SIERRA"Guys!" I called but their voices swallowed mine as they went on with the argument.The sand swallowed my feet, I tried pulling it out but it was impossible, It held me down tightly but the boys were too occupied in their argument to notice that the sand had gotten up to their ankles."Guys stop it please." I pleaded but all to no avail."Woah, I see it's three against one now right?" Gerald was shouting, gone was the calm and peaceful demeanor I was used to seeing."That doesn't matter, One of us can take down a hundred of you." Zane shot back angrily."Will you guys fucking stop it already!" I screamed at the top of my voice.They stopped turning to stare at me in shock, they'd probably never heard me scream before."Screaming at each other should be the last thing on your minds right now," I said panting hard, they kept staring at me."You are so preoccupied with the need to tear each other's throats that you can't realize what's happening," I said staring at my stuck feet.
SIERRAIt was approaching fast.This was it, we were going to die in an unknown land.Particles of sand entered my eyes making me blink rapidly. Gerald closed his eyes, the sand was way up to his mouth level, I glanced at the other side, the triplets too were almost covered. Was this the end?I closed my eyes waiting for the storm to swallow us whole. The sound of the whirlwind howled in my ears like the sounds of thousands of restless spirits.I could hear the boys take in huge breaths, they were preparing for the end. Hot tears stung at the back of my eyes, I would never get to see my mom again. Their pants filled my ears, this would be the last I'd hear it, the sound of my mate's breathing.My eyes opened slowly to stare at their faces, their eyes were closed in anticipation. It was then I noticed, the storm had gone, the wind was calm, it was as though there was never a sandstorm coming.Strange.What was happening?I turned trying to free myself from the huge pile of sand holding
THANE"How is my wife doing?" I asked the doctor immediately he came out of the patient's room with some samples to run tests on her."I believe you're her guardian." He said adjusting his glasses."Yes, Yes I am," I replied nodding my head, I was so shaken when Maya had fainted back there in the woods, I didn't wait for Alpha Harold to get a car ready, I picked her up on my back and then raced for the hospital. I was able to locate one thanks to the servant Harold had sent after me."You can go in now, the samples will be sent to a lab to determine what is wrong with her." The doctor replied."Will she be alright?" I asked, I needed his response to ease the growing panic in my chest."Yes, I don't think it's anything serious though." He explained."I see," I replied."You can go in now, she's awake." He said pushing the curtains away."Thank you, doctor," I said hurrying inside.Maya was lying on the bed and a drip connected to her hand, her eyes were closed but I could tell that she
SIERRA"Hear ye, good people of this great land, our dearly beloved King is holding a banquet this evening to bring his people together, there will be lots of food and drinks for everyone!"I could hear the voice of the messenger from the third floor, he was delivering Thane's message to the people. There was excitement in the air as we began to prepare for the banquet, it was a means of bringing the people of different clans together and helping improve our relationship.The entire house was bustling with activity, the maids were in the kitchen preparing food while the male servants were busy with the decorations of the royal mansion."Sierra!" My mother called from downstairs, "The designer is here with your dress.""I'm coming!" I replied running downstairs, I wasn't left out of the excitement, it was one of the very first parties hosted by Thane that I would be attending, not just as a guest but as the family of the host."Hello, Miss Sierra." The maid greeted me with a smile on h
SIERRAThe front door opened, and the sound of heavy footsteps filled my ears as they climbed up the stairs."That sounds like Thane." Mom said getting up from the bed."We still need to be careful, who knows, the rogues might still be out there," I said standing before her to stop her from leaving. We needed to be extra careful.She smiled, "I can tell it's Thane from a mile away." She insisted."Who knows, maybe rogues now steal appearances, I'm going to keep you safe till I'm sure it's him," I replied.She shook her head but remained seated.A knock sounded on the door, "Maya?" Thane called, "Dear, are you in there?" He asked. We had moved into her room since she was finding the blood disgusting and the smell of the rogue made her nauseous.Mom stared at me with eyes that screamed, 'I told you so.'"Yes, she is," I answered opening the door halfway.It indeed was Thane, he was standing outside with clean clothes, I was expecting him to be bloody since he was coming from the battlef
SIERRAZane's face changed, "what do you mean by that?" He asked.I took in a deep breath, "There's a traitor, he's deeply connected with the rogues' attack at the palace today.""Are you certain about this?" He asked looking confused."Yes, I am," I replied wanting to move forward but was stopped once again by Zane."If there's a traitor as you said, is Dad aware?" He asked.I nodded, "he was the first person I told when I found out." I answered."You told him who the person is?" He asked.I shook my head, "No."Zane closed his eyes for a second, "Why haven't you told Dad about it?" He asked.I was getting tired of his questions already but I had no choice, I needed to speak to him so I could be on my way as fast as possible before anyone back home would notice I was gone."There are some things I need to check first, I need to speak to him before telling Thane," I replied."What has that got to do with meeting Gerald?" He asked, as soon as he asked, His eyes widened, and he grabbed
SIERRAAs soon as the words left my mouth, Alpha Harold's face turned red in anger, his hands trembled angrily by his sides, and he gripped the hand of his chair tightly."Guards!" His voice echoed around the house.The door opened and harmed warriors allowed themselves in, "Yes Alpha.""Arrest those two brats, throw them in the worst cell in the entire pack, we need to teach these rats some manners." He shouted.I frowned.Rats?He sure had guts, after what he had done, he had the effrontery to speak down at us and call us names. Anger began to boil inside me, I had given him the chance to come clean and apologize sincerely but he had chosen a different path, one that I didn't want to trod.The warriors bowed to him, "Yes Alpha." They chorused marching towards us."Step back," I muttered as they drew closer.They exchanged amused glances, properly thinking I was not in my right state of mind. They kept approaching."Don't say I didn't warn you," I said moving backward, I didn't want
SIERRAWithout holding back, I jumped towards him with my claws exposed in the air."Sierra! Watch out!" It was a little too late when I heard Zane's warning. A rogue had jumped at me, he came from the side, and his claws grazed my side.I moved out of his grasp, wanting to sink my claws into his neck but my claws had vanished.What's happening Rieka? I asked but there was nothing, I couldn't hear her voice in my head and she was refusing to come out.My eyes landed on the rogue above me, I moved out of the way just in time to avoid a blow aimed at my head. My leg was caught in between some plants making me fall face flat on the ground."So much for giving me the last chance." Alpha Harold laughed, "Get me the girl." He ordered."You better be kidding." Zane snapped, "You're only leaving with her over my dead body." Zane snarled, He shifted halfway, reaching for the rogue nearest to him.He grabbed him by the neck tearing him apart with his bare hands. The rogues stopped for a minute
ASTRIDI let out a slow breath, feeling the blood Celia had given me work through my body. My strength was coming back, little by little.Celia watched me, arms crossed. "You look better."I nodded. "I feel better. But it won’t last long."She frowned. "Then we need to keep doing this."I shook my head. "No. You need to stop. If Ariel finds out, she’ll kill you.""I don’t care.""You should."She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Then tell me how we kill her."I stiffened. "We don’t."Her eyes darkened. "There has to be a way."I hesitated, then sighed. "There is one person who can do it. Sierra."Celia frowned. "Sierra? The wolf?"I nodded, keeping my voice low. "She’s the only one strong enough to take down Ariel. But once she’s done, she’ll come for us too."Celia scoffed, shaking her head. "Sierra is looking a lot more reasonable than Ariel right now."I shot her a sharp look, my voice firmer. "Be careful what you wish for."She frowned, but I pressed on. "Ariel might be c
CELIAAstrid lay there, barely breathing. Her skin had turned a sickly gray, her body thin and weak. The chains around her wrists and ankles had cut deep, silver burning into her flesh. She hadn’t fed in days, and it showed.I clenched my fists. This wasn’t right. I had to do something.Swallowing hard, I made my way to Ariel’s chambers. The guards outside barely glanced at me before letting me in. Ariel sat by the window, her expression calm, like she hadn’t just sentenced one of our own to a slow, painful death.I took a deep breath. “Ariel, please.”She didn’t even turn to look at me. “No.”I stepped closer, careful with my words. “You don’t even know what I’m going to say.”Now she turned, her sharp eyes locking onto mine. “You’re going to beg for Astrid.”I clenched my fists but nodded. “She’s suffering. You’ve made your point. Let her feed, just a little.”Ariel smirked, crossing her arms. “And what has she done to deserve mercy?”I swallowed. “She’s one of us.”Ariel stood, wal
SIERRAI sat with my mates, my head in my hands, my mind racing. Ariel was too powerful. Too unpredictable. And we had no idea how to deal with her.Dane crossed his arms, his jaw tight. “How do we even know she actually healed you?”I exhaled sharply. “I don’t know. I feel fine, but… can we trust anything she does?”Zane frowned, his fingers drumming against the table. “What if it’s temporary? What if she did something worse instead?”Kane ran a hand through his hair, looking as frustrated as I felt. “That’s the problem. We don’t know. And we don’t know what to do about her.”Silence filled the room. The weight of Ariel’s power pressed down on all of us like a heavy cloud. None of us could predict what she’d do next.“She’s our biggest threat right now,” Dane finally said, his voice low. “The wolves are terrified of her. Hell, I’m terrified of her.”I looked up at him. Dane was scared. And he wasn’t wrong. Ariel didn’t just have power, she enjoyed using it. She liked watching people
SIERRAAstrid’s screams faded the moment Ariel slipped the ring back onto her finger. The burning stopped. Her body sagged, trembling, the unbearable agony leaving her breathless. But the damage was done. Her skin was raw, her strength almost gone.The air was thick with tension. The scent of scorched flesh clung to everything. No one moved. No one spoke.I swallowed hard, my throat dry. My eyes flicked to Ariel. "Did you… actually heal me?"Ariel turned to me slowly, a grin curling on her lips. Her eyes gleamed, dark and amused. "You just have to trust me, Sierra."My stomach twisted. Trust her? Not even for a second.I clenched my fists. "That wasn’t healing."Ariel raised a brow. "Wasn’t it? I healed you and Ariel is not burning anymore, is she?" She gestured lazily to Astrid, who lay there, gasping, broken. "She’s alive, isn’t she?"I ground my teeth. "You tortured her."Ariel let out a soft, mocking laugh. "And? Actions have consequences, Sierra. She betrayed me. I don’t let thin
ARIELI was furious.My hands shook, my breath came out in short, sharp bursts, and my entire body burned with rage. Astrid. That traitor. She ran to Sierra, ran straight into the arms of our enemies, spilling my secrets like a pathetic little rat.How dare she?I stormed through the house, knocking over anything in my path. A vase shattered against the floor. A chair crashed against the wall. The vampires around me scrambled out of my way, their heads lowered, their bodies pressed against the walls like they could disappear if they stayed still enough.They should be afraid.I wanted them to be afraid.I stopped, my sharp eyes landing on one of the younger ones, a nervous-looking fool hovering in the corner. His hands twitched at his sides like he was debating whether to run.I moved before he could even think about it.One second, I was across the room. The next, I had my fingers wrapped around his throat, lifting him off the ground with ease. His hands clawed at mine, his feet kick
SIERRAI folded my arms, overseeing Astrid. Everything in me screamed not to trust her, but I couldn’t ignore what she was saying either. Ariel’s magic had already done enough damage, I knew that firsthand.Before I could respond, Dane stepped beside me, his stance tense and rigid. His distrust was written all over his face. “You’re really going to listen to her?” he scoffed. “It’s probably a trick. Ariel could’ve put her up to this.”“She’s a vampire,” Zane added sharply. “Why would she suddenly care about helping us? It doesn’t make sense.” His jaw clenched as he eyed Astrid with suspicion.Astrid let out a slow breath as if she had expected this reaction. “I wouldn’t risk coming here,” she said, her voice steady but urgent. “Not when I know exactly what Ariel is capable of.” Her golden eyes flickered with something close to desperation. “You don’t understand, if she finds out I came here, I’ll pay for it.”“She will find out,” Kane snapped. His fists curled at his sides. “She alway
ASTRIDSierra’s eyes widened at my words, but she masked her shock quickly, narrowing her gaze at me. I could see the battle happening in her mind, the way she warred with whether to believe me or not. I didn’t blame her. We had never been on the same side, and now, here I was, claiming to offer an alliance.“I don’t trust you,” she said flatly, her arms crossing over her chest.“I don’t expect you to,” I admitted. “But trust isn’t necessary. What matters is that we both have a common problem and right now, I’m offering you the truth.”Sierra hesitated for only a moment before turning back toward the house. I expected her to invite me in, but instead, she stepped outside, her mates following close behind her. I had to stop myself from reacting. Smart girl. She wasn’t going to let me into her home, not even for a conversation. I respected that.Dane and the others flanked her protectively, their stares filled with open suspicion. Dane spoke first. “What do you want, Astrid?”I took a s
ASTRIDThe moment I stepped back into the estate, fury clawed at my insides. My hands curled into fists, my nails digging into my palms as I stormed down the hall. I had to get away from Ariel before I did something reckless.How dare she? How dare she bind us together with a spell so dangerous that a single weak link could drag us all down? And then, to stand there and smirk, as if she had all the power in the world?I should have ripped her apart.Instead, I took a deep breath, pushed down my rage, and kept walking. I had to be smarter than that.I didn’t make it far before I heard a sharp voice behind me. “Astrid.”I turned to see Celia standing at the entrance to the main hall, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her usually composed face twisted with anger. The tension in the room was thick, pressing against me like an impending storm. Behind her, the other vampires stood in tense silence, their eyes burning with barely contained fury.“You knew about this, didn’t you?” Celia de
ARIELWhen I stepped into the grand hall of the vampire estate, I noticed something was off. Every single one of them, powerful, bloodthirsty creatures that they were, stood frozen, their faces pale with something close to fear.Fear of me.I smirked, letting the silence stretch, relishing the way their red eyes darted around the room like caged animals searching for an escape. Their fangs, usually displayed in smug confidence, remained tucked away, their bodies tense, stiff as statues.“Oh, don’t all rush to welcome me at once.” My voice rang through the cavernous space, laced with amusement.No one responded.A few of them took an instinctive step back, the movement subtle but not missed. One vampire near the entrance gripped the hilt of a dagger at his waist, though he made no move to draw it. Another swallowed thickly, his throat bobbing as though the very sight of me had dried his mouth.It was almost laughable.These creatures, feared by humans and even some supernaturals, stood