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 POV“All the bags are packed already, Miss Astrid. Are you ready to leave?” Our Pack Omega spoke up, interrupting my conversation with Nova. I turned to face him with a small smile. “We should leave. The Silvermoon Pack’s Alpha and Luna must have left already. We shouldn’t delay any longer,” I answered him. He nodded his head and went to the driver's seat to start the car. I thought I would be traveling with Killian and Giselle, but Alpha Theron made some extra arrangements. He personally took care of my travel plan, making sure that I would be both safe and comfortable in my journey. I felt a wave of relief wash over me at the thought of not being trapped in a small space with Killian and his family for the whole ride. I’m sure it would be both uncomfortable and awkward for all of us. At least I wouldn’t have to face them yet until I arrived. “Nova, I got to leave. Take care of Drystan for me, will you?” I asked her with a small smile. Nova smiled back, her eyes warm w
Astrid’s POVI stilled when my eyes finally landed on Killian, who was standing at a distance, personally waiting for my arrival.I don’t know how long he had been waiting and how long he had arrived. As the Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack, he had to personally attend to me, especially on the day of my arrival. I am a member of the Shadowfang Pack, the daughter of the Shadowfang Pack’s Alpha. I came here to lend our Pack’s support, which made me their honored guest. That makes me more important than Killian, the Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack himself. If something bad happened to me during my stay here, The Shadowfang Pack would hold them accountable, and the Silvermoon Pack is no match for us. Offending me would be offending the Shadowfang Pack. Just a single complaint from me and their whole Pack would be in danger. Killian, Giselle, and all the other members of the Pack will have to walk around me on eggshells. No one could afford to offend the Shadowfang Pack. No one can afford to
Astrid’s POVThe air was thick with unspoken words as we gathered around the table to eat our dinner with the clinking of cutlery punctuating the silence. Killian sat at the head of the table digging in his food, minding his own business while Giselle sat across me, her tension palpable. Each bite she took seemed laced with irritation. Her jaw were set tight as if she were trying to bite back her furyThe corners of my lips lifted sadistically as I watched the way her hands trembled slightly, betraying the calm facade that she’s showing to us. She’s so annoyed and irritated that her anger is showing through her calm exterior. The sparks in her eyes flickered with resentment and I couldn’t help but feel victory in her reaction. I felt a twisted delight as I saw her struggle to keep herself in check. She’s frustrated, but she couldn’t do anything about it. I’m in front of her, eating at the same table as her, but she couldn’t even voice out her disagreements. I couldn’t help but f
Astrid’s POV“Luna, you are really back,” Gamma Jaxon exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief as he spotted me approaching. His eyes widened, and I could see the mix of surprise and relief on his face. Behind him, a group of warriors stood at attention, their expressions a blend of curiosity and respect. Some faces were new to me, while others brought back memories etched with the passage of time. The air was thick with anticipation; my return had clearly stirred something among them.I felt a flutter of nerves in my stomach. I had feared that they might have forgotten me, that I wouldn’t be welcomed back. But as I looked at their faces — some bright with hope, others filled with determination — I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I smiled as I felt the warmth of their anticipation. It ignited a spark of confidence within me. Even though it’s been years since I last saw them, there was still that bond between us. When I left the Pack, I hadn’t had the chance to say goodbye to
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