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 POVGiselle’s words hung in the air, heavy with accusation, yet I stood my ground, the storm of emotions swirling around us. “Witnesses? They saw me jump in to save him, not to harm him! Don’t twist this into something that it’s not!”I met her gaze with unwavering resolve, my expression hardening at her words. People began to turn their heads, drawn in by the rising tension. Whispers spread like wildfire, eyes darting between us as Giselle’s fury spilled into the air. “You don’t get to turn this around on me! You tried to drown my son, and I won’t let you twist the truth to escape your punishment!”Just then, Killian’s loud voice erupted, slicing through the chaos. “What’s going on here?!”He strode forward, positioning himself between us, his expression a mixture of confusion and concern. He glanced from me to Giselle, the intensity in his gaze sharpening as he tried to assess the situation. Behind him, Alpha Damien and his wife, Vanessa, followed closely with concerned e
Killian’s POVMy brows furrowed, wondering what Astrid had meant by that. Lies and manipulation? What truth was she even talking about? I turned around to observe Giselle’s reaction. Her expression faltered as if Astrid’s words had struck a chord within her. But that moment of vulnerability disappeared just as quickly, replaced by a darkening fury. “You—”“Enough!” I shouted, startling everyone into silence. Giselle shot me a look of protest, but I held her gaze, my anger simmering just beneath the surface. I could feel the tension crackling in the air, and I knew I had to assert control before this situation spiraled completely out of hand.If I didn’t stop this fight, their argument would never end, dragging everyone deeper into chaos. “Don’t you have any shame?” I hissed at Giselle. “Your son is watching and listening to your words. Is that what you want to teach him? As the Luna of the Pack, you shouldn’t be squabbling with someone in front of the public!” I reprimanded her.I
Drystan’s POV“Alpha, where’s Nova?” The Omega asked as soon as I entered the Pack’s cafeteria.I glanced over to the table, where two plates lay waiting. One was carefully arranged for me, the other set for Nova, but it felt more like a cruel joke than a meal. The two sets of meals were a stark reminder of her absence. As I stared at the untouched food, I was reminded again of the scene I’d witnessed — Nova with Michael, sharing laughter and food, their connection effortlessly and bright. It twisted something inside of me. My stomach, once grumbling with hunger, now churned uncomfortably. It felt heavy, as though a weight had settled in my chest, squeezing out any appetite I had. “Alpha, where are you going? Are you not going to eat?” The Omega asked, concern lacing her voice as I turned to leave. “I just remembered that there’s something I need to deal with,” I replied, my voice strained, betraying my inner turmoil. I glanced back at the freshly heated meal, and guilt crept int
Nova’s POVAnger coursed through me like wildfire, igniting every nerve in my body. I wanted nothing more than to punch Drystan in the face right then and there. His words were so insulting, cutting deeper than any physical blow. He wasn’t just criticizing my actions; he was getting personal, attacking my dignity in the most humiliating way possible while framing it as his innocent act of concern. I never felt so insulted in my entire life, and Michael just had to hear those words and witness the whole spectacle. What would Michael think of me now?We were just talking, being together alone as friends. We don’t even have a real relationship with each other. Drystan just walked right in on us, accusing us of things that I don’t even know where he got from. Drystan had turned our friendly conversation into a public shaming, and for sure, Michael felt uncomfortable with it as well. The way he lectured me about dignity, shame, and purity, it’s as if he viewed me as some kind of whore
Drystan’s POVI stirred awake, a wave of weakness and lightheadedness washing over me. As I blinked against the light, my gaze fell on Nova, sleeping peacefully beside me. A soft smile crept onto my face at the sight of her, the warmth of her presence easing the heaviness in my chest.I thought she had already left. I thought I wouldn’t see her again. I thought the last conversation we would ever have was that argument we had.But here she was, sitting in the chair, her head propped on her arms folded together on my bed. Despite everything that happened between us and the conflict that we had, she still stayed here for me, showing how much she still cared for me. I watched her body rise and fall as she breathed; her face was turned towards me as she slept, and for a moment, I let myself bask in the comfort of her presence. I slowly lifted my finger and gently brushed away the tendrils of hair that were blocking her face. My heart sank when I noticed her swollen eyes and the dried t
Nova’s POVDrystan and I locked eyes for a moment, but then he turned away and left without a second thought. I blinked, almost losing my balance as our connection shattered.He cared for nothing and no one more than Astrid; it was all too easy for him to abandon me, leaving me in a whirl of worry for her sake. “Miss Nova, why did you let him go?” The Pack Doctor asked confusion etched on his face as he approached me slowly. I couldn’t answer him, so I remained silent. “Alpha Drystan is not in good health. He is in no condition to go on a travel. He needs to stay here so we can monitor his health,” The Pack Doctor argued, disappointment evident in his tone. “I thought you were worried about him.”I lowered my head, feeling the weight of his words, and remained silent. There’s nothing for me to tell him. The Pack Doctor sighed upon seeing the conflict on my face. “Ever since you left, Miss Nova, Astrid has had the Alpha wrapped around her finger. He was there at her beck and call.
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