The air around us sparkled for a brief moment before settling into the damp, oppressive atmosphere of the swamp. Ardan and I staggered as our surroundings materialised in front of us: a vast expanse of muddy water, twisted trees, and a blanket of fog that shrouded our vision. The teleportation spell had brought us to the right place, but something felt wrong.
Ardan ran a hand through his hair, trying to summon the magic that had served him so well before, but nothing came. His focus faltered, and he cursed under his breath.
"What is it?" I asked, sensing the shift in his mood.
"My magic…" Ardan began, looking around in confusion. "It’s not working here. I can’t feel the flow of energy."
My brow furrowed. "But… we’re here, Ardan. The swamp. This is where the flower should be. I’m sure your magic will come back when we—"
Ardan’s eyes were sharp, scanning the surrounding fog. "It’s not just that.
Ardan’s PoVI was ten years old, running through the woods with my best friend, Ren. Ren and I were inseparable, always finding excuses to sneak away from our lessons and explore the forest that bordered our pack’s land.That day, we’d wandered farther than usual, chasing the echo of a distant waterfall. The sound was faint, teasing us with its mystery, and Ren was determined to find it.“Come on, Ardan!” he called with his grin wide as he darted ahead.“Slow down, Ren,” I shouted, laughing as I tried to keep up.We were so caught up in the thrill of the chase that we didn’t notice the stillness creeping into the air. The birds stopped singing, the rustle of leaves quieted, and the usual hum of the forest faded into an eerie silence.It wasn’t until Ren screamed that I realised something was wrong.I came to a stop with my laughter dying in my throat as I turned to see him frozen in place and his eyes wide with terror. At first, I didn’t understand what he was looking at—then I saw it
Serena’s POVThe palace halls were quiet when we arrived and the weight of our mission was still hanging over us. The antidote, carefully wrapped in protective leaves, felt like the most precious cargo I’d ever carried.Rachel led the way to the medical wing, where Zone lay pale and motionless. His breathing was shallow, his chest barely rising with each breath. My heart clenched at the sight of him. He’d always been so strong, so unyielding, and seeing him like this felt like a blow to the gut.“We need to act fast,” Rachel said with her voice clipped as she began preparing the antidote.Ardan stood beside her with his jaw tight as he watched her every move. “How long before we know if it works?” he asked.Rachel didn’t answer immediately, her focus on carefully grinding the petals into a paste. “It depends,” she said finally. “If the poison hasn’t spread too far, we should see improvement within a few hours. If it has…” She trailed off, not needing to finish the thought.I swallowed
Gilly’s POVThe world around me was nothing but darkness, an endless expanse of shadows that stretched in every direction. Time didn’t exist here, nor did sound or sensation. I floated in the emptiness, a weightless figure adrift in an ocean of nothingness.I didn’t know how I’d gotten here, but I knew one thing: I was trapped.At first, I thought this was death—a bleak and silent afterlife where my thoughts were my only companions. But I still felt the faintest pull of something beyond this void. It was like a tether, thin and fragile, connecting me to something—or someone.“Serena.“Her name flickered in my mind, a faint light in the darkness. Memories of her surged forward unbidden: her fierce determination, her unyielding loyalty, the way she had fought for all of us, even when the odds were stacked against her.I tried to call out to her, but my voice didn’t carry. The void swallowed every word before it could form.The shadows shifted. Slowly at first, then faster, swirling arou
Serena’s POVThe forest air was thick with the scent of damp earth and rotting leaves, a reminder of how far we were from any place of comfort or safety. The sun had long since disappeared behind a thick canopy of twisted branches, leaving only faint shafts of light to guide our way.My senses were sharper than ever. Every shift in the wind, every crack of a branch, every faint scent carried on the air seemed amplified, as though the forest itself was whispering to me.“She’s close,” I said with my voice steady but low.Zone tightened his grip on his weapon and his jaw clenched. “I hope so,” he muttered. “I’m tired of chasing shadows.”Ardan placed a reassuring hand on Zone’s shoulder with his steady presence a calming force. “If Serena says she’s close, she is,” he said simply.I nodded as my Wolf mother instincts guided me. This power was still new, its limits and purpose unclear, but I trusted it.“She’s been here for a while,” I said as my eyes scanned the forest. “There’s magic e
THE BREAKING POINTThe air in the library was suffocating and I all I could smell were the old books Rachel had managed to source. Rachel and I had spent hours combing through every tome, scroll, and scrap of parchment we could find, searching for something—anything—that might help wake Gilly from her coma.“Anything yet?” I asked tiredly.Rachel didn’t look up, her fingers just kept flipping through the brittle pages of an ancient book. “Nothing,” she muttered with her frustration evident.I sighed, leaning back in my chair and rubbing my temples. The silence of the library, which was usually comforting, now felt oppressive.“Keep looking,” I said, though my words felt hollow.Rachel glanced at me with her face pale and drawn. “Serena, we’ve been at this for hours. If there was something here, we would have found it by now.”“We can’t stop,” I said firmly. “There has to be an answer.”Rachel hesitated before nodding, though I could see the doubt in her eyes.The sound of something cr
The council chamber was silent as I stood before them with my heart heavy but resolute. Members of Derek’s pack sat in a semicircle with their eyes filled with worry and confusion. Tobias was beside me and his brow furrowed as he glanced my way. He didn’t know what I was about to say, but I had no doubt he suspected it wasn’t good.I took a deep breath, letting the weight of my decision settle over me. “Thank you all for coming,” I began with my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.The wolves murmured quietly, their unease was palpable.“I’ve come to a decision,” I continued, looking out over the gathered wolves. “The witches are targeting this pack because of me. Every attack, every loss—it's all because I’m here. They won’t stop until they get what they want.”Tobias shifted uncomfortably, but I pressed on before he could interrupt.“I can’t allow more innocent lives to be lost because of me,” I said with my voice growing firmer. “That’s why I’ve decided to leave. Tobias will
Ardan’s hand was steady in mine with his warmth grounding me as I prepared to dive back into Gilly’s mind. Sally felt uneasy and her instincts warned me of the dangers ahead, but I pushed the fear aside.“You’re sure about this?” I asked Ardan, glancing up at him.He nodded, determined that what we were about to do would work. “If siphoning my strength will give you what you need to face the witches, then do it. You’ve already risked so much, Serena. Let me help you.”I swallowed hard as my grip tightened on his hand. “If this doesn’t work—”“It will,” he said firmly. “We’re in this together.”Rachel stood nearby with her brows furrowed with worry. “Be careful,” she said. “Whatever happens, don’t push yourself too far. We can’t afford to lose either of you.”I nodded, closing my eyes and focusing on the bond between Ardan and me. It was like reaching into a river of energy, his strength flowing into me in a steady, powerful current.The world around me faded, and I was back in the dar
When I opened my eyes, I was back in the medical wing with Ardan’s hand still gripping mine. His eyes searched mine and his worry was evident.My chest heaved, and my hands trembled as I clutched the edge of the bed. I turned to Gilly, watching her lay motionless beside me, her pale face was twisted in silent agony.“Serena” Ardan’s called with his hands still gripping my arms to steady me. “What happened? What did you see?”Rachel and Zone were beside him with their expressions a mix of concern and urgency.I took a shuddering breath, meeting their eyes. “It’s all a lie,” I said with my voice shaking but resolute.“What do you mean?” Rachel asked, stepping closer.“The witches,” I said with my jaw tightening. “They’ve been tricking me all along. They made it seem like my sacrifice would save everyone—my pack, the rogues, the innocent. But it’s not true. After I sacrifice myself, no one will be saved. They were never planning to liberate anyone. They’re planning to take control of eve
Evelyn PoVAt first, I had not thought that Gilly's story would turn out to be so tragic. I thought I was merely doing my mother a favour: I was releasing a spirit and giving peace to the pack. But every single step I took in the direction of solving was heavy with shadows that just threw more secrets in my direction. I could feel the darkness circling in, twisting me into a hangman's noose.The old records of the pack were dusty and brittle, worn yellow with age. Weeks I spent in the archives bent over a desk deciphering the scribbled handwriting and cryptic notes. Draven helped where he could, his fingers dancing over ancient texts while I pieced together, bit by bit, the fragmented history of Gilly's downfall.It started innocent enough. Gilly was loved; with those attributes of kindness and strength, she was never really a natural leader. Somehow respect turned to jealousy, and jealousy turned to betrayal. The swirling in the ancient documents held very hostile stories of a family
Authors PoVThey started like whispers in the night.In the stillness of sleep, they forced their way into her brain to take her through dark and twisted visions. Some shadows curled around her, cold and snake-like; their touch glided over the rippling skin and left frosted impressions behind. The dreams picked their way through her nightmares the same way—her pack in chains, expressionless and with eyes like black pits; there was someone ahead, a person cloaked in shadows.The figure's face shifted and distorted; at one time it would be reminiscent of Gilly with her soft features, at another of Gloria, with that awful smirk. She would desperately attempt to run, to scream, but either the land would crumble beneath her feet, swallowing her whole in the world, until she woke up gasping for air.The dreams haunted her daily, tormenting her with the reality of the world outside the realm of sleep. Gilly's spirit seemed to linger in the edges of reality sewn into the very fabric that woul
Evelyn PoVThe truth sat heavy on my chest, a stone sinking into dark waters. Gilly's voice lingered in my mind, a soft, desperate whisper threading through my thoughts even as I went through the motions of daily life. The blood of the betrayed will break the chains.Those words had been haunting me ever since the ritual with Draven, every syllable a jigsaw puzzle piece that refused to fit. What betrayal? Whose blood? The answers I sorely craved could only be unearthed by digging deeper into Gilly's past, the life which she had led before Gloria's darkness swallowed her whole.I started my search among the old documents located in the pack's ancient archive building where old books and fragile scrolls blended their aged scent with forgotten tales. For hours I studied the pack's historical records that included birth and death records as well as political alliances and loyalty breakdowns. Being careful with my page turns made me sharply conscious that the sound of crinkling pages carri
Evelyn PoVWas this a mere figment of my imagination?… Gilly’s voice had become an echo that trickled into the stillness, catching me unawares. The torment did not even allow me peace in sleep. I would close my eyes, and her voice would take me into shadowed dreams-corridors layered in darkness, chains clanking in the distance."Evelyn."It now sounded weak and soft, no more than an echo but soon merely a whisper grazing my skin. Jerking upright in bed, I pulled the blanket tighter around my shoulders."Wh-What do you want from me?" I whispered back, my voice lost in the dark.Silence.I woke up abruptly from my bed before drawing the blanket closer to protect my shoulders."What do you want from me?" I demanded quietly. I managed to answer him but my words vanished into the darkness.Silence.I clenched my fists. “If you’re real I need to see you to be sure.”The air moved through the room as the window remained closed. The candle flame moved in an unexpected sideways wave as though
Evelyn’s PoVAs I came to stand amidst the rubble of Odessa’s fortress, there rioted smells of smoke and blood. The bodies of both friends and foes lay scattered on the ground from a battle that, to me, seemed less a victory than a doomsday. My body screamed for peace, and the tightness of every muscle felt unbearable; yet it could hardly compare with the turmoil within me.Finian stood a few paces away, his eyes piercing into mine. His expression was inscrutable-somewhere between hope and acceptance. His knuckles were bruised, his hair caked with dirt, and yet still he seemed the bedrock I have leaned upon during my stay with the pack at Odessa. He had saved me countless times, and now, standing before freedom, I no longer knew where we stood.And then there was Marcus.He emerged from the smoke like an apparition. Relief, pain, and something else—something much deeper, something older, much older—were stamped on his face, making my chest tighten. The last rays of sunlight broke thro
Author PoVBefore sentries had time to alert their camp the arrows struck their targets. The wolves crashed into each other while they shifted as their howls unified their counterparts.Inside the fortress, Evelyn felt it. The vibrations of battle were within her, through the stone walls, deep and low; she felt a low hum settle deep into her bones. She was clasped in silver chains burning against the skin, watching Finian about to die.One of the guards entered the room quickly, his face extremely pale. "We are under attack!"Odessa's face hardened, "By whom?""Callum and his people… he’s alive my alpha. And the Red Blood Moon pack."Odessa's lips twisted into a snarl. "Then they have come to die." She turned toward Evelyn, handing her a dagger she had drawn from her belt. "I ought to kill you. But I will save you for last.”Evelyn then looked into Odessa's eyes, her fear burning away and replaced by determination. "No, I will save you for last.”Then the ambush began. Callum and Ryan
Author PoVThe woods was dark as Marcus and Luca passed through the underbrush in silence. Marcus’s heart thudded against his ribs, with a steady caution. He glanced toward Luca, who had graduated from one stern face of determination to intent.They had been trudging through the woods for hours on nothing more than scraps of intelligence and the stubborn pull of hope. Ryan's rogues had pointed them in the right direction but were ultimately not adventurous enough to try to approach the Red Blood Moon pack directly. After all, Odessa's territory was a death trap of sorts. Even the most adventurous rogues knew better than to cross her borders without sufficient cause.The moonlight was just enough to see the outlines of makeshift tents and some shadows on watch. Marcus motioned for Luca to keep it low and crouched behind some ferns to take in the camp."Do you see her?" Luca whispered in a voice so faint it was almost a sigh."Not yet," Marcus ground out, struggling to make each breath
Serena’s PoVTears stung my eyes, and I woke up in a start with broken breath as the persistence of the dream clung to me. In this muted room, shadows danced upon the wall; for a second, I was hardly certain of where I stood. The dream had borne the reality—Odessa, her eyes bright with evil gleam, standing atop a heap of bones. Her army, a roar of growling rogues and defiled creatures spread out to the last sight. And then there was Evelyn... Evelyn was there, firmly standing by the side of Odessa, the empty look on her face an undercover of madness.I put my trembling hand over my forehead, it was sweating. This dream wasn't just a figment of imagination; it was a warning.I pushed aside the thick furs, stood, and went to the unbarred window. The pack grounds lay quiet, a deceitful calm before a storm. My instincts screeched like a mother's intuition that something far worse than what we had imagined was in the making.If only I could make Ardan see it too.But Ardan... he was no lon
Evelyn’s PoVThe dagger felt heavy and cold in my palm. Odessa’s cold demand rang in my ears. Kill Callum. Bring me his head. This wasn’t a test or ,twisted game to see how far I would go to prove my loyalties. I just had to do it. I knew I had to do it.If I turned it down, she would turn against me. If I carried out her order, I would lose the only ally I had managed to win over. Either way, she would win.Not this time.Finian walked beside me as we traveled through the thick forest. His expression was a mixture of concern and determination. He had not questioned me for warning Callum. He had not hollered when I insisted we needed to fake a death, to give like a disguise for the purpose of tricking Odessa into believing I had done my job. Instead, he nodded, affirming my sense of loyalty."Are you sure it will work?" he asked softly."It must." I responded. "If Odessa realises we lied to her, we would be dead."