Astrid’s POVThe cold air in the dungeon wrapped around us like an iron shroud, carrying the faint, acrid scent of wolfsbane. Every shadow seemed alive, flickering as the torches danced against the walls. Cedric sat shackled in the center of the room, his head high, his bloodied face still wearing that maddening smirk of defiance.Killian paced in front of him, his golden eyes blazing with fury barely contained beneath his skin. His claws twitched at his sides, itching to tear through the man who had betrayed everything we stood for."Talk," Killian growled, his voice low and deadly.Cedric lifted his head, his dark eyes locking on Killian's. "Do you honestly think threats will work on me?" he spat, blood trailing from his split lip. "You're just proving my point-you Alphas are all the same. No vision, no foresight. Just brute strength and blind rage."The words hit Killian like fuel to a fire. He slammed his hand down on the table next to Cedric, the wood splintering under the fo
Astrid’s POVFor a fleeting moment, I felt something I hadn't felt in what seemed like forever: amusement.Cedric's words hung in the stale air, but they seemed hollow, ridiculous. My lips curled into a wry smile, and I shook my head."An Almega's life," I repeated, my voice carrying an edge of disbelief. "Well, that's interesting, Cedric, because in this world, there are only two Almegas: me and the rogue king."I stepped closer, folding my arms as I stared him down. "And let's be honest-there's no way Ardan is willing to sacrifice his own life for the forsaken amulet. So, unless you plan to offer him a lecture on hypocrisy, l'd say his plan has already failed."Killian's golden eyes gleamed with approval at my confidence. "She's right," he said, his tone sharp and resolute. "Ardan won't risk his life. He'd rather destroy everything than make a sacrifice like that."Cedric's lips twisted into a smirk, a cruel glint in his dark eyes. "Oh, Astrid," he said, his voice tinged with mocke
Astrid’s POVThe weight of Cedric’s words sat heavily in my chest as I paced the length of the council chamber. The sun had barely risen, but the Packhouse was already alive with movement. Orders were being given, warriors were being reassigned, and tension buzzed in the air like a live wire.Killian stood at the head of the room, his golden eyes scanning a map spread across the table. His hand rested on the hilt of his blade, the fingers twitching every so often. Ryder was beside him, his expression grim as he relayed information from the scouts.“We’ll triple the guards around the Packhouse,” Killian said firmly, his voice cutting through the murmurs. “No one enters without my approval. Double patrols along the eastern and northern borders. I want reports every two hours.”I stopped pacing, my arms crossing tightly over my chest. “It’s not enough,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended.Killian looked up, his brows furrowing. “Astrid, we’ve covered every vulnerability—”“No,”
Astrid’s POVThe wind howled against the Packhouse walls, carrying an unnatural chill that seeped into my bones. The moon hung low in the sky, its silvery light casting long shadows through the windows. I sat in the corner of Ryker and Elara’s shared room, my knees pulled to my chest, watching their small forms rise and fall with each breath.They looked so peaceful. So unaware of the storm brewing around them.Killian had insisted I get some rest, but the thought of leaving them alone—even with the guards stationed outside the room—was unbearable. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of the wind, sent a jolt of paranoia through me.“You’re not helping them by running yourself into the ground,” Killian’s voice came softly from the doorway.I looked up to find him leaning against the frame, his arms crossed. His golden eyes, usually so fierce, softened as they met mine.“They’re just kids, Killian,” I whispered, my voice trembling. “They don’t deserve to be part of this war.
Astrid’s POVThe morning light was weak as it filtered through the windows, the overcast sky casting a somber glow over the Packhouse. The tension from the night before lingered in the air, thick and oppressive.I sat at the dining table with Elara and Ryker, trying to focus on their cheerful chatter. Elara was recounting a dream she’d had about flying on a dragon, her bright smile lighting up her face, while Ryker listened intently, his serious expression making him look far older than his years.But my attention kept drifting. My eyes darted to the guards stationed outside the door, their rigid postures and sharp eyes a constant reminder of the danger looming over us.Killian entered the room, his presence commanding as always. His golden eyes immediately found mine, and he gave me a small nod, one that was meant to reassure but only tightened the knot in my chest.“Everything is in place,” he said quietly as he took the seat beside me.I nodded, managing a faint smile. “Good.”E
Chapter 77: Shadows on the HorizonAstrid’s POVThe Packhouse had turned into a fortress. Guards patrolled every corner, their presence constant and unyielding. The sound of boots on the wooden floors, the clang of weapons being readied, and the hum of whispered orders filled the air. Despite the precautions, a sense of unease clung to me like a second skin.Killian was in the war room, finalizing defense strategies with Ryder and the other warriors. I had just left Ryker and Elara’s room after checking on them for the third time that morning. They were playing together, their laughter echoing softly in my mind, but it wasn’t enough to ease the fear curling in my chest.I walked briskly down the corridor, my thoughts a chaotic whirlwind. Ardan’s movements were calculated, his methods ruthless. Ryder’s report about the wolfsbane on the eastern border was still fresh in my mind, and I couldn’t help but wonder what else he had planned.Turning a corner, I nearly collided with Asha.
Chapter 78: A Chilling RevelationAstrid’s POVThe air outside was still, an eerie contrast to the turmoil churning inside me. The rogue’s words echoed in my mind: Ardan always gets what he wants.The Packhouse was alive with activity as I made my way to the war room. Warriors were moving in and out, relaying reports and receiving orders. The tension in the air was palpable, thick enough to taste.Killian was already there when I arrived, standing at the head of the table with Ryder at his side. The map was spread out in front of them, marked with red circles and lines denoting potential weak spots in our defenses.He looked up when I entered, his golden eyes narrowing slightly. “Astrid,” he said, his tone softer than it had been moments ago in the interrogation room.“Do we know anything new?” I asked, stepping closer to the table.Ryder shook his head, his expression grim. “The rogue we captured is a low-ranking pawn. He doesn’t know anything valuable, or if he does, he’s not tal
Chapter 79: Tension RisingAstrid’s POVThe weight of the fragment of the forsaken amulet lingered in my mind as Killian, Ryder, and I exited the war room. Every step I took felt heavier, like the realization of Ardan’s plan was manifesting into a physical burden.The hallways of the Packhouse were unusually quiet, the tension gripping everyone like a silent warning. I could feel the watchful eyes of the guards stationed at every corner, their hands never straying far from their weapons. The air was thick with unease, and I couldn’t shake the cold fear that curled in my chest.“I don’t like this,” I said softly, breaking the silence as Killian walked beside me. “The fragment… what is he doing with them? How exactly would he fix the amulet…”Killian’s jaw tightened, his golden eyes fixed straight ahead. “He won’t get far. We’ll intercept him before he completes the amulet.”“And if we don’t?” I asked, my voice trembling. “Killian, we don’t know what’s going on in his mind. We’re not
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