Ragnor "Guards!" I yelled, my patience wearing impossibly thin. Two guards appeared almost instantly, their heavy boots thudding against the stone floor. "Yes, Alpha?" I didn’t take my eyes off Heather. "Open the cell." Valkyrie tensed beside me. "Ragnor—" I lifted a hand, silencing her. "She knows more than she’s saying. And I’m done waiting for answers." One of the guards hesitated. "Alpha, are you sure? The shaman—" "I don’t need your questions," I snapped. "I need her to talk. And if pain is the only language she understands, then so be it." Heather’s lips curled into a tired, knowing smile. "Do you really think I fear pain, Alpha?" I stepped forward as the guards unlocked the door. "No. But everyone has a limit. And I intend to find yours." Valkyrie grabbed my arm, her grip tightening. "This isn't the way." I met her gaze, my voice low but firm. "Then tell me a better one. She’s pretending she doesn’t know anything, but the truth? I believe she knows plenty." "No, Ba
Ragnor Heather’s scream wasn’t just pain—it was unnatural, something that didn’t belong in this world. Her body arched violently, her limbs straining against the chains as if something inside her was trying to tear free. But beneath the agony, there was something else—desperation. She was trying to say something. Trying to warn us. “What’s happening to her?” I stepped back, wary. Valkyrie stumbled, her eyes wide. “Ragnor, something’s wrong.” I didn’t need her to tell me that. The temperature in the cell had plummeted, my breath turning to mist in the flickering torchlight. A guttural, otherworldly growl rumbled from Heather’s throat. Her head snapped back, then jerked forward, her gaze locking onto me—black, endless, soulless. She wasn’t Heather anymore. “Guards!” I barked, instinct taking over. “Get back! Now!” But it was too late. The chains binding her shattered like brittle twigs, iron shards clattering against the stone floor. The blast of force sent the
Ragnor I couldn't risk Valkyrie any longer. Enough with calculations. “Let’s go!” I shouted, grabbing Valkyrie’s wrist and pulling her toward the exit. The Hollow snarled, its grotesque smile widening. “Run if you like, Alpha. It won’t matter.” “Shut the fuck up!” Valkyrie yanked her arm free. “Ragnor! We can’t just leave Heather!” “She’s gone!” My voice came out harsher than intended, but there was no time for softness. “That thing inside her—she’s not coming back.” “She fought it!” Valkyrie shot back, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “She tried to warn us. She’s still in there somewhere!” "Argh!" I couldn’t argue with her right now. The Hollow lunged, attacking me. I barely managed to shove Valkyrie behind me before slamming my boot into its chest. The creature skidded back but only for a second. It righted itself with an unnatural snap and grinned. “One more step, and you’re done,” I warned, gripping the iron bar tightly. But the Hollow only smirked. “Brave words,
Ragnor The battlefield trembled. Shadows slithered, hissing like vipers as they encircled us in a suffocating grip. The stench of decay and blood clogged my senses. I tightened my stance in front of Valkyrie, fire coiling around my hands. We were cornered. Outnumbered. But I wasn’t letting her die here. Heather sneered. "Look at you. A mighty Alpha, yet powerless against me.” She raised a hand, and the darkness thickened, forming monstrous, clawed abominations that pulsed with unnatural hunger. “Beg,” she taunted. “Beg, and maybe I’ll let you watch while I rip her apart.” “Go to hell!” I growled. Valkyrie’s breath hitched, but she stepped forward, her blade tight in her grip. “If we’re going down, I’m dragging you with us.” Heather laughed—a grating, hollow sound. “Then die screaming.” The creatures lunged. I shoved Valkyrie back, fire meeting darkness in a violent clash. The force sent shockwaves through the cavern, cracking the stone beneath us. One of th
RagnorThe battlefield, once ablaze with fire and steel, had fallen into an eerie stillness. The void had swallowed Genna whole, and with her, a piece of Valkyrie’s soul.“Babe…” I called to her, but she remained motionless. She stood frozen, staring at the empty space where her wolf had been.“Genna… my other half, Ragnor. They took her,” she whispered, her voice breaking into a sob.I pulled her close, holding her tightly as she cried into my chest. Pressing a kiss to the back of her head, I let her grief pour out, wishing I could take it away.I had seen Valkyrie fight, bleed, and endure, but never had I seen her break like this. Not until now.A choked sob tore from her lips, and her legs gave out. She dropped to her knees.“Valkyrie.” I knelt beside her, grasping her shoulders. “Everything is going to be okay.” My voice was firm, steady—meant to soothe her. “Look at me.”She didn’t move. Her eyes were locked on the space where Genna had been, as if willing her to return.“Honey,”
Seraphine The resounding crack of my palm against the table echoed through the chamber, rattling the crystal glasses and sending a tremor through the air. My pulse roared in my ears, the weight of the news pressing down on my chest like a vice. “What did you just say?” The messenger flinched but held his ground, though the way his throat bobbed betrayed his nerves. The sight of him sickened me. “Valkyrie survived, My Lady.” A cold chill slithered down my spine, sinking its claws into me. My nails dug into the polished wood of the table, the sharp sting grounding me for only a moment. "Valkyrie… survived?" My voice was little more than a whisper. She was supposed to be dead. How could my plan have failed? “And Heather?” I demanded. The messenger hesitated. A subtle shift in his stance sent a sickening wave of dread curling in my gut before he even spoke. “She… survived too.”"Noooo!" A roar of frustration ripped from my throat. My hand flew to the goblet be
SeraphineRagnor tensed, his breath hitching in quick, uneven gasps. Whatever news the messenger bore, it was significant—so crucial that, for the first time since barging in, he faltered.That hesitation thrilled me.“What the hell is going on here, Sera?” he demanded, his voice sharper now, edged with something close to desperation.I let out a soft, amused hum, folding my arms as I leaned against the edge of my desk.“Do you think I’m a mind reader, darling?” I mused, feigning innocence. “I may be talented, but even I have my limits.”His nostrils flared. “You expect me to believe you don’t know what’s in that message?”“Why should I?” I arched a brow, my lips curling. “You’re the one who looks like he’s about to be handed a death sentence.”Ragnor didn’t reply, but the way his shoulders tensed, the way his fingers twitched, said enough. He was dreading whatever was in that sealed letter.I turned my gaze toward Gamma Dwayne, who was still standing by the door like a loyal hound.“
Valkyrie It had been several hours since Ragnor left for his office. I didn’t know what had gone wrong. A creeping unease had settled in my chest with each passing minute. The packhouse had been unusually quiet all morning—not the peaceful kind of quiet, but the kind that felt like the calm before a storm."Where is he?" I muttered, uneasy. I stood at the balcony with a heavy breath. My fingers gripping the cold railing while staring out at the lands stretching beyond the fortress walls. The sky was a dull gray. Not that kind of morning I expected.. Even the wind had stilled, as if the very world was holding its breath. “Luna!” Nancy’s voice broke through the silence.I turned to see her waving from below, a bright smile on her face sending a warmth I didn't expected. She carried a small basket, its contents hidden beneath a cloth. “I brought you something,” she called up. I managed a small smile, though my mind was still burdened with worry. “What is it?” “Freshly picked st
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,
RagnorI growled as Phanos nocked another arrow, his aim unwavering.I lunged, but his shot was faster."What kind of werewolf fights with a bow?" I barked, dodging to the side.He didn't answer. Another arrow whistled past, grazing my ear. Pain flared, warm blood trickling down my neck.I bared my fangs. "You coward!"Phanos snorted, unimpressed."Coward? No. Just practical. A beast like you isn’t worth wasting my claws on."I narrowed my eyes, assessing him. He was strong, fast—but something was off. His stance, his expression... He didn’t look at me like a rival. He looked at me like I was just another enemy.It clicked.He didn’t know who I was.Phanos thought I was someone else.His next words confirmed it."The King’s dogs are persistent, I’ll give you that," he sneered, lowering his bow slightly. "Tell your master his orders mean nothing here."The King’s dogs.So that’s what this was. He thought I was working for the crown.Amusement flickered beneath my fury."You have no ide