Elizabeth’s Point of ViewThe chill in the air seeped into my bones as the guards marched me from the packhouse room to the cells. The walk wasn’t long, but it felt like an eternity—a gauntlet of humiliation hammering home how far I had fallen.Entering the pack prison, the guards’ heavy boots thudded against the cold stone floors, a steady, merciless rhythm that echoed in my ears. The frigid air wrapped around me, biting at my skin and worming its way into my core.Though I walked with my chin high and shoulders back, I couldn’t shake the heat of their gazes—guards, warriors, even pack members who had dared peek from doorways. Silent witnesses to my disgrace. Once their Luna, now reduced to this. Each step felt like dragging iron weights, yet I refused to falter. My pride was the only armor I had left.The sharp clang of the iron door jolted me from my thoughts. I didn’t resist as the guards shoved me inside, though every movement I made was deliberate and controlled. My posture rema
Lucienne's Point of ViewThe first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow across the room. Warmth surrounded me, both from the sunlight and the two bodies pressed against mine. Marc's arm was draped possessively over my waist, his fingers splayed across my stomach as if to stake his claim even in sleep. Cole's head rested against my shoulder, his breath steady and even, his warmth radiating through the thin sheet that barely covered us.For a moment, I lay still, savouring the quiet intimacy of the morning. The events of last night played in my mind like a vivid dream, but the ache in my muscles and the contented hum in my heart told me it was all real. It had been more than just sex or even just passion; it had been a merging of three souls, a vow between us that surpassed words.I glanced at Cole; his features softened in sleep. His strong jawline, the slight furrow of his brow—even at rest, he exuded strength and protection. My gaze shifted to Ma
Lucienne's Point of ViewI’ve never been one for overly feminine activities like spas or beauty treatments. Give me a good training session or a strategy meeting any day. But this? This, I could get used to.Each of us were assigned a masseuse. I’d never had a massage like this before, but with each expert press and glide of her hands, she eased the tension I hadn’t even realised I was holding, helping me forget—for just a little while—the pressure of the upcoming ceremony.Once the masseuses left us to relax afterwards, we were able to continue our conversations. As we settled into our treatments, the conversation turned serious. "So, have you heard anything about who the twins are thinking for Gamma?" Alice asked.I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Marc and Cole haven’t indicated who is taking that place, and it's been so chaotic. The warriors still need direction, though. I just hope they choose someone capable. I don’t want the position. I'm not sure I could manage being b
Marc’s Point of ViewThe grand hall shimmered with elegance as guests arrived for Lucienne’s Luna Ceremony. True to Elizabeth’s style, it was ostentatious. The wide doors leading to the courtyard were open.It was a sight to behold—Portals shimmered to life across the courtyard, their swirling energy casting vibrant hues of gold, silver, and deep indigo onto the stone pathway. One by one, dignitaries stepped through, their regal bearing unmistakable.Cole stood beside me, his shoulders squared, projecting the confident Alpha everyone expected. But I knew him better than anyone; the slight twitch in his jaw betrayed his unease. We were used to commanding warriors and leading packs, but this was different. These guests weren’t just any wolves—some weren’t even wolves. They were royalty and dignitaries with power that could crush entire packs.“Breathe, Marc,” Cole muttered under his breath, leaning slightly toward me. “You look like you’re about to challenge someone to a duel.”I forced
Duncan's Point of ViewThe sharp, acrid tang of blood hit my nose the moment I stepped into the prison's lower levels. The cold stone walls seemed to amplify the metallic scent, and I clenched my jaw as I surveyed the carnage. Two guards lay lifeless on the floor, their throats torn open with brutal efficiency. Blood pooled beneath their bodies, soaking into the cracks of the stone. Six guards flanked me, their faces pale but their stances resolute. While they knew death was a possibility, it was a risk they had long accepted as part of their duty. Their determination radiated in the unyielding set of their jaws, ready to uphold the pack's safety, no matter the cost. While fear lingered in their eyes, it was drowned out by their loyalty, which made them march forward into the unknown without hesitation."Spread out," I barked, my voice cutting through the tense silence and echoing down the cold, dimly lit corridor. "Check every cell, every corner. I want answers—find out how this hap
Lucienne's Point of ViewWhen I opened my eyes, dim light greeted me—weak and distant, barely illuminating the space. My head throbbed, a dull ache pulsing at the base of my skull, and the cold, damp air bit into my skin like icy needles.I shifted slightly, trying to orient myself, only to feel the sharp tug of iron biting into my wrists. My arms were outstretched, pulled taut by heavy chains fastened to the walls on either side of me, leaving me in an awkward, uncomfortable sitting position on the hard stone floor.The light source was far away, casting faint shadows across the cell and doing little to push back the gloom. It was just enough for me to make out my surroundings—bare, unwelcoming, and suffused with the oppressive weight of captivity. The dim glow created more questions than answers, each corner of the cell cloaked in an eerie half-light that left me straining to see.For a moment, I couldn’t make sense of my surroundings. The air reeked of mildew, blood, and something
Lucienne's Point of ViewThe dim light flickered weakly outside my cell, casting jagged shadows on the walls. I inhaled deeply, searching for clues, but my surroundings offered little more than damp air and the acrid tang of rust. Still, faint and fleeting beneath it all, I caught a scent that made my pulse quicken.It was subtle, just a thread woven through the murk of mildew and stone—a sharp, bitter aroma tinged with something earthy. My senses struggled to place it entirely, dulled as they were by hunger and wolfsbane. But I’d know that scent anywhere: witchcraft.This wasn’t like the warm, herbal scent of Aunt Delilah, the liaison between the Royal Family and the Witch’s Council. She wasn’t really my aunt, but that was what we called Alice’s mum. Delilah’s magic smelled of rosemary and lavender, soft and soothing, a presence that felt like home. This was different—harsh, acrid, and wrong. It clawed at my senses, leaving an unpleasant taste in my mouth.A rogue witch, maybe. Or wo
Lucienne's Point of ViewAs the sound of their retreating footsteps faded into silence, the tension holding my body upright gave way. My legs buckled, and I sank to my knees, the chains rattling softly as my arms hung limply above me. Pain radiated across my back, sharp and relentless, each breath pulling at the torn skin where the silver whip had bitten deep.For a moment, I allowed myself to feel it all—the anger, the fear, the helplessness. The weight of the situation bore down on me, pressing the air from my lungs. I clenched my fists, forcing my mind to remain clear. I couldn’t let this break me.“They’ll come for me,” I whispered, my voice cracking against the stillness of the cell. “Marc and Cole will find me.”I repeated the words like a mantra, willing myself to believe them. Marc and Cole were my mates. They wouldn’t rest until they tracked me down. The wolfsbane might dampen the bonds between us, but they were still there, faint and fragile threads that connected us. Once C
Marc's Point of ViewThe moment we reached the edge of Charleston’s industrial district, our mood changed to serious mode. The dilapidated warehouses loomed ahead, their skeletal frames standing against the faint glow of distant city lights. The air was thick with the acrid scent of saltwater and rust, a sharp contrast to the quiet rage simmering within me.Every fibre of my being was screaming to charge in, to find Lucienne and end this nightmare, but I couldn’t afford to lose control. Not now. Not when we were this close. I glanced at Cole, who sat rigid in the seat next to me, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles were bone white. His wolf, Blaine, was barely restrained, a growl rumbling deep in his chest.“Breathe,” I murmured through the mind-link, my voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside me. It was a simple command, but it carried more weight than either of us could have anticipated. I wasn’t sure if I was reminding him or myself.The tension from us was plain to
Cole's Point of ViewThe growl of the SUV’s engine echoed my mood—low and simmering with restrained fury. A day’s drive to Charleston felt like an eternity. Every kilometre of road we travelled was one less between us and Lucienne, but it didn’t feel fast enough. Every second on the road felt like a century.My Lycan, Blaine, prowled at the edges of my mind, eager to tear into anyone who had dared harm her. The fact that we had to wait to reach her made my blood boil. Marc sat in the back seat next to me, his posture rigid and his eyes locked on the road ahead, his knuckles white as he gripped the armrest. The fire burning in his amber eyes mirrored my own.Queen Adriana sat in the front with King Daemon driving, their presence commanding yet oddly comforting. Daemon had been our anchor through this ordeal, his steady voice reminding us that charging in mindlessly would only hurt Lucienne. Gamma Ellis was quiet beside us, his jaw tight as he stared out the window.Tension crackled in
Marc's Point of ViewThe day and a half since Lucienne’s abduction had been the longest of my life. Every moment stretched like an eternity, the bond Cole and I shared with her still present but muted. Every attempt to reach her through the mind-link was met with silence. It was maddening. Cassius, my Lycan, prowled restlessly within me, his frustration mirroring my own. We were helpless, and it was tearing us apart.King Daemon and Queen Adriana had been our anchors through the chaos. King Daemon, in particular, had taken us aside, his voice heavy with a mixture of pain and understanding. “I know what you’re going through,” he said. “When Adriana was taken years ago, I thought I’d lose my mind. But rushing in blind only makes it worse. You have to trust the process. You have to trust her.”Trust. The word felt hollow when my mate was out there, suffering. But his experience was hard to ignore. Adriana had been sitting beside him, her gaze fierce yet compassionate as she nodded in agr
Cole's Point of ViewI could feel the tension in the air as we got out of the cars. It was a mess. The only positive point was that everyone was here and alive. Everyone except Lucienne. Given that our Lycans were not completely losing control, there was still hope. Hope that she was still out there, still alive.Marc mind-linked our father, urgency lacing his voice as he delivered the grim news—Lucienne had been taken. But what came next was a devastating revelation. Elizabeth and Michaela had escaped, aided by none other than Dwayne. The timing was far too coincidental, a connection that couldn’t be ignored. Whoever was behind this knew exactly what they were doing.Father also sent through half a dozen of our best trackers via a portal that Queen Adriana had created. The trackers spread out, scanning the area with the precision of trained hunters. But they had about as much luck as we had in human form. We knew the general direction they had gone, but that was it. Marc decided that
Cole's Point of ViewI could feel the tension in the air as we got out of the cars. It was a mess. The only positive point was that everyone was here and alive. Everyone except Lucienne. Given that our Lycans were not completely losing control, there was still hope. Hope that she was still out there, still alive.Marc mind-linked our father, urgency lacing his voice as he delivered the grim news—Lucienne had been taken. But what came next was a devastating revelation. Elizabeth and Michaela had escaped, aided by none other than Dwayne. The timing was far too coincidental, a connection that couldn’t be ignored. Whoever was behind this knew exactly what they were doing.Father also sent through half a dozen of our best trackers via a portal that Queen Adriana had created. The trackers spread out, scanning the area with the precision of trained hunters. But they had about as much luck as we had in human form. We knew the general direction they had gone, but that was it. Marc decided that
Lucienne's Point of ViewThe faint echo of footsteps from above stiffened me, and my senses strained for any sign of danger. Every sound in this cell was magnified—every whisper of air, every creak of the floorboards. It had been hours, maybe longer since I had last seen anyone. My body ached, and my wrists were raw from the restraints, but I forced myself to stay alert.When the door creaked open, I expected Beatrice’s manic figure or Rodney’s menacing leer. Instead, Michaela’s familiar form came downstairs, her face carefully blank but her eyes darting nervously. She carried a tray of food, the smell wafting toward me, making my stomach growl despite myself.She hesitated before crouching down to push the tray through the bottom of the bars. She moved to the box on the wall that adjusted the chains. The weight eased slightly, and I could finally lift my arms enough to rub the soreness from them.“You need to eat,” Michaela said softly, pushing the tray toward me. Her tone was quiet,
Lucienne's Point of ViewI sagged against the chains, reeling from the sting of the whip. My wrists were still tightly bound, but the slight loosening of the chains gave me a moment to catch my breath as I gasped, my chest heaving. Beatrice stood in the dimly lit cell, her body tense and poised, the whip in her hand slicing through the air with a sharp crack.Suddenly, the heavy door slammed open, and Rodney stormed in, radiating a palpable fury that seemed to charge the air around him. Without a moment's hesitation, he reached out and seized her wrist, the force of his grip causing her wrist to break, and she staggered slightly. With a swift motion, he wrenched the whip from her hand, sending it flying across the cell to land with a dull thud on the cold stone floor.Beatrice's heart raced as she met his intense gaze, realisation dawning on her that the confrontation was far from over."She's already been whipped today," he snarled. "The plan is not to kill her.""I don't care!" Beat
Lucienne's Point of ViewClio stirred. At first, it was faint—a mere flicker of warmth beneath my skin, like the distant glow of a candle struggling against the darkness. It wasn't the full return of her vibrantly strong presence, but it was enough to send a wave of relief coursing through me. For the first time since I'd been dragged into this grim, lightless cell, I felt a sliver of hope.Her energy was weak and groggy, like waking from a deep, drugged sleep, and I could sense her struggling against the lingering effects of the wolfsbane. She couldn't speak, couldn't send me her thoughts, but I felt her there—a fragile yet unmistakable connection humming faintly within me. It was proof that the activated charcoal Michaela had smuggled to me was starting to work, pushing back against the poison that had muted her.I closed my eyes and concentrated, drawing strength from that tenuous bond. Clio's presence reminded me of who I was, of the power locked away inside me. Even if she couldn
Lucienne's Point of ViewAs the sound of their retreating footsteps faded into silence, the tension holding my body upright gave way. My legs buckled, and I sank to my knees, the chains rattling softly as my arms hung limply above me. Pain radiated across my back, sharp and relentless, each breath pulling at the torn skin where the silver whip had bitten deep.For a moment, I allowed myself to feel it all—the anger, the fear, the helplessness. The weight of the situation bore down on me, pressing the air from my lungs. I clenched my fists, forcing my mind to remain clear. I couldn’t let this break me.“They’ll come for me,” I whispered, my voice cracking against the stillness of the cell. “Marc and Cole will find me.”I repeated the words like a mantra, willing myself to believe them. Marc and Cole were my mates. They wouldn’t rest until they tracked me down. The wolfsbane might dampen the bonds between us, but they were still there, faint and fragile threads that connected us. Once C