Selene exits the bathroom a long while later. As she is choosing the clothes she will wear, someone knocks on the door, and one of the young women who helps in the kitchen enters with a breakfast tray in hand."Good morning, Miss Selene. The alpha asked me to bring your breakfast to your room," the young woman says timidly, with her head bowed, as she approaches a small table to set down what she brought."Has he already left?" Selene is still upset, and not even the beautiful red rose next to the coffee cup can cheer her up. The hunger she had since yesterday has completely vanished, first due to Carla's confrontation, and now due to that little argument with him."Yes, miss. He won’t be back early. Beta Jackson, Mrs. Carla, Beltrán, and other trusted guardians went with him. Generally, when they all go out together, they disconnect completely from the pack and return very late at night."The young woman leaves the room, and Selene is left pondering the oddity of the situation. But s
Saya starts running aimlessly in the opposite direction of where she saw those she-wolves enter. Selene marvels at the scenery through Saya and her eyes. Just like when she first arrived, her eyes widened in amazement. This place is stunning, incomparable to anything she has seen before in the Amazon or Tierra de Pinares. The play of light and shadows created by the sun and the trees is a spectacle to remember forever. They even seem to become one with nature, as Saya can perceive the fluttering of butterflies and the movement of the smallest insects.The breeze is fresh and offers the peace and freedom she longed for, but as they advance, the sequoias become even larger, and her sense of direction gradually fades. Saya isn’t too worried about this situation. She has always been an excellent tracker, and Uriel has taught her a lot about the positions of celestial bodies. Although it is daytime, she can still navigate by the direction of the wind and her keen sense of smell, one of the
Connor spent the entire day at that damned meeting with the council, although at all times he thought of Selene and that argument they had before leaving. He imagined everything would be fine, until he arrived at the mansion and found this disaster. It’s clear that no one notified him because it is forbidden to disturb him during those meetings; he even turned off his phone so that no one could interrupt him. Despite that, everyone in the pack has been ordered to keep Selene away from the border. Everyone knows the reasons—why didn’t anyone stop her? Why weren’t there guardians in that area to prevent her from passing through? Why did she take that exact path and not the other one that leads to the safe zone? There are too many questions swirling in his mind as he ventures into the red forest, as they call it. This is territory claimed by Augusto, his father's bastard brother, the man responsible for the greatest massacre of their pack fifteen years ago. Since then, he and Augusto ha
The way back to the mansion doesn’t take as long for Connor as the journey there did; however, for Selene, it is the most uncomfortable minutes of her life. Her headache has worsened due to the position, and her stomach is in knots. She doesn’t struggle at any moment, doesn’t say anything, nor does she ask questions, as she isn’t even fully aware of what has happened, although she hears her companion growl a couple of times along the way. The alpha carries her into the house, and the reproving look from his mother greets him. “I told you she would try to escape, that she would take advantage of the moment we were outside to do so, and you didn’t believe me. She could have gotten us into serious trouble; someone could have died because of her,” Carla growls through the mental link, her face contorted. Connor doesn’t respond, but from his expression, it’s evident that what his mother said affects him more deeply. “Brother…” Clarisse attempts to say something as she follows him, bu
Connor feels how she doubles over in pain as tears fill her eyes. Selene stopped physically fighting against him a few minutes ago and now focuses her remaining mental strength and willpower on repelling the connection he is imposing on her. She doesn't want to lose the only thing she has left of Dexter, at least not this way. She knew it would have to happen someday, but she is not ready for this. Connor has no idea of the damage he is causing her.Her eyes are closed, and the pain spreads from her shoulder to the rest of her body. Saya is restless and howling in her mind, not knowing what to do, because she doesn't want to fight against her mate's blood, but she also doesn't believe this is the way.Dexter's last memories flash before Selene's eyes, burning her gaze, breaking her heart into pieces. The pain and the aura Connor is using against her are too much for her. She can see in her mind the beautiful smile of her former mate when they recognized each other that night, he was t
"I did it for her own good. You know perfectly well what Augusto is capable of. Selene had the damn luck that this time it didn't escalate, but knowing that rogue, I know he has something else planned," Connor replies, still angry."Leaving aside Augusto's intentions, Connor, do you think Selene is going to wake up tomorrow and smile at you? Do you think she will simply forgive you for forcing her to bear your mark?""It wasn't how I planned it, but after she disobeyed me, I had no other choice. How did she expect me to react to what she did? She put herself in danger, she put the pack in danger, I couldn't let this go without doing something about it.""Well, ideally, you should have sat down and talked to her about the attack, about Augusto, about the council's rules, and about the agreement your father left," Jackson says, making Connor tense up. "I don't see Selene as an irrational person, quite the opposite. Besides, we know her parents, both are exceptional people, I'm sure your
Connor's phone rings loudly in his pants pocket, making him frown as it pulls him from his thoughts. He turns and looks at Selene, who is still in the same position since the morning. It's now afternoon, and he hasn't left her side for a second. He postponed all his activities and asked Jackson for help with the most urgent pack matters so he could stay with her.The doctor returned because the alpha asked her to take a blood sample from Selene to run all the necessary tests. She is due back shortly to report the results.Connor carefully gets up from the bed after leaving a kiss on his mate's forehead and walks to the balcony to take the call. He has no idea who it might be, but they've called a couple of times, so he assumes it must be important and that they will likely keep insisting if he doesn't answer now."Blazeheart?" he hears a deep voice from the other end as he picks up the call."Who's speaking?" Alpha Connor asks, looking at the number on his screen again."Turn on the c
Selene's improvement is immediate with the antidote. The dark spots on her hands and back slowly begin to disappear. Uriel has called a couple of times asking about his granddaughter and has calmed down seeing her improvement.Alpha Connor takes advantage of the night's silence and his lack of sleep and asks Jackson to check the email Katrina had sent him earlier, as he does not want to leave his mate alone.Jackson, accompanied by Alexia, opens the email that Selene's mother had sent to Connor the day he claimed her, surprised to find many attachments—not just the medical documents the alpha mentioned, but also several videos and photos of her from when she was young."Is that why...?" Alexia asks, but the words get stuck in her throat as she watches a specific video that leaves them both deep in thought."Most likely, yes," Jackson replies, still engrossed, his eyes fixed on the playback of a birthday party from several years ago. On top of the birthday cake is a number 4, and sever
That same night, Inés is taken to the place where she will serve her sentence—a remote and sinister location that has remained untouched for far too long. The dungeon's whereabouts are known only to the alphas, passed down from generation to generation. It is guarded by Terrakais, making it far easier to enter than to leave. No prisoner has ever escaped, and those who have dared to try met their end within mere meters, buried beneath mountains of sand and tangled vines. Her face and reaction upon seeing the place are unforgettable. Her screams of desperation and horror are swallowed by the forest. The following morning, the entire pack feels different, as if a new energy has settled over them. They begin moving early. After training, Jackson and the others start organizing the repairs. Clarisse continues helping at the clinic, while Connor immerses himself in the administrative matters he has neglected for far too long. His goal is to have everything cleaned up and in order by t
"Bring the prisoner!" The alpha’s voice startles Doctor Mirna, who shifts uneasily in her seat. A few minutes later, Inés’s screams echo throughout the place. Her appearance is deplorable—she is dirty, emaciated, and covered in half-healed wounds. "Connor, please!" she cries between sobs. "You don’t have to do this. Please, please, please..." The guards escorting her shove her toward the center. She falls to the ground. "Inés Emberclaw, omega of the Redwood Wolves pack, you are here tonight to be judged for the crimes of criminal association, betrayal of your pack, accessory to murder, and many other offenses." One of the elders stands and addresses her after the alpha gives the order. "How do you plead?" "I’m inno...cent, I swear," she responds between choked sobs. Connor watches her with no trace of emotion on his face. The trial continues for several hours. Nearly all those involved come forward to give their statements. At one point, Maya turns to her side and realiz
Somewhere in the Highlands…Lilith walks slowly, carrying a tray of food in her hands. It’s likely that Selene won’t touch it, just like she hasn’t in the past few days, but she still tries to get her to change her mind. She opens the door and enters with a broad smile."Good morning," she greets her. "How are you feeling this morning?""Good morning," Selene responds in a low, slightly hoarse voice. "I feel much better, Aunt. The wound barely hurts anymore.""That concoction I made never fails. I knew it would help with your injury, but that’s not what I’m asking about, Selene." Lilith places the tray on the small terrace table before returning to sit beside her on the bed. "I mean this." She points at Selene’s chest. "How is that heart feeling today?"Selene averts her gaze without answering. There’s no need to be a mind reader to know what’s going through her head right now. In the days she has been here, Lilith has learned to read her well—she knows she’s suffering deeply, but lea
Alpha Connor runs toward the training field. Just before reaching the massive stone wall, he shifts into Sorem, deliberately slamming his body against it with all his strength.He does it over and over again. The wall begins to crack and crumble little by little, while blood gushes from his forehead.His sister’s screams from behind him do nothing to quell his frustration, his pain, or his rage. The only way to stay alive without Selene is to push his body to the limit, to remind himself every day that he deserves this punishment, that he deserves to suffer and feel pain for what he did."Connor, please, stop. You’re hurting yourself," his sister pleads, trying to reach him, but Sorem growls at her, forcing her to step back.This scene repeats itself every single day since Selene disappeared. The female guards surround him, attempting to stop him, but they know they won’t be able to—not until he has had enough.A few minutes later, much of the wall has collapsed, becoming just another
One week later…Limping, Kaelan walks through the clinic’s hallways until he reaches one of the rooms. He opens the door, and his smile widens at the sight of the red-haired woman busily tending to the children."You shouldn’t be wandering around here, King Kaelan," Clarisse says, still with her back to him. "As far as I know, the doctor hasn’t discharged you yet.""If Muhammad won’t go to the mountain, then the mountain must go to Muhammad," he replies, stepping closer to her. His mere proximity makes the hairs on her body stand on end."I’m busy," Clarisse points toward the room. Fortunately, all the pups are recovering well, and it seems they’ll be discharged soon. "And you’re still injured. Go back to your room, please."Kaelan moves even closer. His nose brushes against her neck, and she shudders instantly."I needed to smell your scent," he says, inhaling deeply. "I’d heal faster if you visited me more often. I’m your mate."Clarisse swallows hard, trying to loosen the knot in h
Eisheth smiles, her eyes fixed on Selene's. Inés keeps crying, which irritates her immensely. She can't believe that this runt managed to capture her and, on top of that, is threatening her with her own dagger. What a complete failure!"Come get her, monster," Selene urges, a smile also on her face as she presses the dagger a little harder until tiny drops of blood become visible on Eisheth’s skin. She doesn’t intend to harm her, but if she’s going to use her as bait, it has to be convincing.Eisheth readies herself and strides toward her in a menacing manner, but in the end, she recites a few phrases in an unknown language, and all the wolves of her own pack begin to surround her, growling."You think I’m going to face you when I have them to do it for me?" Eisheth gestures toward them. "I won’t kill you. He will do it for me."She beckons to Connor with her index finger, and he starts moving toward her, menacing, baring his fangs. Both Uriel and Kaelan step forward to intervene, but
Saya watches the events unfold from a distance. Her aura is intensifying rapidly as she sees the members of her pack attacking her grandfather and the others. They are all obeying Carla—or rather, the monster that is now revealing its true face. Her blood boils within her veins, unable to tolerate what is happening. However, she remains out of sight, waiting until she has a clear objective. Dr. Moreira is right—she must be cautious and move carefully to avoid endangering her pup. Charging in without a plan is, in fact, a very bad plan.From her position, her gaze remains locked on the monster responsible for all this chaos. Her fury grows, and with a low growl, the lowest branches of the sequoias begin to spiral and tremble, alerting Eisheth. A portion of the dark mist disperses for a few seconds before settling back into place. The Terrakai begin to grow uneasy. No one understands what is happening—except the spirits of the earth, who can sense their goddess, gifted by the moon, near
Inés arrives at the pack and finds massive destruction. There is shattered glass, furniture scattered everywhere, and to top it all off, that strange storm approaching quickly, making the atmosphere feel heavy, suffocating.She runs through the hallways and reaches the intensive care unit, where all the pack’s pups are. This seems to be the only intact place. The doctor and the physician who came from the Amazon are tending to the patients. Both turn around, startled, upon hearing the door open.“What are you doing here, miss?” Dr. Moreira asks with a frown. It seems she is the only one in the pack who has not suffered from the crisis. “Where were you? Are you hurt?”“Where is everyone? What happened here?” Inés ignores his questions and asks her own.“They all started acting strangely, then ran into the forest,” Ayanell responds with a shudder.She witnessed the worst of it. It all started while she was in a meeting with the pups’ families, explaining the treatment they were about to
Hours earlier… Selene sleeps deeply while Connor watches her closely. Sorem purrs on her chest, and despite multiple attempts to convince him to return to his own room, he refuses. Even Uriel has tried to persuade him more than once, but without success. “You need care too, Alpha. Those wounds don’t look good,” says Doctor Moreira, approaching to check Selene’s vital signs. “The moon is stable and asleep; there’s no need for you to stay by her side all the time.” Connor says nothing. However, he remains clinging to her hand. Of course, he feels pain—his wounds have yet to heal—but being with her is his priority now. Seeing his resolve, both Moreira and Uriel give up and leave them alone. The Alpha lies down beside his mate, and by instinct, Selene nestles against his chest. Both of them relax until they fall asleep, tightly embraced. When Selene wakes up, the scent of her mate sends a not-so-subtle shiver through her entire body. She doesn’t need to open her eyes to know w