monster!” I screamed, the words tearing from my throat with a rawness that surprised even me. I didn’t know if I was addressing Bruno or Rockan, or if it was a self-directed accusation—maybe a little of both. All I knew was that the pain in my chest was unbearable, an agony that consumed me whole. “Freya!” I sobbed, cradling her head against my shoulder, feeling the
FREYA’S POV “No!”My body moved on its own, a reflex born from instinct. Time seemed to slow as the world flashed before my eyes, each moment stretching into eternity. I could hear the chaotic symphony of shouts and struggles around me, but all I could focus on was the glint of metal in Bruno’s hand. The gun.I didn’t think it through. I just acted.In that split second, I lunged forward, my heart pounding in my chest. “No!” I screamed, but the word felt like a whisper lost in the storm of emotions swirling around us. The sound of the gunshot echoed, a deafening crack that shattered the tension in the air. I felt a sharp pain, a searing heat that radiated from my inside. It was a sensation that took a moment to register, the bullet found its mark, and it was me. “Freya!” I heard Denera’s anguished scream cut through the chaos, a sound that struck deeper than the bullet itself. I glanced over at her just as she launched toward me, her eyes wide with fear, her expression desperate.
DENARA’S POV It was very noisy out there, the sound of war or gunshots? But why would anyone shoot guns so consistently? Unless it was something else, but my mind was too foggy to come up with anything else.“If you’re hiding her, you’re making a grave mistake. I won’t hesitate to tear this place apart.”I jolted awake, the harsh reality cutting through the fog of unconsciousness. My lungs burned as I forced air down, each breath a struggle. “Rockan,” I breathed out weakly, though I knew no one could hear me. He had come to find me, and tears stung my eyes at the realization. The weight of my situation pressed down on me, but a flicker of hope ignited in my chest. Determined to escape the dark corners of this room, I scanned my surroundings. The dim light barely illuminated the space, but I could make out the remnants of the broken glass that had earlier wounded me. Wounded me? I thought I had miscarried my baby.Bruno must have cleared the room, probably thinking I would use a sha
Bruno’s POV “Son, you have to hide, quickly!” My mother burst into my room, her face pale and fear-stricken.“What? Why?” I questioned, my mind still foggy from the alcohol. The haze was lifting, but it left a lingering confusion in its wake.“He’s here,” she announced, her voice trembling.“What? Who?” I was still piecing together the situation, my heart racing.“The masked Alpha,” she replied, her eyes wide with panic.“Fuck,” I cursed under my breath as I rose to my feet, adrenaline flooding my system. I rushed to the window, glancing outside to confirm her words. My heart sank as I saw him—Rockan, striding into the pack house like he owned the place, with Freya trailing behind him. The sight of her ignited a firestorm of anger within me. Betrayal coursed through my veins, making my vision blur. How could she? After everything we had been through, after everything I had done for her, she chose to stand with him. My world spiraled out of control, and the walls of my room felt lik
DENARA’S POV I blinked awake, a dull ache pulsing through my head and radiating over my body. Panic surged as I tried to move, only to find myself firmly bound to a chair. The cold, hard surface pressed against my back, and my wrists felt raw from the silver-like ropes digging into my skin. Memories flooded back—the last thing I remembered was Bruno's face, twisted with anger before everything went dark.“Bruno,” I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. The betrayal cut deeper than the pain in my head. My heart ached not only from the physical torment but from the realization that I had been taken—kidnapped by someone I once trusted. The words he said echoed in my mind. Why would a person hate her own sister so much that she would perpetuate her and her husband’s murder? I shuddered at the thought, my heart racing. I had always believed family was supposed to protect one another, not destroy. “Sevyn?” I called out softly, hoping my wolf would respond. It felt as if a heavy fog