Vanessa's pov The pain was a constant reminder of what Xander did to me. My arm had healed but it was scarred, an injury caused by an alpha never goes away completely. The scar may be small on the outside but inside— in my pride, it was longer and ran deeper. The incident didn't just cause me a physical injury it also caused me my standing in the pack, the humiliation was great. He chose her. A human, over me. The thought alone made my blood boil. Ava was a weak and insignificant creature who had crawled her way into the pack and was beginning to leech on it and the first person she latched onto was the alpha. My alpha. I paced in my room as I thought of ways to return the favor for what she did to me. I had to be smart and strategic this time so as not to allow history to repeat itself. They all used to love me but now they had started to whisper and the whispers were growing louder, some pitied me while others mocked me but one thing was constant, they all talked about Ava.
Xander's povThe sound of my boot on the stone floors echoed in the empty hallway. I was going to the council chamber, I had been summoned due to the incident with Vanessa and her friends.I was surprised and I was prepared. The council chamber was a large circular room, the walls were lined with guards and tapestries that told takes of the war and our history.My focus wasn't on them today but on the people seated behind the long table at the end of the room. The pack elders. Their expressions were neutral yet I saw annoyance and curiosity in some of their eyes.I scanned the table and my steps flattered when I saw him.My father.Against my will, my heart raced at the sight of him. Why did they call him? This is bad.No matter how hard I try, my father will always have his dark evil claws buried deep inside me. My heart beat picked up and I prayed that it wasn't loud enough for him to hear, I couldn't give him that satisfaction.My mind flashed to my bloody younger self on the floor
Xander's pov“You summoned me here for this?” I asked in a low tone.Thane gestured for me to take a step forward. “As you are well aware, we just received some concerning information about the human called Ava. Vanessa has brought some certain things to light and we cannot ignore them.”The human. It disgusted me the way they spoke about Ava.My jaw ticked and I turned to shoot Vanessa a glare which she ignored by keeping her eyes forward.“Baseless accusations.” I spat.“Well, the rest of the pack seems to think otherwise.” Thane replied. “They also believe that she is manipulating you somehow , turning you against your pack and making your priority shift from your duties. And the fact that she may also be inclined in the rebellion brewing amongst the humans.”I couldn't control it anymore and a low and dangerous growl escaped me, echoing through the room. Everyone went silent, pin drop silent. “how dare you accuse my mate of such?”Shit. I didn't know when the word “mate” slipped o
Ava’s POVXander had been summoned by the council this morning. I was worried about him because I knew it was because of me and Vanessa wasn't going to let it go.Thomas had also found me this morning and told me that we were to have a meeting. That added to my nerves, I was still considering my decision to join the rebellion but I was already too far in to kill out I had memorized the directions Thomas had given me on a note. He said to burn it once I was done and I did it. It was a small, poorly lit space hidden behind the servant's quarters which was accessible by going through a narrow passage hidden by some loose stone in the wall. My heart pounded with every step I took inside.The room was fairly crowded with people— servants, cooks, gardeners, all humans who worked down to their bones tirelessly to keep the castle and werewolves running because they were too lazy to do it themselves. Their eyes turned to me as I walked in, there was a mixture of determination and apprehension
Ava's povI gave her a hug then watched her disappear back into the servant's quarters before heading to my room, entering and shutting the door behind me. The space felt smaller than usual, the walls pressing in as the weight of the rebellion’s expectations settled on my shoulders.I pulled out the letter again, rereading D’s words. “You are more than you know.”His words echoed in my mind as I laid down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Sleep didn’t come easily, my thoughts were filled with fear and a million questions.What did they mean, I was more than I knew?The Next Morning…The castle was quieter than usual, the tension in the air was thick and I knew that it had something to do with the council meeting yesterday. I hadn't seen Xander since and as much as I didn't like to admit, I was worried about him.I kept my head down as I went about my tasks, avoiding unnecessary interactions. Xander didn’t assign me any task but I couldn't just sit around and do nothing so I joined
Ava's povA lot of strange things have been happening a lot lately. This was my second time seeing the shadow, first with beta Magnus and now outside the laundry room.It was being… controlled. Sent by someone and I knew their target was me, for what reason? I don't know.I sighed and rubbed my face in exhaustion as I walked back to my room. Pulling the note out of my pocket I read its content once again and traced by fingers along its edges.“We must meet.”The words kept replaying in my head. It felt like some sort of challenge and an invitation at the same time.D.It was just a single letter but something about it. I couldn't put my finger on it but my intuition told me that I should meet with him. I rested my head against the cool glass window and stared at the letter.Everyone seemed to have faith in me, why? I don’t know. Did I deserve their faith? I wasn't sure. The more I stared at the note the more the handwriting began to look… familiar.A knock at the door pulled me out of
Ava's povI decided to take a nap to rest my head and gather my thoughts. To my surprise, there was a basket of food waiting for me outside my door when I woke up.I knew that no one had access to that wing except Xander and myself. It was so thoughtful of him to do this for me.After eating I decided to take a bit of fresh air outside my room. It was late so the castle was dark, Xander's warning rang in my head but I promised that I was going to be quick and I was going to scream at the top of my lungs if someone attacked me.I walked with my bare feet on the cold stone floors, something about me grounded me. The castle was a bit cold and I welcomed it.“We must meet. There are truths you need to hear, but they cannot be written.”What truths? What could he possibly want to tell me that would justify the danger of leaving the castle? What does he know that I know?It all sent a chill down my spine.The soft clattering of a pebble against the floor in the silent castle startled me. M
Ava's povThe ride was a bumpy one as the cart jolted on the uneven path. Every bump made my nerves worse, I began to second guess my decision but it was already too late.Heather and Thomas were silent throughout the ride, nothing needed to be said because their presence was calming enough. Looking back, the castle was far behind us, only the spikes of its towers could be seen in the horizon.The cart slowed and came to a stop. The driver— a short, chubby man with sharp eyes, turned to ys. “This is the furthest I can go. The meeting point isn't too far from here, just walk down this path and you'll find it.” He said pointing at a path to our left.“Thank you.” I whispered to him, he gave a nod in return.Thomas helped Heather get down then me. The air was chilly so I pulled my cloak tighter around my body.“Stay close.” Thomas said, his voice low.The driver gave us one last tip of his hat before he kicked the horse and went on his way, disappearing into the forest.I took a deep bre
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