Her face paled with rage. "How dare you speak his name! I loved James!""Oh my goodness, that's the funniest joke I've heard all day. Loved him so much you couldn't wait to replace him," I countered. "Tell me, does it help you sleep at night, knowing you're using his death to manipulate your way int
Astrid’s POVThe mirror reflected everything I'd worked so hard to achieve. My burgundy gown whispered wealth and power, its intricate beading catching the light like drops of blood. I'd chosen it carefully - not just for its beauty, but for what it represented. This wasn't just a dress; it was armo
"Say no more," I smiled warmly, though inwardly I savored another small victory. "I would be honored to help. Why don't you come by tomorrow and we can discuss your vision?""See how she takes care of the pack?" Martha's voice carried just loudly enough to be heard by those nearby. "A true Luna in a
Sylvia's POVMy heart pounded with determination as I approached the banquet hall. Despite everything that had happened - the confrontation with Raven, Astrid's threats, the still-healing wounds from the ambush - I knew I had to be there. The future of our young wolves depended on maintaining the ki
"What are you doing?" I tried to crawl away, but my body wouldn't cooperate. The drug had left me helpless."Creating a masterpiece," Astrid's voice was almost sing-song. "Wait until the pack sees their Luna like this - clothes in tatters, marked up like a common whore. I think I'll take pictures. S
Sylvia's POVPain lanced through my body as Astrid's knife traced another line across my skin. The storage hut's musty air was thick with the metallic scent of my blood, and through the haze of whatever drug she'd forced down my throat, I could feel my wolf growing weaker with each new cut."You kno
"Now do you understand?" Astrid's voice was almost gentle as she traced the knife along my cheek. "No one is coming for you. No one cares about the pathetic excuse for a Luna you've become.""You're wrong," I whispered, though doubt gnawed at my heart. "The pack-""The pack?" She laughed. "They're a
Sylvia's POVThe tension in the storage hut was suffocating. Blood - my blood - pooled beneath me as Lucas held me protectively against his chest. Raven stood blocking our path, his face a mask of barely controlled fury. Behind us, Astrid lay slumped against the cracked wall, her chest rising and f