GWEN’S POVThe world narrowed down to Lucien—the warmth of his lips, the solid press of his hands, the way his kiss felt like it was drawing out a part of me I didn’t know I’d been hiding. Lucian’s closeness washed over me, his scent, a mix of earth and something uniquely him, making it hard to think of anything else.And yet, as he deepened the kiss, my mind was in turmoil, flashes of memories crashing over me, thoughts of everything that had brought me to this moment. My eyes were wide open, taking in the sight of his face close to mine, the intensity in his expression softened by something vulnerable and raw. My wolf stirred with excitement, urging me forward, a feeling of anticipation building inside me that was thrilling but also terrifying.This is Lucian, I reminded myself as if saying his name would anchor me somehow and help me make sense of the rush of emotions flooding my chest. Lucian, not Damien. Damien’s kisses had always felt calculated, like a transaction, a way to pro
Lucien’s POVI stood there, still, watching Gwen walk away. The energy she left in her wake clung to me as if the air itself had absorbed everything we hadn’t said. A part of me wanted to go after her, to continue that moment, but I couldn’t shake the bewilderment coursing through me. Gwen… or Arlene? Was there truly a difference?Ethan cleared his throat, snapping me out of my thoughts. His face held that same mix of shock and curiosity as if he were watching a particularly confusing scene unfold in a story he thought he understood.“Alright, Lucian,” he started, folding his arms and leaning against the wall with a look that dared me to say something. “Are you going to explain, or am I supposed to just… assume I walked into some kind of alternate universe?”I ran a hand over my face, unwilling to meet his eyes just yet. "Ethan, don’t,” I muttered, hoping that would be enough to put him off, though I knew him better than to expect he’d let this go.“Don’t?” he echoed, sounding incredu
My pulse was still racing as I slipped out of the balcony, ignoring the curious glances of strangers who no doubt noticed my flushed face and hurried steps. My mind was a haze of emotions I couldn’t quite place, swirling in a tangled mess of nerves, confusion, and, if I dared admit it, exhilaration.I barely noticed the group of young women gathered near the entrance to the hallway, their hushed voices rising and falling in rhythmic gossip. I caught a few of their sidelong glances as I passed, but I didn’t have the energy to care. I’d spent too long in this new world, trying to stay unnoticed and out of the way. Right now, all I wanted was space, just a few moments alone to collect myself and figure out why, exactly, Lucian’s touch had shaken me so deeply.As soon as I entered the bathroom, I shut the door behind me, bracing myself against it as I finally exhaled the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding. My shoulders dropped, the tension in my body easing just slightly as I took
Elara’s POVI watched Arlene retreat from the balcony, her movements rushed, almost desperate as she slipped into the shadows toward the restroom. A small smile tugged at my lips as I followed at a measured pace, not wanting to appear overly interested.Approaching the ladies clustered near the hallway entrance, I tilted my head, scanning each of them with a knowing look. They were a picture of shallow elegance, perfectly styled and poised, with one foot always hovering on the edge of scandal. Their hushed whispers ceased the moment they caught sight of me.“Luna Elara!” one of them, a petite blonde with far too many diamonds and far too few original thoughts, greeted me with a sugary smile. “You look ravishing tonight. I don’t think we’ve ever seen emeralds look so perfect on anyone.”“Why, thank you, Calla,” I replied smoothly, adjusting my gown as I held her gaze. “And you look as radiant as ever.” I turned my attention to the others, noting their anticipation. They were already le
LUCIAN’S POVI stood beside Ethan, still trying to make sense of what had just happened, feeling a cascade of emotions that refused to settle. Arlene—no, Gwen. She was Gwen, and I knew that, but every part of my being was still struggling to grasp it. Every instinct told me to protect her, to shield her from whatever forces had conspired to keep her hidden, reborn under a different name. But the kiss, the depth in her eyes—everything between us had felt like it could break me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.I caught myself clenching my fists and forcing them to relax, though my mind refused to slow down. I was failing, and the feeling left me hollow.“Lucian?” Ethan’s voice broke through my reverie, drawing me back into the moment. He wore his usual calm expression, but there was a hint of worry there, something I rarely saw from him. “You alright?”I opened my mouth, then closed it, struggling to find the right words. Alright was the furthest thing from what I was feeling.“No,” I admi
Lucian’s POVThe second I felt that sharp, burning pain at the side of my head, I knew something was wrong. It wasn’t just a headache or a random ache; it felt personal like I was somehow sharing someone else's pain. And that’s when it hit me, it was Gwen. She was hurt.I glanced around, looking for her, the anxiousness growing like a storm inside me. My pulse quickened, and my wolf stirred, fueling the anger building in my chest. I tried to shake it off, but it only grew stronger, until it felt like a fire was racing through my veins.Ethan, who had been chatting with me moments before, noticed the way I was gripping the table and asked, “Lucian, are you alright?”He didn’t have to wait for an answer. One look at my face, the fury in my eyes, and he understood. “It’s Gwen, isn’t it?” he asked quietly, as if speaking it too loudly would make the pain worse.I clenched my jaw, swallowing back the frustration, and nodded. “Someone’s hurting her,” I said, my voice tight and low. “And who
Gwen’s POVI stared, frozen, as Lucian stormed down the hallway towards us. The rage in his eyes was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. Every step he took seemed to send a shockwave through the hall, his aura radiating power and fury that practically sucked the air out of the space. It was so overwhelming, so intense, that my fear and humiliation somehow took a back seat.And then his eyes landed on me. They softened, just for a moment. But even that brief flicker of emotion sent my heart spiraling. I felt something in my chest twist painfully, like his anger was wrapping around me, squeezing tighter with each beat. Without even realizing it, tears began to sting my eyes.“Lucian…” I whispered, barely able to find my voice.He didn’t say anything in response. He just kept walking, his gaze dark and unreadable, a strange mixture of protective anger and something else—something raw that made me feel so exposed. My wolf whimpered softly within me, sensing his emotions blending with mi
Gwen’s POVLucian’s hand slowly relaxed in mine, the last of the rage seeping from his body. “Well, well,” came Damien’s sharp, cutting tone, brimming with cold authority. “And what do you think you’re doing, Lucian? Trying to bully and molest my mate, are you? Or is this your way of impressing her?”His words hit me like a slap. Molest his mate? Rage, hot and searing, bubbled up within me, mixing with memories that I’d tried to keep buried. I remembered one time in particular, not so long ago, when I’d been with Damien. We’d gone racing in the woods, his idea of an exciting date. That was when we’d crossed paths with a group of rogues. “Damien…” I’d whispered, feeling the tension thickening in the air. “They don’t look friendly. Maybe we should head back?” Even though I was an Alpha, they were still too much for us to handle on our own.“Oh, they’re just trying to scare us,” he’d said, puffing out his chest, feigning bravery. “But I know how to handle guys like these.”The leader
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