Asher's POV I have been frustrated since the day Raven disappeared. My wolf is restless, pacing in my mind, demanding that we find her. I can’t help but blame Ansel, it’s his fault she’s gone. We pushed her too far and let her slip through our fingers. And yet, I can’t bring myself to regret everything. She belongs to us. No matter how far she runs, she’ll never truly escape.I know we treated her harshly. We never gave her a chance, never let her feel safe. Ansel took things further than even I expected, but deep down, I didn’t stop him. I watched her break, watched her crumble under his dominance, and something about it made my wolf stir with satisfaction. Because no matter how much she fought, in the end, she always looked at me like I was her last hope. And I liked that. I liked knowing that after everything, she still saw me as her only escape.But now she’s gone. And that makes me fucking furious.Ansel has been leading the search, and I know he won’t stop until he has her ba
Asher’s povThe search had been going on for more than three weeks now. Everything had been silent—even from the Moon-shade Pack until today.Boom.The ground shook beneath me, and a loud noise echoed through the pack. I was mid-search when a guard mind-linked me, his voice laced with panic.“Your Highness, a part of the prison yard seems to have exploded! We need you here!”My body tensed. What the hell?“Fall back, men!” I ordered my team before taking off toward the prison. After days of nothing, was this finally a move from Moon-shade? My mind raced, but I didn’t have time to think. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, dodging scrambling pack members as dust began to fill the air.The moment I arrived at the prison yard, chaos greeted me. Dust still lingered in the air; Guards were running around trying to ascertain the situation, barking orders, trying to restore order. The destruction was contained to this section of the prison—nowhere else in the park had been touched.Tha
Rowan's POV I’ve been running for two days straight.I can’t afford to waste any more time; my brothers need me. Asher’s voice sounded tense over the mind link, and that panic still filled me as I crossed the border of our park.But I didn’t stop.Not until I reached the palace, my muscles screaming from exhaustion, my lungs burning. I didn’t bother cleaning the dirt off my body. I stormed straight to Ansel’s office, where I could feel their presence through the bond between us all.The door slammed open, and they both turned to me like they’d been waiting.“Where the hell were you?” Ansel snapped.I wiped the sweat from my brow. “You know where I was.”“We needed you here,” he growled, fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white.I stepped further into the room; I was so exhausted, but not enough to stop my fury from boiling over. “I’m here now,” I shot back. “Instead of wasting time bickering like idiots, tell me what the hell is going on.”Asher exchanged a tense glance wi
Raven povI’ve been here for almost a month, and I’m nothing more than a glorified prisoner.I can walk around the palace, but I’m never alone, guards tail me like shadows, watching my every move. No matter how far I go, there’s no real freedom.And Kelvin won’t let me leave that bastard.I never asked to be his queen, never wanted anything to do with him. But he doesn’t care. In his eyes, I belong to him. And he’s made it very clear: if I step out of line, he’ll kill me without hesitation.But what unsettles me the most isn’t Kelvin.It’s the creatures; well, I guess Kelvin isn’t exactly a werewolf.I’ve seen things here that shouldn’t exist. Things that can’t be werewolves. Shadows that move without a source. Pale figures with elongated limbs gliding through the forest. And one night, I saw something with red eyes sipping blood from a goblet like it was wine.I threw up everything I’d eaten.Moon-shade Park is wrong. It pulses with darkness, with something ancient and foul that mak
Asher’s POVThat morning, we ran with other wolves from our pack, a very small army. If possible, we wanted this to be diplomatic, a simple conversation to settle the tension. But in my gut, I already knew it wouldn’t be that easy.I told myself I didn’t want to find Raven there. That it would be better if she wasn’t trapped in that corrupt pack. But the truth clawed at me like a wound I couldn’t close. I did want to see her. I wanted to know she was alive and breathing even if it broke me to see her in their hands.And at the same time, the thought of her being touched by those lowlifes made my blood boil. My mate, suffering in a place like this? It made me want to tear the entire pack apart with my teeth.We ran hard, the air heavy with tension, until dusk fell and we crossed the border into Moon-shade territory. The moment we did, something shifted.The place made my skin crawl.The trees were twisted. The ground was slick with mud, and the entire forest smelled wrong — metallic,
Ansel’s POVThe second Asher crossed the border, relief flooded through me like a wave. The bond we shared as brothers tightened, pulsing with relief, I could feel Asher’s emotion.He found her.But we weren’t out of this yet.I barely dodged Kelvin’s claws as he lunged, his teeth snapping dangerously close to my throat. He wasn’t running, he was fighting. And he was stronger than I expected, using powers I am sure no wolf should possess. But I am not a weakling; I am the alpha of the Crescent Silver Park.“You think you can just take her from me?” he snarled, landing a brutal punch to my ribs that made my bones shake. “She’s mine. I claimed her the second she stepped into my territory.”I wiped the blood from my mouth, laughing bitterly. “You didn’t claim anything. And I’m going to enjoy tearing you apart for touching what’s ours.”Kelvin’s eyes flickered with something sharp and knowing. “Ours, huh?” he said, circling me like a predator. “I wondered which one of you she belonged to.
Raven’s POVI stayed on the cold floor long after Ansel left, too broken to move. My body throbbed with pain, every lash and bruise screaming at me, but nothing hurt more than the ache in my chest.I am back.Back to the place I’d spent weeks trying to escape, I am just so stupid.And I was more shattered than ever.I curled into myself, swallowing sobs, afraid someone would hear me cry. I didn’t want to make another mistake. Didn’t want to give them a reason to come back in. My skin still burned from Ansel’s slap, and my heart hammered like it was trying to escape my ribs.I should have just died in that place.I should’ve let Kelvin kill me.Because now… now there was nothing left of me.I dragged myself to the bed eventually, biting my lip to keep from whimpering as I crawled onto the mattress. My limbs barely worked, and my whole body shivered from the cold sweat clinging to my skin.The sheets felt suffocating like they were swallowing me whole. I think I am getting sick.But I d
Rowan's POV AHHHHHHThe scream tore through the air, it was loud enough to wake up the dead.Noooo!!“What the fuck is going on?” I muttered as the sound echoed through the pack house. I hadn’t heard anything like it before — not from her. Not from Raven.I bolted out of my room, my heart pounding really hard, only to freeze when I reached the hallway.I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.Raven — our mate, was clawing at Ansel with everything she had. She looked wild, feral, her nails tearing into his skin, blood dripping down his chest. Her face was twisted with rage, her eyes burning with hatred so intense it made my wolf moan in sadness.But she was losing.She was too weak to fight Ansel, her body still wrecked from whatever Moon Shade had done to her. Yet, she didn’t stop fighting.She dodged one of Ansel’s swipes and sank her teeth into his neck, tearing into his flesh like an animal. Blood spilt down his collarbone, and Ansel roared in a fury, grabbing her by the hair and yank
Raven POV I gasped, caught between the overwhelming heat of their touch and the raw energy vibrating through the bond.Asher’s chest pressed against my back, his breath warm against my ear as he growled low. I could feel the evidence of his arousal against me, his grip tightening slightly as though the bond had taken hold of him too.“You drive us mad, Raven,” he whispered, his voice rough with need.Ansel was in front of me, his hands exploring every inch of my skin like he was memorizing me—claiming me. His lips trailed from my jaw to the other side of my neck, the spot opposite where Asher’s mark had already burned. I felt him pause, his tongue swirling gently, and then—another sharp bite.My body arched into him, a soft cry escaping my lips as the pain turned quickly into that same addictive rush of pleasure and power. The second bond ignited something deeper, something ancient. My whole body pulsed with it like a tether, pulling me even closer to them.“I’ve got you,” Ansel m
Raven POVAfter an hour of dancing and drinking, the music faded into a gentle hum, and the last of the guests were led to their rooms to rest for the night.Those who belonged to the pack quietly retired to their own homes, laughter and chatter slowly dying down under the soft glow of moonlight.“Come with me,” Asher said, his voice was deep and steady as he extended his hand toward me.I hesitated only for a second before placing my hand in his. He led me gently, his touch felt warm and secure. We walked in silence down a narrow, flower-lined path that I’d never seen before.The further we went, the more the air seemed to shimmer with something ancient and sacred and so beautiful I couldn’t put a name on it. Where exactly is this place?And then I saw it.The garden.It was like something from a dream.Glowing flowers bloomed under the moonlight, their petals looking like delicate glass, shifting in color with the light.Some shone with soft purples and blues, others had radiant, fi
Raven POV We kept walking until I spotted Ansel.He stood tall at the far end of the hall, speaking to a few nobles. The moment his eyes landed on me, a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. “My queen,” he said, taking my hand and brushing a soft kiss across my knuckles. His voice was smooth, teasingly low. “You look radiant tonight.”“Ansel,” I said quickly, not letting his forced charm distract me. “We need to talk.”He arched his brow. “Talk about what? Tonight is your coronation. Stay, enjoy it. The people are still in awe of you—and afterward, we still have the mating ritual to complete.”“Mating ritual?” I echoed, blinking. The word pulled me out of the storm in my mind.He smiled again, that soft glint of possessiveness flashing in his eyes. “Yes. You’re Luna now. You must bear our mark. It’s tradition… and law.”I hesitated, then shook my head gently. “Ansel, that can wait. Kelvin was here.”His smile vanished in an instant. The shift in his expression was sharp and deadly
Raven POV “Hello, Queen.”I froze.My heart leaped into my throat as I stumbled back, nearly tripping over the hem of my gown.“Kelvin?” I whispered, dread sinking its claws into me. “What are you doing here?”My hands trembled uncontrollably, the memory of my time with him flashing like lightning behind my eyes. The pain. The fear. The darkness. And now, he is here… in the heart of my new life.“And don’t call me that,” I added, my voice sharper, though it shook.He smirked, stalking forward like a predator who already knew the end of the game.“But you are a queen now,” he said mockingly, eyes glinting as they scanned me from head to toe. Quite literally, it seems. The crown suits you, Raven. Though I must say—”He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper.“—you wear it like a child playing dress-up.”I glanced around, trying to see if anyone was nearby. The corridor was empty—silent except for the faint echo of laughter and music from the ballroom.“Don’t bother,” he sai
Raven POV After that, we were ushered into the dance hall.The music floated in the air like incense, sweet and thick, wrapping around me like a net I couldn’t escape. My fingers twitched at my side. The weight of the crown on my head didn’t compare to the stares pressing on me from all angles.Then he stepped forward.Asher.He moved like a shadow wrapped in silk. Elegant, sharp, and utterly unpredictable.His hand slid into mine before I could process the shift. His fingers were cool, but they sparked something in me—something I didn’t like admitting.His eyes found mine, and for a moment, he just looked. There were no words. No movement. Just watched me, as if peeling back everything I had tried to build tonight.Then he smirked. “You wear power well,” he said, his voice as smooth as wine. “But you’ve always had it, haven’t you? This is just everyone else catching up.”I swallowed hard as he pulled me into the dance. Unlike the others, he didn’t wait for the music to carry us. He
Raven POVAfter the final fitting, the room became a whirlwind of activity as the stylist entered, ready to transform me into someone unrecognizable.She approached with a calm yet efficient demeanor, her hands moving with practical precision.The delicate fabric of the gown had already been set aside, but I could feel the weight of it in my mind as I prepared for the next steps.She guided me to a chair in front of the mirror, and with a soft smile, she began to work on my hair.She sectioned my hair into layers, her fingers gliding through the strands with the gentleness of someone who understood the value of each strand.I could feel the tension in my shoulders begin to ease as she carefully twisted, curled, and pinned, creating an elegant updo that framed my face perfectly.Each curl seemed to fall into place as if it were meant to be.The design was intricate, yet it had an effortless elegance that made me feel both royal and delicate, the way a Luna should feel.Once my hair was
Raven POV When I woke up the next morning, Rowan was already gone.He’d held me through the night, and I was grateful for that—more than I could ever say. I still felt the echo of his warmth wrapped around me, like his presence had settled into the fabric of the room, anchoring me. Because of him, I felt more grounded today. Steadier.The ache in my chest hadn’t vanished, but it was quieter now. Bearable.I rose slowly and made my way into the bathroom. The hot water soothed the stiffness in my body as I bathed, washing away the heaviness of the night before. I brushed my teeth, combed through my tangled hair, and stood in front of the mirror for a moment, just breathing.The girl staring back at me wasn’t the same as yesterday. I looked more composed. But my eyes—they still held too much.I was almost done dressing when a knock came at the door.“Come in,” I called, tugging at the last strap of my gown.Maria peeked her head in, her usual nervous energy buzzing beneath her calm ex
Raven POV After hours of clothing fittings, dance lessons, and being told how to behave, I was finally allowed to leave. And thank the goddess for that—because I already felt like I was going to explode. Stepping outside, the moon hung high above me, full and bright, casting silver light across the palace grounds.A cool breath of air kissed my skin, and for a brief moment, I was grateful to be alone.I wandered through the gardens, trying to clear my head, to push everything out of my mind. The flowers here were always stunning—vibrant, fresh, and untouched by the decay spreading across the land. It was one of the few things I genuinely loved about this place.I bent down to touch a blossom, its petals soft as it seemed to sway in my hand. I kept walking until I came upon a quiet clearing, the grass smooth and bathed in moonlight. I sat down, and all the emotions I’d been holding in—fear, frustration, sadness—spilt out at once.I didn’t even realize I was crying until I felt the
Raven POV The halls blurred around me as Maria led us through winding corridors. Her arms were full of the fabric, sketches, and pins we picked on the way to the testing room—her words were rushed and clipped. She didn’t ask how I felt about any of it. No one did.The Fae Queen walked beside me, calm and composed, like she already belonged there.They took us to a private chamber. Gold-framed mirrors. Velvet seats. A long platform in the middle surrounded by glowing lanterns. It looked like something out of a dream or a nightmare—I couldn’t tell which anymore.Maria motioned for me to stand. “We’ll clean you up first. Then dress. Then crown fitting.”“Crown fitting?” I muttered under my breath, but I stepped onto the platform anyway.The Queen came closer, reaching up to gently brush a streak of dirt from my cheek. “Let them fuss,” she whispered. “Let them see your power." Even if you don’t feel it yet.”I blinked fast, swallowing the knot in my throat. “I don’t want to be anyone’