Valkyrie "Val! What are you doing? How’s everything going?" Nancy asked as I hurriedly searched for the basket in my chamber. "Um... everything’s fine, Nans. Sorry, I need to go right now. Talk to you later, okay?" I waved my hand as I spotted the basket under my cot. "Hey, what's going on?" "I'm in a rush, okay? Talk to you later!" I dashed out of the chamber, heading for the back doors. I had to get to the southern woods and find the herbs before the sun set. "Hello, Val, where are you headed?" A guard stopped me as I tried to cross the pack's border. "I need to collect something, Larry. Please let me go," I smiled and pretended everything was alright, though it was far from it. My heart was pounding. "Okay, just be sure to get back before sunset, will you? After the rogues' attack yesterday, everyone should stay alert," Larry warned me, and I knew that was his job to do. He opened the gate, and I threw him a warm smile. "Thanks, Larry. I will." *** I pushed forward, my f
Valkyrie I was so happy to finally find the herbs, and now I was good to go. But before I could turn toward the packhouse, a sudden growl startled me. "No... it can’t be..." I held my breath, only to find a massive dark wolf with crimson eyes glaring at me. "STAY BACK!" I barked, trying to regain my composure. Though my knees wobbled, I knew I couldn’t let the wolf think I was its prey. The growl grew louder. I took a step back, my muscles screaming for me to run, but I forced myself to stay still. The wolf's crimson eyes burned with intensity, its sharp teeth bared in a snarl. The growl deepened, vibrating through the air around me. I clenched my fists, gathering every ounce of courage I had left. I had to stand my ground. "Don’t make me do this," I said, my voice steady despite the fear clawing at my insides. I could feel the weight of the herbs in my hand, but there was no time to think about them now. My focus was on the wolf—every movement, every breath, every twitch. T
Valkyrie Ragnor shifted into his wolf form, allowing me to climb onto his back. The journey back home was quiet, the day slipping into evening. The herbs I had collected were nothing more than common remedies for a fever, Ragnor had said. I felt a wave of shame wash over me for trusting Tasya so blindly, but... I had no other choice. "Next time you want to do me a favor, please let me know first. Don’t just disappear like that. My heart dropped when I saw you leaving," Ragnor's voice was low, his growl like a warning. I reached down, brushing my fingers through his thick fur, feeling the warmth of him beneath me. "I’m sorry,” I whispered, my voice trembling with the weight of his words. "I didn’t want to worry you." Ragnor’s pace slowed as we moved through the forest, his eyes scanning the path ahead, but his attention clearly on me. “Worrying me is an understatement, Val,” he said, his tone softening. “You’re the last thing I want to lose.” I could feel the tension between u
Valkyrie Ragnor didn’t let me return to my chamber. Instead, he took my hand, his grip firm yet gentle, and guided me to his room. My pulse quickened, and the air between us felt charged with unspoken words and desires. The heavy wooden door closed behind us with a soft thud, enclosing us in the dim glow of moonlight filtering through the windows. My heart raced. “You’re staying with me tonight,” he said, his voice low and commanding. There was no room for argument, no space for hesitation. My cheeks burned at the thought, and I averted my gaze, though a part of me relished the idea. “Are you sure that’s… appropriate?” I murmured, my voice barely audible. Ragnor’s lips quirked into a teasing smirk, and he reached out, gently cupping my chin and tilting my face up to meet his eyes. “I don’t care what’s appropriate, Val. You’re mine. And I’m not letting you out of my sight.” The conviction in his words sent a shiver down my spine. I nodded hesitantly, unable to resist
Ragnor I walked into the hall, my head high, my hand brushing against Valkyrie’s back protectively as we entered the lions’ den together. The council chamber was a sea of wolves in their shifted forms—a deliberate insult to me and my mate. Wolves snarled and growled, their glowing eyes reflecting disdain and judgment. My grip on Valkyrie tightened. My mate may have been wolfless, but her worth was far greater than these creatures could comprehend. If they thought they could intimidate her—or me—with this display, they were sorely mistaken. Tasya stood at the center, draped in pale silk that contrasted with her teary eyes. Beside her was my mother, the Luna Dowager, wearing an expression of composed sorrow. It was a lie, every bit of it, but I had no doubt most of the council would lap it up like starving pups. “Ragnor,” my mother began, her voice carrying the weight of judgment. “We’ve gathered to discuss the future of this pack.” “By whose authority?” I asked coldly, my v
Ragnor The rogues' attack wasn’t as deadly as before, but our warriors were still exhausted from the sudden intrusion. “All done?” I asked, wiping the blood from the corner of my mouth. It had been an easy fight, yet my focus was far from sharp. Valkyrie was still in my chamber, guarded by my trusted enforcers. I hadn’t allowed anyone to approach her—not even my mother. "All done, Alpha." I nodded and finally felt relieved. The metallic tang of blood lingered in the air, the remnants of the skirmish staining the clearing. Lifeless bodies lay scattered everywhere, and the sight disgusted me. After ensuring everything was under control, I returned to the hall. The wolves had already shifted back to their human forms, their eyes flicking to me as I entered. “Escort Valkyrie here safely,” I commanded Gamma Dwayne. He nodded and left without hesitation. The hall was silent save for the murmurs of the council seated at the long table at the front. The Luna Dowager—my mother—s
Valkyrie “What’s happening?” I stepped toward the door, where Ragnor and Gamma Dwayne stood, their faces shadowed by the dim torchlight. Ragnor’s body was tense, every muscle coiled as if bracing for impact. Something was wrong—terribly wrong. “Val... that’s…” Ragnor rubbed his temple, hesitating. His hesitation only heightened the unease in my chest. “Go on,” I urged, my voice steady despite the growing dread. “What is it?” “The trial…” My eyes widened in disbelief. I swallowed hard, waiting for him to finish. “What about it?” “It’s starting tonight.” The words hit me like a blow. My heart raced. “Tonight? Are you sure?” Ragnor nodded weakly, his fear and worry evident. The weight of the task hung heavy in the air. But I couldn’t show weakness—not now. I forced a smile, masking my own frustration. “Don’t worry, Alpha. I’m ready.” My words were steady, a promise I wasn’t sure I could keep. But I wouldn’t back down. Never. If this test had to be done, then so
Valkyrie The light faded, and for a moment, I felt weightless, caught in a void where time seemed to stand still. When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was Ragnor—his piercing gaze burning with a mixture of anger, worry, and relief. “Valkyrie,” he breathed, his voice rough and trembling as he knelt beside me. I blinked, disoriented, realizing I was lying on the forest’s edge. The murmurs of the council echoed in the background, distant but judgmental. My hand instinctively tightened around the pendant, its solid weight anchoring me to the moment. “You did it,” Ragnor said, his fingers brushing damp strands of hair from my face. I tried to sit up, but the sharp ache in my ribs forced a wince from my lips. His hand shot out to steady me, his grip firm but careful. “Don’t push yourself,” he muttered, his jaw tight with suppressed frustration. “I’m fine,” I rasped, though every inch of my body screamed otherwise. “No, you’re not.” His tone was clipped, his emotions
ValkyrieSeveral months had passed, and the pack had begun to heal. The scars of war, betrayal, and loss remained, but they no longer defined us. Ragnor and I had dedicated ourselves to rebuilding—training warriors, strengthening alliances, and ensuring that no remnants of the darkness' influence remained.Yet, even as we rebuilt, I knew the darkness hadn’t disappeared. It still lingered, waiting for an opportunity to strike back. But I had come to understand something vital. Darkness and light would always exist. The world had never been about one triumphing over the other—it had always been about balance. And we stood in the middle, neither bound by one nor fully belonging to the other.And that… that was our greatest strength.One Year LaterDespite the uncertainties that still loomed, life moved forward.And today, as I held my son in my arms, I knew with every fiber of my being—no darkness, no past, no lingering curse could steal this moment from me.He was beautiful.His t
Valkyrie My voice broke as my wolf stepped forward, her silver fur gleaming under the dim light, eyes glowing with the fire of our shared soul. She let out a soft, knowing whimper before bounding toward me. The moment she pressed against me, I felt whole again, as if a part of me that had been lost was finally back where it belonged. "I thought—I thought I lost you forever." Genna nuzzled against me, her warmth seeping into my skin. 'You fought for me. You never gave up on me.' I swallowed hard, my throat thick with emotion. "Neither did you." Behind me, Ragnor let out a breath of relief, his strong hand resting on my shoulder. "Looks like fate isn’t done with you yet." The Dark Queen crossed her arms, watching us with something unreadable in her expression. "Consider it a parting gift. A second chance, if you will." I stood, wiping at my eyes before turning to her. "Why help me?" Her smirk returned, but there was something almost… fond in the way s
Valkyrie A soft breeze brushed against my skin, warm and comforting, unlike anything I had ever felt before. The scent of wildflowers filled the air, and as I opened my eyes, I was met with an endless expanse of golden light. The sky stretched endlessly above me, not blue, not dark—just a vast, peaceful glow that seemed to pulse with life. I sat up slowly, my body strangely light, as if the crushing weight of pain and exhaustion had been stripped away. My hands roamed over myself, expecting wounds, expecting the lingering sting of death—but there was nothing. No pain. No darkness. Was I… dead? "You finally woke up." "Who… are you?" My own voice sounded distant, fragile. A gentle voice welcomed me, drawing my attention. I turned to find a woman clad in flowing white robes, her presence radiating a soft, ethereal glow that blended seamlessly with the world around us. Her hair shimmered like spun silver, cascading in waves that caught the light, and her eyes—va
Valkyrie "Dark… Queen?" I murmured, barely believing what I was seeing. "Hello again, Little Creature," she mused, her voice wasn’t loud, yet it echoed through the vast hall as if the walls themselves whispered her words back. The King’s growl rumbled deep in his chest. His eyes blazed with fury. "Get back to where you belong, or you will regret this!" He lifted a hand, summoning a crackling wave of energy. It surged forward, the force so strong it made the air tremble. But she didn’t flinch. With a flick of her wrist, the shockwave shattered midair, dissolving into nothing. The effortless display of power made my stomach twist. She laughed with a mocking sound. "Weak." The king’s snarl ripped through the space between them. "What have you done?" "Nothing." The queen’s voice was laced with amusement, yet there was something deeper—something cold and calculated. Fury overtook him. His body twisted, bones cracking, shadows surging as he shifted midair. Mu
Valkyrie A sharp pulse of energy surged through my veins, and I gasped, doubling over as an unbearable heat spread beneath my skin. It was awakening against my will. The king watched me with rapt fascination, his golden eyes gleaming like victory has already his by now. "That's, My Dear. The last remnants that inside you." I forced myself upright, my breaths ragged. "I don't care whatever it is. But, one thing for sure... it doesn’t belong to you!" "Oh, but it does." He raised a hand then darkness radiated around like a mist. "You were never meant to keep it, Valkyrie. You were merely a vessel—a temporary holder of something far greater than yourself." I clenched my fists, fighting against the unseen force that pressing down on me. "If... if you think I’m just going to let you take it, then you’re even more delusional than Elyra was!" He chuckled. "Ah, but unlike Elyra, I do not intend to ask for it." A sudden wave of pressure slammed into me, stealing my bre
Valkyrie The darkness which swallowed me before now turned into something solid. The moment my feet touched it, o felt the suffocating presence of dark magic pressing against my skin like an unseen weight. It was everywhere, clinging to the very stones of the palace walls, seeping into the floors, the torches, the very fabric of this cursed place. "What the hell..." I muttered, barely audible. The cold biting into me despite the warmth of the flickering firelight that lined the grand hall. "Shhh... Valkyrie. Just enjoy the very moment." The king’s hand remained firm around my wrist, his grip unyielding, but not cruel. It was a claim. A reminder. "You feel it, don’t you?" His voice was smooth, almost amused, as he watched me take in my surroundings. "What have you done?" I shot back. I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling of this strange energy. I remembered something. Back when Elyra has overcome her power and attacked me back then. "It's an art." "No! It's not!
Valkyrie “Ragnor!” I lunged toward him, but the crushing force only grew stronger, pinning me in place. It felt like a thousand invisible hands clawing at my limbs, pressing me down as if I were nothing more than an insect beneath the king’s gaze. Ragnor's body trembled, his hands clawing at the ground as if he were fighting something within himself. His breath came in short, ragged gasps. The king chuckled, stepping closer. “Such resistance. Admirable, really. But pointless.” Ragnor lifted his head, his jaw clenched so tightly I thought his teeth might shatter. "You…” he growled through gritted teeth, “will… never… control me.” The king sighed as if bored. Then, with a mere flick of his hand, an invisible force wrenched Ragnor off his knees, lifting him into the air. "Oh, how easily they break. Even an Alpha." His voice was smooth, taunting, as he watched Ragnor struggle against the invisible force crushing him to the ground. His smirk deepened, enjoying the way Ragnor’s bod
Valkyrie My pulse thundered in my ears, drowning out everything else. The worn leather of my sword hilt bit into my palm as I tightened my grip. The Lycan King. For the first time, I stood before him—not as a whisper of prophecy, not as a hunted shadow, but face to face. And I was not ready. Ragnor tensed beside me, his breathing sharp and controlled, but I could feel it—his barely restrained fury. His wolf burned just beneath the surface, clawing to break free. The king’s golden eyes swept over us, calm, assessing, as if he had all the time in the world. His lips curled slightly—not quite a smirk, not quite a sneer. Just the insufferable confidence of someone who had already won. “I must admit,” he mused, his voice smooth as silk. “I expected you to be dead by now.” Ragnor let out a low growl. “Disappointed?” The king chuckled. “Not at all. I do enjoy a challenge.” My throat felt dry. My body screamed for rest, wounds throbbing with every breath, but weakness was
Valkyrie Phanos cursed with a hoarse voice. "Damn it, Ragnor!" But Ragnor didn’t slow. His grip on my wrist was unyielding, his pace relentless as he pulled me away from the slaughter. I twisted back. "Phanos—!" He stood his ground, bloodied and breathing hard, a savage grin splitting his face. "Go!" A wave of corrupted warriors lunged at him. He met them head-on, claws tearing into flesh, his defiance a final, burning ember in the darkness. Ragnor yanked me forward. "We can’t—" "We have to!" His voice was raw. I fought against his grip, against the instinct clawing inside me to turn back, to fight. But there was no fight left to win. The cliff’s edge loomed closer. The moonlight shimmered off the abyss below—a sheer drop into nothingness. I realized what Ragnor intended a second too late. "Ragnor, no!" His arms locked around me, and then— We jumped. The world tilted, the roar of the wind swallowing my scream. The last thing I saw before darkness took us was Phanos—st