*plays mystery music*
VERENAI slowly turn around but find no one in the room. I am hundred percent sure I heard a male voice. My brow pinch as I remember Ezra telling me that the curse was a ‘he’. I look sharply around the room and ask. “Who are you? Show yourself!” I demand, my voice stern. The voice responds back, making a jolt run through me. “Well, there’s not much to show. But if you insist…” My eyes go wide when I see the shadow behind my closet door move and materialize into a tall figure. I am not sure if what I am seeing is real. Because it's just a shadow. It has no face, no arms, no legs…just a silhouette. “Told you, I don’t have much to show,” the voice comes from the moving shadow, making me gasp. “Who are you?” I ask, my voice coming out a little weaker than I intended. I feel in my gut that I already know the answer to my question. “Who am I?” he chuckles, as if my question is amusing to him. “That can be up for a later discussion. For now, let's focus on why I am here.” I raise a br
VERENA“And why is that?” “Because I have used my powers on you before. I am a Celestial wolf with the Goddess helping me. I have the Goddess’s powers.” I growl. “Hmm. Are you sure about that?” I frown, the confidence in his voice breaking my resolve a little. “What do you mean?” The shadow moves closer to me and starts circling me like a predator. My muscles turn stiff as I feel his presence weighing on me. “It's true you are a celestial wolf, gifted with the powers of the Grand Selene. The Goddess of the Moon. The Goddess of the night!” There’s a hint of malice in his voice that seems to be coming out of sheer jealousy. I just feel it in my gut that he does not like her very much. “But…how will the Goddess help you if she’s dead?” He asks, but it's more of a declaration than a ‘what if’ sort of game. My heart leaps into my throat. “What!” I yell. My body freezes and my heart races in my chest, a wave of shock and fear washing over me. I scoff, “You are bluffing!” My voice does
VERENA“Alright,” I say to Serena, feeling relieved, and then slowly get back on my feet.“How?” The shadow is frozen in his place as I challenge him with a glare.My eyes flash, and the silver markings on my arm don’t feel like a curse anymore. They feel like a weapon that’s providing me the strength to fight. Now I don’t know how that’s possible either.But there’s one thing I am damn sure about.“My entire life has been a struggle, and I survived it all,” I roar as I take daunting steps toward the shadow, “I have lost count of how many times I have been on the brink of death or have been wronged! But I have survived all of it. So if you believe that trying to possess me is going to work and break me, then you are fucking wrong!” A strong growl travels up my chest, making the walls around me tremble.The silver marks on my arm glow so vibrantly, their light rapidly spreading around the room.“Fuck!” The shadow steps away, as if running from that light. The light consumes the entire r
VERENAThen whom will we have our faith in?I run my hand through his black hair. “You did great. Always pray to the Goddess. She will listen to you,” I mutter softly, keeping my voice steady while my stomach coils in knots.I won’t take away his faith. Even if the Goddess is not out there, people must still have faith that we are protected by a higher divine power.Ezra places his hand on my belly. “I’m praying that I see my sister soon.” He moves closer to my belly as if he wants to know what’s going on inside, and I raise a brow.“Your sister? How do you know it will be a little sister and not a brother?” I ask playfully. I told him before about him getting a sibling, and he was so happy he jumped all around the house. Ezra has people to keep him company, but his heart desires someone closer to him, like a little brother or a sister.He makes a thinking face before he replies. “I want a little sister. I prayed to the Goddess that I get one.” He cups his mouth and his face leans clo
VERENAI raise a brow. What does he want?I look at the phone my Beta’s holding. After a few seconds of contemplating, I decide to talk to him. “Okay.” Norton hands me the phone.I place the phone to my ear while I walk out of my office, Norton following me. “It's Luna Verena,” I say, my tone stern.“Luna Verena…” Alpha Nova addresses me in his deep voice.“It’s quite a surprise to hear your voice after so long,” I say, not hiding the disappointment in my tone.He sighs. “I’m really sorry for not being able to attend the meeting, Luna Verena. But be assured that it wasn’t my intention.”I step inside my room and turn on the lights. “Wasn’t your intention? I’m sure you got the mail from the royal court.”“I did. But I don’t agree with what the King says,” he replies, and I freeze in my spot.“Why not? They have evidence against me,” I say.“Yeah, I heard that. But I know you well, Luna Verena. Also, my pack has been in an alliance with the Moonlight Pack for a long time. So I know that
VERENA“I just read about it in the book I was reading on celestial wolves,” I lie fluently. If he’s not going to open up, then it’s better I don’t share what I saw today. “There wasn’t much about it. Just the term green moon. So I thought to ask you.”“I don’t know anything,” he answers quickly. A little too quickly. It's strange how those red glasses got so easily stolen by a guard in his museum. What if he is behind it? Am I overthinking it?“Alright. Coming back to the topic, are you not afraid of the king?” I ask. “I mean, he won’t like you supporting me,” I remind him.He chuckles lightly, but there’s no humor to it. “There’s already a lot happening in my pack. Do you think I would care what the king thinks when my precious warriors are going missing every single day?”I press my lips in a grim line. “No, you are right. I’m really sorry to hear about that. Is there anything I can do to help?”“Given the position you are in, it would be cruel of me to ask for your help,” Alpha No
VERENA“I did. But Isabella told me you passed out suddenly and had some silver markings on your face,” his dark eyes turn hard as they scan the marks on my face. “I was worried. I need to know that you are fine.” The concern in his voice makes my heart skip a beat. He has seen how deadly the curse has been.I sigh and nod. “I am fine,” my voice comes out breathless.He breaks the hug and grabs my hand. He tugs me towards the bed and makes me sit on it.“Are you really fine?” he asks as he sits beside me and places a hand on my head.I gulp. “Yeah…”“Rena,” he gives a stern look. “You don’t have to bear everything alone. This isn’t just your fight. It's mine too. So we share our problems. You only told me that. Remember?” He grabs my other hand and places a kiss on my knuckles. “I’m here to listen.”I don't know whether it's because of what he said or the genuineness behind his words that makes me break down. But I feel warm tears roll down my cheeks and my lips quiver. “It…it…” I shud
VERENAI close my eyes as I feel his mouth on mine. He takes his time to devour my lips and the kiss sets off a sharp, wild need in me. But then something electric zaps through me and I feel a strong surge of energy within me. What was that? I break the kiss and look at my arms. I gasp when I see the silver marks have completely faded. How is this possible? “What happened?” he asks and then looks at my arms. He lifts a brow when he realizes why I am shocked. “The marks are gone.” He mutters and I look at him with wide eyes. “I felt something inside me when we kissed,” I whisper, not being able to process what happened. My body feels stronger and I don’t feel the weight of the curse anymore inside me. “The curse is lifted!” Serena yells in my head and then she starts chuckling. “One kiss is all it takes.” She starts singing. “To lift the curse on me.” I stop my urge to roll my eyes. But then my attention falls to Elijah. His eyes droop a little and fear washes over me. Oh my God
VERENAI shift back and just stare at her in silence, watching her fumble with her words. Her lips are quivering and she’s sweating profusely, her midnight blue hair sticking to her forehead. She literally copied my hair color and my hairstyle. When she realizes the coldness in my gaze, she stops and starts yelling.”You can’t kill me! Dad will end you. I did what I did and I will do it again with you!” her eyes go round as she looks up at me with a psychotic look. She starts laughing and I know that there’s no humor or happiness to the laugh. “You deserve it all! You are fucking bitch who was born in a wealthy family and was accepted. You have no idea what it feels like to be unwanted. So…so I did all of this. You needed to feel what I felt too. And I succeeded!” she throws her head back and laughs even harder. “I succeeded in ruining your life! After this battle, you’ll have nothing left for you. Everything will be taken from you. Your Elijah, your kids, your pack…everything! So go
VERENAA warm sensation takes over my body and I feel a tingling sensation in my spine. The celestial light builds within me and I aim it at the Ashwalker wolves. They take a step back as if they can sense that power within me. Serena opens her mouth and light erupts from it. It's directed at them and the moment it hits the ground, a huge explosion takes place. I hear lots of howls and the light blinds everyone in the field. When it fades, a huge crater is formed on the ground and there’s no sign of the Ashwalker wolves and the cloaked men who stood with them. The impact was so huge that it got everyone’s attention. Nixie stares at it with wide eyes. “What the fuck,” she says as she measures the depth of the crater I created. “Damn! That’s so badass!” Dory exclaims and I smirk. We approach Joshua and Irene who also are staring at the huge crater. They turn towards us and Dory steps forward, shifts back and kneels down. Joshua looks at me and I see concern in his eyes. “Rena…Irene
VERENAI run towards the main battlefield and Nixie’s petite figure comes into sight. She’s standing against my men, guarded by the Ashwalker wolves and a few of Umbra’s cult men. I watch in horror as Nixie, her eyes filled with a malicious glint, hurls a gas bomb towards Irene and Joshua. The bomb explodes, sending a toxic cloud billowing into the air. Irene and Joshua cough, their faces contorted in pain. Joshua, with his enhanced senses, manages to shield himself from the gas, but Irene, still recovering from her previous injuries, is more vulnerable. I can see her coughing violently, blood staining her lips.“Irene,” Joshua goes to her and holds her while she drops to the ground, the coughing not stopping.Nixie grins as she looks at them. “You used to call me Dumpster Barbie, right? Now what, huh? Can’t speak?” she taunts and then pauses. “Oh wait! I totally forgot to say this. This gas has a special role, you know? It can take away the vocals of the person it affects. Permanen
VERENAI grit my teeth and clench my fist in anger after I shift back. Dad shifts back to his human form too and glares at me, standing protectively before mom. “Dad? Are you seriously going to protect her? You know who she's working for,” I ask him, my eyes pleading for him to see the truth in this situation. She’s not our ally. His face contorts in anger as he hears my words and he growls at me. “I trust her. There must have been some misunderstanding.” His eyes flash and I realize that he’s not in himself. It's the mate bond that’s making him say this. My dad isn’t as strong as I am when it comes to staying away from our mates. His love for mom will destroy him. “Oh yes it is, Ray. He’s making me do these things,” Mom says and makes this sad face. I wonder who’s better at acting innocent—Nixie or her? Oh wait, I forgot that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. She proves she’s her mother. I look at Charlotte and mind-link her. “You are being a total bitch! You used my fat
VERENABut my words fall on deaf ears. He lunges at me, his claws outstretched. I dodge his attack, barely escaping his grasp. I'm filled with a mix of fear and anger. How can he hurt me? How can he turn against me after all this?I draw upon my celestial power, a surge of light coursing through my veins. My eyes glow a brilliant white, and my form shifts, becoming more powerful. I face him, my stance defiant."Elijah, stop!" I shout, my voice filled with authority. But he won't listen. He's lost in the darkness, a creature of pure instinct.We circle each other, our eyes locked in a battle of wills. The air crackles with tension as we prepare to strike. The battle between the Luna Guardian and the Shadow Alpha has begun. A battle that has occurred through different generations and timelines. I don’t want this. But do I have a choice? And what will we do if we both die? I look into his eyes, and see no sign of him. Is he gone? Did Umbra take him from me? I steel myself for what I
VERENAMaria walks towards me. “What happened?” She asks with a frown on her face. “It's mom. She’s here.” I say and Maria’s eyes turn wide. “Charlotte is here? Oh my Goddess!” She rests her hand on her chest and looks worried. I can sense the conflict arising within her. Mom was Maria’s best friend. I’m sure she still cares about her. I look at Irene. “We need to go out there. I’m sure the others will need us.” Irene steps forward. “Of course. I’d be so glad to go out there and kick some—” she halts and looks at the kids. Ezra gives her a sly smile. “Aunt Irene is saying some adult words again.” He makes a tsk sound with his mouth and shakes his head as if disappointed. He does this whenever Irene has a slip of tongue. “Shut up. I didn’t say anything. I only said that I will kick them.” She argues and I roll my eyes. She’s seriously fighting with a kid. “Rena, someone should stay with the kids to protect them,” Maria tells me as she holds my arm. She looks at Elijah who growls
VERENA"You're back," I whisper, my voice barely audible. "You're really back."Ezra smiles, his eyes filled with warmth. "I'm here, Mommy," he says. "I'm not going anywhere."In that moment, all the pain, the fear, the uncertainty - it all seems to fade away. We've won. We've defeated the darkness.Irene quickly turns around and her eyes go wide as she sees us. “Oh Goddess! It worked! Fu—Sorry. I mean hell yeah!” she shouts, raising her fists in the air. She looks no less than a lunatic but that’s how she is.I turn to Venus who just stares at her with her big green eyes, her little hand clutching Ezra’s shirt as she sits on his lap. I kneel on the floor and take her other hand, then kiss it. “Thank you, thank you. You’re our savior.” I whisper to her and cup her little face. She makes a sound with her mouth, having no idea what I’m talking about. I look at Elijah. His head is tilted up towards the ceiling, pushing back his tears of joy and relief. He’s trying to act strong but I k
VERENAI feel a strong vibration at the pit of my stomach. It makes my guts muscles clench uncomfortably but then a warm sensation travels up my spine. Venus stops crying and I open my eyes to see a vibrant light form in the middle of the air. It casts its bright light on the room and reduces Ezra’s dark aura, allowing him to take a breath and relax a little. Venus looks calm too and is staring at her brother with her big eyes. I look at Elijah and he nods. Ezra lifts his head and his face looks better, a lot less pale as he stares at us. But he’s still in his dark aura. Maybe the energy that we created helped to slow down the process. He looks at Venus but does not say anything. I move towards the bed and Venus raises her arm like she did in the kids room when she saw me. She smiles at her brother, her green eyes lighting up. “Veenie…” Ezra whispers. I carefully place Venus on the bed and hold her back. In case Ezra does something, I’ll pull her back. Elijah stands beside me and
VERENAVenus squirms as she sees him and it hurts him but he does not show it on his face. “Are they still out there?” Maria asks me and I shake my head. “No. But we need to be careful. Elijah and I’ll handle everything. Let's go.” I tell them and we carefully walk out of the kids room. Elijah walks ahead, his senses alert for any incoming dangers. I look around too but Venus gets uncomfortable when I’m too tense so I’m trying to stay calm. I look at her and recall the vision I had. I couldn’t see her face but I felt the same way I am feeling right now. The feeling that you have when you are close to your daughter. Venus looks up at me with her big eyes and I give her a smile. “Don’t worry, angel. We’ll be fine,” I give her a kiss on the forehead and she giggles. We reach the bedroom and Elijah opens the door. The moment the double doors swing open, a strong wave of dark aura crashes on me, forcing me to take a step back. Venus squirms again and looks away, as if she’s afraid.