Astrid’s POVMy body turned tensed as I stared at the invitation letter in my hands that had already been sent to all the Packs. Ryker’s 4th birthday is coming next month, and Killian believed it was the perfect opportunity to lure the rogues into a trap. He purposefully invited all the Packs to spread the word, knowing that if the rogues were indeed planning an attack, then they would surely take advantage of the gathering where there would be many important figures present. With the support of other Packs and adequate training from the Pack Warriors, we would be ready to handle any surprise assault the rogues might attempt. Killian had discussed his plans with me beforehand, explaining everything thoroughly. As the Silvermoon Pack’s female general and the one responsible for training his warriors, he needed my permission before proceeding with his plans. After considering his strategy, I agreed that it was a solid plan, and I believed I would be able to train his Warriors and
Astrid’s POVMy eyes went wide when I heard Giselle’s history in the Crimsonbane Pack. Vanessa had told me everything from when Giselle arrived at their Pack to the day that she left.I felt as though I had been blind all along, unaware of who Giselle really was. Even the hairs on the back of my neck stood up when Vanessa told me the whole story and all the vile things that Giselle had done while she was staying with them. I couldn’t believe that she had already been that kind of person before she even came to our Pack. She had completely fooled us into believing that she was a kind and innocent woman. We have no idea that beneath that pretty and angelic face of hers actually lies a poisonous witch who manipulated everyone around her. She repeated everything that Giselle did in the Crimsonbane Pack here. She seduced Killian just like how she had seduced Alpha Damien. It was a grave mistake to welcome her into our lives. “That woman is a whore. There’s nothing she wouldn’t do to b
Astrid’s POVA storm brewed in my mind, leaving me restless on the bed. The soft sheets offered little comfort as I pondered the conversation I had with the Vanessa.For reasons I couldn’t quite grasp, her words felt like a weight, a heavy stone pressing down my chest whenever I tried to make sense of them. I couldn’t point out what was wrong; nothing she said seemed out of the ordinary. Yet, the unease lingered. It gnawed at me, robbing me of sleep. Adrenaline coursed through me, and I shot up from bed when a sharp knock suddenly interrupted my thoughts. My heart raced in response to the unexpected sound. Glancing around my dimly lit room, I gathered my thoughts and took a few deep breaths to soothe the fluttering in my chest. I reached for the lamp, flicking it on to cast a warm glow across the space. Guided by its soft light, I made my way to the door, wondering why someone would come knocking at my door at this time of the night. “Is there—“ I began to speak as I swung the do
Astrid’s POVI tilted my head back and curled my toes as Killian expertly explored me, his hands and tongue teasingly moving closer to my sensitive spots. “K-Killian,” I gasped, the sound escaping my lips like a whisper of pleasure. I never imagined that I would turn into a purring kitten, completely captivated by his every touch. As our breaths turned ragged, I reached for Killian’s shirt, unbuttoning it slowly. Each pop echoed the tension between us. Once the fabric fell away, I pressed my hands against his warm skin, my fingertips tracing the contours of his six-packed abs, feeling the heart radiate beneath my touch. Killian let out a low growl at my caress, igniting a yearning deep within me. I couldn’t help but trail my fingers down to the bulge in his pants. A smile crept across my face as I realized just how much he desired. With a mix of excitement and anticipation, I began to work on removing his pants. Just as I was about to slip my hands in to give him pleasure, Killi
Astrid’s POVI stared at my food, pushing the scrambled eggs around my plate, forcing myself to take a bite even though I had no appetite. The nutritious breakfast spread that would usually excite me to eat didn’t appeal to me today. On top of that, I feel under the weather from lack of sleep. After the tension last night, it took me some time to fall asleep and to make matters worse, I had to face Killian first thing in the morning and eat breakfast with him in front of our guests. If it wasn’t for the guests, I wouldn’t have to join them for breakfast. I feel bad for the time I wasted that could have been used to train the Warriors instead. “How was your stay? Did you all have a good sleep?” Killian’s voice broke through my thoughts, smooth and practiced, as he turned to our guests. I remained silent as I kept my gaze on my food, afraid to steal his attention or make eye contact with him that I wasn’t ready to face. “Yes, Alpha. Thank you for your warm welcome. We didn’t have a
Astrid’s POVRyker barged into the room, taking everyone by surprise. All eyes turned to his small figure, momentarily stunned by his sudden entrance. Full of energy just moments before, Ryker suddenly froze when he saw us, his throat constricting as he took in the unfamiliar faces. The weight of our gazes seemed to pin him down, and I could see his breath quicken, a flicker of anxiety crossing his features. Before his emotions could consume him, his gaze suddenly landed on mine. I gazed softly at him and gave him a warm smile to encourage him and calm him down. As soon as he recognized who I was, a flicker of calm washed over him, and I watched as he focused intently on me, the tension in his body beginning to ease. After my encounter with him in the garden, I did some research about autism and learned about several symptoms and tendencies that autism might exhibit. Ryker and I had only crossed paths a few times, but something about him drew me in, igniting a desire to understa
Giselle’s POVSilent rage coursed through my veins as I strode through the hall, each step punctuated by the sharp click of my heels against the polished floor. The sound echoed, amplifying my frustration with every stride. Ryker’s nanny followed closely behind, her head bowed in submission. She clasped her hands tightly together, but still, they trembled, unable to suppress her fear. When I arrived in front of my private room, I flung the door open, the impact resonating as it clashed loudly against the walls as I stormed inside.The Omegas cleaning my room flinched, their eyes widening in surprise. As my frustration bubbled over, they quickly took the hint. They scurried away with their heads hung low, bringing their cleaning equipment with them like they had seen nothing. Once the last Omega slipped out, Ryker’s nanny shut the door behind us, her movements hurried and cautious. Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees, her voice trembling as she begged, “Please forgive me,
Astrid’s POVStepping outside, I took a deep breath of the crisp air, letting the coolness wash over me. The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden rays that danced through the leaves, but my mind was elsewhere — fixed on Drystan. I wonder why Drystan didn’t show up yesterday. Aside from Alpha Damien and his wife, Vanessa, Drystan was also invited to attend the meeting with us. I even spoke to Killian and convinced him to include Drystan in his plans. The Nightsong Pack had developed so much through the years with the support of the Shadowfang Pack. Their support would lessen the chances of the rogues winning against us. I was worried when Drystan didn’t come yesterday. His absence felt highly unusual, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something must have delayed his journey. Probably, he would arrive by now. Knowing Drystan, I’m certain that he wouldn’t miss the chance to come here. I just wish he had informed me about any delays; it would have eased my worries. With every
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