Shawn's POVAs we walked out of the village, we heard a loud howl coming from it.The marker's cry.I clenched my fist and gritted my teeth in anger. Who was he and what gave him the effrontery to claim ownership over my village?I stopped walking and looked over at the village. I saw him and his hunting pack, retreating into the woods. But what puzzled me the most was that despite this, he did not seem like he wanted to harm the village he wanted to protect it.“Hey boy, why did you not tell us your name was Sean?” Shadowvale asked.“Shawn.” I corrected it. “My name is Shawn,”“If your name is Shawn, then why tell him Sean,” Luca asked.“Because I felt he would see through my fake hair color and know who I am,” I replied through gritted teeth.“Ahh, you gave him too much credit. He does not like magic except when it is natural born,” Luca remarked.I frowned, “How does he hate magic when his father has begun to endorse it?”“Exactly just as you said, his father endorsing it made him
Shawn’s POVI looked at the little boy in front of me and he did not look any age less than ten or more than twelve.“Where is your mother?” I asked, ignoring his earlier statement.Most of the women and children of the Blood Moon pack lived in different villages with their mothers. Women and children were scarcely seen around here.Whenever anyone wanted to mate, he would travel to the village in which the women resided.I wonder which mother would leave her son in the hands of barbarians.“I don't have a mother.” He replied with his smile still intact.“Why? How about a sibling or wait,” I paused and took a closer look at him. “You are a witch?”He smiled and nodded. “But my sister sold me off to these men. She promised to come back for me, but I know she never will,” he added and towards the end of his statement, I felt how cold and unfeeling his green eyes had become.“Your sister?” I asked, feeling hurt on his behalf. My own sister would have decided to use me to bargain with Smi
Shawn's POV“Are you alright?”“Shawn!”I struggled to open my eyes to find Martins hovering over me and saying some words and mumbling in some language I could not quite understand.“What are you doing?” I groaned.“You're awake!” Martins exclaimed as he reached out to hold me up. I sat up on the ground and he helped to dust off the sand that clung to my now brown hair.As he dusted it, he paused. “This is not your hair color,”I turned to look at him. “What are you talking about?”He only walked closely and put his mouth to my ear. “It's silver. You can deceive your fellow werewolves or crossbreds, but you can't deceive us.”I stood up and finished dusting myself. “I believe it can be kept as a secret right?”“I like you, so why not?” He replied.“Good, now let's get going,” I said and turned towards the direction of Mistwood Creek, then stopped. “Where's the horse?” I asked, turning to face him.“Uhh, it sort of ran off?” He said with a shrug.“How did it run off?” I yelled.“Don't
Leila's POV I kept turning to find who it was with such a strong magical force, but I could not pin it on anyone.“Sister, are you alright?” Maureen asked, holding my arms close to her.“Did you feel anything?” I asked her.“Yes Sister,” She replied, but peering at her closely I noticed a soft hue had crept up her dark cheeks.Who made her blush so much?“I think it's you, there is something wrong with you,” I blurted out.“No, no, I really am fine.” She quickly defended.“Then tell me what's with that cute smile you have on?” I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.She took her hands to her cheeks and her blush deepened for a few seconds before she composed herself.“Okay, I saw my younger brother, and with him was a fine young man. That strong force was from the young man,” She replied but kept blushing when she mentioned the fine young man.“I see,” I replied while nodding my head and taking in her body language. “So why did you not get your brother back but instead got smitten b
Marcus's POV We arrived back in Mistwood Creek towards noon. I got off my horse and walked into the mansion. “Master Marcus, what do you think of that boy?” Winston asked, hurrying up to me. “I can't really say, but there definitely is something he is hiding. Those eyes…” I replied. His eyes certainly did have some hate in them. He looked like if given the chance to, he would rip my heart out and tear my flesh into tiny pieces. But who was he? Most of the Silver Shade Pack members who survived had streaks of silver along their hair since they were not of the pure ancestral bloodline, so the boy could not be one of them, because his hair was all brown. “Do you want me to look into it?” Winston asked. I turned and looked at him. He was a chubby man who loved his life. How can I take away what he loves away from him? The recent happenings have also taken its toll on our friendship. We have operated more on a master-servant basis and with Lily gone, I feel so lonely with th
Lily's POVLily!There was a sudden flow of air and I inhaled deeply and began gasping for breath. As my breathing began to stabilize, I flickered my eyes open and tried to recall where I was but could not.There was a damp smell of earth and I could hear the slow trickle of water in a well. I tried to sit up but I was already too weak to do so. I only flipped myself over and still lay on the ground.As I took in the dark surroundings of where I was and noticed the dim candle lamps, I remembered what had happened and where I was.Father's secret tunnel.Using the well to support my balance, I stood up from the ground and sat on it. The well was built with a marble stone by our ancestors years back.Father had countless times told us stories of the magic embedded within these walls. Was that what saved me from that poisoned arrow?Wait, something was missing!I immediately took my hands to my belly and rubbed all over it. “My babies,” I muttered as silent tears began to stream down my
Lily's POV “What?” I asked in shock. “Are you saying I have been asleep for days?” I grappled with the truth of what had unfolded before me. How was it possible for a three-week pregnant lady to pass out for days and still walk around like everything was normal? “You didn't know?” Clara asked in confusion. “Don't press it, Clara, she is already shocked as it is and that is not healthy for the baby,’’ Grayson spoke up. “No, no, no, it's fine Grayson. I can't believe I was asleep for so long without knowing,” I said in disbelief. “I'm sorry Lily,” Clara said. I exhaled deeply while closing my eyes for a brief moment. I wondered how Marcus was doing. Maybe he didn't care whether I was gone or not. Or what if he cared? “What are you thinking about?” Grayson asked, lifting my hands. As if she read my mind, Clara replied on my behalf. “Marcus has definitely been searching for you,” I turned to look at her and she wore a warm smile, but her eyes were moistened from leftove
Lily’s POVIt was already the start of spring and the flowers and trees were already in full bloom. Using the exit of the tunnel that led out into the forest, I went to gather some flowers and herbs to create some perfumes.Eight and half months had passed with a blurry speed and I was already a few days away from when I shall bring to this world, my beautiful babies. I needed to prepare the scented perfumes for them and one for Clara.She was insistent on getting a similar perfume to mine. I was hesitant because of Marcus's sense of smell, but then a long time had passed already. He must have forgotten what I smelled like.After gathering all I needed and was about to go back inside, I felt a discomforting contraction in my lower abdomen. I stopped walking for a bit and waited for the contraction again but nothing came.I began to walk, and then the contraction came again with the same intensity. I felt so weak that I had to find a rock to sit on.Looking at the flowers and herbs sit
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