Aria’s POVFor the first time in weeks, the hideout was alive with something other than tension. The victory over Aldric had given us a rare reason to celebrate, and I couldn’t help but feel the shift in energy around me. Even in a world as dangerous as ours, moments like this were worth holding on to.The bonfire crackled in the center of the clearing, throwing flickering light over the faces of my team. Laughter echoed through the night, mixing with the scent of roasted meat and the earthy aroma of the forest. I leaned against a tree at the edge of the gathering, observing the rare sight of my rogues letting their guard down.Darius appeared beside me, his movements quiet but purposeful as always. “You’re not joining them?” he asked, his tone teasing.I shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “I’m enjoying the peace while it lasts.”He chuckled, his dark eyes glinting in the firelight. “Come on, Aria. You’re the reason we’re celebrating. You deserve to enjoy this
Aria’s POVThe forest was eerily silent when I woke the next morning. It wasn’t the peaceful kind of silence that came with dawn—it was the tense, oppressive quiet that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.I slipped out of the small tent I shared with one of the younger rogues, Ava, who was still fast asleep. The air was crisp, the remnants of last night’s bonfire smoldering in the center of the camp. My team was scattered, some packing supplies, others preparing for the day’s journey.Darius was leaning against a tree at the edge of the clearing, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon. As I approached, he turned toward me, his expression unreadable.“Morning,” he greeted.“Morning,” I replied, studying him. There was something different about him—he was tense, his usual easy confidence replaced by a quiet intensity.“What’s wrong?” I asked.Darius hesitated, glancing at the group behind me before answering. “We have a problem.”My stomach tightened. “What kind of problem?”“S
Aria’s PovWe began walking back to the place where I set up camp.“Hey….are you okay?” I held his hands looking for any signs of injuries.He gave a quirky smile, “I’m fine, Kael couldn't do anything but bark.”“But somehow you were the one on your knees.” I rolled my eyes.He shrugged, “He ambushed me…..”“I see….let’s keep moving,” I said and attempted to walk past him but he drew me back and I landed on his hard rock chest.He bent down to my ears, whispering, “Did you miss me?”I blushed, the warm air from his voice made me tingle but I got myself together.I cleared my throat, “No I didn't and we need to get moving before Kael changes his mind and begins to hunt us again.”I began walking as fast as I could, putting distance between the both of us.What just happened? Why did my body tense up when I got close to him?I should distance myself——this is what happened with Kael. I don’t want a repeat of history.We got to the temporary camp, Darius and I had not spoken throughout th
Aria’s POVThe night air carried the scent of fresh grass and distant pine, but Darius’s question hung heavy between us.“What happened between you and your family?”I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. I wasn’t ready for this conversation.Darius noticed my hesitation and sighed. “You don’t have to tell me if you’re not comfortable.”I looked up at him. His dark eyes weren’t demanding, just patient. Understanding. A part of me wanted to push him away, to keep my walls up. But another part—one I barely recognized—wanted to let him in.I took a deep breath. “It’s… complicated.”He gave a small, encouraging nod. “I’ve got time.”I hesitated for a moment, then exhaled slowly. “My parents never wanted me,” I admitted. “From the moment I was born, I was nothing but an inconvenience to them. My father, the third in command in the pack, only saw value in strength. My mother… well, she never defended me. She only ever cared about my sister.”Darius stayed silent, his attention fixed on me, ur
Aria’s povFor the past week, it has been quiet. We have been able to move back to our original pack grounds and for once, somewhere felt like home.Everything between me and Darius seemed to light up, even if I was still trying not to stop myself from falling for him.Truthfully, this has been the happiest I have ever been.Darius and I trained, ate, and played together.I was happy he came into my life.On a hot afternoon, I walked slowly to his office wondering if he would be able to go down to the lake with me.It was hot and I thought we could both use a little swimming.I knocked on his door, then I heard a response to which I pushed the door slightly.Ryker and Darius sat down and it seemed like they were discussing something important.“Sorry, I thought you said come in,” I said, trying to leave.“Yes, yes I did….come in.” Darius stopped me. I felt Ryker's eyes on me and I was not comfortable but I chose to ignore it.I sat down on the couch trying to give them space.“Ryker,
Aria’s POVI stared at Darius, my heart pounding as emotions swirled inside me—hurt, confusion, and an anger I wasn’t sure I had the right to feel. I wanted to trust him, but how could I when he kept something so important from me?His golden eyes, usually filled with warmth when he looked at me, now held something else—caution. A part of me wanted to let it go, to believe that he had my best interests at heart, but I couldn’t ignore the gnawing feeling in my gut.“You should have told me, Darius.” My voice was quiet but firm.Darius sighed heavily, rubbing his temples as if he was struggling to find the right words. “I know, Aria and I’m sorry.”“Sorry?” I repeated, stepping back. “Darius, this isn’t something small. Silverclaw… it’s my pack. It’s my home. You know how much it means to me, and yet you were planning to go without telling me?”He inhaled sharply, his gaze never leaving mine. “It’s complicated.”I let out a bitter laugh. “Complicated? That’s all you have to say?”His ja
Darius PovIt was the day before I leave for pack forum. Aria has still not told me if she is up for the task or not.I was done with work and I began to walk to her room to get the necessary information from her.I got to the door and placed a light knock on the door.“Come in….” she yelled from inside.I pushed the door and walked in, she was facing the closet staring at her clothes.“Jane, did too get what I asked you to get?”“I don't think so….”She recognize my voice and she quickly turned, “Darius….you scared me. I thought you were Jane.”I smirk, “I noticed….so, what are you doing?”“Hmm…Trying to pack for the trip?” she said, turning back to her closet.“You’ve made up your mind?” I askedShe nodded, “hmm.…I have but I have an idea.” she turned to me with a mischievous smile.“Aria….”“Just listen, Darius.”I folded my arms, “okay, I'm listening.”She exhaled, “I want to go in disguise and as your plus one.”“Hmmm…disguise?”She nods, “I don't want them to know I am the one y
Aria’s POVI sat on the edge of the bed, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The blonde wig and dark contact lenses made me look like a completely different person. It was strange, almost unsettling, to see a stranger staring back at me.A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts.“Come in,” I called out, already knowing it was Darius.The door creaked open, and he stepped inside, his sharp gaze sweeping over me. “How are you holding up?”I forced a smile. “I’m fine. Just… adjusting.”Darius walked closer and leaned against the dresser, arms crossed. “You did well out there, but I could tell Kael was suspicious. He kept looking at you longer than necessary.”I swallowed hard, the thought of Kael recognizing me sending a chill down my spine. “Do you think he knows?”Darius shook his head. “Not yet, but he’s not a fool. If we’re not careful, he’ll figure it out.”I exhaled, running my fingers over the hem of my dress. “I’ll be careful.”His gaze softened, and for a moment, we ju
Darius PovWe were back to our pack. The trip to the silverclaw pack has been nothing but disastrous.Kael and Diamond wanted Aria back in their pack and I just found out that Diamond is planning something bad.I heard a knock on the door, “Come in.”The door was pushed open and Ryker walked into the office.“What is the update?” I asked him without waiting for his input.“Hmmm….a lot is going on but the two ceremonies would be held side by side. So Aria can renounce her rights to the pack and the celebration for being a new pack can commence.” Ryker told me the details.“Why was the ceremony not held in the Silverclaw pack?”I stood up from my chair and walked to the big window, “I don't trust them not to pull any other stunt to try and keep Aria there.”Ryker walked to the window, “You seem to really like her.”I paused for a while, “I do, a lot”“Then why don't you let her know?” Ryemker turned to me.“I…I…don't know. Aria has been through so much, from her family, her sister, her
Aria’s POVThe wind rushed past me as Darius drove through the darkened roads, the headlights illuminating the path ahead as we headed back to the pack I now call home.The weight in my chest was lighter now, but the sting of my parents' words still lingered.I had expected cruelty, but hearing them confirm that I was never wanted, never loved—it was a wound that wouldn’t heal overnight.Darius remained silent beside me, his hands gripping the wheel firmly. The air in the car was tense, but not uncomfortable. It was a silence that spoke volumes—a silence of understanding.“Are you sure you’re okay?” he finally asked, his deep voice cutting through the quiet.I turned my gaze to him, my heart warming at the concern in his expression. Darius was not the type to show emotions openly, but I had come to recognize the subtle ways he cared.“I’m fine,” I said, offering a small smile. “I just needed to hear it for myself. Now, I have no regrets.”He nodded, his eyes focused on the road. “You
Aria’s POVI hade decided that before I would cut ties with this pack forever, I must see the people who made me the way I am today.My parents.The journey back to my parents’ home was longer than I remembered, each step dragging as if the universe itself was warning me to turn around but I needed to do this.I needed to face them one last time before severing every tie to this wretched pack.By the time I arrived at the grand estate which they live in after Diamond's coronation, the sun had begun to set, casting long shadows over the familiar stone walls.Nothing had changed, the same suffocating coldness that had once made this place feel more like a prison than a home.I inhaled sharply before pushing the doors open, stepping inside the lavish foyer. The air was thick with the scent of burning wood from the fireplace, but there was no warmth here.Voices drifted from the sitting room, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses making my stomach twist.They were celebrating.The th
Diamond’s POV The grand chamber’s doors slammed shut behind Aria, and I remained frozen in place, my nails digging into my palms. The council’s verdict rang in my ears like a cruel joke. She was leaving……..For good this time. No longer bound by the Silver Claw Pack. No longer tied to Kael. No longer within my reach. I should be happy but I am not. I have always hated my sister and I would do anything to make sure is not happy. I clenched my jaw as I turned to Kael, who still sat in his chair, his golden eyes fixed on the spot where Aria had stood. His expression was unreadable, but I knew him well enough to sense the tension in his shoulders, the way his fingers drummed against the armrest—a telltale sign of his frustration. “She’s actually getting away with this?” I spat, my voice sharp with disbelief. Kael exhaled slowly, standing up from his seat. “She won’t be our problem anymore.” I let out a bitter laugh. “That’s exactly the problem, Kael.” I stalked toward him, my fis
Aria’s POVThe silence in the grand chamber was suffocating. Every breath felt like a struggle as I stood in the center of the room, waiting for the council’s verdict. Darius remained by my side, his presence a silent pillar of support, but I could sense his tension mirroring my own.Across from me, Kael sat with a composed expression, his golden eyes watching me like a predator stalking its prey. I clenched my fists, refusing to let him see even a sliver of weakness.The lead elder, the woman with piercing green eyes, finally looked up from the whispered deliberations among the council members. “Lady Aria, the council has come to a decision.”I held my breath.She continued, her tone measured. “While your departure was in violation of pack law, we recognize the circumstances that led to your actions. A rejection, especially a public one, is a heavy burden to bear, and we acknowledge that Alpha Kael’s decision played a significant role in your exile.”Kael stiffened slightly at the el
Aria’s POVI clenched my fists so tightly my nails bit into my palms. The air in Kael’s office felt thick, suffocating, as if it carried the weight of our past—of every moment he had crushed me beneath his arrogance.“You’re just following the law?” I scoffed, stepping closer to his desk. “That’s rich coming from the same man who broke the most sacred bond in our world or do you not remember rejecting me in front of the entire pack?”Kael’s lips curved into a smirk, but I caught the way his fingers tightened around his pen. “And yet, here you are, standing in my office, looking like you’re ready to tear my head off.” He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “I think we both know I still hold power over you, Aria.”His words sent a surge of fury through me. I slammed my hands on his desk, making the papers flutter. “You don’t hold anything over me—-Not anymore.” My voice was low, dangerous.“I have a pack now—a real pack, where I’m valued. And you will not keep me here against m
Aria’s povThe day to leave this horrible pack that rejected me finally came. The lack that never made me feel like I was at home.I came back to see if my parents at least missed me and after stalking their house for a day, I was convinced that they didn't.I couldn't care less, though. I was happy at the rouge pack and now that it had become a real pack—it was much better.Those people are my family.I packed as I hummed a tone feeling happier than I should.I heard a knock on the door, making me pause, “Come in.” I replied.The door opened and Darius walked in.Damn, this man is fine! But the first thing I noticed is that he had his royal regalia on and he never does that.“Darius, Good morning. Are we all set to leave? Am I the one who is delaying? Shit, I'm sorry, I will soon be done packing.” I mumbled trying to apologize for the mistake.I turned to continue what I. was doing when the next words he said stopped me in my tracks.“We…we are not leaving today.” Darius said.I turn
Darius’s POVThe throne room was still filled with murmurs and tense whispers as the council deliberated over Kael’s accusation. I could feel the weight of every gaze in the room pressing down on me, waiting for my response. But I wasn’t rattled. If Kael thought he could use some old law to take Aria away, he was in for a rude awakening.Elder Taffy raised her hand, demanding silence once more. “Alpha Kael, since you have raised this concern, the council will require substantial evidence to support your claim. Do you have documentation or witnesses who can confirm that Aria Moon was still a member of your pack at the time she left?”Kael smirked, his confidence unwavering. “I do.” He turned his head slightly. “Bring him in.”A moment later, a man I recognized all too well strode into the room—Don, Kael’s Beta. He was a slim but tall man, I knew that whatever he was about to say would be twisted in Kael’s favor.Elder Taffy gestured for him to step forward. “State your name and rank.”
Darius PovToday was the day I faced the council and heard their conclusion on the petition I submitted last two days——to make Rouge pack a legal pack.I dressed up in my normal day to day wear which consisted of black pants, white long sleeve shirt with the sleeves folded up and two buttons undone. My hair was a little messy but that’s how I liked it.Ever since the party when Kael and Diamond figured out that Paige is Aria, I had kept a close eye on her.Today she was out of the castle with Ellen, Kael’s sister and her friend Selene. She had removed her blonde wig and contact lens.I did not want to intrude in her day so I had a guard secretly watch over her.There was a knock heard in the door to my room.“Come in, Ryker.”He pushed the door, “Great, you are ready. Let’s go!”I looked at Ryker with my eyebrows up, “Is the council ready?” I asked and he nodded.“Good let’s go make our pack official.” I picked up my crown and placed it on my head before walking out of the room.The w