Giselle is describing herself with her words. She’s disgusting!
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 got a wide smile on my face as I hopped out of the car. Nova and I had just arrived back at the Nightsong Pack. Drystan gave me a week to have the alliance papers signed. Guess what? Only a day was needed for me to get his signature. I’m sure he would be surprised to find out about my achievement. I knock on Drystan’s office before twisting the door open and inserting my head in. I beamed at Drystan, whose head was burrowed in papers. I’m so excited to tell him the news, but he still hasn’t realized who is at his door right now. “Who is it?” Drystan slowly raised his head. When he saw my face all the exhaustion in his face vanished, replaced with the joy of seeing me. “Astrid, you’re back!” Drystan stood up from his seat and rushed towards me. I entered his office and closed the door behind me. “Look at what I got,” I showed the papers to him. Drystan’s jaw fell open when he saw Alpha Everest’s clear signature. He snatched the paper from me and looked at Alpha Ev
Killian’s POV“What could have possibly gone wrong?!” I yelled out loud and slammed my fist on the table, making Giselle flinch in her seat. I gave her the simplest task, and yet she still managed to ruin it. Our alliance with the Frostbite Pack is already a close deal. She just needed to get Alpha Everest’s signature to make things official. I don’t understand how she managed to fuck things up. “Don’t yell at her, Killian, she’s pregnant!” My mother scolded me as she softly caressed Giselle’s back to comfort her. “Just relax, Giselle, okay? Stress is never good for the baby.” My mother’s brows knitted together as she spoke to Giselle in worry. I clenched my jaw in anger as I watched how my mother consoled Giselle and how Giselle enjoyed my mother’s company. She even dragged my mother into this, knowing that she would defend her and take her side. She couldn’t even face me on her own and own up to her mistakes. Giselle had just returned from her trip yesterday. I w
Astrid’s POVI gazed at myself in the mirror, wearing an elegant sleeveless white dress that fitted my body like a glove, showing my curves in the right places. A smile crept up my lips, like the person that I could see in the mirror. Even though I’m pregnant and my baby bump is showing already, I’m still able to maintain my fit body from before. “You look too beautiful for a pregnant woman.”I turned on my heel when someone spoke behind me. I smiled shyly when I saw Nova standing on my doorstep, staring at me. I felt embarrassed getting caught ogling myself. “You look stunning, too,” I complimented her in her sparkling green dress that reminded me of Ariel’s tail. With her strawberry blonde hair, she looks much like a princess from a fairy tale. “Are you ready?” Nova asks me as she steps inside my room. I took another look at myself in the mirror and breathed deeply. The time flew really fast. I couldn’t coop up inside my room any longer. I need to go out and meet the guests.
Astrid’s POV“Enjoy everyone, and I hope you’ll have a great stay in our Pack,” I flashed my pretty smile to the crowd as I stepped off the podium. The crowd gave me a round of applause right after I ended my speech. The whole time that I was speaking on stage, I could feel his intense gaze boring holes at me, making me feel uncomfortable the whole time. The moment I stepped off the stage, I could finally feel my whole body again. “Don’t forget to breathe, Astrid,” Nova chided when I reached her off the stage. My heart had finally relaxed, and I could breathe properly again after I had escaped everyone’s attention. I gripped Nova’s warm hand for support. Nova didn’t say a word as I gripped her hand tightly with my icy-cold fingers. I’m glad that Nova is here with me. She never left my side even though she also has her own personal life. She stood by me, willing to support me. “I need to take a break,” I muttered under my breath. “Of course, I’ll go inform Drystan,” Nova answer
Astrid’s POVA deep breath passed through my lips as a sense of calm washed over me when Nova arrived just in time to rescue me. Nova ran towards me with a panicked look in her eyes. She lifted me up by my arms, slowly helping me to get my feet on the ground. Killian forced himself off the ground, his lips slightly stretching downwards as he winced in pain. “What happened?” Nova asked me in worry. I was hyperventilating, so I failed to answer her. I just kept clutching my heart, the place where all the pain was coming from. Nova’s eyes widened when the realization hit her. “H-He,” Nova paused, unable to complete her sentence. Anger flashed in her eyes, knowing that what Killian just did was enough to kill me. With my weak wolf and the life inside of me, I’m not strong enough to handle the rejection. “Astrid!” Drystan suddenly appeared and ran towards me when he saw my state. He immediately carried my weight to help Nova, who had been struggling to keep me up. Still, I coul
Killian’s POV“Since when?” I questioned. “Since when have you found out you’re pregnant?” My question hung in the air as the three fell silent. The three of them couldn’t bring themselves to look at me anymore after their secrets were exposed. I laughed bitterly as I turned my gaze away from them. “Now everything makes sense,” I muttered. It was out of nowhere when Astrid suddenly asked me for a divorce. I couldn’t figure out why Drystan would help Astrid and lie to me just for her when I’m his true family. Now that I found out the big secret that they were trying to hide from me, everything finally made sense. “Just how long?” I snapped. “How long have you been dating each other behind my back?” Their gazes suddenly snapped back at me when they heard my question. I looked at each and every one of them, waiting for the first person who was going to answer my question, but they looked clueless as they stared at me. They looked confused as if they couldn’t understand my simp
Astrid’s POVI lay motionless on my bed, my eyes distant and unfocused as the weight of Killian’s words pressed heavily upon my heart, sapping me of my energy and will. My mind couldn’t stop going back to his shameless accusations. I couldn’t believe how he could accuse me of cheating him and sleeping with his own uncle when he was the one who cheated in our marriage. I couldn’t believe how shameless he was to put all the blame on me when he was the one who ruined our marriage. All my life, I have dedicated my life to him as his wife, even though he never appreciated everything that I did. I stayed loyal and faithful to him, always mindlessly hoping that he would grow feelings for me or hopefully become a loving husband in return. I waited for years and invested all of my efforts in our relationship. In the end, all it took was for his ex-girlfriend to come back, and he threw away everything that we had and impregnated her. “I’ve completed the examination,” The Pack Doctor sp
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