The battlefield explodes into chaos, growls and snarls blending into the sound of wolves clashing with unmatched speed and ferocity. Some fight in their human form, some in wolf form... and I prefer to fight this way... because I know if unleash my wolf, they'll all be dead in seconds. I’m already moving, my body surging forward like a coiled spring released. Octavius' instructions were clear. No killing them unless they refuse to back down.
It'll probably be safe for everyone that way, because if my Wolf goes on a killing rampage, there might be no way to stop her. My wolf howls with exhilaration, the scent of our enemies sharp and intoxicating in the air, driving my every move. It’s been too long since I’ve let this side of myself take over. Too long since I’ve fought like this—not just to survive, but to win.I lunge at the nearest wolf, slamming into him with a force that sends us both skidding across the dirt. My claws sink into his shoulder, and he yelps befOnce I manage to get the wolf off me, my attention snaps back to Octavius and Victor, watching as they viciously battle each other.Victor is fast—faster than anyone I’ve ever seen. But Octavius matches him blow for blow, his movements powerful and relentless.“Is this all you’ve got, cousin?” Victor taunts, dodging a strike aimed for his chest. “I expected more from the great Alpha Octavius...” With that, Victor pulls out a brand new silver knife, holding it out to Octavius. My heart thumps as I watch him, everything inside me tempting me to run in and help Octavius. But part of me tells me he needs to handle this alone. The battle around us soon draws to a close and the only people left fighting are Victor and Octavius, each and every person that is still standing keeping their attention on them.Octavius doesn’t respond, his focus razor-sharp. They move quickly, so fast that there are even times when my eyes can not track them. They pause momentarily just as Octavius grunts out lo
The packhouse is in a frenzy the moment we step inside. The warriors move swiftly, their faces grim angered, wary, nervous and grim as they carry Octavius’s unconscious body down the main hall. The metallic tang of blood lingers in the air, his scent overpowering everything else and making it impossible for me to think clearly...He's going to be okay...“Get him to the infirmary now!” Samson barks, his voice sharp as he directs the group through the packhouse.I follow after them, my boots echoing against the polished floor as my heart hammers in my chest. Octavius’s head lolls to the side, his face pale, and it feels like the air has been sucked out of the room. He’s going to be fine. He has to be fine. As they make a sharp turn into a wide hallway, I am seconds after from following after them, but someone has the audacity to stop me. I feel a hand go around my arm and turn swiftly to catch Miyuki gripping me, stopping me before I can follow them any further. “Kaida. Let them do
The hall outside the infirmary feels colder than usual, the kind of cold that seeps into your bones and stays there. I’ve been leaning against the same damn wall for what feels like hours, my arms crossed tightly over my chest. Miyuki stands a few feet away, her gaze fixed on the closed doors ahead, her sharp features betraying none of the tension I know she feels.The others are here too... Samson, Lucas, Akando, Rafe, but no one says a word. The silence is oppressive and unbearable, pressing down on all of us as we wait.And wait.And wait...I try to focus on the rhythmic sound of my breathing, but it’s no use. My mind keeps spiralling back to the same thing: Octavius. His pale face. The blood. The way he collapsed in my arms like the world had suddenly pulled the floor out from under me.I press my fingers to my temples, willing the image away, but it lingers, clawing at the edges of my mind like a bad dream. My wolf stirs restlessly, a low growl of frustration rumbling in the bac
The door creaks softly as I finally push it open, his scent immediately enveloping my senses. The room is quiet, save for the faint hum of medical equipment, and the moment I step in...I see him. My heart drops shortly as my eyes land on him.Octavius is standing on the side of his bed, his shirtless chest wrapped in a single bandage, right where his wound is, his skin still pale but no longer deathly. His icy blue eyes find mine the second I step inside, and despite everything, they hold the same steady intensity they always do...“Kaida,” he says, his voice low and rough as he turns his body to face me, his face seemingly lighting up as soon as he sees me.My throat tightens, and I force myself to move closer, stopping a few feet away from him as I relive everything I felt the moment I saw he was injured, when I thought he wasn't going to make it."Octavius..." I say quietly as I keep my distance from him. My emotions are a mess as they continue to swirl inside of me, and I don't
The kiss is soft at first, slow and needy, as if we’re both testing the waters. But then it deepens, and the world around us fades away. His hands hold onto my waist tightly, his fingers tangling in my hair as he pulls me closer, making me gasp at how powerful his grip is...It’s not just a kiss—it’s everything we’ve been holding back, all the emotions we’ve tried to suppress spilling over in a single, heated moment...His lips move against mine with a hunger that matches my own, and my wolf howls in approval, urging me closer, deeper...But then reality crashes back in, and I remember where we are, what we’re supposed to be doing. With a shaky gasp, I pull back, breaking the kiss but not the connection between us.Octavius stares down at me, his eyes dark and intense, his chest heaving as he tries to catch his breath. “Kaida…” he starts, his voice low and rough, but I shake my head, taking a step back.“I—” I start to say something, anything to explain myself, but the words won’t come
The walk to see Victor is silent as I remain behind Octavius. He leads us forward while Miyuki, Samson and a few others trail behind us, including Lucas, Akando and Rafe as well as a few other pack warriors.We are taken through the same set of cells I was brought to when I was first captured, and I can't lie, being back here, puts me on edge as I remember how tense things were between Octavius and me when I first arrived here. in all honesty, I understand why he did what he did, given the history the Raven Moon Pack has with Rogues. I was one, and I was dangerous to them, still am...At least now, I'm just glad that we've been able to find some common ground and work towards a single goal, and that is finding Lucien.As we approach the lower levels of the packhouse, the air grows colder, heavier. The cells are hidden deep underground—a precaution against escape, not that Victor could make it far. The Raven Moon Wolves don't seem to play when it comes to restraints, I've seen that firs
The air in the room shifts as Victor’s grin widens, a sinister glint in his dark eyes. I’ve never wanted to punch someone so badly in my life, and considering my history, that’s saying something. He’s baiting us, every word an instrument used to push us closer to the edge. And I hate to say... it’s working.Victor’s gaze drifts back to me, his smile sharp and cruel. “You know,” he begins, his voice smooth and venomous, “I’ve heard the Xarano wolves were a proud bunch. Always holding their heads high, acting like they were untouchable. Until they weren’t.”At the mention of my pack, my chest tightens, and I clench my fists at my sides, my heartbeat suddenly picking up as I narrow my eyes on him. “Don’t you dare...” I warn, my voice low and trembling with barely restrained rage.But Victor doesn’t stop. Of course, he doesn’t stop. “I was there, you know..” he says, leaning forward just enough for the chains around his wrists to rattle. “The day it all came crashing down. The flames, the
The sound of our boots echoes through the narrow corridors as we make our way to the cells where the prisoner is being held. The air feels heavier here, cold and damp, like the walls are pressing in. I keep my focus on the task at hand, though I can’t help but glance at Octavius now and then, checking for any signs of discomfort. His movements are sharp and purposeful, showing no signs of pain from the injuries from a few hours ago, but I know better than to assume he’s entirely healed.When we finally reach the reinforced steel door, one of the guards opens it with a mechanical click, revealing the man inside.The first thing I notice is his posture. He’s sitting on the edge of the cot, his elbows resting casually on his knees, but there’s a tension in his body, a readiness that sets my wolf on edge. His tanned skin is marred by faint scars, and his dark brown hair is dishevelled, falling slightly into his golden eyes as he looks up at us.The second thing I notice is the way Miyuki f
K A I D AI didn't realise I would feel this much guilt after leaving my Pack. At the time, I couldn't think clearly, I was young, and I was terrified. The others, they couldn't run, they stayed and fought, and most paid the ultimate price. I shouldn't been there with there. I should've done something to protect my pack, my sister. But regret will do nothing for me now. All I can do is focus on rebuilding my pack the best I can after the damage has been done.I struggle to face Valerie. She's put me on the spot, reminding me of everything I wish I did to help my pack. I swallow, nodding a few times as I finally face her, taking in all the shame that comes with everything she's just said to me.“I know...” I admit, facing her and looking her in the eye, letting her know that though I feel ashamed of running, I'm not going to try and pretend like it never got to me.“But I'm here now. And I'm going to help rebuild the pack. I swear to you, we will find my sister. She’s alive, I can fee
K A I D AMy mind won’t stop racing.Every thought, out of control, on a spiral, out of reach.What the hell was that?The surge of power I felt when fighting Anita and Sera…?And the worst part is, I felt like I was holding something back… Could it really have been the Lycan gene?Octavius and I are together now, and though that brings me some level of reassurance, it doesn’t change the questions clawing at my mind. According to him, completing the process will accelerate the time it takes for my gene to awaken... so is that why I'm now feeling like this? Like at any moment, I'm about to snap and lose complete control.After training, I had to step away from everyone. It was all too much and I needed space to think. And I'm glad Octavius could understand that. Though, I've come to love him breathing down my neck, more in the literal sense rather than the figurative, there's moments when I do need a minute to myself, especially when I've spent so much of my time being on my own.I mad
K A I D AThe next day...The morning air is crisp and cool, but the warmth of exertion burns through my limbs as I strike again. We're training early today. Octavius thought it would be best for us to waste no time ensuring we are in our best shape for when we face our enemy again. My foot slams against the wooden training dummy with a satisfying crack, the force sending it rocking backwards. I don’t stop. I pivot, fists up, and launch a second kick before following it with a sharp jab, my knuckles connecting with the hardwood.“Again,” Octavius commands from nearby, his voice firm but calm.I don’t hesitate. I strike again. And again.Around me, the training grounds are alive with movement. Warriors from both Raven Moon and Xarano Packs push their bodies past their limits, training harder than they ever have before. The intensity in the air is powerful, heavy with determination, urgency, and something sharper... fear.We all know what’s coming.Lucien is out there. Planning. Watchin
K A I D AA thick silence settles over us as my words linger in the air. Jace and the others exchange glances, but no one speaks right away. I’m sure they’re all just taking in what I’ve just told them… that we need to find out what bloodlines they descend from.I press my lips into a firm line, scanning each of their faces. “We need to figure out which bloodlines we all come from,” I repeat, my voice calm but urgent once I notice their reactions. “This isn’t just about heritage anymore. If the royal families were the originals Lycans, and Lucien is actively hunting Lycans down, then we need to know what we’re up against.”Jace tilts his head slightly, arms still crossed over his chest. “And how do you suggest we do that? It’s not like we have some magical family tree lying around.”“I’ll figure it out,” I say confidently, determination settling in my bones. “I’ve already been looking into Lycan history, and if I dig deep enough, I might be able to find something that connects us to t
M I Y U K IThe afternoon air is crisp, cool against my skin as I walk toward the training field, needing a moment alone.Needing space.Ever since the meeting ended, my head has been filled with too many thoughts—Lucien, Lilith, the upcoming battle. Kaida’s revelation about the royal families. And… Cole.I clench my jaw, shaking my head as if I can physically rid myself of the thought.He’s a distraction.And I don’t do distractions.I hear him before I see him.“Hey, princess.”I bite the inside of my cheek, forcing myself to stay composed before turning around. Cole leans lazily against one of the wooden posts at the edge of the field, arms crossed, smirking like he owns the place.He always looks like he belongs anywhere he goes.It’s infuriating.I exhale, levelling him with a sharp glare. “What do you want, Cole?”He presses a hand to his chest in mock offense. “What, I can’t come check on my favourite Gamma?”I roll my eyes. “I’m the only Gamma here.”“Exactly,” he says, grinnin
K A I D AI find Jace on the other side of the room, leaning against the table like they have all the time in the world. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think they were completely relaxed. But I do know better. Even with their casual stances, I can feel the tension hanging over them like a storm cloud. They’re on edge.And considering the conversation we’re about to have, I can’t really blame them.Jace notices me first, a slow smirk forming on his lips as I approach. “You really couldn’t do without getting on Octavius’ nerves?” I ask.He chuckles in response. “You say that like it’s a challenge. I think I've come to like getting under your mate's skin...”"One day he's going to snap and I won't be able to stop what he'll do to you." I tell him seriously just as I finally reach them, my expression being enough to tell them that I mean all business.“Fine, fine... backing off.” He says casually, pushing off the table and standing up straight, his arms crossing. “What’s on your mind?”
K A I D AOnce the meeting ends, everyone disperses around the room, some warriors leaving to go about their business while everyone else remains lingering behind, each of us discussing the meeting, and what each of us is going to do now. Warriors, strategists, and allies scatter in different directions, each preparing for the battle ahead. The Raven Moon Pack is on edge, and the Xarano Pack, though powerful, is still an unfamiliar presence among us...They are still my people, but I'm now with the Raven Moon, I'm Octavius' mate, therefore the Luna of this pack. But I can't help but think what will happen when this is all over...I exhale deeply, rubbing the back of my neck as I step outside the meeting hall, my mind spinning as I think of everything happening.So much is riding on this.Lucien. Victor. My sister... Korra.I clench my jaw, swallowing the wave of emotions threatening to choke me. There’s no room for fear. No room for doubt.But still… it feels like too much.A familiar
K A I D AThe tension in the air hasn't simmered down since with started. Though no one is exchanging words currently, there's still the underlying feeling of the people in the room not liking each other. I sit at Octavius’ right, my arms crossed as I scan the room. Jace and the Lycans from my pack sit across from us, their expressions watchful as they pay careful attention to what's happening.. Lucas, Miyuki, Samson, and Cole are seated closer to us, across the conference table. Octavius and I thought that would be the best way to keep the peace. And so far it seems to be remaining. My mind begins racing, as we draw closer to figuring out what the hell we're going to do about Lucien.We’ve lost too much already. Every single person sitting here. Lucien has given us all a reason to want him dead. He has done nothing but destroy... my pack, my family, and now my people here. The recent attack still lingers in the air, the memory of blood and loss gnawing at the edges of my mind. The p
K A I D AThe air inside the packhouse is heavy. Heavier than usual.Jace and his people have been led inside, and though Octavius has accepted their presence for now, the entire Raven Moon Pack remains on edge. The Raven Moon wolves don’t trust easily, and the sudden arrival of outsiders, especially ones as strong as the Lycans from the Xarano Pack—has every wolf in the room on high alert. We make our way into the large meeting hall within the packhouse, a place where we can discuss things a bit more freely. The room quickly fills up as we all station ourselves around it. The quiet hum of low conversations carries in the air, but it’s the kind of quiet that’s too sharp, too strained. I can feel it in the way the warriors stand rigid, their bodies poised to react at the slightest provocation, their eyes glued on Jace and his people. Even Lucas and Samson, usually so composed, keep their gazes locked on Jace’s group with barely restrained suspicion.And then the doors swing open.Cole