Ruth's POVI stood outside the school gates, my heart racing with anticipation.Michael's words echoed in my mind: "You're safe now. Go back to your life."But was I ready?The memories of our summer together still lingered, a bittersweet ache in my chest.I took a deep breath and stepped forward.The familiar hallways welcomed me back, filled with chatter and laughter.I spotted Emily, my best friend, waving enthusiastically."Ruth! Oh my god, where have you been?" Emily asked, eyes wide with curiosity.I smiled, trying to summarize the impossible."Just...away," I replied.Emily raised an eyebrow."We'll talk later," she whispered.As we walked to our locker, I sensed unease.A group of boys, notorious for their troublemaking, watched me from across the hall.Their leader, Jake, sneered."Well, well, well. Look who's back," Jake said, his voice dripping with malice.I ignored him, but Emily's grip on my arm tightened."Ruth, be careful," she whispered.I nodded.But Jake's taunts co
Ruth's POV:Ava's words lingered in my mind: "More than just protection, Michael?"As we planned our next move against Kael, Michael's proximity distracted me.His scent, his warmth.My wolf purred.Michael's gaze met mine.Holding it.A spark ignited.Ava cleared her throat."Focus," Ava reminded us.We strategized late into the night.Kael's powers grew.We needed an edge.Ava produced an ancient tome."Forbidden magic," Ava warned."Risks and rewards," Michael countered.I hesitated.But Kael's threat loomed."Let's do it," I decided.The ritual began.Michael's hand intertwined with mine.Electricity coursed through us.The magic swirled.A vortex erupted.Kael appeared.Sneering."You fools," Kael spat.Michael shielded me.Our bond strengthened.The magic responded.Kael stumbled back."We have the upper hand," Ava exclaimed.But Kael's eyes gleamed."Not yet," Kael snarled.He summoned darkness.A chilling roar echoed.A beast emerged.Eyes fixed on me.Michael's growl matched
Elijah's POVThe memory of that fateful night still haunted me. My father's sudden death had left a void in the Shadow Moon pack, and my mother's treachery had sealed my fate. She handed the Alpha title to my younger brother, a decision that cut me to the core.I couldn't believe it. The pack I had grown up in, the one I was destined to lead, now shunned me. Cast out and left to fend for myself, I was forced to rely on my wits and strength to survive.Anger and resentment fueled my determination. I vowed to reclaim my rightful place as Alpha, no matter the cost. Years passed, and I built my reputation as a ruthless leader, feared by all. But the memory of my family's betrayal still burned within me.As I stood at the edge of the forest, gazing out at the moonlit landscape, I knew I couldn't let my emotions consume me. Ruth's rise to power was a sudden, unwelcome surprise. Her strength and influence threatened to undermine everything I had worked for.I couldn't let that happen.I made
Elijah pov I felt like I was drowning in a sea of secrets, each one threatening to pull me under. My father, the man I thought I knew, was a stranger."Tell me more," I demanded, my voice barely above a whisper.Amelia's eyes filled with a mix of sadness and regret. "Your father was a key member of the Order, Elijah. He worked tirelessly to maintain balance within the supernatural world."I scoffed, trying to process the enormity of her words. "Balance? You call betraying me balance?"Amelia's expression softened. "No, Elijah. That was my mistake, not your father's. He would have never wanted you to suffer."I laughed, the sound bitter. "You expect me to believe that he cared about me after what you did?" I finished, my voice laced with venom.Amelia flinched, but her eyes remained steady. "I know I failed you, Elijah. But your father's love for you was unwavering."I shook my head, trying to clear the fog of emotions. "Go on."Amelia took a deep breath. "The Order's primary goal is
Michael's POVI scanned the shadows, my senses on high alert. Ruth, my mate, was always my top priority. And now, Elijah has become an integral part of our circle. The night air vibrated with tension as my phone buzzed, shrill in the silence.A cryptic message flashed on the screen: "Ruth and Elijah are in grave danger. Meet me at the old warehouse."My instincts screamed warning. Who was this mysterious informant? I couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched.As I arrived at the warehouse, Victor emerged from the darkness. His respectful nod eased some of my tension."Michael, I've received intel on Lucien's plans," Victor said, his voice low.My ears perked up, and I felt Ruth's presence in my mind. "What does he want?"Victor's expression turned grave. "He's seeking to exploit Ruth's connection to the moon."A growl rumbled in my chest. No one threatened my mate and lived."I'll take care of it," I vowed.Victor nodded, his eyes locked on mine. "I knew I could count on y
Ruth's POVI screamed as Michael fell, his body crashing to the ground. My heart shattered into a million pieces. I rushed to his side, my power surging out of control. A blast of lunar energy exploded from me, sending Arden stumbling back.Our allies rallied around us, Elijah's wolf form tearing through Arden's forces with deadly precision. Victor and Amelia fought with skill and strategy, taking down enemy after enemy.But Michael lay motionless, his eyes closed."Michael!" I whispered, shaking him gently.His eyes flickered open, and relief washed over me."Ruth," he whispered, his voice weak.I helped him sit up, his eyes locking onto mine."We need to finish this," he said, determination etching his face.Together, we stood, our bond stronger than ever.Arden's eyes blazed with fury as he backed away."You may have bested me this time," Arden snarled, "but I'll return."I stood tall, my power coursing through me."We'll be ready," I vowed.As Arden vanished into the shadows, our
Ruth's POV:As we celebrated our victory over Arden, a mysterious person emerged from the shadows. Dressed in long, flowing robes, with eyes that seemed to hold ancient wisdom, she introduced herself as Ariana."I've been waiting for you, Ruth," Ariana said, her voice low and mystical. "You're more than just a powerful werewolf. You're the key to unlocking an ancient prophecy."Ariana handed me a worn, leather-bound book. The cover was adorned with strange symbols that seemed to shimmer in the light."This is the Book of Lunaria," she explained. "It holds the secrets of your true destiny."As I opened the book, the pages revealed intricate illustrations and cryptic text. One passage stood out:"When moon's child claims her rightful place,The balance of power shall shift and sway.A new era dawns, with shadows cast,And Ruth, the lunar heart, shall forever last."Michael's eyes narrowed. "What does it mean?"Ariana's gaze locked onto mine. "You, Ruth, are the lunar heart. Your power
Ruth POV I stood at the entrance of the infirmary, my eyes fixed on the two figures sitting in the waiting area. My parents. It had been years since I'd last seen them.Michael's hand found mine, offering silent support."Are you ready for this?" he asked.I nodded, steeling myself.My parents rose as I approached. Their eyes, once filled with rejection, now brimmed with tears."Ruth," my mother whispered, her voice trembling.My father took a step forward."Ruth, sweetheart, we're sorry," he said.Sorry.The word echoed in my mind.Too little, too late."You disowned me," I said, my voice flat. "You left me to fend for myself."My mother's face crumpled."We were wrong," she sobbed.My father's eyes pleaded."We didn't understand," he said.Understand?They never tried."You didn't care when I was molested by our own pack," I spat.My mother gasped."Ruth, we—""Don't," I cut her off."You didn't protect me. You didn't love me."My father's face contorted in anguish."We love you, R