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
"Why didn't you tell me the Alpha was impotent?" Visha asked."You were so dumb and blind to find out? You never wondered why you never got pregnant all these years of fucking him?" Aldric retorted with a scoff."I have been taking herbs to prevent a pregnancy! I only stopped a few weeks ago!" She countered with anger."Well… I never knew the other part of your plan yesterday. Perhaps I would have warned you. But no, you like working solo," Aldric seemed to enjoy the look on her face."it wasn't meant to happen this way! Stop blaming me!" She yelled at him, and he smirked."Visha... Merikh. Were you responsible for his death?" Aldric asked after a moment of silence.A long pause followed before she spoke, her voice laced with a studied nonchalance. "Merikh's death? Such a tragedy, wasn't it?""Don't play games, Visha. We both know it wasn't an accident; neither was it just a coincidence." Aldric retorted."Oh. And what has that got to do with me?" Visha asked, her brows creasing in su
Randall stalked towards Novak, his muscles coiled like a predator ready to pounce, but Novak didn't flinch. He wasn't there to flex muscles. He was there for something far more important than their egos."What the fuck are you doing in my pack? You dare darken my doorstep after everything? You've got some nerves!" Randall spat as soon as he approached Novak and his army, who stood in the open field on the training ground."Alpha Randall," Novak began, his voice deceptively calm in the face of Randall's barely concealed hostility. "I trust this intrusion is unwelcome, but I haven't come for pleasantries." He flashed Randall a bright smile, which obviously didn't reach his eyes."Then what are you doing here?" Randall asked as he watched Novak descend from his horse."I wouldn't be here if it wasn't important. Not that I find your pack so..." Novak looked around in a condescending manner, "...thrilling to come visit unannounced."The sarcasm in his voice made Randall's inside burn with
"What is going on?" Klara hurried toward the small crowd, "Alpha?" She called out to Randall who was visibly shaking with rage.She saw the look on both Alphas' faces, which wasn't looking good."He claims Reyana is his sister," Randall said to Klara, who looked at Novak like one who was being silly."And what is that supposed to mean?" Klara asked Randall, but loud enough for Novak to hear."Greetings to you, too, Klara," Novak said when Klara didn't say a word to acknowledge him."Alpha Novak. What is this you speak of?" She asked, ignoring his greetings."Oh. I was just telling your Alpha about the girl who lives among the very people who slaughtered her family... That girl is my sister. Unbelievable, isn't it?" Novak explained.Klara stared at Randall, "What girl is he talking about?""Reyana," Randall replied, his eyes never leaving Novak's."What? Is this some cheap trick, Alpha Novak?" Klara asked politely, but he could feel the anger in her tone."I wish it were, so I wouldn't
"I found out last night. I had my witches carry out the spell to make sure I wasn't just imagining things," Novak said in a calmer tone when they were finally seated in Randall's office."But how did you carry out this spell? You need to have something belonging to Reyana to be able to carry it out accurately. Her hair, blood..." Klara asked, not letting go of her suspicions.Randall sat all the while, calmly staring at Novak as he spewed whatever lies he was spewing."I got some strands of her hair," Novak replied after hesitating."You did what?" Randall rose to his feet, "How did you do that? Does this mean you know where Reyana is?" He charged toward Novak."What do you mean? Isn't she here?" Novak rose up, meeting Randall head-on. He wasn't going to cringe at his anger."The calmer we can get, the better headway we might be able to make," Klara said to both of them, who glared at each other."What did he mean by that, Klara? Where is my sister?" Novak turned to Klara, who avoided
Reyana stumbled backward. She trembled as she choked out the question, "T-twins?"Rashka's smile widened, devoid of warmth, his eyes glinting with a predatory gleam. "Indeed,"' he purred, his voice so rich and masculine that it sent shivers down her spine. "But unlike my dear brother,"' he continued, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous growl, "I have no qualms about getting my hands really dirty."The raw darkness that emanated from him could squeeze the life out of her. She could almost taste his darkness on her tongue. It was so potent. More potent than what she had ever felt in her dreams. Here, in the waking world, it felt as if a monstrous entity had been given form, its hunger for cruelty radiating off him in waves.Reyana fought the urge to shrink back, to run, but she was frozen in place, like a fly caught in a spider's Web.Her voice, when she finally found it, was a mere whisper. "What..what do you want? Where am I?"Rashka's smile stretched wider, revealing a glint of sh
It's been two days already, and they still had no luck in their search. Alpha Randall and Alpha Novak had set aside their differences for the time being, since they had one goal - finding Reyana.Novak had tried to get his messages across to the Master's witches, but no one was replying. They had all gone silent.In all his dealings with the Master, Novak had never set eyes on him. He had never visited nor known where Rashka was located. He only communicated with him through his witches.Novak never knew a day like this would come when he desperately needed to know where Rashka resided.Aldric was dying of guilt. Wasn't it best if he had just killed Reyana like Visha wanted? Perhaps he'd know she wasn't in the hands of that monster.Only the Goddess knows what Rashka might be doing to her now. He was a sadistic monster."Tonight, you must help me escape. I have a feeling that Klara is up to no good." Visha's voice pulled Aldric out of his thoughts.She had been moved to the dungeon, a
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
"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