Ruby's POV
My mother's question hung in the air, waiting for a response. It was a question that everyone seemed eager to ask. After a moment of reflection, I decided to give her a partial answer, not revealing my true feelings yet.
"I think I do," I said with a hint of mystery, hoping to keep the conversation light.
My mother's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took my hand. "Which one?" she asked, leaning in, eager for the inside scoop.
I smiled, but my reply was playful and evasive. "I can't tell you, Mom. It'll ruin the fun."
Deep down, I was weary of the constant questioning about my preference. I had become tired of it. It was a complex matter, and I didn't want to give anyone the satisfaction of knowing my choice just yet. Additionally, I couldn't shake off the suspicion that lingered around my mother, despite my tentative desire to rebuild our relationship.
My mother accepted my respon
Ruby's POVSitting alone in my room, the echoes of Elena's words and the overwhelming stress of the competition swirled around me. I was both physically and emotionally drained, and the weight of my responsibilities as a Luna had never been more apparent. My thoughts drifted back to a recent conversation I had with Gonzalo, a conversation that now held even more significance.It was just a few days ago when Gonzalo and I had a private moment to discuss the troubling situation with Teresa and my father, Drako. It was an unsettling conversation that had left us both on edge.Gonzalo's eyes bore the weight of the concern he felt as he spoke. "Ruby, Teresa and her father going missing is a grave concern. It leaves my packs exposed and unsafe. We know Drako's intentions aren't pure, but we can't be certain of how far he's willing to go, and how far Teresa will follow his orders."I nodded, my thoughts equally troubled
Ruby's POVElsa sighed, the weight of her past and the complex web of emotions settling upon her. She looked at me, searching for the right words. "Drako was a master of manipulation from the very beginning. He always loved power, Ruby. It was like an insatiable hunger that consumed him."As she spoke, I could sense the pain and regret in her voice. Elsa continued, her words laced with a hint of sorrow. "When I first met Drako, he was charming, charismatic, and incredibly persuasive. He had a way of making people believe in his vision and follow him blindly."She paused, collecting her thoughts, and I waited patiently, realizing that this conversation was as difficult for her as it was for me. "He claimed to have a noble cause, a desire to bring about change and unity among the packs. He seemed so convincing, and I was drawn to his charisma. It was only later that I began to see the true extent of his ambition."M
Ruby's POVElsa sighed, acknowledging the question. "Maybe I am, but I'm not going to mince words, Ruby. I genuinely think Gonzalo is the right one for you. I've seen him grow from a young, determined alpha into a man who shoulders the weight of his responsibilities with grace and strength."As Elsa spoke, she painted a vivid picture of Gonzalo's childhood and the challenges he faced. "He grew up without his mother, facing the prejudices against his lineage. Despite that, he developed into a compassionate and formidable alpha. Even before I returned to your father's pack, Gonzalo displayed leadership qualities that set him apart."I listened intently, absorbing the details of Gonzalo's past. However, there was something gnawing at me, a truth I needed to share. "Mother, are you aware that Gonzalo was manipulated into thinking that Teresa was his true mate? Drako, together with his father, deceived him into believing that
Gonzalo's POVThe moon hung high in the night sky, casting an ethereal glow over the dense woods. The scent of pine filled the air as I navigated through the shadows, sprinting silently through the underbrush. I could feel the weight of the task ahead pressing on my shoulders, the first assignment given to us by the mysterious forces that governed our existence.The task was simple yet challenging: retrieve a relic hidden deep within the heart of the woods. It was a test of our abilities, a measure of our determination to prove our worth. The forest, with its twisting paths and concealed secrets, became our battleground.As I raced through the woods, my senses heightened, and my instincts guided my every move. The first obstacle in my path was a thicket of thorns, their sharp edges glinting in the moonlight. Without hesitation, I leaped, twisting mid-air to avoid the prickly trap.My gaze focused ahead as I encountered the next
Gonzalo's POVDarkness enveloped me as I opened my eyes, a disoriented haze clouding my senses. The moon's glow had disappeared, leaving me in pitch-black surroundings. Confusion gripped me as I struggled to piece together what had transpired.Slowly getting up, I realized I had been bleeding, the metallic taste of blood lingering in my mouth. Hours had passed while I lay unconscious, and the forest held its secrets tight. I couldn't shake the feeling that someone had deliberately struck me.Focusing my mind, I replayed the events in slow motion, and it became clear—an impact, a sudden force. Someone had hit me, but the memory remained elusive, a shadow in the recesses of my mind. Determined, I cleaned myself up as best as I could, my senses on high alert.The destination, the relic, still beckoned. I pressed forward, the forest's mysteries unfolding with each step. When I finally reached
Gonzalo's POVThe night air carried a blend of anticipation and tension as I retreated with Lucas from the celebratory scene. Ralph's taunts lingered like an unsettling melody, echoing in the quiet spaces between trees. The moon hung overhead, casting its glow on the competition grounds, a silent witness to the unfolding drama.As we reached our camp, the pack members gathered, their expressions a mix of anticipation and concern. Ruby approached me, her genuine worry evident in her eyes. She voiced the question that lingered in the air."Gonzalo, what happened out there?" Ruby's voice held a note of concern, her hands reaching out to touch mine.I reassured her with a tight smile, appreciating her support. "Just a setback, Ruby. I'll bounce back. This competition is far from over."Her nod conveyed faith in our abilities. "I know you can handle whatever comes our way."Ruby's closeness was both a comfort and a rem
Gonzalo's POVThe morning sun began to cast its golden glow over the competition grounds as the pack gathered for the next round. I could still feel the weight of the previous night's challenges, the unspoken tension that lingered in the air. Alpha Ralph's smirk across the clearing raised my suspicions, but the competition demanded focus.As the pack assembled, one of the senior members stepped forward, a weathered figure with a commanding presence. His voice echoed through the clearing, setting the tone for the upcoming challenge."Pack members, welcome to the second round of our competition. Today, you won't be retrieving any artifacts. Instead, you'll face a task that will test not only your strength but also your wit and determination."The senior pack member outlined the details of the task, a challenge that would unfold over the next two days. I listened intently, absorbing the information about the complexities tha
Gonzalo's POVHe gestured toward the ancient tree, drawing everyone's attention to the mysterious door. "The riddle on the door mentioned a sacrifice, a choice that had to be made before entering the chamber. You missed that part, Gonzalo."Confusion and disbelief swirled within me. Sacrifice? A choice? The words echoed in my mind as I tried to recall the details of the riddle. Had I overlooked a crucial element in the pursuit of victory?The senior pack member, who had outlined the task earlier, approached with a stern expression. "What do you mean, Ralph?"Ralph's smirk widened. "Check the riddle again. Look for the part that Gonzalo missed. I completed the task as required, and he didn't."The senior pack member frowned and walked over to inspect the door, closely examining the engraved riddle. I watched with a sinking feeling in my gut, my earlier sense of accomplishment fading into a cloud of unc
Gonzalo's POVThe words hung heavy in the air, a declaration of Alpha Ralph's apparent victory. Just as the tension reached its peak, Alpha Ralph waved his hand, and to our shock, half of Alpha Michael's pack members broke formation and joined him.He had been manipulating almost everyone throughout his stay in the pack during the competition. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut. The allies we thought we had were now standing with our adversary.Alpha Michael's face contorted with shock and disbelief. The pack members who had stood by us were now seemingly under Alpha Ralph's control. The betrayal was not only strategic but deeply personal.Just then, Drako emerged from the shadows with another set of his own pack members and stood by Alpha Ralph's side. The alliance between Alpha Ralph and Drako became alarmingly evident.Drako sneered at A
Gonzalo's POVI made my way back to Alpha Michael's tent, my mind racing with the urgency of the situation. As I approached, Alpha Michael emerged, his expression a mix of concern and stern determination."Gonzalo," he greeted, his voice low. "You'd better be right about this. If you're wrong, it could cost you everything.""I know the risks, Alpha Michael, but I've seen something that doesn't sit right. We can't afford to ignore the signs," I replied, the weight of responsibility evident in my words.Alpha Michael nodded, his eyes penetrating mine. "Lead the way. We need to act swiftly and decisively if there's a threat to the pack."We moved through the camp, Alpha Michael issuing orders to several trusted pack members to form a defensive position. The urgency in his voice conveyed the gravity of the situation."Get into position
Ruby's POVI rushed toward the door but before I could react, Teresa rushed towards me with the same swiftness and held me tightly. I attempted to scream, but she covered my mouth. Panic set in as I struggled against her grip."Ruby, calm down. I didn't come to hurt you," Teresa whispered urgently.I continued to struggle, my eyes wide with fear and distrust. Teresa tightened her hold but spoke with a soothing tone, "Please, just give me a chance to explain. I mean no harm."Reluctantly, I ceased my struggles, eyeing Teresa warily. She loosened her grip, taking a step back. "Thank you for not screaming. I need you to listen, Ruby."I eyed her cautiously but remained silent, allowing her to continue."I've been watching, and I know the dangers that lie ahead. I'm not here to align myself with Alpha Ralph. In fact, I wa
Ruby's POVI walked away from the bustling competition grounds, the moonlit corridors of the crimson Red Pack's territory stretched ahead. The night air carried a mix of excitement and tension, mirroring the conflicting emotions within me. I couldn't shake the feeling that the challenges unfolding in the competition were only the beginning of a larger narrative.As I approached my room, the heavy wooden door loomed ahead. A sense of fatigue washed over me, both from the emotional weight of breaking the mate bond and the anticipation of what lay ahead. Pushing the door open, I entered a space that had been my sanctuary, a place where I could reflect and gather my thoughts.However, before I could fully immerse myself in the solitude of my room, I saw my mother, Elsa, walking through the same moonlit hallways. Her figure appeared ethereal in the soft glow, and I couldn't help but f
Gonzalo's POVI sprinted through the woods, running away from the designated path of the final challenge, a sense of urgency fueled my every step. Glancing back, I ensured no one had spotted my sudden change of route. Alpha Ralph was far ahead, consumed by the race without even looking back for a moment.Reaching my tent, a wave of relief washed over me. Just as I caught my breath, I noticed Lucas preparing to leave. Instinctively, I called him back, his eyes wide with surprise."Lucas, wait!" I called out, the urgency in my voice stopping him in his tracks.He turned, a mixture of fear and confusion etched on his face. I approached him, holding him firmly by the shoulders. "Lucas, it's me. You don't need to be scared. There's something you need to know."His eyes searched mine, searching for reassurance. "What's going on, Gonzalo? Why did
Gonzalo's POVThe moon ascended higher in the night sky, casting its silvery glow over the competition grounds and where Ruby and I had been a few moments ago, I stood in a spot to observe the unfolding events. The air crackled with anticipation. It was the last dance, one that held a huge significance even though Ruby had chosen me, I was determined to win.Despite the significance of the moment, my thoughts lingered on what transpired earlier. The breaking of the mate bond with Alpha Ralph weighed heavily on my mind. Ruby's bold move had set a new path for the pack, challenging tradition and embracing a path less traveled.As we watched the trials unfold, Teresa's presence added another layer of complexity. Her gaze bore into Ruby, a mix of curiosity and calculation evident. The dynamics between them, intertwined with my own history, cast a shadow over the competition.&
The weight of my decision lifted as I left my father's study. His support meant the world to me, and I felt a renewed sense of determination. The pack's curious glances followed me as I walked through the corridors, but I was ready to face whatever challenges awaited.Leaving the pack quarters, I made my way to the competition grounds. The sun cast long shadows, creating an otherworldly atmosphere as I approached the central area where the mate bonds were formed and broken. The competition had been a journey of self-discovery, and now it was time to navigate the complexities of severing the bond with Alpha Ralph.As I reached the designated spot, Alpha Ralph was already waiting. His imposing figure exuded authority, and his eyes bore into mine with a mixture of curiosity and reservation. The pack members, sensing the significance of the moment, had gathered at a respectful distance, creating a circle around us.
Ruby's POVThe lingering tension between Gonzalo and me demanded resolution, and I didn't intend to let the uncertainty fester any longer. I guided him to a more secluded corner, away from prying eyes and curious ears. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken questions, and I needed answers."Okay, Gonzalo, we need to talk," I said, my voice firm, as I cornered him against the wall.He sighed, a mixture of reluctance and understanding in his eyes. "Ruby, can we not do this here? It's not the right time."I narrowed my eyes, feeling the weight of frustration settling in. "We're going to do this now. The pack already senses something is off, and I won't let rumors spiral out of control."Gonzalo glanced around, as if hoping to find a way out of the impromptu confrontation. "Ruby, I understand your concern, but we can't discuss everything here
Ruby's POVThe next day dawned with a sense of heaviness in the air, mirroring the weight on my shoulders. The events of the previous night had left a lingering tension within the Moonshade Pack, and I couldn't shake the feeling that the storm was far from over.I found myself in the pack's common area, a space that usually buzzed with activity but now held a palpable stillness. As I navigated through the room, the pack members cast fleeting glances my way, whispering among themselves. The air was thick with unspoken questions, and I could feel the weight of their expectations pressing on me.Gonzalo's absence was conspicuous, and a part of me wondered if he was avoiding me after the revelation about Teresa. I needed to find him, to clear the air and understand where we stood amid the chaos that unfolded.As I approached the doorway leading to the training grounds, my mother, Elsa, inte