**Cassandra's POV**I was walking down the palace corridors, trying to keep my head down and not attract attention as I headed for the exit, but the activity on the floor was restless and unusual. Servants and guards were moving in all directions, their steps quick and expressions tense. With each step, I heard snippets of confused and anxious conversations, and I knew something serious had happened.I moved a little further down the corridor but couldn't help my curiosity as I saw a room where people were crowding. There was a heavy atmosphere in the air, like a silent mourning, and at the center, on a large table, was something covered by a white cloth. I sighed, pressing my lips together in sadness. I knew what that meant: another girl, yet another innocent soul who hadn't survived this dark environment. Feeling sad, I thought about asking for her name so I could send something in respect to her family.As I hesitated, the head maid burst into the corridor, looking visibly shaken a
POV CASSANDRAAs soon as I entered the house, I couldn't hold back my tears. Ursula's note was clutched tightly in my hands, like an anchor that seemed to keep me standing while also pulling me into an abyss of pain. I barely registered my surroundings, just kept moving forward, as if my feet knew where to go.Xavier was sitting, staring at the fireplace, a glass of whiskey in one hand, his gaze lost in the flames. As soon as he heard me turn, he began to speak:"Finally, you're back. I was beginning to think..."But before he could finish, I crossed the distance between us and threw myself into his arms, pressing my face against his chest, not caring if he would understand or not. I just wanted that moment of comfort. The tears, so contained on the way, now flowed freely, soaking his shirt. Xavier, surprised at first, soon wrapped his arms around me, his warmth embracing me firmly.“Cassie... what happened?” he murmured, his voice gentle as he stroked my back, trying, even without kn
**Cassandra’s POV**In the silent room, I looked at Xavier, feeling my heartbeat quicken as he drew closer. His eyes, usually so intense, were now soft but deep, as if trying to reassure me about what he was about to say.“Cassandra, you know you can trust me, don’t you?” he said, and for a second, I believed that everything would be okay.I took a deep breath, closing my eyes as I gathered my courage. I could still feel the weight of the entire morning lingering. “No… nothing major happened,” I murmured. “Luna Katy just called me to talk about the group of servants who will come with us. It’s… it’s a gift from King Alpha,” I finished, feeling my voice falter slightly.The next moment, I saw Xavier’s expression change. His face grew rigid, his eyes burning with a mixture of anger and disdain.“A gift? Another way to control us, that’s what it is! I don’t need him to ‘gift’ me with personal spies,” he said through gritted teeth, turning abruptly, his body tense. Before I could react, X
POV ALPHA XAVIERI entered the bathroom and turned on the faucet, letting the sound of the water drown out any other noise. I knew Cassandra was on the other side of the wall, and, if only for a moment, I wanted her to believe that everything was fine. Keeping my face steady, I turned to the mirror and, in a burst of pent-up rage, punched the glass directly. The shards scattered across the floor as blood dripped from my hand, the pain burning intensely. I took a deep breath, letting out a growl from deep in my chest, tasting the bitter flavor of everything I’d kept inside for so long.I grabbed a small cloth, pulling the glass fragments from my skin, each one cutting deeper, until I finally wrapped my hand tightly. I took off my clothes, letting them drop heavily to the floor, as though each piece carried a weight I bore, and stepped into the bathtub. The hot water embraced my tense muscles, relaxing every exhausted part of my body, but only on the outside. Inside, my wolf, Ragnar, wa
Pov Alpha XavierAs I ran toward the battleground, every sound and scent blended around me—the pungent smell of blood, the humid air of the forest, and the heavy breathing coming from somewhere nearby. When I finally arrived, a chill washed over me at the sight of the blood-soaked ground, the bodies of my fallen warriors scattered around the entrance of a stone cave. The scene looked like a brutal hunting ground, the signs of struggle etched everywhere, but there was no sign of the shapeshifters.I sniffed the air, searching for signs of life. It was then that I heard a faint whisper, barely a whisper, but clear enough to make me turn toward the sound.“Alpha…”There, lying against a rock with a pale face and half-closed eyes, was Josh. His body was torn apart, with a deep wound in his stomach where part of his intestine protruded, a scene that could only mean one thing: they had tried to devour him.I knelt beside him, keeping my voice steady to calm him. “Calm down, Josh. You surviv
Pov CassandraWe arrived at the grand hall of the castle, where the Alpha King awaited us with his entourage of staff. There were at least a dozen people, all lined up, in uniform, with serious expressions. He introduced each of them with an air of pride—servants to cater to my whims and needs, people who would attend to Xavier, along with a few guards assigned for our "security."I noticed Xavier’s rigid posture beside me, silent, but something in his expression and the restless golden eyes of his wolf showed a discomfort that only I seemed to perceive. The tension was palpable, and to calm him, I held his hand firmly, thanking the Alpha King with a calculated smile.“We deeply appreciate, Your Majesty, the hospitality and this gift. They will be of great help to us. Thank you for everything during our stay,” I said, forcing myself to keep a serene tone.The Alpha King simply nodded, his cold eyes analyzing every detail of our farewell, as Luna Katy approached to say goodbye. She ext
Pov Alpha xavierAs the car engine roared back to life, the world seemed to narrow as I saw Cassandra on the ground, the shapeshifter mere centimeters away from ripping out her heart. A wave of insane rage exploded in my chest, and Ragnar, my wolf, roared within me. The sight of our mate in danger was the trigger I needed. A sharp scream echoed in my mind, filled with hatred and despair, as my eyes locked onto the creature.“Xavier, here!” I heard Josh shout, and instinctively, I turned in his direction. He threw something toward me, and I caught the gun in mid-air, cold and heavy in my hand. In a quick motion, I aimed and pulled the trigger three times. The bullets pierced the creature, which writhed on the ground, letting out a agonizing roar. The shapeshifter fell, its body sprawled out, and for a moment, silence dominated the scene.Cassandra was paralyzed with fear, her wide eyes fixed on the fallen creature. I got out of the car and went to her, extending my hand to help her up.
**Cassandra’s POV**When we finally arrived at the pack, after hours on the road, I saw a crowd waiting to welcome us. People had lined up to witness Xavier’s return, and I watched, still a bit distant, the reverence and respect everyone showed him. As soon as we got out of the car, one of the guards approached Xavier and informed him that his office was ready and the pending contracts had been organized for review. According to him, Jade had coordinated everything during our absence. Xavier asked where she was, and the guard explained that Jade had chosen to return to her father’s pack, Alpha Damon, before our arrival.I remained silent. I knew the real reason Jade was no longer there; she couldn’t bear to see us together. Her loyalty to Xavier was undeniable, but I felt the weight of her disappointment in the air, like a shadow hovering over us.“Can one of the staff take my wife to the room?” Xavier asked, and one of the employees quickly nodded. He gave me one last look before wal
Pov cassandraThe walls of the dungeon were cold and damp, and the smell of mold filled the air, mingling with the bitter taste of despair that refused to leave me. I sat in the dark corner of the cell, arms wrapped around myself, trying to suppress the trembling that overtook me. The chains on my wrists were heavy, but not as heavy as the weight of the accusations hanging over me.The echo of firm footsteps interrupted the oppressive silence. I lifted my head, quickly wiping away the tears that had fallen without my permission. I couldn’t appear weak, not in front of him. And there he was, Alpha Damon, standing outside the bars, wearing that cold, mocking smile that made me want to scream."What do you want here?" I asked, my voice firmer than I had expected.He entered the cell with the confidence of someone who knew they were in control. "You know why I’m here, Cassandra," he began, his tone calm but laced with venom. "I want you to take responsibility for the deaths."My hands cle
**Xavier's POV**Days had passed since the dust of war had settled, and I was finally crowned king. A grand ceremony took place, filled with ancient rituals and solemn words, but for me, the most significant moment was when Cassandra, by my side, received the crown of Luna. As the weight of gold was placed upon her head, I knew that, despite everything, she was my anchor, the reason why all of this was worth it.I looked at her, admiring her strength, even after all she had endured. There was an undeniable sadness in her eyes, but also a determination that made me believe that together we could overcome anything.After the coronation, my focus shifted to rebuilding the pack. The palace, devastated by the conflicts, began to be restored. The wounded soldiers received care, and the people returned to their homes. I made it a point to visit the families who had lost loved ones, offering help and ensuring that the future would be different. I promised myself that my leadership would be ma
The pain of childbirth had been excruciating, but nothing could compare to the wave of love that washed over me when I heard that fragile, delicate cry for the first time. My baby was here, in my arms, so small, so perfect.He was a boy. A beautiful, healthy boy, with eyes that, although newly opened, seemed to gaze directly at me. His skin, still red from the effort of entering the world, glowed under the flickering light of the flames illuminating the sky in the distance."My love... my boy..." I whispered, tears streaming down my face as I cradled him to my chest. Even with my body still aching from the pains of childbirth, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. I kissed his small forehead, feeling the warmth of his skin, and silently thanked the goddess of the moon for giving us this moment, even amid the chaos.But the moment of peace was brutally interrupted.The door was smashed open with a crash, and a group of men entered, their faces dirty and filled with hatred. I instinctively h
**Alpha Xavier's POV**The smell of gunpowder and blood filled the air as we led the attack on the central hall. I could hear the echoes of our wolves' howls mixed with the cries of resistance from Alpha Valetim's guards. Everything was going according to plan — we were surrounding the palace, closing off all escape routes.Ahead of me, one of Valetim's army commanders trembled, his eyes darting quickly over the men surrounding him. His breathing was heavy, and I could see the sweat dripping down his face."You’re surrounded," I said firmly, my deep voice cutting through the air. "It’s no use resisting. This isn’t just a battle, it’s the revolt of the people. Your tyranny, and that of King Valetim, is over. There’s no way out for you. Surrender and open the gates."He hesitated, gripping his sword with trembling hands. I could see the conflict in his eyes — a mix of fear and desperate loyalty. Before he could respond, one of my men advanced, pressing the sharp point of a blade against
*POV Cassandra*As I followed the servant through the dark corridors, we heard the unmistakable sound of Alpha Valetim’s voice echoing nearby. He was coming toward us. My heart nearly stopped, and for a moment, I froze.“It’s him...” I whispered, instinctively placing my hand on my belly.The eunuch glanced at me, alarmed, but remained calm.“We need to leave now! If he finds you here, Alpha Xavier’s plan will be ruined,” he said urgently, trying to pull me toward the exit.I looked in the direction of Valetim’s voice and felt a wave of despair. I knew he suspected something. If he realized I was trying to escape, not only would he imprison me again, but he would destroy all of Xavier’s efforts to save us.“Wait,” I whispered, gripping the servant’s arm firmly. “I need to throw him off track.”“That’s madness! Alpha Xavier wants you safe. You have to come with me now!” he whispered, almost desperate.“Trust me. I’ll delay him. Go to the meeting point and wait for me. I promise I’ll co
**Cassandra's POV**The months dragged on like centuries since Xavier disappeared. The last thing I heard was from some servants who claimed to have seen him working as a simple carpenter in a humble house nearby. They mocked him, calling him "The Crippled Alpha." The title had spread, and the rumors of his disability made him the subject of ridicule.His pack had abandoned him. When Valentim brought his punishment to everyone, most ran to save their own skins, including Jennie. From time to time, I would hear of hunts, captures, and the executions that followed. Valentim thought all of it was a big joke.Worse than the rumors were the photos. He sent them to me like slow poison, depicting Xavier limping, leaning on a cane, his exhausted face. Each image came with a messenger carrying gifts that piled up high in my room. They were never opened. I didn’t need to look to know they contained more insults than sincere intentions.That day, a servant entered, carrying a new batch."Luna, K
POV ALPHA XAVIERI was dragged through the dark, damp corridors of the dungeon like an animal about to be slaughtered. My wrists were bound by iron shackles that dug into my skin, causing constant pain. Two guards shoved me with every hesitation, their eyes filled with contempt. Finally, they stopped in front of a cell that smelled of urine, decay, and despair. Without ceremony, they threw me inside, and I stumbled, falling to the filthy floor.The sound of the iron door closing echoed through the dark space. I struggled to get up, wiping the blood from the corner of my lips, only to notice that the floor was infested with rats scurrying back and forth, fighting over pieces of spoiled food."Enjoy the hospitality, Cursed Alpha," one of the guards mocked. He held a plate with what looked like moldy bread and a bowl of sour broth. He pushed the food through the small opening in the cell and smiled maliciously. "This is your only meal of the day. Better save it."I didn't respond. I simp
**Cassandra's POV**The hall plunged into chaos the moment Valentim drew the knife. My heart stopped as he approached Xavier, his gaze overflowing with hatred."Valentim, don’t do this!" I screamed desperately, but he seemed to not hear.Xavier raised his arms defensively, trying to deescalate the situation."There’s no need for this, Valentim! Leave Cassandra and our child out of this. Deal with me, but not like this!"Valentim didn’t respond. With a swift movement, he grabbed Xavier's arm, pulling him close, and before I could even scream, the knife glinted under the light of the hall before plunging into the side of Xavier’s abdomen, just below his ribs. A muffled sound of torn flesh echoed through the hall, followed by Xavier’s scream of pain."Traitor!" Valentim roared, pointing the bloodstained knife at the guards around us. "The Cursed Alpha tried to kill me! He conspires against the kingdom, and for that, his whole pack will be condemned!""NO!" My scream ripped through the ai
POV ALPHA XAVIER"Another victim of the Alpha King," I heard someone comment."Was that an execution, or a horror show?" someone else replied.My body froze. Everything inside me was about to explode. The sight of my beta, my friend, dead before me was more than I could bear.Cassandra shrank beside me, sobbing quietly, yet she gripped my hand tightly, trying to hold me back, as if she knew what I was about to do.But nothing could stop me."Josh..." My voice was a low growl, full of pain and rage. My wolf howled in response, slamming against the barriers I had put up to control it.I knew that from that moment on, everything would change.The Alpha King's palace was dark at night, its oppressive architecture reflecting the chaos that reigned in the mind of the man who inhabited it. The doors slammed open as I entered, the sound echoing through the vast halls like thunder. My chest burned with anger and pain, my wolf growled impatiently within me, while my eyes found Valentim sitting