He was amazed at how fast she killed up to seven rogues up in a blink of an eye. He shrugged, after all, Aurora was the leader of the pack fighters. Watching her chest rise and fall as she tried to catch her breath, he decided it was time for them to head to the cottage. “Clean this up. We are about to head out,” he mind linked his beta. With a small nod he directed at Rae, he took Aurora hand, leading her to where they had packed the vehicle. She sat quietly in the car, pondering over what had happened in the last hours. “My love, is something the matter?” Sage questioned, glancing briefly at her before focusing on the road. “Not at all. Just wondering why the rogues have being attacking frequently these day,” she muttered but that was far from the truth and he knew better than to believe her. He knew how bad their relationship has been unstable and he wished he could explain it to her. It was for her own benefit but he knew Aurora too well by now she would oppose the idea. He cou
"Get the cottage decorated, and dinner ready," Sage mind linked Rae. He has decided to pave his way into her heart with dinner since she didn’t want to forgive him after countless apologies and little compliments whenever she had given him a chance to move close to her without moving away. He opted to do little things even though it was just dinner at the cottage.He knew it was best if they didn’t head back there. He had confirmed from Rea through the mind link that they weren’t through and he didn’t want anything to ruin his surprise which would have been an obstacle to her forgiveness. Going for a run was the best way he could stall her so he offered the overture to her, "Why don’t we go for a run?" he smiled nervously, afraid she wasn’t going to agree to the idea and end up deciding they head back.Looking at him skeptically, she tried to figure out what he was up to. She made it clear she hadn’t forgiven him. Didn’t he get the message? Or the silent treatment didn’t work their tr
Aurora's eyes narrowed as she watched Fennick's expression, his usual bright smile was nowhere to be found. He looked so helpless and sullen. She didn't like what she was seeing and couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. Sage has sent him to the Autumn Pack, was it that risky? He wasn't looking brutal but someone could tell he was downcasted. Without any hesitation, she stormed back to seek out Sage. Only he could get words out of Fennick which she wouldn't be able to do. He was the one who has sent Fennick on the journey so he should be able to explain better. There at the training ground, she met him already training with the Pack armies. She tried to fight back without interrupting but she couldn't hold herself back, she needed an answer from Fennick as soon as possible. Letting out a heavy sigh, she called out. "Alpha, Can you please spare me a moment? I need your help, please," Aurora urged, her voice laced with concern. Sage looked towards her direction
After Fennick left, Sage shifted his gaze to the cluttered papers on his desk. The weight of his responsibilities as Pack Alpha suddenly settled heavily upon him. He bit as the thought of how he had neglected Pack matters for too long clouded his mind. Looking upon the paperwork arranged neatly on the table, they somehow threatened to engulf him. All these while he had neglected Pack duties for his mate's sake. He had refused to check out how the Pack was doing and even piled up things that were meant to be done. He sighed and started to pick the files one after the other yet, something told him he wasn't going to do anything if he kept checking through the books. He decided to sort for his Beta. “I need you in my office,” he commanded with a swift mindlink. Only Rae could help him out with things.Rae arrived promptly. "Alpha, what's urgent?" Rae asked, shutting the door behind him.Sage gestured to the sea of papers. "This,” he countered. “This is wrong. I've not touched them or g
Days passed, and Aurora's hopes for Sage's progress were met with caution. She had no idea what he was up to but she decided to be patient with him. He wasn't someone who could act rashly but the fact that he wasn’t letting her know anything was what was getting at her yet, she chose to be calm for the meantime since she could feel the pressure of responsibility pulling on him so much. She knew he had to stand tall at that moment and also build his confidence to achieve his goals. Meanwhile, Sage started his training with Fennick, making sure he was pushing himself off limits. Luckily, under the watchful eye of his new mentor, Sage learned to harness his strength and agility. His movements became fluid and strong. He mastered the basics skills better and was moving into the next phase. "Fennick, I need to learn more," Sage would always say, his eyes locked onto his new mentor."You're progressing, Alpha. But there's much to learn," Fennick answered. Their training sessions were str
Sora's eyes locked onto Sage's, her voice barely above a whisper. "An evil sorcerer cast a spell on her because of her mother's wrongdoing," Sora started, her face turning all gloomy instantly. Someone could tell that she was deeply hurt by what happened to Aurora. She added. “My innocent granddaughter knew nothing about the agreement both the witch and her mother had but she's the one suffering from it,” she countered, her gaze lowered to the cup of coffee she was holding. Sage's grip on his cup tightened as she said those words to him. Aurora's mother? Having a deal with a Sorcerer? "I don't understand, Sora. What exactly did her mother do and what bargain did she have with a sorcerer?" Sage asked, his tone urgent.Sora's expression turned grave. "I don't know what happened exactly between them but all I can say is that the sorcerer believed that she was betrayed by Octavia, Aurora's mother,” she relayed. “But I’m sorry, I can't tell you more than this,” she concluded, trying not t
Sage was more determined than ever. He was ready to master his skills to break the curse that stopped him from fully making Aurora his. She and her mother have said theirs, the Seer has also confirmed it but was he ready to make it slide just like that? Was he ready to lose his mate all because of a curse she knew nothing about? No! He was never going to let it be. Even if it takes ages, he would definitely get to the root of what was happening. Each morning, Sage trained alone and by evening, he would train with Fennick. If Fennick wasn't available, he would ask his mate to do it herself. He practiced his strength, speed, strategy each passing day and he was getting better day by day, surprising even his teachers that they always wondered why he was so adamant and determined to train on the Combat skills that weren't really useful.Everyone shifts into their wolves when it comes to fighting except for guards that train with skills so it was bothersome to see an Alpha ready to master
It was very late that evening and Sage had just finished his training with Fennick when the rain started pouring out heavily. They both rushed out of the field and made their way into the Pack's house. Once they were in, Sage turned to Fennick. “Have dinner with us,” he proposed and he nodded as they both trotted towards the Pack dining room. Aurora has already mind linked him to invite him as she has prepared enough. The guards pulled the dining room open and Sage took the lead. He roamed his eyes around to see maids already arranging their meals on a large ergonomic table and the aroma of roasted meats filling the room. They got to the table and Sage took the crown seat while Fennick took his seat beside him. The large door was pulled open again and Rae entered, rushing towards them. Once he got to the table, he lowered his head in greetings. “Good evening, Alpha, Fennick.” He greeted and also took his seats at the right hand side of the table. “You're joining us for dinner tonigh
The room fell silent with disbelief. Each of them were frozen in shock. Fennick, Aurora’s best and lovely friend like a brother whose Grandmother was found in the forest years back, was the heir to the Autumn Pack, the very pack that had once threatened their peace? It was an impossible truth, yet the room could not deny the tension that suddenly grew between Fennick and his own identity.Sage was the first to break the silence, his voice low but firm. "We need to go," he said, his gaze never leaving Fennick’s face. "To the Autumn Pack. We have to find out what this means."The others were still in confusion, most especially Aurora. Fennick has always been like a brother to her even when she doesn’t know about his identity for long but his revelations cut deeply into her. She had thought he was with them, maybe he lost his scent but now that he was saying it made her think that she has never even known him. It was a difficult truth to accept. Fennick was their friend, their brother,
The Pack dining room was filled with the sound of laughter, clinking glasses, and the warmth of togetherness. After the heartache of the last few weeks, that night was a chance to heal, celebrate survival, and find peace in the company of one another. The scent of roast meat and freshly baked bread filled the entire place. Sage stood near the far end of the room, his hand resting gently on the back of Aurora’s chair. She had her chin tilted slightly down, her fingers playing with the glass in front of her, lost in thought. For a moment, Sage’s gaze softened, taking in the quiet beauty of the woman who had been at his side and his mate.He had been wanting to talk to her for days now, no, for weeks, but every time he saw her, the words escaped him. How could he put everything into words when everything had changed so much?Aurora felt his eyes on her, and slowly, she looked up. There was something in his gaze that made her heart skip a beat.Sage moved to her side, pulling out the cha
Beta Craig's tears and loud wailing alerted the whole pack that another tragic death had occurred. They could feel the sudden disconnection from their Alpha. The mournful howls echoed through the Pack as each of them expressed their own grief in their own ways. For a pack that had already endured so much, this final blow was just so unbearable. It was a big loss for everyone in the Pack.Gwen gently took Alpha Cowell’s lifeless body from Beta Craig’s trembling hands. He resisted at first, clutching his friend’s cold form until his strength gave out. His knees buckled, and a heart-wrenching sob escaped him as they pried Cowell’s body away. With solemn reverence, they carried Cowell’s body away. The same honor was given to Sora, whose ultimate sacrifice had saved Aurora. Their bravery was admired, for they had given their lives to protect another.Aurora sat beside Sage, her eyes fixed on his peaceful face. She had been waiting for what felt like an eternity for him to wake up, and she
Aurora slowly opened her eyes, coughing as the acrid smoke filled her lungs. Her thoughts were heavy, unsure of where she was or what had happened. As she struggled to sit up, memories flashed through her mind and as she remembered her fight with the witch, she assessed her body for injuries, expecting to find scars or stab wounds. But to her surprise, she found none.Confusion etched on her face, Aurora turned her head to take in her surroundings. The room was in shambles, furniture overturned, and debris scattered everywhere. But it was the body slumped on the ground that caught her attention.Aurora's heart skipped a beat as she scrambled to her feet, rushing towards the lifeless form. "Sora!" she cried out, her voice trembling with fear as she recognised the face.She reached her grandmother's side and soon her eyes welled up with tears. Sora lay limp, her eyes closed, and her face pale. Aurora gently shook her, calling out her name, but there was no response.Aurora's mind reeled
Ursula's cave was surrounded in darkness and the only sound that filled the place was a soft humming from her. Just in a flash, she sprang up from where she sat, seething her teeth in anger as she started to feel her powers draining out. She suddenly let out a horrible scream, throwing her head backwards as she shook vehemently. She paced back and forth in front of her mirror, her long, black hair swirling around her like a dark cloud. Her eyes, once bright with malevolence, now seemed dull and lifeless."How could this be?!" she spat, her voice venomous. "I used Octavia and Aurora to gain the upper hand. I manipulated them, used their innocence against them."Ursula's mind flashed back to the day she met the two of them. She has lied about giving her powers to Sora at birth Octavia. But in reality, she had been using them to further her own powers. She has indeed given Sora a child but it was with the aim to build her powers and the child was connected to those powers that she used
“We do not have any interest in that. We work for Alpha Dylan and now you are saying we should go against him? I’m sorry, we can’t do that,” the leader proclaimed. “Moreover, we have other important things to handle.” Then, he turned to one of his men, “Take her away and dump her back in the pack,” he commanded. His men immediately obliged, grabbing Rose and attempting to carry her away yet, Rose wasn't going to give up that easily.She had swore to leave with them, or die trying to do so. As soon as the men grabbed her and left an opening for their weapon, Rose reached for one of their swords. The sword was drawn from its scabbard and she swung it at the men but they were quick to move out of the way to avoid getting hit. Turning to their leader, Rose aimed the sword at his neck. “You will help my people, or I'll kill you and die afterwards.” She emitted with so much audacity. The fierce look in her eyes was quite scary, and the leader wondered if it was the same person that came in
|Flashback|His heart was saddened and he wished he could go back in time but it was impossible. What has happened has happened and the only thing he could do was think of a way forward but how was that going to be possible? He was locked up in the dungeon for the first time in his life like a gnashing lion, how could he think of breaking loose? How would he be able to gain back his position when he couldn’t even access his people. When all he could do was drool himself in pity.He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he jerked when he heard the sound of rumbling keys. His initial thought was that a guard had come in to attend to him but was suddenly taken aback by the presence. “Rose?” his eyes widened in shock as he stared at her in disbelief. “What the fucking hell are you doing here?!” he snarled, shocked and confused but she was quick to place a finger on her lips to shut him up. “I did not really sneak in,” she whispered. “They know I'm here and I have limited time to talk wit
The Pack’s square was filled with noise growls, shouts, and the murmurs of the betrayed. The Pack members of Lock Hearts Pack were now passive spectators to Sage's deterioration. Their eyes, once filled with respect and admiration, now brimmed with anger, frustration, and pain."He's a whimpering jackanape!," shrieked a high-pitched old she-wolf, voice like a razor sharp scream of agony. “How dare you call yourself an Alpha?”“You left us!” another voice yelled from the crowd. “Left us to fend for ourselves while you went chasing spirits and shadows!”“You’re nothing but a failure, Sage!" shouted a young warrior, his voice full of venom. “You brought shame to this Pack!”They riled up from all angles, each one a knife to Sage´s chest. However, each word weighed down more than the one before, and yet he held his gaze steady, forcing himself to bear it. His fingers twitched at his sides, his claws threatening to emerge, but he didn't move. They don't understand... They don’t know the tr
Sage leaned against the cold, damp wall of his cell, his head down. The metallic smell of blood and iron invaded his olfactory system and, with each breath, it became more difficult to breathe. His physical condition was poor, his body was weak and his muscles ached, but nothing was worse than the pain in his chest.Alpha Dylan.The name echoed in his mind like a curse. It burned hotter than any of his wounds. “How could I have been so blind?” he thought, his jaw clenching with frustration. Alpha Dylan had been a friend, or at least he had thought he had been. Sage had shared his concerns with him, confided in him, had talked to Dylan of his anxieties as a newly constituted Alpha, and Dylan answered with the patience of the wise mentor.But it was all a lie.His hands clenched into little fists and his nails bit into his palms until his flesh just about fell apart. He leaned back, gaze closed, focusing on the effort of remembering every single word Dylan had ever spoken. Each word, ea