Shawn’s POV“What is that Martin?" I asked, turning back in his direction.“I think you should come take a look for yourself," He responded.I looked over at Shadowvale before walking over to Martin. Shadowvale was unmoving and unfeeling. It was certain there was nothing to him other than his blade.As I got closer to the vague images of persons, the villagers I had initially seen were not villagers at all, but skeletons, their hollow eyes staring vacantly ahead.“Shadowvale, what is this?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper, though it felt like it was shouting in the silence of the night.Shadowvale’s expression was grim as he surveyed the scene before us. “Beats my imagination. I thought they were soldiers in disguise, but it turns out they were dead meat sent to hunt down their prey.”“Who could have sent this?” I muttered, more to myself than to anyone in particular.The sight of it was gruesome.Martin, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up. “There’s high and po
Marcus’s POVI had not realized how long I had spent in the cave already, but I felt a strong urge to go back to Mistwood Creek. But we were yet to even discuss how to resolve my issue.“Master Marcus, what do you now want us to do?” Sean asked, walking up to where I stood.I could not believe that I had met a clueless werewolf. Before now, I would have sworn that one did not exist.“I know what exactly would help you out, Master Marcus,”I turned in the direction of the voice. It was Lady Marion. The elder from before. “How do you plan on doing that?” I asked.“You desire to find your kids, so you have to trust your wolf more than ever now,” She advised.I did not know how much of that advice I wanted to listen to anymore. My wolf caused me to fall in love, get rejected, and now, here I was yearning to know who my kids were.“What is your point exactly?” I asked her, my tone was rough around the edges.Sean shifted uncomfortably where he stood. He disapproved of how I spoke to his el
Lily’s POVWe all stayed indoors for the whole day, then at night, when the attack began, Lady Marty cast an invisible spell over her home, so we were exempted from all the looting and fighting.The day of the attack, Lucas had been relentlessly on my tail, following me around like a lost wolf, while my kids were with Lady Marty.I needed to prepare a potion for Clara to take to old man Grayson, but Lucas’s presence was both intriguing and distracting at the same time.The morning after the night of the siege, I lay in bed with my kids, when after three knocks, he poked his head for a moment and took it out almost immediately. “Just wanted to check if you were up with those little troubles of yours,” He echoed from behind the door.“Get lost Lucas,” I said as I opened my eyes and groggily went out of bed. Thankfully his noise had not woken the kids up. Lady Marty had not given them a breather since they began their training and they were always exhausted by the time they were back.“I
Leila’s POVAt the break of light, I knew the fight was over. We had decided to take a lodge in the camp then, rather than go back to the townhouse. It was going to be attacked, or at least had the propensity of being attacked, since they needed to make a comeback presence.I walked out of my tentroom already refreshed and dressed and went into my father’s tentroom. “Father,” I called.“Leila,” He replied.“We will be heading back soon,” I said to him.“Alright. Keep the witch under watch and the wolf, I will move a motion today to bring forward the fight of the beast, get him ready,” Father instructed.“Okay Father,” I replied.I knew that there was an impending doom that would befall Mistwood Creek, but I did not know on whom and my father made sure that we had the very best possible outcomes.“Father,” I called again.He looked up from his meditation. “What is it, child?”“We need to have control soon. I also have a tank of patience running out,” I said to him.“I know,” He replied
Lily’s POV “Alright Kids, I promise at the right time, I will show you both to your father, is that okay?” I asked. I could not believe that Lucas’s little joke would instigate the kids to want to know who their father is. I was not even ready to face him myself. “When will be the right time?” Fiona asked. I was not expecting that. “Master how to control your magic first, then we get to see him later,” I replied. “Deal!” They both chorused. I sighed and went ahead to get them prepared for the day. As we gathered around the table, the smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling bacon filled the air. “Where is Clara?” She asked, looking around the table. “Ughh, she had to deliver a potion to her sick father,” I replied. “Ohh, Old Grayson. I hope he gets well soon,” She replied. I nodded at her words. I hoped he got better too, although I knew I would make a stop there soon. I had to get some information from Clara. "I have plans for today," she announced, setting he
Shawn's POVI arrived back at The camp in a very controlled fury that was surprising to not just myself, but to everyone who noticed.“Are you alright?" Martin's voice came softly behind me.“Yeah, but I don't know for how long," I replied, my voice barely above whispers.“Is there any specific thing you would like me to do for you then?" Martin asked again.I turned to look at him. “Can you return with me to Mistwood Creek?" I asked.Martin chuckled. “That's not a problem. But we'll need new disguises. I'm sure they must have marked our faces from the raid,"I smiled. “Don't worry about that. There's this spell I have been learning, it will make us brand new,"“Alright then, let's do it," Martin chimed after me.“What is going on here?" Shadowvale asked as he entered the tent.“We're having a little victory party of our own, hope that's not a problem?" I smiled.“Stop with the act. I overheard you two and I'm coming with you," He replied.“No Shadowvale, you stay here with your men w
Marcus's POV The vials I had received from Lady Marion were still in my pocket as I got back into my chambers. I finally understood all that happened. Shawn was seeking his revenge on Twilight Ridge by attacking Mistwood Creek. He knew that attacking that village would stir the king up, but he did not know that my father was going to be unconcerned about it. "Marcus! Finally, you decide to return. I almost thought you found Lily,” Winston said standing in the hallway. "How is Grayson?” I asked, ignoring his silly remark. "Well, we have a problem there," he said. I paused and turned to look at him. “What happened?” I could hear my heartbeat increasing rapidly. I prayed silently, hoping that it wasn't the worst-case scenario. “Clara is here,” I looked up at him immediately with my eyes widening at the information. "Take me to her immediately,” I ordered, barely containing the flurry of emotions that surged through me. Finding Clara would mean finding Lily and finding Lily, woul
Lily’s POVI tried to close my eyes to block out the sun rays that filtered through the dancing trees above. Every muscle in my body ached, and I felt weak. I tried to stand but my legs wobbled beneath me, forcing me back down.Taking a deep breath, I opened my eyes fully and looked around. Not far from where I lay, I saw Clara, her body sprawled out on the forest floor.“Clara!” I called, my voice hoarse. She stirred and then sat up, blinking in confusion. “Clara, come here.”She rubbed her eyes and slowly made her way to me. “Lily, are you okay?” she asked, her voice full of concern as she knelt beside me.“Yeah, I’m fine,” I replied.“What happened?” She asked as she made her way to where I lay.I managed to sit up with her help as my mind drifted back to what had happened at Grayson's home. I had arrived there to find Clara with teary eyes, and my heart had skipped a beat, fearing the worst.But Grayson wasn’t dead. Instead, Clara had been caught by Winston and some knights of the
Shawn's POVThe grand hall of the beautiful mansion was bathed in the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the stained glass windows.I sat in a chair close to where Sean and Clara sat. Marcus was about to be crowned King of the Wolves.“If you need anything tell me okay,” Clara said as she checked where I was wounded."Hmm, thank you, Clara,” I replied.Thanks to Lucas, I got more preferential treatment from Clara.The hall was filled with members from the four packs. The Twilight Ridge werewolves, led by Marcus, and Luna Crest led by a little girl who I barely knew. The Silvershade pack is led by me and the Bloodmoon pack is led by Shadowvale.Finally, all the pain, struggles, and fighting have been put behind us. As I scanned the room, my eyes landed on Marcus, standing tall in front of the hall.Beside him stood Lily, his marked bride, her eyes bright with happiness. Their children stood with them, looking around with wide-eyed wonder.The ceremony began with the eldest seat, s
Marcus’s POVTime passed in a blur and we have been having a happy season and time together. Every morning was beautiful to behold and every night was as peaceful and pleasurable as I had imagined it.Finding Lily was like I finally found my missing rib.My official coronation was the next day and I had lots of preparations to make, as well as make a courtesy visit to the villages and each pack.“What are you thinking so much about, my love?"I rolled my eyes. “Don't ever say that again Winston else I'll cut off your tongue,"“What? I was only trying to bridge the gap since she's out with Clara," He replied.“You should do that as your chubby self, rather than mimic your queen," I replied, faking anger.“Fine, I'll shut the door after me and send word to have her come back,” He replied, also feigning vexation.“Silly man," I said and we both laughed.By noon, we were all complete for lunch. It was beautiful to have the mansion this lively.“Mother, Aunt Clara taught me how to create w
Lily's POVDamn! I have been such a fool.I ran without considering where I was going. The pain was just too much to bear. I had pushed Marcus away despite my growing attraction to him because I also blamed him for everyone's death.But he was the one only trying to clean up his father's mess. “Arrggh!" I yelled into the sky.I don't know how or why, but it started to rain. The rain started as a drizzle, but it quickly turned into a downpour. I stayed in the rain and cried.Each step I took splashed through the forming puddles, and the cold rain soaked me to the bone. I barely noticed.“Lily, wait!” Marcus’s voice called out behind me. I didn’t stop. I couldn’t face him, not after everything I’d done.The memories of our past and the hurt I must have caused him played in my mind. I kept walking, but Marcus caught up to me, grabbing my arm and spinning me around to face him.“Lily, please, talk to me,” he said, his voice filled with concern and desperation.I yanked my arm free, the a
Marcus’s POVI stared around the room and noticed Lord Darkwood's absence and instantly knew that Leila was a distraction from where the real harm was occurring.I turned to Shawn, our eyes meeting for a moment. “We have to find a way through,” I said, my voice low and urgent.He nodded, his expression determined. “I will use my powers, while you support me.”We turned back to the barrier, our combined strength hammering against it. The air crackled with energy, the barrier shimmering under our powers. But it held firm, refusing to yield.Leila watched us, her smile never faltering. “You can’t win, Marcus. This is my game now.”But I refused to accept that. I dug deep, summoning every ounce of strength and determination I had. I thought of Lily, of Raymond and Fiona. I couldn’t fail them.With a final, desperate effort, we pushed against the barrier. There was a blinding flash of light, and suddenly, the barrier shattered, sending us tumbling forward.I scrambled to my feet, my eyes l
Marcus’s POVMy journey back to Mistwood Creek felt longer than I expected it. As I arrived at the villages, the clamor of battle was deafening.I noticed the full moon's glow on my skin and despite it being dark, I could spot all my runes. My fangs were out and so were my claws.I felt energy surge through me and my senses heightened. The tangy smell of blood and dust filled the air and I could make out the faint smell of cedarwood and flowers.I took out the vial and gulped everything down in one go, before proceeding in the direction of the mansion.I was going to find Lily and my kids no matter what.Arriving at the first gate to the mansion, I noticed Shadowvale and his men transformed back to their human form and whatever was left of my knights hurried behind me.“I told you Marcus, I would be back," Shadowvale said with a cold sneer."And I think you should be on your way out right about now,” I replied coldly.Shadowvale laughed and his men joined him. "Do I look like Shawn to
Shawn's POVMartin and I finally made our way out of the village just as the sun was about to set. The sky was colored with hues of orange and purple, and I could see the moon beginning to emerge, just as I was feeling my wolf gradually taking over me.As we passed through some parts of the village, I noticed some doors hung off their hinges, and debris littered the ground. Villagers with fearful expressions hurried past us, whispering frantically among themselves.“What happened here?” Martin asked, his voice hushed as we took in the scene.“Shadowvale,” I muttered, my jaw clenched. “He must have been here.”Martin's eyes widened. “We need to move quickly, Shawn. He was not supposed to attack the villagers.”“It's the full moon’s effect," I replied blankly. “Let's hurry up to him nonetheless,"The further we went, the more signs of destruction we saw. It was clear that Shadowvale had left his mark, and the villagers had suffered for it.“Damn him,” I cursed under my breath, fury boil
Leila’s POVWalking out of the throne room, I made my way back to the townhouse with haste. Lucas had proven to be so much of a headache.He was supposed to be an easy nut to crack, but he proved himself to be smarter than I made him to be.I had gotten Lily back and left instructions with the dark sorcerers of Luna Crest to make sure that Lucas didn't see the light of day.As I approached the townhouse, I saw Maureen waiting for me at the entrance, her face was pale and lacked any form of the usual excitement."Sister," she called out, in a flat and emotionless voice. “We need to hurry,” She said with a tone of indifference.I knew that who would still be feeling offended about Smithson's death, but there was nothing I was going to do about it.“Why is that?" I asked as we made our way inside the house.“There have been some little disruptions in the lower parts of the village and it was only a matter of time before the full attack began,” She replied coldly.I knew what that implied
Lucas's POV Looking at Leila's retreating back left me writhing in anger at her audacity in turning back on her words. I should have known better anyway, once an evil witch, always a wicked witch. I looked away from Leila and her flowing black veil and rested my eyes on the helpless Lily being carried away by the men who were with Leila. "Make sure she is not conscious," Leila instructed them. "The kids?" One asked. "Leave them as they are. Lucas already did that," She replied and turned to face me. Her dark men who surrounded me seemed to be there to restrict me from doing anything reckless, rather than execute me from the plan. "What happened to your integrity, Leila Darkwood," I asked her angrily. "I don't have one, Lucas Hawthorne," She replied with a sinister smile. "I actually don't have all day to spend here chit-chatting with you, so I will go ahead with my question," She knows who the hell I am. I searched her as she spoke and gauged the strength of the men
Marcus’s POVI was still doubtful of her innocence in all this, but for Lily's sake and Grayson's sake, I would give her the benefit of the doubt."Start speaking," I demanded, my voice echoing off the walls.She looked up at me, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "How is my father?"Really?"Stop playing games with me," I snapped, taking a step closer. "You’ll meet your father if you tell me what I need to hear."Clara seemed to hesitate, her gaze dropping to the floor. After a long moment, she sighed and looked back up at me. "Shadowvale is planning an attack on Mistwood Creek."I felt a surge of anger and concern. "Fair enough," I said. “But that's not all I want to hear and you know it,"“I'm sorry King Marcus, but I don't know who that whirlwind belonged to," She shook her head and I could feel her genuine flow of emotions.“Is there anyone you suspect might be after them?" I asked.“Apart from you, that would be Lucas. He wants the kids, Raymond and Fiona, dead and…” She paused.The