Celine POV
As I collapse onto the floor in the main hall of the packhouse, I can’t help but wonder: what was the point of all this? Why did they pay so much for me at the auction? I am nothing more than a cook, a cleaner, a body to be used at their whim. What do they gain from me that they couldn’t find in someone else?My mind lingers on Dolton. He never came for me, never rescued me. A part of me still wonders about him, about the life he might be living now. Deep down, though, I always knew his loyalty to his brothers would stop him. They were too close, bound by a bond that I could never compete with. I imagine him moving on quickly, finding another mate, forgetting me.
The faint noise outside draws my attention. I stand quickly and move knowing that taking a break inside the packhouse is against rules. The sound of boots hitting the stone floor grows louder until the pack’s Luna appears, standing just behind Alpha Dale. She’s quiet, her face a mask of indifference, her shadow barely moving as Dale strides forward. My gaze shifts to the man being dragged behind Beta Noah. His face is bloodied and bruised, his head lolling forward like a ragdoll.
“Throw him in a cell!” Alpha Dale’s voice booms, echoing off the stone walls. His expression is twisted with rage. When his eyes snap to me, I instinctively flinch back, my body pressing into the the wall. He lets out a cruel laugh at my reaction.
“Just putting dirty demons where they belong,” he says, a sneer pulling at his lips. “He deserves to rot in those cells for daring to attack me.” His laughter grows louder, echoing in my ears as he turns away. “Move it, mutt!” he shouts in my direction.
I nod quickly and scramble to follow Beta Noah and the others as they haul the man toward the cell blocks. My heart races, but I don’t dare enter the cells while Beta Noah is there. Instead, I hide just around the corner, crouching low and pressing myself against the cold stone wall.
Time drags, and my stomach churns with hunger. I’m late feeding the prisoners, which means I’m also late eating—if I’ll even get food today. I can hear Noah’s laughter reverberating inside, accompanied by the muffled protests of the man they’ve thrown into a cell. The Luna leaves after a few minutes, but I remain hidden, waiting for Beta Noah to follow.
Finally, the door creaks open, and I see him step out. My heart beats faster as his booming voice rings out.
“Mutt, you can’t hide from me!” he shouts, amusement lacing his tone.
“I just came for it,” Beta Wayne says from somewhere nearby.
“It’s hiding, apparently,” Noah laughs.
I press myself into the wall, curling up tightly and willing myself to disappear. My breaths come shallow and quick, and I close my eyes as footsteps approach.
“I can smell it,” Beta Wayne says, his voice chillingly close.
A hand grips my arm, yanking me upright. “And here it is,” Beta Wayne says with a grin, dragging me into the open.
“Please don’t,” I whisper, my voice trembling.
Noah steps closer, his cruel smile widening as he grabs the neckline of my dress and tears it from my body, leaving me exposed. My arms cross over my chest instinctively, but it’s no use.
One of them unfastens his belt, the jingle of the buckle like a death knell in my ears. I try to pull away, but they shove me to the ground. The first strike of the belt makes me cry out, the pain lancing across my back. Another hits my legs, then my hips, until I’m trembling and gasping on the cold stone floor.I try to crawl away, but they grab my hips, forcing me still. A scream tears from my throat as one of them thrusts into me, his laughter ringing in my ears.
“Once we’re done with you, Beta John and Alex want their turn,” Wayne sneers, his voice dripping with mockery.
Pain overwhelms me, and I fight against them, but it’s useless. I’m too weak to escape even one of them, let alone two. When I’ve run before, the punishment has been far worse. They made sure of it, using me throughout the night to remind me of my place.
I lose count of the times I black out from the pain, the moments of oblivion a fleeting mercy. Each time I wake, I pray I’m alone, only to find them still there. But finally, when I come to, I feel myself being lifted. My body is limp, too weak to resist. I brace for more, but instead, I’m tossed onto the straw in my cell.
Fingers stroke my hair, and I flinch, jerking away from the bars. A man’s face peers through, his expression unreadable.
“Come here,” he says softly, reaching a hand through the bars.
I shake my head, retreating further into the corner of my cell. My arms wrap around my knees as I try to make myself small.
“Go to him,” Beta Wayne snaps, his voice sharp.
I shake my head again, my body trembling as I push myself back until I hit the wall.
“I won’t hurt you,” the man whispers, his hand still outstretched.
“Mutt, go to him!” Beta Noah storms in, grabbing me by the hair and yanking me forward. I cry out as he throws me against the bars, where the man catches me, his hands gripping my shoulders.
The man leans close, his face burying into my neck as he inhales deeply. A low roar rumbles through his chest, and I freeze, my body turning to stone. I’m like prey in the jaws of a predator, too terrified to move.
“Please don’t hurt me,” I whisper, tears streaming down my face.
The man’s grip tightens briefly. “Release her!” Alpha Dale’s voice cuts through the tension.
The man steps back, releasing his grip on me and I collapse to the floor, crawling away as fast as I can.
“Go clean yourself up, mutt. Alpha Lucas is here,” Dale orders, his tone leaving no room for argument.
I hesitate, shaking my head. “I don’t want to—”
Dale’s hand strikes my face, cutting off my words. “Go! Now!” he roars.
Behind him, the man roars, his body trying to shift, but Dale doesn’t seem concerned.
“Down, Smokey,” he mocks, pulling out a gun, firing it without hesitation. The man crumples instantly, stopping him from shifting in a way I’ve never seen before.
The sight leaves me stunned, but Dale’s voice snaps me back to reality. “Now!”
I nod quickly, grabbing the meager clothes and towel I have before hurrying out.
The lake is cold, the water biting against my skin as I step in. For a brief moment, I’m free from their touch, from their cruelty. The quiet surrounds me, and I let myself breathe.
But even here, I know it’s only temporary. When I’m clean, I’ll have to return. To Alpha Lucas. To the nightmare that never ends.
Joseph POVFoolishness and desperation led me here. My need to save my mate blinded me to the obvious danger, and now I’m trapped. Whatever they shot me with severed my connection to my dragon. It locked away every piece of my being, leaving me feeling human—weak, vulnerable, and defenseless against the wolves who dragged me here.My father had warned me. He said venturing through Nomad Land, let alone into the werewolf kingdom, was irrational and suicidal. But I had no choice. My wife, Nischola, is dying, and the cure for her illness lies somewhere beyond our lands. I’d rather die trying to save her than watch her suffer.I’ve scoured the other kingdoms—Fae, vampires, bears, merfolk—everywhere. Each journey led to dead ends and false hope. Then, I was told that the cure resided within the werewolf world. Despite my father’s warnings, I ventured here. Now I see it for what it was. A trap, baited with my mate’s life.Within minutes of entering this pack land, my guards and I were overpo
Sebastian POVI knew it was a reckless decision, and I told Joseph, my only son that, not that he listened. Chasing a cure for his mate was noble, but he didn’t think about the cost. His actions didn’t just endanger himself—they jeopardized the safety of our entire flight, our royal family, and everything we’ve worked to protect.He left with too few guards, ignoring the very advice I would have given him if I’d known. Had he confided in me, I would have accompanied him, ensuring his safety and tempering his impulsiveness. But he didn’t. And now, I’ve had to leave the safety of our stronghold to find him, venturing into the hostile werewolf kingdom and worse—a rogue pack’s territory.The buildings here are crude, utilitarian structures made of weathered stone and wood, their sharp edges and darkened facades speaking of a place where survival is valued over comfort. The stench of dark magic clings to the air, heavy and suffocating, as if the very land is cursed. The guards at my side re
Celine POVThe pack’s grounds fade behind us, replaced by the quiet of the forest. I am cradled in King Sebastian’s arms as we move swiftly toward a small encampment nestled among the trees. The tents are simple but orderly, their canvas sides flapping softly in the cool night breeze. Torches flicker around the perimeter, casting golden light across the scene. The area feels strange, almost peaceful, though I remain on edge.He carries me into the largest tent, where a sturdy wooden table sits in the center, surrounded by medical supplies and neatly arranged tools. The space smells of herbs and something metallic, a clean sterility that puts me on edge. He places me carefully on the table, and the sensation of being elevated makes my stomach churn with unease.Sebastian’s sharp eyes assess me before turning to a woman who steps forward. She is tall and poised, her auburn hair tied into a neat bun. Her kind eyes meet mine, and she smiles gently.“Her wounds are infected,” Sebastian says
Sebastian POVThe weight in my chest is suffocating, an anger I can barely contain roiling within me. Helios, my dragon, is restless, roaring his rage at what these monsters have done to her. Every time she flinches, every bruise and scar on her fragile body makes him thrash inside me, demanding justice. He senses her wolf struggling beneath layers of suppression, clawing to be free, yet unable to break through.And then there’s the magic. It clings to her like a second skin, yet she fears it. It’s hers—part of her essence—and somehow, she’s completely unaware of it. How could she not know she’s more than just a werewolf?I never thought I’d find my mate. I had resigned myself to the idea that she didn’t exist, that the fates had overlooked me. Then she appeared, in the darkest, most wretched place imaginable. She’s broken, scarred inside and out, her trust shattered by years of abuse. I ache to know her, to hear her story, but I know better than to push.She clings to me now, tremblin
SebastianI wait, my chest tightening with each second, as I wonder if she’ll find the courage to tell me. Her silence feels heavy, weighted by memories she can’t escape. We sit in the small tent nestled within the dense forest, the creak of the wooden beams almost echoing her hesitation. Finally, her voice breaks through the stillness, soft but strained.“I was sixteen when my mum moved us,” she begins, her words halting as if she’s testing the waters of her own resolve. “Her new partner had said we could stay with him.”Her gaze drops to the floor, avoiding mine. Her vulnerability feels raw, and I tread carefully. “Did you have your wolf then?” I ask, my voice quiet but curious. If she was still with her mother, maybe something had stifled the connection with her wolf.She shakes her head, her voice now barely a whisper. “No, I couldn’t feel my wolf. The day we arrived... the brothers spoke to me. They said I was their mate and kissed me.” Her body tenses, and the words come out quie
Sebastian POVI watch her, my heart pounding as I wait for a sign. Emotions flood her face—confusion, fear, pain. Then her eyes snap open, wide with realization, and tears fall freely.“I remember,” she whispers, her voice trembling. “He said he loved me. He told me to focus... to find my wolf.” She looks at me, her expression a mix of awe and sorrow. “He said... I’m the Queen Goddess?”The words hit me like a thunderclap. My mind reels, trying to comprehend. The Queen Goddess? That would make her... above all other deities. Above the Moon Goddess. How? She looks at me like she wants me to explain.“I’ll explain soon,” I promise, my voice steady despite the storm inside me. “What happened to him after he told you? Where did he go?”“His dad came in,” she says, her voice breaking again. “He was shouting at Dolton for telling me. Dolton begged him not to make me forget. He was screaming for me to remember as they dragged him away.”Her tears flow harder, and I pull her close, my mind spi
Celine POVWhen I fell asleep, I was with Sebastian. His presence wrapped around me like a protective shield, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I felt safe. But sleep did not bring peace. My dreams were a relentless replay of my final moments with Dolton—his face, his voice, his agony. Over and over, I saw him locked away because of me, his screams echoing in my mind.I hated it. I hated that he suffered because of me. It wasn’t right. But even as guilt consumed me, a small part of me clung to the hope that his father and brothers wouldn’t harm him. They might be cruel, but not to him… right?When I wake, the emptiness beside me is like a sudden chill. I am alone. The silence feels heavy, oppressive, as a sense of unease creeps through me like a shadow that refuses to fade.Then, the noise hits me. Loud shouts pierce the quiet, and the sound of hurried footsteps fills the air. I sit up, my heart pounding. Something is wrong. Very wrong.“Now! They need all the soldiers
Celine POV I set to work, using my claws to dig the bullets out. My breath comes in shallow gasps, and sweat beads on my forehead. The bullets aren’t deep, but the act of removing them feels like pulling poison from his very soul. Each one hits the ground with a metallic clink, and I feel a flicker of hope.“Mutt!”The voice freezes me. It’s cold, mocking, and all too familiar. My body goes rigid as I turn toward the source. Beta Noah. His sneer cuts through the dim light as he steps into the room, his presence suffocating.“I can smell you,” he says, his voice dripping with cruel amusement. “I knew you’d come back.”Joseph’s shout snaps me out of my paralysis. “Get out of the cell before he locks it!”I bolt for the cell door, fumbling with the keys in my haste as I race to Joseph's cell. But before I can reach Joseph’s cell, Noah’s hand catches me, slamming me against the stone wall. Pain radiates through my back, and I cry out. His grip tightens around my neck, cutting off my air.
Helios’s POVI carefully take Clara from Dolton, cradling her against my chest as if she’s the most precious treasure I’ve ever held, and she is. Her delicate warmth radiates into me, a fragile yet unwavering presence in my arms, melting through the lingering hardness that once defined who I was. Her steady, peaceful breathing calms something deep inside me, quieting the restless beast I had always been.As I study her tiny face, with soft cheeks and a delicate nose, the innocence reflected there stirs something unfamiliar in my chest, a fierce protectiveness unlike anything I have ever known. The heart that once burned with obsession, possessiveness, and dominance now fills with a different kind of fire, pure and gentle. It’s startling yet comforting, reshaping who I am from the core outward.Instinctively, almost without thinking, I begin to hum softly, a melody from a lifetime ago, one I barely remember, yet somehow feels right to shar
6 Years LaterJonathan POV“Caleb, hold still,” I murmur, tightening my grip gently around my three-year-old son, who wriggles impatiently in my arms. His soft golden hair tickles my chin as he peers eagerly around the room, blue eyes wide with excitement. Aurora streaks past, her small dragon form shimmering in hues of violet and silver, scales glinting under the soft lights as she darts playfully around us.Celine laughs softly as she watches Aurora, her eyes filled with warmth. Sebastian stands near her, arms crossed over his chest, a proud smile on his face. Beside them, Dolton cradles his newborn daughter, Clara, just a week old, her tiny features serene as she sleeps peacefully against his chest.The room is alive with happiness, joy bouncing off the walls as we prepare for the celebration. I find myself smiling, my heart swelling. It wasn’t so long ago that I thought I’d lost everything. But here, surrounded by these people,
Sebastian’s POVThree months laterI’m flying as fast as I can, the wind cutting sharp against my scales.I left the kingdom earlier to meet Aarmon and collect two feeders for Celine. Her pregnancy has made her need blood more frequently, and I have no idea how she will be after the baby is born. I planned to return days ago, but Aarmon ran into issues with the vampires, delaying everything. Now I’m rushing back, and the only thing I know is that Celine has gone into labor.I abandoned the cars hours ago, there wasn’t time to waste. The soldiers will ensure the feeders arrive safely. Right now, the only thing that matters is getting to her.Helios pushes forward, impatient, and I don’t stop him. He’s always faster than me in the air, and this time, I need that speed. He focuses, his instincts sharper, his wings slicing through the sky with powerful strokes. At least this way, if we’re late,
Celine’s POVThe grand hall of the Dragon Kingdom is alive with celebration, the golden glow of torches casting flickering light over the towering stone walls. It’s strange how quickly everything has settled, how the chaos of battle has faded into something almost distant, like a dream that we all woke up from. The weight of it still lingers, of course, but tonight is not about that. Tonight is about the fact that we are here. Alive. Stronger than before.The past week has been a blur, filled with moments of reflection and change. Somehow when Helios takes control, I can hear Sebastian in my mind. It's strange but nice. Jonathan has embraced both sides of himself more than ever, his fae and merfolk magic flowing together like they were always meant to be one. Dolton has grown quieter, more thoughtful, as if the shadows that once burst from him still whisper at the edge of his mind, not in a bad way though. Leif is adjusting, still finding his place among us
Sebastian POVThe cars come to a stop, and I glance out the window, relief flooding through me at the sight of home.Dolton nudges my arm with a playful grin. “You should fly up with Celine. It’ll be quicker than waiting in the cars.”I shake my head firmly. “No, we should all arrive together.”Dolton’s smirk widens, mischief clear in his eyes. “Alright, then how about Helios takes her up instead? I’m sure he’d love to stretch his wings.”I roll my eyes. “How is that any different?”Dolton shrugs, chuckling softly. “You said you missed home. I’d bet Helios does too—this is his kingdom after all. Maybe he deserves to arrive first.”Before I can respond, Helios takes Dolton’s suggestion as permission, surging forward eagerly and pushing my consciousness to the back. My body shifts abruptly in the car, a wave of laughter erupting from bo
Dolton POVWe’re sitting in a clearing, resting before continuing our journey back to the Dragon Kingdom. The weight I’ve carried since the battle finally feels lighter as laughter fills the air. Around me, faces are relaxed for the first time in what feels like forever. Sebastian sits close to Celine, his arm protectively around her as people continue to celebrate her pregnancy, teasing him about becoming a father. Their smiles are contagious, and I find myself genuinely laughing alongside them.Yet even as I laugh, Julius remains uneasy, pacing restlessly inside my mind. I try to push the unease away, but it’s difficult when Julius is this restless. I glance over to Leif, sitting quietly, staring off into the trees. There’s still so much I don’t know about him, so much he probably doesn’t even know about himself.Leaning closer, I nudge his shoulder gently. “You okay?”Leif blinks, pulled from his thoughts
Jonathan POVI sit alone in the quiet car, the journals spread across my lap. My fingers flip through the pages slowly, frustration building with every page turn. I’d told the others I needed silence to focus, but the truth is, I just didn’t want them to see how much this is getting to me.I’m trying to find answers for Dolton, something that can explain what’s happening to him, but each page I read feels emptier than the last. My heart thuds with a heavy anxiety as I rub my temples.There’s almost nothing here about Lycans. The few mentions I’ve found are vague or useless, and there’s not a single line about the Shadow of the Moon or why there can suddenly be two Lycans. It’s as if the writers deliberately avoided the topic, which only makes me feel more unsettled.I lean my head back against the seat, taking a slow breath, and close my eyes. Dolton deserves answers, he’s struggling with something non
Sebastian POVWe left the Werewolf Kingdom first thing in the morning. I want to get home. I’ve spent far too long away from my kingdom; Helios is restless, and so am I.It’ll take about three days to get back, but since it’s only our group traveling, all my men can drive, which means we won’t be slowed down by walking. Dolton chose to ride in another car with Leif, wanting to spend some time speaking with him alone. Jonathan opted to ride separately, claiming he needed quiet to focus on reading through the journals.I understand why Jonathan turns to the journals for answers, but even I doubt they can solve everything. I know he’s hoping to find something—anything—to help Dolton. Finding out Leif is directly connected to him, even in death, must be overwhelming, especially when severing their bond might risk both their lives.Still, despite the circumstances, I welcome the chance to spend time alone with Celine.
Celine POVI watch Dolton carefully. He wouldn’t have turned bad, I know it. He wasn’t alone, he had me, Sebastian, and Jonathan. We wouldn’t have let him become something evil.Stepping closer, I gently slip my hand into Dolton’s, trying to calm him. He turns slightly, offering me a faint smile, but the worry in his eyes is unmistakable. He shouldn’t be worried; he has us.“You once mentioned feeling like part of you was missing, like something wasn’t fully there,” his father says from behind the bars, his gaze unwavering. “Do you remember when that began, Dolton?”“No, I don’t,” Dolton snaps sharply.From the other cell, Wes chuckles darkly. “It started when Leif was born. Come on, Dolton, catch up.”Turning sharply, I glare at Wes, and the twisted, evil man mockingly blows me a kiss. My stomach churns with disgust.“Leif is part of you,&