|| Lilac’s POV ||
The car glided smoothly through the winding roads, the city lights fading into the distance as we ventured deeper into the woods. The trees grew taller and denser, their branches forming a canopy overhead that filtered the moonlight into a soft, silvery glow. The air was crisp and fresh, carrying the earthy scent of pine and the faint rustle of leaves. It felt like stepping into another world one untouched by the chaos and noise of the city.
Alaric drove with ease. The road was lined with wildflowers, their colors muted in the moonlight but still vibrant enough to catch my eye. The further we went, the more the landscape changed. The woods gave way to rolling hills, and soon, towering mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks kissed by the stars. The beauty of it all took my breath away.
“Where are we going?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper as I took in the scenery.
“You’ll see,” Alaric replied, a small smile playing on his
|| Lilac's POV ||After a few moments, Alaric led me to the kitchen, his hand still wrapped around mine as if he had no intention of letting go. The warmth of his touch sent tiny sparks up my arm, and I couldn’t help but revel in the feeling.The kitchen was just as breathtaking as the rest of the cabin rustic yet elegant, with wooden countertops, exposed beams, and shelves lined with neatly arranged jars of herbs and spices. A large window overlooked the vast forest beyond, the moonlight spilling in and bathing the room in a dreamy silver glow. It felt like something out of a fairytale our own little world tucked away from reality.Alaric finally released my hand to pull open the fridge, his sharp eyes scanning the contents.“Fish or chicken?” he asked, his voice light, as if this was just any other night, as if the weight of the world didn’t sit on our shoulders.I blinked, caught off guard by the question.“What are you up to?” I as
|| Lilac’s POV ||The cabin was bathed in the soft glow of the firelight, the warmth of the flames casting flickering shadows across the room. The scent of herbs and spices filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the wood and the faint sweetness of the wine we had been sipping. Alaric moved around the kitchen with practiced ease, his muscles flexing as he chopped vegetables and stirred sauces. I couldn’t help but watch him, my eyes tracing the lines of his broad shoulders and the way his hands moved with precision and grace.There was something mesmerizing about the way he worked, the rhythm of his movements almost hypnotic. He was completely in his element, his focus entirely on the task at hand. But every now and then, he would glance over at me, his eyes meeting mine, and a small smile would tug at his lips. It was a smile that made my heart skip a beat, a smile that made me feel like I was the only person in the world.“Enjoying the vie
|| Alaric’s POV || I never thought I would feel this way for someone. Every little thing about her made my heart race. Her smile, the way her loose curls framed her face, the mischievous glint in her eyes when she teased me. But there were moments, fleeting and rare, when the warmth in her eyes would vanish, replaced by a hollow emptiness that made her seem like a completely different person. It was as if she carried a weight too heavy for her shoulders, a pain she refused to share. And then there was her scent lavender, soft and intoxicating, driving me and my wolf to the edge of madness. What kind of spell had she cast on me? I didn’t know, but I was utterly and irrevocably under it. This cabin had always been my sanctuary, my solitude. It was the one place where I could escape the chaos of the world and just be myself. I had never brought anyone here before. It was too personal, too sacred. But here she was, lying on my lap as if she had always belonged here, as if this
|| Alaric’s POV ||She pulled away just enough to look up at me, her tear-filled eyes shining with something that made my chest ache. Anguish. Hope. Desperation."I can’t find Runa… I’m trying, and trying, but still no sign. Will you help me?" Her voice trembled, breaking slightly at the end.I stilled.Runa?The name was unfamiliar, but the way she said it like it meant everything sent a prickle of unease down my spine. Was it the alcohol talking? Some buried fear surfacing in her vulnerability? Or was there something deeper, something she hadn’t told me yet?I didn’t know. But right now, I didn’t care.All I knew was that Lilac was breaking in my arms, and I would do anything to hold her together.I cupped her face gently, wiping a stray tear from her cheek with my thumb.Her breath hitched, something unreadable flashing across her expression. She seemed lost, caught between past and present, between hope and despair.
|| Lilac’s POV ||I found myself standing in a place that defied all logic, a realm so breathtakingly beautiful that it felt like a dream. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers, their petals shimmering in hues of gold and silver. The sky above was a canvas of swirling colors, that seemed to pulse with life. Beneath my feet, the ground was covered in soft, glowing moss that sparkled like stardust. Trees with golden leaves swayed gently in a breeze that carried the faint sound of distant chimes. It was a place of pure serenity, a sanctuary untouched by the chaos of the world.In the center of this divine landscape stood a woman. She was ethereal, her presence radiating a warmth that enveloped me like a comforting embrace. Her hair cascaded down her back in waves of silver, each strand glowing faintly as if kissed by moonlight. Her eyes were pools of endless depth, filled with wisdom and kindness. She wore a flowing gown that seemed to be made of the night
|| Lilac's POV ||I moved a little. His arm was draped over me, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on my back. The steady rise and fall of his breathing was soothing, and for a moment, I allowed myself to bask in the warmth of his presence.But then it hit me I was wearing his t-shirt. The realization made my cheeks flush with embarrassment. How had I ended up in his clothes? My mind raced, trying to piece together the events of the night before. Had we…? No, surely not. I would have remembered something like that. But the thought lingered, making my heart race.I shifted slightly, my eyes drifting over Alaric’s half-naked form. His jawline was sharp, his stubble giving him a rugged, almost dangerous look. His chest was bare, the muscles defined and smooth, and I couldn’t help but admire the way the morning light played across his skin. He looked like a sculpture, perfectly carved and impossibly beautiful.“Good morning, Dove,” Alaric’s voice broke the
|| Lilac's POV ||The events of the previous night came rushing back. The dream, the Moon Goddess, the weight of her words it all felt like a heavy blanket draped over my chest.But reality came crashing in when my phone buzzed loudly on the nightstand. I groaned, reaching for it, and saw Elara’s name flashing on the screen. My heart sank. I had completely forgotten to check in with my family last night.“Hey,” I said, my voice still thick with sleep as I answered the call.“Don’t ‘hey’ me,” Elara’s voice came through the phone, sharp and exasperated. “Where are you? Do you have any idea how many lies I’ve told your parents? And Ezra almost showed up at my doorstep!”I sat up abruptly, the sheets pooling around my waist. “What happened?” I asked, my voice tinged with guilt.“Your mom and Ezra thought you were out on a date, and when you didn’t come home, they
|| Lilac's POV ||As we stepped outside, the crisp morning air hit me, filling my lungs and clearing my head. The cabin was even more beautiful in the daylight, surrounded by towering trees and the soft hum of nature. But what caught my attention were the other houses scattered in the distance. I hadn’t noticed them last night. Was this a pack territory? I wanted to ask, but the words stuck in my throat.We got into the car, and Alaric started the engine, the low rumble filling the silence. As we drove, I couldn’t help but admire the scenery. The road was lined with vibrant wildflowers, their colors a stark contrast to the deep greens of the forest. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. It was like driving through a painting, every detail perfect and serene.But the beauty of the landscape did little to ease the tension in the car. My mind was racing, torn between the guilt of worrying my family and the weight
|| Alaric’s POV ||I glanced at Lilac again, my gaze softening as I took in the curve of her cheek, the way her lashes brushed against her skin when she blinked. She was so beautiful, so strong in ways that had nothing to do with her wolf. She had survived so much, endured so much, and yet she was still here, still fighting. I wouldn’t let her face anything alone. Not now, not ever.Reaching over, I gently took her hand in mine, my thumb brushing over her knuckles. She turned to look at me, her eyes wide and questioning, and I gave her a small smile. “Everything okay?” she asked, her voice soft, like a melody I never wanted to end.“Yeah,” I said, squeezing her hand. “Everything’s perfect.”She smiled back, her eyes lighting up in a way that made my heart skip a beat. But beneath the warmth of her smile, I could see the faintest hint of something else— something fragile, something she was trying to hide. It only made me more determined to protect her, to
|| Alaric’s POV ||Something felt off about Lilac. The moment she woke up, I could sense it, a shift in her energy, a distance in her eyes that hadn’t been there last night. She had been so open, so vulnerable with me just a few hours ago, but now she seemed guarded, almost hesitant. Was she unhappy with me? Had I done something wrong? The questions gnawed at me, but I couldn’t bring myself to ask. Not yet.I watched her as she moved around the house, her movements stiff and hurried. She was avoiding my gaze, her mind clearly elsewhere. And then there was the name she had called out in her sleep— Runa. Her wolf. Why had she been calling for her wolf? Was something wrong with Runa? The thought sent a chill down my spine.To think about it, I had never seen Lilac shift. She never talked about her wolf, never mentioned her in passing. Even when my wolf, Hunter, tried to reach out to hers, there was no response. Just silence. It was unsettling, like a shadow lingeri
|| Lilac's POV ||As we stepped outside, the crisp morning air hit me, filling my lungs and clearing my head. The cabin was even more beautiful in the daylight, surrounded by towering trees and the soft hum of nature. But what caught my attention were the other houses scattered in the distance. I hadn’t noticed them last night. Was this a pack territory? I wanted to ask, but the words stuck in my throat.We got into the car, and Alaric started the engine, the low rumble filling the silence. As we drove, I couldn’t help but admire the scenery. The road was lined with vibrant wildflowers, their colors a stark contrast to the deep greens of the forest. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. It was like driving through a painting, every detail perfect and serene.But the beauty of the landscape did little to ease the tension in the car. My mind was racing, torn between the guilt of worrying my family and the weight
|| Lilac's POV ||The events of the previous night came rushing back. The dream, the Moon Goddess, the weight of her words it all felt like a heavy blanket draped over my chest.But reality came crashing in when my phone buzzed loudly on the nightstand. I groaned, reaching for it, and saw Elara’s name flashing on the screen. My heart sank. I had completely forgotten to check in with my family last night.“Hey,” I said, my voice still thick with sleep as I answered the call.“Don’t ‘hey’ me,” Elara’s voice came through the phone, sharp and exasperated. “Where are you? Do you have any idea how many lies I’ve told your parents? And Ezra almost showed up at my doorstep!”I sat up abruptly, the sheets pooling around my waist. “What happened?” I asked, my voice tinged with guilt.“Your mom and Ezra thought you were out on a date, and when you didn’t come home, they
|| Lilac's POV ||I moved a little. His arm was draped over me, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on my back. The steady rise and fall of his breathing was soothing, and for a moment, I allowed myself to bask in the warmth of his presence.But then it hit me I was wearing his t-shirt. The realization made my cheeks flush with embarrassment. How had I ended up in his clothes? My mind raced, trying to piece together the events of the night before. Had we…? No, surely not. I would have remembered something like that. But the thought lingered, making my heart race.I shifted slightly, my eyes drifting over Alaric’s half-naked form. His jawline was sharp, his stubble giving him a rugged, almost dangerous look. His chest was bare, the muscles defined and smooth, and I couldn’t help but admire the way the morning light played across his skin. He looked like a sculpture, perfectly carved and impossibly beautiful.“Good morning, Dove,” Alaric’s voice broke the
|| Lilac’s POV ||I found myself standing in a place that defied all logic, a realm so breathtakingly beautiful that it felt like a dream. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers, their petals shimmering in hues of gold and silver. The sky above was a canvas of swirling colors, that seemed to pulse with life. Beneath my feet, the ground was covered in soft, glowing moss that sparkled like stardust. Trees with golden leaves swayed gently in a breeze that carried the faint sound of distant chimes. It was a place of pure serenity, a sanctuary untouched by the chaos of the world.In the center of this divine landscape stood a woman. She was ethereal, her presence radiating a warmth that enveloped me like a comforting embrace. Her hair cascaded down her back in waves of silver, each strand glowing faintly as if kissed by moonlight. Her eyes were pools of endless depth, filled with wisdom and kindness. She wore a flowing gown that seemed to be made of the night
|| Alaric’s POV ||She pulled away just enough to look up at me, her tear-filled eyes shining with something that made my chest ache. Anguish. Hope. Desperation."I can’t find Runa… I’m trying, and trying, but still no sign. Will you help me?" Her voice trembled, breaking slightly at the end.I stilled.Runa?The name was unfamiliar, but the way she said it like it meant everything sent a prickle of unease down my spine. Was it the alcohol talking? Some buried fear surfacing in her vulnerability? Or was there something deeper, something she hadn’t told me yet?I didn’t know. But right now, I didn’t care.All I knew was that Lilac was breaking in my arms, and I would do anything to hold her together.I cupped her face gently, wiping a stray tear from her cheek with my thumb.Her breath hitched, something unreadable flashing across her expression. She seemed lost, caught between past and present, between hope and despair.
|| Alaric’s POV || I never thought I would feel this way for someone. Every little thing about her made my heart race. Her smile, the way her loose curls framed her face, the mischievous glint in her eyes when she teased me. But there were moments, fleeting and rare, when the warmth in her eyes would vanish, replaced by a hollow emptiness that made her seem like a completely different person. It was as if she carried a weight too heavy for her shoulders, a pain she refused to share. And then there was her scent lavender, soft and intoxicating, driving me and my wolf to the edge of madness. What kind of spell had she cast on me? I didn’t know, but I was utterly and irrevocably under it. This cabin had always been my sanctuary, my solitude. It was the one place where I could escape the chaos of the world and just be myself. I had never brought anyone here before. It was too personal, too sacred. But here she was, lying on my lap as if she had always belonged here, as if this
|| Lilac’s POV ||The cabin was bathed in the soft glow of the firelight, the warmth of the flames casting flickering shadows across the room. The scent of herbs and spices filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the wood and the faint sweetness of the wine we had been sipping. Alaric moved around the kitchen with practiced ease, his muscles flexing as he chopped vegetables and stirred sauces. I couldn’t help but watch him, my eyes tracing the lines of his broad shoulders and the way his hands moved with precision and grace.There was something mesmerizing about the way he worked, the rhythm of his movements almost hypnotic. He was completely in his element, his focus entirely on the task at hand. But every now and then, he would glance over at me, his eyes meeting mine, and a small smile would tug at his lips. It was a smile that made my heart skip a beat, a smile that made me feel like I was the only person in the world.“Enjoying the vie