AVA'S POV I walked down the hall supervising the coronation ceremony preparations. My senses were teased by the aroma of freshly cut flowers blending with the food that was arranged on the tables. My council, made up of devoted members from my former dwelling in the forest, scuttled about making sure everything was in its proper place. I was very happy with the job that they had done and nodded appreciatively at the brightly colored decorations on the walls and tables. I wandered down the hall, looking at every little spot that was decked out. The room was alive with rich hues and elaborate patterns. Rich fabrics covered the tables, crimson and gold flowers were carefully arranged on each setting. A cozy and welcoming glow was created by strings of sparkling lights entwined with the foliage. It was a sophisticated and elegant symphony.I took in the meticulous attention to detail, the well thought out planning that had gone into the arrangements as I looked around the room. The wal
NOAH'S POV The moment I stepped onto the pack house grounds, a crippling sense of helplessness overcame me. It had been a month since the last time I was here, and the sight that awaited me was so strange, yet familiar and unsettling at the same time.The lively and usually a hive of activity pack grounds were strangely quiet. There were none of the customary sounds of playfulness and laughter that characterized the space. The dense foliage appeared to be muted, mirroring the mellow mood—a sharp contrast to the cheerful energy that was typically widespread.My legs buckled as I ventured farther onto the property, and I fell to the ground. I was severely hit by the loss of my Alpha strength, which left me worn out and unable to breathe.With a mixture of worry and fear on their faces, my mate Ciara and her brother Alex hurried to my side."NOAH!" Panic tainted Ciara's voice as she ran to where I was, her voice cutting through the cloudiness. Alex trailed behind, his expression filled
CIARA'S POVThe cell was a barren space that felt like it was closing in on me. The cold, harsh stone walls created an intimidating symphony. Its walls were composed of cold, gray rocks that were perfectly spaced, and precisely stacked on top of one another.The space was cramped, hardly big enough for me to walk back and forth, my footsteps echoing against the desolate, damp setting. Thick cobwebs covered the low, curved ceiling, forming creepy designs that went on across the corners. It made the atmosphere even more cramped and I felt claustrophobic.The ancient walls, which were carved out of old stone, had etchings from former prisoners, breaking concrete, and moisture seeping through the gaps. It looked like it had fallen apart due to the passage of time. The musty stench of mildew and decay weighed heavily in the still air, overw
ALEX'S POV I was forcefully thrown into the tunnel's darkness, the air heavy with the smell of moist earth, and I landed on the ground without much grace. The impact went through my weak body as I fell into the cold, dark tunnel. My wrists and ankles were bound by silver chains that burned my skin and sapped my strength. The guards stood on either side of me, their disdainful, uncaring eyes watching over me. The usurper Alpha, Ava, stood tall and stared coldly at me. "Sit up," Ava gave the order. "What's your name?"I ignored her and the silver chains in my wrists tightened. I groaned out in pain."Alex!" I finally said. The tightening stopped right away.”Alright. Stand up. Your punishment starts right now."I remained still, panting from the exertion, then a guard forcibly rose to my feet.I was given a hard shove and stumbled to my feet. The passage was dimly lit, and Ava's voice rang out. My stomach turned with dread at what was waiting for me. The silence was broken by Ava's vo
NOAH'S POVI woke up in a cell, its walls damp and cold. Every movement hurts, my body protesting and serving as a constant reminder of the suffering that I had gone through. Everything around me was dark, with the only light coming from a tiny, barred window located high overhead. As I struggled to sit up, the cold penetrated me into my bones and a shiver ran down my spine."Ciara?" My voice was barely a whisper as I spoke up. The subsequent silence was piercing, like a hollow echo in an empty space. I realized that we were separated and were now prisoners in this lonely place, and panic took a hold of me. Panic started to claw it's way into my throat as I longed for her presence, and the empty sound of my own voice echoed in the cell.I called out again, this time louder, as my throat tightened with fear, and I fervently wished that someone would respond. An overwhelming sense of dread that felt like a cloak of exhaustion closed over me. Not only was there the excruciating pain that
NOAH'S POVI was exhausted and weary as I sipped the bitter medicine. My tongue was left with a metallic aftertaste, but I knew it was necessary. I took a seat on the narrow bunk, the cold walls of the cell pressing against me. The young Omega had carefully sneaked in a letter for me, its edges creased, containing secret exchanges.My hands were shaking from curiosity and excitement as I unfolded the paper. My heart began to race in my chest as the words inside revealed some shocking news. My mate Ciara wanted to break the bond of mating. The information shook me like lightning going over my head.The words Ciara wrote on the paper pierced my heart like jagged pieces of glass. Her request to break our relationship was more than just a request; it was the brutal revelation of something I couldn't begin to comprehend. My heart was weighed down by every sentence, a string of harsh words that left me crushed and in pieces."Dear Noah,This connection is too much for me to handle right no
CIARA'S POV I unwrapped the paper that had been delivered to me with shaky hands, its edges crisp and weathered. Nathan's words, carved in ink, gave a ray of hope to my tired heart. I devoured every word with excitement."Ciara. It's Nathan," he began. "We've succeeded in mobilizing some support. Jude, myself, and the others who wish to see Noah back as the Alpha are devising a strategy to free you, Noah, and Alex from those cells."I let out a long sigh as a wave of relaxation passed over me. "Thank goodness," I said softly to myself. He said in his note that he had persuaded a few more people to stick with Noah, the real Alpha, my mate. Jude, Nathan, and the others were working on a scheme to break Alex, Noah, and me out of our prisons. It was his note that offered hope in the suffocating darkness of the cell.Nathan went on to describe the finer points of their scheme. Noah, my mate, was being detained in the most secure cell, which was constantly monitored. As I processed this i
AVA'S POVThere was a satisfied smile stretched across my face as I made my way out of Ciara's chilly, iron cell and along the poorly lit hallway. It was nice to see Ciara's pale, agonized face in her confined space. The revelation of her pregnancy was a sweet poison added to my win. It was a mouthwatering bit of information that deepened the dark satisfaction I was feeling. It was incredible and timely at the same time. I could control Ciara with this, and I couldn't help but smile at the possibility that Noah would see his child die this time, another tragic end to a life that never would be.As I headed for my room, my mind began to wander, the weight of my thoughts crushing down on me. The Alpha power that was given to me that fateful day appeared to be slipping through my fingers like sand. That day, I experienced a fleeting sense of strength and authority that ran through my veins. I could still clearly recall that first day, when a powerful energy surrounded me and gave me aut
The priestess Zara spoke in ancient tongues while chanting in a little clearing far into the forest, her voice resonating over the foliage. Standing next to her, Ciara's heart was heaving under the weight of what lay ahead.Her hands lifted to the sky, "By the ancient powers of the forest, we beseech thee," she said.With breath caught in her throat, Ciara observed the enchanted circle that Zara's words created around them. Even though she understood what needed to be done, the concept made her shudder."Ciara, Noah needs you," Zara whispered gently, knowing in her eyes. "As you are his mate, you are the only one who can give him what he needs to survive."Ciara reached out to Noah, who was quiet and pale on the ground, nodding, her hands trembling.
CIARA'S POVThe last few days had seen a further worsening of Noah's condition. His motions were slow and strained, his formerly bright eyes now dull with suffering. With a troubled heart, I watched him from the doorway. It hurt me to see him struggle because I was his partner. The idea of losing him was unbearable to me, especially at this point when his stability was vital to our pack."Hey, Ciara," was Noah's feeble greeting upon my entrance into the room. His voice was barely a whisper, and it made me feel pain."How are you feeling today, Noah?" I questioned, trying not to let my dread get the better of me.Noah forced a meek grin, but the pain was evident in his eyes. "Just another day, I guess," he replied, his voice strained.
CIARA'S POVAs Noah's recovery progressed, I was thrown into a leadership role that I had not anticipated taking on so quickly as our pack's future Luna. It was a difficult chore that I had not expected, but I had to respond when duty beckoned. Standing before our pack, prepared to allay their fears and lead us toward stability, were my beloved brother Alex and the courageous rebel leader, Nathan, who stood by my side throughout those tumultuous days.As I rallied the group in the center of our domain, I spoke to them with a sorrowful yet resolute attitude. "My fellow pack members”, I started, thanking everyone for attending, my voice firm despite the nerves gnawing at me, facing our pack members who were assembled in the meeting chamber, their faces eager to please. "For all of us, these past few months have been turbulent. We are currently navigating a
UNKNOWN POVHeart thumping in her chest, Ava stood at the edge of the forest. The air was thick with tension, like a storm building on the horizon, and she could feel it. A couple of her faithful soldiers stood beside her, their faces stern and gloomy.With a low, frantic voice, one of them added, "We have to do this, Ava."Ava nodded, her jaw clenched in resolve. She was aware of the stakes. Tension between their packs had been growing ever since she had assumed leadership in Noah's absence as Alpha. And now it had reached a tipping point.She showed no signs of fear as she faced Noah and his soldiers directly. Ava wasn't ready, but she pretended to be, and it felt like everyone had something against her.Ava snarled, "Oh my goodness, see who decided to show up," as Noah's pack appeared out of t
AVA'S POV*FLASHBACK*It has been unsettling recently. Something in the air was causing my skin to stand crawl. Perhaps it was just the excitement of the upcoming full moon, or perhaps there was something worse hiding in the shadows.Among the pack, I had heard murmurs and quiet talks that ended when I got close. It felt like they were planning something behind my back that they would prefer me to be unaware of."Are you alright, Ava?" Marcus asked, a hint of worry in his voice.I responded, attempting to sound assured, "I'm fine." On the inside, though, I was far from okay. It seemed like trouble was building, and I couldn't get rid of it.I had called a meeting of the coun
NATHAN’S POVI was restless, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. One of our spies learned the truth from Riley, who was previously Ava's closest confidant but was now imprisoned in the packhouse for treason. That spy happened to be Steven, one of our most trusted loyalist to the cause. My heart was thumping with anxiety and shock as Steven was telling me the news.I paced in our makeshift headquarters, a room in James's house. The air was heavy with tension. Jude, along with all of us in the rebellion, had been studying Ava for any vulnerability. We had to figure out how to overthrow her and set the pack free from her oppression.Our biggest chance for information had been Riley, who had formerly worked with Ava before. He used to be her Beta, her former lover, but she betrayed him by saying he was a traito
AVA'S POVI summoned a meeting of the general council. Riley's punishment was over, but there were more urgent concerns to attend to. It was necessary to find Justina and the other traitors. The authority I wielded as Alpha of my pack hinged on it."Among us, there is a traitor," I declared with a forceful voice. "Justina has sided with people that want to bring us down. We must discover her and the other people who have turned against us."“I’m glad you're finally making a move on her,” said Leo.The others gave a nod."We have to take action against her betrayal," I said. "We will search every corner of our territory until we find her and those who conspired with her.”
NATHAN'S POVI smiled as I recounted the day's events while I lay in bed that evening. Though we had made headway, our top priority was releasing Noah, Ciara, and Alex. As I was preparing to retire for the night, I heard footsteps approaching my room. Jude, accustomed to a life of vigilance, would rather spend the night outside, so I was the only one in the room. The scent floated towards me. It was Grace.As soon as she knocked and entered, I shot out of bed. "Can I sleep here, Nathan? I'm scared," she said.After a brief pause, staring at her with shock, I firmly said, "No, Grace. It's not a place to sleep."She began pressuring me, "But please, I don't want to be alone.""You know the rules," I said, shaking my head. &ldqu
Steven's POVI never imagined that I would find such important information. Usually, being a servant means remaining unseen, but on that particular day, fate had different ideas.It was simply another typical morning at the packhouse. A sense of tension pervaded the room as I stepped inside in the low light. With solemn expressions on their faces, Ava and the council members sat around the enormous oak table. As a servant, I knew better than to interfere, yet I had to be there."Ava, we need more supplies for ourselves. Or did you bring us to this pack to suffer?," a very authoritative voice challenged from one of the council members.Ava narrowed her gaze.Everyone wanted to express their ideas at the same moment, thus there