Gwen’s POVSilence settled between Ethan and me for a while. I felt like I was starting to understand Lucian a little better now. His reserved nature, his reluctance to open up, it all made sense. He’d been through so much, and the weight of that loss was still with him.“So… Lucian never found his mate?” I asked quietly.Ethan shook his head. “No. And even now, he carries the weight of that promise. A part of him still holds on to Arlene, even though she’s gone.”I didn’t know what to say. I felt like a fool for even thinking I could compete with someone like Arlene, someone who Lucian had loved enough to make such a promise for. But at the same time, I realized something important.“I didn’t know,” I whispered, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I didn’t know how much he’d been through.”Ethan stood up, his expression softening. “It’s a lot, Gwen. But you should know, you’re not competing with Arlene. She’s gone, and Lucian’s moving on in his way. You’re here now, and that’s what ma
Gwen’s POVAfter Lila shared what little she knew about Arlene, I sat in silence for a moment, letting her words sink in. The revelation that Lucian still hadn’t avenged Arlene’s death weighed heavily on me. It broke my heart to think that he was still carrying that burden, unable to find closure.I felt a sudden pang of guilt for asking so many questions and reopening old wounds, but I couldn’t help it. Every time I learned something new about Arlene, it made me feel more distant from Lucian. How could I ever measure up to someone he loved so deeply? Someone who left such a lasting impact on his heart?Sensing my mood had shifted, Lila gently placed a hand on my shoulder, pulling me from my thoughts. “Miss Gwen, let’s finish getting you ready,” she said softly, her voice filled with kindness.I nodded, thankful for the change in conversation. “You’re right. I don’t want to keep everyone waiting.”Once Lila was done, she stepped back and admired her work. “All set. You’re ready.”I no
Lucian’s POVI couldn’t believe what was happening. As we sat in the backseat of the car, Gwen’s hand in mine, something hit me hard. It wasn’t just that we shared each other’s pain, that strange connection where if she got hurt, I felt it too. No, this was different. This was deeper.I could feel her emotions. Like, feel them. And it was messing with me because I wasn’t just picking up on her nervousness, I was feeling it too. It made my chest tighten, and when I looked at her, I could see that she was struggling just as much as I was. Tears were welling up in her eyes, and that threw me off more than I wanted to admit.I don’t cry. It’s not my thing. But right then, sitting there with her, I felt it. I felt that lump in my throat, the burn in my eyes. And I realized something: it wasn’t just her pain we shared. We shared our feelings and our emotions.It dumbfounded me. I didn’t know what to do with that discovery. It was like a door had opened between us that I hadn’t even known wa
Lucian’s POVAs we made our way further into the hall, I felt a subtle shift in the atmosphere. There was a presence approaching that I couldn't ignore. I could sense Gwen's tension rising as Damien and a lady came into view. “Who is she?” I whispered as I tightened my grip on her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, a silent reassurance that I was right there with her.“It’s Elara, my once most trusted maid,” She replied.“Look who it is,” Damien called out, his voice dripping with feigned enthusiasm. He approached us with an exaggerated smile plastered on his face, but I could see right through him. “Alpha Lucian! It’s been ages! And who is this stunning lady you have by your side?”I kept my expression stoic, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing me react. I knew exactly what Damien was capable of, and I had no intention of letting him get too comfortable. My reputation as the no-nonsense Alpha was something I took pride in, and I wasn’t about to let Damien undermine it.
Gwen’s POVThe event had begun with all the formalities one would expect from an event teeming with Alphas, Lunas, and their ambitious heirs. The hall was grand, every corner meticulously decorated to exude power and prestige. But despite the sparkling chandeliers, the polished silverware, and the laughter echoing across the room, a tension hung thick in the air.Unsurprisingly, Damien was the one causing the tension.He was standing on a dais in the middle of the room, right under the chandeliers as though he belonged in some painting titled Portrait of Arrogance. He wore a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, and his voice carried over the crowd, smooth and self-assured.“And to think that after the betrayal at the coronation—after the woman meant to share my throne vanished into the night—I still rose,” he declared, drawing out each word. “I became Alpha, undeterred, stronger. Because that’s what true leaders do. They rise above misfortune and betrayal.”Betrayal. I scoffed under my b
GWEN’S POVMy heart raced as I turned, a surge of instinct urging me to confront whoever had stepped onto the balcony. I thought it was Lucian, coming to check on me, but as I caught sight of the familiar silhouette, my breath hitched in my throat.Elara Avalon.The name was a bitter taste on my tongue, a reminder of all that had transpired. She stood there, framed by the soft glow of the lanterns, her expression inscrutable. The urge to lunge at her, to beat her down for being part of the plot against me, surged within me like a tidal wave. I could practically feel the fire in my veins, the righteous anger boiling beneath the surface. There she stood, her icy demeanor unmarred by the tension around us. Her hair fell in dark waves around her shoulders, framing a face that was both beautiful and infuriatingly smug. The silver dress she wore shimmered under the moonlight, the fabric hugging her figure in a way that screamed confidence.Elara’s dress seemed to glow under the soft lumines
LUCIEN’S POVThe hum of voices and the subtle strains of orchestral music surrounded me as I stood at the edge of the hall, scanning the room with a carefully honed detachment. A figure moved into my line of sight. Damien strode up to me, his face plastered with a confident, almost smug expression. The way he moved and carried himself—a touch too self-assured—reminded me of the rivalry we shared, even though he was not aware of it.In my mind, I could still hear Gwen’s broken voice as she explained how he had betrayed her along with her maid, Elara. "Lucian," he greeted, extending his hand with an overly gracious smile that didn’t reach his eyes.“Damien,” I responded, taking his hand briefly before letting it drop. I kept my tone neutral, even as he stared at me with that calculating gleam in his eyes.“I wanted to speak with you privately. There’s a matter I’d like to discuss—a proposal. One that could benefit both of us.”I tilted my head, allowing a faint smirk to show. “A propo
LUCIEN’S POVWe watched Damien and Elara as he dragged her off. When they were gone, I turned to Gwen, searching her face for any sign of distress. But she merely shook her head, offering me a small, wry smile. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice soft, steady. “But I could have handled it.”“I know,” I replied, my voice barely more than a whisper as I reached for her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine. “But some things…no one should have to handle alone.”Gwen’s hand lingered in mine, her fingers delicate yet steady. The moonlight softened the shadows in her eyes, but I could still see the weight they carried—a weariness I wished I could erase.“Gwen,” I began carefully, studying her expression. “Has Damien ever been… rough with you? Abusive in any way?”A slight shiver coursed through her, but she shook her head, her eyes darkening as memories surfaced. “No,” she replied slowly. “He wasn’t… physical. Not until everything fell apart. The day of the coronation was the d
GWENThe air was electric with tension as Damien’s forces marched closer, their ominous war cries sending a chill down my spine. We stood ready, our pack gathered in disciplined lines, every warrior brimming with both determination and fear. Lucian and I were at the forefront, side by side. His presence was steadying, his calm leadership an anchor for everyone—including me.The bond between us was a glowing thread that bound not only our souls but the entire pack, radiating strength and unity. I could feel it, thrumming beneath my skin, a powerful force that fueled my resolve. For my family, my pack, and my mate, I would not fail.Lucian glanced at me, his stormy gray eyes holding a moment of quiet intensity. "This is it," he said, his voice low yet commanding. "Stay close, Gwen."I nodded, gripping the hilt of my sword tightly. "Always."The enemy charged first, a tide of snarling rogues and dark magic-enhanced soldiers sweeping across the field. Lucian roared, his voice carrying abo
GWENThe days leading up to the battle passed in a haze of preparation, tension, and determination. I threw myself into training, trying desperately to harness the powers I knew were buried deep within me. Arlene’s memories, once an echo in the corners of my mind, now roared like a river threatening to overflow. They showed me glimpses of her strength, her sacrifices, and her unyielding love for her pack. I wanted—no, needed—to channel that same energy, but the harder I pushed, the more elusive it seemed.Lucian, as always, was my constant. While I worked on regaining control of my powers, he carried the weight of preparing the pack for war. Every day, he rallied the warriors, strategized with the other Alphas, and ensured the safety of the non-combatants. Despite his responsibilities, he never failed to check on me, his presence a steady source of comfort and strength.One night, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the camp fell into a tense silence, Lucian found me by the traini
GWENThe first thing I saw when I crossed into our territory was Lucian. He was standing just beyond the tree line, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon as if willing me to appear. When his gaze finally landed on me, relief washed over his face, softening the usual stoic lines of his expression.“Gwen,” he breathed, striding toward me. The next moment, I was in his arms, his warmth chasing away the chill that had settled deep in my bones.“You’re back,” he murmured, his lips pressing against my temple. His grip was firm, like he was afraid I’d vanish if he let go. “I was so worried.”“I told you I’d come back,” I said, trying to muster a smile. But even as I stood there, wrapped in his arms, the weight of what I’d seen and experienced clung to me like a shadow.Our reunion was short-lived. Before I could explain everything, Ethan arrived with grim news.“Lucian,” he said, urgency lacing his tone, “we have a problem. Scouts spotted Damien’s forces moving toward us. It looks like they’re
GWENThe night fell heavy and silent as we regrouped inside the captured outpost. The air inside was damp, tinged with the metallic scent of blood from the earlier fight. Our team spread out, each warrior taking a position to guard the perimeter. Despite the victory, tension lingered in the air, and exhaustion pressed down on all of us.I sat near a small, cracked window, my gaze fixed on the forest beyond. Shadows danced in the faint moonlight, and every flicker of movement had me on edge. My fingers instinctively reached for the pendant again, tracing its smooth, crescent shape. It was becoming a habit—a tether to keep me grounded amidst the chaos.Lucian’s face filled my mind. I wondered what he was doing at that very moment. Was he staring out at the same moon, thinking of me? Was he pacing in frustration, cursing this plan for pulling us apart? The thought brought a small smile to my lips, though it was quickly overshadowed by the ache of longing.“Penny for your thoughts?” Ethan
GWENThe evening sky was painted in soft hues of orange and pink as the sun dipped below the horizon. The warmth of the day was giving way to a cool breeze, and the weight of what tomorrow would bring pressed heavily on my chest.Lucian and I sat on the balcony of our quarters, overlooking the pack grounds. The sounds of life around us—children laughing, warriors preparing—felt distant, like a world I wasn’t part of. My focus was entirely on him, and the moments we had left.“You’re too quiet,” Lucian said, his voice soft but tinged with concern. He reached out, his fingers brushing against mine where they rested on the table. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”I sighed, turning to meet his gaze. His eyes, always so piercing, were softer now, filled with an emotion I couldn’t fully name. “I’m just... trying to memorize this moment. You. Us. Before everything changes.”Lucian frowned slightly, his thumb tracing slow circles on the back of my hand. “Nothing is going to change, Gwe
GWENThe warmth of Lucian’s arms wrapped around me, and for a fleeting moment, the world outside didn’t matter. His heartbeat was steady against my cheek, and I focused on its rhythm, trying to anchor myself in the calm he provided. But the weight of the future pressed heavily on my mind, refusing to be ignored for long.I pulled back slightly, enough to look up at him. His expression was soft, but his eyes held a flicker of worry that he couldn’t entirely hide. “Lucian,” I began, my voice low and hesitant, “what happens when we’re not enough? When all the love and strength we share isn’t enough to protect the people who rely on us?”He studied me for a moment, the lines of his face etched with thought. “We do what we can, Gwen. We fight with everything we have. And if we fall, we make sure it’s because we gave everything, not because we held back.” His fingers brushed a strand of hair from my face. “But we’re stronger together. That’s the point of this bond. It doesn’t make us invinc
GWENThe night air smelled of smoke and blood. It clung to my skin, heavy and suffocating, as I stood among the remnants of the battlefield. The allied territory we had fought so hard to defend was in shambles. Structures were reduced to rubble, the ground torn apart by claw marks and bloodstains. Damien’s forces had retreated, but their attack had left scars—on the land and us.Lucian approached me slowly, his steps deliberate, as though he were trying not to spook me. His face was smeared with dirt and blood, but his golden eyes burned with something far more intense than exhaustion. Anger. Concern. Both, maybe.“Gwen,” he said, his voice low but sharp, cutting through the chaos around us. “We need to talk.”I turned away, unable to meet his gaze. My hands trembled as I wiped them on my torn pants, trying to focus on anything other than the sinking feeling in my chest. I knew this conversation was coming. I had known since the moment my hesitation in the battle almost cost him his l
GWENThe world felt unusual still as I drifted in that place between dreaming and waking, where reality blurred with something deeper, something primal. In the vision, the Moon Goddess stood before me, radiant and untouchable, her silvery light washing over everything. Her expression was calm, but there was a weight in her eyes that made my heart ache.“You are strong, Gwen,” she said, her voice like the gentle rustle of leaves in a midnight breeze. “But strength alone does not ensure victory. Love is your greatest gift, but it is also your greatest risk.”Before I could respond, the scene shifted. Suddenly, I was standing on a battlefield. Smoke curled in the air, and the metallic tang of blood filled my senses. Wolves snarled and clashed all around me, their fur matted with sweat and dirt. My heart thundered as my eyes locked on Lucian. He was fighting fiercely, his movements graceful and precise, but he was outnumbered.A decision loomed before me—I could sense it without knowing t
GWENThe preparations for the final confrontation consumed the pack. Everywhere I turned, there was movement, warriors sharpening their weapons, strategists huddling in quiet conversations, and younger wolves preparing supplies. The air buzzed with tension and anticipation, and while I tried to immerse myself in the activity, my thoughts kept drifting.Lucian noticed, of course. He always did.As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the training grounds, he found me standing near the edge of the clearing. His footsteps were soft, but I felt his presence before I saw him. When I turned, his expression was calm yet determined, a sharp contrast to the chaos around us.“Come with me,” he said simply, holding his hand.I frowned, glancing at the bustle of activity behind me. “Lucian, we can’t just leave. There’s so much to do—”He stepped closer, cutting me off with a gentle but firm touch to my arm. “You’ve done enough, Gwen. You need a moment to breathe. We both do