Athena's POV
In the dense woods, my breath struggled as I reached the scene. Seeking support, I leaned against a sturdy tree, the cool bark grounding me.
Ulf's wolf had subdued hers, the air filled with the distressed whimper of the captive. Summoning my voice, I addressed Ulf.
"She won't run anymore."
Ulf shifted to her human form, the girl shifted as well but remained curled on the ground.
"Thanks, Ulf. I would've collapsed before reaching her," I acknowledged, and Ulf reciprocated with a high five, both of us catching our breath.
"Now, tell us everything," I demanded from the trembling girl.
"I know nothing," she mumbled, but time was a luxury we couldn't afford.
I assisted her to sit up, her back against a tree, while I squatted in front of her, urgency driving my actions.
"Do you recognize me?" I inquired, but she only shook her head.
"I don't need many words, I'll get what I require," I declared, reaching fo
Athena’s POVWe acquired the dresses on Damian's tab and proceeded to get the wine Ulf suggested before returning home.By the time we arrived, it was late. After a quick shower, we gathered in the dining room for dinner.Ashina was conspicuously absent, and Rollin, the once fearful servant, served Damian's meal.After dinner, I felt a mischievous motivation to tease Ashina. Deciding to go alone, I left Ulf behind and knocked on her door, entering before she could respond.The scene I walked into, with Ashina and Zeeb, her bodyguard, raised eyebrows. She sat in front of her dressing mirror, clad only in a towel, while he stood behind her, hands resting on her shoulders.Despite the questionable position, I opted to play ignorant and engage her in conversation."I didn't allow you in," she retorted, eyeing me through her mirror."I didn't realize you needed a bodyguard in your room this late to keep you safe,"
Athena's POVThe next morning during breakfast, I observed Damian's face, noting a slight improvement from the previous day, though he still appeared pale.The weight of responsibility pressed upon me as I contemplated the task of liberating both Damian and Rollin, the servant girl.With just one step remaining before the final confrontation, my focus shifted to penetrating the memories of Ashina's enigmatic bodyguard.After breakfast, Ulf and I settled in the outdoor lounge, our gaze fixed on the gate, awaiting the bodyguard's appearance."It's as if he sensed our anticipation. It's past noon already," Ulf complained."Hmm," I murmured, my determination unwavering."What do you still need to check? You have all the evidence," Uld questioned."Not yet. Ashina's army is a threat. Any wrong move, and they'll attack Cone Pack. I won't let that happen," I explained, my concern evident."So?""I want
Athena’s POVAshina wouldn't yield easily, and I understood that. My baby had already gone through enough with me, I shouldn't risk consuming alcohol just to gain an advantage."After snatching Damian from me, I thought it was because you love him," I scoffed."What?"“Why can't you drink with him? Does he irritate you, or are you just being a chicken hiding under a pregnant woman?" I pushed her."How can you say that?" Damian asked."Well, clearly, she doesn't love you. She only wanted to be Luna," I declared with a serious face."I'm under no obligation to prove anything to you," she fired back."Of course. I know everything, so there's no need for that," I said, taking a sip of herbal tea."Fine, I'll drink a few cups with you," she said to Damian, and I smiled.Ulf continued her drinking battle with Zeeb, the bodyguard, while Ashina engaged in the competition with Damian, her eyes fixed on me
Athena's POVI staggered into my room, an icy chill gripping me both inside and out, leaving me bewildered by the unfolding events.Damian's actions surpassed his usual foolishness, pushing me to contemplate leaving.“What?” Ulf exclaimed in disbelief as I recounted the incident to her.“That ingrate! And that reject of the goddess called Ashina! What nonsense!” Ulf unleashed a barrage of curses.“Ulf, now's not the time for curses. Let's focus on finding a solution,” I urged.“What solution? The only sensible option is to return home and spare ourselves further distress over Damian,” Ulf declared adamantly.“You d
Athena's POVIn thorough detail, I laid out my findings, outlining the weapons at their disposal.My finger traced the location of Ashina’s soldiers on the map, emphasizing the sole entry point."If you pull any tricks or betray us, consider your neck forfeited,” Ulf threatened Damian."Ulf?" I queried, raising an eyebrow as she playfully draped her shoulders, eliciting a collective chuckle.Damian took charge, instructing Gamma to ready the soldiers for a calculated attack the following night."What about Ashina?" Ulf inquired, her gaze probing."I must deliver a verdict on her and Zeeb, a public reckoning to serve as a warning to others," Damian responded with conviction."It won't be simple, especially considering she's your mate," I cautioned.Ulf, unrelenting, fired back, "It was no trouble when he sought your demise.""Ulf," I scolded."Whatever."A rare mome
Athena's POVThe following day, Damian remained unconscious, and to my distress, Ashina was nowhere to be found.The uncertainty between the two troubled me. I had an unsettling feeling about Ashina's disappearance, especially since I distinctly witnessed her retreating into the house. How had she managed to escape?The doctor revealed that Damian's blood bore a concerning concentration of wolfsbane, initiating a dangerous erosion of his blood.I had assumed he sought medical help after my warning, only to discover he had not while preparing for the impending attack.In the dungeon, Zeeb and the other werewolves detained were held captive, rendering us helpless until Damian's recovery. On the second day, he regained consciousness but remained frail."How are you feeling?" I inquired."I'm fine," he responded weakly."The doctor mentioned that with ample rest and medication, you'll soon be out of this bed," I r
Ralph's POVIt's been moons since my return, and I haven't been myself since that fateful day. I find solace in avoiding the council and others, as my emotions tend to spiral into uncontrollable hostility.Perhaps I shouldn't have heeded Otsana's advice, the lady who welcomed me and Tala. Pursuing Athena seems more productive than staying idle in this uneasiness.As another full moon approached, there would be no celebration, sparing me from the burdens of paperwork and council meetings. I sat alone in my office, drowning my thoughts in alcohol.Suddenly, Tala reached out to me through the mind link, urging me to see her. Reluctantly, I agreed."Drinking again?" Tala noted as she entered my office."What do you want?""To punch you in the face," she replied with a straight face.I dropped the glass cup on the stool beside the couch and gestured for her to sit beside me."I knew you'd be this way, that's why I came
Ralph's POV I shifted to my wolf, letting out a resounding howl that echoed through the air, a commanding signal for the soldiers to return. Shifting back, I donned a sleek black trouser and a matching top, an outfit mirroring the seriousness of the situation.In a swift reunion, the soldiers gathered, and without delay, we resumed our journey. The night unfolded without a break, our relentless journey leading us to Cone Pack as the morning light embraced the horizon.As we approached the border, the soldiers, vigilant guardians of Cone Pack, intercepted us. They demanded an inspection, a scrutiny of our purpose for venturing into their territory."I'm an Alpha, here to see Damian," I declared, the weight of his name causing swords to unsheathe in response. Their leader, unwavering, demanded the purpose of my visit.Rusty to verbal battle with those beneath me, his words ignited a flame of irritation within me. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, the audible crack of bones in m