Authors PoVAs Serena stood at the centre of the war room, the morning air was very cool. Maps were spread out on the wooden table before her. The tension in the room was thick, filled with murmurs of worry as the pack elders and warriors kept gathering.The scout conveyed disturbing intelligence indicating that a new pack under an unknown leader was regrouping. Where they had come from no one knew, but they were fast growing and did pose a direct danger to the very tenuous peace they were trying to establish.Serena exhaled as she looked from face to face around the room, many battle-worn and weary of the endless blood-shedding and survival. Their morale was low, and she realised that it was perhaps justified."We should be prepared," Serena said firmly, scanning the faces around the room. "Whatever their intentions, we can't afford to be taken unaware."There were some murmurs of agreement, but Serena could see doubt in their eyes. Some of them had already lost far too much.At the
Evelyn PoVI stayed seated on top of the wooden training grounds fence while I watched the fighters below lock together in combat. Weakness dragged down my body until it felt like an invisible burden I had to carry. I had abused my powers beyond what was safe since I could not stop myself.I needed to show my worth to my mother as well as Ardan and Luca and each member of the pack.Even though everything pointed at me badly the accusations persisted through the air like an intense burden.“She’s cursed."“She’s dangerous."The pack members even believed I should have died during the tragedy with Gloria.I clenched my fists.Taken back by a familiar tone I turned to see who spoke behind me.“You’re wearing yourself out.”Standing before me was Marcus who watched me with concern while crossing his arms. After studying me carefully with his dark eyes he kept looking at me but I stared elsewhere.“I can handle it.” I muttered.Marcus jumped after me as he joined me on top of the fence. “Y
Ardan’s PoVTwo months later….A newborn screamed loudly in the room; disturbing silence everywhere it spread. Josephine lay on the bed, worn out though there was clearly a hidden shine of victory hidden in the background. She rocked the small bundle wrapped in rags and whispered reassuring words. My son.I swallowed hard.A son. My blood. My pride.I did not know what to feel.I stood stupefied, watching. It was as though an iron chain dropped onto my shoulder, and as much as I wished to deny it, this little one would turn my world upside down.Josephine looked at me. "Do you want to hold him?"I hesitated. My hands felt too big, too rough. But just as I was about to respond, she reached forward and carefully placed the newborn in my arms.His size surprised me. A soft ball up in little fists, the baby opened and clenched its eyes, squirming in discomfort before sleeping soundly. A son. I'd never thought I'd ever have one, I thought I’d never get to have my own blood yet here he lay,
Author’s PoVJosephine waited while ever so patiently inserting her influence. She made sure that the pack was thoroughly prepared to follow her very soon. Little by little, a few calls here and there with the pack elders, appearance as the concerned mother in moments that would demand it, a strategically placed comment, this was how she slowly began to undermine Serena's standing.The birth of Dorian changed everything. He was Ardan's son; he was the legitimate heir. And Josephine saw to it that all in the pack understood it that way.Everything was being calculated.Josephine was at the centre of every pack gathering, dispensing advice as if that had always been her lot with the pack leaders. She reminded them how strong the pack had to be and how they could not afford to trust anyone compromised by dark magic. And when she was certain the time was right, she made her boldest move yet and questioned whether Evelyn had earned her place in the pack.This was during a pack meeting call
Evelyn’s PoVFor the last few weeks, both physically and emotionally, it had been an exhausting experience. The burden of my powers, my past, and that how much the pack disbelieved me weighed heavy on my shoulders. To this day, walking through that pack was no easy feat. I could feel the whispers, sideways glances, the fear unspoken. Nothing I could do seemed to work—I was somehow stuck with wounds too deep to heal.My mother, of course, had always picked up on it. She noticed everything.One evening, after the patrols had returned and the pack settled in for the night, she summoned me to her room. The way she had set herself at the wooden table, hands folded tightly, made me realise she must have something serious to talk by all means. Maybe Rachel had told someone about the truth of Zone’s death."Sit," she said gently, indicating the chair opposite her with her head.I did as I was told, and I could feel the air swell into some heavy tension that we both couldn't vocalise."You've
Author PoVJosephine had to be patient, as she knew that the truth, when used effectively, could cut deeper than claws or teeth. She had spent weeks spying on him, biding her time for the right moment to act. When she came upon Isiah alone, she drew closer with an air of casual interest, getting into some small talk about the current tensions in the pack. It wasn’t much to get him to let his guard down—he had always loved a good conversation.He hesitated the moment she mentioned Zone, but Josephine prompted him to continue, managing to play along with some sympathy. She had assured him that once the truth would set free, it would give all relief to those who needed it. Then he finally broke the silence she had been wishing for when he told that, during the battle, Evelyn had been the one who had killed Zone. It hadn’t been with intent, but still, it was true.Josephine felt no surprise. She had had her suspicions since Luca mentioned it to her. The moment she left Isiah, she made her
Author PoVCouncil room tension remained strong and difficult to breathe. The golden flames in Serena's eyes made her tighten her fists when she turned against Rachel and Ardan."You failed to defend my daughter when they sentenced her." Her voice broke in two from feeling betrayed when she spoke. She was really angry as she confronted Rachel and Ardan through her words.The pain of her loss made Rachel's face immobile. "She took Zone's life," she spoke plainly to them. “The damage she caused doesn't matter if it happened by accident. He’s dead because of her.”Serena’s breath hitched. She repeated her defence by saying it was not Evelyn's responsibility. “She wasn’t in control. You should recognise how Gloria influenced her. Evelyn would never—""Would never?" Rachel scoffed. “She already did.”Ardan interrupted with his measured tone before Serena could respond. He studied her showing deep emotions Serena could not recognise. “The moment Caden exiled me you stood by silently. And I
Evelyn’s PoVOur kiss had transformed into something more. One thing led to the other until I found him on top of me, on the bare ground and completely naked.“Do you want me?” Marcus grinned. He could tell I couldn’t resist him.“No.” I joked but Marcus could tell it was all a lie. I tried to let myself out of his grip jokingly but he pinned me down to the ground gently.“You’re mine, Evelyn. I love you.” He whispered into my ears.“I love you too, Marcus.” I whispered scared that I was going to give him all of me. I mean I wanted to but then again… my mum.“Can I?” He asked politely.“Uh-huh.” I whispered, nodding my head.He went in and at first it was painful but after the first few thrusts, I was having the best time of my life.“Is this your first?” I asked. Marcus hesitated to answer and I laughed.“You’re like seven years older than me of course you have.” I said as I moaned in between. “You’re so good.” I moaned.“I could say the same about you.” Marcus grinned, breathing hea
Evelyn’s PoVMy heart felt torn as I sank my eyes into my mother’s still figure. The Wolf Mother, Serena, lay on the ground unconscious and barely breathing. The silver dagger placed in her chest was a cruel reminder of my impossible choice.Odessa's voice sounded cold on my skin. "You know the terms, girl. Come with me, and she lives. Stay here, and she dies before your eyes."My hands clenched into fists, nails digging into my palm to hold back the inevitable breakdown. The pack barely breathed. They simply waited. I wanted someone to stop me; I wanted someone to throw themselves in the line of fire and say this was pointless. But there they stood in silence."Evelyn!" Marcus's voice broke the silence. There was desperation in it, something pleading, something that turned my stomach. I turned to him, and my heart shattered at the pain in his eyes, as though he watched me dying in front of him."Promise me," I whispered, my throat tight. "Promise me that you won't come after me."His
Evelyn’s PoVThe scent of blood and smoke filled the air and howls and screams reverberated throughout the woods as Odessa and her rogue pack stormed against us. I stood there frozen for a moment with my heart pounding wildly against my chest, as I saw the pack's defences collapse against the onslaught of their attack. The rogues outnumbered the pack, and the way they fought could be matched only with menacing madness. My fists were closed so tightly I could feel my nails digging painfully into my palms as I struggled to contain the panic rising inside me. I could not stand there and do nothing.Before I could move, Marcus appeared at my side, his face covered in dirt and blood. His eyes were watered wide with urgency as he pushed something into my hands: my grandmother’s relic."I found it for you," he began, his voice strained yet steady. "You have to use it, Evelyn. You are the only one who can."I stared at the relic with a racing mind, the one that had unleashed a sinister and un
Authors PoVThe air within the pack appeared heavy. Uncertainty and fear enveloped them all. News of Odessa's inflated army had trickled through, and even though there was no sign of hostilities, everyone was cognisant and it was only a matter of time.Evelyn sat just outside the training grounds, watching as the warriors brushed up on their fighting skills, awaiting the inevitable. With her powers gone, she felt like just a lonely ghost among them, powerless in the face of the oncoming storm. Every skirmish strike, every war strategy discussion, stomped her with a reminder of what she had lost.Marcus stood next to her with arms crossed, his keen sight following the fighters. Since their return, he had met few moments away from her, though she knew he bore the weight of words he was dying to speak."Go find the relic," he finally uttered, breaking the silence.Evelyn clenched her fists. "No."Marcus sighed. He knelt before her, so she had no choice but to look him in the eyes. "Evely
Authors PoVAfter darkness fell, Marcus Luca and Ryan made their way carefully past the forest bordering Odessa's camp. Their main goal was to rescue Evelyn and they knew that the challenges ahead would test their determination every step of the way.Ryan signalled for everyone to stop as they reached the edge of the camp grounds. Several guards strolled their rounds with little care even though danger loomed near. With anger boiling inside Luca he made fists while Marcus surveyed their surroundings until spotting the training pit.Evelyn was in there.She was fighting again.His heartbeat raced when he saw her standing despite her injuries. Still fighting. His feelings changed from joy to anger. How many more injuries would she endure? How long could people continue treating her as their personal tool?Ryan touched Marcus' shoulder firmly to calm him. He spoke softly to confirm their plan's execution. “We continue our plan until the perfect time arrives.”But Marcus wasn’t listening.
Author PoVEvelyn did not pay any attention; her focus was settled on the man's stance with calculated shifts of weight from one leg to another. He was overconfident- arrogant. She saw that as her advantage.Odessa raised a hand for silence, and the murmurs immediately died down.”The rules are simple,” she said. ”You win; you go.” She tilted her head slightly, letting her smirk get even wider. ”You lose… well, you won’t have to worry about anything again.”They laughed, but Evelyn barely heard them.She forced herself to take long, steady breaths. She has been in many fights before, but this one would be different. She no longer had her powers: no extra strength, no magic to back her up, only her instincts and the last remnants of her training skills.With Odessa's hand falling, the rogue lunged.Evelyn scarcely had time to dodge, twisting to the side as the man's heavy fist swung by her face. He was quick, but she was quicker. She made sure to use her momentum in her favour to turn
Author PoVMarcus and Luca moved softly through the dense forest with their senses heightened as they followed the slightest signs of Evelyn’s trail. The night was utter silence, except for the shuffling leaves and occasional howl of distant wolves. Marcus was becoming restless. Every second they spent looking for her was a second longer that Evelyn was in Odessa’s grasp.Luca was tense beside him, the hilt of his blade remaining skittish between his fingers. "You’re sure this is the right direction?" he whispered with his darting between the shadows.Marcus gritted his teeth. "No. It’s the only lead we’ve got."Before Luca could confirm Marcus' doubts, something moving in the tree line caught his eye. A small pack of wolves, unmistakably rogue, moved out of the shadows. These were scouts from the pack known as Red Blood Moon.One of the scouts gasped and immediately recognised Luca. "It’s him," the man growled. "The boy who wanted revenge for his father."Luca's muscles tensed as he
Evelyn PoVI could feel the fire of Odessa's stare upon me in absence of her physical presence. She was testing me. Watching. Waiting. Every interaction, every task she assigned, was meant to push me to my breaking point. But I had refused to give her that pleasure of seeing me crack wide open. I held my head high, shoulders squared, even when hunger left my stomach in torments and all signs screamed for rest. One ultimate attempt-breaking would be in her favour. I would not. Submission was what she wanted-a statement of weakness.I was not weak.Days went by, as Odessa kept count in a terrible prison of sorts that she had set up for me, with no shackling-but the guards outside the door ensured I was as good as trapped. They fed me only when they felt like it, and water only if I obeyed. There were bruises on my arms as a result of their unruly treatment, all because I would not comply. But even as my body traipsed into weakness, the spirit did not.One d
Serena’s PoVI kept my hands on my knees as I sat in my empty room while my breath escaped me erratically. No news from Evelyn since her departure kept stabbing me through the heart with each passing day without knowing she was safe. Our connection remained completely still ever since she left with Luca although I tried numerous times to call but my efforts led to complete silence.My entire concentration went toward our connection while I kept my eyes shut. “Evelyn. Evelyn, can you hear me?“Minute after minute, hours after hours, days after days, I tried but I got nothing. I was scared. Had anything happened to my baby? I refused to think negatively because I knew Marcus was there and he swore to protect her so I had nothing to worry about.Another time, I tried again. I had wanted to give up but I decided to try again one last time.The empty silence ended when a hard laugh entered my mind which felt strange and hostile.
Author’s PoVWith a sharp gasp, Marcus regained consciousness, his body ached from whatever beating he had received. For a moment, his vision clouded but cleared up soon, revealing to him the heavy forest canopy that spread above him. Groaning, he forced himself to sit up, even though the pain in his ribs was killing him. His mind was hazy; however, the last thing he could remember brought new panic into the mind-Evelyn. He might have witnessed her dragged away while he lay helpless on the floor of the forest and was unable to stop them. He had escaped from them after he had fought with them but they beat him up.He cursed under his breath, dragging himself to his feet despite the pain. His legs were made of jelly, but he pressed on with his eyes scanning the area. A faint scent of rogues led deeper into the forest. He knew he had to speed up. If they'd captured Evelyn, heaven knows what they'd do to her.With every excruciating step, Marcus followed the trail, but something was off.