Reyana angrily walked toward the fortress. She had an important meeting to attend to. She didn't care what the consequences would be.She was in such a hurry that she didn't notice the person coming ahead of her."Watch where you're going!" A familiar voice snapped, laced with a hint of amusement when she was about to stumble on a small rock just at the entrance of the fortress.Reyana blinked, her anger momentarily forgotten, "Oh!" she gasped, snapping back to reality, "Klara..." she called with relief.Klara's sharp eyes immediately scanned Reyana's face, taking in the tightly drawn features and the repressed anger radiating from her every pore. "What's happening with you? You look like a storm cloud about to burst.""I am fine. Your attention is needed, right? Everyone is waiting, including the Alpha." Reyana said urgently.Klara's gaze narrowed. "You seem… tense. And where exactly within the fortress are you headed in such a hurry?"Reyana hadn't anticipated this line of questioni
Reyana stepped into the familiar chamber gingerly. She looked around it, and it still held the same deceiving look as the first time she had visited.Then, suddenly, everything began taking shape, and Shota emerged from her usual spot - the garden. Her hair was as white as freshly fallen snow. She looked up, her smile as sharp and knowing as ever."I thought I'd never see you again," She said."Not a chance," Reyana replied, "I need answers, Shota. I have too many questions.""And I assure you, child," she said, her voice laced with a hint of mischief, "I'd answer them all, as long as I have the answers myself.""I took the potion you gave me," Reyana pressed, her voice tight with frustration. She crossed her arms, jerky and abruptly. "Nothing happened. Did you lie about it?"Shota scoffed, "Of course not, child," she said, her amusement morphing into something akin to pity. "I see you are desperate to reclaim what you've lost," she said with a smile of amusement."I am. I want to red
NOTE: From here on, this book takes a drastic turn. It is the full introduction of Rashka, and he is as dark as he seems."Please, forgive my mother. She is getting old and her memories fail her sometimes," a young girl in her earlier twenties stepped forward, clutching onto Briana's arm as she bowed her head in apology to Visha and Randall.Visha heaved a heavy sigh of relief. She was already scared and thinking of the next best action to take. Thankfully, this timely intervention came."I thought so," Visha replied with a nervous smile."I am certain about what I saw. I do not mean to disrespect you, Alpha Randall, but I am certain. The Luna was the one who made his fingers twitch. It all happened right before you walked in," Briana insisted, a frown creasing her brows."That's enough, Briana. Just like your daughter said, you must have seen wrongly," Randall intervened, his tone leaving no room for further argument.Klara watched without saying a word. She was done thinking for him
Visha sat alone in her chamber. She huddled beneath the meager furs on her cot, the night's chill seeping through the damp stone walls of her chamber. The night was quiet. She had all the time in the world to herself... Time to think.A sad sigh escaped her lips. Tonight was one of those nights she felt the sting of loneliness. She had no friends. And try as she may, it gets to her sometimes.Everyone sees her as the Alpha's most precious mistress. But that wasn't entirely true.She could feel the Alpha's pull toward his actual mate each time. She was Randall's only hindrance; else, he would have been heads-over-hills with Reyana by now.This was why she made sure to spend ample time with him always, in order to make sure he didn't have the space to think about Reyana.A choked sob escaped her lips, a single tear tracing a glistening path through the moonlight that streamed through a narrow window. With Randall, she could experience a little bit of what love felt like.Visha squeezed
Visha walked down the lonely, secret path toward the border. It was a hidden path she had discovered that guards hardly ever patrolled there.It is so secret that even the enemy can never discover it as a hidden entrance into the pack.She was in a hurry. She was desperate to get her powers back. Klara was hot on her tail and needed to be equipped for whatever Klara brought her way.Their meeting hadn't ended well. Visha had to make Klara leave earlier than Klara would have wanted. She had other important things to attend.Just as she crossed the border, she saw the familiar figure of her sister walking toward the border. She ran toward her, wrapping her arms around Jasina with relief."Jasina! What are you doing here? I never sent a message... Thank the goddess you are here. Something is wrong with me. I woke up without my powers. I feel empty, Jasina. I was..." Visha rushed her words, pulling out of her sister's embrace."I had to be sure to contact you as soon as possible. I was go
"Randall?" she breathed, disbelief lacing her voice. "You're in love with Randall?"Visha flinched, a flicker of shame coloring her tear-stained cheeks. "I... I can't help it. These feelings for Randall... they snuck up on me. They're real, Jasina. I can't deny them." she mumbled, looking away.Jasina's control snapped. "Are you out of your mind? He's the Alpha of the Blood Crescent pack! Our enemy! Everything we've been working towards, all the sacrifices... you throw it away for a fleeting infatuation with a man who would gladly see you crumble? Is that the new mission objective the master bestowed upon you? To infiltrate the enemy's heart?""It's not an infatuation!" Visha shot back, "We have a connection, Jasina. A real one. He sees me, not just the chosen one. Don't you understand? He makes me feel..." Her voice trailed off, a choked sob escaping her lips."What I understand is that you've jeopardized everything we've worked for! Years of training, and sacrifices, all for a forbi
Reyana lay shaken on her bed, not knowing how to navigate the night after the dream she just had. She was scared to death. She couldn't bear to go back to sleep. But a part of her somehow wanted to go back to sleep... Just for a little more... Fun.She recalled all that happened. It sent a shiver through her whole body. Why did he have so much power over her in that manner? What is her connection with Rashka? Why wouldn't he let her be?Reyana lurched to her feet as an insistent knocking shattered the remnants of her unsettling dream. She froze instantly, her eyes wide with fear. The knock sounded again.Cautiously, she crept towards the door, her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird.She felt silly. Rashka wouldn't come knocking on her door. Why was she scared? Then, she recalled her conversations with Aldric earlier. He wanted to come and see her.She heaved a sigh and rolled her eyes.When she unlocked the door and pulled it open, she was... Disappointed? Surprised?
No matter how hard she tried, Reyana couldn't cheat nature. She had fallen asleep when Kellan left her chamber last night.She lazily opened her eyes, adjusting to the soft glow of the morning sun that filtered into her chamber.She realized she was still on her bed and not trapped in some nightmare.Reyana felt unhappy upon waking up. She didn't really know why, but... She felt... Disappointed? What was she expecting? Another encounter with that monster in her dream?She shook it off and went in to take her bath. She needed to check on the pack members to be sure they were fine.While she dressed up, her mind drifted to Odessa. A sad smile appeared on her lips. She had been longing to see her. To spend some time with her. She'd been curious about what had happened and how she had survived that day.She hadn't stopped wondering what had happened in her pack on that eventful day. Who were those attackers, and what did they want?She found herself shedding tears yet again, but she brush
"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