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
Andros’s POVAll eyes turned on me in surprise when I suddenly stood up and volunteered to challenge Andros. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Andros glancing at me, his gaze piercing and intense, a mix of curiosity and irritation. As the room fell into charged silence, I didn’t shift my focus from Alpha Theron. I stared at him with unwavering determination, willing him to see my resolve.“Alpha,” I began, my voice steady, “Let me handle the mission. As a previous member of the Silvermoon Pack, I am already familiar with the people. I can give them the support that they need.”Andros stepped forward, his expression shifting to one of fierce determination. “This mission is critical, and it requires someone with my experience. You may know the people, but I have the skills to lead us through this safely. You can’t underestimate the dangers we face.”The tension in the room thickened as his words echoed in the silence. For some reason, Andros is really determined to take on this mi
Astrid’s POVThe grand hall was alive with tension as all Alphas and Lunas from different Packs were gathered together, their murmurs filling the air like a restless tide. At the front, Alpha Theron commanded the room with his imposing presence. His gaze swept over the gathered leaders, silencing any lingering whispers. To his right sat his son, Andros, arms crossed and jaw set, a storm brewing behind his eyes. On his left was his daughter, Asha, poised and composed, her expression a blend of determination and caution. Aside from the three of us, Asha and the invited guests had no idea what this sudden meeting was about. After the breakfast was served, everyone was just surprised when Alpha Theron called them to come for an urgent meeting. As Alpha Theron began to share everything we had discussed the night before, the atmosphere in the grand hall shifted dramatically. The tension that had gripped the leaders transformed into a mix of surprise and contemplation. Gasps echoed th
Astrid’s POVThe room was thick with an awkward silence as everyone processed the unexpected revelation. Whispers of disbelief rippled through the assembly, eyes darting between Alpha Theron, Drystan, and me. The tension was palpable, a mix of surprise and concern hanging heavily in the air. I could feel the intensity of Drytsan’s scrutiny, his disbelief almost tangible. Before the ceremony, he already made his feelings clear to me. He is not comfortable about me going back to the Silvermoon Pack and being anywhere near my ex-husband and his new wife, whom he had replaced me with. Drystan knows more than anyone how much I had suffered because of them, and yet I’ll be sent back there again with the task of helping them. I knew Drystan wouldn’t like this, I should have talked to him about this beforehand, but cowardice got the best of me. Drystan is worried about my safety and well-being. Yet I remained focused on the task at hand, not letting his reaction sway my resolve.Around
Andros’s POVAs I stared intently at Giselle, I couldn’t help but notice the tension etched in her features. It was clear that she was struggling with her emotions. I could recognize the anger and resentment simmering just beneath her surface. Her narrowed eyes and tight jaw spoke volumes about her feelings towards Astrid. A flicker of satisfaction ran through me. I wasn’t alone in my feelings; I could see that Giselle shared my disdain, matching the hatred I harbored towards Astrid. I shifted slightly in my seat, feeling the weight of the moment. It was evident that she did not approve of Astrid living with them in their Pack. Her disapproval is more than just being protective; it’s rooted in a deep-seated dislike that resembles exactly what I feel towards Astrid.I understand what Giselle is going through right now. And right now, what she needs is help. I believe I could give her exactly the help that she needs.My father suddenly spoke up, breaking the tension in the room. “G
Astrid’s POVThe clearing was chaos. The amulet’s glow grew brighter with each passing second, its pulsating light casting long, flickering shadows across the battlefield. The energy emanating from it was suffocating, filling the air with an oppressive pressure that made it hard to breathe.I reached the altar, my wolf surging forward as I clawed at the ancient runes alongside Nova. Each strike against the stone sent sparks of light into the air, but the runes resisted, glowing brighter and stronger as if mocking our efforts.“It’s not working!” Nova shouted, her voice cracking with frustration.“Keep trying!” I yelled back, refusing to give in. But even as I struck the runes again and again, I felt the futility in my movements.Behind us, Killian and the Rogue King clashed in a violent storm of teeth and claws, their snarls echoing through the clearing. Killian’s golden wolf fought with unrelenting power, but the Rogue King’s speed and cunning gave him an edge, keeping the battle
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