Andros’s POVThe crowd inside the grand hall gradually dispersed after the ceremony ended. The bustling energy of the ceremony now echoed with the receding footsteps of the departing guests. Amidst the slowly emptying space, only we stayed behind. As the hosts of the event, of course, we had to be the last to leave the place. I glanced at my father, who had a joyous smile on his face as he talked to his estranged daughter, Astrid. I clenched my jaw, and my eyes turned cold when my eyes landed on Astrid’s crimson-red gown. I had been bracing myself all morning, anticipating the inevitable complaint about Astrid’s dress. I thought my father would have been informed about it already. But as the hours ticked by, the expected summons never came, leaving me puzzled and unsettled. I was confident that Asha did something to Astrid’s dress to stop this ceremony. My sister is like an open book, very easy to read. I swear you could read her thoughts just by looking at her face. Seeing how
Astrid’s POVAlpha Theron gazed at me with a wistful look in his eyes, reflecting a tapestry of emotions within them after Andros had left, leaving only the both of us behind.I shifted on my feet, feeling uncomfortable under his nostalgic gaze. He is staring at me with memories playing in his eyes.And then, the corners of his lips curled slightly, like he had just woken up from a dream. “Oh, Astrid. You’ve grown up so much already. Your dress really looks good on you,” Alpha Theron muttered, confirming my thoughts.He is staring at me the way a father does when he looks at his grown-up daughter while reliving past memories. “I wish I was there to see you grow up. I wish I was really there with your mom,” he whispered with pain in his voice.A lump formed inside my throat when I heard his words. In the past, he had the option to fulfill those wishes he mentioned.However, in the end, he still chose to leave us. It doesn’t matter whether he regretted his decision or not.The day he
Astrid’s POV“Nova, you… you looked different,” I muttered as I failed to find the words to describe how much she had glowed up. “I’m sorry I was late. I didn’t arrive on time to witness the ceremony,” Nova spoke with her eyes squinted a bit as she felt bad for being late. I was so annoyed and so angry when I didn’t see her presence in the ceremony. I thought she wouldn’t come. She said in her letter that she would attend my ceremony and introduce her mate to me. I was heartbroken when I didn’t see her in the grand hall earlier. “I forgive you since you stayed true to your words and still came,” I answered in a forgiving tone. “By the way, where is your mate? Didn’t you say you’ve found him already? You said you’re going to introduce me to him.”Nova smiled shyly when she heard my questions. She looked behind her and gestured for the man who was with her. “Astrid, this is Michael,” Nova announced as she beckoned her mate towards me. As I turned to face the newcomer, words fled m
Nova’s POVI struggled as I quickened my footsteps, trying to match Astrid’s pace. She was dragging me closely by her arm, her large gown pressing to my side, hindering me from maintaining my balance. We haven’t even arrived yet, but she’s already bombarding me with questions, making it more difficult for me to keep up with her. “Well, Michael is not a werewolf,” I answered sarcastically in response to her last words. I held my breath when I nearly stumbled and almost made contact with my face to the ground. Luckily, I’m a werewolf, and I was able to stay rooted on the ground with my fast reflexes.My gaze snapped at Astrid, and I glared at her for pushing me, which almost led me to an accident. Astrid glared back at me without backing down. “This is your future, your own marriage that you are talking about. You should take my words seriously!” My face softened when I saw her face masked with seriousness. The sharp lines around her eyes conveyed a sense of urgency, showing just h
Andros’s POVI let out a heavy sigh as my gaze lingered on Asha from a distance. The wind danced around her, caressing her hair and blowing her dress like whispers of the past as she stood before our mother’s womb. I headed to her room before this, thinking that she would be there throwing a tantrum. When I found her room empty, I instantly knew where to look next, and I wasn’t mistaken. I knew deep down that she would be drawn to the quiet solace of our mother’s resting place, seeking comfort in the memories that lingered there. I softly approached Asha, stopping just inches behind her. My gaze fell on the fresh flowers adorning our mother’s tomb, their vibrant colors standing out against the cold stone. Asha glanced over her shoulder before turning her gaze back again to the ground, ignoring my presence. I watched her, framed by the gentle sway of the wind. “People are out there celebrating while you’re here choosing to mourn by yourself,” I muttered to steal her attention. As
Giselle’s POVI gripped my glass tightly as I caught snippets of hushed conversations drifting through the air. The banquet has almost come to an end, yet people are still talking about me and Killian. They are speculating that Killian is now regretting our marriage now that his ex-wife’s identity has come to light. Their whispers gnawed at my confidence, and their words settled like a stone in my stomach, heavy and unsettling. I glanced at Killian, who was standing a few feet away from me, talking to an Alpha. I’m sure he’s fully aware of the whispers going on around us. Even I, who didn’t like their words, couldn’t ignore them because of how much they were talking about us. Even though Killian could hear them, he just wore a mask of calm, his eyes distant as if he had chosen to tune out the murmurs altogether. This only added to my set of worries. He could easily stand up and defend himself to stop the rumors altogether. However, he chose to remain silent.Is this because thei
Astrid’s POVIt has been a long and busy day; my body is worn out from engaging in endless conversations with the guests and walking around to accommodate everyone from the ceremony to the special banquet earlier. I couldn’t wait to retire to my room and be alone. I thought I’d be overcome with sleep once my head hit the pillow, but unfortunately enough, my mind couldn’t stop buzzing from one thought to another, and I ended up laying on my bed, unable to sleep. I had a nice warm bath to relax my body as soon as I arrived at my room, and then I wore my best, nice, and comfortable night clothes for a comfortable sleep, but it eluded me. I have too many worries now that I’ve done step one of my plans. Giselle and Killian’s reaction to the truth kept replaying in my mind like a vivid film, refusing to let me rest. This is just the first step. I haven’t even done anything yet. I’m too excited ti actually be able to do something.I sat up on my bed and sighed. I’m getting tired of think
Andros’s POVI stared at Father in surprise when he announced that Astrid would be joining us for the briefing. This is a highly confidential meeting. Even Asha has never joined us here before. She’s not even aware of our Pack's private operations. However, the Father is willing to spill all of our confidential operations to Astrid. What does this mean? What are the father’s intentions really in bringing Astrid here?“Thank you for welcoming me,” Astrid spoke firmly. Still, the flutter of nerves in her stomach is evident in her face. Everyone is staring at her with a scrutinizing gaze as if weighing her in, but their father’s steady gaze on her encourages her to hold her ground. I opened my mouth about arguing with my father about this matter when someone spoke up first behind me. “Alpha, are you sure you are going to bring her into this?” One of our men questioned, his tone skeptical. I held myself back, seeing that there was no need to oppose my father when everyone inside the
Drystan’s POVThe forest was eerily quiet, a suffocating silence that wrapped itself around us as we regrouped near the Rogue King’s camp. My wolf stirred restlessly within me, sensing the tension that rippled through our ranks. The remnants of the earlier attack were still fresh—blood staining the ground, the air thick with the scent of burnt wood and iron. Yet, there was no time to grieve or falter. The rogues were waiting.Nova stood beside me, her eyes scanning the horizon. Despite the exhaustion etched into her face, she radiated a quiet determination. I knew she was thinking about Liora—about the lies and betrayal that had stolen her sister’s life. And now, with Rowena’s guilt looming over us, the questions weighed heavier than ever.Killian and Astrid approached, their expressions tense. Killian’s golden eyes were shadowed, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them.“We need to strike before the ritual is completed,” Killian said, his voice cutting through the
Drystan’s POVThe battlefield was a cacophony of snarls, howls, and the clash of steel. Blood mingled with the damp earth beneath my feet, and the air carried the metallic tang of death. My wolf surged within me, urging me forward, but I held steady. We were pushing the rogues back, but something about their movements didn’t sit right with me.“They’re retreating too easily,” I growled through the link to Nova, who was fighting nearby. Her lithe wolf danced around a rogue before sinking her teeth into its neck with precision.“I noticed,” she replied, her tone sharp, even in the heat of battle. “This isn’t a retreat. It’s a distraction.”I snarled, driving my blade into the side of a rogue that lunged at me. It crumpled to the ground, lifeless, as my gaze swept over the battlefield. The rogues were falling back, but their movements were too coordinated, too deliberate.“Hold the line!” I barked to my warriors. “Don’t chase them. They want us to follow.”Killian’s voice cut through t
Killian’s POVThe camp was alive with activity, warriors moving like clockwork as weapons were sharpened, armor adjusted, and strategies refined. The tension in the air was suffocating, pressing down on all of us like an invisible weight. The final confrontation was drawing near, and every wolf here knew it.Astrid approached, her steps light but purposeful, her face shadowed with exhaustion. “Drystan and Nova haven’t sent word yet,” she said softly, her eyes searching mine.“They will,” I replied, forcing certainty into my voice. “They know what’s at stake.”But deep down, doubt gnawed at me. The alliances we had built, the fragile unity between the Packs—it all felt like it was hanging by a thread, ready to snap at the slightest provocation.Astrid’s gaze shifted to Andros, who stood near the edge of the camp, guarded by two warriors. He leaned casually against a tree, his sharp eyes scanning the camp with calculated precision.“I still don’t trust him,” Astrid muttered, her voic
Killian’s POVThe camp was a flurry of activity, every wolf preparing for what could be our last stand. Weapons were sharpened, armor repaired, and scouts came and went with grim updates on the Rogue King’s movements.I stood near the center, watching the warriors train in the clearing. Their strikes were fast, their stances solid, but the tension in the air was unmistakable. Everyone knew what was coming, and the weight of it was crushing.Astrid approached, her expression as resolute as ever, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of exhaustion. “Drystan and Nova haven’t sent word yet,” she said quietly.“They will,” I replied, my voice firm. “They know what’s at stake.”Astrid’s gaze flicked toward the edge of the camp, where Andros was being guarded by two warriors. He sat on a fallen log, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, scanning the camp as if calculating his next move.“I don’t trust him,” Astrid said, her voice low.“Neither do I,” I admitted. “But right now, he’s a nec
Drystan’s POVThe council chamber at the Silvermoon camp was more crowded than usual, but the air was heavy with unease. After everything we had learned from Rowena and Andros, tensions ran higher than ever. Wolves from allied Packs whispered among themselves, their voices sharp with mistrust.Killian stood at the head of the chamber, his presence commanding as always, but even he couldn’t mask the strain on his face. Astrid sat to his right, her eyes dark with fatigue. Nova was beside me, her hand resting on her thigh, her tension palpable.Andros and Rowena sat on the far side of the room, their backs straight despite the weight of every glare in the room directed at them. Andros leaned casually against the wall, but Rowena remained composed, her sharp eyes sweeping over the gathered wolves with quiet authority.“We’ve heard what they’ve told us,” one of the elders said, his voice echoing through the room. “But how can we trust anything that comes from the mouths of traitors?”M
Chapter 35: The Rogue King’s True IntentionsAstrid’s POVThe fire crackled softly in the middle of our camp, its flickering light casting long shadows across the weary faces gathered around it. Rowena sat apart from the others, her posture poised despite the shackles around her wrists. Her silver hair, neat and immaculate, caught the firelight, and her eyes—sharp, calculating—watched us with the kind of patience that only came with age and experience.Killian stood to her right, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. He hadn’t said much since we brought her back, but the tension in his shoulders spoke volumes. His mother, the woman who had caused so much pain, was now our reluctant informant.Drystan paced nearby, his claws flexing as he glared at Rowena. Nova sat stiffly beside me, her hand gripping her knee as if to keep her emotions in check. Andros leaned against a tree on the far side of the clearing, his presence like a dark shadow, a reminder of the betrayal that had fra
Astrid’s POVThe forest around us was suffocating, its silence oppressive. Every step deeper into rogue territory felt like a journey into a nightmare. My wolf was on edge, her instincts screaming that danger lurked just beyond the trees.Drystan led our group, his movements precise and calculated as he tracked Rowena’s faint scent. Nova kept pace beside him, her body still healing but her determination unyielding. I trailed close behind, my gaze darting between the shadows, each step weighted by the tension of what we might find.“She’s leading us somewhere,” Drystan muttered, his voice tight with frustration. “But whether it’s to the Rogue King or a trap, I can’t tell.”“She won’t outsmart us again,” Nova replied, her tone sharp with anger.I wished I shared her confidence, but something about this chase didn’t sit right. Rowena wasn’t careless, and she wasn’t predictable. Whatever she was planning, it wouldn’t be simple.The scent trail brought us to a clearing veiled in mist.
Nova’s POVThe journey to Shadowfang territory was slow and tense. Every rustle of leaves, every distant howl, put us on edge. The warriors moved in near silence, their weapons ready, their gazes sharp. The moon hung low in the sky, its pale light casting long shadows across the forest.Drystan stayed close to me, his presence steady, though I could sense the storm raging beneath his calm exterior. Neither of us spoke much. The weight of what we might find—and what it could mean for Liora’s sacrifice—hung heavily between us.Astrid and Killian led the group, their eyes scanning the path ahead. The Rogue King’s forces had fortified Shadowfang, and the closer we got, the more we felt his presence.We reached the outskirts of Shadowfang territory just before dawn. The air was thick with the scent of rogues and something darker—something I couldn’t quite place.“We’ll rest here,” Killian said, his voice low but firm. “Drystan, take a small group and scout ahead. Report back with anyt
Astrid’s POVThe Emberwood ruins were quiet, but the air felt heavy. The scars of the siege remained—bloodstains on the stone, shattered barriers, and weary warriors moving through the wreckage. The Rogue King’s retreat had left a bitter aftertaste, not a victory. We all knew it wasn’t over.Scouts arrived at dawn, their reports grim. The Rogue King was rallying in Shadowfang territory, an area long abandoned after his rise to power. Worse, his forces weren’t just rogues anymore. Several smaller Packs had joined him, their banners seen flying alongside his.“He’s not just uniting rogues,” Killian said as we gathered in the council chamber. “He’s turning wolves against their own Packs.”The room erupted into murmurs of disbelief and anger.“What kind of Alpha betrays their kind for a rogue?” one elder growled.“A desperate one,” Nova said, her voice sharp but steady. She leaned against the table, her injuries still evident. “The Rogue King’s offering them something we can’t: freedom