Ava's pov “Invisible ink.” I whispered under my breath as hidden details began to show up on the paper. My brother had taught me some things about invisible ink before he went missing. I knew that water could reveal it but it wasn't the best choice as it could damage the paper. I tried my best to dry the water as my hand was more damp than wet when it touched the paper. Luckily, it dried in no time. I angled the paper in a way that the sunlight from the window behind the desk was directly on it, and more details came to light. Hidden alcoves and catacombs that I planned to explore came to light. I searched his office for invisible ink, I knew what it looked like. I was about to give up when I found it hidden deep inside his drawer. I placed my linen on the map and gently began to trace the details onto it. I made sure to hold the feather lightly so as not to transfer more invisible ink onto the alpha's map. “Alpha.” I heard someone say outside the study, my head snapped
Ava's povThe guards began to drag me to the dungeon, my eyes remain locked with the alpha's. I didn't understand why he was doing this to me, why me?His words kept ringing in my head “Did you use some kind of drugs on me?” What could he possibly be talking about?.With the rate at which things were going, I'd be surprised if I won't have to amputate my leg in the end. I'm not allowing it to heal and I keep making the injury worse.Blood began to seep through the clothes Heather had wrapped around it as the guards dragged me. I swallowed in fear as we got closer to the grand staircase, I felt like I was going to pass out.“What's going on?!” I heard Princess Lyra scream.The next thing she was ripping the guards arms off me and I crumpled to the floor in a heap. I didn't even have the strength to get up, if my fate was sealed to die then so be it.“What do you think you're doing? Where were you taking her?” The princess demanded.“Your highness,” one of the guards said with a bow. “T
Xander's PovSomething snapped in me when he held Ava's waist, whatever charm she was using has to be really strong. I will find out what it is, because it is messing with my head and my daily life.Leo, my wolf, has been awfully silent these days, he feels what I feel. Whenever I mistreat Ava something in me breaks, it disconnects me from myself, I've been having a lot of sleepless nights because of it and I am fed up.The smell of her blood was prudent in the air but I ignored it. I paused as I felt her body go limp halfway down the stairs.I looked at her unconscious body for a second then continued on my journey, the guards who failed to excuse my order will be punished. I am the alpha king and when I give an order you follow it no matter what, you do not stop for anybody.I got to the doors leading to the dungeon and the guards stationed in front of it opened it up for me, I dragged her down the stairs and into the abyss.It was pitch black at the entrance but I was familiar with
Ava's PovI was floating, the sky was bright above me and birds flew. I landed on something soft and fluffy, my hand ran across it, it seemed to be fur.I giggled at the feeling and snuggled into its warmth. After a while I came down from whatever it was and took in the view before me. I was on a lush green hill which had a lot of flowers. It overlooked a beautiful lake which glistened in the sunlight.I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath, I let the peace and tranquility wash over me. There was a slight rustling behind me, it reminded me that I had been on top of something fluffy.I turned around and was met with my own eyes, except it was on a wolf. A giant wolf, it had white fur with silver streaks, I took a step back upon seeing its size.“Careful.” A soft angelic voice said.I looked to my right and saw a beautiful woman, she was the most beautiful person I had ever seen. Her skin glistened under the sunlight, it glowed like the moon, she was draped in an elegant white cloth
Xander's povAfter my meal I headed to the dungeon to assess the situation myself. I walked up to her cell and saw her on the floor where I had left her.I felt a sharp pain in my chest, a call to save her. I noticed the blood at the back of her head and wondered what happened.Did someone do something to her?Because I knew for a fact that the potion healed her former head injury, the thought of someone hurting her made me angry.I turned and left, she would wake up soon. The next day I asked for the dungeon guard on duty to come to my office.“The new captive, the human. Is she awake?” I asked.“No, your majesty.” He replied with a bow.“Get water and dump it on her, we need to interrogate her as soon as possible.” I ordered him.“Yes, your majesty.” He gave a bow then left.Beta Magnus and Gamma Draven wherein the study with me, “let's go train.”I needed to blow off some steam. Pack members gathered around to watch us spat, it had been a while.Magnus and Draven were a team whilst
Xander's PovVanessa picked up her things and hastily ran out of my office.Good.Immediately I turned back to my work a knock sounded at the door.“What now?” I muttered in frustration running my palm down my face.“Come in.”The door opened, revealing Lyra and Magnus on the other side. Irritation began to bubble within me because I knew the reason why they were both here.“Alpha.” They said in unison with a slight bow.“What do you want?” I demanded ignoring their greeting.“Alpha,” Lyra started. “Please let Ava go.”“No.” I returned my focus to the map of the pack grounds and the position where Magnus had placed the warriors.“You claim that she bewitched you, right?” Lyra continued. “What evidence do you have? As a king, you of all people should know never to accuse someone with evidence to back up your claim.”I did not speak, but my eyes signalled to her to continue.“You know the tension between our kind and hers has surged tremendously, there's on telling what will happen if
Xander's povIt has been three days since we moved her into my wing, four days in total since she has been in a coma.The healers have given up on her but too afraid to say anything to me, I overheard them one night.They had just finished dressing her wound which has made no healing progress. I stood there watching her.Her flawless face gave the impression that she was only asleep, as if she would wake up the next second. I took a moment to take in her form, her usual annoyed expression wasn't there, she just looked peaceful like she was sleeping.Her long lashes slightly brushed her cheeks and her hair was fanned out on the pillow underneath her head, she looked like an angel.The sun filtering in through the windows casted a warm glow on her pale skin, I have never seen anything more ethereal in all my years.I took a seat next to her and watched her, my hand reached out to brush her cheek softly. Her pink lips were slightly parted as she took in soft breaths.Her scent once again
Ava's povI was confused. Something was off about the alpha, about us.I felt heat rise to my cheeks as I remembered the kiss. The sparks and tingles that spread across my body, the softness of his lips, the feeling of his stubble against my cheek and the most intoxicating scent that infiltrated my nose.Something has shifted between us, I could tell from the way he spoke and acted towards me. I felt a deep connection and longing for him.I rubbed my eyes tiredly, the healer had left a few minutes ago after a thorough examination of my healed body and an hour of grueling questions.My answer remained the same all through. I don't know.I knew that I couldn't tell anyone about the woman and the wolf, Aria. I still have a lot of unanswered questions.Xander had instructed me to go to my chambers and clean up once the healer gave me the go ahead, which he had. I got up from the bed and headed for the door.My body felt lighter, stronger and far more healthy than it had ever been. A smil
Xander's povI thought back to the sick wolves at the castle. We had found a solution for that, I didn't know if the rainville healers had arrived.Then my heart dropped. Poison.“They’re not just using weapons,” I whispered in sudden realization. “They’re poisoning us.”“We need to head back. Fast!” Rowan yelled, his mind instantly going to Lyra.We wasted no time in going back to ironclaw and grabbing our horses. The journey back to blackthorn was fast and brutal, our minds clouded with what we had just discovered. I prayed to the moon goddess that it wasn't true.Ava rode beside me, her hand occasionally brushing against mine, grounding me even as my thoughts spun uncontrollably.When we arrived, the sight that greeted us was worse than I had feared.There were a lot of wolves in the infirmary, it couldn't even hold all of them. Somewhere unconscious, some withered in agony, some were gasping for breath. Both children and adults, their veins were black, just like that of the warrio
Xander's pov )More crates filled with their new weapons were staked high. They were prepared. This pile was far more than what we had gotten from our last raid. The dark energy around the weapons pulsed and filled the air, seeping into our bodies.There were even more maps scattered around. I sighed, more things to decipher. A headache began to build up just at the sight of them.There were also blueprints that showed the weapons and some other structures were built as well as some handwritten notes. They had been planning these for years— maybe decades or even centuries.Ava picked up one of the papers and I watched as her face darkened. “They aren't just planning attacks on us , they are trying to recreate something— something ancient.”Rowan’s voice was barely a whisper. “Zerathos’s forge.”“Yeah, this is a replica like I said earlier.” Ava said.But the place was strangely empty. This got me on edge as my body tensed. Why would a place with many valuable items be left unguarded?
Xander's povWe left rainville at the crack of dawn. We travelled to the east where iron claw pack was located. The lush green environment changed to rocky hills and pointed cliffs. The further we climbed the thinner and dryer the air became, the smell of iron growing stronger.We were all silent as we rode. We had left Eiran back at rainville for him to fully recover. Rowan led the group as he was more familiar with the rough terrain since he often visits the pack.We finally got to the gates and were met by Alpha Drystan. He was a tall aged man with broad shoulders and salt and pepper hair with a beard. His mate, Luna Vira, was next to him, her grey eyes glinting like steel and just as sharp as she watched us.“Your majesty.” The guards greeted in unison with a bow.“You may rise.” I ordered.“Alpha Xander,” Drystan greeted with a nod. His voice was rough like gravel grinding on stone. “To what do I owe this visit? I see you've brought trouble, haven't you?”When I was newly appoint
Xander's povWe already knew this but her confirmation made me tense.Nyssa turned to her healers. “Prepare the purification circle.”I watched as they got to work in preparing what she had asked and they lifted Eiran and placed him. In the center of the hell then placed bowls with herms all around him. They added crystals and vials filled with liquids of different colors. Nyssa knelt down next to him and began to draw intricate designs on his skin with a paste she had made by crushing up some leaves and herbs.Ava squeezed my hand, drawing my attention to her. “Do you think this will work?” she whispered.I shrugged. I didn't know but we had to try something at least.Nyssa began to say some chants. Her voice started off low then began to grow. The healers lit sage and the air grew thick as the scent and smoke filled the room.They fetched a portion of tej green liquid from the big basin and brought it over to her. The glow of the liquid grew as she dipped her hand into it then place
XANDER'S POVWe had decided to pay Rainville pack a visit. They have the best healers, blessed by the moon goddess herself. They would be able to help us find a cure for the effect of the shadow forged blade.There are ten packs in lycara, each having their own specialty. Rainville are known for their unmatched healing abilities, Thornspike is good at setting traps and defenses, Ashville makes bombs, iron claw are blacksmiths that makes most of our weapons, wild heart tame animals and distribute meat to cold packs like silverclaw when their forest lacks animals due to the cold, blood moon have fierce— almost wild warrior, nightshade handle potions and poison, stormfang- navigate the sea, silverclaw have elite tracker's that work well in cold regions then blackthorn governs it all.The journey to rainville pack was exhausting and not because of the distance, but because of the uncertainty that was growing in me. My pack members were slowly dying because their wounds wouldn't heal and I
Xander's pov“I'll get to that.” Kael said. “These were crafted with ancient werewolf knowledge, which I think we need to ask the elders more about. They need to tell us the truth, all of it.”“I'll see to it.” I vowed.Kael gave me a nod before continuing. “The runes are ancient, probably before the great war itself. When this dart meets its target, it leaves nothing more than a little wound— barely a scratch. Then the worse comes, it attacks the victim's soul.”“Soul?” Vanessa walked to the table from her position by the door.“The victim experiences intense pain, hallucinations, and mental breakdowns. In werewolves, it severs their connection with their wolf, making them unable to shift, feel their bond— including mate bond. It’s like tearing the spirit out of the flesh without killing them outright.”“That’s… worse than death for us.” Rowan whispered, face paler than before.I agreed silently. The thought of being cut off from Leo was unimaginable.Then Ava, out mate bond.That wo
Xander's pov“A map,” I muttered as I walked towards it.Ava was by my side, she reached out and traced the lines on it. “This could lead us to the main rebel stronghold.”But something was wrong. I slapped her hand away from it. “I'm sorry.” I didn't mean to slap her hand but I had to react quickly.The map was moving, shadows like living… things.“Zerathos’s magic.” Ava whispered, eyes widening.I clenched my fists. Of course.We had Lyra back.Magnus was dead.But the main problem was still at large.****We were in the war room yet again. We had spent a week helping Lyra recover and trying to decipher the map whilst learning as much as we can about the weapons.We had a crucial piece— the map, yet we couldn't understand it. My frustration was beginning to ile up. Kael had called for this meeting today, he said he had found out something. Thankfully, he wasn't badly injured from the blast. It took him two days to recover— he still had a couple of bruises, but I was thankful that he
Xander's povWe decided to leave at night. Using the cover of the darkness to our advantage. Ava ran next to me, she was completely in tune with her wolf sense now. Her sharp electric blue eyes glowed in the dark as it scanned our environment.Rowan was still silent. The guilt still rolling off him in waves. I was too focused on the mission to play the role of a comforting brother at the moment.At first, the trail was easy and simple— animal and werewolf tracks, broken twigs and branches, a sign that there was frequent movement along that path. A good sign.It didn't take long for us to begin to see the traps. The first was a simple tripwire that triggered some arrows. We luckily spotted it in time. The second one was a bit tricker, there was a series of false earth that gave way to home with spikes at the bottom.The layout of the traps were familiar yet foreign. It was the work of Magnus. He was clever, I'd give him that, but not clever enough.We successfully evaded them. Then cam
Xander's pov“Talk,” I ordered, my voice hoarse from the strain I put on it barking out orders everyday.Kael responded immediately. “One of our scouts reported sighting some movement near the abandoned ruins at the edge of shadowfang territory so it had been overlooked for years. It has never been reported as rogue territory but upon closer look it seemed heavily guarded so it has to mean something.”My heart raced.Finally, A lead.A real one.Without another word, I adjusted my clothes and walked out of the office.This time, we’d bring Lyra home.Or die trying.*****The rogues have always found a way to outsmart us. After telling Rowan and Ava the latest news, I returned to my office to make some final preparations before we headed out.I stood by my window, staring out unto the pack lands. I hated how much destruction the rogues had made in such little time, how they caught us off guard. How we let our guards down and the once undefeatable and formidable blackthorn pack was use