As the carriage rolled into the palace, I could already see someone waiting at the entrance for me. Someone I told earlier to go home, rest and….mourn.
My would-have-been-brother in law, Asher.
"Alpha…" his voice cracked as he stood before me. His face reminding me so much of his sister. I didn't know what to say or offer condolences. We have both lost something.
"It was Riverton," I said and saw his brows raise before settling into a frown.
"Johan did this?" He said, his breath becoming heavier as his eyes constantly shifted from his to his wolf's. "Johan murdered my sister?!"
"Calm down, Asher—" Demitri tried to say but was instantly stopped by Asher.
"Calm down? Are you fucking serious Demitri?" His anger was elevating as he took hard steps towards Demitri who didn't flinch for a second, "My sister just got murdered and you're telling to calm down?? Are you—"
"Enough." I said. This wasn't the time for arguments at all.
Asher sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair, taking deep and unsteady breaths. Demitri on the other hand just stood there like some nonchalant statue.
"We have to make them pay" Asher said, the rage evident in his voice. I nodded and he walked towards me, his gaze steady, then he slowly went on one knee and bowed his head "Please Alpha.. I need you to swear to me that you will avenge Kya," he said, "that you will avenge my sister and your mate."
I put a hand on his shoulder and beckoned for him to get up, "I already swore to her spirit that I will." I said to him, "We will wage war on Riverton, we will burn the land to the ground and spill the blood of it's inhabitants, OverCrest will show the full force of it's wrath and I will have Johan's head."
Asher took a deep breath and nodded. With one look around, I walked inside closely followed by Demitri.
As the Alpha of my pack, I know my responsibility to protect my people from every and all possible threats and Riverton is that threat.
I still don't understand why my father and his fathers before him never once thought of destroying Riverton or having that ultimate war like I'm planning, to decide its fate.
OverCrest is not in any way weak, in fact it is one of the strongest packs in the east, so why is Riverton still in existence? Did they have that thought that perhaps, peace could resolve anything?
I took a deep breath as I tried to focus. I still remember the day Kya died, actually the day she was brought in.
A loud cry was heard throughout OverCrest. Kya Adams, the late Beta's daughter, was gone. Murdered. The pain of losing her is something I'm not sure will go away any time soon, and I know that I cannot rest until I have avenged her death.
That is why I am currently sitting in my war room, planning our attack on Riverton. I am joined by Demitri, my right hand man, and lieutenant Ozii, the commander of the third battalion and who is as loyal as they come. We are going over every detail of the attack, making sure that we have covered all possible contingencies.
As we go over the plans, I can feel the anger building inside me. I know that this attack will not bring my mate back, but it will give me a sense of closure. Johan needs to pay for what he did, and I will make sure that he does.
"Alpha Adrian, are you okay?" Demitri asks, noticing the anger on my face.
"I'm fine," I replied, trying to control my emotions. "Are your men ready?" I asked as we concluded.
He turned to look at his lieutenant, his sharp grey eyes staring closely.
"Yes, the men are ready Milord." The man responded smartly.
"The archers?" Demitri asked.
"Yes, Sire. They're all ready and the cavalry too—"
"That won't be needed." I said as I stood up and walked over to the window of my nicely decorated and furnished war room. Maps and coordinates pinned to the walls, axes, spears all of them arranged nearly as well. And a round table for the planning, the same table where the final touches to our plan was made.
"The Cavalry wouldn't be needed, Milord?"
"No. We are not going for a fancy war, we are attacking and horses will slow us down." I turned to them, "I need the men ready to shift immediately. I need this whole affiar rough and bloody"
They understood what I meant and nodded, before Ozii bowed and left.
"I don't think there's any saving Riverton from me, Demitri." I said.
"I understand," Demitri responded, standing up and standing beside me. "We just need to stay focused on the task at hand. We can't afford to make any mistakes."
He is right, of course. We are planning an attack on a rival kingdom, and any mistake could cost us dearly. I take a deep brea
th, trying to push my anger aside, and focus on the planning.
The day of the attack arrived. I am dressed and ready as I step out of my chambers and make my way to the door. It was snowing,the whiteness spreading every where and my thoughts went to how blood would look on this snow. "Greetings, Milord" Demitri said as he walked towards me, bowing as be did. "Ready?" He nodded. I walked over to where the men waited and I was pleased with what I saw. All the men arranged properly, each with a look of resolution at the work ahead. "Greetings, Alpha Adrian!" They all greeted, their voices thundering loud and clear. Their bright gold and black uniforms standing out even more in the white and snowy background and so did the flag that was held. The flag which was the image of a full moon with the crescent part of it highlighted.As I looked around and examined the men, I suddenly realized that someone was missing, I wondered why Asher wasn't here. "He said that something very important came up." Demitri said. More important than this? I w
“Iridessa!” A loud desperate voice called from outside. In shock, I peeled my swollen eyes open, wrapped my bodice around me and ran to the door. As soon as I pried the door open, one of our maids whose name I never knew rushed inside and shut the door behind her with a speed that signified that something was wrong.“What’s wro—” I was about to voice my confusion but she cut me off abruptly.“Iridessa, you have to come out right now! The luna said you should go through the secret tunnel right now; there is no time to explain, just follow me please.” She rushed out. I knew something was absolutely wrong because she just called me by my name, and also due to the fact that my mother wanted us to meet at the secret tunnel because it was never used.“What about what I’m wearing?” I asked, pointing at the lacy nightie that I was forbidden from wearing out of my chambers.The maid eyed my clothes quickly, then answered with a wave of her hands, “just forget about it, let’s go!” The urgency i
The bodies of my parents and brothers lay on the ground, covered in blood and bruises….I don't know when or how the piercing scream left my throat. The pain, the anger, everything hit me.I removed myself from the mens grip and rushed down to see…to…God. I couldn't, I couldn't even touch them. "Mother…father…" the tears pooled down my face as my insides churned and hurt,"Leo…Stephen…"None of them answered me…none of them heard me.Why was this happening? Why?! A few days ago we were all happy as I celebrated my eighteenth birthday, they were laughing and smiling and now…now.."So you're Iridessa." A deep and cold voice echoed in the room and I turned, cleaning my teary eyes so that my vision would stop being blurry. The man, whoever he is was dressed in black, completely except for subtle gold highlights, he was backing me at first and facing the huge family portrait that sat on the wall. "Iridessa…" he called my name again before turning around. His..his eyes were a deep bla
Adrian's POV: “Monster?” I repeated, reaching to grab her frail hands that kept hitting at my chest. Immediately I touched her, I subconsciously realized how soft her skin was. Almost silk-like. “I'm no monster, Princess.” My voice sounded hollow, even to my own ears. She yanked her hands away, her blue eyes wobbling as she stared at me, tears streaming down her face like a river of grief. "You killed my family!" she yelled, her voice cracking with anguish, the sound echoing off the walls like a curse. "You murdered them all!" Her hands went to her throat as she turned to face the horror behind her. The dead bodies lay on the bloodied floor, their faces frozen in death, their eyes seeming to accuse me too. I watched, feeling a pang in my chest, as she shivered and her hair moved slightly in the silence, like a dark cloud hovering over her shoulders. She took a step back, her eyes never leaving mine, and then she collapsed to the ground, her body wracked with sobs. She wailed like
Iridessa POV My wrists burned as the ropes bit into my skin, binding me helpless. I glared at Adrian, sitting across from me in the carriage, his eyes fixed on me with an unreadable expression. He had basically bundled and kept me here. Hatred and anger boiled inside me, my mind reeling with the thought of my family's brutal fate. How did my life change so suddenly? From a princess to an orphan, with no home, no family, and no future. Even my suitor,was gone, taken from me by the monster sitting before me. I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I wouldn't give Adrian the satisfaction of seeing me weak. The carriage wheels creaked and groaned, echoing my own despair. I was trapped, at the mercy of a man who had destroyed everything I held dear. My thoughts raced with memories of my family, their smiles, their laughter, their warm embraces. All gone, taken by Adrian's cruelty. I can't help but wonder what my father did to Adrian. What could
As the carriage rattled along the cobblestone streets, I couldn't help but wonder who Asher was and why he seemed to have a personal vendetta against me. His eyes had flashed with anger, and his jaw had clenched in frustration when Adrian announced that I was his prisoner. I shivered at the memory, my heart racing with fear.Why did Asher want me dead? What had I ever done to him? The questions swirled in my mind like a maelstrom, making my head spin. I glanced around the carriage, trying to distract myself from the ominous thoughts. But the opulent decorations and plush seats only seemed to mock me, reminding me of the stark contrast between my former life and my current predicament.The carriage slowed to a stop, and my heart skipped a beat. We had arrived at the Alpha Palace. I could feel Adrian's eyes on me, boring into my skin like cold steel. I didn't dare look at him, fearing what I might see in his gaze.The door opened, and Demitri's imposing figure loomed in the entrance. "O
Adrian's POV I tie the last lace on my boots and walk out of my dressing chamber, into the dimly lit hallway. The sound of my footsteps echoes through the silence, and I can sense the weight of my presence, the fear and respect that precedes me. A knock echoes through the silence, and I call out, "Come in, Demitri."The door opens, and Demitri enters, his tall frame and imposing presence commanding attention. He bows low, his head almost touching the floor. "Alpha Adrian," he says, his deep voice a low rumble.I nod, my expression neutral, and he rises from his bow. His eyes are cast downward, never meeting mine directly. I know it's him without even looking - only he is allowed in my personal chambers, and only he would dare to enter unbidden."Alpha Adrian," he says again, his voice laced with reverence. "I've assigned a maid to deliver food and clothing to the prisoner."I nod, my expression still neutral. "Very well, Demitri."Demitri hesitates, then asks, "May I speak, Alpha Adr
I stand in silence as I watch the flames consume Kya's body. The heat from the fire is intense, but it barely registers against the pain and anger that consume me. I can feel my wolf's rage simmering just beneath the surface, ready to burst forth at any moment. But I force it down, knowing that losing control now will only make things worse.Kya was my mate, my other half, my everything. She was my best friend.And now she's gone, taken from me in the prime of her life. I can't help but think of all the things we had planned together, all the future that we will never have. The thought of living without her is almost too much to bear. We were supposed to rule together…But even as the sadness threatens to overwhelm me, the anger is always there, burning like an inferno in my chest. Someone did this to her, someone took her from me, and they will pay for it. I promise her that much.I watch as the flames begin to die down, leaving behind nothing but ashes. I feel a hand on my shoulder
Adrian's POV I tie the last lace on my boots and walk out of my dressing chamber, into the dimly lit hallway. The sound of my footsteps echoes through the silence, and I can sense the weight of my presence, the fear and respect that precedes me. A knock echoes through the silence, and I call out, "Come in, Demitri."The door opens, and Demitri enters, his tall frame and imposing presence commanding attention. He bows low, his head almost touching the floor. "Alpha Adrian," he says, his deep voice a low rumble.I nod, my expression neutral, and he rises from his bow. His eyes are cast downward, never meeting mine directly. I know it's him without even looking - only he is allowed in my personal chambers, and only he would dare to enter unbidden."Alpha Adrian," he says again, his voice laced with reverence. "I've assigned a maid to deliver food and clothing to the prisoner."I nod, my expression still neutral. "Very well, Demitri."Demitri hesitates, then asks, "May I speak, Alpha Adr
As the carriage rattled along the cobblestone streets, I couldn't help but wonder who Asher was and why he seemed to have a personal vendetta against me. His eyes had flashed with anger, and his jaw had clenched in frustration when Adrian announced that I was his prisoner. I shivered at the memory, my heart racing with fear.Why did Asher want me dead? What had I ever done to him? The questions swirled in my mind like a maelstrom, making my head spin. I glanced around the carriage, trying to distract myself from the ominous thoughts. But the opulent decorations and plush seats only seemed to mock me, reminding me of the stark contrast between my former life and my current predicament.The carriage slowed to a stop, and my heart skipped a beat. We had arrived at the Alpha Palace. I could feel Adrian's eyes on me, boring into my skin like cold steel. I didn't dare look at him, fearing what I might see in his gaze.The door opened, and Demitri's imposing figure loomed in the entrance. "O
Iridessa POV My wrists burned as the ropes bit into my skin, binding me helpless. I glared at Adrian, sitting across from me in the carriage, his eyes fixed on me with an unreadable expression. He had basically bundled and kept me here. Hatred and anger boiled inside me, my mind reeling with the thought of my family's brutal fate. How did my life change so suddenly? From a princess to an orphan, with no home, no family, and no future. Even my suitor,was gone, taken from me by the monster sitting before me. I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I wouldn't give Adrian the satisfaction of seeing me weak. The carriage wheels creaked and groaned, echoing my own despair. I was trapped, at the mercy of a man who had destroyed everything I held dear. My thoughts raced with memories of my family, their smiles, their laughter, their warm embraces. All gone, taken by Adrian's cruelty. I can't help but wonder what my father did to Adrian. What could
Adrian's POV: “Monster?” I repeated, reaching to grab her frail hands that kept hitting at my chest. Immediately I touched her, I subconsciously realized how soft her skin was. Almost silk-like. “I'm no monster, Princess.” My voice sounded hollow, even to my own ears. She yanked her hands away, her blue eyes wobbling as she stared at me, tears streaming down her face like a river of grief. "You killed my family!" she yelled, her voice cracking with anguish, the sound echoing off the walls like a curse. "You murdered them all!" Her hands went to her throat as she turned to face the horror behind her. The dead bodies lay on the bloodied floor, their faces frozen in death, their eyes seeming to accuse me too. I watched, feeling a pang in my chest, as she shivered and her hair moved slightly in the silence, like a dark cloud hovering over her shoulders. She took a step back, her eyes never leaving mine, and then she collapsed to the ground, her body wracked with sobs. She wailed like
The bodies of my parents and brothers lay on the ground, covered in blood and bruises….I don't know when or how the piercing scream left my throat. The pain, the anger, everything hit me.I removed myself from the mens grip and rushed down to see…to…God. I couldn't, I couldn't even touch them. "Mother…father…" the tears pooled down my face as my insides churned and hurt,"Leo…Stephen…"None of them answered me…none of them heard me.Why was this happening? Why?! A few days ago we were all happy as I celebrated my eighteenth birthday, they were laughing and smiling and now…now.."So you're Iridessa." A deep and cold voice echoed in the room and I turned, cleaning my teary eyes so that my vision would stop being blurry. The man, whoever he is was dressed in black, completely except for subtle gold highlights, he was backing me at first and facing the huge family portrait that sat on the wall. "Iridessa…" he called my name again before turning around. His..his eyes were a deep bla
“Iridessa!” A loud desperate voice called from outside. In shock, I peeled my swollen eyes open, wrapped my bodice around me and ran to the door. As soon as I pried the door open, one of our maids whose name I never knew rushed inside and shut the door behind her with a speed that signified that something was wrong.“What’s wro—” I was about to voice my confusion but she cut me off abruptly.“Iridessa, you have to come out right now! The luna said you should go through the secret tunnel right now; there is no time to explain, just follow me please.” She rushed out. I knew something was absolutely wrong because she just called me by my name, and also due to the fact that my mother wanted us to meet at the secret tunnel because it was never used.“What about what I’m wearing?” I asked, pointing at the lacy nightie that I was forbidden from wearing out of my chambers.The maid eyed my clothes quickly, then answered with a wave of her hands, “just forget about it, let’s go!” The urgency i
The day of the attack arrived. I am dressed and ready as I step out of my chambers and make my way to the door. It was snowing,the whiteness spreading every where and my thoughts went to how blood would look on this snow. "Greetings, Milord" Demitri said as he walked towards me, bowing as be did. "Ready?" He nodded. I walked over to where the men waited and I was pleased with what I saw. All the men arranged properly, each with a look of resolution at the work ahead. "Greetings, Alpha Adrian!" They all greeted, their voices thundering loud and clear. Their bright gold and black uniforms standing out even more in the white and snowy background and so did the flag that was held. The flag which was the image of a full moon with the crescent part of it highlighted.As I looked around and examined the men, I suddenly realized that someone was missing, I wondered why Asher wasn't here. "He said that something very important came up." Demitri said. More important than this? I w
As the carriage rolled into the palace, I could already see someone waiting at the entrance for me. Someone I told earlier to go home, rest and….mourn.My would-have-been-brother in law, Asher. "Alpha…" his voice cracked as he stood before me. His face reminding me so much of his sister. I didn't know what to say or offer condolences. We have both lost something. "It was Riverton," I said and saw his brows raise before settling into a frown. "Johan did this?" He said, his breath becoming heavier as his eyes constantly shifted from his to his wolf's. "Johan murdered my sister?!" "Calm down, Asher—" Demitri tried to say but was instantly stopped by Asher. "Calm down? Are you fucking serious Demitri?" His anger was elevating as he took hard steps towards Demitri who didn't flinch for a second, "My sister just got murdered and you're telling to calm down?? Are you—" "Enough." I said. This wasn't the time for arguments at all. Asher sighed as he ran his fingers through his
I stand in silence as I watch the flames consume Kya's body. The heat from the fire is intense, but it barely registers against the pain and anger that consume me. I can feel my wolf's rage simmering just beneath the surface, ready to burst forth at any moment. But I force it down, knowing that losing control now will only make things worse.Kya was my mate, my other half, my everything. She was my best friend.And now she's gone, taken from me in the prime of her life. I can't help but think of all the things we had planned together, all the future that we will never have. The thought of living without her is almost too much to bear. We were supposed to rule together…But even as the sadness threatens to overwhelm me, the anger is always there, burning like an inferno in my chest. Someone did this to her, someone took her from me, and they will pay for it. I promise her that much.I watch as the flames begin to die down, leaving behind nothing but ashes. I feel a hand on my shoulder