Drystan’s POV I clenched my fists when I heard what my Beta had said. I’ve been trying to form an alliance with the Frostbite Pack for months, and now the Silvermoon Pack just suddenly swept in and stole them from us. I’ve been sending gifts and envoys to the Frostbite Pack to convince their Alpha. To be honest, our proposition is a good deal. It is even more beneficial to them than it is to us. I just wanted to have a signed alliance with a high pack like them to stabilize our PackPack and strengthen our future projects. We are just a small Pack who is just starting to establish ourselves in the werewolf community, but we are already getting trampled down without being given the chance for a fair fight. Astrid sighed, making me look at her. I felt bad for her when I saw how her shoulders slumped and how she exasperatedly placed her forehead on her palm. She must be blaming herself for this outcome again. “Astrid—“ I was about to comfort her when my Beta spoke. “Alpha, I think
Astrid’s POV I gripped the steering wheel as my weary eyes scanned the winding road ahead. The rhythmic hum of the engine reverberated through the car, blending harmoniously with the faint music playing on the car’s speaker. It was a long ride travelling from the Nightsong Pack to the Frostbite Pack. Nova and I took turns behind the wheel so we could arrive there as soon as possible before the Frostbite Pack could sign an alliance with the Silvermoon Pack and lose all our chances.Nova lay sound asleep beside me, her chest rising and falling into a peaceful slumber. She drove all night before I took my turn to drive this morning. I shivered when the bitter cold seeped through the car’s window, chilling me to the bone and adding an extra layer of fatigue. Drowsiness tugged at me because of the cold climate. The long empty road, the snowflakes that pattered the windshield, and the snow-covered landscape outside. It made it hard for a pregnant woman like me to keep my eyes open. I ya
Astrid’s POVStella that is my new name for my new identity. My hair, which used to be black, is now bleached into the lightest color just to make sure that no one would recognize me. The cold weather here at Frostbite Pack also helped to make me less recognizable. With the cold weather, I had to wear thick clothes which covered my frame. The Frostbite Pack and the Silvermoon Pack had no relationship before. Not only that, but no one in the Frostbite Pack would be able to recognize me since we hadn’t even seen each other before. It would be impossible for anyone in here to point out that I’m Astrid when they don’t even know that Astrid exists. “Alpha Everest, when we arrived, we noticed your men going around the Pack. It’s hard not to notice. They practically covered the streets. May we ask what’s going on? Did we arrive at the wrong time?” Nova asked respectfully. “No, not at all. Alpha Drystan had informed us ahead of time that you’d be arriving today. You are not interrupti
Astrid’s POVBlood drained my face when I recognized Giselle’s familiar face. All along, the guest that Alpha Everest was waiting for was her. I would have never expected to see her again here. “Alpha Everest, you didn’t say you also have other visitors.” I immediately turned my head around when her gaze fell on us. ‘What is she doing here?’ I wondered as my heart raced rapidly inside my chest. “They have only just informed us that they were coming. I hope you don’t mind, Lady Giselle. Please meet Lady Nova and Lady Stella from the Nightsong Pack,” Alpha Everest pointed to us. I couldn’t turn around my head to face her, in fear that she would immediately see through my disguise. On the other hand, Nova didn’t say a word. She is not the type of person who can fake pleasantries to someone she doesn’t like. “Lady Giselle is here as a representative for the Silvermoon Pack. She would stay here for a few days with us,” Alpha Everest saved the conversation when we showed no interest
Astrid’s POV“Do you like it out here?” I asked Lucinda with a smile on my face as we accompanied her at the garden, but just like usual, she never responded. Still, Nova and I kept asking her questions hoping that she would say a word to us. To grant Luna Crystalia’s request. We agreed to spend time with her daughter to hopefully get her to speak. I’m not sure why Luna Crystalia thought that her daughter would open to us. We are strangers to this Pack, and Lucinda is not familiar to us. I’m not sure why Lucinda would trust us, but I hope that she would. “These are her favorite toys, Lady Stella,” the omega informed me as she brought Lucinda’s dolls and huge doll houses to us. I thought playing with Lucinda would make her comfortable with us. “Thank you,” I muttered to the omega with a smile. After bringing what we have requested, they finally left us alone as we wanted. I believe there would be more chances of Lucinda opening up to us if there are only the three of us. “Oohh! T
Astrid’s POVI pressed my lips tightly, suppressing the pain that radiated from my wounds as the Pack Doctor applied ointment to my deep scratches. “Be careful; do not press too much on the wound,” Alpha Everest commanded the Pack Doctor when he saw my pained expression. The Pack Doctor pauses, then starts to dab ointment on my wound more carefully this time. Alpha Everest never left my side. He called the Pack Doctor and had me stay in his office to receive medical treatment. “It’s okay,” I uttered, knowing that pain is inevitable and the Doctor has to thoroughly cleanse my wounds to avoid infection. “I have high pain tolerance.” As a Pack warrior, I’ve had worse injuries. As werewolves who use our canines and sharp claws to fight, deep scratches like this are expected. It cannot be avoided in a fight. I didn’t even know I was hurt until Lucinda pointed at the blood seeping through my clothes. “I think we need to stitch it,” the Pack Doctor suggests after cleansing
Astrid’s POVOur conversation ended when someone knocked on the door. “Come in,” Alpha Everest spoke wearily. He walked back to his office table to meet the guest. “Alpha Everest!” I raised my head when I heard Giselle’s voice. “I heard what happened. How is your daughter? Are the guests from the Nightsong Pack all safe?” Giselle asked in an amicable voice as she walked to Alpha Everest’s table. She still hasn’t noticed me here, sitting silently behind her in the corner of the room. “Everyone is safe, Lady Giselle. You do not have to worry. Is there anything I can help you with?” Giselle smiled and placed the papers she was holding on Alpha Everest’s table. “These are the papers for the alliance. I was hoping you could sign it now. Killian had informed me that you’ve already read and agreed to everything.” Alpha Everest forced a smile on his face as he looked up at Giselle. “That’s true, but you’ve only just arrived. I haven’t mentioned it because I was hoping you could go
Giselle’s POVI drummed my fingers an agitated staccato against the steering wheel, my knuckles stark white against my olive skin. With each passing mile, the tension in my shoulders only seemed to coil tighter, a vise of barely contained fury."That bitch," I hissed through gritted teeth, the venom in my words palpable. Astrid's name was like acid on my tongue, burning with a hatred that refused to be extinguished. The moment I saw her at the banquet, I knew it was her. She had dyed her hair blonde and changed her name, but I will always recognize her. I will always know her through her cerulean eyes, which look like peaceful waters, even if she drastically changes her appearance. Her eyes might look calm and peaceful, but she always stirred trouble for me. As I was on my way back to Silvermoon Pack, I couldn’t get my head out of the shame and humiliation that I felt as the Pack guards dragged me out of the Frostbite Pack like I was a piece of trash. As if failing to get Alpha Ev
Astrid’s POVI stared at Rowena, my heart pounding in disbelief. My wolf stirred uneasily within me, sensing my anger, my sadness, my… disgust. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.“You have no remorse,” I said, my voice trembling, a mix of anger and sorrow. “After everything that happened. After the pain you caused to Drystan and Nova. After taking someone’s mate, someone’s sister, you stand here and act as if it was just… business. Just a means to an end.”Rowena’s cold, detached gaze met mine. “It wasn’t personal, Astrid. It was survival. You have to understand—when you’re protecting what’s yours, you’ll do whatever it takes. Drystan would have taken everything from us.”I took a step forward, my fists clenched, my wolf growling within me. “Do you even hear yourself? You didn’t just take everything from Drystan; you destroyed him. You tore apart a bond stronger than anything in this world. Do you know what it feels like to lose your mate? To live every single day with half of
Astrid’s POVThe Silvermoon Packhouse was unusually quiet as we arrived, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the grounds. My wolf stirred uneasily within me, sensing the tension in both Killian and myself. nWe hadn’t spoken much on the way back, but the weight of what we’d uncovered hung heavy between us.As we approached the front steps, the sound of laughter broke through the silence. I turned toward the sound and saw Rowena in the courtyard, her face uncharacteristically soft as she knelt in the grass, playing with Ryker and Elara.“Mama! Papa!” Elara’s bright voice rang out as she spotted us.Ryker followed close behind her, his grin wide as he sprinted toward Killian. “You’re back!”I knelt just in time to catch Elara as she threw herself into my arms, her small hands clutching at me as if I’d been gone for days. “I missed you, Mama!”I smiled, seeing her melted all my worries away. Although I wasn’t gone that long it felt like I haven’t seen her in ages upon seeing
Astrid’s POVThe clearing was unnervingly quiet. The parchment in Killian’s hands seemed heavier than it had any right to be, the words scrawled across its surface burning into my mind like a brand. Elimination Plan. Pack informant. No survivors.It seems that there is something more behind Liora’s death. It was planned, she was targetted. Her death wasn’t a simple accident. And worse, someone from Silvermoon had helped them.I felt the weight of Killian’s silence beside me, and my stomach twisted. I’m sure he is already suspecting his mother. Aside from Rowena, who else could have made a deal with the rogues?If it was Rowena, it would make sense why she made a deal with us in exchange of escaping punishment.I reached for Killian’s hand and squeezed it in comfort. Killian looked at me and I stared back at him with understanding. There’s no evidence yet. All we know is that someone from the Silvermoon Pack had something to do with Liora’s death. We aren’t sure yet if it was Rowen
Astrid’s POVThe forest around the Emberwood ruins was a tangle of shadows and silence. Every crunch of leaves beneath our boots and rustle of branches above felt amplified in the eerie stillness. My wolf stirred uneasily within me, its senses sharp as if anticipating an ambush.Killian walked at my side, his posture rigid with tension. Drystan and Nova followed close behind, their weapons at the ready, and a small group of warriors flanked us. We’d planned this mission carefully, but the weight of the Forsaken Amulet and the shadow of the Rogue King made every step feel like a gamble.As we approached the ruins, the crumbling stone walls loomed into view, covered in moss and vines. A cold wind blew through the trees, carrying a faint metallic tang that made my stomach churn.“It’s too quiet,” Killian muttered, his eyes scanning the treeline. “I don’t like it.”Drystan nodded grimly. “If the Rogue King knows we’re here, he’s waiting.”“We don’t have a choice,” I said, gripping my
Nova’s POVThe hum of the car engine vibrated through my chest, a soothing constant as the trees blurred past the windows. It had been far too long since our last visit to the Silvermoon Packhouse, but life at Shadowfang had left no room for reunions. Rogue attacks near our borders kept us tethered to home, juggling defenses and strategies.Today was different. Today, we were finally going back.I sighed, my gaze drifting to Leira. She was practically bouncing in her seat, her excitement bubbling over. Too young to understand the weight of what brought us here, she only saw this as a long-awaited visit to her best friend.“Are we there yet, Mama?” she asked, her face pressed against the window, her voice brimming with hope.“Almost,” I replied, my lips curving into a smile. Her energy was infectious, a bright spot in the constant tension.She turned to Drystan, her wide eyes sparkling. “Do you think Elara will be happy to see me?”Drystan, his hands steady on the wheel, glanced at her
Astrid’s POVRowena’s quarters sat on the outskirts of Silvermoon territory, a place that felt as removed from the Pack’s core as Rowena herself. The journey there was quiet, the tension between Killian and me palpable. I could tell he was already regretting agreeing to this, but we didn’t have the luxury of letting emotions cloud our judgment.The rogue attacks were escalating. They were organized, purposeful, and more ruthless than ever. If Rowena had answers that could shed light on the Rogue King’s plans, we had no choice but to seek her out.Rowena had always been a thorn in our sides—a manipulative force who thrived on power plays. But she was also cunning, and if she knew anything about the Rogue King, she might just be the key to understanding what we were up against.As we approached her quarters, the scent of burning herbs filled the air. Rowena’s home was modest but had an aura of quiet power. It was an illusion, I knew—a way to remind every one of what she once was.K
Astrid’s POVThe sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Pack’s central courtyard. The faint scent of pine lingered in the air as laughter echoed from the grassy clearing near the training grounds. For the first time in what felt like weeks, I wasn’t caught up in Pack meetings, rogue threats, or endless strategy sessions. I could finally spend some time with my children at last. I missed them so much. Ryker and Elara darted around the clearing, their playful giggles warming the heavy ache in my chest. Ryker, now eight, was tall and quick, his movements already showing hints of the warrior he’d one day become. Elara, only four, struggled to keep up but refused to give in, her fierce determination reminding me so much of myself.“Elara, you’re supposed to tag me!” Ryker teased, effortlessly dodging her tiny hands.“I will, Ryker!” she declared, her little face scrunched in determination as she lunged at him.I couldn’t help but smile. For a moment, the world
Nova’s POVThe attic was darker and colder than I’d expected. Dust floated in the dim light that streamed through a cracked window, and the air carried the faint scent of cedar and time. This part of the Shadowfang Pack house had been sealed off for years—ever since Liora’s death.Drystan had given me permission to look through her things, but stepping into the space felt like crossing into sacred ground. Her scent was long gone, replaced by the mustiness of disuse, but I could still feel her presence here. Liora had always seemed larger than life, unbreakable, but here she was just a collection of forgotten memories, packed away in old boxes.I moved cautiously, my fingers trailing over the stacks of wooden crates and trunks. A soft creak from the floorboards behind me made me turn.“You don’t have to do this,” Drystan said, his voice low. He stood in the doorway, his face shadowed but his concern clear. “I can look through it if you want. You don’t need to carry this.”I shook m
Astrid’s POVThe tension in the air was suffocating. Every time I stepped into the council room lately, I could feel it pressing against my chest—the growing divide within the Pack. It was subtle at first, a quiet undercurrent of uncertainty, but now it was undeniable. People were questioning us. Questioning Killian. And Killian’s mother, Rowena, had only made things worse.The council members sat around the long table, their expressions ranging from weary to outright suspicious. Rowena had planted seeds of doubt with her sudden return, and now those seeds were taking root. Some of them believed she was here to help, that her knowledge of the rogues might be the key to stopping this war before it began. Others—including me—weren’t so sure.Killian sat beside me, his jaw tight, his eyes scanning the room like a predator sizing up potential threats. He hadn’t spoken much since his mother’s revelations the night before. I knew he was struggling to process it, to reconcile the woman