IvyThe prisoner looks up at me and smiles slyly. "You just couldn't help it, huh? Curiosity kills the cat, you know."I raise an eyebrow, unamused. "I'm not a cat. And I didn't come here to play games with you. Tell me your name, or I'll leave right now and never come back." My tone is firm, and I cross my arms over my chest, waiting for his answer.The rogue leans back against the wall and folds his arms across his chest, regarding me with a calm expression. "You know, I find it interesting that you're so insistent on knowing my name. What makes it so important to you?" he asks, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.I narrow my eyes at him. "That's none of your concern. I asked you a question, and I expect an answer."The rogue lets out a small chuckle. "Well, aren't you a feisty one? Very well, I'll tell you my name. But first, I want something in return."I roll my eyes. "Why would I give you anything?""Because you want me to cooperate," he says simply.I pause for a moment, co
RyderI try to keep my rage under control as I stare at the man in front of me. He is grinning as if he finds my anger amusing."Alexie, is it?" I ask with a tight jaw."Yes, that would be my name," the prisoner says."Care to elaborate what the fuck you're talking about?" I bark.Alexei's grin falters, and he seems to sense the seriousness in my tone. "I'm just saying that Luna here used to be quite the cook. I remember her making some amazing meals for her family," he says, his voice slightly lower.I shoot a glance at Ivy, who seems just as confused as I am."I have never seen this man in my entire life!" Ivy says quickly.I believe her. This man must be deranged."She is right, Alexei. You must be mistaken," I say firmly.Alexei gazes into my eyes. "There is no mistake. I would recognize her anywhere.""You recognize Ivy?" I raise my eyebrows."Ivy?" Confusion spreads all over Alexei's face. "Who is Ivy?"I look at Ivy, unsure of what to say next. "Ivy, my mate?" I say irritably.
IvyI can't believe it. I'm off to solve the mystery of my own death. How does this work!?"Are you sure you want to do this?" Ryder asks me as we prepare to follow Alexei to his old pack house."Yes, I'm sure. What else do you suggest we do? Aren't you curious to know more about this Esther business?" I raise an eyebrow."I am," Ryder admits. "But I am not buying all that bullshit about you dying. How can you be a dead girl?""That's what we are about to find out," I say. I can hardly contain my excitement. Ryder sighs and shakes his head, clearly still struggling to grasp the situation. "Alright, Ivy. I will support you on this, but please promise me that you won't make any rash decisions without me. We don't know what we're getting into, and I can't bear the thought of losing you."I reach out and take Ryder's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I promise, Ryder. Our safety comes first. We'll be cautious and vigilant throughout this journey. We're in this together, remember?"R
IvyLucky for us, Alpha Markus is still alive."My father? Why do you need to see him?" Seraphina looks at us with suspicion in her eyes.At first, she is thrilled to see Ryder, but her smile falters once she realizes he is mated to me.Oops, sorry, Seraphina, I guess I stole your man.I exchange a quick glance with Ryder, realizing the tension in the room. "Seraphina, this is really important," I begin, trying to ease the atmosphere.""Something is weird going on, and it seems your father knows Esther, who is connected to Ivy somehow," Ryder chimes in.Seraphina's gaze softens slightly as she listens, her curiosity piqued. "Esther? That name brings back memories," she says, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "She was my mother's best friend. But she died ten years ago. What does she have to do with you?"I take a deep breath, preparing to share our story. "According to Alexei, Esther's spirit was reborn in me. He claims that I am Esther, living a new life as Ivy, without any recollecti
Ivy"I need to finish reading Esther's diary," I tell Ryder.Ryder nods in understanding. "Of course, Ivy. Esther's diary might hold more clues and insights to help us find her son."As soon as we get home, black smoke surrounds us, and then Phoenix materializes.Ryder makes a disgusted face. "It's you. We don't have time for you right now. We are too busy trying to figure out who killed Ivy."Phoenix's eyes shoot up to his forehead. "Who killed Ivy? What the hell are you talking about?""I was dead and reborn again," I say as if that explains everything. "Oh, okay," Phoenix says. "Well, what about Eve? What did you find out about her?" That's right. I forgot all about Eve with all this excitement. "She is scared of you because you are a moron," Ryder chimes in.Phoenix shoots him a glare. "Did you tell her I really really like her and I'd never hurt her?""She said she will give you another chance if you apologize for scaring her last time," I say.Phoenix's eyes light up. "That's
RyderAlexei gives us a blank stare at first, but then his eyes flicker in acknowledgment. "Alice? I know Alice. What does she have to do with anything? She was just a quiet omega who was hired to watch over Esther," Alexei says."She has Esther's son. We need to find her so we can ask him about her," Ivy chimes in."He won't know anything. He was too young when Esther died," Alexei says, shaking his head."But Alice will. Tell us where she is," I demand. Alexei shrugs. "I don't know. My guess is that she went to hide in another pack."This is hopeless. We will never find her this way. Ivy turns to me, a glimmer of determination in her eyes. "We can't give up just yet. Maybe there are other pack members who might have more information about Alice's whereabouts or any clues that could help us find her."Alexei snorts. "Hah! Good luck trying to get them to talk while you held them prisoners.""We spoke to Alpha Markus," Ivy says.Alexei's expression changes from carefree to angry at
Ivy"I will help, but you will have to let me out of these chains and out of this dungeon," Alexei demands. Ryder grunts disapprovingly, but I smile. "Yes, of course. You can't help us confined like this."Ryder hesitates for a moment, his eyes narrowing with caution. "You're lucky I'm willing to give you this chance," Ryder grumbles but proceeds to unlock the chains.Alexei rubs his wrists, his gratitude mixed with a hint of defiance. "I won't let you down. I'll do whatever it takes to find Alice and bring justice to Esther's memory.""Where do we start?" I ask. "Alice was resourceful. If she's hiding within another pack, she's likely using an alias. I know some contacts who might have information about her whereabouts. We can start there," Alexei suggests.Ryder eyes Alexei cautiously but remains silent, acknowledging that we need him."Lead the way," I say, my gaze steady as I look at Alexei. "We're counting on you to help us find Alice."Alexei nods. "I know a few contacts who m
Ivy"Why do you all look so surprised? All of your senses are quite keen since you are werewolves, no?" Renard winks."Yeah, we can track pretty well, but we can't sniff out a missing person out of thin air," Ryder comments."And that's why it's a special talent for Renard," Alexei chimes in.Renard chuckles at Ryder's remark, his amusement evident. "Indeed, werewolves have heightened senses, but my talent goes beyond that.""How so?" Ryder looks at him curiously."I can look into people's minds and see their memories. Maybe I can see a memory about Alice and locate her scent," Renard says."How are you supposed to do that? Oh, Alexei! You knew Alice, right? Renard can look into your memory!" I exclaim."Eh, not really. I saw her once or twice. It's not like she belonged to my pack," Alexei says, shrugging.I groan. "Then how is he supposed to...""Hold on," Ryder interrupts me. "We don't have to ask anyone, Ivy. You are Esther."I look at him with confusion. "Huh?""You are Esther, r