Ronan's POVMoonlight spilled down like liquid silver, pooling over a territory woven seamlessly into nature’s design.Trees stretched impossibly high, their trunks thick and braided with vines that shimmered faintly under the glow.The homes weren’t built—they were grown. Hollowed trunks formed arched doorways, their interiors flickering with soft, golden light. Walkways of woven roots and bridges of flowering ivy connected the trees like veins. Waterfalls cascaded from hidden heights, their mist catching the moonlight in halos.It took everything in me not to drop my jaw in awe.How on earth did they manage to build and hide a place like this?This place was... beautiful, perfection in all ramifications.But it was the people that made it even more surreal.The people of Lyravha moved with effortless grace, their steps soundless even on stone. Their skin bore a faint, luminescent sheen, kissed by the moon, and their golden eyes—every single one of them—glinted like molten metal.Sh
Ronan's POVThe priestess’s presence was awe-inspiring. It hit harder than a blade to the chest—soft, but sharp enough to carve through the tension of the moment like it was nothing.Valeria’s eyes widened, her mouth parting slightly as she lowered her bow instantly, head bowing in submission. The others followed suit, every single Lyravha dropping to one knee as if commanded by an invisible force.Or maybe they were, because when I stared into her golden eyes, the unmistakable urge to kneel down in reverence threatened to overwhelm me. It felt as if it was alright to bow my head to her in respect.But…I stayed standing.The pressure settled over me like invisible hands pressing down, a weight that urged me to kneel, to show respect, to bow like the rest of them.I didn’t.I wouldn’t.I locked my jaw, forcing my body to stay upright, my eyes never leaving her. She was ethereal, sure—divine, probably, the voice of the moon goddess, a fact—but… my pride would never let me bow to anyo
Ronan's POV The silence between us stretched, thick as molasses, as I trailed a few steps behind Lysandra. Erethorn walked beside me, his crimson eyes constantly flicking to the priestess every so often.I didn’t know what bothered me more—her unnerving calm or the fact that Erethorn wasn’t growling and snarling like he usually did with strangers.Regardless, my mind was currently unsettled. A storm of different thoughts, questions, and what-ifs swirled, threatening to give me a headache.Questions like…Will she give me the answers I need?Can she awaken my wolf, Fenris?Would she be able to figure out what Thalia’s role in all this is?Her name alone felt like shards in my chest. My fists clenched so tightly my knuckles cracked, but the ache in my head still grew—a pounding pulse that made me grit my teeth.The path before us curved, revealing more of the Lyravha territory, and for a moment—just a fleeting, fragile moment—I forgot to be angry.The homes weren’t simple structures ca
Ronan's POVThe interior of Lysandra’s home wasn’t what I expected.No gold-plated relics, no extravagant tapestries hanging from the walls, no servants bustling around, eager to please. Just simplicity.The walls were formed from the natural curve of the tree, smooth and dark, with veins of faint silver running through the grain like threads of moonlight stitched into bark.A single woven rug lay sprawled across the wooden floor, its pattern intricate but faded, like it had been there for ages without anyone bothering to replace it.The faint scent of herbs—lavender, sage, maybe something else—hung in the air, subtle, not overwhelming. A small hearth flickered with a soft, bluish flame that shouldn’t have existed without wood or fuel, but there it was, dancing like it had a mind of its own.Simple shelves carved directly into the walls held books, vials of dried herbs, and odd trinkets that looked more sentimental than valuable. A low wooden table sat in the center of the chamber w
Ronan's POV"Say something!” I roared, slamming my fist against the table again, hard enough to rattle the cup she cradled like it was the only thing keeping her grounded. The veins in my neck felt like they’d burst from the tension screaming through me. My chest heaved, my heart pounding like war drums in my ears.But she didn’t flinch. Not even a twitch. She just stared, like I was nothing more than a beast snarling in a cage—something to observe.The urge to draw my sword hit me like a wave crashing against jagged rocks. My fingers twitched toward the hilt.Just one swing. One clean motion, and I could carve that calm right off her face. Watch the blood spill, maybe feel something other than this endless, gnawing emptiness.But I didn’t.I swallowed it down.Like I always did.Besides, killing the Moon Goddess’s priestess had to come with some form of curse or punishment. I’d already had enough of those.A bitter sigh scraped out of me as I dragged my hands down my face, smearing
Ronan's POVMy heart was a caged animal, thrashing against my ribs, desperately trying to make sense of the entire situation and the voice that seemed to speak directly to my soul, calling out my name.What the hell was this?One minute I was in Lysandra's room, the next I was floating in a blinding white void of nothingness.Suddenly, my eyes widened as Lysandra's words echoed in my mind. “Then perhaps you should ask her yourself.”My breath hitched, and my heart skipped three beats. No… it couldn't be…“Yes,” the voice answered, vast and omnipresent, slipping into my soul like it had always been there. “I am who you think I am.”The words weren't loud, but they cracked through me like a thunderclap.I didn't have time to fully process the situation. The whiteness bled away, like ink spilled across parchment, revealing a whole new world beneath it.“By the goddess,” I swore, my eyes widening as I took in the breathtaking view.It was… indescribable.The ground beneath my feet wasn’t
Ronan's POVSelene’s smile was faint. She began to walk, her presence like a tide, pulling me along even though my pride screamed to resist. Then, with a graceful flick of her wrist, the air shimmered, bending to her will. An illusion materialized. I watched in awe and curiosity. Wolves, wild-eyed and snarling, their fur matted with blood and dirt, lunged at each other in brutal, senseless violence. Their howls weren’t just cries; they rang of something lost—rage, grief, madness. “Rogues,” Selene began. “Wolves without a tether. Exiled for crimes—some heinous, others petty. Some exiled from their packs on the whims of their Alpha. Stripped of their place, their identity. Without a pack, their minds unravel. Instinct devours reason, leaving nothing but hunger and rage.” I clenched my jaw, my hands curling into fists. “They become unstable, irrational, vicious,” she continued, circling me. “Violence is all they know because it’s all they have left. The truly unfortunate lo
Ronan's POVFenris was sacrificed to bring me back? No. No. No. No.I could not accept this.I refused to accept this!I would have chosen death over allowing my wolf to sacrifice himself. I wanted to live… but not like this.“I thought,” Selene murmured, “that Hebathi’s presence would ease the burden. That her companionship would mend the fractures I carved into your soul.”“But even with her, you remained broken.”No. Not broken.Broken was too soft a word to describe my situation.I was cursed to ruin and damnation.“You shattered me,” I rasped, my voice jagged, rough-edged. “And now you speak of remorse?” “I am not beyond regret, Ronan. Divinity does not strip one of guilt. I intervened when I should not have. I unraveled threads that were never mine to touch, all to craft a vessel for my purpose. I stole your happiness, your life as you knew it.”Her words hung in the air, heavy with truths that didn’t matter anymore.What did remorse mean from lips that never bled?“I don’t ca
Thalia's POVI messed up.I was sweating buckets. My heart pounded so hard it felt like it might leap out of my chest. Of all the people who could have caught me—why did it have to be Ronan?Why on earth did Luka not mention that this was Ronan's private garden. I wouldn't have come here if I knew. I was damn sure that his hatred for me hadn’t faded, not even a little.I knew that.I could feel it in the sharp way he spoke to me, in the cold intensity of his gaze.So what was he going to do now? Would he punish me? Make an example out of me?He would most certainly enjoy making an example out of me. Perhaps he would use this opportunity to truly show me my place.Gosh, I was so nervous.I swallowed hard, trying to force words out—some kind of excuse, some explanation that might save me—but my throat locked up.There was nothing I could say.My shoulders sagged, and I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself for whatever was coming.Then—sound.A sharp sound sliced through the silence.
Ronan's POVThe scent hit me first—wildflowers and honey, laced with something softer, something uniquely hers. It was faint beneath the lingering sweetness of fruit, but I’d know it anywhere.Thalia.What the fuck was she doing here?I tightened my grip for just a second, feeling her small frame tremble against me. The soft rise and fall of her chest, the rapid beat of her heart hammering against my forearm—I felt it all. Every little shake, every nervous breath. She was terrified.I could hear her muffled whimpers against my palm, her body going tense beneath my hold. Her skin was warm, feverish almost, and gods help me, her scent was consuming. It seeped into my lungs, curling around my senses like a drug I never meant to inhale.A growl rumbled low in my throat, and I shook my head, disgusted with myself.No.Not her.I shoved her away, my fingers tingling from the loss of contact.Thalia stumbled back, gasping, her wide blue eyes darting up to meet mine.Her lips—still sticky wit
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