ValkyrieElyra grinned through bloodstained teeth, panting yet victorious. Her laughter was hoarse, ragged—but triumphant.“You think you’ve won?” she rasped, her voice laced with venom. “You’ve only played into my hands.”Pain lanced through my chest.I gasped as an unseen force clamped around my heart, searing it with unbearable heat. My breath hitched, my limbs locked.A dark sigil flared against my ribs, its sinister energy sinking into my flesh like barbed hooks. It wasn’t just a curse—it was a brand, a shackle binding my soul.“No—” I choked out, fingers clutching at my chest, but there was nothing to tear away, nothing to fight.“Princess!” A voice cut through the chaos—distant, desperate. One of the Nymari warriors, calling my name.My vision blurred, the world tilting as consciousness wavered.“Idiot!” Elyra spat, her fingers curling into a clawed grip. The more she tightened, the deeper the curse rooted itself in me.A sickly darkness slithered from the sigil, spreading like
ValkyrieA voice called my name. Once. Twice. Again and again, but I couldn’t see who it was. The sound wavered, distant and hollow, as if carried through water.Then—nothing.Darkness swallowed me whole.Was I dead? Trapped in some limbo between life and death? My body felt weightless, adrift in an abyss with no beginning and no end.The battlefield was gone. The air no longer smelled of blood and death, yet the pain still lingered—Elyra’s curse seared through my chest, a slow-burning brand that refused to fade. But even that agony was distant now, muffled beneath the suffocating stillness of the void.Then, a whisper.“My little wolf…”A chill skittered down my spine.I turned, searching the endless shadows, but there was nothing—no form, no movement, just the heavy weight of something unseen pressing against my skin.Then, the darkness parted.She stepped forward, emerging like a nightmare given form.My breath caught. “You.”Elyra smiled. “Did you miss me, little wolf?”A cold s
ValkyrieI gasped, stumbling as raw magic tore through my veins, searing like liquid fire. The sigil on my chest pulsed—blazing, branding me from the inside out. Around me, the void twisted, shadows writhing like living creatures, whispering, reaching."Moon Goddess…" My breath hitched, ragged and uneven as I fought to steady myself."Help us."The voice was a whisper. No—a plea.I stiffened. “What… what was that?”Distant cries echoed—raw, broken, desperate.I turned toward the mound of skulls ahead, their hollow sockets staring back. A shudder ran through me. Were they… weeping? Begging to be freed? To finally rest?I swallowed hard. “No…”What could I possibly do? I could barely stand. Barely breathe. How could I save them when I had nothing left?A slow, mocking clap shattered the silence.“Well, well… how amusing.”Elyra emerged from the darkness, her violet eyes gleaming with cruel delight. “You truly believe you can undo what has already been written?” She tilted her head, lip
Valkyrie"I’m right,” I hissed, stepping forward, and Elyra’s eyes flickered. A shadow of doubt—a crack in her fury.The battlefield was in ruins, the air thick with the acrid scent of blood and burnt magic. Bodies lay strewn across the ground, but I only had eyes for one figure.Elyra stood atop him, her foot pressing into his back, her gaze alight with cruel amusement. “And now… the final battle,” she announced, her voice dripping with wicked delight.“What?” My breath caught as I finally recognized the figure beneath her heel. My stomach twisted into a cold knot.“Ragnor?” The name barely escaped my lips.I took a step forward, but then he moved. Slowly, unnaturally.He rose to his feet, but he was not my mate anymore. He was her creature.Dark magic coiled around him like living tendrils, his body caught between man and beast. Black fur bristled, and his eyes—once the stormy grey I had loved—were now hollow voids, bottomless pits of Elyra’s corruption.“Ragnor…” My voice cracked,
The world shattered in a burst of searing white light. A soundless explosion erupted from my chest, rippling through the battlefield like a tidal wave of raw magic. It tore through the air, through the darkness coiled around Ragnor, through the very bones of the earth. And Ragnor screamed. A terrible, soul-wrenching cry, half agony, half something else—something breaking. His body arched, claws retracting as the monstrous black magic tangled around him fought back. Elyra’s hold. I watched, frozen, as his limbs spasmed, his form flickering between man and beast, shadows writhing against the force of the breaking curse. His eyes—oh gods, his eyes—were no longer just black voids. A storm raged within them, fighting for dominance. Ragnor was fighting. Come back to me. The sigil had shattered. I had surrendered. Now, there was only one thing left to do. I reached up, cupping his face in both hands, ignoring the tremors wracking his body. His fangs were still bared,
The chaos I had once witnessed, the pain I had endured—it all felt so distant now as I held Ragnor’s hand.The man who had returned from the abyss.My mate.Or at least… the man who once was.His grip on me was firm yet hesitant, as if afraid I would vanish the moment he let go. His stormy gaze, filled with longing and unspoken sorrow, searched mine."Val…" His voice was rough, almost unsure, but the way he whispered my name sent a shiver through me. "What happened while I was gone?"I exhaled softly, giving him a small, weary smile. "Nothing much to care about."A flicker of something—guilt, maybe even regret—crossed his face. His fingers tightened around mine, his touch warm despite the weight of everything between us."It is," he murmured, his thumb brushing over my bruised knuckles. "Honey… look at you."His hand moved to my arm, tracing the remnants of battle upon my skin with reverence, almost worship. But when he reached a particularly tender spot, I flinched.Ragnor froze.His
Valkyrie“It’s the Nymari, Ragnor. There’s no need to be on alert,” I said, my voice steady yet gentle as I took in the figures under the moonlight.The darkness had played tricks on my eyes, making them seem more ominous at first. But now, as the silvery glow illuminated them, I recognized the intricate embroidery on their robes, the subtle shimmer of their insignia—the Nymari troops, our once-estranged allies.“They're our friends,” I assured him, my fingers brushing against his tense arm.Ragnor remained rigid for a moment longer, his narrowed eyes scanning the silent warriors before us. His grip on me loosened slightly but didn’t fall away completely, as if he wasn’t quite ready to let go.“It’s okay, honey,” I reassured him gently, glancing at Dwayne, who gave us a firm, reassuring nod. “They fought alongside us against Elyra. There’s no need to be on guard. They’re not a threat.”Ragnor didn’t relax. His arm remained tense, his grip unwavering. His piercing gaze flickered over
ValkyrieNow that everything had settled, Ragnor and I decided to return home.The Blue Fire Pack.The journey back was quiet, but not the kind of silence that felt heavy with unspoken words. This was different—this was peace. Ragnor’s fingers remained entwined with mine the entire way, his thumb brushing soft, absentminded circles over my skin. It was a small thing, but it sent warmth through me, a reminder that after everything, we had made it back to each other.As we passed through the towering gates of our territory, the familiar scent of pine and earth filled my lungs, grounding me in a way nothing else could. Wolves gathered along the path, their eyes filled with curiosity and relief. They had waited for us.Ragnor squeezed my hand. “Welcome home, Luna.”The words sent a shiver through me. Home. It felt real now, no longer a title forced upon me, but one I had chosen. One we had chosen together.The pack house loomed before us, its sturdy walls holding memories of battles foug
Valkyrie The campfire crackled softly, casting flickering shadows along the tent walls. There were nature's sounds outside, the wind, the howling owl and any nocturnal creatures that began to move at night. But inside, there's only silent. "Why do you want to start a war?" I questioned abruptly, caressing my cold arms. Phanos didn’t answer right away. The golden glow of the fire danced in his eyes as he stared at the flames. He sat across from me, elbows resting on his knees with fingers loosely clasped together. “It’s not about wanting a war, Valkyrie.” His gaze lifted to meet mine. “It’s about needing one.” “No one needs war, Phanos," I argued, shaking my head. His lips curled, but there was no humor in it. “Tell that to the king.” “So you’d rather spill blood than find another way?” “There is no other way,” he said firmly. “The king has already chosen his path. I’m just making sure my people survive it.” I studied him carefully. The way his jaw tightened. The w
Valkyrie The ride was relentless. I barely had time to register what was happening before I was pulled onto the horse, my body pressed against the firm, unyielding chest of my captor. His arm was solid around my waist, not constricting, but unmoving. Holding me there. Keeping me against him. I should have struggled. I should have fought. But my body betrayed me—tense, uncertain, yet frozen in place as the horse galloped through the darkened woods. The wind howled past us, whipping my hair around my face. The scent of damp earth and pine filled my lungs, mingling with something else—something unfamiliar but strangely… warm. It was his scent. Not like the usual rogue musk or the sterile scent of court warriors. It was richer, deeper. Like firewood and something faintly spiced. Who was he? Why did he feel— I shook the thought from my head. No. I was a prisoner. Again. My pulse pounded in my ears. The night stretched on, shadows slithering between the trees as we
Valkyrie I sucked in a sharp breath, forcing my expression to remain unreadable, but inside, my mind was spinning. Aetherin wasn’t bluffing. The King’s decree had sealed my fate, and worse—Ragnor’s. They were playing a game I hadn’t even realized I was a piece of. And if I wasn’t careful, I’d become their perfect trap. Aetherin studied me with satisfaction, as if he could see the war raging inside me. "Ah, you’re starting to understand now, aren’t you?” His voice was almost gentle, patronizing. “Ragnor has two choices: obey the King’s decree or lose you forever.” " What if he refuses?” Aetherin chuckled, his grip tightening. “Oh, Valkyrie, our little luna. Do you think I’d be dragging you through the mud just to have you tossed aside? No, no, my dear.” His smile widened. “You’re far too valuable for that.” I didn’t like the way he said that. “What do you mean?” “If Ragnor refuses to obey, you won’t simply disappear. You’ll belong to the King’s court.” "As what?”
Valkyrie Nancy’s grip on my arm turned bruising. “No!" Orin stepped closer, his eyes wild. “Luna, think this through—” “I have,” I cut in. “If I don’t, he’ll kill you all.” Aetherin smirked. “How refreshingly reasonable.” Nancy shook her head violently. “No! That’s not how this works. You don’t just—” “It’s the only way,” I said, forcing my voice to stay calm. “If we fight now, we lose.” Orin gritted his teeth. “And if you go with him, we still lose you.” I turned to him, pressing my hand to his chest. “Not forever.” I prayed that was true. Aetherin clapped his hands once. “Enough sentimentality. Come, Luna.” Nancy moved in front of me. “You’re not taking her.” Aetherin’s gaze darkened, and with a flick of his wrist, a wave of force slammed into her, sending her skidding back. Orin lunged for him, but the rogues closed in, weapons drawn, stopping him in his tracks. Aetherin sighed. "I grow tired of this. Walk, Valkyrie. Or I’ll make you.” I took a sh
Valkyrie We were ready to strike. Because, ready or not, we had to. Nancy tightened her grip on her dagger, her breath steady despite the chaos unraveling around us. The warrior beside us cursed under his breath, shifting his stance as more glowing red eyes emerged from the darkness. A guttural snarl ripped through the air, and then—movement. The first attacker lunged. I barely had time to react before sharp claws slashed through the space where I had been standing just seconds ago. I twisted my body, dodging the blow, and in the same breath, I struck back. My blade sliced through fur and flesh, a sharp yelp following as the creature staggered back. Nancy was already moving, her dagger flashing under the torchlight. She drove it deep into another attacker’s side, using the momentum to kick off a tree and land behind them, positioning herself for another strike. The warrior fought beside us, his sword cutting through the air with precision. But there were too many. For
ValkyrieNancy’s fingers twitched at her sides and I barely breathe normally.We didn’t stand a chance if it came down to a fight.Maybe. The taller of the two guards took another step forward. His eyes narrowed as he studied us. “What do we have here?” His voice was laced with mild amusement, but there was no mistaking the authority in his stance.The second guard scoffed. “A couple of omegas sneaking out to the market?” He folded his arms over his chest. “You do realize there’s a curfew, don’t you?”Nancy stiffened beside me, but I reached out, grabbing her wrist in warning. Not yet.I lowered my head slightly, keeping my hood pulled forward to hide my face. “We—” I hesitated, schooling my voice into something softer, weaker. “We just needed to get some supplies.”The taller guard let out a sharp breath, clearly unimpressed. “The market’s closed. Whatever you think you need, you can get in the morning—with permission.” His gaze flicked between us. “Now, turn around and go back
ValkyrieNancy snapped her fingers in front of my face. “Oh no, don’t you dare let that venomous snake get inside your head.”I blinked, forcing myself to shake off the lingering chill of the Luna Dowager’s words.“I’m fine,” I muttered, though my grip on the chair’s edge said otherwise.Nancy scoffed. “Liar. You’re standing there, brooding, exactly how she wants you to.”I exhaled sharply and turned away, pacing to the other side of the room. “I just—” I shook my head. “She’s trying to get in my head.”“And you’re letting her,” Nancy shot back, hands on her hips. “Come on, Valkyrie, you’re smarter than that.”I dragged my hands through my hair. “She’s Ragnor’s mother, Nancy. She knows him better than anyone.”Nancy rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck. “And? That doesn’t mean she knows what’s in his heart. She just knows how to manipulate people.”I sighed, frustration twisting inside me. “I need to go after him. We don’t have time for this.”Nancy perked up. “Final
ValkyrieIt had been three days since Ragnor left for the capital. Three long days of silence. No messages. No news. Nothing.I kept telling myself it was normal—that he was busy, that things were complicated—but deep down, something felt off. A gut-wrenching unease that refused to leave me alone.I stood by the window of my chambers, staring out at the dense forest stretching beyond the pack’s borders. The wind carried the scent of damp earth and pine, but it did nothing to settle my nerves.A knock at the door startled me.Nancy stepped inside. She had been watching me these past few days, no doubt noticing how restless I had become.“You’re brooding again,” she said, crossing her arms. “That’s never a good sign.”I sighed. “I can’t shake this feeling, Nancy. Something’s wrong.”She arched a brow. “You don’t know that.”“I do.” I turned away from the window. “Ragnor should’ve sent word by now. If he were fine, he would have.”Nancy hesitated, then walked over and perched on the edge
Ragnor The guards tensed as I shifted back, their grips tightening on their weapons. My body ached from the wounds Phanos had inflicted, blood dripping down my side, but I kept my posture firm. The captain’s gaze flickered over me, assessing. "Complicated, huh?" His tone was dry, but his wariness was clear. "Explain. Now." Seraphine stepped forward, her crimson eyes flashing with irritation. "We were ambushed, Captain. Do you not see the blood? The arrows?" She gestured at the shattered quiver still lodged in the carriage. "Your enemy is out there, not in here." The captain studied her, then turned his attention back to me. "And you? Who are you?" I smirked, though my ribs protested. "You really don’t know?" Alistair sighed beside me. “Ragnor—” I ignored him and spoke for myself. “I’m the Alpha of the Bluefire Pack. You’ve heard of me.” The captain crossed his arms, unimpressed. “I’ve heard of Alpha Ragnor. But you? You’re just a half-naked man covered in blood,