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
The last sliver of daylight bled from the horizon, painting the sky in hues of bruised orange and fiery purple.The night was almost here. Reyana hadn't seen Rashka all day. She had been locked up in his chamber for the past four days. Four agonizing days trapped within these cold stone walls with no hope of getting out. She had to help herself.She wondered why Randall hadn't come looking for her yet. Had Visha gotten into his head? The thought sent a fresh wave of panic crashing over her. If that were the case, then it would be difficult to convince Randall to believe her. But that would be taken care of once she leaves this place.She didn't feel safe there. Rashka was a mystery, a chilling embodiment of darkness and secrets. He knew something she didn't, and he was refusing to spill it.Reyana didn't know how much longer she could withstand his darkness. Goddess! He terrified her.She had barely slept well because of fear of Rashka. He knew what she was thinking each time, making
She was terrified to her bones. The voice, cold and mocking, seemed to seep from the very stone walls themselves. Was it in her head? Was fear playing tricks on her? But the metallic smell of blood, the caged creatures – those were undeniably real. She knew that.Ignoring the terror that threatened to consume her, Reyana focused on the single task she had ahead - escape.With a desperate breath, she turned and sprinted deeper into the cavern. The uneven floor scraped against her feet.The scream of the monstrous creature faded behind her, replaced by the pounding of her own heart.Suddenly, blessed relief! The passage opened abruptly into a vast landscape. Moonlight, unfiltered and bright, bathed the space in a beautiful glow. The air was fresh and cool on her sweaty skin – the unmistakable scent of freedom.Reyana stumbled to a halt, momentarily disoriented by the sudden change. Could it be? Had she somehow found an exit? She prayed.Squinting into the moonlight, she saw the jagged o
Driven by a frantic need to still escape, Reyana scrambled out of the plush bed, the silken sheets slithering around her ankles.Ignoring the throbbing pain in her head, she bolted towards the window, flinging it open with a gasp.But the sight that greeted her wasn't the vast, desolate landscape she remembered. Instead, a bustling marketplace filled the space, with people moving around and going about their usual daily activities.Food stalls lined the square, men, and women buying and selling, children chased each other, young women in small groups, probably gossiping...Where had they come from? She hadn't seen anyone around there all through her stay in there. She had always checked outside the window but had never seen a single soul around.Had she been transported to some other realm during that terrifying ordeal last night? Her mind reeled, unable to grasp the sudden shift in the environment.A chilling voice sliced through her confusion, freezing Reyana in her tracks. "Welcome
Aldric paced restlessly in his chamber. He might have to revisit the tavern tonight in order to drink and get drunk. His guilt was killing him.He had thought Reyana would somehow be found and saved by a good-hearted person. But he was wrong. How foolish of him to have never considered the possibility of her being found by a wrong person?He had indeed been a pawn in Visha's games. He lets her do the thinking always, while he regrets his actions after doing her bidding.He was pushed to tell Alpha Randall that Visha mentioned something about Novak working for Rashka. But he was still being... Stupid... Considering Visha's threats, as always.Perhaps it was time to stop being a coward and expose Visha fully. Whatever consequences come with it, he'd bear it. He deserved it.Aldric left his chamber and headed to Klara's chamber. She might be the best person to talk to about this."Aldric. What brings you here? You look... Troubled," she asked, observing him."Klara. I... I think I know s
"How do you do this?" Reyana scoffed, "How do you just turn your back against Randall so easily? Why should I believe you weren't working for Rashka all this while?""When I left the Blood Crescent pack, the outside world seemed so strange to me. I was lost. Almost couldn't find my way." Shota began, "I was lucky to have been found by Rashka, who brought me here.""I can't deal with this, Shota. He sent you here to cajole me into listening to him and doing his bidding, didn't he?" Reyana stood up angrily."He already performed whatever ritual he said he performed on the sigil. Why is he worried about my compliance when he can control me whenever he wants?" She said, almost yelling.Shota stood up, meeting her angry glare, "You are special. Rashka needs you in his quest for redemption. Your mating ceremony happens tonight, child. You'll finally be a part of the greater good," Shota said with a small smile before turning to leave."What did you just say? My mating ceremony? Is this what
Reyana called out to her sister with shock in her voice, but Odessa busied herself with what she had been tasked to do, just like on the day of Randall's mating ceremony.Hooded figures, their faces obscured by shadowy cowls, began chanting in an unfamiliar tongue. Incense filled the air, its acrid scent stinging her nostrils.In the center of the chamber, a raised platform stood. A chalice, filled with an unsettling crimson liquid, sat upon it.Reyana's gaze darted around. Suddenly, a flicker of movement in the corner of her eye caught her attention. And there, another choked gasp left her lips when she saw Fenris. "Fenris?" She breathes out. He was standing not so far from Rashka.What was happening? Had she gone mad? Was this some cruel illusion conjured by Rashka's dark magic?Reyana was going crazy with the turn of events here. What other surprise awaited her here?Wasn't Fenris 'Sacrificed?' what was he doing alive...? Not worried about trying to get out of this place?What had
"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