Klara listened with rapt attention to all Reyana told her. She looked closely at the dagger in her hand and thought of the best way to go about it."You mentioned something about it being poisonous, right?" Klara asked, still taking a proper look at the dagger."Yes, it is," Reyana replied, scanning the dimly lit environment to be sure no one was in sight."Although I haven't had anyone come to me for treatment of any injury for a long time. Are you very certain this person is from this pack?" Klara asked with furrowed brows."Yes, I am. She called me by name, Klara," Reyana's response had no doubt in it."Okay. I still think the Alpha has to be aware of this. It might help in our search for this person," Klara suggested."No..." Reyana quickly objected, "He'll never believe me. This happened on the same night I attempted to leave the pack. He might think I made up the story. We can tell him when we have proof of who this person is."Klara thought about her point and it was valid. The
Reyana knocked on the small wooden door as she waited patiently for a response.She pushed the door open when the door was answered."Reyana, you came back?" Klara asked with furrowed brows."Yes, Klara. I forgot to bring along the herbs you asked me to pick for you," Reyana explained, setting down the basket of herbs with a thud.Klara's eyes softened with gratitude as she glanced at the bounty Reyana had brought. "Oh, thank you, Reyana. You shouldn't have gone through all this trouble."Reyana waved off her concern with a smile. "It's no trouble at all, Klara. I was bored anyway. What are you working on?" She asked curiosity piqued as she observed Klara mixing herbs in a small bowl."It's for the Alpha," Klara replied, her voice tinged with sadness as she continued meshing the herbs in the bowl."The Alpha?" Reya was puzzled, "Is he sick?" She asked, hoping he'd just die and let her live her life.Klara shook her head slowly. "Not exactly," she murmured, her gaze distant.Reyana sen
Reyana felt the entire world spinning as the realization of who the bearer of the voice was came crashing down on her. Randall.His grip on her wrist tightened, sending a jolt of fear coursing through her veins. She could feel the heat of his body radiating behind her, his closeness suffocating her."What are you doing here, Reyana?" His voice sliced through the tense silence, dripping with malice and accusation."I... I..." Her voice wavered, her mind racing for an excuse to escape the suffocating atmosphere, "Klara asked me to bring your potion, Alpha. I'll be on my way now," She managed to stutter out through rasped breaths as she attempted to leave at once.Reyana still had her back pressed against the solid wall of Randall's chest, the mere thought of turning around to face him filling her with dread. She couldn't bear the thought of looking into his eyes.She took a few steps away from him, but Alpha Randall who still had his iron grip on her small wrist forcefully pulled her ba
Reyana lay on her small bed, wrapping her arms around herself as she cried profusely. She felt like a betrayer.She had almost let that monster take away her pride and innocence... She sobbed louder, giving into the torrent of emotions that flooded her.The night was cold and quiet but she didn't care. She wanted to let it all out.She was lucky to have been able to leave Alpha Randall's presence untouched. For reasons best known to him, he had angrily walked her out of his chamber. Every emotion he had felt before that moment just vanished into thin air. But she didn't care about him right now.Her coronation is in a few days. After the ceremony, she'd have to move into the pack fortress as the new Luna of the pack. She was scared.Alpha Randall was a man with utmost control over his emotions, but there was still no expectation as to why he acted the way he did tonight. This made Reyana feel she wasn't safe being around the Alpha as she might not be so lucky the next time he tries to
"Oh, Randall, thank the goddess you are here. I am so happy to see you," Visha rose from her seat with a bright smile as she walked towards Alpha Randall who had just stepped into her chamber.Randall's expression softened as he enveloped her in a brief hug, his gaze scanning her face for any signs of distress. "Visha..." he murmured, his tone gentle, "How have you been?""I have been well, Alpha. Just a bit bored," Visha replied, her voice tinged with shyness as she avoided his gaze."I am sorry about that, Visha. What do you intend to do? You know you can always busy yourself with pack matters, right?"Visha's features darkened momentarily, a flicker of emotion crossing her face before she composed herself. "But, Alpha, you know I don't feel so comfortable around people... You know all I've been through at the hands of my evil father before you saved me," she explained, her voice trembling slightly, "I tend to keep to myself as it makes me feel safe," a lone tear ran down her cheek
"What were you doing there?" He casually walked into the small neatly arranged room that smelt like something he'd not mind sniffing all day."I'm so sorry, Alpha. I was... I was only taking a walk. I never knew..." She cleared her throat, her voice trailed off as she searched for the right words, her breaths coming in short, uneven intervals.Her apology was met with a brief silence before Randall spoke again, "I never knew you are always that less busy, Reyana..." he took a step closer, but Reyana instinctively backed away, her back meeting the cool wall behind her, her hands trembling slightly as she struggled to compose herself, her eyes still reflecting the horror she had witnessed, making her flinch at his proximity.She had just seen him murder two helpless men without even blinking an eye. She knew the Alpha was ruthless and all, but she had never witnessed his brutality the way she did today."Forgive me, Alpha. It would never happen again," she promised, trying to retain he
"You've been avoiding me, Ria. Have I done something wrong?" Gamma Kellan asked as he gestured for Ria to take a seat beside him."No, sire. I can never be wronged by you," she gulped, taking just one step closer to him, "I.. I have been very busy," she explained, playing with her fingers."Take a seat beside me, Ria," he said, stretching out his hand towards her."I am fine standing here, sire," she felt her face heating up under his intense stare and she felt slightly uncomfortable. She could hear her heart racing and she was sure he'd heard it too.Kellan stood up and motioned towards her, his tall, imposing figure hovered over her small frame and she took a few steps away but he was quick enough to grab her wrist, pulling her in one swift motion toward himself.Ria pumped into his hard, chiseled chest as her petite palms held onto his broad shoulders for support. Instinctively, she lifted her eyes to meet his ocean-blue ones and immediately, she felt her face heating up again as s
There was acute silence in the room as Reyana and Klara bowed their heads, avoiding Alpha Randall's piercing stare.Klara knew Reyana wasn't ready to tell the Alpha all about her experience in the woods yet until they had all the evidence they needed."Speak up!" Alpha Randall who had been waiting patiently was already beginning to lose his patience."Alpha..." Klara began, "There is something you should know."Alpha Randall's brows furrowed, 'isn't it obvious?' he smirked inwardly."On the night of Reyana's attempted escape, she saw a woman heading to the border..." Klara narrated the entire event of that night to the Alpha and his Gamma as they paid rapt attention."If this dagger is as poisonous as you said it is, why haven't we seen anyone with such an injury yet?" Kellan asked, finding it difficult to believe the whole story."We really can't tell for now," Klara replied.Alpha Randall and Reyana were both silent... Silent for different reasons.Alpha Randall's eyes never left Re
The war was a maelstrom of steel and blood, tearing through the heart of the Blood Crescent pack.The war had begun in full force. The chaos was heart-wrenching. It seemed Rashka's army had one assignment - destroy everything that made up the Blood Crescent pack.They were not soldiers fighting for honor or glory; they were instruments of destruction, their eyes burning with a cold, inhuman light. They tore down buildings with savage glee, their laughter echoing through the chaos.Women and children screamed, fear consuming them.The Ashkais barely had the time to fight. It was almost like they weren't scared to die.Of course, they weren't. Not that they were actual wolves. They were just Rashka's twisted creations."Protect whatever you can! We can't lose all our homes!" Randall yelled into the air as he lounged at one of the Ashkais who was headed toward the homes for the elderly.Alpha Parthe had sent about a thousand warriors. His armies could never be killed by mere blades, which
"Make sure every able-bodied warrior is armed and ready. We can't let them breach our borders." He ordered Xular, the new Head of his warriors, as he dished out orders to his men."Alpha! Xular!" Two men ran breathlessly toward the warriors who were warming up for the war ahead. They looked troubled."What happened?" Xular stepped forward."The armory! The armory is on fire! It's been set ablaze!" One of the men said almost breathlessly."What?" Randall asked, "Armory ablaze?" he repeated, disbelief and a growing sense of dread washing over him. The armory was their lifeline, their teeth against the world. Without it, they were defenseless pups facing a hungry wolf pack. His eyes widened in shock as his legs propelled him towards the armory without a second thought.As they hurried toward the armory, they saw the women and children coming from the direction of the Shelter."Where are you all going? You should be at the Shelter..." Randall began, but his voice was drowned out by the ch
"What?" Randall said, holding her by both arms, "How did you know?""He told me. Last night." She replied, getting Randall even more confused."How? Did he come here? How did no one see him?" Randall almost panicked, but he had to be calm."No, Randall. The Sigil. With the Sigil of possession, I am never far from Rashka. Prepare for what's to come, Randall." Reyana said, walking away into her chamber.Since she woke up that morning, she had been feeling strange. The feeling of hatred and pain she felt while at the Oasis seemed to intensify after her encounter with Rashka last night.As Reyana moved through the dimly lit corridors of the fortress, a wave of nausea washed over her. The Sigil on her back throbbed with a dull, insistent pain, its faint glow pulsing in rhythm with her heartbeat.She stumbled into her chambers, closing the door behind her with trembling hands. The room seemed to close in around her, the shadows elongating and shifting as if they were alive.She felt utmost
Visha was dragged from the dungeon, her wrists bound in iron shackles that rattled with every step. Her heart raced. She knew this was the end for her.Memories of how she had lived her life and how she was meant to live came flooding her. Regrets had become her best companion throughout her stay in the dungeon, but there was nothing she could do to save herself.Her sister had warned her. But she was blinded by stupid feelings. Feelings that they had been taught never to let get in their way.No one is coming to her aid. Not Novak. Not the Master. Not even her sister. Because she had gone against everyone just to be with Randall. The same Randall who was going to be her executioner today.Reyana stood beside Randall in the middle of the crowd, her gaze fixed on Visha. A cold satisfaction crept into her heart as she watched her former tormentor face her ultimate fate. The woman who had caused her so much pain was finally going to pay the price.A cruel smirk played on her lips.Randal
"So, what's your condition?" Alpha Randall asked Reyana as soon as they were inside his chamber."Tell me, Randall. Visha is guilty of all the crimes she confessed to, right?" Reyana asked, sitting at the edge of the bed."Yes. She is. She confessed to it all, including being responsible for the death of Valerie." Randall admitted, wondering where this was all headed."Why haven't you executed her yet?" Reyana asked, searching his face for any expressions. "Are you still in love with her?""The Goddess forbid! I have nothing to do with that wicked, cunning witch anymore!" Randall said in fury. The thought or mention of Visha made him enraged."Then what's taking so long? Were you waiting for me to grace the occasion?" Reyana asked.Randall gave it a thought. He realized that he couldn't tell why he hadn't executed her yet."I don't know... I've been very occupied with bringing you back. She was not a priority. You were." He replied, leaning on his study table."Okay, then. Now that I'
"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