Lucian’s POVI finally drifted to sleep, my thoughts swirling around Gwen and the strange role the Moon Goddess had placed me in. Protecting her had become more than a responsibility, it felt like a calling. But why me? That question lingered, unanswered, as sleep eventually claimed me.The next morning, I was awakened by the familiar sound of Ethan knocking on my door."Lucian, wake up," he called, his voice muffled through the door. I groaned and sat up, rubbing my eyes.The door creaked open, and Ethan stepped in, holding a letter in his hand. "Morning. I’ve got something for you.""Great," I muttered, still groggy. "Is it a mission from the council? Or a request from the council to think about Gwen again?"Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "No, nothing like that. It’s an invitation. And before you crumple it up like the last five, hear me out."I raised an eyebrow, already annoyed. "An invitation? You know I don’t attend those silly gatherings. You can tell whoever sent it that I’
Lucian’s POVI watched as Gwen’s expression hardened, her arms still crossed tightly over her chest. She wasn’t budging on her decision, and I could see the fear and caution in her eyes.“Gwen,” I said, my voice softer now, trying to reason with her. “No one’s going to recognize you. You’re not... you anymore. You’re in Arlene’s body now. To them, you’re just another face. A stranger.”She shook her head, her lips pressed into a thin line. “Lucian, you don’t understand. Damien might not know who I am on sight, but I’ll give myself away. The way I move, the way I talk, he’ll pick up on something. That man is dangerous. He killed me once. I’m not giving him a second chance.”I stepped closer to her, feeling the tension radiating off her. "You’re not Gwen Silverfang anymore, not to them. You’re Arlene, and that’s all they’ll see. It’s the perfect cover."She still didn’t look convinced. "Even if I go in there with a new face, it won’t matter if I act suspicious. And what about my scent?
Damien’s POVI paced around my office, feeling the familiar surge of power as I glanced at the invitations I'd sent. The dinner party wasn’t just any gathering, it was one of my ways of asserting dominance, reminding everyone of the power I held, and preventing my power from deteriorating even if Gwen returned to get back her position. The Alphas from the other packs would gather, and they would see the force that is Damien, Alpha of the Crescent Moon pack. But more than anything, I wanted Lucian to show up. The elusive Alpha, who had always kept his distance, avoided gatherings like this."That man hides behind his power, too afraid to step into the light," I muttered to myself, leaning back in my chair. "But this time... this time, he'll come."Just as I was basking in the thought of cornering Lucian, there was a knock on the door. Bryce, my Beta, stepped in, holding a letter in his hand."Alpha Damien," he said, his voice filled with disbelief, "you’re going to want to read this."
Gwen’s POVAfter accepting the invitation, I looked at Lucian and grinned, though a part of me still felt a bit uneasy about facing Damien and Elara again. But if I was going to do this, I wanted to be ready."Let’s train more," I said, feeling the determination rise in me. If I was going to attend this event, I needed to be in control of myself, my abilities, and whatever I might face.Lucian nodded, his expression softening. “Of course. We’ll go at your pace, Gwen.”We headed back to the training grounds, leaving Ethan alone in Lucian’s office because he said that he had something to take care of. As we stepped into the training ground, the evening air cooled against my skin. I could feel my heart pounding, not just from the thought of shapeshifting again, but also from Lucian’s presence. He was always calm, patient, and steady. He made me feel like I could do this like I wasn’t as broken as I sometimes believed.“Let’s start with the basics,” Lucian said gently as we stepped into
Lucian’s POVI nodded, determination etched on my face. “I’ll do my best,” I replied to Ethan. I moved closer, almost hovering over Gwen. “Gwen, I’m here. We’re going to get through this together. Just focus on my voice. You’re safe. You’re not alone.”With that, she could feel my presence. I let my voice wash over her like a balm, and gradually, the agony began to dissipate. The tension in her muscles slowly eased as she focused on the rhythm of my voice, my calming words piercing through the haze of pain.“Good, Gwen. Just keep breathing. In and out,” I instructed gently.With each breath, she felt herself returning to reality, the grip of her wolf loosening its hold. “Lucian...” she breathed, her voice shaky yet filled with gratitude.“You’re doing great,” I encouraged, my tone unwavering. “Just a little longer.”Ethan stayed close, watching with keen eyes, ready to assist in whatever way was needed. After a few more moments, I opened my eyes, blinking against the bright light.
Lucian’s POVI sighed deeply, still trying to process everything Ethan had just told me. The idea that Gwen and I were connected like this felt unreal. But I couldn't deny the pain I'd felt, the way it mirrored hers. I ran a hand through my hair, glancing over at Ethan, still standing with his arms crossed, watching me closely."So, what now?" I asked, breaking the silence. "Am I just supposed to walk up to Gwen and say, 'Hey, by the way, we’re soul-bound and I feel everything you do'?"Ethan chuckled, shaking his head. "Not exactly like that. Maybe ease into it a little. You know, start by asking if she felt anything unusual earlier. You don't have to drop the soul-bound theory right away."I raised an eyebrow at him. "Yeah, 'cause that wouldn’t freak her out at all." I leaned back in my chair, staring at the ceiling again. "This is insane."Ethan sat down across from me, his expression turning more serious. "Look, I know it sounds crazy, but you must talk to her. You’re both in this
Lucian’s POVAs I knelt there beside Gwen, I found myself completely lost in her gaze. The room faded away, and it felt as if we were the only two people in the world. Her eyes held a depth I hadn’t noticed before, an innocence mixed with a strength that pulled at my heart. It was intoxicating, and I felt myself falling in love with her all over again.“Why are you staring at me like that?” Gwen finally asked, breaking the spell. Her voice was light, teasing, but I could sense the curiosity beneath it.“Nothing serious,” I replied, forcing a casual tone. “I was just trying to see the resemblance between you and Arlene.” I shrugged, hoping it didn’t sound as awkward as it felt.Her brows furrowed slightly, and I could see a hint of skepticism dancing in her eyes. “Really? Is that all?”“Yeah, really,” I said, though it felt like I was lying. I wasn’t just looking for the resemblance; I was trying to understand what it was about her that had my heart racing. But I couldn’t let her know
Lucian’s POVAs I lay on the edge of my bed, lost in thought, the door creaked open, and a small procession of servants shuffled into my room. I thought it was Lucian because he had left my room angrily earlier. The maids were carrying boxes and garment bags, their arms full of dresses, shoes, and accessories for the upcoming party. I barely noticed them at first, still caught up in my swirling emotions and the remnants of pain that lingered from earlier.“Careful with that!” one of the maids called out as another stumbled slightly, shifting the weight of a heavy box. Their chatter faded into the background as I focused on adjusting the pillows on my bed.“Can you believe it?” another maid piped up, her voice tinged with excitement. “Gwen is pulling it off! The way she has the Alpha wrapped around her finger is just incredible.”“Seriously,” another maid chimed in, her tone conspiratorial. “He’s practically giving her everything! Have you seen the diamond necklace he had us bring for
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