Raven POV It lunged at me.Fear locked my body in place, my limbs frozen as if the very air around me had turned to stone. My breath came in sharp, ragged gasps, my heart hammering so violently I thought it might burst from my chest. Sweat drenched my clothes, cold against my skin, but I couldn’t move. I couldn’t even think.This was it. I am going to die here.I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself for the inevitable—the tearing of flesh, the sharp bite of pain. There was no way I could survive an attack from a creature like that.But the attack never came.Instead, a deep, guttural snarl ripped through the air, followed by the sound of claws tearing through something unnatural.My eyes flew open just in time to see a massive, breathtakingly beautiful wolf launching at the shadowy beast. Rowan.His silver fur gleamed under the moonlight, his muscles flexing as he drove his claws into the creature. But the moment he struck, it disintegrated—vanishing into a swirling mass of smoke
Ansel POV The throne room was eerily quiet, except for the faint crackling of torches lining the stone walls. The air was thick with tension, and the guards kneeling before me could feel it. My patience was razor-thin, and they all knew it.Raven was gone.Not locked away. Not under watch. Not dragged from her room kicking and screaming.She had simply vanished.I sat on the throne, hands clasped in front of me, gaze heavy on the men before me. My voice was calm when I spoke.“Tell me again,” I said, “how an unmarked she-wolf walked out of my palace without a single one of you noticing?”The men stiffened, none daring to meet my eyes.“She was seen walking the halls last night,” one of them answered, voice strained. “She always wandered before bed—no one thought anything of it.”“Then when did she leave?” I asked.A pause.“By morning, she was gone.”A slow exhale left me as I leaned back in my seat. My fingers drummed against the armrest, a measured rhythm that only I understood.Th
Raven POV We kept walking through the town.My heart ached with each step, sinking deeper with every sunken face, every hollow stare that met mine. The air itself felt heavy—grief and hopelessness clinging to it like fog.Children with dirt-smudged cheeks huddled beside shuttered stalls, their eyes too old for their small faces. Women clutched their cloaks tighter, whispering to each other in low, defeated voices. And the men… the men didn’t even look up. Like they had already given up.We turned a corner.A shout rang out, followed by a sharp thud.My eyes snapped toward the alley, where two older boys shoved a younger one against the wall. His clothes were torn, a thin stream of blood trailing from his lip.“Hey!” I yelled before Rowan could stop me. Fury surged up like wildfire as I stormed forward. “Let him go!”The boys froze.They turned slowly, eyes raking over me with something between amusement and disbelief. One of them stepped forward, looking cocky, sizing me up like I
Raven POV I walked out of the temple with Rowan still holding my hand.“Rowan?” I asked softly. “Yes?” His brows were still furrowed, deep in thought, his thumb unconsciously brushing against my skin.“I’ve heard that prophecy before.” His gaze snapped at mine. “Really? You have?”I nodded slowly. “I don’t know where exactly… but it felt familiar. "Like an echo from a dream, or something I once read but forgot.” I exhaled, frustration tightening in my chest. “A lot of things are so difficult to understand right now.”Rowan’s jaw clenched, but his voice remained calm. “We can’t do anything just yet." Not until we know more.”He gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Let’s stay here for the night. We’ll rest, gather our strength, and continue our journey tomorrow. I’ll make sure someone comes back here to help these people—whatever help we can give.”“Okay,” I said quietly, watching him. “It seems like so many are suffering… and we didn’t even know.” I paused, guilt tightening like a
Raven POV When I didn’t say anything, his hand came up, fingers curling gently—but firmly—around my neck. Not enough to hurt, but enough to make my breath catch.He pulled me closer, his eyes locked onto mine like a challenge.And then he kissed me—rough, hungry, like he was claiming every part of me I’d tried to keep hidden. Like silence was permission.My hands braced against his chest, unsure if I was pushing him away or holding on tighter.But I didn’t stop him.I couldn’t.His lips were on mine, pulling, tugging, stealing the very breath from my lungs. Heat surged through me in dizzying waves, my hands tangled in his damp hair as the sound of the running shower echoed around us like a rhythm only we could hear.“I want you so much, Raven,” he murmured against my lips, his voice hoarse, thick with longing. His hands cradled my face like I was something fragile, precious.My eyes met his, steady despite the storm inside me. “Then take me,” I whispered, the words falling from my l
Asher’s POV“We’ve been through this over and over again,” I snapped, my voice echoing off the stone walls. The priestesses speak in riddles no one understands. It’ll be the same this time.”"What's the need ?"Ansel rubbed his temples, jaw tight with frustration. “Then what do you suggest we do, Asher?”"Speak!"I paused. The truth was bitter in my mouth. “We don’t have a choice anymore. "We need answers, and they’re the only ones who might give us something real.”He didn’t argue, but the silence between us was taut, stretched to its limit—until the doors burst open.A guard stumbled in, sweat slick on his brow, eyes wide with alarm.“I—I’m sorry to interrupt, Your Highness, but… there’s something you must see now.”Ansel’s patience snapped. “What? Speak plainly, for God’s sake.”But the guard was already turning, leading us through the halls at a frantic pace. We stepped out into the courtyard—And the world stopped spinning.They stood there like shadows returned from the dead.Ke
The Queen POV Far from the lands of Crescent Silver Pack…The throne was carved from obsidian and bone, jagged like teeth, rising high above a floor of polished black stone that reflected firelight in eerie, flickering shadows. A heavy silence sat over the chamber, broken only by the soft hum of something ancient. At its center, she sat.A woman of such breathtaking beauty that even the torches seemed to bend toward her, desperate for her attention. Her skin was smooth and pale as moonlight, untouched by time. Long, ink-dark hair cascaded around her shoulders, and she combed it with slow, graceful movements, each stroke like a ritual. Her fingers were delicate, but something about them whispered of ruin.Her eyes—green like the heart of a forest in spring—were striking, mesmerizing… and completely dead. No warmth or mercy showed in them. She looked down at the small white flower growing from the stone floor. It was the only sign of life in the darkroom—delicate, its petals just
Raven POV Rowan woke me before dawn.“Leave me alone,” I grumbled, rolling closer to him and burying my face against the warmth of his chest.He chuckled, his breath ruffling my hair. “Little wolf, we have to keep moving. The faster we get the Moonstone, the sooner we find the descendant.”I groaned but forced myself to roll out of bed. “Fine.”“That’s better.” He nudged me toward the bathroom, his lips quirking in amusement.I bathed quickly, the warm water doing little to shake the strange feeling settling in my chest. Something told me today would be more stressful than I expected.When I stepped out, fresh clothes were already folded neatly beside the bed. Rowan had changed too, dressed in dark leather, looking every bit the warrior prince.We packed the few belongings we had and stepped outside.“Raven,” Rowan said, watching me carefully. We’re running the whole way. The faster we get there, the better.”I nodded. “Okay.”Rowan shifted first, his large silver wolf stretching bef
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’
Raven POV I didn’t know how long I had been asleep.The last thing I remembered was the Fae Queen waking up… and then the world going dark. My body had given out, too tired to fight anymore. Even now, my limbs felt heavy—like I was waking up underwater.When I finally forced my eyes open, I blinked at the light filtering through the curtains. It was soft, gentle. Then I saw them—green-silver eyes staring at me, wide with concern.“Hey,” a soft voice said. Her hand slipped behind my back to help me sit up. “Are you okay?”I blinked again, adjusting to the sight in front of me. The Fae Queen. She shifted nervously, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the blanket. “What do wolves that are… pregnant eat?” she asked, biting her lower lip like a child caught doing something wrong.I stared at her.Was the Fae Queen-who is normally regal, graceful, and mysterious—chewing her lip in confusion over what to feed a pregnant wolf?I was in awe at her softness. At how the world kept flipping
Ansel POV Did the Fae Queen just bow to Raven?My jaw tensed. Something about this didn’t sit right. Not the reverence in her voice. Not the look she gave Raven, like she’d found the moon herself. And not the eerie quiet that followed, like the room was holding its breath.Something was slipping through my fingers. My control, my order and my position.I took a breath and closed the distance between us. My fingers gripped Raven’s shoulders before I could think better of it. She stiffened beneath my touch.“Raven,” I said, turning her to face me, “we’re not done talking.”Her eyes lifted to mine, she looked so uncertain. She opened her mouth like she had something to say.Then she just collapsed.Right in front of me.My hands jerked forward too late, catching nothing but air as her body dropped backwards. For a second, I didn’t move. I stood there frozen, my mind blank and stunned.Rowan rushed past me, fast as hell, catching Raven before her head hit the floor. He cradled her like s
Raven POV My voice cracked at the end, and I hated how uncertain I sounded. I turned slightly toward Rowan. His face was unreadable, but I could feel it—the tension in him, the weight of what he wasn’t saying. He hadn’t told them what my blood had done… and neither had I.Maybe he was protecting me. Or maybe… he didn’t know what it meant either. Ansel’s sharp eyes never left me. The silence stretched, unbearable, as if everyone in the room was waiting for something. Then suddenly something shifted deep inside me. It was almost like a whisper, faint but undeniable. The tug, the pull, it was as if something—or someone—was calling to me.I was tense. The sensation was foreign, yet familiar. It was the same feeling I felt when I saw loira. It was as if a thread of magic had wrapped itself around my heart and was pulling me toward something I couldn’t see. I tried to ignore it, telling myself it was nothing. Just another thing my mind was making up.But no, it was too real.I blinked,
Raven POV We finally crossed the border into Crescent Silver Park two days after finding out about my pregnancy. We would’ve arrived sooner, but Rowan and Liora were so considerate of me, making sure I was as comfortable as possible. I’ve tried to push my pregnancy out of my mind, to ignore the growing life inside me, but it’s always there, lurking at the back of my thoughts.The place looked almost exactly as I remembered it, but the weight of the situation hit me hard. Considering how I’d been treated here—less than a slave, barely a person—it felt surreal to be back. But I was here now, and this time, things were going to change. The moment we crossed into the territory, everything felt different.I could feel determination coursing through my veins as we made our way to the palace.Rowan shifted into his human form beside me, followed by Liora.Before we could take another step, the sound of boots hitting the ground echoed around us as guards swarmed in, weapons drawn and read
Raven POV“I’m pregnant,” I said, freezing as the words left my mouth. “What does this mean for me now?”I turned to Rowan, heart pounding. “Rowan, what does this mean?”He shifted, rubbing the back of his neck like he wished he could take it back. “I— I’m sorry for bringing it up now.I just thought… you needed to know. So you’d take better care of yourself. "And because…” He hesitated, eyes dropping. “You can’t come with me. Not anymore. Not on the rest of this quest.”“No,” I breathed. “No, I—”“Raven,” he said gently, painfully. “Don’t fight me on this. Please.”His eyes—gods, I had never seen them look like that. Distant, aching. Sadder than I’d ever seen.“You don’t understand, do you?” he whispered. “The future of the kingdom is inside you.”“What?” I blinked as if someone had poured ice water down my spine. My mouth opened but no words came.“I didn’t want to say it like that.” Rowan’s voice broke slightly. But… I can’t keep you to myself. We’re your mates, Raven. All three of
Raven POV Frustration curled in my chest. “But—”“There are things you mustn’t know yet.”The surrounding space shuddered.But before it could pull me away, before the vision could collapse, something snapped inside me.I took a step forward, anger curling around my words. “Then tell me this,” I demanded. “Why did you curse Rowan? Why did you punish all of them?”The goddess didn’t move. But the surrounding light flickered, dimming slightly.I pressed on, my voice shaking. “It wasn’t them who forsook their mates. It wasn’t Rowan who betrayed you. It was their ancestors. So why make them suffer for something they didn’t do? Why not just—” I swallowed hard. “Why not just forgive them?”The silence stretched between us, heavy and suffocating.For the first time since she appeared, something shifted in her expression. Something like… regret.Her voice was softer when she spoke again. “Do you think I do not wish that, child?”I froze.She exhaled a sound that echoed like wind through holl