INGRIDIt’s been almost a week since I last saw Ezra.No one was allowed to visit me in my so-called new chambers.My only contact with the outside world has been the food that magically appears on my bedside table while I’m asleep.I’ve tried everything to get out, picking the lock, forcing the door open, even breaking the lamp to use a shard of glass as a weapon, but nothing works.Now, I lie on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my body tense with determination.“Tonight, I will catch whoever sneaks in." I whisper to myself.“Kira, help me stay awake,” I whisper.Silence.She has been giving me the silent treatment ever since I refused to marry Lucian.We argued for hours—her insisting that I should do what’s best for the pack and me refusing to let politics dictate my life. So, when I wouldn’t back down, she simply stopped talking.I check the clock on my bedside table and I see it’s almost midnight. Someone will be coming in any minute now.I hear faint footsteps approaching, and my
LUCIAN"Hey, Dash, I just got word from one of the Alphas that were here." I blurt, a slow smile stretching across my face as I swirl the whiskey in my glass."It looks like there's going to be a ceremony."Dash, who had been lounging on the couch across from me, straightens up, confusion creasing his brow, "What kind of ceremony?"I take a deliberate sip of my drink, letting the words roll off my tongue."it seems like Ingrid has agreed to become my Luna." I respond.Silence follows for a minute until Dash rises on his feet and begins pacing the room."You're marrying that bitch?" he sneers. "She broke my leg and fled."I chuckle escapes my lips shaking my head at his dramatics."No, Dash. You attacked her, and she beat you up. That’s what happened." I remind him, giggling.Dash turns to face me, his fangs peeking out as a low growl rumbles in his chest."I will not let you marry her." He threatens, his breathing increasing by the second.My amusement fades instantly and my grip tigh
INGRIDEver since I agreed to marry Lucian, I’ve been trapped in my own thoughts.I locked myself in my old room, replaying Ezra’s words like a cursed melody in my head."No matter how far you will run, Silas will still find you."It’s the only reason I stayed. The only reason I haven't torn through the walls in an attempt to escape.I had spent hours flipping through old books, reading about what it meant to be a Luna. Some of it wasn’t as terrible as I expected. As long as I stay out of the Alpha’s way, and don’t challenge his authority, I’ll be fine. That is something I can handle.But then I came across the rituals, and that’s when the unease started creeping in.The idea of kneeling before Lucian in front of the entire pack to prove my submission? Didn’t sit right with me. What is this, 1928?I could barely tolerate being in the same room as him, let alone bowing at his feet.And then there was the warrior’s fight—a test of strength, where I’d have to battle a warrior from anoth
INGRIDI spend the next couple of days deep in the woods, training relentlessly.I push myself harder than ever before, making sure my fighting and defense skills are flawless. I can’t afford to be anything less than perfect.I have something to prove, especially to Lucian.He needs to understand that I am not just some girl he can push around and bully whenever he wants.Kira is the guiding force in my head. "Use your speed. Your reflexes. Your heightened hearing. You have advantages that other wolves don’t." she reminds me every time I seem to forget.And she’s right.By the time we finish, I’m covered in sweat, and my muscles are burning with exhaustion."I think we’re ready, Ingrid," Kira whispers, sounding just as tired as I feel.I exhale deeply, stretching my arms."Mmh, let’s go get some rest," I hum in agreement.I grab my bow and head toward the gate when suddenly I hear a crack on the back of my head followed by a sharp pain."FUCK!" I groan, stumbling forward before spinni
INGRIDAfter knocking on Ezra’s door a few times, I finally hear some movement and a second later, the door swings open."Come on in," he blurts, motioning me inside his chambers.I sigh and step inside, my eyes scanning the room before my gaze falls on a box placed on a small table in the corner.Ezra walks toward it and picks it up before turning back to me."I wanted to give you something for your wedding," he grunts, bringing the box to me.I hesitate, looking from the box to his face."Oh, what is it?" I ask, curiosity getting the better of me."It’s a little something. You can open it now if you want," he replies.I take the box from him and place it on the carousel table behind me.I slowly untie the bow, my fingers careful in case it’s something delicate. When I finally push the wrapping paper aside, my breath catches. Inside is a dress. Or rather… a gown.I glance up at Ezra, confusion knitting my brows together. "What is this?""It’s a wedding dress," he snaps. "You can wear
LUCIANThe day to claim my title as the Alpha of the largest pack has finally arrived.The power, dominance, and control will finally be mine. I smirk at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the cuff of my black tailored suit.By the end of the day, every wolf in the territory will bow to me, and yet, despite my excitement, there’s one thing tainting my mood. And that is Ingrid.The thought of marrying her is a bitter pill to swallow. If there were another way to secure my place in this new pack, I’d take it in a heartbeat.Unfortunately, Ezra and the other Alphas made it clear that this was the only way. She’s the bridge between the packs.A soft touch trails down my back, pulling me from my thoughts.The warm hands glide over my shoulders, and I recognize the scent before she speaks."I still can't believe you're marrying her, Lucian." Victoria’s voice echoes, laced with bitterness.I turn around slowly, catching the pout on her perfectly glossed lips. I grab her waist and pull he
INGRID"You look beautiful, Ingrid," Sarah pulls me from my thoughts, adjusting my veil with delicate fingers.I stare at my reflection, my emotions churning beneath the surface.My mother’s gown fits perfectly, hugging my frame like it was made for me. Maybe it is fate that I was the one meant to wear it.Sarah helps with the final touches, making sure everything is in place but then, the door flies open, and one of Ezra’s men enters."Everyone is settled. They're waiting for you," he announces, taking a quick glance at me before stepping out.I take one final deep breath, lifting the gown slightly."Let’s get this over with," I mutter, forcing my emotions into a locked box deep inside me.Sarah gives me a faint smile and opens the door for me.The hallway outside is breathtaking. There are flowers everywhere, woven into the walls scattered across the floor, creating a path of delicate petals.It looks magical. A wedding fit for a princess. Too bad I’m not the blushing bride.Sarah ge
INGRIDThe crowd erupts into cheers, especially Lucian's pack. Their howls and applause shake the air, a thunderous roar of approval for their new Alpha.I remain still, though my entire body screams to move or at least run.Lucian stands tall, soaking in the admiration, his chest puffed with pride. I can tell he has been living for this moment.I swallow the lump in my throat and turn back to Miriam as she raises her hands, chanting something in the old tongue. The words barely register in my mind, drowned out by the rapid beat of my heart."We have come to the end of the ceremony..." She continues speaking, but I don't hear the rest.All I want is to leave this altar, get out of this dress, and disappear for a minute."Let us all gather at the reception and share our first meal as a pack," Miriam finally concludes.The crowd cheers, their excitement palpable, but I feel nothing.I turn to Lucian, expecting at least a glance or some acknowledgment, but nothing. He’s already busy playi
INGRID.“Kira, what’s going on with Lucian?” I ask, my eyes locked on his.He stares at me blankly, his gaze distant, cold and empty. It’s like I’m a stranger to him, like he doesn’t recognize me at all.“Why does he look at us like that?” I press, the knot in my stomach twisting tighter.Kira doesn’t respond right away, but I can sense her hesitation, and her pacing in my mind. I close my eyes and plead with her. “Please, Kira. What’s wrong with him?”Finally, she hums, her voice low, and solemn. “Us wolves… have the ability to control our emotions,” she sighs, “especially when we’re in physical pain.”I frown, confused, sensing there’s more.“Lucian…,” she hesitates, and then the words come out in a rush. “He’s been tortured for days now. He has probably shut off the part of his brain that feels pain. Or anything at all, really.”My chest tightens. “So he’s numb…” I whisper in my head, the realization landing like a weight on my chest.“Right now,” Kira continues gently, “Lucian’s m
INGRID."Silas? Is that who I am to you now?" he sneers, buttoning the front of his long, tailored coat. “I’m not Dad anymore?”I drop my gaze to the floor, biting the inside of my cheek.A second later, I feel the cold end of his cane slide under my chin, forcing my face upward until I’m looking straight at him.“I asked you a question, Ingrid,” he blurts, his tone low and clipped. “Have you forgotten your manners?”I glance around the room and notice how quiet everyone is. I can smell their fear from where I am sitting. They are like children bracing for a punishment.I am not going to give him that satisfaction."Well..." I finally speak, my voice trembling just slightly, “you’re not my father, Silas. I know the truth.”I meet his eyes head-on, and watch as his composure wavers.He steps back, blinking twice, his jaw tightening like a vise.Then, I turn to Logan, watching the shock cross his face. “That’s right. Silas isn’t my father,” I spit calmly. “And you’re not my brother.”A
INGRID."Ingrid, wake up!” I hear Kira’s voice, loud, panicked, and echoing through my mind like thunder.I try to open my eyes, but my head is pounding like a war drum, my eyelids feeling like they’re made of stone.Every inch of my body aches—especially my spine, which still sizzles from the electricity they shoved through me."Open your eyes now!" she barks again, fiercer this time.With all the strength I can muster, I force them open.At first, everything is blurry. All I see is shapes and shadows and dull light flickering above. I blink several times, and the fog starts to clear.I tilt my head, barely managing it through the pulsing pain, and I see a figure approaching with heavy footsteps exuding confidence.It's Logan, and he’s holding a taser in his hand.I instinctively jerk back, my heart slamming against my ribs, but I can’t move.My arms are bound to the chair, ropes cutting into my skin, and my ankles too. As expected, the ropes are covered in wolfsbane and I can feel i
INGRID“Come on, Lucian. Help me out here,” I plead, my fingers working furiously at the chains wrapped around his wrists. “I need you to wake up and help me out.”Lucian groans, barely conscious. His head lolling forward again.“Lucian,” I whisper, nudging his shoulder. “Come on. Open your eyes. We don’t have much time.”No response.I keep working on the chains, my movements as quiet as possible, but the metal scrapes against itself, letting out a sharp clink. I freeze, holding my breath, and I quickly peek around the doorway to check if anyone heard.Luckily, no one has.Lucian starts mumbling something to himself a little too loudly.“Shhh! We’ll get caught,” I whisper harshly in his ear, but he doesn’t listen. His voice rises, slurred and confused.“Lucian, what are you doing?” I scold, sternly this time.He finally looks up at me, his gaze clearly fogged, and it's like he doesn’t even recognize me.I hear footsteps coming in multiple sets.I slip to the far side of the room, crou
INGRID"It's time," I mutter to myself, my eyes scanning the alley behind the bakery one last time to ensure the coast is clear.Without hesitation, I bolt toward the vent exit nestled between a row of broken crates and garbage bins.I drop to my knees, pull out the pocket knife from my jacket, and begin unscrewing the rusty bolts one by one.Each twist of the blade sends a metallic groan into the air, and I freeze every time, holding my breath, listening if someone is coming.“Come on Ingrid… come on…” I whisper to myself.Finally, the last screw gives way. I slip the metal cover off, squeeze myself into the narrow shaft, and after one final look behind me, I pull the grate back into place.“Ingrid… you smell that?” Kira whispers faintly in the back of my mind.I pause, and inhale slowly. My nose twitches, and my stomach tightens at the bitter, choking scent.“Wolfsbane,” I mutter, reaching for my pocket quickly and grabbing a folded handkerchief. I use it to cover my nose and mouth.
INGRIDI stay hidden in the abandoned house for the rest of the day, thanks to the supplies I had packed before we left the compound. It isn’t much, but it’s enough to keep me going.The hours crawl by, the silence stretching thick and tense. I pace, sit, then pace again my thoughts circling endlessly, as I try to figure out where Lucian might have been taken.They left no clues, or scent trails hence I have nothing to work with.I think of all the places they could have taken him over and over again and frustratingly, my instincts keep bringing me back to one place. My bakery.When I think why? It’s close to this abandoned house and it’s also the last place anyone would think to look.“Ingrid, I think you should’ve gone back with them,” Kira’s voice echoes softly in my head, her tone tight with concern. “This is too dangerous. Remember what happened the last time you went back to that bakery?”I finish the last bite of tuna, swallowing hard. “Yeah… I remember. Logan found me and almos
INGRIDEveryone gathers in the room Lucian had been kept in and I can feel the air thickening with tension and quiet desperation.The bloodstain on the floor feels like a wound to my chest which made me freeze the second I saw it.Around me, the others begin to use their wolf senses, sniffing the air, trying to pick up a trail.“I can’t get anything,” one of them mutters, frustration clear in his voice.“Me neither,” another adds.Ezra’s eyes flick to me, then back to them. “Find something. Anything,” he commands.They hesitate, clearly discouraged, but obey and begin scouring the rest of the house.“Are you just going to stand there, or are you actually going to help?” Victoria snaps from behind me.Before I can react, I see Ezra give her a glare so deadly that she immediately backs off.She’s right though. I can’t just stand here. Not while everyone else is searching for a trace of him.Kira, I whisper in my head, please help me find something. Anything.She hums softly in response,
INGRIDI didn’t sleep. Not even for a second.The entire night I tossed and turned, because I was too restless, too anxious, and too desperate to leave.I kept replaying all the possible routes and locations where Silas might be hiding Lucian, because every second we wasted out there, Lucian could be dying.By the time the sky began to turn from black to grey, I was already out of bed, dressed, and heading to the compound. Everyone is still asleep, not even the birds are awake yet.I make my way into the kitchen and grab whatever supplies we might need. Water, rations, and a few herbs for healing.I pack everything into a travel bag with shaking hands, forcing myself to stay focused. I sit on the bench near the entrance and begin tapping my foot impatiently, my thoughts already halfway into the forest.A few minutes later, I hear footsteps coming from the house.“Morning,” Ezra greets as he approaches and joins me on the bench. He’s limping, but he looks stronger than he was yesterday
LUCIANBy the time the third day rolls around, I can barely see.My eyes are swollen shut, crusted in blood. My head throbs with the unrelenting sound of ringing—like war drums pulsing behind my skull.Every inch of my body is either bruised, broken, or burning.After Silas left, Logan took over, and he has been using every method of torture he could find. Silver blades, wolfsbane-laced whips, even mind tricks I didn’t think hunters were capable of.It reached a point where my wolf stepped in and helped me shut it all off. The physical pain. The emotional torment and the humiliation of being bound and beaten like an animal.I became numb and let Logan do what he pleased with me until he got tired and left.At some point, I heard the others talk in whispers and disbelief.“He should’ve cracked by now.” One said.“Maybe we should just kill him.” Another one chipped in.But I knew Logan wouldn’t have it. He’s obsessed and determined to make me talk and give up Ingrid. I even heard him me