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
Astrid’s POVA ripple of agreement swept across the gathered men when they heard my suggestion. One of them spoke up, his brows furrowed in thought. “Miss Astrid spoke exactly what I was thinking. The rogues are calculating, and we only have limited intel about them. If we warn the others, we can bolster our defenses and strategize together.”My eyes swept to the men around the table. Their eyes that initially held skepticism about me are now showing signs of trust. No longer do they regard me with skepticism; instead, my words ignited a spark of determination in them. Their faces that had once been set in doubt now reflected a shared resolve. I felt a swell of pride as I started earning their confidence. They no longer see me as just a mere woman or some unworthy illegitimate child. “Don’t worry about that. Tomorrow, I’ll hold a meeting for all the Packs, and I’ll inform them of everything that we discussed today,” Alpha Theron assured everyone inside the room. “Then, if that’s
Astrid’s POVThe morning sun spilled over the horizon, bathing the Silvermoon Pack in golden light.It felt like a dream.Like I had woken up from a nightmare and stepped into something softer, something real.The wind was cool, crisp, carrying the scent of pine and earth, untouched by war, by fear. Peaceful.Something I never thought I’d feel again.But here I was.And my children—my heart, my soul—were safe.I looked down at Elara, her tiny fingers curled around mine as we sat on the balcony of the Packhouse. She was staring out at the trees, her expression calm but distant."Are you cold?" I asked softly, brushing her hair behind her ear.She shook her head. "No."She was quiet these days.Healing.Like all of us.I glanced over my shoulder, where Ryker sat cross-legged on the floor, watching Killian with furrowed brows."You're doing it wrong," Ryker grumbled as Killian attempted to braid his sister’s hair.Killian gave him a mock glare. "Excuse me? I was an Alpha before you were
Killian’s POVThe night smelled like blood and fire.I couldn’t stop moving.Every rogue in my path fell before they even had a chance to react. I didn’t feel them fall. Didn’t care.Because she was here.Astrid.And I would burn this entire place to the ground to get her and Elara back."Killian! We need to push back toward the main entrance!" Ryder shouted over the chaos."Then do it," I snarled, my claws slashing through another rogue’s throat. "I'm getting Astrid."The camp was collapsing around us, rogues scattering in terror. But I didn’t care about them.I cared about one thing.I slammed through the wooden doors, my wolf roaring inside of me, scenting her immediately.Astrid’s POVThe walls shook.The sounds of battle grew louder, closer.I knew what that meant.Killian was here.I forced myself to remain still, though my wrists ached from where they had been tied.The rogues had been restless since nightfall. They hadn’t expected an attack so soon. Hadn’t expected Killian to
Killian’s POVThe night air was thick with tension as we stood outside the war tent, the flickering lanterns casting long shadows over the gathered warriors. We had our plan.It wasn’t enough.Not for me.Not for the rage clawing at my chest, the desperation gripping my every thought.Astrid was out there. Alone. Surrounded. And every second we waited was another second she was at that bastard’s mercy.I paced the length of the clearing, my hands clenched into fists, my wolf snarling just beneath the surface. Patience was never my strength. And right now, I had none."Killian."Ryder’s voice was firm, grounding.I stopped, exhaling sharply, forcing my breathing to even out."We’re ready," Ryder continued, stepping beside me. "The scouts confirmed Astrid’s trail—it leads straight into the rogue king’s stronghold. But we still don’t know exactly where they’re keeping her and Elara."I turned to him, my golden eyes burning. "Then we force them to tell us."Ryder nodded, but his gaze flic
Killian’s POVThe room was suffocating.The walls pressed in around me, and my wolf howled inside my chest, clawing to be free, to run, to fight, to kill.I couldn’t breathe.Astrid was gone.Elara was still missing.They were both in his hands.The war room blurred as I stormed through the Packhouse, my mind a whirlwind of fury and desperation. My steps were too fast, too sharp, but I couldn’t slow down. Not now.Not when I had already lost so much.The moment I stepped into the war room, all eyes snapped to me.Ryder was there, arms crossed, watching me carefully. Warriors stood around the table, tense, waiting for orders. Waiting for me to do something.But I wasn’t thinking.I couldn’t think.I could barely see past the red haze of rage.“She left a trail,” Ryder said before I could even open my mouth.I froze.The room around me seemed to still, my mind catching onto his words like a drowning man clinging to a lifeline.“What?” My voice came out sharp, dangerous.Ryder motioned t
Astrid’s POVElara’s blue eyes locked onto mine, wide and glistening with tears, her small frame trembling in the grip of the rogue holding her.“Mommy!”Her voice cracked, breaking something inside me.I lunged, the burning pain of the wolfsbane shackles forgotten, my body driven by nothing but instinct.I barely made it a step before rough hands grabbed my arms, yanking me back.A snarl ripped from my throat. “Let her go!”Ardan’s smirk deepened. He raised a hand, and the rogue restraining Elara tightened his grip.She whimpered.A sound so small—so fragile—that it shattered every ounce of restraint I had left.“I swear with my own life, Ardan,” I growled, my voice raw with fury, “if you so much as touch her—”He laughed.Actually laughed.Like this was amusing. Like he wasn’t holding my world in his filthy hands.“My, my,” he mused, pacing toward me with slow, deliberate steps. “You really do have a soft spot, don’t you?” His gaze flickered to Elara. “I wonder… does she share your
Astrid’s POVThe journey to Ardan’s stronghold felt longer than it should have.They forced me to walk.Through the forest, over uneven terrain, my wrists bound in iron shackles laced with wolfsbane, burning against my skin with every step.I didn’t fight them.Not because I couldn’t.But because every second I stalled, every moment I made them think I was truly broken, brought me closer to Elara.That was all that mattered.The rogues surrounded me in a loose formation, their laughter and whispered taunts filling the night air.They didn’t see me as a threat.Not anymore.They saw a woman who had given up, a mother who had walked willingly into the lion’s den.That was their first mistake.Their second?Letting me breathe.As we moved deeper into rogue territory, my thoughts remained sharp, focused. I counted our path, memorized the turns, the landmarks, the scent markers.If I survived this, if I found a way to get Elara out, I needed to know exactly how to escape.If I didn't… then
Astrid’s POVThe rogues had been waiting for me.They lingered in the shadows, motionless, like predators poised for the perfect moment to strike. Their eyes glowed eerily in the dim light of the moon, flickering with something sinister—anticipation.They knew I was coming.My stomach twisted, but I forced my expression into something unreadable, my shoulders squared as I stepped forward. I came alone. No weapons. No resistance. Complete surrender.It was the only way.If I fought back, if I hesitated for even a second, Ardan might change his mind. He might keep Elara. He might hurt her.And that was a risk I wasn’t willing to take.I took slow, deliberate steps into the clearing, my heartbeat steady despite the way my wolf clawed at the inside of my skin, urging me to turn back, to fight.Not yet.I exhaled, tilting my chin upward as I finally stopped before them.The group of rogues—at least a dozen—remained silent for a moment, assessing me. Then one of them, a tall, lean man with
Killian’s POVThe omega’s words rang in my ears like a warning bell."Alpha! Alpha! It’s Ryker! He’s awake and looking for you. He won’t calm down!"My entire body locked up.Ryker had always been tormented with nightmares ever since Elara was kidnapped. He often woke up in the middle of the night, demanding to see us and he would always look so terrified. I stood at the Packhouse entrance, my wolf raging to break free, my warriors prepared to track Astrid before she got too far. Every instinct inside me screamed at me to run, to chase her down, to drag her back before she made the biggest mistake of her life.But my son needed me.For a single, agonizing moment, I hesitated.Then I turned on my heel and strode toward the infirmary, my boots pounding against the floor, my fists clenched so tightly my nails cut into my palms. My lungs burned with restrained fury, my thoughts a storm of frustration and helplessness.First Astrid. Now Ryker. I was losing control of everything.When I
Astrid’s POVThe night stretched on, endless and suffocating. The dim glow of the bedside lamp cast long shadows against the walls, but the light felt hollow—cold. The Packhouse was eerily quiet, the usual hum of distant conversations and footsteps replaced by an unbearable stillness.I sat on the edge of the bed, my fingers twisting the fabric of my shirt, my thoughts a hurricane raging inside me.Elara.Her name was carved into every thought, every breath, every aching second that passed. She was out there, in the dark, in the hands of the man who wanted nothing more than to see me broken.And I was still here. Waiting.I had tried. I had tried to listen to Killian, to hold on to the logic that we could save her together, that there was a plan, a chance. But how could I gamble my daughter’s life on a chance?What if they were wrong? What if we weren’t fast enough? What if she needed me now?My throat tightened, the guilt curling around me like a noose. I had waited too long alread