Atlas’s POV Despite the looming threat, I found myself drawn to Kaida’s quiet strength. She carried herself with a grace that belied the storm raging within her, and it was impossible not to admire the fire in her eyes. I watched her from the training grounds as she sparred with Axel. Her movements were sharp, her strikes precise, but there was a ferocity in her that felt different tonight—like she was fighting ghosts only she could see. “She’s impressive,” Jace said, stepping up beside me. “She’s more than that,” I replied, my voice soft but certain. “She’s the heart of this pack.” Jace nodded, but his expression was grim. “She’s also a target, Atlas. Logan and Akira won’t stop until they’ve destroyed her.” “They’ll have to go through me first,” I said, my jaw tightening. Later that evening, I found Kaida sitting by the river, her legs dangling over the edge of the dock. The moonlight danced across the water, casting a soft glow on her features. I approached quietly, not wan
Akira’s POV The soft glow of candlelight illuminated the lavish room in my father’s packhouse, casting flickering shadows on the walls. I stood by the window, looking out at the sprawling territory of Oakwood Pack. My mind raced with plans, alliances, and strategies, but the satisfaction of knowing that Crescent Moon’s destruction was imminent brought a smile to my lips. “Deep in thought?” Miguel’s deep voice broke through the silence. I turned to see him leaning against the doorway, his dark eyes studying me with a mix of amusement and desire. “Always,” I replied, walking toward him. “You know how I am. There’s always a plot brewing.” Miguel smirked, stepping forward to close the distance between us. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “That’s what I love about you, Akira. You’re relentless. Ruthless.” “And you love that, don’t you?” I teased, my voice dripping with mock sweetness. “Among other things,” he murmured, his voice low and suggestive. We moved
Akira’s POV The following morning, the Oakwood packhouse buzzed with activity. My father, Alpha Logan, had summoned his lieutenants for a final strategy meeting. As Miguel and I entered the council chamber, the tension was palpable. Alpha Logan stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding. His icy gaze swept over the room before landing on me. “Akira,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Do you and Miguel have any updates to share?” Miguel took his seat beside me, his confidence radiating like a shield. “Crescent Moon is making moves to rally neighboring packs. Atlas is trying to shore up his defenses, but it’s a desperate play.” My father’s expression hardened, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Desperation makes wolves reckless. We must use that to our advantage.” I leaned forward, my tone sharp. “Atlas is predictable. He’ll focus on defense, but he’ll also try to protect Kaida at all costs. She’s his weakness.” Logan smirked, nodding in approval. “And we will exp
Kaida’s POV The air was sharp with the scent of pine and damp earth as we moved silently through Oakwood’s territory. Each step brought us closer to Alpha Logan’s camp. I tightened my grip on the blade strapped to my thigh, my heartbeat steady despite the tension thrumming through the group. Atlas led the charge, his movements silent and deliberate. “Stay sharp,” he murmured, his voice low but firm. “This needs to be fast and clean. No mistakes.” I nodded, signaling to Axel, who flanked my left. Our target was Logan’s supply depot—a critical weak point. If we could destroy it, we’d cut off their resources and weaken their forces. The southern entrance was poorly guarded, just as our scouts had reported. Two guards patrolled lazily, their attention more on the quiet night than on potential threats. Axel signaled to me. I nodded, crouching low as we crept forward. In one synchronized motion, Axel and I dispatched the guards, their bodies crumpling silently to the ground. “
Kaida’s POV The packhouse was alive with tension the morning after the attack on Oakwood’s territory. Warriors moved with purpose, sharpening blades, mending armor, and exchanging whispers about the success of our ambush. Despite the lingering adrenaline, I knew this was only a temporary victory. Atlas stood at the war room table, his hands braced against the map spread before him. His expression was unreadable, but the furrow in his brow betrayed his thoughts. “They’ll retaliate,” he said, his voice steady but edged with determination. I nodded, stepping closer. “And they’ll come at us harder. Logan won’t let this go unanswered.” Atlas looked up, his eyes locking with mine. “We need to prepare for the next move. I want to hit them again before they can regroup.” I hesitated. “Another attack? So soon?” “Yes,” Atlas said firmly. “We have the momentum. If we wait, they’ll rebuild, and Logan will use this time to strengthen his alliances.” I couldn’t argue with his logic. Striki
Kaida’s POV The battlefield was a chaotic storm of snarls, growls, and the clash of blades. Crescent Moon warriors fought with ferocity, meeting Logan’s forces head-on at the eastern border. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood and the cries of wolves locked in combat. Atlas’s voice carried over the noise as he commanded the warriors, his presence a pillar of strength. But despite our efforts, Logan’s forces pressed hard, their numbers relentless. “We’re holding,” Axel shouted, cutting through a rogue with a swift strike. “But not for long!” My chest burned with frustration. This fight was dragging on, and every second cost us more lives. Logan’s pack was too coordinated, their tactics too precise. Then I saw him—Alpha Logan. He stood at the edge of the battle, barking orders to his warriors, his presence like a shadow over the battlefield. My vision tunneled. I could feel the fury rising within me, an unrelenting force that burned brighter with every passing mome
Kaida’s pov In the war room, Atlas stood at the head of the table, his gaze locked on the maps and plans before him. Axel and Jace flanked him, their discussions focused on tracking Logan before he could rebuild. “We have to move quickly,” Jace said. “Logan fled, but we all know he’ll regroup. Shadowfang is still a threat.” Atlas nodded. “We’ll gather our scouts and—” The heavy slam of the war room door interrupted him, and a sharp voice cut through the room like a blade. “Atlas!” We turned as Lady Seraphina entered, her imposing presence silencing the room. Her silver hair gleamed under the lantern light, and her piercing blue eyes held a fury I wasn’t prepared for. “Grandma,” Atlas said, stepping forward. “This isn’t a good time—” “Be silent,” she snapped, her tone brooking no argument. “I’ve had enough of this madness.” Her gaze landed on me, and her lips curled into a sneer. “And you. This is all you're doing.” Her words hit like a slap, and I felt my claws flex instinc
Kaida’s POV The echoes of the warriors’ howls faded into the night, but the storm Seraphina had left behind still raged inside me. I had fought for this pack. Bled for it. And yet, I was still the villain in their eyes. Atlas’s grip on my shoulder was steady, grounding me, but the weight of Seraphina’s words still clung to me like a shadow. "Your presence alone has endangered everyone here." I clenched my fists. No. The only danger here was those who sought to control me, to use my power for their own purposes. I wasn’t the cause of destruction—I was the weapon they feared losing control over. And I refused to be anyone’s pawn. That night, sleep refused to come. I sat by the window of my room, staring at the moon as if it held the answers I desperately needed. Logan was planning something, and whatever it was, it wouldn’t be small. I had been fighting battles since the day I stepped foot in Crescent Moon, and yet, it felt like I was no closer to winning the war.
Kaida’s POV** The crimson glow of dawn spilled over the treetops, casting long shadows through the dense forest. The chilling words from the letter still echoed in my mind. **She’s still watching.** Seren. Akira’s sister was out there, lurking beneath the cover of night. Waiting. Watching. A ghost clinging to the edges of our fragile peace. I clenched the parchment tighter in my hands, feeling the weight of the threat pressing against my chest. I knew what would come next. She wouldn’t stop until blood had been spilled—mine, Akira’s, or anyone who stood in her way. The packhouse stirred with life as the sun rose higher, warriors sharpening blades and reinforcing the outer walls. The air was heavy with anticipation. They sensed what was coming, even if no one dared speak it aloud. Atlas stood at the edge of the clearing, his golden eyes flicking toward the forest with every breath. His protective instincts surged through the bond between us—strong, unwavering. “She’s
Kaida’s POVThe first rogue lunged, its yellow eyes flashing in the dim light. The scent of damp earth and blood filled the clearing as Atlas’s wolf met the attack midair, a snarl ripping through the night. The battle erupted around us—claws slashing, teeth snapping. My heart pounded against my ribs, but I forced myself to stay **steady**. I had led them here. Now I had to **survive.** Akira was at my side, her breath ragged, eyes flicking through the shadows. I felt every wolf watching her—waiting for her to turn against us. But she didn’t. Not yet. “Hold the line!” I shouted, my voice cutting through the chaos. Crescent Moon warriors moved as one, forming a protective ring around the packhouse. Every muscle in my body screamed to fight—to prove I could protect them. But I couldn’t lose sight of what this battle was really about. Gregor. I scanned the clearing, searching the shadows for his yellow eyes. My claws curled at my sides, aching for revenge. Atlas’s
Kaida’s POVThe crimson letters glared back at me from the parchment in my trembling hands. The words, carved in jagged strokes, echoed through my mind like a curse. *You spared one. But mercy always has a price.* The message smelled of blood—fresh, sharp, and deliberate. Whoever had sent it wanted me to know they were close. Behind me, Atlas’s breath fanned hot against my neck, his golden eyes fixed on the letter. His wolf’s growl rumbled low in his chest, vibrating through the tense silence of the room. “This is a threat,” he snarled, his voice dangerously low. I swallowed hard, folding the parchment slowly. My fingers trembled, but I forced them steady. “It’s a promise.” Atlas’s growl deepened, his wolf brushing dangerously close to the surface. “You should have killed her, Kaida.” His words sliced through me sharper than any blade, but I refused to flinch. “I know.” I stood at the center of the war room, the map of Shadowcrest spread across the table. The fli
Kaida’s POVThe moon hung high over **Shadowcrest**, casting cold silver light through the cracks in the packhouse walls. The scouts' message echoed in my mind like a haunting whisper. **Gregor… traitor.** I stood at the war table, my fingers tracing the map spread beneath flickering candlelight. The northern ridge was marked in red—where the rogues had been spotted gathering. The betrayal cut deeper than any wound I had ever endured. Atlas paced behind me, his golden eyes **dark and unreadable.** His wolf was close—too close—but he kept his rage bottled beneath the surface. Axel leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his sharp blue gaze flicking between us. “We trusted him,” Axel said bitterly. “He fought with us. He bled for us.” I swallowed hard, the betrayal pressing heavy on my chest. “He’s bleeding for someone else now.” Atlas’s low growl rumbled through the room, shaking the air around us. His fists clenched at his sides, the veins in his arms pulsing beneath hi
Kaida’s POVThe sun was barely above the horizon when the whispers started again. The wolves of Shadowcrest watched Akira’s every step—**waiting for her to snap.** I felt their eyes following us as I led Akira toward the packhouse. Their doubt clung to the air like smoke, thick and suffocating. Atlas walked a few steps behind, his golden eyes never leaving Akira’s back. His wolf prowled just beneath the surface, barely contained. I couldn't blame him. I wasn’t sure if I trusted her either. The courtyard was crowded as wolves gathered to rebuild what the last battle had stolen from them. They paused as we passed, their whispered suspicions prickling at the edge of my hearing. “She should have killed her.” “Mercy will get us all killed.” “She’s protecting a traitor.” I clenched my fists, forcing myself to keep walking. They didn’t understand. They saw mercy as **weakness.** But I saw something they couldn’t—**a chance to break the cycle.** Akira’s head remained
Kaida’s POV** The moon hung heavy in the sky, casting silver streaks over the dense forest. Each breath I took tasted of cold earth and lingering tension. The message Akira had left behind weighed on my heart, and now I stood face-to-face with her beneath the canopy of stars. Her dark eyes flickered with hatred—sharp, dangerous, but beneath it all, **broken.** "You should have killed me when you had the chance," she hissed, her voice as brittle as the wind that whistled through the trees. I felt Atlas’s presence behind me, his wolf pacing just beneath his skin, ready to tear through anyone who threatened me. His golden eyes burned into Akira, but he stayed back—**letting me lead this fight.** I clenched my fists, my claws digging into my palms. "I spared you because I know what revenge does to a soul," I said, keeping my voice steady. Akira’s bitter smile twisted across her lips. "And what has mercy done for you, Luna? Made you weak?" Her words cut deep, slicing thro
Kaida’s POV The message burned in my hands—its jagged letters carved into the parchment like a scar that refused to fade. *You should have killed me when you had the chance.* Akira’s voice echoed in my head, a chilling reminder that mercy always came with a price. Atlas’s warm breath fanned against my neck as he read the message over my shoulder. His golden eyes darkened, his wolf stirring beneath the surface. “She’s taunting you,” he growled, his fingers brushing against mine to take the letter. I clenched my jaw, trying to steady the tremble in my hands. “She’s waiting.” Atlas’s muscles tensed behind me, his chest rising and falling with slow, controlled breaths. “Then let her wait,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. I wanted to believe him—to pretend that Akira’s words were nothing more than hollow threats. But I couldn’t. Not when I had seen the **hatred in her eyes.** Not when I had spared her life—**twice.** I paced the length of the council chambe
Kaida’s POVThe morning sun spilled over Shadowcrest, casting warm streaks of gold across the rebuilding village. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, mixing with the distant crackle of fires as warriors repaired the damaged walls. The world outside seemed to be stitching itself back together… But inside, I still felt like I was balancing on the edge of **something fragile.** Atlas’s arm rested around my waist, his golden eyes scanning the horizon as if he expected the shadows to rise again. He hadn’t let me out of his sight since we returned. Part of me wanted to push him away—prove that I could stand on my own. But another part—the part I hated admitting even to myself—**needed him close.** “You’re watching me again,” I murmured, breaking the silence. Atlas’s fingers tightened on my hip. “You almost died, Kaida.” I glanced up, meeting the storm brewing behind his gaze. “I’m still here.” His jaw clenched, but he didn’t argue. Instead, he leaned d
Kaida’s POV The sun cast long shadows across the courtyard as the news of the rogue camp settled over Shadowcrest like a dark cloud. The air felt **thicker**, every breath weighted with the knowledge that our **peace was temporary. Atlas’s fingers remained wrapped around mine, his grip firm as if he feared I might disappear if he let go. I had spared Akira. Now she was waiting—building something in the shadows. I wanted to believe that mercy had been the right choice. But mercy didn’t stop a blade from finding your heart. I stood beside Axel and Atlas in the war room, the map of our borders spread across the table. Small black markers dotted the northern ridge—**rogue sightings reported by scouts.** “She's gathering more wolves,” Axel murmured, his blue eyes sharp. “It’s only a matter of time before she attacks.” Atlas’s jaw clenched beside me, his golden eyes never leaving the map. “She’s testing us,” he said coldly. “Waiting to see if we’ll come for her… or let her