"You heard me. I killed her!" Aldric spat with venom in his voice, "Because of you, Visha. You have made my life worthless!" Sweat beaded on his brow, glistening like a crown of thorns under the flickering candlelight.He turned around, gripping a portion of his hair in his sweat-slick palm."What are you talking about? I never asked you to kill anyone..." Visha asked, confused as to what he was saying.He turned to face her, his shoulders slumped in defeat. "I had to," he rasped, his voice raw with regret. "She recognized you. She was going to expose you… I wasn't thinking..." He blurted out, his words making almost no sense."Expose me? There's nothing to expose! Calm down, Aldric. This isn't the time for panic." Desperation laced her voice, "Where did you even get the poison?""I got it from the market across the border," Aldric muttered, his gaze fixed on the intricate knotwork of the rug beneath his feet, almost lost in thoughts."Now, tell me all that happened," She pressed."I…
A slight knock on the door made Reyana shift lazily on her bed.She'd been indoors all day and wished no one else bothered her after Ria tormented her with her presence six times!She sincerely hoped it wasn't Ria."Come in," she called out lazily, darting her eyes to the door to see who comes in.'Oh,' She thought, taking a sitting position."Reyana. How have you been?" Reagan's familiar voice called out as he entered her chamber."Reagan. I have been well. Please sit," she gestured for him to sit on the stool just beside her bed."You've been indoors all day. Why didn't you attend the ceremony?" He asked with raised brows, even though he knew why she hadn't been present."You already know the answer to that, don't you?" She replied with an eye roll."I was worried about you. I decided to pass by to see how you are faring," He said."Thank you.""Something happened during the..." He started, but she replied even before he finished."Yes. Ria told me." Her reply was brief. She meant i
Reyana had been terrified after Reagan left. She wished she could ask him to sleep in her chamber but it was absurd. Ria wasn't in her chamber when she went to look for her.She had no choice but to sleep alone.Thoughts about the Ashkai clouded her imagination until she slept off. But now, she wished she was awake, listening to tales about the Ashkai rather than being trapped in this nightmare she found herself. A cold sweat slicked her skin.She saw herself in the familiar empty chamber where she'd always dreaded.She frantically looked around her, and as usual, there stood the familiar figure shrouded in a cloak of midnight black, who always made her shudder with chills.He was also wearing his usual mask that never let her tell who was truly behind that mask.He took a slow, deliberate step towards her, his dark cloak billowing around him like a shadow. She sat, frightened and unable to move a muscle."Well, well, my little mate," he drawled, the amusement in his eyes deepening. "
Reyana looked around the large chamber. It was empty. Full of cobwebs and lots of dust. And a flickering candlelight that was placed in the middle of the room.She coughed, inhaling some of the dust in the room. It looked like it had not been used in centuries.She also saw some old books lying carelessly on the floor, covered in cobwebs.Panic snaked its way around her limbs. She was sure the whispers came from this room. Where did it go? She couldn't hear it anymore."Is someone in here?" She asked in a trembling voice, her palms turning ice-cold with fear. She heard no response. The only reply she got was the echo of her voice bouncing off the cobweb-draped walls.She walked further into the room, her hand trailing along the rough stone wall for support, checking to see if she'd see something... Anything that'll give her a clue as to who was whispering her name. But there was nothing – just row upon row of empty shelves, their surfaces thick with dust.Suddenly, a soft sigh drifted
Reyana was confused, a persistent frown creasing her brows. Wasn't she already aware of her powers, which she already lost? What other powers did Shota speak of?Ever since Reyana regained consciousness, she had remembered so much about herself. She now remembered her family vividly.Her mother was a powerful witch in her previous pack. Little wonder she was exhibiting some strange signs. It explained it all. She was from a bloodline of witches. But unfortunately, she had lost her powers. Her heritage.So, who was this Tamara Shota that was talking about? And what in the Moons is this potion for?She needed to be more careful with Shota."I am still lost. I possessed magic once, yes, but it is gone. So, what other magic could there be? I..." Reyana was saying when Shota stopped her."You ask too many questions. This is your heritage. It is meant to awaken a potential that has been dormant within you since birth. This magic has been slumbering for years, waiting for the right heir to c
A venomous hiss escaped Keir's lips, the words slicing through Randall like a whetted blade, "Where is the Alpha who ruled with wisdom and authority?" he spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "I see no trace of him. All I see now is a little pawn, a puppet dancing on strings pulled by a manipulative hand!"Keir's words were exposing the truth Randall had desperately tried to ignore. He wasn't the Alpha he once was, the leader who navigated challenges with a steady hand and an unbiased heart."Our mate lost her wolf. I couldn't feel her anymore. But did you as much as notice it? Of course not. You've been too busy with someone inconsequential! Tell me, Randall," he sneered, "why don't you feel the spark you're supposed to feel after being bound to your precious mistress?"A wave of frustration washed over Randall. "Are you blind, Keir?" he roared, "Yesterday's ceremony was a tragedy! It is enough to make anyone unhappy. I lost an old friend! Our friendship died along with his daughte
Reagan walked toward the pack garden. He needed a breath of fresh air. At least, he deserved it. The events have made him almost regret coming back to the Blood Crescent pack.He should have just kept surviving on his own as he'd always done. But, no. He had to keep the promise he made to his dying father.He needed to feel nature. It always helped him heal. Just as he approached the garden, he instantly hated himself for almost regretting coming back to the pack... Why did he even feel that way when he had a new object of interest?A small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as his eyes lingered a little too long on the new subject of his interest - Ria.She was walking toward the exit of the garden with three other girls. They chatted and laughed heartily, almost as if they were happy Azura was gone. Because they wouldn't dare do this should she still be around.Their laughter died down as soon as their gazes fell on Reagan."Greetings," they said, bowing curtly.He nodded at the
Note: This chapter is rated 18+. If you are not into explicit content, kindly skip it.A choked gasp of surprise died on Reyana's lips as Randall surged into the room. Caught utterly off guard, she could only stammer a single word, "Randall, what..." before his lips descended upon hers like a hungry beast. His kiss was so urgent and demanding that Reyana could not resist it. It sparked something in her... Something she felt deprived of for a long time.She moaned into his mouth, and for a split second, she gave in to his raw, needy passion.Randall's calloused hands roamed around her soft, smooth body in a possessive hunger that felt so potent. This, right here, was where he could call home.His possessive touch both startled and thrilled her.Her sweet, intoxicating scent filled his senses, threatening to drown him, and he was willing to be drowned in it, to lose himself in the essence of her.His hands found her breasts, kneading them hungrily, eliciting soft gasps from her lips. Hi
"Reyana. Please. Don't go. You can go another time. Please," Randall had to bring down his ego and plead. He couldn't afford to lose her. He felt like if she ever left with Novak, he'd lose her forever.Seeing the look on Randall's face touched a part of her heart she never knew was still alive. Reyana thought all that was left in her heart for Randall was pure hate. But now she was wrong."I want to spend some time with my family. At least, you owe me that," Reyana said calmly."You will. But not just yet. I need you around, Reyana. The pack needs you. Please, don't go." Randall pleaded.She was conflicted. Randall was speaking to her heart."Novak. I'd send her over in a few days. But for now, I really do need her around," he said in a calmer tone, surprising everyone around, including Novak."Maya won't be happy with this. Besides, you brought us to this point. I've tried to see her for days, but you prevented it." Alpha Novak protested, but his anger was subsiding."You wouldn't b
Reyana drawled, her voice echoing in the confined space. "The Alpha's most precious jewel, reduced to this."'Visha quickly sat up; her eyes, which were once filled with arrogance and malice, went wide with shock. "Reyana? How?" She had expected that since Aldric hadn't had the audacity to kill her, then the master would have laid hands on her and killed her already."Funny question, I must say, Visha."Visha's lips curved into a bitter smile. "You look well, Reyana. Almost radiant."Reyana laughed, "Thank you. Being a prisoner of my mate has its perks." She said, her eyes slowly raking over the pathetic state of the woman who had made her life a living hell.Visha's face contorted into a mask of rage. "You dare mock me?""Why not? What would you do? Run to the Alpha and cry to him?" Reyana scoffed, "Only this time, the Alpha is slightly out of your reach.""What do you want? I had my peace before you showed up," Visha said, looking away in shame."Is there any peace for the wicked? R
"Alpha Randall isn't entirely to blame here," Reyana began, stepping forward to stand before everyone, "He never knew I was the fourth Necro key. He was blind and foolish. Selfish and ignorant. I also never knew what I was until it was already too late." She paused, letting it sink in before she continued."You relaxed, thinking everything was fine when you were meant to find a solution before the problem became such a concern." She added with a scoff. "I guess it's too late for you all now. Rashka can't be stopped anymore. He's gotten what he wants, and now he is coming for all those who betrayed him," she said and turned to look at Randall.Randall wondered what Rashka had told Reyana. She seemed to know so much but let out a little."What do we do to stop him now? He is a monster that needs to be stopped. According to the prophecy. And you are the only one who can stop him." Elder Tad asked."It is a little too late now, Elders. Rashka can't be stopped. Neither do I want to stop hi
Reyana lay crumpled on the bed, her sobs filling the chamber. The silky sheets wrapped around her naked body were covered in sweat and tears.Randall had taken her against her will. It was a sin to her. She no longer bore Randall's mark; therefore, she couldn't feel okay letting him touch her the way he used to.He lay beside her, feeling victorious, reveling in the thought of Rashka being in severe pain, knowing that his 'mate' just got fucked by another man.Reyana felt movement behind her. She knew it was Randall leaving the bed. She didn't make any effort to look in his direction."Prepare. Tomorrow night, that cursed mark will be taken off you. You belong to me. Not Rashka." Randall said in an icy tone as he put on his tunic."I will never be yours, you monster!" Reyana spat, bolting to a sitting position. "You think you can just seize your way into my life without as much as making a move for redemption? Are you even sorry about all you did?""Look, Reyana. I have been paying fo
"There are some people here to see you, Alpha," a guard reported to Alpha Randall while he was trying to cool off after the heated argument he had for the fifth time with Reyana since she arrived at the pack."Who are they?" He asked. The guard hesitated for a moment before replying."They said they are from the Green Oasis."Randall's gaze snapped in the direction of the guard, "What?" he sat up from his relaxed position."Yes, Alpha. They are from the Green Oasis. And they want to speak with you. They said it's urgent," he reported.Alpha Randall strode into his courtroom, his face set in a grim expression. Kellan and two other guards walked behind him, with Klara trailing behind."What the fuck are you doing here?" He demanded when he entered the courtroom.He saw three men and a woman standing, waiting patiently for him."Greetings, Alpha Randall. My name is Kaito. We come in peace." Kaito spoke with a small bow."Speak. What do you want within my pack?" Randall asked, ignoring th
"The dungeon? How? What did she do?" Reyana asked with furrowed brows. If anyone had ever told her that Randall would ever throw Visha into the dungeon, she'd never have believed it."Let's go inside. I'll tell you all about it," Randall said, attempting to lead her toward the fortress but she resisted."No. I don't care about you or Visha." She raved, turning around to leave but Randall's strong hand grabbed her arm, pulling her harshly."Stop this madness!" He yelled, lifting her off the floor onto his shoulder. "You will do as I say!" He warned, walking into the fortress."Let me go!" She struggled against his firm grip but it was all futile.*"Shota!" Odessa's worried voice rang with panic as she ran into Shota's chamber. "Reyana... She is gone," she announced, trying to catch her breath.Shota bolted upright, sleep instantly banished. "Gone? Where? How?" she demanded, her voice a rasp from disuse. Panic clawed at her throat."We don't know," Odessa stammered, her hand flying to
"No, Randall, you can't do that. I have to go. Rashka..." Reyana was trying to say when Randall cut her mid-sentence."This is about Rashka? You now choose him over me? Is that it?" Randall's tone bore hurt and anger at the same time.Reyana shot him a quick glare but maintained her composure. She didn't want to confront him in front of everyone.She couldn't bear to leave just yet. Not after she hadn't seen Rashka for days now. It'd kill her. No matter what happens, she is now his mate, and the bond she feels with him is stronger than whatever she feels for Randall at this point. She only feels empathy for Randall and his people right now. Nothing more."I now belong to another, Randall. You can't take me against my will. You have to let go! I only came to warn you of the impending danger," she said hastily when she saw that the barrier was almost closed.She tried to wriggle her wrist out of his firm grip, but he held her firmly. So firm that it hurt."Reyana," Alpha Novak finally sp
Mud caked her clothes. She looked weak and exhausted.Novak rushed toward her, but Randall let out a loud growl of possessiveness, hurrying to where she stood in shock at the sight before her.Randall reached Reyana first, scooping her into his arms with a tenderness that surprised everyone. Relief, raw and unadulterated, washed over him. Yet, shame painted the edges of his joy. Shame at how he had treated her all along because of Visha."Reyana, he breathed, his voice thick with a mix of emotions. "What happened? How did you..." he was at a loss for words as he enveloped her again in his strong arms.Reyana blinked, her gaze flitting across the assembled crowd. She was confused. What were they all doing there?There was Novak, standing beside her, and Maya, rushing forward with tears welling in her eyes.There was Klara, a relieved smile breaking through her worried face. And then there was Aldric, his head hung low, shame radiating from him like heat waves. "W-what are you all doin
Chantings rose, the witches' voices sounded in a powerful, ancient tongue. The leaves and branches writhed and twisted, forming a swirling light pattern resembling a celestial constellation.Just as the light reached its peak, and they were ready for the next phase of the spell, a sharp snap of a twig snapped through the tense atmosphere. All heads whipped around as the unmistakable sounds of pounding hooves grew steadily close to them.The witches continued with their chanting, not minding the disturbance that threatened them.Novak's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword, "Ready yourselves," he growled, his gaze scanning the dense foliage behind them, "we need to prepare for whatever is coming."Maya moved forward, too, her hand gripping the dagger strapped to her thigh.Suddenly, the trees parted, revealing a sight that brought a jolt of surprise to Novak.Alpha Randall rode at the forefront of a battalion of warriors.A tense silence descended upon them as they drew clo