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
Andros’s POVA flicker of distaste crossed my features at her casual reference to me as one of Astrid’s kin. “She’s not my family!” I snapped, fury igniting in my gaze.Giselle recoiled, surprise painting her face at my sudden outburst. I inhaled deeply, striving to regain my composure after failing to curb my reaction. “I’m not related to a monster,” I hissed, diverting my gaze as I attempted to restore my usual demeanor.Instead of retreating in fear, Giselle offered a playful smile, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. “Sir Andros, what brings you all the way here to see me?” she whispered, gliding closer with an effortless grace.I met her gaze, and there it was—the unmistakable glint of mischief, the spark of a scheme brewing behind those captivating eyes. Giselle was every bit as cunning and scheming as I had suspected. Of course, It takes someone like her to recognize her own nature, and now, knowing she had seen through me, she showed no hesitation in asking me questions. “I s
Nova’s POVMy time with the Shadowfang Pack has drawn to a close. I came for the ceremony, a vibrant celebration of Astrid, which wrapped up just yesterday. Now, as the echoes of laughter and joy fade, guests bustle about, readying themselves to return to their own lives, and I am one of them.I meticulously counted my belongings, ensuring nothing was left behind. Michael had stepped out to prepare our car, leaving me alone in the room to conduct one final check. I scanned the corners, the drawers, and beneath the bed, making sure every item found its way into my bags.Once satisfied, I slung the heavy bags over my shoulder. Their weight was no burden to me; with my werewolf strength, they felt as light as feathers. A typical female human would struggle under such a load, but for me, it was just another reminder of the power coursing through my veins. I finally opened the door to follow Michael with the bags. For sure, he is already waiting for me outside after moving the car out
Nova’s POVI pulled my arm away from Drystan’s hold as I struggled to maintain my resolve. “I’m leaving, Drystan,” I answered firmly. The weight of his presence felt both comforting and suffocating, making it hard to breathe. I have to stay away from him as far as possible for the sake of my sanity. “Leaving? You’re going back with me to the Nightsong Pack,” he stated, a hint of authority in his voice. My eyes widened in surprise as I glanced back at him, disbelief swirling in my chest.“Back to the Nightsong Pack? I just can’t go with you!” I blurted out, frustration bubbling to the surface. “Michael and I already talked. I’m going back to where I came from.”I tried to snatch my arm away from his grip, but his hand tightened, refusing to let me go. “You promised that you’d come back once you found your mate. Now that you’ve found him, it’s time for you to return.” His tone was firm, leaving little room for argument.“That’s because I thought I would be mated to a werewolf!” I exc
Astrid’s POVI held a bemused expression on my face as I stepped out of my room, a whirlwind of disheveled thoughts and half-hearted energy swirling around me. Today, I’m going to be on my way to Silvermoon Pack. I thought I’d be motivated and excited; I’d waited for more than three years to be given a chance at revenge. Yet, I didn’t expect that I’d feel absolutely nothing about it. Instead, a strange emptiness settled in my gut, as if the anticipation had been siphoned away. Ever since my son died, avenging him has been my only goal in life. I must be feeling empty because I knew even if I annihilated the whole Silvermoon Pack, nothing could bring my son back to life. I slung my bag tight on my shoulder as I closed my door behind me, ready to leave. As I glanced back at my almost empty room, a knot formed in the pit of my stomach, and I wondered how long it would take me to return here.Would I be successful in avenging my son?Would I even be able to come back alive?“Miss Astr
Astrid’s POV“That’s not what I want. I don’t want innocent people to be implicated by the actions of two people,” I managed to answer firmly despite the tears blocking my throat. “Then let me deal with Killian and Giselle directly,” Alpha Theron suggested, his voice steady“No!” I didn’t mean to raise my voice, but the word escaped me, sharp and urgent. “They ruined my life. They killed my son. I must deal with them myself.”Alpha Theron’s expression shifted with a mixture of concern in his eyes. I could see how much he wanted to take things into his own hands. “This is between me and them. I want to face them instead of avoiding them. If I hadn’t avoided them before, my son would still be alive. I would have heard his first word and seen his first steps. He would have been able to experience the world.”My voice trembled as I continued, the raw pain spilling out. “I’m partly responsible for my son’s death. I was a coward, and I didn’t deserve to be his mother. Give me this chance
Astrid’s POVI stood with my arms crossed, my eyes blank as I drowned in my own thoughts. My gaze was fixed on the Pack Omegas, watching them load my luggage into the car. Each bag disappeared into the trunk with a soft thud, a rhythmic soundtrack to my swirling thoughts.Though I was physically present, my mind wandered far beyond the scene before me. I observed the Omegas working, but my thoughts were consumed by the journey ahead and the unknowns that awaited me. As my imagination took hold, I couldn't shake the conversation I had with Alpha Theron earlier. The weight of his words lingered in the air, pressing down on me like an impending storm.Alpha Theron’s words were a great reminder to me, and they settled heavily in my mind, bothering me. “Astrid!” My soul nearly leaped out of my body when someone suddenly surprised me from behind. I turned around to find Nova beaming at me, her bright energy a stark contrast to my swirling thoughts.I placed a hand over my chest to calm
Astrid’s POV“How long has this been? How long have you known?” I demanded, feeling a mix of betrayal and confusion. She had known about Drystan’s hidden attraction toward me, yet she never mentioned it.Nova’s gaze fell, the weight of my words hanging in the air. “I only found out years ago, before you lost your son.”My eyes widened in shock at her confession. “Why didn’t you tell me?”“Drystan trusts me, and that’s why he confided in me. I can’t betray his trust by telling you his secret,” Nova explained, “Besides, wasn’t it obvious that he likes you? Drystan had never shown that kind of affection to anyone but you.”I blinked my eyes as her words pierced through the fog in my mind, and I started to see things I had overlooked. I had never considered that Drystan’s kindness would stem out of love. I thought he was concerned about me because I used to be his student. I thought he was kind towards me because he felt guilty and partially responsible for what his nephew had done to me
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