Nova’s POV“Turn it around,” I suddenly spoke, breaking the suffocating silence inside the car. Every second that passed felt heavier, pressing down on my chest like a weight I couldn’t shake, and in the end, I wasn’t able to bear it. Each mile we drove, the pack faded into the distance, but instead of the relief I thought I’d feel, something else took its place. An ache, deep and relentless, that refused to go away. This only proved Drystan’s words right. Running away will never help me acieve what I want — I would never be free. I will always be stuck with my emotions and my feelings if I just kept on ignoring them instead of facing them. This isn’t just about Drystan. It wasn’t about holding onto some desperate hope that things could be different. No, I had already let that go — at least, that’s what I told myself. So why did it still feel like a part of me was being left behind? I need to figure that out first. “W-What?” Michael glanced at me in surprise, not sure if he hea
Nova’s POVI froze when I saw Drystan rushing out of the packhouse, his surprise shifting from surprise to something I couldn’t quite place. I swallowed hard, staying rooted on the spot, fighting the urge to turn around and run away again as he ran towards me, closing the distance between us. “Drystan, what are you doing here?” My voice faltered, the words I had planned to say slipping through my fingers like water. I thought he would still be at the Silvermoon Pack, wrapped in Astrid’s arms, far from here. I thought I completely lost him to her. Instead, he is right in front of me, moving closer with every second, like he was afraid I might disappear again. Before I could take a step back, before I could even think, Drystan closed the distance between us and pulled me into his arms, holding me so tightly that I almost couldn’t breathe. His embrace caught me off guard. This wasn’t the cold, distant Drystan I had expected. It wasn’t the reaction I’d imagined during all those lon
Nova’s POV“You don’t mean that,” I said, my voice trembling. “You’ve never seen me that way before. You’ve always seen me as just... as just—”“As just a friend?” he interrupted, his voice pained. “I know. I made you feel like you didn’t matter, like you were nothing more than a second thought. And I’m so, so sorry for that, Nova. I should have seen it sooner. Astrid showed me how foolish I’ve been, how I’ve been chasing something that was never meant for me, while ignoring the one person who has always been there, right beside me.”He took a step closer, reaching out to gently cup my face, his thumb brushing away a tear that had slipped free. “You’re the woman I should have been fighting for, Nova. The one I should have cherished all this time. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I need you to know that I see it now. I see you. And I’m so sorry for all the ways I’ve hurt you.”His words pierced through the pain I had carried for so long, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions insid
Killian’s POVI entered the dungeon, the air thick with the scent of fear and sweat. The torches on the walls flickered, casting shadows that danced over the bruised faces of the Pack Doctor and the nurses. They sat huddled on the cold, stone floor, their wrists bound behind their backs. I could see the terror in their eyes as they struggled to lift their heads and meet my gaze. It was clear that Ryder had already gotten to them — purple bruises bloomed on their faces, and one of the nurses had a split lip.As I approached, their pleas filled the room, a desperate chorus that grated against my ears. “Alpha, please, we’ve been wronged!” the Pack Doctor stammered, his voice shaking as he leaned forward despite his restraints. “This is all a mistake! We’ve been loyal to you, to the pack! We beg you to hear us out and give us justice. We’re innocent!”The others echoed his words, nodding furiously, their eyes wide with desperation. One of the nurses, her voice shrill, added, “We would
Killian’s POVI watched the words sink in, the terror twisting their faces even further. They exchanged frantic glances, looking for some sort of reassurance from each other, but none came. The reality of their situation had finally caught up to them, and it was clear they knew I wasn’t bluffing.One of the nurses broke first, her voice cracking as she shook her head. “Alpha, please! We didn’t do anything wrong! Ryker is truly—”I snapped my fingers, cutting her off sharply. Ryder, who had been standing silently by the door, stepped forward. Without hesitation, he grabbed the heated brand from the brazier, bringing it close to the nurse’s face. The heat radiated off the metal, the glow reflecting in her wide, terrified eyes. She flinched back, her voice rising into a desperate wail as she realized just how dire her situation had become.“Please, please! Don’t hurt us!” she sobbed, shrinking away from the brand, the words spilling out of her as she clung to the hope that I might c
The nurses beside him kept their heads bowed, silent tears streaking their faces, their fear like a palpable force in the room. They offered no words, no excuses, just the raw terror of those who knew their lives hung by a thread.I could barely hold back the fury that threatened to erupt. Every word he spoke only twisted the knife deeper, the realization of how deep the betrayal went, how many lies had been spun around me. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to keep a grip on my control. The truth wasn’t complete yet, but I had a new, more dangerous puzzle to unravel.A stranger, a missing child, a woman who had played me for a fool for years. My mind raced with questions, but one thing remained clear: Giselle had gone too far, and now, I would find out exactly how deep her treachery ran.I took a step back, my voice turning cold, final. “You’ve told me just enough to save your miserable lives for now. But if I find out that you’re still hiding something, I’ll make sure you suffer
Giselle’s POVI smiled graciously, a picture of a perfect Luna, as I moved through the crowd of guests. The pack grounds buzzed with excitement, laughter, and the vibrant energy of celebration. Ryker’s fourth birthday was meant to be a joyous occasion, and I made sure that every detail was perfect. — from the decorations to the banquet. Behind my polite smiles and gracious words, bitterness roiled like a storm within me, growing darker with every passing moment. Astrid. She lingered around the pack like a shadow that refused to fade, always present, always reminding me of what I had to claw and fight for. I could see her now, hovering near the entrance, wearing that same quiet, solemn expression she always carried, as if she bore some unspoken burden. It turned my stomach.She claimed she was here to offer help to the pack, but I wasn’t a fool. I knew there was more to her presence than mere goodwill. In just a few days, she’d already charmed her way into the hearts of so many
Giselle’s POVA sudden commotion broke through the steady hum of the party, shattering the illusion of celebration. I turned, my heart skipping a beat, and saw one of the pack warriors sprinting toward us, his face pale with urgency. Guests stopped mid-laugh, mid-conversation, their expressions shifting from joy to alarm as he burst into the center of the gathering.“Rogues! There’s been an attack!” he shouted, his voice ringing out across the clearing. “Everyone needs to gather around and stay put until we can secure the area! Pack guards, take your positions!”Instantly, the mood shifted, fear crackling through the air like electricity. Guests began to murmur in panic, looking to the edges of the pack grounds, as if they might see the threat lurking beyond the trees. Parents clutched their children closer, and people crowded together, seeking comfort in proximity. The guards moved quickly, forming a protective line around us, their faces grim with determination.My heart pounde
Astrid’s POVThe heat of the amulet’s power surged through me, fire and ice clawing at my very core. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the end, ready to accept the pain that would come. This was it.But before the energy could consume me, a sudden, powerful force slammed into my side, sending me sprawling to the ground.I gasped, my eyes flying open in shock. The world spun for a moment before I steadied myself, and when I looked up, my heart stopped.Rowena stood where I had been, her hands firmly on the amulet, the blinding glow of its energy engulfing her.Our eyes met. For a fleeting moment, there was no coldness in her gaze, no calculation—only peace.“Rowena, no!” I screamed, scrambling to my feet.She closed her eyes, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips, and said nothing.The energy erupted from the amulet, a searing light that forced me to shield my face.“No!” the Rogue King’s voice boomed, his fury cutting through the chaos.The light intensified, consuming e
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.