Theme: Facing Fear Aria’s POV Damian surrounds me, his eyes blazing with vicious determination. His huge wolf form looms over mine, muscles quivering beneath his dark fur. My heart races, but I steady myself. This is it. The moment I’ve been fearing and planning for. “You should’ve stayed weak, Aria,” Damian sneers, his words dripping with hate. “You don’t belong in this fight.” I clench my teeth, forcing back the terror that threatens to engulf me. “I’m stronger than you think” I growl back, meeting his eyes without flinching. He jumps at me, his claws flashing through the air. I duck, almost missing the strike, but the energy of his assault sends a wave of pressure on me. Damian is quick, but I can’t allow him to overthrow me. The battlefield around us is a whirl of movement—wolves battling, snarls and yelps filling the air. But my concentration is fully on Damian. He’s the one I have to stop. No one else matters right now. Damian comes at me again, but this t
Theme: Heartbreak and Survival Aria’s POV I look at the fleeting light of morning from the window, feeling the dull agony at my side where Luna’s claws tore through me. The physiological ache is nothing compared to the hollowness gnawing at my chest. Luna...she lied to me even though she was my friend and pack sister. “I don’t know who I can trust anymore,” I say, my voice hardly louder than a breath. He stands next to me and is silent for a minute. Even though his presence is strong and comforting, his warmth seems far away right now. Trust is like a glass that has been cracked and put back together too many times after all that has occurred. Xander adds in a gentle voice, "You can trust me, Aria." He turns around and stares at me with a deep, probing glance. “I’m neither of them “ I want to believe him. I do. But the weight of everything that’s transpired rests heavily on my heart, and it’s hard to shake off the sensation of betrayal. Every time I’ve trusted someone
Theme: Confronting the Past Aria’s POV Nothing is comforting about the pine scent that fills my breath as I stand at the edge of the woods. The last fight is almost here, as the trees speak to me as they move gently in the breeze. I control my breathing even if my heart is racing. This is it. Don't run. Don't hide. Damian and I are alone. The quiet is broken by Xander's words, "I can't let you do this alone." Marcus and he are standing next to one another, their looks serious. "I must." I turn to look at them, and Xander's eyes meet mine. "I'm fighting this. It's time to put a clear end to this.” Xander's jaw tightens, and although I can tell he wants to disagree, he doesn't. He is too familiar with me to know that once I make up my mind, it cannot be changed. Marcus nods slightly in understanding, but his eyes flit with worry. Xander answers, "You're not alone, Aria," in a quiet voice that sounds like it was meant only for me. "No matter what, you have our support." "
Theme: Healing and Vulnerability Aria’s POV The fight's mayhem is a fading memory, and the woodland is serene. But I still feel a lot of strain in my body. I still feel as though I'm waiting for another assault or betrayal. It's over. Damian has left. Xander follows me, taking slow, cautious steps as if he were frightened that I would break at any second. Perhaps I will. My body hurts from the fight, my emotions are raw, and I feel like I'm barely hanging on. "We ought to get some rest," Xander murmurs. "You've encountered enough." Too fatigued to object, I nod. Silently, we make our way to a clearing. It feels far and separated from the outer world due to the natural barrier provided by the trees surrounding us. Xander pauses and asks me to take a seat. I was too tired to continue, but I gave in. As I allow myself to rest, even for a few minutes, my muscles gradually relax as I collapse to the soft grass. Xander, sitting next to me; not too close, but I can feel him.
Theme: Trust Issues Aria’s POV I woke up the next morning feeling... weird. My mind keeps rehearsing last night's kiss with Xander, bringing up thoughts I don't want to face. I thought I could relax, but now I'm feeling concerned. It happened quite fast, which I wasn’t sure I was ready to accept. The silence between Xander and I is understandably more uncomfortable than usual as we wander through the trees. He can feel it, I'm sure. I'm not sure how to reestablish the nearness that we enjoyed last night. Or even whether I'd want to. The quiet is shattered by Xander's hushed words, "You're closing up on me again." Unsure of what to say, I halt and glance at the floor. I admit, my voice barely above a whisper, "I don't know how to let anyone in that quickly." I back off as Xander takes a step closer. I can't help it, but I can see the agony flash over his face. There is too much fear of being disclosed. "I'm not Damian, Aria," he adds in a calm tone. "I promise not
Theme: Unfinished Business Aria’s POV I hardly have time to comprehend Xander's words before I smell them—rogues. I stiffen as a sudden, icy surge of dread sweeps over me. An overwhelming sense of urgency takes the place of our argument. My blood chills as the howl reverberates through the atmosphere. With their eyes blazing with rage, a pack of rogue wolves charges in the direction of the packhouse. They aren't your typical rogues. Their goal is retribution. The group leader growls, his voice full of hate, "Damian may be gone, but we'll finish what he started.” We look at each other, the animosity between us temporarily forgotten. Personal matters are now out of the question. We must protect the pack from the attack. When Xander transforms into a wolf, his enormous body charges toward the outlaws with unbridled strength. I follow suit, allowing my wolf to take control, and my heart beats. Hesitancy is not an option. The leader's words echo in my ears as I charge into th
Theme: Opening Up Aria’s POV Bandaged. Xander's wound is still tender as he recovers in bed. I see the regular rise and fall of his chest as I sit next to him. he appears calm, and I can see that he is under stress. He has endured so much, I can't stop thinking about how nearly I lost him. I'm afraid of what I'm feeling. I can't run forever, though. Not anymore. I take a deep breath and muster my courage. "Xander," I whisper, my voice shaking, "I have something to tell you." My heart skips a beat when his eyes open and concentrate on me. He gives me that piercing look that always gives me the impression that he can see straight through me. "Aria, what is it?" His voice was low and with the utmost attention. My hands began twitching as I inhaled deeply. "Xander, I think…I think I'm falling for you." There is a little pause, my heart beating loudly against my chest. I know he can hear it because I can. I can’t believe I just said that, it feels like I've just broken
Theme: Hidden Agendas Aria’s POV I attempt to get my mind straight as I stroll around the packhouse in the cold night air. The relationship between Xander and I has been strained, emotionally charged, and full of tension and unsaid feelings lately. I'm overwhelmed by everything going on around us, I can't stop thinking about the kiss and how hard I'm falling for him. I hear voices as I walk by the council chamber. The voice continues, "Xander’s losing focus," in a low, harsh voice. As I approach the door and remain hidden in the shadows, I come to a halt, my heart racing. It is a member of the council. His voice is that of Ethan, one of Xander's closest aides, and I recognize him. Another voice speaks up. “He has been distracted ever since that girl appeared.” I struggle to hear more, holding my breath. I can't help but listen even though I shouldn't. Ethan reiterates, in a chilly tone, "She's a distraction." "Xander must put the pack first before her." It breaks my he
Aria’s POVThe world shook beneath us. My father, now a spinning storm of darkness, floated above the broken battlefield. His form was no longer human—he was a mass of dark and rage, eyes shining like dying stars. The air was thick with despair, and the ground cracked under the weight of his power. I stood amidst the confusion, my body aching, my magic nearly spent. Xander was asleep beside me, his breaths weak. Ryder knelt a few feet away, his hands glowing slightly as he tried to shield us from the storm. Around us, the remains of our friends lay spread, some hurt, some gone. I felt a rush of anger and sadness. This was not the world I had envisioned. This was not the future I wanted. But I realized then that fate was not a road set in stone—it was a choice. I rose to my feet, summoning the last of my strength. The golden light within me flickered, then flared, brighter than ever before. I looked up at the storm that was once my father and shouted, "I will not let you destr
Aria’s POV "Hello, my daughter. Did you miss me?"He asked and his voice crawled over my skin like ice. The man in the red robe stepped closer, his golden eyes burning like twin suns in the dark. My knees nearly buckled. Because I remembered him from my dreams. From the dreams... From the stories, my mother never finished. He was the one who left her. He was the one who cursed me. He was the one who started everything. My real father. The final piece of the vision. Xander growled beside me, his body tense, ready to attack. Ryder held my arm, still weak but alert. The forest was silent like it was holding its breath. Even the wind had stopped. "You're dead," I whispered. He smirked. "Everyone says that. Yet here I am." "Why are you here now?" "Because it's time," he said simply. "The world is ready for change. And you, Aria, are the key." I clenched my hands. "I won't help you." He sighed, like a parent unhappy with a stubborn child. "You don't know what you're refusing. Y
Aria’s POVThe night was cold, but my blood burned hot. Surrounded. Outnumbered. Wounded. But not afraid. Not anymore.I stepped forward, slowly, my glowing mark lighting the dark forest. Xander stood beside me, limping but fierce. My mother, Evelyn, stood on the other side, her silver hair glinting under the moonlight.Behind us, Ryder lay unconscious. I could still feel his heart. He was alive…for now. But the cloaked figures before us? They came to kill us.“The Council has made its decision,” the lead Shadow Walker said, stepping out from the line. His eyes were like ice. “The child of prophecy must die. ” I’m not a child anymore,” I said, lifting my head. “And I’m done running.”The golden glow on my wrist pulsed harder…brighter. Power surged through my veins like fire. It was mine now. No longer something to fear. I wasn’t just a mix of bloodlines.I was something new. Something greater. “A Seer with Alpha blood…” another one of them sneered. “Abomination.”I raised my voice. “Y
Aria's POVThe cave was cooler now, even though the fire still burned in the corner. My heart pounded so loud I could barely hear anything else. Xander’s hand was tight around mine, but his eyes were locked on the mark shining on my wrist...golden, dancing, and alive. It wasn’t just a mark. It was a warning. A promise. A truth I had tried to forget. “What is that?” he asked in a whisper like speaking too loudly would break something between us. I swallowed hard. “It’s… the mark of truth.”Xander raised a brow. “Truth?” I nodded. “Only someone born of two powerful bloodlines can carry it. It shows lies… and binds people to fate.” His face changed… confusion mixing with something else. Fear, maybe. Or understanding.“You mean, the lies people tell… it shows you?” “Yes,” I whispered. “And sometimes, it shows them to me in flashes. Pieces of their past… or the future they hide.”His grip on my hand relaxed. “And you have this now?” I looked down at the glowing mark. “It appeared whe
Aria’s POVThe glow of the flame flashed against the tense faces around it. Aria stood there, her heart heavy from being lied to. Thalos, who she used to trust, had admitted to helping Lyria. It was hard to breathe because of how heavy his words were in the air."Why, Thalos?" Aria's voice was shaking. "After everything we've been through." Thalos looked down, and his eyes showed that he felt ashamed. "I thought I could keep you safe. Lyria offered safety if I gave her information." Kael stepped forward, his hand on his sword. "And you believed her? You risked everyone." "I didn't know she'd attack," Thalos defended. "I thought I could control it." Aria turned away, tears running down her face. The pain of lying cut deep. She had trusted Thalos and leaned on him during their darkest times. Elara approached her sister, relaxing her hand on her shoulder. "We need to decide what to do next," she said. Kael nodded. "We can't stay here. Lyria knows our home." Aria wiped her tears, p
Aria’s POV"You thought betraying our pack would keep us safe?" Aria’s voice trembled; her hands clenched at her sides. "You’ve been working with her all this time?"Thalos shook his head quickly. "No! Not all this time. Just…just lately. After your first fight with her. She stretched out to me. She stated she could help me protect you... That she wouldn’t harm you if I cooperated." "So you told her where we were hiding?" Kael took a threatening step forward. "You led her right to us." "I didn’t know she’d bring an army!" Thalos yelled. "I didn’t know she’d hurt Elara or kill anybody! I swear!" "You knew what she was capable of." Aria's voice sounded like ice now. "You watched her try to kill me. You knew." A deep quiet fell. Elara arrived behind Aria, still pale and weak, but her look was full of wonder. “You betrayed us... after everything?” Thalos sank to his knees, unwilling to face any of them in the eye. “I tho
Aria’s POVThe mark on my chest glows once again as I move forward and raise my hands. Through the gloom, a ray of light emerges into the sky. It all stops for a second. Lyria freezes, too. Hissing at the light, the shadows contort and contract. The air grows warm like the dawn is breaking. Then a scream…no, a howl…cuts through the silence. Callum. He stumbles out from behind the battlefield, injured but he’s still alive, and I turn around just in time to see it. Even though his skin is scraped and bruised and his clothing is ripped, he fixes his intensely determined gaze on mine. He yells, "Aria!" and I dash to him, disregarding everything else. Our bodies collide, his arms encircling me firmly. He inhales, "I thought I'd lost you," "I thought you were gone," I gasped, clutching to him. But our reunion is cut short. A burst of black fire smashes the ground beside us, sending us flying apart. With a gasp, I hit the ground and rolled over to see Lyria stomping toward us.
Aria’s POVThe smell of blood and burning hung in the air as Aria stood in the middle of the ruined pack house. A glaring reminder of Lyria's fury, the once-vibrant center of their village now lay in ruins. Her heart hurt for Callum, whose fate was still unknown, for her pack, and for the lives lost. Thalos stepped forward, his face solemn. "We have to move quickly. The more time that goes by, the more powerful Lyria becomes. Aria nodded, her features stiffening with determination. "We need to find Callum and stop her before more lives are lost." With fear and determination imprinted on their faces, the remaining pack members assembled. They listened carefully as Aria explained their strategy: to find out where Lyria was going, to get Callum back, and to face the evil that was endangering their world. Aria took comfort in the forest's silence while preparations got underway. She was filled with both painful and consoling memories of her mother. She thought back to
Aria’s POV Xander moved protectively in front of her, but Lyria raised a hand. With a flick of her fingers, he was thrown backward into the lake. “Don’t worry, he’s not hurt. But you… Aria, you’ve made a mess. And now you’re too close to the truth.” Aria took a shaky step forward. “You’re the one who blocked Callum’s memories. You’re working with them…the shadows.” Lyria smiled. “Oh, darling… I’m not working with them.” Her smile faded into a cold sneer. “I created them.” Aria’s breath caught. Her knees nearly gave out. “You… you were my mother’s sister.” “And she was a fool,” Lyria spat. “She wasted her power. Gave it all to a weak child who doesn’t even know how to use it.” “You killed her?” Aria whispered, tears forming in her eyes. “I did what I had to. And now I’ll finish what I started.” She raised her hand again, shadows dancing around her fingers. The water around Aria started to churn violently. She screamed for Xander, but he was still unconscious.