Thirty four *Freya*I was so certain I was doing the right thing when I decided to leave Rafe and the palace, but now that I was lost in the forest, the wind and tree wigs snapping at my skin so harshly, I was rethinking my decision. It was so dark that I could barely make out a thing. I was completely lost and it felt like it would rain anytime soon. It seemed like even the world was against me at this point. I ran breathlessly through the forest, my heart pounding in my chest. The trees towered above me, their branches reaching out like skeletal hands ready to ensnare me in their grasp. Though it was daytime, the dark forest blocked out most of the sunlight, shrouding everything in an oppressive gloom. Shadows danced at the edges of my vision. I could barely see where I was going.Sticks cracked under my feet as I sprinted blindly forward. I had no idea where I was, no sense of direction in this huge wilderness. What was I thinking, running into the woods all alone? Away from t
Thirty Five *Freya*I was still running as fast as I could. I could hear the growls of the monsters behind me but I could not take a moment to stop. I needed to get out of this forest as soon as possible before I got eaten. The forest seemed to stretch on endlessly, the ancient trees creating a maze of shadows that danced in the fading light. I could feel the roots and rocks beneath my feet, threatening to trip me up at any moment. The growls of the monsters behind me echoed through the fog, their hot breath on my neck pushing me forward. As I pushed myself harder, my heart pounding in my chest, a sudden gust of wind whipped through the trees, sending a cascade of leaves swirling around me. It was as if the forest itself was trying to hinder my escape, each leaf was an obstacle in my path. I stumbled over a root, pain shooting up through my leg as I fell to the ground.Gasping for breath, I tried to push myself up, but my ankle throbbed with each movement. The monsters were getti
Thirty six *Freya* "Wake her up right now!" "No. We should kill her and be done with it. She is obviously a stray from the crimson kingdom. You can see the sign on her body." "But she's harmless. She may not pose a threat to us..." "What should we do to her Alpha?" The voices were getting closer and louder, making me stir with irritation from being disturbed from my beauty sleep. Or more like painful sleep. The moment I tried to move a muscle, pain shot through every where on my body. I groaned against the pain, trying to will it away. It felt like every part of my body was on fire and someone was adding even more fuel to it. I tried to peel my eyes open but it felt too heavy. I felt myself slipping into darkness again. There were people in the cave with me, and by the looks of it, they didn't seem like good people. I was scared for my life but I couldn't do a thing about it. I tried to raise my hand up as someone walked towards me. I couldn't make out their form as
Thirty Seven*Freya*As the huge men grabbed my arms and dragged me roughly from the room, I sent up a silent, desperate prayer to the Moon Goddess: Please, let me make it out of this alive. Let me find my way back home. My heart pounded wildly as I was hauled me through dark, winding corridors. The dank air reeked of mold and despair. Flickering torches cast eerie shadows that seemed to reach for me with clawed fingers. I tried to memorize each twist and turn, but it was hopeless - this place was a labyrinth designed to trap and disorient. As we walked further, I distantly noticed the pain in my leg reducing. It literally felt like I was healing on my own. I glanced down at my leg and noticed the blood had dried up and it looked like the wound was closing by itself. I was confused but glad because it meant I would be able to escape without my leg slowing me down.We finally halted before an imposing set of ebony doors, intricately carved with snarling wolf heads. Their ruby eyes gl
Thirty Eight*Freya* I stared in disbelief as Zephyr writhed on the floor, groaning in agony. What had just happened? I didn't understand. Two guards rushed in, their armor clanking. They helped Zephyr to his feet."What happened, my lord?" one guard asked. Zephyr pointed a shaky finger at me, a sly smile twisting his lips despite the pain. "The girl...she has a rare gift. The protection gift. Anyone who tries touches her intimately against her will feel unbearable pain."My mouth fell open in shock at his words. A protection gift? Me? Zephyr's words reverberated in my mind. So that's why he had collapsed the moment he tried to force himself on me. As the truth sank in, a rush of excitement filled me. I wasn't just some helpless girl anymore. I had power. Something unique and precious. For the first time, I didn't feel afraid or vulnerable. I felt strong.Giddy with happiness, I leaped to my feet and made a dash for the door. Freedom was so close! But the guards moved to block my pa
Thirty Nine*Third Pov* KELLY HADID stood still at her window. She gazed stealthily upon the Alpha who was walking along the palace grounds. He was so graceful and handsome that it made Kelly take in a sharp breath. She wanted Alpha Rafe. She wanted him for herself and she didn't mind going to hell and back just to get him. she had already gotten her dumb step-sister out of the way, it left one more person who posed a threat to her goal of having him. Jessica Gabriel. Jessica was a perfect candidate for Rafe and she was extremely beautiful. That was why Kelly had deliberately befriended her so she could lose her guard and let her know her weakness. And the moment Kelly found out that weakness, she would switch up on Jessica and be the number one candidate for Rafe. Kelly turned away from her window with a vicious smile on her face. She would stop at nothing to get whatever she wanted. *Rafe* My boots crunched on the gravel path as I strode along the palace grounds. The even
Forty*Freya* I peeled my eyes open slowly, wishing all that happened for the past two days had just been a silly dream. That I was still at the crimson palace, flirting with Rafe and playing with Addy. I wouldn't even mind Kelly's bitchiness. But as my eyes got accustomed to the dark cellar room, I knew quite well that it was not a dream as I had hoped. I'd stupidly fled the crimson palace and ventured out into the evil forest where I'd been caught by these horrible people. The guards will be here any minute now. It was either die or allow myself to be taken by an evil Alpha. I had thought that Rafe was ruthless, maybe even wicked sometimes, but now that I saw what another ruler was like, I appreciated Rafe. I realized that he was actually a good man who cared about his people. He also cared for outsiders too. The hunt was proof of that. I couldn't believe how much I missed seeing his handsome face. I needed to get out of here as soon as possible. As I wandered around the c
Forty-One*Rafe"What are you doing, Rafe?" Rafael demanded as soon as he saw me dressing up in my chambers. "You can't seriously be planning to go after the girl. Don't you think what you are trying to do is unnecessary and a step too far?"I tightened the last strap on my leather armor. "Of course, I am. Freya is in danger. I have to save her."Rafael shook his head. "She escaped the palace walls of her own volition. The Sunshade pack is treacherous territory, even for you. It's far too risky."My jaw clenched. I knew he was right - it would be perilous to confront the rival pack alone on their own lands. But images of Freya, scared and alone, possibly hurt or worse, kept flashing through my mind.I met my Gamma's stern gaze. "I hear your counsel, Rafael, but I cannot abandon her. Not when her life may be at stake.""What is this girl to you? Why endanger yourself for her?" He searched my face, trying to understand.I squared my shoulders, hand gripping the hilt of my sword. "She is