The world seemed to contract around Visha. The bright morning scene faded into a dull, suffocating haze. A lone tear escaped her eye, tracing a glistening path down her cheek as the sting of the slap and the burning humiliation of Randall's words made up a very perfect recipe for shame.Just moments ago, she had enjoyed her public display of dominance, relishing the new authority she had over Reyana. But now the tables had flipped with a vengeance that left her shocked."Wh...what?" she choked. Shame, hot and acrid, flooded her cheeks.This was the man she had fallen in love with? She had fallen for him... Genuine, foolish, head-over-heels in love with a man who humiliated her in this manner?Across from her, Reyana stood frozen with a flicker of disbelief. Had she truly heard Randall correctly? Was he… defending her?Randall's jaw clenched, refusing to break eye contact with Visha. "Now, Visha," he repeated, in a low, icy growl, "Apologize."He had seen everything that had happened.
Visha paced the confines of her chambers like a caged tigress.The guards were supposed to change shifts every two hours, but she couldn't tell why there was a delay now.She clutched the silver pendant around her neck. Her mind replayed the day's events – the sting of Reyana's slap, the raw humiliation of Randall's public rebuke. His cold indifference, the way he supported the woman who dared to defy her, sent a fresh wave of fury crashing through her.Thankfully, she heard some sounds coming from the hallway before she could have enough time to wallow in her anguish. She slowly opened her door, peeping to see what was happening.It was time. They were changing shifts.With the swiftness of a predator, she slipped out of her chamber with quick strides, her black cloak sweeping behind her as she navigated the hallway into a passage on the left, away from the eyes of the guards who were positioning for the next shift.She heaved a sigh of relief as she hurried away, hoping Jasina hadn'
Silence. Nervousness. Drumming hearts. All in a tiny chamber as Ria shuddered at the close proximity of Reagan to her tender body. He sat close enough for the heat of his body to seep into hers.Her throat felt parched, her tongue thick and heavy. as she avoided his intense gaze.Reagan had asked her to pay him a visit that night, and she was eager to do so. She had grown to love his company so much that she craved it daily. But tonight... Tonight seemed different. There was a look in his eyes that sent warm fluid running through her veins."Ria..." His hoarse voice called. Reaching out, his calloused finger tilted her chin, urging her to meet his gaze. A million unspoken emotions swirled in his hazel eyes. He wanted nothing more than to stare into the depths of her beautiful hazel eyes as he professed his feelings to her.His voice dropped to a husky whisper, "I have come to love you so much. There is something about you I just can't place, but it has drawn me to the depths of love t
Reagan felt a dizzying sensation wash over him when he was done ravaging her tight center with his finger. He could hardly go in with two fingers. She was so tight that it made him fear for her. Will she be able to handle the monster she had just released in him?He positioned himself, a low groan escaping his throat when his hardness came in contact with her dripping softness.Ria let out a whimper when she felt how big he was."Don't worry. I'll be careful, okay?" he rasped, taking her lips into his again for a soft, sensual kiss as he began slow, gradual pokes at the door of her secrets.He increased the intensity of his push a little bit when it seemed difficult to get in. Perhaps he pushed a little too hard as a cry threatened to escape Ria's lips, but it was muffled by his own lips pressed against hers.She clung unto him like life itself, her fingers digging so deep into his back that she could swear she had torn into his flesh, just the way he was tearing into her tight core.
Reagan was conflicted. He didn't know how to break the news to Ria. He was hurt, but Randall made a good point. They had to find a way to stop Rashka if he truly was still alive somewhere."Reagan? What is the matter?" Ria asked when she noticed how quiet he was.She was done dressing up and ready to start her day when Reagan walked into his chamber in a gloomy mood.She was scared. Was he beginning to act up after taking away her innocence?"Ria, I'd like to discuss something important to you," he said, gesturing for her to sit.Her worst fears were beginning to come to pass. Reagan was about to break her heart. She could feel it. She thought.Ria took a seat beside him, her heart drumming against her chest as she awaited his news."The Alpha has asked me to take a trip." He began, and Ria felt her world crumble. Was this his own way of leaving her? With such a flimsy excuse?"It's okay, Reagan," she interrupted, not letting him finish, "I expected the worst. You don't have to explai
Reyana pressed her back against the cool oak of the door, willing her hammering heartbeat to slow, "Are you out of your mind?" she whispered, the words barely audible even to herself. A cold dread snaked down her spine. "What if someone sees you here? The Alpha's chamber is just next door!" Reyana hoped the Alpha couldn't hear her."I am sorry. I just wanted to see if you are settling in fine. I know how much you loved your old chamber." Aldric replied."Thank you for asking. Now, leave." She said in a hushed whisper. She didn't want anything that would cause more trouble for her and Aldric anymore. The Alpha won't smile at this."I'll... I'll be on my way now," a sad smile played on his lips as he nodded curtly before walking away.She only nodded, folding her arms across her chest as she watched him leave. A wave of grief washed over her.***Just when she thought the morning was finally going to go well, she heard a knock on her door again.Reyana returned to her chamber to calm he
THE NIGHT FANG PACK.The dungeon was silent. The only sounds that could be heard were the weak breathing of the pale-looking woman lying helplessly on the floor.Some brute-looking wolves stood beside her - about four men - holding whips dipped in wolf's bane.The woman bled profusely."Send word to Alpha Randall," the familiar voice of the man who had seen that she was tortured this way for weeks now spoke, "Tell him Azura is not the threat. She is innocent. The enemy in his pack still walks freely." Alpha Rufus said in a gruff voice.Azura has been in questioning for weeks now. She had been tortured to the point of numbness, yet she still stood by her word. She didn't murder Namsi."Also, tell him to have Merikh investigated. He is the real culprit here. Merikh poisoned his drink on his coronation. Since the same poison was used on Namsi, he surely is the one who should be in this dungeon, not this woman!" Rufus added."I think something is going on in secret in the Blood Crescent p
Reyana felt the intense heat emanating from his body. She was shaken. He looked like one who had been starved for years. Wasn't Visha quenching his hunger? Why did it always have to be her?She hesitated for a moment when he let go of her neck, sending her a glare that made her lose her will to protest. This side of him didn't seem to like resistance and arguments.She loosened the belt of her night robe gradually, pulling it off from her shoulders and letting it drop to the ground. She saw the satisfaction in his eyes when she stripped. The aura of his dominance was so potent that she wasn't willing to go against him. What had gotten into him? When she was done, she paused, looking at him.He nodded his head towards the bed. She knew what he meant. Like an obedient little girl, she slowly walked toward his large bed and lay with her back down on it, waiting for him to do as he pleased.She was numb. Surprisingly. She didn't feel anger or pain. She didn't feel happy or sad. She was j
"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