"You might also be wrong." Aldric quickly countered. "The strange happenings in the pack should make us know that this could be a new illness or punishment from the Goddess or something.""The chances are very slim. I can tell dark magic from a punishment," Klara restored."Let's not leave anything to chance. We need to investigate." Randall spoke, "Klara, do all you can to get to the root of it all. I want to know what truly happened to Merikh." he instructed.There was a brief silence. Klara and Randall glanced at each other. She gave him a slight nod to go ahead and speak."Something else happened this morning," Randall broke the silence."Something else?" Kellan chuckled in frustration, "The Goddess must be having the time of her life, relishing in the events taking place here in our pack," he paced around, his tall frame looking stressed already."What happened, Alpha?" Reyana probed him to speak."Shota has escaped," he broke the news in one breath.The revelation hit everyone l
Alpha Randall sat by his study table for hours, doing nothing in particular. He took out time to wonder how he managed to get himself and his pack into this mess.It hurt him to see his pack this way. People suffering. Dying. Falling ill. Unhappy. It killed him.Klara's words also tormented him. He never wanted to believe Visha was guilty of any of the things Klara accused her of. But he had to do as she said, just to vindicate Visha.He knew that he had been feeling distant from Visha for some time now, but he felt he still loved her somehow and that as time progressed, he'd come to love her the way he used to again.He'd also treat Reyana right. He had enough love and care to go around.The gentle knock on his door pulled him out of his thoughts.He had sent for Visha to carry out Klara's instruction. He'd been schooling his mind to desire her even before she arrived, but it wasn't working. But the task must be carried out."Alpha Randall," Visha called with flushed cheeks as she en
"Here. I got it," Randall said to Klara, handing her a small vial."Thank you." she couldn't begin to express how grateful she was.Randall nodded, about taking his leave when she called him back."Alpha?"He hummed a reply from his throat before turning to meet her gaze."What do we do? Now that Shota is gone and the pack is in an unrest?""I don't know, Klara. I just need to clear my head.""There is something you need to know. Now that you are convinced that Visha isn't the chosen one...""Klara, I never said I am convinced. Like I said before, what if we are wrong and these are just part of the enemy's plan to make her seem like bad luck?""I thought you had decided to start using your head instead of your heart. What went wrong?" She asked with furrowed brows."Look... I am truly exhausted. Mentally. Physically." He so desperately wanted to believe Visha wasn't the cause of their problems."Alpha Randall. Reyana was here last night. There is so much you need to know, or else you
"How did you get entangled in this?" Maya asked, concern flickering in her eyes. "The rumored Rashka is the one you've been secretly working for?""Yes, Maya. But that's not important at the moment," Novak said, examining the item he held in his hand."It is important. Now, what happens if Reyana turns out to be Kayla? You wouldn't want to go against Rashka." She asked with creased brows."I'll do anything to protect her. I don't care about consequences." Novak replied nonchalantly.Maya let out a sigh. "You are treading dangerous grounds, brother. Now I am worried.""And if this turns out to be true, I'll kill Randall with my bare hands. He was the one who sent his army to attack Reyana's pack. This would mean that he killed our mother." Novak was seething with rage.The reality dawned on Maya. That was true. And she knew her brother. He'd take war to Randall.After a moment of silence, she asked, "How is she?""She is fine... She seems better than she used to be. I can't tell why."
"Reyana. I asked you. You told me you hadn't seen him in a long time!" Klara almost yelled. Her patience had worn out.Randall scoffed, "Hold on. What are you both saying?" he stood up from the stool where he sat. "You've been seeing Rashka in your dreams?" He asked Reyana before turning to Klara, "And you knew?" His disappointment had gotten to its peak.Klara knew how hurt he might feel, "Randall, you weren't giving any of us listening ears. We tried to get you on our side...""I mustn't be on your side to know this! You should have just said something! Klara! Reyana! Oh, Goddess! I am doomed!" He ran his fingers through his hair, which was already damp with sweat."We are sorry. But this is your fault, as much as you blame us for it. The shackle that blinded your eyes just fell off, letting you reason properly. That's why you think you would have listened if we had brought this up earlier. But the truth is, you wouldn't have listened, Randall." Klara explained in a calm tone."No!
She closed the door behind her. "What is going on here? Aldric?" Reyana felt her heart beating so fast that she couldn't control it. "Y... You are her mate?" she asked, wide-eyed."Reyana. No one can know about this, please." Aldric approached her, but she moved away, her vision blurring with tears.It all made sense. The subtle glances they had both been sharing even before Aldric finally left her. His sudden change of heart when she needed him the most... Everything... It all made sense."She was the reason? All this time? It was all because of her?" A sad scoff left her lips as her gaze met Visha's unfazed eyes."Visha... Who truly are you? Are you here on a mission? What game are you playing?" Reyana narrowed her gaze on her, "Mated to Aldric and bearing the Alpha's mark?""Aldric? Are you a part of this game?" She asked Aldric, who looked terrified."No, Reya. Just let me explain." He said in a thick voice."You are pregnant for him?" Reyana asked, sad amusement lacing her words.
Alpha Randall was returning from a pack council meeting, with two guards trailing behind him. He had had a very long day and couldn't wait to freshen up and rest."Alpha Randall?" someone hurriedly trailed behind him. It was Klara. He turned toward her before increasing his steps, walking away from her. "Please, just hold on."He stopped abruptly, just around Visha's chamber. "What do you want, Klara?" He asked, letting out a sharp breath."How long would you keep doing this? It's not as if any of these is anyone's fault. You have to stop already!" She whispered urgently, almost as if she didn't want to guards to hear her."What do you want?" He counted his words this time around, slowly.Klara gave an eye roll. "Have you seen Reyana? She's been desperate to see you. She's been scared. Wanting to share some important information with you.""I'll see her when I am ready to. For now, both of you should let me be," he said, turning around to leave but she stopped him."You shouldn't be t
"There is still no luck, Alpha," One of the warriors reported.It was the early hours of dawn already, and Reyana had yet to be found. They had searched everywhere within and across their border, but she was still nowhere to be seen."This is not possible! How could she have gotten so far within such a short period?" Kellan asked the assembled warriors."She didn't go away. I highly doubt that. Visha is lying about what actually happened. Reyana has no reason to run or hide since she isn't guilty." Klara said to him."Go out there and look for the Luna!" Kellan commanded when the Alpha remained quiet."Alpha..." Klara called, but Kellan interrupted."We know Visha is lying about the paternity of the pregnancy. But what if the side of the story that features Reyana isn't totally a lie?" Kellan began, "Otherwise, how do we explain her sudden disappearance? She shouldn't have run away if she wasn't guilty."His words would have made sense if Klara didn't know Reyana. Alpha Randall shot h
"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