Scarlett’s POVAs we rode, the gentle hum of the car lulled me into an uneasy sleep. The nightmares were never far, though, filled with flashes of the North—cold and unyielding, just like the way they’d treated me.My mind replayed the harshest moments, making me flinch as I remembered their faces, the empty promises, the way they’d turned on me without a second thought. I’d believed in them, trusted in their words, and yet they’d left me to die, casting me out as if I were nothing.I’d thought I’d known suffering before, but nothing could have prepared me for the pain of their betrayal. They’d taken everything, left me with nothing but the scars of their abandonment.I could feel the tears slipping down my cheeks, but I quickly brushed them away, glancing over at Ebenezer. He hadn’t noticed, thankfully. I took a deep breath, gathering myself. It was time to look forward, not back.I was done with the North. Clay, Lucian, Maxwell—they could have it all, have their revenge, their so-ca
Scarlett’s POVThe question made me stiffen, and I shook my head slowly, hoping it wouldn’t change things. “No wolf,” I said softly. “I hope that’s… not a problem.”He tilted his head thoughtfully, but there was no judgment in his expression. “I did notice something odd, though,” he said, his eyes narrowing in concentration. “Your eyes—they shine neon green when you’re excited. But you don’t have a wolf?”“They used to be brown. They changed… suddenly,” I replied, remembering the strange shift, one of many mysteries I’d learned to accept without question.Ebenezer seemed intrigued, but he didn’t push. He simply nodded, acknowledging the strangeness of it without needing answers. But then his expression softened, and his voice dropped as he asked, “Are you… mated?”The question made my heart sink, and I struggled with how to answer. I knew if I lied and he found out, he might lose all trust in me. But telling him the truth could mean he’d cast me out. With a deep breath, I finally nodd
Scarlett’s POVI entered a dining room that felt almost regal, the kind of room that invited reverence. A polished, four-seater wooden table dominated the space, its surface gleaming under the warm, intimate light. The craftsmanship was beautiful, a reminder of the table my father once had. It felt oddly nostalgic, though I tried to push that thought away. The décor was a touch extravagant, befitting an Alpha who had the means to spare, and though I was alone at the table, the soft elegance of my beige gown kept me from feeling out of place. I never would have guessed that the stranger I’d waved down on the highway would lead me here, to such a strange, almost surreal new beginning.A voice cut through my thoughts. “Alpha Keith Harold is making an entrance.”My heart skipped a beat. My mates had spoken of a different Alpha in the West, and the name Keith Harold was unfamiliar. I scrambled to my feet, hands trembling with nerves. What if this Alpha didn’t take kindly to a stranger? Wha
Scarlett’s POVThe next morning, I woke to a soft knock on my door. When I opened it, a team of staff entered, each carrying clothes on hangers and bags full of items. They filled my closet with an array of new garments, carefully arranging everything before leaving with respectful nods. I stood there, staring at the closet, at the clothes that felt almost too luxurious for someone like me. I couldn’t quite believe how drastically my life had changed in such a short time.After showering and dressing, I was ready for breakfast. A staff member appeared at my door, leading me down the hall. But as we approached the dining area, I heard voices—a woman’s weeping and the muffled sounds of an argument.“What’s going on?” I asked, glancing at the servant who led me.“Madam, the alpha is letting the women in his harem go.” She said it with a bright smile, as if this was news worth celebrating. Her eyes sparkled, and I could feel her excitement bubbling over, but I didn’t share it. I didn’t un
Maxwell’s POVSleep was no friend to us at night. It was more like a shadow that mocked us, a bitter reminder of the peace we’d lost. Every minute stretched out, endless and heavy, as our minds circled around one agonising thought—where was Scarlett? What if she was cold? What if she was hurt? Every possibility tore into me, and all I could do was stay up in my room, drowning in a despair so deep it felt like it would swallow me whole. Tears flowed, and I didn’t hold them back. For once, I was powerless to fix this.We’d tried everything. We even went to the seer, clinging to hope she’d have an answer, some vision to guide us. But not this time. Not even she could help us, and honestly, I couldn’t blame her. How could I blame anyone but myself? We’d failed Scarlett. Our own mate, our own heart.We were so caught up in not upsetting the Alpha of the West, in keeping our own skins safe, that we forgot about the person who mattered most. I couldn’t stop the guilt that ate away at me, the
Maxwell’s POVEvery day we chased after shadows, hunting down Gregory Olsen, the one responsible for all of this. We’d let him go once to avoid a war with the West, thinking we were saving lives. But in sparing him, we’d sacrificed everything precious to us. While we were away, fighting battles and searching for him, what had Scarlett been enduring here? She had no wolf, no protection, nothing but her own strength. And in the end, it had pushed her to break.I searched Clay’s face, hoping for news, a miracle even. But he shook his head, and I felt the faint spark of hope flicker and die.“Quickly!” I barked at the guards, feeling the urge to release my anger on something, someone. “Bring me a silver whip.”“Alpha, please!” Bianca sobbed, her face streaked with tears. Lucian staggered outside, drawn by her cries. She must have thought he’d come to save her. She didn’t know he despised her just as much as I did, maybe even more.“She was your Luna!” I shouted, my voice echoing off the c
Maxwell’s POVLucian’s face hardened, and he struck them again, the whip cracking against flesh, their cries echoing in the air.“You mean to tell me that you would rather defy your Alpha’s orders than cross a pair of corrupt Elders?” I asked, letting my voice carry the bitterness, the betrayal I felt. They sobbed, trembling before us, but I had no sympathy to give. They had been trusted with Scarlett’s safety, and they had thrown her to the wolves.I took a step back, trying to rein in the anger threatening to consume me, but the pain in my chest only grew stronger. Scarlett, wherever you are, know this: I would tear down every law, defy every Elder, if it meant bringing you home.“You starved my wife! Our wife! Your Luna!” My voice cracked with anger and disbelief as I let the word wife leave my lips for the first time. The word felt strange yet sacred because, conventional or not, she was ours, bound to us as deeply as the pack itself. But these people—our own people—had betrayed h
Scarlett’s POVI lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, the afternoon light spilling lazily through the window. I could feel the weight of the silence pressing down on me, filling the space where my thoughts drifted aimlessly.There wasn’t much to do here, and though the library tugged at my curiosity, I wasn’t eager to run into anyone, especially the women from the harem. They resented me, and I couldn’t entirely blame them.Their lives had been thrown into chaos because of Keith’s decision. It was a bold move on his part, one I didn’t understand. I had no love to offer him; I’d made that clear. And Keith didn’t strike me as someone with a surplus of patience.The truth was, I didn’t know what my future looked like here—or if I even had one. The North, the South, the East…none of them held a place for me. If things didn’t work here, there was nowhere else to turn. I felt the gnawing truth of it in my bones. If I failed to make it work with Keith, I was as good as dead. And that wasn’
Scarlett’s POVA whole year had slipped by since that fateful battle, yet its echoes lingered, shaping every aspect of our lives. The memories of that day were as vivid as ever, and the changes it brought were undeniable.Elsa had uncovered the truth—my mates gaining their magic had turned the tide of the fight. It was a revelation that filled me with gratitude.That unexpected twist had granted us not only victory but the promise of a long, peaceful life. For that, I was endlessly thankful.The south had been calling to us, and we journeyed there to put our plans into action. When we arrived, my pack welcomed me with open arms and hearts full of joy, embracing me as their alpha.Their happiness was palpable, a warmth that eased the ache of the past. They spoke of the days they had endured under David’s oppressive reign. Their tales were heavy with suffering and injustice, and I could see in their eyes the relief of finally being free.As for David, I had chosen not to end his life. In
Clay’s POVKeith exhaled slowly, his gaze distant. “I’m relieved to know that fate didn’t mess up, that it was meddling. For a while, I really believed fate had made a terrible mistake. I also thought seers didn’t wield magic,” he admitted.“Me too,” I replied. “But apparently, this group of outcasts did. They were cast out because they dabbled in dark arts. It wasn’t natural magic; it was corruption. They learned how to use the spirits for more than just insight. They twisted it for their own purposes.”Keith shook his head, his frustration evident. “I guess this is something we’ll need to look out for in the future.”I gave him a faint smile. “I guess so,” I said, though the smile faded quickly. Keith sighed and patted my shoulder.“Emerald and I will depart tomorrow,” he said reluctantly. “Please, keep me updated on Scarlett’s condition.”“I will,” I promised, understanding how hard it was for him to leave. Keith and Scarlett had shared a history, brief as it was, and while he had
Clay’s POVIt had been six days since the battle, six days since the blood-soaked fields bore witness to our desperate fight for survival. The cost had been steep—lives lost on both sides—but in the end, victory was ours.Yet it felt hollow. Scarlett’s move, the one that had turned the tide, was as miraculous as it was terrifying. Now, as she lay unconscious on the bed, her chest rising and falling faintly, I knew the price she’d paid was far greater than we had imagined.Her body was locked in a battle of its own, trying to repel the darkness that clung to her after pulling Nikolay’s corrupted spirit from his body. It wasn’t just lingering—it was gripping her tightly, refusing to let go, tethering itself to her in a way we didn’t understand.Alison had called Nikolay’s magic element “Spirit,” the same force Scarlett had avoided using until the final moments. She knew its corruptive potential and still had no choice but to wield it to end the war. Now, the price of that choice was pai
Scarlett’s POVThe corruption from Nikolay’s dark aura showed itself as faint black smoke weaving into the flames. I ignored it. My mind was clear, my goal unwavering: to win.With a snarl, I lunged at Nikolay. We collided mid-air, teeth, claws, and raw power clashing in a blur of grey and green.The battle became a blur of instincts and strategy. He was fast and strong—I had to give him that. But I was stronger.“He’s trying to steal our magic. Be careful,” Midnight warned through the link as our teeth snapped at his neck.I tried to find an opening, to bite down on his spine and end it. But he was as relentless as I was, his jaws snapping at my hind leg. Pain shot through me as he managed to push me back, but I didn’t relent.The fight was vicious. I sent waves of magic his way—fire, earth, water, and wind—but he overcame each attack with a tenacity that rivaled my own.My flames scorched his fur, leaving blackened patches that he quickly healed. His wounds knitted together almost i
Scarlett’s POVThey bore no humanity, no spark of life. Staring into those eyes was like gazing into an endless void, a darkness that seemed to claw at my very soul. He wasn’t just a man. He was a nightmare given flesh—a being that shouldn’t have existed in this world.Shivers ran down my spine as I realized the full extent of what we were up against. This wasn’t just a fight for survival—it was a fight against the unnatural, the unholy. And at this moment, I wasn’t sure if we had the strength to prevail.“Your fear smells delicious,” young Nikolay said, his voice calm, cool, and unnervingly steady. The darkness in his tone sent a shiver down my spine, but I refused to let him see the full extent of my terror.“How could Father have fathered something like you,” he continued, his gaze cold and calculating, “yet cherished and protected you while I rotted in the woods with the outcast seers? Isn’t that unfair?”His eyes drifted to my neck, and his lip curled in disdain. “Three mates. Wh
Scarlett’s POVI turned my gaze to my half-brother, speaking directly to him. “He killed your father, Nikolay. The man who didn’t even know you existed. David stole that chance from you—the chance to know your father. If you can hate my mother for killing yours, then you should hate him for murdering your father and robbing you of the life you could have had. He will betray you, just as he betrayed him.”David laughed again, shaking his head. “Don’t waste your breath, Scarlett. Young Nikolay knows the truth. It was his idea to take out Nikolay Vladislav, not mine.” He looked at Nikolay with a twisted kind of pride. “He knew that if his father ever found out about him, he’d be eliminated. Nikolay doesn’t tolerate anything that looks like a threat. He knows it had to be done.”Young Nikolay’s dark, soulless eyes bore into mine with pure hatred. If there was any doubt or hesitation in him, he didn’t show it. His disdain for me was unwavering, and David’s words only seemed to fuel his res
Scarlett’s POV“I am nobody’s puppet!” young Nikolay snapped, his voice laced with arrogance and disdain. “I am the true heir of Nikolay Vladislav, a Valkin alpha in my own right. And if I desire to take what is mine, so be it!”His declaration hung in the cold air, but I wasn’t impressed. “Rule over what?” I asked sharply. “Rule over whatever David tells you to rule? Be the king of his schemes?”For a moment, his fury was silenced, his expression hardening. He might have a temper, but he wasn’t a talker—his silence was telling.“So, what do you want?” Lucian asked, his tone steady but strained.David answered for him, stepping forward with a cruel smile. “What we’re here to take,” he said, his voice dripping with malice.“The North and that bitch.” His eyes flicked to me, and the venom in his gaze was palpable. “I promised Nikolay he’d have his revenge on the daughter of the woman who murdered his mother. Hand everything over, especially her. She’s useless anyway. Other than bed-warm
Scarlett’s POVAt dawn, they came.The attack wasn’t subtle; the screams and the clash of steel against steel echoed through Redcape, shaking the earth beneath us. I had felt it before I even opened my eyes—a dark, foreboding presence that made my skin crawl.As I sat up, my heart pounded in my chest, knowing the inevitable had arrived. Fear gripped me, cold and unrelenting. Were we ready? I didn’t know, and I wasn’t sure it mattered anymore.Lucian, Clay, and Maxwell were already moving, their movements quick and deliberate as they readied themselves for battle. Their focus was sharp, but the tension in the air was palpable.“For all we know, David has no idea Scarlett has a wolf or magic,” Lucian said, his tone firm as he strapped on his gear. “Let’s keep it that way. It’ll be our element of surprise.”He turned to me, his eyes glowing with both determination and worry. “Guns and bullets for now. We need to blindside them—just like you did with Garland. That’s the only way. And, Sca
Scarlett’s POVWhen it was over, we lay tangled together, our breaths mingling in the frosty air. The sight around us was nothing short of magical.The bare trees were now lush and green, their branches swaying gently as if awakened from a long slumber.The snow that had blanketed the ground was gone, revealing a soft, rich earth beneath. Even the frozen lake shimmered with life, its edges alive with vibrant flora. It was as though our love had breathed life back into the desolate landscape.The orange hues of the setting sun painted the sky above us, casting a warm glow over the reborn clearing.My head rested on Clay’s chest, his heartbeat strong and steady beneath my ear. Each rhythm was fierce and determined, a reminder that, for now, we were alive—and we were together. This was our moment, untainted by the battles ahead.“I’ve been thinking,” Clay said suddenly, breaking the silence. His voice was calm but carried a weight of seriousness. “If it comes to the worst, we should leav