Drystan’s POVI watched Astrid closely as she stared down at the heart-shaped rock in her hand, her expression distant, brows furrowed together as though the small stone held the answers to all her questions. The cold breeze swept through the night, rustling the leaves and sending a shiver down my spine, but I ignored it. My focus was solely on her.“What’s that?” I asked, trying to break the silence that had settled between us.But she didn’t respond. She was too lost in her thoughts to notice me. I watched as her fingers absentmindedly traced the shape of the stone, and something in her posture felt different—uneasy, troubled.“Astrid,” I called again, this time louder. “Are you alright?”She blinked, as though she was suddenly pulled back to reality. “What?” she asked, her eyes darting to me for the first time in what felt like minutes. “Oh… yeah, I’m fine. Just… thinking.”Her answer was vague, and I wasn’t convinced, but I didn’t press further. Instead, I took a step closer, hop
Astrid’s POVI held back the tears burning in my eyes, refusing to let them fall. I couldn’t cry in front of Drystan, not now. This wasn’t about me—it was about him, about setting him free. He needed to see that I wasn’t the one for him, that holding onto me would only bring him misery.I looked at him, my heart breaking as I saw the pain in his eyes, the confusion, the hurt I’d caused by not being honest sooner. It felt like the walls were closing in on me, but I had to stay strong. He deserved better than this. Better than me.“Drystan,” I whispered, my voice trembling despite my best efforts. “You deserve a life of your own, without waiting on me. I don’t want you to waste any more time on someone who can’t give you what you need. You have to live for yourself before it’s too late.”He didn’t respond right away, just stared at me, his fists clenched at his sides. I could see the battle raging inside him, the hurt colliding with the realization that I was right. It was like watch
Astrid’s POVI glanced at him, my chest tightening. "But why does it always have to be you?”Killian frowned, confused. “What do you mean?”I shook my head, the words I had been too afraid to admit bubbling up. “I couldn’t love Drystan. Not fully. Not the way he deserves to be loved. And do you know why?” I asked him as he stared at me cluelessly. “Because I’m still stuck on you, Killian. You’re the ghost I can’t shake. You’re always there, lingering in the back of my mind,” I blurted out before I could stop myself. He stood there, stunned into silence. For a moment, I thought he might walk away, say nothing, but he didn’t. He stayed, and it only made the ache in my chest worse.“I tried, you know? I tried to love Drystan the way I was supposed to. But every time, I felt like I was betraying something... or someone. And that someone was you.” My voice broke then, and I couldn’t stop the tears that filled my eyes. “Even though you hurt me, even though you weren’t the husband I neede
Killian’s POVI walked into my office, the door closing with a soft thud behind me, and for a moment, I just stood there in the silence. The conversation I’d just had with Astrid echoed in my head like a storm that wouldn’t settle. It was as if the weight I’d been carrying for years had finally been lifted off my shoulders, but in its place was something else—a heaviness that sank deeper into my chest, pressing down like a weight I couldn’t escape.I had told her. After all this time, I had finally told her the truth.The truth I’d buried for years, the one I thought would protect her. The truth that I never loved Giselle—not in the way a man should love his wife. That everything I did, I did for my son. I had tried to be a good father, to keep the family intact for him, even though every day felt like I was living a lie. Astrid finally knew that now. She knew why I had kept my distance, why I had pushed her away, why I had tried to convince myself that leaving her behind was the
Killian’s POVI sat in my chair, the weight of guilt still pressing down on me, my mind spiraling with thoughts of Astrid. Regret felt like a physical thing, constricting my chest, refusing to let go. I rubbed my temples, trying to block out the voices in my head, when suddenly there was a knock at the door.I didn't want to deal with anyone right now. Not after everything. But the knock came again, more insistent. With a sigh, I forced myself to speak.“Come in.”The door opened, and Beta Ryder stepped in, his face alight with excitement, practically beaming. I blinked, surprised by the energy radiating from him. He was rarely this enthusiastic, and I wasn’t in any mood to deal with whatever news had put him in such a good mood.“Killian,” Ryder began, unable to contain his grin. “I’ve got something important to tell you.”I tried to mask my exhaustion, but it was a losing battle. “Ryder, now’s not really the time—”“No, you’ll want to hear this,” he cut in, stepping closer. “The r
Killian’s POV"Alpha, what should we do?" Ryder's voice pulled me back from the brink of my spiraling thoughts. His eyes bore into mine, tense with the weight of what we had just discovered. "What Giselle did... it’s worse than treason. We have proof of her betrayal. How should we deal with her?"My heart raced, but I forced myself to stay calm. "Don’t alert her just yet," I said firmly, my voice cutting through the tension like a knife.Ryder looked at me, his eyes flickering with protest. “But, Alpha—”I raised a hand to stop him, my voice low but unyielding. “We’re barely scratching the surface, Ryder. If Giselle could pull something like this off for years, then we’re dealing with something much bigger. There’s more to this than we realize.”His jaw clenched as he tried to rein in his frustration, but I could see he understood. “You think there’s more she’s hiding?”I let out a slow breath, the weight of my next words heavier than I wanted to admit. “Yes, Ryder. I do. I’ve been t
Killian’s POVRyder exhaled slowly, tension rippling through his body as he processed the gravity of the situation. “Where do we start?” he asked, his voice tight with barely contained anger. I took a moment before responding. “I couldn’t think of anyone who could know more about this except for Giselle’s doctor,” I replied, my mind already working through the plan. “The one who handled her pregnancy. He would know what happened, or at the very least, he’d have records. If there’s a hole in her story, he’s the key to unlocking it.” I explained to him. Ryder fell into a thoughtful silence, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the implications. After a beat, his fists clenched, his jaw tightening in fury.“Her doctors… They were all members of our Pack. How could they betray you? Betray us? How dare they lie to their Alpha!” His voice shook with righteous anger.“To hide something this huge would take more than just Giselle,” I continued, my voice steady but cold. “This wasn’t the work
Nova’s POVI fold the last piece of clothing into my bag, my hands shaking with every movement. Everything feels heavier than it should, like the weight of my decision is pressing down on me, threatening to crush me. This room, this pack, it was my home for so long. But now, it’s become unbearable. Every corner holds memories I wish I could forget, memories that keep me tied to a past I no longer have a place in.Drystan.His name alone sends a sharp pang through my chest. I close my eyes, trying to push away the thoughts of him, of what could’ve been, but it’s no use. He’s everywhere, in everything. I can’t escape him, not while I’m here. I can’t pretend anymore. It hurts too much.I open my eyes, looking down at the half-packed bag. My heart feels like it’s shattering with every item I shove inside, but this is the only option. I can’t stay. Not when Drystan and Astrid have found their way back to each other. I can’t be the reason they fall apart again. I won’t be the one stand
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