VALERIA’S POVAs the days slipped by and the annual pack event loomed closer, an unusual tension settled over us like an approaching storm. It wasn’t just the usual excitement or nervous anticipation that came with such gatherings—it was heavier, almost suffocating. Something was different this time.More warriors arrived from the Ironclaw Pack, their presence a constant reminder that something bigger was at play. But they weren’t the only ones. Other packs had also begun trickling in, their wolves moving through our lands with watchful eyes and wary postures. Alliances and rivalries simmered beneath the surface, each pack maintaining a careful distance while keeping a close eye on the others.The day before the royals were set to arrive, the entire pack house was thrown into a frenzy of preparations. The grand hall, usually a space for Dimitri’s personal gatherings, was transformed into an opulent dining hall fit for royalty. Massive chandeliers, polished to perfection, cast a golden
VALERIA’S POVThe forest was alive with the crisp scent of morning dew and the distant chatter of birds. The sky, once blanketed in the deep hues of dawn, was now painted with the first rays of golden light. The morning breeze carried the faintest hint of tension from the pack house, where preparations for the royals’ arrival were undoubtedly in full swing.But I wasn’t there.I was here—running, breathing, feeling the earth beneath my paws.My wolf revelled in the rare freedom, the rhythmic pounding of my feet against the ground a stark contrast to the constraints I had been forced into lately. No politics, no masks, no Dimitri looming over my every move. Just me and the wild.The weight in my chest felt lighter, my muscles flexing with each bound forward as I weaved between the towering trees. I could have gone on for hours, but then—A shift. A presence.Someone was following me.My ears perked, my wolf immediately sharpening her focus. The steps were too controlled to be an accide
VALERIA’S POV“How is that possible? I had no idea about you,” I whispered, my voice barely carrying over the rustling leaves.Riven leaned forward slightly, resting her forearms on her knees as she studied me. “Don’t worry, neither did I. We are very different, but we share a common link.” Her golden eyes gleamed with something I couldn’t quite place—understanding, maybe, or curiosity. “And I’m only here to find out why I’ve been having dreams about you.”I swallowed, shifting uncomfortably. Dreams? About me?“I don’t know a single thing about you or your life,” she continued, tilting her head slightly. “But I know that somehow, we are connected. And either something big is about to happen in my life that is linked to you… or vice versa.”Her words sent an unsettling shiver down my spine.She watched me closely. “So, can you tell me something about yourself? Maybe then, I can figure out why I keep seeing you in my dreams.”I stared at her, torn between confusion and wariness.I had n
VALERIA’S POVI narrowed my eyes at her, skepticism still gnawing at my insides.“How are we connected?” I asked. “I mean, through the Moon, I get it, but how? What exactly are you?”So far, she knew more than half of my life, yet I didn’t know a single thing about her. What made her so special? Did she have the same abilities as me? Or was she something entirely different?Riven sighed, rubbing her temples as if debating something. Then, with a small nod, she met my gaze, determination flashing in her golden irises.“Okay, I guess I need to give you something to make sure you can trust me.”Before I could ask what she meant, she stood up abruptly.I watched her curiously, every muscle in my body tensing as she extended her hand forward.A dark mist, almost like black smoke, began to swirl in her palm, thickening into something solid. The air around us grew colder, heavier, as the darkness molded itself into a sleek, obsidian-black sword.The energy radiating from it made the hairs on
VALERIA’S POV“You know,” Riven said, crossing her arms, “I have a feeling Dimitri is planning something big for this event… and he’s going to use you.”Her golden eyes held a sharp glint, like she was already trying to untangle the twisted threads of whatever Dimitri was weaving.I exhaled, nodding in agreement. “Me and my friends have the same feeling, but we haven’t been able to figure it out yet. I was hoping to get a chance to talk to the royals myself and tell them the truth, but Dimitri is making sure that I don’t reach them. There’s tight security around them.”Riven pressed her lips together in thought. “Leave that up to me,” she said after a moment. “I’ll think of a way to reach the royals and tell them everything.”I looked at her, startled. “Are you sure? You just got here.”She smirked. “Trust me, I have my ways.”Her confidence was reassuring, but her next words sent a chill down my spine.“But be prepared,” she continued. “Dimitri doesn’t trust anyone, not even you. He
VALERIA’S POVThe grand courtyard of the packhouse had been transformed overnight. Silken banners in royal shades of deep blue and silver draped over the high walls, the crest of the ruling family embroidered into the fabric with shimmering gold thread. The stone pathway leading to the ceremonial dais was lined with tall torches, their flames flickering even in the daylight, casting an eerie glow over the space. Every inch of the courtyard had been polished and perfected, down to the rows of warriors standing at attention in their finest ceremonial uniforms.The entire event was meant to be a display of loyalty—a carefully curated spectacle to please the royals. Dimitri had spared no expense, ensuring that the finest food, the strongest warriors, and the most impressive hospitality were on full display. Yet beneath the grandeur, an unspoken tension simmered, thick and palpable in the air.I stood at the edge of the gathered crowd, blending in as much as I could, my eyes scanning the a
MAGNAR’S POVI tapped my fingers against the wooden armrest of my chair, my gaze drifting to my father. He was waiting for something.His eyes flicked to the grand entrance every few moments, checking the time, his jaw tight even as he wore a practiced, almost sickeningly sweet smile. Ever since the royals arrived, he had been too pleasant—his words laced with excessive flattery, his demeanour unnervingly controlled. He wasn’t usually like this. He never cared for formalities unless they served his purpose.His obsession was showing.And if I had noticed, then so had everyone else.Even Valeria.I stole a glance at her across the area. Her posture was tense, her lips pressed into a thin line, her sharp eyes scanning everything, absorbing every detail. She knew he was up to something.We all did.To the others, it would seem absurd—a suicidal move—to attempt to dethrone the royals here, in their presence, at their own event, surrounded by their most trusted warriors.But that was the p
VALERIA’S POVThe news of Magnar taking over as Alpha tonight spread through the packhouse like wildfire. Whispers echoed down the halls, some filled with surprise, others with suspicion.No one expected Dimitri to allow such a thing so easily.Unless… he didn’t have a choice.It made sense. The laws had been on Magnar’s side for a while now, yet Dimitri had clung to his power for his personal gain. The fact that the queen herself had stepped in made it clear that this wasn’t his decision at all. It was forced upon him. Now whatever she said to convince him to do that, I don’t care at least Magnar is not as bad as Dimitri.But can’t say for sure, thirst of power and position make people do horrible things.Dimitri valued his reputation too much to openly rebel. He had no choice but to make it look like his own decision to save face.Still, the packhouse buzzed with unease. No one quite knew what to make of it. Would Magnar be his own Alpha? Or was this just another one of Dimitri’s tw
VALERIA’S POVRiven left, but I stayed.Her words echoed in my mind, a quiet reminder of the truth I needed to accept.I need to change the way I think.All of this was meant to be.Dimitri’s death. The battle. The bloodshed.I had to take revenge. It was supposed to happen one way or another.I couldn’t blame myself—not anymore.But I couldn’t stay here either.This place, these walls, this land—they would always remind me of what happened.Still, I couldn’t just walk away without a final goodbye.I had to make things right. I had to set everything straight.________________________________________By the time I returned to the pack, the battlefield was nearly cleared.The royal traitors had been dealt with.The Alphas who had dared to cross Riven were handcuffed in silver and being loaded into vans. I had no doubt she would deal with them personally.I walked toward the packhouse, my heart steady but my mind restless.I wasn’t sure what I expected, but when I stepped inside, I was m
VALERIA’S POVDimitri was dead.His lifeless body lay still, surrounded by the very people he had tormented and betrayed.And yet—I didn’t feel victorious.I didn’t feel like a hero.Instead, a sharp, twisting knot of dread and guilt settled deep inside me, like a festering wound that refused to heal.I should have felt relief. Peace.But all I felt was…Empty.A murderer.I had taken a life.Yes, it was justified. Yes, it was necessary. Yes, he deserved it.But that didn’t make it any easier.My gaze flickered toward Magnar. His lips were pressed together in a firm line, his golden eyes locked onto Dimitri’s body. I saw the shine of unshed tears, the war between grief and justice playing out in real time.I turned away.I couldn’t look at him.I couldn’t look at any of them.The weight of their stares, their unspoken expectations, was suffocating me.The world blurred as my breathing grew shallow. My heartbeat pounded against my ribs. I had to get out of here.I took a step back—then
VALERIA’S POVThe battlefield was silent.Not because the war was over—But because they were waiting.Waiting for me to finish what Dimitri started.I stared down at him, breathing heavily, my heart hammering in my chest.Riven’s voice sliced through the silence, low and certain.“Don’t show any mercy this time, Valeria. Your friends are safe—he has nothing against you now.”And just like that—My hesitation disappeared.The weight I had been carrying, the fear, the second-guessing—it all vanished.I turned my head slightly, catching sight of Magnar.He stood there, his arms tense at his sides, his jaw locked.His expression was unreadable, but his eyes…They were conflicted.He may have accepted this fate, may have severed the final tie with the man who raised him, but I knew—watching this wouldn’t be easy for him.I exhaled slowly and met his gaze.“You should look away,” I told him. “This is going to be painful for you to watch.”But he didn’t move.Didn’t blink.Didn’t turn away.
VALERIA’S POVI had never seen a vampire in my life.Not in person.Not until now.And suddenly, we were surrounded by them.Their presence was undeniable—an eerie, otherworldly force that sent shivers down my spine. Their sharp features, their glowing red eyes, the way they moved so effortlessly, like shadows given form.Riven is associated with vampires?Wow.I had heard whispers about her, of course. Rumors that she had ties beyond the werewolf realm. That she had even visited the fae kingdom.I never believed it.But now?Nothing seemed impossible when it came to Riven.And honestly… good for her.If anyone could command respect across different species, it was the woman standing before us with that annoyingly confident smirk.Dimitri, however, didn’t share my thoughts.His face twisted in pure rage, his lips pulling back over his teeth as he snarled at the newcomers.“Vampires are abominations! They are not allowed on my land! This is exactly why you should never have been queen,
VALERIA’S POV“No—”I lunged forward, my heart slamming against my ribs like a war drum.But I was too late.Dimitri’s fingers slammed down on the button, his smirk widening as if he had already won.For a split second, my world froze.I braced myself, every muscle in my body tightening. I knew what was coming—poison.A gas so lethal it would seep into the lungs of everyone around us, burning them from the inside, turning them into lifeless corpses before they could even scream.The end.I squeezed my eyes shut, waiting for the sting, the suffocating burn, the chaos—But…Nothing happened.I snapped my eyes open, my breath catching in confusion.The arena was still there. The ground hadn’t turned into a graveyard.The warriors, the royals, everyone was still standing.For a moment, even Dimitri looked stunned.His hand trembled over the button, his eyes darting wildly across the battlefield as if expecting bodies to drop at any second.Nothing.No poison.No death.No victory for him.
VALERIA’S POVThe battlefield still burned with chaos, but in this moment, my world narrowed down to only three people—Dimitri, Riven, and myself.Dimitri stood a few feet away, blood dripping from his nose, his fury barely contained. He was no longer the composed, manipulative mastermind. No. I had managed to push him into desperation.And Riven?She was watching me intently, her violet eyes sharp as she slowly began to understand what I was about to do.I turned my gaze back to Dimitri and smirked.“You know, Dimitri,” I called out to him, my voice clear over the noise of the battle, “you missed one crucial detail about Moonbound wolves.”Dimitri clenched his jaw. He wasn’t in the mood for games.But Riven, oh, she was.“I would love to know what it is,” she drawled, amusement flickering across her face.“I don’t care,” Dimitri snapped at the same time.I chuckled darkly. “Oh, but you should, Dimitri. You see, you’ve spent so much time obsessing over your revenge, your plans, and co
VALERIA’S POVI don’t know what came over me.One moment, I was staring at Riven, knowing Dimitri’s command had sealed my fate.The next, I was turning against him.All the energy I had been gathering, all the rage, the frustration, the helplessness—I redirected it.Not at Riven.At him.A blinding surge of power exploded from my hands, aimed straight at Dimitri.It hit him dead center.The force of my attack sent him flying backward, ripping him from the ceremonial platform. He crashed hard onto the stone floor below, a thunderous impact shaking the entire arena.Gasps echoed around me.A thick cloud of dust and debris rose from where Dimitri had landed, swirling in the air like a storm brewing around us. The weight of my attack had thrown him back with such force that the ceremonial platform itself trembled from the impact.For a heartbeat, all I could hear was the ringing in my ears and the shallow gasps of those who had witnessed what I had just done.Then, movement.I wasn’t give
VALERIA’S POVThe moment the signal came, I ran.The battle raged around me, the air thick with the scent of blood, smoke, and something far more sinister—Dimitri’s victory.His forces were overwhelming, tearing through the opposition like a wildfire, precise and merciless. The royals who had sided with him played their part well, cutting down anyone who dared to challenge their authority.This was his battlefield.His game.And I was just a piece he had moved into place.By the time I reached the throne, I expected to see panic, desperation—fear.But Riven sat there calmly, her posture regal, her gaze surveying the chaos below with a detached sort of curiosity.As if she were merely watching a performance rather than witnessing the fall of her kingdom.“So, you’re here to kill me.” She stated with a sigh.She didn’t sound afraid.Not even surprised.I faltered for a moment. She knew?“You knew?” I asked, disbelief coating my voice.She turned her head slightly, her golden eyes meetin
MAGNAR’S POVThe Queen followed my gaze.She saw it too.The fear in Valeria’s eyes.The helplessness clinging to her like a shroud.Riven’s expression remained unreadable, but something flickered in her gaze—understanding.“Hmm… interesting,” she muttered under her breath, her tone thoughtful, calculated. Then, without missing a beat, she turned her attention back to the gathered audience.She took a single step forward, commanding absolute silence.“As the reigning Queen, I declare the trials complete,” her voice rang out, powerful and unshaken. “Magnar has proven himself worthy through strength, strategy, and wisdom. He has shown that he is capable of leading not only his pack but making the hard choices necessary for the greater good.”The crowd erupted in cheers.Pride swelled in my chest, but a weight still pressed against me. Something wasn’t right. I could still feel Valeria’s gaze, though I couldn’t find her in the sea of people.Queen Riven turned to face me once more.“I ho