Where we were felt like a frozen nightmare, every breath I took was heavy. My teeth was bared and my claws were ready, as Ardan, Zone, and I stepped forward. Gilly knelt on the ground. Her pale form was trembling. Standing beside her was Gloria,
And Roman—he stood at Gloria’s side, tall and unshaken with a cruel smirk tugging at his lips.
“You should have stayed away,” Roman said. “But then again, I suppose you couldn’t help yourself, could you?”
“Let her go for the last time,” I growled.
Gloria chuckled softly. “Oh, the mighty Wolf mother has come to save her little pawn. How predictable.” Her eyes were fixed on me, sharp as a dagger. “You think you can stop me? You, with your fractured power and naïve ideals? You will fall, Serena. It’s only a matter of time.”
“And the time is now.” Roman declared. He mumbled a spell and a rush of wind brought me
The moment Gloria began chanting her dark spells, I knew we were running out of time. The woods vibrated with the pulse of her magic. Her magic coiled around Gilly like a snake. Gloria had broken Zone from the spell she had him in. Gilly lay limp in Zone’s arms, her breaths were shallow and weak, and her face was pale and barely recognisable as the girl I had fought so hard to save.I needed to act now. We had come this far not to just give up. I clenched my fists as I felt the power of being the wolf mother overcome me. It was raw and overwhelming.“Serena!” Ardan called.I didn’t respond. Instead, I planted my feet, inhaling deeply as I reached into the depths of my power. The ground beneath me trembled as the Wolf mother within me awoke fully.The spell Gloria had used to protect herself began faltering as my power collided with her dark magic. Gloria staggered back, snarling. “No!” she screeched.Zone seized
I stood at outside the pack house. After everything, after Gloria, after Gilly—the eerie silence was unnatural. As if even the earth mourned. I wrapped my arms around myself, feeling the chill in the wind biting at my skin despite the sunlight that peeked through the tree branches. I knew it was coming—consequences always did.I went back into the pack house and just then, there was a soft knock on the pack house door. When I opened it, a witch stood before me. I recognised her type immediately. Though I didn’t know her name, she reeked of magic.I narrowed my eyes but stepped aside to let her enter. “Why are you here?” I said stiffly.The witch bowed her head. “To bring you news... and to seek forgiveness.”“Forgiveness? For what exactly?”She hesitated. “The witches’ coven is broken. Without Gloria, it... it crumbled,” she said softly. “Many of us were loyal to her out
The pack house had fallen quiet these last few days. Gilly’s sacrifice still lived on, and though the witches’ messenger had assured me that their coven was broken and the rogue attacks would cease, my instincts refused to settle.But there was no time to grieve anymore. Not fully.I sat at the edge of the table in the main hall with maps of our territory spread across the wood. On the surface also, we’re scribbled notes. My mind was not at rest. I knew I couldn’t undo the past, but I could fortify our future.The door creaked open and Zone came in. He stopped at my side with his sharp eyes narrowing as they flickered across the map. He leaned casually against the table, arms crossed, but I didn’t miss the tension in his stance.“You’re wearing yourself thin, Serena,” he said in a gruff yet careful tone. “You’ve barely slept.”I kept my eyes on the borderlines we’d marked earli
Caden had been in the pack for only a few days, and already, his presence was evident. He was charming, competent, and above all, respectful. Where others folded under pressure or demanded their worth be recognised, Caden offered his help with an effortless grace, winning people over with ease.And that alone made me wary.I watched from the balcony as he sparred with a group of young warriors in the training grounds below. He was more than a visiting Alpha lending aid; he was a man used to being in control. Our people admired him, I could see it in their faces. He gave them clear instructions, shouted encouragement, and moved among them like he’d always belonged.“Are you planning to glower at him all morning, or do you want me to fetch you a chair?”Ardan’s voice startled me. He leaned against the doorway to the balcony, arms crossed and a slight smirk on his face. I shot him a look, but he didn’t budge.“I&rsq
The morning sir was cold and the cloud looked like it was going to rain soon. I sat at the head of the war table with folded arms as I listened to Ardan outline the patrol schedules for the coming week. His voice was steady and reassuring—something I needed more than I cared to admit.“The northern border patrols will overlap every two hours,” Ardan explained, marking the map with strokes. “Zone and Rachel will lead the first sweep, and we’ll keep fresh warriors rotating. If there’s anything out of place, we’ll know.”I nodded, satisfied with the plan. “It’ll hold for now. I just want our wolves to feel safe again.”Ardan leaned back in his chair, watching me carefully. “They will, Serena. We are doing the right thing.”I offered him a smile, though it felt strained. The pack had been walking a fine line between recovery and exhaustion, and despite my best efforts, the tension was still palpable. It had been days since the witches’ promises, and though the rogue attacks had quieted, p
Ardan’s PoVThe rain had started already as my mate and I were tangled in the sheets. It had been quite sometime since we both had gotten this intimate, yet as we kissed, I could tell something was bothering Serena.“What’s wrong? Is it about Caden?” I asked but she didn’t answer. Instead, she pulled me in for another kiss. We kissed for a while but I didn’t feel any rhythm. It felt forced.“Okay, what’s really going on?” I asked.Serena sighed and finally spoke. “How close are you to Caden?” She asked.“He was my childhood best friend. Why?” I asked, curious. She went silent again.“Hmm?” I murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her cheek.Serena hesitated, biting her lip, as though she were unsure of whether she should speak at all. Finally, she exhaled again. “I need to tell you something about Caden.”“What about him?” I asked calmly.She sat up and pulled the covers around herself. “I don’t want you to think I’m trying to put a rift between you two. He’s your friend, and I know
Serena’s PoVIt was the next morning already. I sat on the edge of the bed, interlocking my fingers within my laps. Ardan stood by the window with tense shoulders. His gaze was distant as he stared out at the pack grounds.I took a deep breath, bringing myself to speak. “Ardan,” I began softly.He didn’t turn around. His posture was rigid.“I wanted to say I’m sorry,” I continued. “I shouldn’t have accused Caden. I let my doubts get the better of me and now I understand how much he means to you.”Ardan had not said a word to me since he woke up this morning. I noticed he was uncomfortable. His usual demeanour was gone and replaced by something else that I couldn’t quite place.I shout him a dirty look, and getting to my feet, I moved over to where he sat and stood beside him. “What’s wrong?” I asked, studying his face.“Nothing,” he said curtly without looking me in the eyes.“Ardan,” I said more firmly, “I know something’s bothering you. Talk to me.”He closed his mouth firmly and fo
Serena’s PoVIt was pretty early in the morning and the sun rose behind the main training grounds. From where I was perched above, I could see the young wolves fighting and running around as Caden supervised them. His orders were precise but motivating and he seemed quiet but authoritative.Every day, he trained them relentlessly. I couldn’t help but wonder why he pushed them so hard. Surely, we had enough seasoned warriors to hold the borders and defend the pack. These young ones—barely teenagers, deserved a chance to enjoy their youth.Once the session ended, I made my way down the hill to where Caden was standing and wiping sweat from his brow. He spotted me approaching and gave me a nod with a grin.“Good morning, Alpha,” he said, teasing me.I folded my arms, tilting my head as I spoke to him. “Caden, I’ve been watching you train these kids every day. Why do you push them so hard? We already have capable warriors.”He shrugged, leaning on the hilt of a practice sword. “You can ne
Serena PoVI walked into the medical wing and the scent of medicine hit my nose. Rachel stayed silently at her workstation blending medicinal salves while Marcus sat alone on his cot, looking determined though he didn't feel well. Luca kept his head down while sitting on a chair, picking at the edges of his shirt.Marcus looked at me right away while holding his injuries despite the pain. He spoke to me quietly, saying, "Serena," while struggling to speak clearly.I moved my chair close to his hospital bed and gave him a warm look. “Marcus,” I said softly. “Tell me everything.”Despite what had happened, Marcus spoke to me calmly about it. He told me how he entered Caden's camp with Luca, tried talking to Evelyn, and how Caden clawed at him.Marcus told me how Evelyn pleaded with our enemy to free them. “She struggled her whole way through to keep me safe.” He said, talking about Evelyn.Instantly, Luca ag
Evelyn PoVMy past choices pressed heavily on me during my walk through the camp. Every move I made was accompanied by the memories of my victims and the people I harmed. Gloria's comments sounded louder than ever in my thoughts with her gentle and convincing tone. She assured me that I possessed the potential to achieve great things.Her pledges started to break down under pressure.As I gazed at the night sky Gloria softly noted "Your power comes from our bond. Without me, you’re nothing. Remember that, Evelyn.”Her words initially, would have provided me comfort and guidance toward my goals. But now it felt like I was in a prison since she held me in her grip and kept me from making free decisions. Gloria took advantage of me just like Caden did.I clenched my fists. Did the pursuit of power need to destroy lives this way?“You didn’t need to scare my mother away. I think I’m getting the hang of it now. My mo
Serena PoVThe room was filled with tension. On the table, the map was spread with Ardan and Alpha Joachim facing each other while arguing about their next military move. I rested my back against the wall with my arms folded while my head itched from the mounting stress.“I think we should make our first move from this area.” Ardan proposed, circling an area on the map. “Striking this location will split the the red blood moon pack’s military divisions.”Joachim shook his head. “Ardan you fixate solely on using power in your approach. Caden's wolves learn to handle strife during physical confrontations. Our strike must be slow and deliberate to reach Evelyn since moving too quickly would cost us many wolf lives.”Evelyn. I remembered how our last conversation went. My love for her hurt deeply but I couldn't find a way to be with her. Gloria took complete control of Evelyn's mind and every time I thought about her
Evelyn PoVI stood in Caden’s war room with tension thick in the air and my hands shaking at my sides. Territory maps of various packs, slashed through in red to show how many we’d been able to bring under our control, were spread across the table. At the head of the table, my father, Caden gripped the map with his shining bionic arm as he laid out our next move.“After we claim the Eastern moon pack,” Caden said coldly, “we will have power over all major territory in a hundred-mile radius. The rest will be compelled to fall in line.”I couldn’t take my eyes off him; I was disgusted. “And if they don’t?” I asked, though I knew the answer.Caden turned to me, narrowing his eyes. “Then we crush them. No one defies us, Evelyn. This is what it takes to unite the wolves and ensure peace.”“Peace,” I repeated bitterly. “Is this what peace feels l
Evelyn’s PoVI was standing at the forefront of Caden’s soldiers, with my father staring me down from across the battlefield. His words from earlier rang in my ears: “This is not just another battle, Evelyn. It’s about sending a message. We have to make them understand that whoever dares to side with Ardan cannot withstand us.”I realised that it was not merely a matter of asserting one’s authority - it was much more personal. And now, I was leading the charge.I was afraid. My hands shook slightly and I had to hide it. Gloria’s whispers had decided to take a break but I know I was doing this on my own accord. Her whispers or not, Gloria was forever present.“Ready, Evelyn?” Caden asked in a commanding tone.I simply bowed my head, swallowing the disgust that rose from deep within my heart. “I’m ready.”The attack started off as being vicious and unrelenting. Wolves foug
Evelyn’s PoVThe night was dark, and the atmosphere was rather oppressive, as if everyone was expecting a fight. I was by my father side, Caden, at the forest and across from us was the rogue pack which we were enemies with. We had encroached their territory and we wanted war. I felt my pulse quicken, but it was not due to any kind of apprehension. It was something else—a feeling of anxiety intertwined with adrenaline and Gloria’s spirit was all I needed to charge up.“Are you ready?” Caden asked.I could not escape the doubt I felt but I attempted to mask with a nod. Was I truly ready? Is this the road I am to travel?“This isn’t just about war. It’s about making sure our pack is going to be safe from threats that may exist in the future. If left unaddressed, ‘they’ will be a constant thorn in the side of everything we are trying to construct here.”I forced myself to believe him, a
Serena PoVI had learned about the changes that took place in Evelyn and the revelation was eye-opening for me. My daughter—the one I had wanted to shield from the reality of the world—was now a part of an immeasurable force. But it was not only power, it was power stained with blood. Caden had manhandled her and had exploited her strength for his own gain. Worse still, the spirit of Gloria had successfully taken over Evelyn and is determined to finish her off as well.I sat in my room, with the curtains drawn and my mind tormented by guilt and sorrow. How had it come to this? Evelyn was meant to be protected, enveloped in affection, but what I had offered her was anything but that. Now she was beyond my reach, entangled with Caden and manipulated by Gloria.I tried to reach her. With my eyes shut tight, I focused on our connection and communicated with her via my wolf mother link.“Evelyn,” I said through our telepathic connection. “It’s me, your mother. Please, talk to me.”At that
Evelyn’s PoVThe change that happened in me was not sudden like a snap of the fingers; it was a slow process like the encroachment of night over day. At first, it was subtle: was always accompanied by a keener sense of presence, a liveliness that surged through me, making me feel as though I were unstoppable. But as days turned into weeks, I began to know other things.Although, when I concentrated, I realised that I could control the wind. I could also feel with my mind the thoughts and intentions of people around as if they were exposed to me like an open diary… something akin to what my mother can do. It was rather daunting, but at the same time, it was liberating.I first felt this transformation while going through an attack with pure wolves like my mother and me. We were caught off guard while patrolling the outskirts of the territory. Caden had taken me along with a group of his pack to check on my commitment and ability to survive in his pack, which was a pack of killers.Our
Evelyn’s PoVIt wasn’t long before Caden came to pick me up. His rogue wolves stood next to him, their faces cold and emotionless. My mother, Serena, stood firm in front of me, her aura protected me and prevented the wolves from coming any closer to me.“I will personally cut your genitals off if you dare to lay a finger on her,” she snarled.Caden smirked, unfazed. “Relax, Serena. She’s my daughter. I am taking her to her rightful place.”“She is my daughter too,” Serena replied heatedly her eyes burning with anger. “And I’m warning you, Caden. Evelyn is more than what meets the eye.” Then she lowered her tone. “Evelyn is in contact with Gloria. Someone like you can use that to your advantage but not when my daughter’s life is at stake.”Caden’s expression turned from one of annoyance to a cool one. “You worry too much, Serena. I’ll handle it.”“Caden, this isn’t some joke!” My mom yelled.I placed a hand on her arm. “Mom, it’s okay. I’ll be fine. I promise.”She relaxed her eyes. “P