Thalia's POVHebathi stepped back, her cold gaze never wavering from Aedric, who seemed entirely too pleased with himself."Calm down, Lady Hebathi," Aedric said smoothly, lifting his hands in mock surrender. "It isn’t that deep. I’m simply the messenger here. Why waste all that energy when Ronan’s not even here to witness your… dramatic flair?"Hebathi’s lips curled into a dangerous smile. "Dramatic flair? You misunderstand me, Aedric. This isn’t drama. It’s a warning."Aedric chuckled lowly, the sound infuriatingly condescending."Of course, of course. Consider me warned." His tone was laced with sarcasm, his crimson eyes gleaming with satisfaction at the tension he’d stirred.Her eyes narrowed further, but before she could unleash whatever cutting retort she was undoubtedly preparing, Aedric held up a finger as though remembering something important."Ah, but I digress," he said, his grin widening. "As much as I enjoy exchanging pleasantries with you, I’m actually here for somethin
Thalia's POV Aedric let out a rough cough as he pushed himself up, rubbing his throat where faint red marks had begun to form. His crimson eyes flickered with irritation, but the smirk creeping onto his lips suggested he wasn’t entirely cowed."Really, Hebathi? All this over a little joke? You're more sensitive than I thought," he rasped, rolling his shoulders. "You didn't have to be so rough."Hebathi’s expression didn’t waver. She folded her arms over her ample chest, her lips curling into a sneer."Step out of line again, and you'll see just how rough I can be."Aedric scoffed, rolling his eyes. "We both know you wouldn’t dare. I am Ronan’s trusted Beta. I’m not so easily discarded." His smirk widened as he turned away from her, clearly dismissing any lingering threat she posed.Ignoring the warning, he reached into his pocket, fishing out a small iron key. He twirled it between his fingers before sliding it into the cell’s lock. The heavy door creaked open, the metal groaning fro
Thalia's POVI swallowed hard, the weight of Hebathi's stare pressing down on me as my mind scrambled for a suitable response—anything to deflect from the actual truth.I had to be extremely careful and choose my words wisely. This was a lifeline, a path out of this revolting cell, and I’d be damned if I didn’t take advantage of it.Telling this woman the truth wouldn’t help my chances much. So, too hell with morality.Suddenly, before I could think any further, the words spilled from my mouth.“I… I was a maid,” I blurted out, my own panicked voice startling me. “In his household. I was the maid. We didn’t interact much, as my duties were only to serve, but that’s how I knew him.”Hebathi’s sharp gaze narrowed slightly, as if measuring the truth in my words. I forced myself to hold still, hoping my expression gave nothing away.A long pause stretched between us before she finally exhaled, her tense posture easing just a fraction.“That explains it, then,” she murmured, folding her a
Ronan's POVThe wind roared across the open grasslands, bending the tall, golden stalks under its relentless force. Sparse trees dotted the expanse, their twisted branches reaching toward the storm-gray sky like skeletal fingers. The horizon stretched endlessly ahead, rippling with waves of shifting vegetation.At the center of it all, a black beast thundered across the plains.Erethorn moved like a specter of death, his massive paws striking the earth with bone-rattling force. Each step sent a shockwave through the dirt, his immense weight crushing the grass beneath him. His thick fur, once as black as a midnight abyss, was streaked with fresh blood—not his own, but the remnants of the foolish who had dared to stand in our way.I sat astride him, my armor drenched in crimson, my cloak torn and tattered. The metallic scent of blood clung to me, mingling with the sweat and grime of three days without rest. Every muscle in my body ached, my wounds stung, but the pain was a distant thi
Ronan's POVFor the first time in three days, I was still.The current swirled around me, washing away the grime, the sweat, the blood of nameless men who had thought themselves my equals. My body felt weightless here, but my mind?My mind refused to let go.Because it drifted back to her. Again.I exhaled sharply, bubbles rising to the surface as I clenched my jaw. It was pathetic, really. After all this time, after everything, I still thought about her.Thalia.Her name was a wound that never truly healed. A ghost that refused to fade.I remembered the way she had once laughed, the way she had looked at me beneath the silver light of the moon. I remembered the feel of her fingers trailing down my skin, the warmth of her body pressed against mine.And I remembered the night we bathed together in the Bloodstone Pack’s river.The memory came unbidden—her straddling my wolf, her laughter ringing through the trees as we ran wild beneath the night sky. We had bathed together in the cold w
Ronan's POV The entrance to Fharrath Woods loomed before us, a wall of gnarled trees and tangled undergrowth stretching endlessly into the dark. The Silver Vale’s infamous forest. Home to the Lyravha.Few dared enter without invitation, and even fewer left unscathed. In this case, I was the former—hopefully, by the end of this ordeal, I would be the latter.The trees were ancient things, their twisted trunks thick with moss and deep scars, as if they had borne witness to centuries of war and bloodshed. Their branches clawed at the sky, skeletal and jagged, blotting out the moonlight in sharp patterns. A cold mist slithered between them, clinging to the earth like ghostly fingers, curling around exposed roots and vanishing into the shadows beyond.The air here was different—thicker, charged with something unnatural. It smelled of damp earth and decay, laced with the metallic tang of old blood. The ground beneath my boots was uneven, covered in knotted roots that threatened to trip the
Ronan's POVShe stepped forward with the kind of confidence that only came from absolute authority, her sharp golden eyes locking onto me like I was something unpleasant stuck to the bottom of her boot.Tall, elegant, and every bit the warrior, she moved with lethal grace, her long platinum-blonde hair tied in an intricate braid that fell over one shoulder. Sun-kissed skin, full lips set in a hard line, high cheekbones that would’ve made a sculptor weep. She was beautiful—strikingly so—but there was nothing soft about her. She radiated power, the kind that came from being born into privilege and raised to lead.And judging by the disgust twisting her expression, she knew exactly who I was.Great.I didn't know whether I should be elated or worried that my name and what I represented had reached even the Lyravha's.Talk about a bad reputation."Ronan." She said my name like it was an insult.I tilted my head, smirking lazily. "You know me. I’m flattered."Her glare sharpened. "Hard not
Ronan's POV Valeria shot me one last glare, her golden eyes sharp with disdain, before turning sharply on her heel.“Try to keep up, Rogue Sovereign,” she called over her shoulder, her voice dripping with mockery.Her people moved with her, a seamless unit of warriors who clearly knew the forest like the backs of their hands. Without another word, they leapt into the trees, their movements swift and fluid, like shadows darting through the canopy.I smirked, leaning forward to pat Erethorn’s massive shoulder. “You heard her, big guy. Let’s not embarrass ourselves.”Erethorn growled low in his throat, a sound that vibrated through my legs as I sat on his back. He didn’t need encouragement—he was already moving, his powerful muscles coiling and releasing as he surged forward. The forest blurred around us, the ground a patchwork of roots, rocks, and underbrush.He moved with a predator’s grace, his paws barely touching the earth before he was airborne again, leaping over fallen logs and
Thalia's POVI reached the garden faster than I thought possible, my legs aching with every step, but my hunger pushed me onward. My stomach growled so loudly it was almost embarrassing, and the ache in my gut was becoming unbearable.The garden was tucked away behind the eastern wing of the castle, a quiet, forgotten corner that seemed untouched by time. Vines twisted around old stone statues, their moss-covered faces half-hidden in the shadows. The air was thick with the sweet scent of ripening fruit, mingling with the earthy smell of damp soil.I scanned the garden, my heart pounding.No guards. No one. It was just me and the lush, overgrown paradise in front of me.I stepped closer, my eyes darting between the trees laden with fruit.The sight of them made my mouth water—round, glistening apples hanging like jewels, their skins a deep shade of red, oranges so ripe they seemed to glow in the moonlight, and soft, sweet pears that looked like they were bursting with juice.My stomach
Thalia's POVI kept my head down as I approached the rogues feeding grounds. The rogues were waiting. Watching. Their eyes glowed like hungry embers in the dimming light.I gulped, trying not to focus on them as I buried my fear in the deepest parts of my soul. A repeat of last time was not on my to-do list for today, and I would appreciate it if I could survive without one of the rogues going feral on me.Luka wasn't here to help and i was pretty sure Sienna wouldn't mind watching the rogues rip me to pieces. I needed to be extra careful. Sienna stood right in front of the cart, arms crossed, lips curled in a scowl.“You’re late,” she said, her voice sharp, triumphant.I didn’t answer.Because I wasn’t.Maybe by a few minutes, but not enough for it to matter.I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.Instead, I walked past her, grabbed the wheelbarrow, and started loading the first stack of meat.Suddenly, the crack of the whip sliced through the air before I even saw it coming.Pain
Thalia's POVLuka’s jaw tensed, his eyes darkening. "She’s not my girlfriend," he said, his voice clipped.Sienna froze mid-step.Then, she turned, her face contorting with fury. “What?”Luka didn’t even spare her a glance. “You heard me.”Her nostrils flared, her nails digging into her palms.But whatever she wanted to say, she swallowed it down with a bitter sneer before spinning on her heel and storming away, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.Good riddance.I exhaled quietly, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease—just a little. But the relief didn’t last long.Luka’s gaze flicked back to me, his brows furrowing.“Your face—” His fingers twitched at his sides like he wanted to reach out but held himself back. “She hit you?”I instinctively touched my cheek, wincing slightly at the sting.“It’s nothing.” I waved it off, trying to sound casual. “I’ve had worse.”His jaw clenched."What happened in there?”I sighed. “Garrett’s still pissed about what happened, so he dec
Thalia's POVGarrett leaned back in his chair, smirking as if this was all just a game to him."You can go now," he said lazily, waving a dismissive hand. Then, his gaze flicked back to me, amusement flickering in his cold eyes. "But remember, pet—when you’re ready to bow to my wishes, come back to me. Maybe then, I’ll consider being merciful."My stomach twisted.Disgust mixed with burning fury coiled inside me, clawing at my insides.I would rather die than ever crawl to him.Arrogant, disgusting bastard.I swallowed back the bile rising in my throat, forcing myself to remain silent.He wanted a reaction but I wouldn’t give him that.Sienna clicked her tongue, stepping beside me."Oh, don’t just stand there looking stupid," she sneered. "Move it, pet. You’ve got work to do."Her voice dripped with mockery, and I could already hear the cruel amusement in her tone.She was going to enjoy this—making my life miserable, ensuring I suffered every second of every day.I bit the inside of
Thalia's POVMy stomach twisted violently as I stared at it—at him.I couldn’t breathe. My body refused to move, locked in place by a horror so deep it threatened to consume me. goddess, help me.Garrett chuckled, clearly reveling in my disgust. "What’s wrong?" he drawled, tilting his head mockingly. "You look like you’ve seen a ghost."I swallowed hard, my fingers curling into fists.Oh, it’s worse than a ghost. It’s a damn nightmare."Go on," he murmured, taking a step forward. "What are you waiting for?"A cold sweat broke out on the back of my neck.And then—something inside me shifted.No.I couldn't do it.There was no way in hell I was putting my mouth anywhere near that.Not in a million years. Not even if the Moon Goddess herself came down and ordered me to.Enough.I had been scared. I had trembled under his presence, let myself believe I had no choice. But I did.I did.And I was making it now.Slowly, I lowered my gaze, shaking my head. "No."The air in the room shifted
Thalia's POVLuka’s fists clenched at his sides. His jaw tightened, his chest rising and falling in deep, controlled breaths.He was trying to calm himself, but I could see the frustration simmering beneath the surface.And… it was all because of me.Did he really care that much about me?Finally, he exhaled sharply and ran a hand through his hair. “Just… be careful, alright?”I nodded, offering a small smile. “I will.”It wasn’t a lie. Not entirely. I would try to be careful. But deep down, I knew this might not go well.Garrett didn’t seem like the type of man you could predict. That alone made him dangerous.Luka hesitated for a second, then, to my surprise, he reached out and touched my arm—just a brief press of his fingers.A silent reassurance.I stiffened at the contact, caught off guard. Luka wasn’t… affectionate. Not like this.Before I could react, he pulled away and turned on his heel, walking off without another word.I stood there, watching his retreating figure, my mind
Thalia's POVI stared at Sienna, my mind struggling to catch up with her words.Garrett wants to see me? Now?My stomach twisted violently, the food on my plate suddenly unappetizing.Sienna's eyes narrowed when I didn’t respond fast enough. “What? Are you deaf or just stupid?” she sneered.I flinched. My fingers curled around the edges of my plate, knuckles turning white.Luka shot up from his seat, the chair scraping loudly against the floor. “What the hell are you talking about?” His voice was sharp, laced with warning. “If this is some kind of joke, Sienna, you better stop now.”But Sienna only smiled—slow and smug—and took a step closer. She ran a single finger down Luka’s chest, dragging it deliberately. “Oh, Luka,” she purred. “I missed you, you know. You don’t have to be so aggressive all the time.”Luka’s expression darkened. His hand shot up, slapping her touch away like it burned. “Don’t touch me.”I swallowed hard, my heart thundering against my ribs. That was when I notic
Thalia's POVMorning came too soon.I blinked up at the ceiling, my body stiff, my mind sluggish. For a brief, blissful moment, I forgot. But then it all came crashing back—the way Garrett had pinned me down, the terror that had gripped me, the way Luka had pulled me into his arms, promising I was safe.A shiver crept down my spine.Luka had warned me. Things wouldn’t be easy now.Garrett wouldn't forget my defiance, and he certainly wouldn't forget the parting gift I gave to his testicles.I squeezed my eyes shut, inhaling deeply before exhaling in a slow, steady breath.I couldn't afford to dwell on it. I had work to do.With a sigh, I pushed myself up and swung my legs over the side of the bed. My limbs felt heavy, but I forced myself to move.I had to feed the rogue wolves this morning, clean out their quarters. Luka wouldn't be there with me today, so I was on my own. If I didn’t, I’d only be making things worse for myself.Dragging my feet to the bathroom, I turned on the faucet
Ronan's POVI let my words settle, let them weigh on her like a chain she hadn’t realized she was already wearing.Finally, Sera exhaled, her shoulders lowering just slightly. The fight wasn’t gone from her eyes, but something else had replaced it.Uncertainty.Hope.She swallowed. “And if we agree?”A slow smirk tugged at my lips. “Then welcome home.”They didn’t need to know the truth. Not yet.The war was coming, I could feel it in my bones but telling them now would only plant seeds of doubt, fear, and resistance. No, I didn’t need resistance. Not when they were still raw, still uncertain.By the time the war came, they would be fully integrated into the Rogue Dominion. By then, it wouldn’t be a choice—it would be a duty.I watched as Sera turned to her people, her expression unreadable. The murmurs between them were hushed but urgent, some wary, others hopeful. They weighed their options, measured their odds, but deep down, they already knew the answer. They had none.One by on