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 POVMy husband and mate Killian, who is also the Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack, left the assembly and went somewhere with his ex-girlfriend leaving me behind. As the Pack’s Luna, I dutifully prepared for our annual pack assembly, but he nearly ruined it because he couldn’t wait to spend time alone with Giselle. Giselle was Killian’s ex-girlfriend. She was his one true love, a woman who is better in many ways than me. Giselle and Killian were in love with each other. Even after Killian found out that we were mates and marked me as his mate and Luna, Killian only had Giselle in his heart.As his mate, it kills me to know that my mate who is supposed to love and cherish me is in love with someone else. Killian had always reminded me that he felt nothing for me. In the years that we were married, he treated me as nothing more than his mere subordinate.Aside from being a Luna, I am also Killian’s right-hand man in the military. I am in charge of the Pack training and I always wo
CHAPTER 2Astrid’s POV“I am not just a warrior in this Pack, Killian. I am also your wife and your Luna. Why should I apologize to your mistress that is not even a part of this Pack,” I blurted out as I pointed an angry finger at Giselle. Killian only scoffed in response. He looked at me mockingly like I was a joke to him. “You are so delusional!” He answered back frustratingly. “When have I ever seen you as my mate and Luna?” He questioned taking me aback and causing a sharp pain in my chest. “If it wasn’t for you, Giselle and I wouldn’t have separated.” My body ran cold when I heard his blunt response. I never thought that he was blaming me for what happened between him and Giselle. “Killian… I’m your mate,” I retorted with my lips quivering. “A mate that I never wanted!” He yells back and shatters what is left of my broken heart. “K-Killian, the moon goddess chose us to be together. How could you choose someone else over me?” I asked back as my wolf whimpered inside of me.
Astrid’s POVMy eyes had been swollen red and puffy from endless crying. My grandmother was the only family member I had left. Now that she’s dead, I am left all alone. Since I’m the only one left, I am in charge of her medical expenses and I have been busy preparing for her funeral all alone. I’ve never stopped crying since my grandmother died.Still, I hated myself. What’s the purpose of preparing for her funeral and crying after she died when I wasn’t even there by the time that she needed me the most? In her last days, I wasn’t even there to comfort her.My precious grandmother doesn’t deserve a granddaughter like me.I held back my tears as I gathered my grandmother’s favorite foods together and placed them near her casket. In the happy memories that I had when I was little, I wasn’t all alone. I always had my mom and grandma to rely on. That didn’t last long though, eventually, my mother died and my grandma had to shoulder all the responsibilities and raise me on her own.
Killian’s POVDivorce? I couldn’t understand. I sighed and raked my hair in frustration when I caught my mind drifting off again instead of focusing on the paperwork that I had to finalize for the day. My mind kept on going back to Astrid’s words. I couldn’t believe how she easily asked me for divorce. Astrid has always been responsible and obedient as a Luna and as my right-hand man or commander in the military. I couldn’t believe that she would easily file for divorce knowing that divorcing me would mean she would have to give up her Luna title and it would also make things awkward between us. I leaned on my chair and shut my eyes as I felt my headache coming. She must be talking purely out of her emotions. Once she had calmed down and saw the whole situation with a clear head, she would realize that the divorce would be too much. I was just late for her grandmother’s funeral and I have a reasonable excuse for that. If I really didn’t care, I wouldn’t have shifted to my wolf a
Astrid’s POVMy heart was heavy with grief and my body was fully exhausted when I returned to the packhouse. Being pregnant made me become more emotional, and it also made me tire more easily. With everything that had happened to me lately, being pregnant made things more difficult for me. Returning to the packhouse was the last thing that I wanted, but I had to. I had left all my things behind when I suddenly decided not to come back anymore. Right now, I just don’t want to meet anyone who would ruin my mood even further. I came to the packhouse to pack my things and that’s it. I have no intention of meeting Killian or even seeing his face. I also do not have any intention of telling him about our unborn child anymore.I instinctively touched my bump as I had that thought. I bit my lower lip as I felt sorry for my child.As someone who grew up without a father, I do not want my baby to experience that also. However, I couldn’t also let him grow up with a father who doesn’t want h
Astrid’s POVKillian turned his face away in shame when he heard my words. His hands trembled slightly as he reluctantly pulled the lilies away from my face, giving me the chance to breathe much better.I remained silent as I covered my nose. My nose felt itchy because of the damn flowers that stirred up my allergies. Killian suddenly scoffed after a moment of silence. “These flowers are not for you,” he spoke angrily.I slowly looked up at him through the corner of my eyes when I heard him speak. When he came here holding the flowers, I really thought it was meant for me.“For whom was it then?” I asked him since I really thought that he had come all the way here to give me those flowers as his way of apologizing. “For Giselle of course,” Killian blurted out. “As you have said you have never received any gift from me. Did you really think I would give you a flower now?”A bitter smile spread across my face when I heard his answer. It was foolish of me to expect that the flowers he
Astrid’s POVMy mind went blank as I wandered mindlessly, not knowing where my feet were taking me. Now that I have divorced Killian and now that I got the freedom that I wanted, what now? How long will I be able to survive as a rogue when I’m pregnant?A bitter smile rose to my lips as I lifted my face to the sky, thinking that if I tilted my head up my tears would stop from falling. Instead, my tears blurred my vision even more when I saw the dark heavy clouds above me who were just like me, keeping in tears instead of letting it all fall out.A soft cry escaped my lips as I continued walking. I’m pregnant and I had nowhere to go or no one to help me. It’s going to rain soon and I don’t even have a safe shelter where I could stay at. “There is a small pack nearby, maybe we can stay there. You need to walk fast before the rain catches us.” Ingrid, my wolf, spoke inside my head. Since I’m pregnant, it’s dangerous for the baby if I shift into my wolf. I really had no choice but to
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 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 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 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 POVThe air crackled with tension as the rogue king’s gaze shifted toward us, his dark eyes gleaming with an unspoken challenge. Killian’s golden eyes burned with fury, his body coiled like a predator ready to strike. But the rogue king, Ardan, stood unfazed, a shadow of calm amidst the chaos.“You’re relentless, Killian,” Ardan said smoothly, his voice carrying across the clearing like a chilling wind. “But your efforts are misplaced. You cling to a broken system—a hierarchy built on oppression and blood.”Killian took a measured step forward, his claws flexing. “And you think murdering innocents and sowing chaos is the answer? You’re delusional.”Ardan tilted his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Delusional? Or visionary? The Packs need reformation, Killian. The hierarchy you protect only serves the Alphas and Betas—those at the top. The rest? They suffer. They’re discarded like trash.”I clenched my fists, stepping forward to stand beside Killian. “And you think y
Astrid's POVThe air felt sharper, heavier. Ryder's words lingered, a warning that sent a jolt of adrenaline surging through me. "It's a trap."Killian's hand tightened around mine briefly before he let go, signaling silently to the warriors around us. His golden eyes locked onto mine, and without speaking, I understood. Be ready.The rogues emerged from the shadows like wraiths, their movements swift and predatory. My heart pounded as Killian raised a hand, signaling our group to spread out and form a defensive line. The moonlight gleamed off their weapons, but it was their eyes-feral, unrelenting-that sent a shiver down my spine.The rogue king's voice broke through the stillness, cold and calculated. "You've been followed, Cedric."Cedric spun around, his eyes wide in shock and fear as his gaze darted toward the trees. With the rogue king’s army surrounding us, and with his calm demeanor. It was obvious that he had seen us from afar. He was prepared to stop us.Only Cedric had
Astrid’s POVThe tension in the council chamber clung to my skin like a second layer of sweat. Every time I closed my eyes, I could still see Alpha Cedric’s smug expression from the last meeting, his words twisting the air with doubt and discontent.Killian and I walked side by side through the dimly lit hall, his golden eyes sharp and focused. Neither of us spoke as we headed toward the war room, our minds occupied by the same burning question: could Cedric truly be working with the rogue king?The war room door creaked open, revealing Ryder standing at the center of the table, maps and documents scattered before him. He looked up as we entered, his expression grim but composed.“Alpha. Luna,” Ryder greeted, bowing slightly.“What did you find?” Killian asked, his voice steady but clipped.Ryder straightened, his gaze meeting Killian’s. “We’ve been discreetly monitoring Alpha Cedric’s movements as you requested. There’s nothing concrete yet, but… there’s something off.”I frowned,
Astrid’s POVThe private chamber was dimly lit, the flicker of candlelight casting shifting shadows on the stone walls. The air was thick with anticipation as Killian and I stepped into the room. Alpha Damien and Luna Valerie stood by the hearth, their faces somber. Damien’s normally relaxed posture was stiff, and Valerie’s fingers were laced tightly together, betraying her tension.“Damien, Valerie,” Killian began, his voice firm. “We were told you’ve uncovered something about the rogue king. What is it?”Damien exchanged a glance with Valerie before stepping forward, his gaze steady. “Valerie and I had been conducting an investigation—secretly,” he admitted. “Ever since the first rogue attacks began to increase, we’ve been suspicious.”Valerie nodded, her tone soft but urgent. “The rogue king’s moves weren’t random. They were calculated, methodical. He wasn’t just targeting packs for power or resources; he was targeting the foundation of our system—the hierarchy, the unity that bi
Astrid’s POVKillian halted mid-step, his shoulders stiffening as he turned to face me. His brow knitted together, the golden hue of his eyes darkening with unease. “What do you mean?” he asked, his voice low, guarded.I hesitated for just a heartbeat before the words poured out, tumbling over each other in a rush. “Alpha Cedric,” I said, my voice tight with urgency. “At the council meeting—he stood up, questioning us, doubting our leadership, our decisions.”Killian’s brows pinched together as he processed my words. “What if… what if it wasn’t just him being confrontational? What if it was intentional? Designed to sow distrust, to divide us?” I asked him Killian’s gaze sharpened, his eyes narrowing as he digested my words. A flicker of understanding crossed his face, followed by something colder, harder. Slowly, he nodded. “I’ve been thinking the same thing,” he admitted, his tone heavy with thought. “When Andros suggested there could be a traitor, Cedric was the first person w