(Hilda) The early morning rays of the sun is just starting to cast shadows on the training grounds when I arrive.I notice immediately that Arlo’s already there, deep in conversation with Percy. As if his size isn’t enough to make him an imposing figure, there’s also the raw power he exudes. I swear I’d be able to sense his presence from a mile away.As always, seeing him fills me with clashing emotions. A confusing blend of gratitude and resentment. He’s been nothing but kind to me, but his constant presence is both a comfort and a reminder of my unresolved feelings. It’s easier to breathe when he’s not around.Falling asleep in his arms last night was a torturous blessing. I’d spent long minutes feeling jittery with anticipation, more than half certain he’d make some kind of move. When I finally realized he was really just going to hold me, I fell asleep quickly, feeling more than a little bereft.I have to tune out the noise in my head and focus on my training and nothing else tod
(Soren)The camp is a flurry of activity when I get back, my mind still reeling from the encounter with King Arlo and Hilda. My heart aches at the memory of Hilda’s words and her obvious pain.As I approach the edge of our camp, I see Cerelia waiting for me, her eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Where have you been?" she demands, crossing her arms over her chest defensively."King Arlo summoned me," I reply, trying to keep my voice calm as I explain my absence. "He wanted to talk about Hilda." Cerelia's eyes flash with anger. "Hilda again? What does she have to do with us?""Nothing," I say firmly. "King Arlo's just being paranoid. He thought I was trying to take her back." Cerelia's expression softens slightly, but her eyes still hold a hint of doubt. "Are you?" she asks uncertainly."No," I tell her, shaking my head. "Hilda and I are over. I'm with you now, Cerelia. I made that clear to King Arlo and to Hilda." Of course I don’t add how awful that made me feel.She turns to walk away, bu
(Hilda)My days are filled with a newfound sense of purpose and I immerse myself in training and the packs’ daily activities, striving to carve out my place among them.Arlo is joining our training sessions as frequently as his duties will allow it and there’s no denying the effect his presence has on me. He seems to draw my eyes like a magnet and send my body heat soaring like he’s my own personal heatwave. Worst of all, he seems to know exactly how much his presence affects me, judging by the swagger in his walk whenever he catches me gazing at him.Thank goodness for Percy’s friendship. As determined as I am to guard myself from being hurt again, I haven’t been able to resist letting my guard down around him. Soren isn’t the only person responsible for breaking my heart. Alec’s betrayal hurt nearly as much and I keep telling myself I should be wary of trusting in anyone at all.I’m not made for solitude though and compared to the blistering effect Arlo’s presence has on me, spendin
(Hilda)I can’t sleep and I’m sick of tossing and turning as I replay the conversation I had with Arlo earlier. I can’t deny the frisson of excitement I feel every time he says I’m his, but I’m not about to let him think he can order me around. On top of that, I suspect Percy’s been avoiding me today and that can only mean Arlo had a word with him.I’ve been lying here, hoping he’d come to my room to say goodnight, as he does most nights, but it seems I’m not the only one feeling a little grumpy after our talk.Fine. If he won’t come here, I’ll go to him. I’m not a ‘wait and see’ kind of girl. Taking the bull by the horns is usually far quicker and less traumatic in the long-run.When I reach his door, I hesitate for a moment, gathering my thoughts before knocking. I know exactly what I want to tell him, I just need to make sure the brain fog he always seems to inspire doesn’t get me."Arlo, it's me," I call out when I’m met with a terse, “Go away, I don’t need anything.” We’ll have t
(Soren)The camp is shrouded in early morning mist when I wake up, the remnants of a restless night lingering in my mind. I can feel the heavy sense of anticipation hanging in the air and I know Damon’s been talking to the warriors.I find Cerelia waiting for me in the kitchen, her eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and worry. "We need to talk," she tells me, her voice low but firm. In a camp full of werewolves, it’s not always easy to keep things to yourself."Soren, we need to discuss Hilda," she says, her tone leaving no room for argument. "We can't ignore the fact that she holds valuable information. If you’re going to challenge King Arlo, we need every advantage we can get. I don’t want you walking into danger if she can help keep you safe."I hesitate, the thought of involving Hilda stirring a mix of emotions within me. "Cerelia, I don't know if that's a good idea. Hilda's already caught in the middle of this mess. Dragging her deeper into our plans could put her at even
(Hilda)I wake up to the first rays of dawn filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Arlo’s arm is draped possessively over me, his breathing steady and calm. Last night's intense emotions has given way to a quiet intimacy, and for a moment, I feel a sense of peace.Unfortunately I can’t stay in bed forever; there’s a whole new world waiting for me outside. I carefully scoot out from under Arlo's arm, doing my best not to wake him as I dress quickly and quietly, taking a moment to watch him sleep before stepping out into the hallway. The pack house is already bustling with activity. I follow my nose to the main hall, where the enticing smell of freshly baked bread and brewing coffee is wafting from. A few pack members are seated at the long wooden tables, enjoying their breakfast. My heart sings when they greet me warmly, their smiles genuine."Good morning, Luna," a young woman says affably, her eyes shining with warmth. "Would you like to join us for brea
(Soren)Cerelia’s words about using Hilda as a spy is playing on repeat in my mind as I move through the dense forest, each step careful and calculated. Early morning mist clings to the ground, adding an eerie quality to the already tense atmosphere.I hate the thought of putting Hilda directly in the path of danger, but Cerelia’s right. In the end, I may need her help in order to save her. I’ve been fruitlessly attempting to mind link Hilda, to no avail. Our bond is well and truly severed and she’s no longer a member of my pack.We need her inside knowledge, which will mean finding someone loyal to King Arlo, who could be bribed, or convinced by some other means, to carry a message to her. My search doesn’t last long. The snap of a twig alerts me to the fact that there’s someone close by. Crouching low, I move stealthily towards the sound. Peering through the underbrush, I see him. One of King Arlo's men, a scout named Rolf. He’s young, barely old enough to be a guard and his nervou
(Hilda)Arlo didn’t come to bed last night and I’m not spending another day in an agony of uncertainty.Nixie isn’t at the training grounds, so I head to the garden again. Barely noticing the way the morning sun filters through the trees, casting dappled light across the flowers.The vibrant colors of the blooms seem to mock the unease that gnaws at me. Taking a deep breath, I steel myself for the conversation I’m about to have. “Nixie,” I call out so I don’t accidentally startle her by suddenly popping up out of nowhere. She looks up, her surprise giving way to a warm smile. “Hilda! What brings you here?” she asks.“I was hoping to talk to you about something,” I say, my heart racing a bit now that I’m about to confront her with what I overheard. “Is now a good time?”“Of course,” she replies easily, setting aside her gardening tools and getting to her feet. “What’s on your mind?”“Do you mind if we sit?” I ask, pointing to a shaded bench under an old oak tree. I need to see her eye
HildaThe silence after Cerelia’s warning is suffocating. Thick with unspoken fears and impossible choices. My hand trembles where it rests against my stomach, protectively hovering over the innocent life in there. She hasn’t even taken her first breath, and yet she’s already at the centre of a deadly conflict.Arlo stands across from me, his jaw tight, fists clenched at his sides. I can see his impotent fury at this untenable situation. He wants to fight. To strategize. But this isn’t a battle of strength or tactical maneuvering.“We have to talk to Astaroth,” I say, breaking the silence. The words taste like poison on my tongue. “No.” Arlo’s response is instant, as sharp as a blade. His eyes burn as they meet mine. “We’ll find another way.”“There isn’t one.” My voice wavers, but I force myself to hold his gaze. “I don’t dare attempt to wield Veilbreaker while I’m still pregnant. We don’t know what it would do to our daughter if my life essence is drained and it’s the only thing we
CereliaI’m not quite asleep, but I can sense something beckoning to me. Perhaps another nightmare waiting to bleed into reality. But I move closer anyway, drawn by a whisper that is neither sound nor silence.A presence lingers here, just beyond the veil of the living. I’ve never communed with the dead before and I’m honestly not overly eager to start now.A shiver runs through me and it feels like the world is holding its’ breath. Time stretches interminably and then, from the darkness, a voice speaks.“Cerelia.” I don’t flinch, even if every instinct I possess screams at me to run. The voice is hollow, echoing as if spoken through a cavern of time.A figure flickers into existence before me. A pale woman, her face gaunt, silvery eyes filled with something ancient and knowing.“Who are you?” I ask, my voice firm despite the ice creeping down my spine. “The one chosen to deliver a warning,” she says, and it’s not just her voice I hear. It’s the weight of countless others before her,
MorganaThe night air is thick with fear, and I drink it in like the finest wine. The chaos I’ve sown wraps around me, intoxicating, exhilarating. They run in circles, desperate to find Tara, too blind to see that she was never truly missing. Not in the way they think.I stretch my stolen limbs, rolling my shoulders, feeling the resistance of this weakening shell. Tara fought me harder yesterday than she ever has before, clawing at the edges of my control like a wild animal.It cost me. I had to dig deep, unravelling her from within, silencing her screams until they were nothing more than whispers lost in the abyss. But the strain is evident. Our body is deteriorating much faster than anticipated. Who would have guessed timid Tara would be so troublesome?I need a new vessel. A stronger one. Of course, my perfect vessel is even now being grown in Hilda’s distended belly, but I was supposed to have time. Tara’s body should have lasted long enough to raise the infant to a child before I
PercyThe weight of responsibility settles heavily on my shoulders as I watch the sun begin to rise over the pack grounds. Golden light stretches across the land, but it does little to push away the tension clinging to the air.Arlo is gone, tracking Tara, and until he returns, it’s on me to ensure the pack remains protected and nothing gets within sniffing distance of our Luna.Hilda stands a few feet away, arms wrapped around herself, staring at the tree line as though she can will Arlo back through sheer determination.She looks exhausted. Dark circles mar the delicate skin beneath her eyes, and she’s favoring her right side slightly. I make a mental note to make sure she rests soon, even though I know she’ll fight me on it.The responsibility I feel isn’t just for the pack. It’s for her, too. For my Luna. For my friend. My heavily pregnant and stubborn as hell friend.A presence shifts beside me, and I know before turning that it’s Nixie. The crisp smell of morning dew clings to h
Arlo The scent is faint but unmistakable. Tara was here. Hilda and I found no new clues this morning, but my nose has led me back here again tonight.I crouch low to the ground, inhaling deeply, my wolf raging beneath my skin. The remnants of her scent cling to the ancient temple ruins, barely perceptible, nearly washed away by the damp earth and overgrowth.She didn’t linger here for long, but she was here recently. Recently enough that my instincts scream at me to keep searching.Clenching my fists, I push myself upright, exhaling slowly through my nose. I can’t afford to lose control. I need to keep my wits about me in spite of the fact that every step I take feels like I'm chasing ghosts, and the weight pressing down on my chest is threatening to crack me open from the inside.She’s getting away. And I can’t let that happen. Moonlight spills through the broken arches of the temple, casting jagged shadows along the cracked stone. I hate this place.The magic that lingers here is t
HildaThe weight in my chest is suffocating. Tara is gone. And it’s my fault. I should have trusted my instincts the moment I noticed something was wrong.She was a member of my pack and as her Luna I should have protected her, even if doing so wasn’t imperative to my daughter’s well-being.Arlo stands at my side, his arms crossed, tension lining his face as we send scouts to track Tara’s movements. The orders go out swiftly. Search every possible path, trace every lingering scent. Try and bring her back without hurting her.I want to be out there with them, running through the trees, searching for her myself. But I know I’d only slow them down.Frustration knots in my stomach, and Arlo notices. He always does. “We’ll find her,” he says, his voice firm. “Don’t do that thing where you blame yourself for everything.”I let out a short, bitter laugh. “You’re right. It’s completely unreasonable to feel guilty that I ignored every warning sign.” Arlo sighs, stepping closer. “Hilda-”“I don
CereliaThe dream doesn’t feel like a dream. It feels like a prophecy. It may be the first one I’ve ever experienced but I can feel the portentousness deep in my bones.I stand in a vast, endless void, watching shadows twist and churn like a living storm. There are whispers, soft, insidious things slithering through the darkness. Then, as if the world itself bends to an unseen force, the shadows part, revealing two figures.One is draped in a cloak darker than the void itself, his features obscured, but his presence suffocating. The other is a woman with a cruel smile and eyes that burn with hunger. Without ever having seen her, I know this is Morgana.Between them is a child. Golden-eyed, radiant with potential, but so very fragile. So heartbreakingly small in the presence of such evil. The figures speak, their voices curling through the air like smoke.“She is the key,” Morgana says, reaching for the child, “A vessel worthy of my rebirth.” The cloaked figure speaks with a voice that
TaraI’ve learned to listen in silence. Morgana has a habit of talking to herself when she’s alone and as long as I keep myself small, she forgets I’m around.I’ve come to understand that she loves the sound of her own voice. She revels in her own scheming, in the whispers of her own mind. There’s nothing more entertaining to her than listening to her own musings.But tonight, she makes a mistake. She underestimates me. I know I’m small and weak in comparison to her, but I’m not gone yet.“I tire of these games, Astaroth,” Morgana mutters under her breath, pacing within the confines of my room. She doesn’t bother using my voice when she’s alone. This is all her, seductive and cruel. “I know what you want. Blood. You think this sacrifice will be enough to grant you permanent manifestation.”I press deeper into the shadows of my own mind, struggling to remain conscious within my own body, but so small she won’t realize I’m here. This is invaluable and dangerous information.Morgana scof
Hilda The candlelight flickers, casting long shadows across the room. Arlo stands near the window, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his jaw clenched. He hasn’t spoken in minutes, but I can feel the storm brewing within him.“I’m not asking for permission to be involved with this hunt anymore,” I say quietly, though the tension in my voice betrays my own frustration. “I’m telling you what I’ve learned. What we’re up against and that our child is in danger. You can’t keep me from fighting back.”He exhales sharply, turning to face me, his golden eyes burning with barely contained anger. “I know you can’t Hilda, I understand your instinct to protect. I fucking know the overwhelming desire to keep the ones I love most out of danger. Are you sure our…daughter,” despite everything I can hear the wonder in his voice, “Is the reason Morgana is after you?”“I don’t know why she wants her, not exactly. But I know it’s not just about revenge. There’s something more.”Arlo runs a hand t