ValkyrieThe southern woods were cloaked in shadow, the towering pines whispering secrets to the wind.Our small group moved in silence, with one purpose: to find our Alpha.Dwayne led the way, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade, while the others fanned out in a tight formation around me.Every step felt heavier than the last. My bond with Ragnor was gone, severed in a way that left me hollow yet burning with a need to fight—to reclaim what had been stolen.The chill in the air deepened as we approached the border, an unnatural stillness settling over the forest. Even the usual rustle of leaves and distant cries of animals seemed muted, as if the world itself was holding its breath.“Stay sharp,” Dwayne murmured, and we all nodded.He had taken command after both our Alpha and Beta were gone.Tasya’s body had been torn apart by wild animals, and I hadn’t heard any news since the tragedy.I pitied her and her reckless ambition, but fate had other plans. Greed, after all, consume
ValkyrieThe old wolf’s words left me puzzled.Meet again?I stared at him, my mind racing. His voice, though weathered with age, held an undeniable familiarity. I knew him—somewhere, somehow—but the memory hovered just out of reach.Inside me, Genna stirred, restless and alert.The warriors around us had gone silent, waiting for what would come next. Even Dwayne remained locked in his battle stance, his muscles coiled like a spring ready to strike.The dark-haired wolf—the apparent leader of this pack—shifted uneasily, his stance tense but not entirely hostile.“Who are you?” I asked, narrowing my gaze.The old wolf’s lips curled into a weary smile. “You once saved me, Child. Don’t you remember?”I tried to reach for the memory, but my mind felt like a battlefield littered with shattered fragments of the past.So much had happened—so much loss, so much pain. The joyful memories had been drowned beneath the weight of tragedy, replaced by the relentless pursuit of survival.Dwayne step
Valkyrie The old wolf let out a heavy sigh. “Enough, Phanos. They deserve to know.” “Why? That’s none of their business!” Phanos snapped. “She’s the Luna! She might help us with security here,” the old wolf barked, his voice firm. A sense of unease settled in my chest, but curiosity burned hotter. “He’s right. We’re trusted, and we mean no harm. What if we could help you?” Phanos scoffed. “Help us? The Blue Fire Pack has lost its leader, hasn’t it? Your Alpha is gone, right? So tell me—how the hell can you help us?” I bit my lip. So that’s how the rumors had spread. Twisted and exaggerated, just as I had feared. “Our Alpha was kidnapped, but we’re still standing strong. I’m in command now.” “A she-wolf? Huh?” Phanos mocked, his tone dripping with condescension. My fists clenched, heat rising to my face. I had endured enough humiliation for one day. “You dare underestimate me?” I challenged, stepping forward, locking eyes with him. He had a strikingly handsome face, but his p
ValkyrieDwayne cleared his throat, visibly unimpressed with the tension crackling between Phanos and me. “We were discussing the old wolf village,” he reminded me, his voice clipped. “Or did you forget?”I exhaled sharply, forcing my mind back to the present. Whatever spell Phanos had cast over me, I needed to break free of it. Now.“Oh, right. The village and… our help?” I attempted to reengage with the discussion, but I couldn't shake the unease gnawing at me—the lingering traces of my inappropriate thoughts.Damn it.Phanos smirked, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “So, Luna, what kind of help are you offering? Are we talking about weapons? A place to station warriors?”I instinctively took a step back, unsettled by the way his voice curled around the words, slow and suggestive.“Whatever you need, we might have it,” I said, tilting my head slightly to meet his gaze, willing my voice to remain steady. “But in return, I expect valuable information about your… situation.”I
ValkyriePhanos’ grip only tightened instead of loosening, a silent reminder of the power he held—the power he was dangerously close to unleashing against me."Please?" he echoed, his voice a dark caress, savoring my surrender like a predator who had just cornered his prey. "Now, that’s interesting."I clenched my teeth, cursing the heat pooling low in my belly—the traitorous way my body responded to him. “Don’t twist my words,” I shot back, my voice sharp as I waved my arms in frustration. But he didn’t falter. Phanos tilted his head, his lips hovering just over mine—not quite touching, but close enough to set my skin ablaze. “Oh, but I like hearing you beg, Luna,” he murmured, his voice a low, sinful promise.I swallowed hard, frustration and something far more dangerous curling in my chest. My breath hitched, my resolve slipping for one damning second—Then, suddenly, a strong hand yanked me away.Dwayne.With a sharp tug, he pulled me free from Phanos’ grip, stepping between us
ValkyrieThe moment my foot crossed the threshold, the weight of something unseen pressed against my chest. It wasn’t just the drop in temperature—it was the undeniable sensation of something watching, waiting."Dwayne, do you sense it?" I asked, glancing at him.He nodded. "The power is immense, Luna.""Stay alert," I instructed."Always do."Dwayne moved closer as Grandfather led the way down the spiraling stone steps. The torches lining the walls flickered wildly as if protesting our presence. But we needed to stay focused."Afraid, Little Luna?" Phanos teased, but I didn’t respond.There was nothing I feared—except losing Ragnor and my pack. If this crystal could cure Ragnor and bring him back to me, I would be forever grateful."This is not a child’s game," Phanos whispered.I halted abruptly. "Enough, Alpha. Don’t make unnecessary noise," I snapped.But he only laughed, flashing a careless smile. How reckless can this Alpha be?"We’re almost there," Grandfather announced as we p
ValkyrieThe energy surged through me like wildfire, setting every nerve ablaze. My feet lifted from the ground, drawn toward the floating crystal as if the very air had turned to liquid, pulling me deeper, closer.My wolf howled inside me, torn between instinctive fear and the irresistible call of something ancient—something meant for me."Valkyrie!" Phanos' voice rang through the chaos, but it was distant, muffled, as though I were submerged in another world entirely.The crystal pulsed, its glow intensifying, flooding my vision with violet light. The whispers morphed into voices—layered, echoing, a chorus of countless beings speaking as one.'Chosen. Claimed. Fated.'A sharp pain lanced through my chest, and suddenly, I was no longer in the cavern.Darkness engulfed me.Then—stars.Not the stars of the night sky, but brilliant, burning constellations spiraling in an endless abyss. I was floating in a void, weightless, untethered.And then, she appeared.A woman cloaked in shadow a
PhanosI had never known fear like this.Valkyrie had been unconscious for too long. Too still. Too silent. It was unnatural—like she had been ripped from this world entirely.She lay motionless on the cavern’s cold stone floor, her hand outstretched toward the crystal—the same crystal that had burst with energy the moment she touched it. That force had knocked me back, sent waves of power crashing through the cavern, and now… she wouldn’t wake up."Valkyrie." My voice was tight with urgency, but she didn’t stir.I moved closer, kneeling beside her, pressing my fingers to her wrist. Her pulse was faint but steady. Still alive. Still breathing.But something was wrong.The air around her crackled, charged with an energy I couldn’t name. A shiver raced down my spine, and my wolf growled inside me, uneasy. The cavern itself seemed to react to her presence—the shadows stretching toward her, drawn to something unseen.Something had changed.And I had no idea how to bring her back."Come
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