10SerenaThree months later...Far away from Kane's Pack, in the isolated Silver Creek Pack, I had given birth. My labor had been long and agonizing, with no one by my side as the contractions wracked my body. When the first baby emerged, a little girl, I felt a glimmer of joy amid the pain. But the second baby did not come as easily. "Push! You must push!" I urged myself through clenched teeth. With one final scream, my son slipped free, but he did not cry. Panic seized me as i pulled him to my chest, patting his tiny back desperately. Then, a little mewl, and a breath of relief escaped my lips. My children were here, perfect and healthy despite the difficulty of the birth. I held them close, tears mingling with smiles as i gazed upon their tiny faces. "You are my light in this dark world," i whispered. "I will do anything to protect you both."In the aftermath of Evelyn, Thomas, and Jake's deaths, my life took a downward turn. However, I found solace in the support of Emily and S
11KaneI breathed heavily as I sprinted through the shadowy forest, the shouts and howls of the pursuing guards echoing all around me. My escape had not gone unnoticed, as I had feared, and now the Lycan King's entire retinue was on my trail, intent on dragging me back to that dank cell. "Stop right there! Surrender, or you'll be nothing but wolf fodder!" bellowed a gruff voice as I sprinted through the shadowy forest."You think you can escape the Lycan King's grasp? You're a fool!" warned another guard, their shouts echoing through the trees.Ignoring their threats, I continued running, the moonlight casting eerie shadows on my fur. "You won't make it far, mutt! The King wants you back in that cell!" a guard sneered."If you don't stop running, you'll be a death meat, werewolf! The King's orders!" another shouted, the desperation in their voices matching the howls of pursuit.The trees ahead were getting fewer, and the moonlight peeked through, shining on my fur. I transformed int
12Kane,I stared in disbelief as I took in the right before me, I had to blink my eyes a few times to ensure that I was seeing well and right, Gazing at her form, I could see dry flakes of tears on her face as I approached hesitantly,"Serena? Is it really you?"My voice was barely above a whisper as I questioned her with furrowed brows,Staring at her, my heart and head were in a battle, on one hand, I wanted to rush to her and never let her go, on the other I wanted to berate and ask her when she had been, her absence had cost me a lot. Serena barely acknowledged me as she got on her knees before the king, clasping her hands she begged in a broken voice,"Please, Sir! Please don't kill him, please save his life for the sake of our children" Everyone present let out a loud gasp, with their eyes as wide as saucers. “What is she talking about?”“Children? For the Alpha?”“I cannot believe my ears, this has to be a lie I tell you!”Everyone around began asking all at once, but I co
12Kane,I stared in disbelief as I took in the right before me, I had to blink my eyes a few times to ensure that I was seeing well and right, Gazing at her form, I could see dry flakes of tears on her face as I approached hesitantly,"Serena? Is it really you?"My voice was barely above a whisper as I questioned her with furrowed brows,Staring at her, my heart and head were in a battle, on one hand, I wanted to rush to her and never let her go, on the other I wanted to berate and ask her when she had been, her absence had cost me a lot. Serena barely acknowledged me as she got on her knees before the king, clasping her hands she begged in a broken voice,"Please, Sir! Please don't kill him, please save his life for the sake of our children" Everyone present let out a loud gasp, with their eyes as wide as saucers. “What is she talking about?”“Children? For the Alpha?”“I cannot believe my ears, this has to be a lie I tell you!”Everyone around began asking all at once, but I co
13SerenaI don't know how long I sobbed there on the ground, the emotions consuming me in waves. Some small part of me registered Kane's presence still near, though he made no move to touch me. Not that I would have allowed it in that moment. Eventually my tears slowed, leaving me feeling hollowed out yet again. I dared lift my gaze, met with twin pairs of eyes - the kind man's, full of concern, and Kane's, unreadable yet intense. 'Who was this man?' I wondered.A shuddering breath left me as I pushed myself up on shaking arms. My voice was barely a rasp as I spoke. "All I could think to do was come find my mate. He is the only one with a chance of helping me now." Kane remained silent, waiting. I turned to the man. "You have shown me kindness sir. If there is any influence you can lend to the search for my pups, I beg of you."He nodded solemnly. "You have my word, child, all resources will be committed to bringing your children home safely. But first, rest - you are worn to the
15KaneThe city lights flickered in the distance as I walked through the bustling urban jungle, lost in a sea of thoughts. Serena's words reverberated in my mind, cutting deeper than any critique. How had I let my pride and ego sabotage what really mattered?I had allowed my pride and ego to come between us, betraying the sacred bond of mate and pack. Because of my mistakes, Serena had suffered unspeakable hardships alone - and now our pups were missing too. Guilt and self-loathing consumed me.Stopping under a dimly lit streetlamp, I let out a frustrated sigh, the city noise drowning in my anguish. What right did I have to mourn when I was the architect of Serena's pain? I had to find a way to fix this mess, to earn even a shred of her trust and help locate our missing kids. But how?A rustle behind me snapped me from my dark thoughts. I tensed, scanning the shadows, catching a familiar scent on the breeze. "Show yourself," I growled, ready for a confrontation.A figure emerged, han
16SerenaI walked beside Kane in stiff silence, barely containing my fury. How dare he approach me after everything? My hands balled into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms. The royal gardens came into view, bursting with colorful blooms. I spun to face him, eyes ablaze. "Well? You have your five minutes. Speak before I change my mind and call the guards." Kane held up his hands placatingly. "Serena, I know you have every right to despise me. But please believe that I'm here only to help find our pups."A bitter laugh escaped me. "Our pups? You lost any claim to call them yours the day you told me that my unborn child was a bastard." My voice rose as pent up rage and hurt bubbled over. "Do you have any idea what I went through after your rejection?!" Tears pricked my eyes but I refused to let them fall. "I was heavy with your cubs and had nothing - no home, no family, no means to provide for them. I nearly died giving birth alone in the wilderness because of you!"Kane
17SerenaThe week passed in a flurry of preparations for the ball. As word spread, RSVPs poured in from neighboring kingdoms. I whiled away my hours in fittings, selecting the finest silks and jewels from the royal treasury for my gown. As the week passed in a flurry of preparations, I found my thoughts often drifting back to Kane, no matter how I tried distracting myself. Alone in my chambers in the evenings, I would sit holding Thomas and Evelyn's delicate silver necklace, tracing its teardrop moonstone pendant with my fingertips. May their gentle souls rest peacefully. Memories of their kindness when they took me in after Kane cast me out would flood back, bringing a fresh wave of grief and loneliness. I recalled nights sitting by the fire as Evelyn tended to my wounds, her gentle hands and soothing voice like a mother's. Thomas teaching me to read by the afternoon light streaming through the windows. Their love and acceptance had been my saving grace in the darkness that foll
24SerenaI strode purposefully towards the stables, my anger fueling each step. Behind me, I heard Maximus let out a frustrated growl. "Let her go, sire," said Luka calmly. "She will not be deterred. But neither can we allow her to rush into danger alone.""Then go after her, and do not return without her," snapped Maximus. "Ensure no harm comes to my daughter. And you-" He turned to Kane. "If anything should happen to her, you will answer to me."Kane nodded solemnly. "You have my word, Alpha."I had just reached the stables when Luka caught up to me. "Princess, please wait."I whirled to face him, eyes blazing. "Have you come to drag me back in chains? I will not be coddled or controlled like a helpless cub."Luka held up his hands peacefully. "I mean you no harm. But nor can I stand idly by while you rush headlong into peril. Your father cares for you deeply, as do I." He took a step closer, voice softening. "Let me accompany you, if only for the sake of easing their worries. I s
23At dawn the next day, I prepared myself and snuck out of my room to go meet up with Kane at the stable, I hadn't told anyone about my plan, not even my father or Luka,While I trudged down the road to the stables, the searing pain in my sides reminded me that I was not healed and yet I was planning another journey, and intending to ride on a horse to an unknown place, with the hope of rescuing my cubs. I could not dare to sit idly by while children were out there somewhere.‘Mama is coming, babies, I'll do whatever it takes to rescue you both and be reunited with you! I swear this by the moon goddess’ I soliloquized to myself, wincing against the pain at my side, My booted feet made crunching noises on the graveled ground with each step, I hurried my feet to move faster, despite the pain in my stomach and the nerves that coursed through me.I was not prepared for the sight that greeted me when I finally walked up to the stables, I stared unwittingly at the sight before me; my fath
22SerenaLight pierced my eyes as I awoke in the healer's chambers some time later. My side ached fiercely but the wound had been stitched. King Maximus sat at my bedside, worry etched onto his face."You foolish girl," he rasped. "I told you war was no place for an untested ruler. Look what your arrogance has wrought!" I tried to speak but he silenced me. "Save your excuses. From now on you will obey my rule without question, do you understand?"Shame and disappointment weighed on me as I nodded weakly. The healers rushed to apply soothing salves, but no medicine could ease the failure in my heart. I had disobeyed my father and led our troops into peril without due care. Though the orcs had been routed, at what cost to myself and kingdom? I could only pray I had not compromised our security through rash action and inexperience.My body ached as I drifted in and out of consciousness. When finally I awoke again, the events of the battle came flooding back - our forces clashing with
21Serena's PovThe ride north passed in a blur as our troops made haste. Each moment brought me closer to my first true test as commander. Luka rode beside me, his calm presence soothing my nerves. "The border is near," he said. "Whatever awaits us, know that I have faith in your leadership." I nodded gratefully, though my doubts remained. Too soon, the frontier came into view - and with it, signs of war. Plumes of black smoke rose from burning farms in the distance. My heart clenched at the suffering of innocents caught in this conflict."The orcs have breached the border," Luka said grimly, breaking the silence. "We must engage them swiftly before they advance further."I nodded, steeling my resolve. "Form ranks and charge on my command." With a blast of horns, our Lycan cavalry surged across the plains. As we approached the battlefield, the vastness of the enemy force came into focus - a horde of orcs, pillaging all in their path. As we drew nearer, the vast orc army came int
20SerenaMy heart raced as Luka's lips met mine tenderly. All thoughts of duty and rumors fled my mind, lost in the gentleness of his kiss. Too soon, he pulled away, gazing down at me with questions."Princess, I did not mean to overstep. Your duties and station..."I silenced him with a finger to his lips. "Please, say no more of duty right now. In this moment, I am but a woman seeking comfort in troubled times. And you have been the kindest of companions these past days."Luka gazed at me with such tenderness it made my breath catch. "There is no one I would rather stand beside as you weather life's storms, my princess. But I would never presume or compromise your position in any way."I smiled softly. "Then do not think of status or station for now.""Princess, we must be cautious. Your position demands it, and I would never endanger you." I knew he spoke wisdom, yet in that moment all I wanted was to lose myself in his embrace. "Please Luka, just a little while longer. No one
19SerenaRigel sputtered, caught off guard. But another bowed respectfully. "Forgive us, Your Highness. Old Rigel speaks out of turn."I held up a hand. "No need for apologies yet, friend. I welcome honest counsel, however gruffly delivered. Now Rigel, share your views - but choose words carefully."Rigel eyed me warily. "With respect, Princess, you've yet to face true hardship. War is no place for delicate sensibilities."I arched a brow at Rigel. "Pray tell, what do you know of my hardships?" I asked calmly. Rigel shifted, clearly unaccustomed to being questioned. "With respect Princess, I meant no offense. It's just that war ain't no place for a lady." "Is that so?" I replied evenly. "Then enlighten me, Rigel - what defines a lady, if not her character?"Rigel opened his mouth then closed it, at a loss. I pressed on. "You assume I am weak or delicate because of my title, my birth? Things over my control. But you should rather judge me for those within - my character, convictions
18SerenaFrozen in place, my pulse thundered in my ears while my mind raced. Had all my guards disappeared into the night, leaving me defenseless? As the figure turned, a familiar face emerged from the shadows. "Kane!" I breathed in horror and rage. "What are you doing here? How did you get past the guards?"He took a step toward me, hands raised in a gesture of peace. "Serena, please. I just want to talk."I backed away, hand groping behind me for anything to use as a weapon. "You've said more than enough. Get out before I call for help!"Kane sighed in frustration. "Will you not listen to reason? I know what you must think of me, but the past is the past. We were happy once." Another step forward prompted a matching step back from me. "Happy?" I spat. "You made my life a living hell! Give me one good reason I shouldn't end you where you stand." His eyes flashed dangerously in the lamplight. "Because whether you like it or not, we are bound. I am your mate."My fingers closed aro
17SerenaThe week passed in a flurry of preparations for the ball. As word spread, RSVPs poured in from neighboring kingdoms. I whiled away my hours in fittings, selecting the finest silks and jewels from the royal treasury for my gown. As the week passed in a flurry of preparations, I found my thoughts often drifting back to Kane, no matter how I tried distracting myself. Alone in my chambers in the evenings, I would sit holding Thomas and Evelyn's delicate silver necklace, tracing its teardrop moonstone pendant with my fingertips. May their gentle souls rest peacefully. Memories of their kindness when they took me in after Kane cast me out would flood back, bringing a fresh wave of grief and loneliness. I recalled nights sitting by the fire as Evelyn tended to my wounds, her gentle hands and soothing voice like a mother's. Thomas teaching me to read by the afternoon light streaming through the windows. Their love and acceptance had been my saving grace in the darkness that foll
16SerenaI walked beside Kane in stiff silence, barely containing my fury. How dare he approach me after everything? My hands balled into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms. The royal gardens came into view, bursting with colorful blooms. I spun to face him, eyes ablaze. "Well? You have your five minutes. Speak before I change my mind and call the guards." Kane held up his hands placatingly. "Serena, I know you have every right to despise me. But please believe that I'm here only to help find our pups."A bitter laugh escaped me. "Our pups? You lost any claim to call them yours the day you told me that my unborn child was a bastard." My voice rose as pent up rage and hurt bubbled over. "Do you have any idea what I went through after your rejection?!" Tears pricked my eyes but I refused to let them fall. "I was heavy with your cubs and had nothing - no home, no family, no means to provide for them. I nearly died giving birth alone in the wilderness because of you!"Kane