(Iris) The next thing I knew, I was outside the door, the weight of what had just transpired pressing heavily on my chest. My head was spinning, the world a blur of confusion and disbelief. I put my clothes back on hastily, trying to collect myself before someone saw. The man I had just been with, the man I had believed to be Lucas, was Elias. But was he? If he was really Elias, why would he push me out? Why would he leave in the first place? How was he alive?! The questions left me reeling, torn between anger, longing, and sorrow. Molly was seething in the back of my mind. “I am not going to forgive him, whether he is Elias or not!” she snapped, her voice cutting through the haze of my thoughts. “I really don’t know which scenario is worse,” I admitted in my mind. “If he is Elias, he abandoned me and lied to me. But if he is not, then he’s using me to bring down Jasper… and for fun.” Molly softened a little to comfort me, but her anger remained. “Either way, he’s betrayed
(Iris) “Did you poison Naomi?” The question echoed in the small, dimly lit cell. “Of course not!” I exclaimed. Panic gripped me as Jasper paced in front of the bars, his face a mask of tension and frustration. “Jasper what the hell is going on,” I demanded. Jasper took a deep breath. He avoided my eyes, but he explained. “Naomi was pale after dinner,” he began, his voice tight with worry. “She suddenly collapsed and is unconscious now.” My mind raced, struggling to process the gravity of his words. Naomi had always been strong and resilient. The idea of her collapsing out of the blue was shocking. Jasper continued, “Everyone involved in the food and wine preparation was locked up last night. You’re the only one still here.” I felt a cold dread settle in my stomach. “Why am I the only one left?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper. “Because Seraphina found wolfsbane in your room,” Jasper said, his eyes boring into mine. For a moment I was too shocked to speak, but then I p
(Elias) My mind was full of Iris instead of the usual possibilities and the strategies that occupied my thoughts. It was an unfamiliar and unsettling feeling. I had to plan my steps carefully, more so now than ever before. My wolf urged me to look at the big picture, to think strategically. That was the only way out of this mess. Naomi’s sudden collapse and the discovery of wolfsbane in Iris’s room couldn’t be a coincidence. Someone had orchestrated this. I didn’t think Naomi was capable of masterminding such a scheme. She was headstrong, yes, but not cunning enough to pull off something this elaborate. Someone else was behind this, someone with more to gain. Jasper came to mind. He had a motive to see me blow my cover by saving Iris. It was no secret that he envied my position and influence. But even if Jasper was capable of such a scheme, Naomi’s father wouldn’t put his daughter’s life on the line for it. He might be ruthless, but he was also protective of Naomi. This pointed
(Seraphina) For three agonizing days, Lucas drifted in and out of consciousness, battling the deadly poison that coursed through his veins. The arrowhead, dipped in wolfsbane, had been a cruel choice of weapon, one that would have claimed a weaker man’s life without hesitation. But Lucas was not just any man; he is an Lycan, and his strength alone kept him clinging to life. I sat beside his bed, watching over him as I wiped away his fevered sweat. Each groan that escaped his lips twisted my heart, especially when he whispered her name, “Iris…” My grip on the towel tightened, the fabric rough against his skin as I struggled to suppress the surge of conflicting emotions within me. The atmosphere in the pack’s stronghold was tense, charged with uncertainty and suspicion. An assassination attempt had to be taken seriously, by everyone. Half of the Alphas had departed, retreating to their own packs to fortify defenses in anticipation of the looming war. The remaining half, including
(Iris) The first visit from Caden was really confusing. I hadn’t expected to see anyone after Jasper and Lucas left, so I was staring at the cracked ceiling and trying to keep my mind from sinking into the bleakness of my surroundings, when I heard the door creak open. Footsteps echoed off the stone walls, growing louder as they approached my cell. “You are a busy little wolf, aren’t you?” He asked, his voice filled with amusement. I sat up, squinting through the dim light to see a tall figure standing just outside the bars. “Caden,” he reminded me, “I’m a good friend of the Lycan King.”My heart skipped a beat. Maybe Lucas had sent him as a messenger, to tell me things he couldn’t when he was here with Jasper. But why send Caden? “He has a special interest in you,” Caden continued, his gaze never leaving mine. “You are his mate, aren’t you?” “Keep your mouth shut,” Molly advised in my mind, but it was too late. Maybe he could see how tense I was, maybe he already knew to
(Iris) Just like Caden predicted, Jasper came to see me that night. The door to my small, dimly lit room creaked open, and there he stood, looking wary and cautious. In his hand, he held a plate of cheesy bread, my favorite. The sight of it, coupled with the intense events of the past few days, made my heart ache with nostalgia and confusion. Jasper approached slowly, his eyes scanning the room before settling on me. “I thought you might like this,” he said, offering the plate. I accepted it with a small smile, but the burning question in my mind couldn't be ignored. “Are you the one who shot the Lycan King?” I asked, my voice betraying the whirlwind of emotions I felt. His reaction was immediate. “What? How do you know about that? Who told you?” His eyes widened with a mix of surprise and fear, his body tensing as if ready to spring into action. “Does it matter?” I replied, watching him closely. Jasper’s shoulders slumped slightly, and he shook his head. “No, I guess it doesn
(Iris) Jasper left me in the cold, dark cell with nothing but my thoughts swirling around the events that had landed me here. The air was damp and heavy, the stone walls casting eerie shadows across the floor. I leaned against the wall, trying to make sense of the chaos that had become my life. Putting two and two together, I couldn’t help but ponder Naomi’s motive. It seemed absurd to think she believed the Lycan King and I would end up together. He and Seraphina, however, would make a good pair. They would be a power couple destined for greatness in the pack hierarchy. The idea of me and Lucas being involved romantically was crazy, and Molly found it so amusing that she couldn’t contain her laughter. “Are you insane? You’re in a cell for a murder investigation! Everyone’s trying to get rid of you! What are you even thinking about right now?” Molly chided, her voice echoing in my mind. I rolled my eyes, a habit I’d picked up from years of banter with Molly. “I have to find e
(Naomi) Jasper has been very cold to me since I woke up. The way he avoids my eyes, the sharpness in his tone… it’s like a knife twisting in my gut. I couldn’t help but feel very anxious, a constant gnawing in my stomach that won’t go away. He was never like this with me. When he was the unwanted son, the outcast, I was the only one that gave me the time of day. It was my voice that pulled him out of the shadows, my hand that reached out when no one else would. Elias and Iris never bothered to spend time with him. They were too caught up in their own world, their own destinies. Back then, it was simpler. We hung out together on occasion when we were younger, sneaking off to the woods or finding hidden corners in the pack house to share secrets. But those moments became rarer as Elias was being groomed for Alpha. The responsibilities, the expectations, created a chasm between us. Jasper and I drifted apart, and the bond we once had started to fray. Yet, even then, there was a
(Elias)I told them all the story of Elias’s victory, and his mercy. Surprised murmur rippled through the crowd. Recondition, not killed. This was Eias’s first benevolent act since becoming the Lycan King, a decision that marked a significant shift. I felt a surge of pride in him, knowing this was a step toward breaking the cycle of violence and hatred that had plagued our world for so long. I could tell my feelings were echoed in the soldiers around us. Caden’s men joined our group now that Elias was the Alpha, and our men welcomed them.As Caden and Leila were led away, their expressions a mix of defiance and resignation, Elias turned to face his mother, Alice. Her blue eyes were filled with pride and relief, and I watched as they embraced. “You’ve done well, my son,” Alice said, her voice trembling with emotion. “I’m proud of you.” “Thank you, Mother,” Elias whispered. “I couldn’t have done it without all of you.” Alice pulled back, her eyes searching his. “You’ve shown mercy w
(Iris)I had to follow Elias. Jasper, Naomi, Alice and even Seraphina had decided to stay with the rest of our group, tending to the wounded. But I had to follow Elias.As the first light of dawn began to stretch across the horizon, I could see the tension in the clearing before me. The duel between Elias and Caden was about to begin, and I felt every heartbeat echoing through my chest. The stakes were impossibly high, and despite my best efforts to focus on the plan, the anxiety I felt was nearly overwhelming. Jasper, Naomi, and Alice had decided to stay hidden with the rest of our small group, but I couldn’t stay away. I needed to see Elias with my own eyes, to witness the battle that would determine not just his fate, but all of ours. I crept through the underbrush, my heart pounding as the sounds of the duel grew louder. The clearing came into view, and my breath caught in my throat. Elias stood in the center, his posture fierce and determined. Caden, a towering figure of ar
(Elias)The first light of dawn had barely touched the horizon when Alice and I finally met. Alice, though weary and disheveled, stood tall, her blue eyes searching through the shadows for the son she had heard so much about but never met. My heart pounded as I approached her. I had always known this moment would come, but nothing could have prepared me for the emotional turbulence of seeing my mother for the first time. Her eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, we simply stood there, absorbing the gravity of the encounter. I could see the faint glimmer of tears in her eyes. “Elias,” she finally whispered, her voice trembling slightly. “My son.” I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Mother,” I replied, my voice steady but laced with emotion. “It’s been a long time.” Alice took a tentative step forward, her gaze softening as she took in the man her child had become. Her hand reached out hesitantly, and I met her halfway, our hands clasping in a tentative embrace.
(Jasper)The day had been long and grueling, filled with the clash battle and the thunder of war cries echoing through the forest. As the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving streaks of orange and red in its wake, our camp settled into an uneasy calm. Both sides went back to their camps to take a respite, tending their wounds and sharpening their weapons. I stood apart from the others, my mind racing with thoughts of the battle and the looming mission ahead. Despite our victories during the day, the weight of our impending tasks pressed heavily on my shoulders. Elias and Iris were in deep discussion nearby, their voices low as they plotted our next move. “Iris,” Elias said, his tone earnest yet tinged with urgency, “we need to strike now, before Caden and Leila regroup. We have to rescue Alice and Naomi.” I watched Iris nod solemnly, her eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. “I know,” she replied, her voice steady despite the underlying tension. “Alice and I have a plan.
(Iris)The sun barely broke through the canopy of the forest as the day began. Our camp was a hive of activity, warriors preparing for the battle that we knew was coming. The tension was thick in the air, every movement and every word tinged with urgency. Using the knowledge Alice and Naomi had gleaned from the old book, we were ready. We had deciphered the symbols, understanding their purposes and weaknesses. Every warrior was briefed on how to counter the traps and spells that Caden and Leila would undoubtedly use against us. As the morning wore on, the sounds of the enemy approaching became clearer. The clash was inevitable, and as the first wave of Caden’s warriors broke through the trees, we stood our ground. The battle erupted in a storm of clashing steel and snarling wolves. “Elias! Over here!” I shouted, pointing to a group of enemies trying to flank us. Elias nodded, leading a charge that quickly turned the tide in our favor. “Remember the words!” Jasper yelled to th
(Iris)The argument reached a fever pitch, their voices a cacophony of anger and pain that seemed to echo through the entire camp. My head pounded, my heart ached, and I felt on the verge of breaking. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, a commanding voice cut through the chaos. “Enough!” It was my voice that spoke the word, but it was Alice’s in my mind. All eyes turned to me, and I let her speak through me. “This is not the time for petty grievances. We are on the brink of war, and unity is our only chance of survival.” Jasper and Elias exchanged one last, heated glare, before stepping back, their anger momentarily quelled by Alice’s intervention. I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding, grateful for the respite. I stepped forward, holding the magic stone, surrendering to its power. Its surface shimmered with a faint, otherworldly glow. “I have something important to show you,” she and I said. I placed the stone on the ground and whispered Alice’s
(Iris)I walked down the familiar path, the towering trees feeling like old friends. But this time, the path was crowded with hundreds of warriors, their footsteps creating a steady, rhythmic sound against the forest floor. The air was thick with anticipation, the scent of pine mingling with sweat and metal. Despite the presence of the warriors, I felt a gnawing emptiness inside me. Naomi was still unreachable, and the uncertainty of her fate weighted heavily on my heart. As night fell, the camp was set up, and the warriors huddled around their fires, sharing stories and laughter that felt foreign to me in my current state of mine. I found Elias near a small fire, the flickering flames casting shadows on his face. I hesitated for a moment before approaching him, my heart pounding in my chest. “Elias,” I said softly, drawing his attention. He looked up, his expression unreadable. “Iris,” he replied, motioning for me to sit beside him. We sat in awkward silence for a few minute
(Naomi)I sat on the edge of the narrow bed, my fingers tracing the rough seams of the thin blanket. I had been in this small, dimly lit room for a day now. The walls, adorned with faded, peeling wallpaper, seemed to close in on me, suffocating me with their silence. The only window offered a dismal view of the alley below, where shadows moved and whispered in the night. I replayed the events of the previous evening in my mind. After handing over the necklace Jasper had given me to Alice, I had hoped for a moment of rest. But I knew I hadn’t been subtle enough. The weight of my actions pressed down on my chest like a stone. It wasn’t long after the necklace exchange that Caden and Leila showed up. Their arrival had been swift and silent, their expressions a mix of cold determination and malice. I had tried to act nonchalant, but the flicker of recognition in their eyes told me they had seen through my facade. “You know you can’t keep running like this,” Caden had said softly, h
(Iris)Alice was skin and bones now, but her features were striking, and her eyes were blue like ice. Just like Elias’s. I could see the family resemblance, the same cold, piercing gaze that felt like it could cut through stone. “You are such a lovely-looking girl. So much like your mother,” Alice said softly, her voice almost a whisper, yet it carried a weight that made me shiver. I guessed she could see me too. I stepped closer, feeling a strange pull toward her, as if an invisible thread was drawing me in. Her presence was both comforting and unsettling, a paradox that I couldn’t quite unravel. “Open your eyes and I will see what you see. This is the function of this stone. A very powerful Lycan magic is fused in this. I gave it to your mother for safekeeping in case it fell into the wrong hands.” “Like Caden?” I asked, the name slipping out before I could stop it. Alice nodded, her expression darkening. “Sure. But mainly their grandfather. He is an evil man. Twenty years ago