"I know how you feel, love. But I am not responsible for that," He said, emphasizing the word 'ex' with disdain.Reyana let out a humorless scoff, "Rashka... Why? Why are you twisting the truth and weaving a web of lies?" Her voice trembled with a mix of anger and despair. "Why are you trying so hard to come between me and Randall?""There's no twisting, love," Rashka countered, his voice dripping with a sickening sweetness. "Just enlightening you about the truth your precious 'ex' was too cowardly to share." He emphasized the word 'ex' with disdain, which sent a fresh wave of hurt crashing over Reyana."There was never something between both of you. I am not coming between you both. I am here to take what's mine, which I did last night," he smiled satisfactorily when he gazed at his mark on her neck."I'll send your sister over. Both of you have some catching up to do," Rashka announced casually, a self-satisfied smirk twisting his lips before walking out of the chamber with four hef
"Our mother..." Odessa began, her throat tightening, "was mated to the famous Alpha Nolan years ago. He was an abusive bastard. He treated her with so much cruelty for reasons best known to him. Mother had four pups already for him. She was just like a breeder to him." A tear escaped, tracing a glistening path down her cheek."He never gives her time to recuperate. He was desperately seeking a second son. One wasn't enough for him.." Odessa said, waiting for her sister to process everything she had said before continuing."When mother couldn't bear the cruelty anymore, she had to flee." She reached out, her hand trembling as it brushed away a stray tear from Reyana's cheek. "We were so small then,"Odessa's voice hitched, and a tremor ran through her usually strong frame. "She wasn't just fleeing for her own sake, Reyana. She was running for us. Your tiny fingers, barely wrapped around mine, and me, a scrawny pup clinging to her back. We were all she could manage to carry."More tears
Reyana was bored out of her skull. If she stayed back in there, stuck in that fancy room, she might just die of boredom. Odessa had to leave to attend to other matters when they were done eating. She understood.Rashka hadn't returned since he left that morning. She had tried all she could to get him off her thoughts, but he was at the center of her imagination.Last night was intense. So intense that thinking about it made her crave more of him. Was he always that way? She thought.Rashka was totally different from Randall in so many ways. While Randall wouldn't dwell so much on foreplay, Rashka was the master of foreplay.Rashka brought her to the brink of her release multiple times with just his fingers. Goddess! He was an embodiment of everything forbidden yet desirable.Staying in that chamber, consumed with those thoughts, she might mind-link him to return just to come and do those bad things to her again. She had to step outside. Craving Rashka shouldn't be the last thing she d
"Close your eyes," Rashka whispered, and she did as she was told.Reyana was transported from reality to a very familiar environment. The same one she saw the day she unintentionally pried into Randall's memory.The familiar smell of blood greeted her nose, making her dart her gaze around.At the far end of the familiar large room, she saw the young boy kneeling before two bodies in a pool of crimson - A man and a woman.Silver stakes were sticking out from their hearts as more blood pumped out of the spot. The bodies were freshly murdered. She recalled from Randall's memory.She walked closer to the scene. This time, without fear and panic like the first time.Reyana saw the young boy whose face was contorted in grief... Young Alpha Randall. His eyes reflected a bottomless well of despair.He looked so innocent and helpless. He cried with so much pain and agony that it made her heart ache for him like the first time."I'm so sorry, mother, father." he choked out.Suddenly, that cold,
Reyana got a better understanding of Randall's scar. Now, she also knew why Rashka had a necklace resembling Randall's. It wasn't just identical. It was the exact same.Which birthed a question in her... Was it then Rashka who sent the Ashkais to the Blood Crescent pack?She didn't know if this was the best time to ask him, so she decided against it. She'd ask him about it later.She hadn't been able to feel better after listening to Rashka's story. She didn't know how to feel about Randall. Anger. Disgust. Fear. If he could do this to his own brother, then he was truly evil.She lay on the bed at the very edge. Rashka's story hadn't changed the fear he instilled in her with his presence. That was something she'd never be used to. She thought.She still had to be careful around him.Rashka had been sitting at his study table all evening while Reyana lay bored, tossing around restlessly."Come," she heard him call out to her. But it was from the mind link. She rolled her eyes before sl
Alpha Randall had become a shadow of himself. He barely had any sleep or rest. His scouts had combed around the entire territory and beyond, but Reyana was nowhere to be found.He was fully dressed and ready to storm Novak's pack to demand answers. Novak should know where he can find Rashka since he works for him.He was willing to spill Novak's blood if he didn't get the answers he sought."This is all your fault! She is finally gone forever!" Keir resumed his nagging. Apart from his nagging conscience, Keir had made it a point of duty to remind him of his foolishness every day.Keir hasn't been himself since they felt their bond with Reyana severed. A part of him felt weak and lost. He was hurt. They had lost their mate.But Randall had promised to bring her back no matter the cost."Keir... Are we still doing this?" He sighed."Yes. We are. See where your pride and foolishness have gotten us. Shouldn't you be proud of yourself? Your pack is in total chaos because of you!" Keir yell
Alpha Randall sat in his private courtroom, alone with his thoughts. Scrolls scattered around his table. Vials containing potions to keep him awake were spread across the table.Randall had become a shadow of himself. His pack, which was one of the biggest packs, was now a thing of ridicule.His people were starving. Farmlands becoming barren. Sickness becoming the order of the day. Sadness and depression tainted the corners of his pack.He had become a shadow of himself. He had no one else to blame but himself. Staying awake and looking for an alternative to the solution Klara provided was not enough punishment. He deserved more punishment for his foolishness.Loneliness was now his best companion. He didn't speak to anyone. Neither was he eating. His wolf, Keir, had deserted him too.Everyone warned him. The signs were there. But he was blinded by love and revenge.Perhaps, just like Keir said, his sins were already catching up with him.Perhaps he wasn't meant to be the Alpha of th
Master Rashka sat amidst his most trusted witches in their inner coven. His Ashkais heavily guarded this place. No one dared trespass on that environment. It was sacred.Dark energy emanated from within. Seven witches sat around the long table, deep in conversation, with Rashka seated at the head of the table."Now that we have the four Necro keys, what is our next action? It's time for the ritual, Rashka." Zendaya, the only one who can address Rashka by his name, asked.She had been growing impatient. She'd been waiting for this moment for centuries. The moment she would witness dark magic take over their realm.She was thankful to have followed that narrow bush path on that fateful day. The day she found the half-dead Rashka in the pool of his own blood.As soon as she saw and touched him, the most potent form of darkness emanated from him. The darkness was raw. Birthed from anger. Pain. Accusations. Hurt. Wish for revenge.Young Rashka's eyes were pitch black. It was his wolf. They
The war was a maelstrom of steel and blood, tearing through the heart of the Blood Crescent pack.The war had begun in full force. The chaos was heart-wrenching. It seemed Rashka's army had one assignment - destroy everything that made up the Blood Crescent pack.They were not soldiers fighting for honor or glory; they were instruments of destruction, their eyes burning with a cold, inhuman light. They tore down buildings with savage glee, their laughter echoing through the chaos.Women and children screamed, fear consuming them.The Ashkais barely had the time to fight. It was almost like they weren't scared to die.Of course, they weren't. Not that they were actual wolves. They were just Rashka's twisted creations."Protect whatever you can! We can't lose all our homes!" Randall yelled into the air as he lounged at one of the Ashkais who was headed toward the homes for the elderly.Alpha Parthe had sent about a thousand warriors. His armies could never be killed by mere blades, whic
"Make sure every able-bodied warrior is armed and ready. We can't let them breach our borders." He ordered Xular, the new Head of his warriors, as he dished out orders to his men."Alpha! Xular!" Two men ran breathlessly toward the warriors who were warming up for the war ahead. They looked troubled."What happened?" Xular stepped forward."The armory! The armory is on fire! It's been set ablaze!" One of the men said almost breathlessly."What?" Randall asked, "Armory ablaze?" he repeated, disbelief and a growing sense of dread washing over him. The armory was their lifeline, their teeth against the world. Without it, they were defenseless pups facing a hungry wolf pack. His eyes widened in shock as his legs propelled him towards the armory without a second thought.As they hurried toward the armory, they saw the women and children coming from the direction of the Shelter."Where are you all going? You should be at the Shelter..." Randall began, but his voice was drowned out by the ch
"What?" Randall said, holding her by both arms, "How did you know?""He told me. Last night." She replied, getting Randall even more confused."How? Did he come here? How did no one see him?" Randall almost panicked, but he had to be calm."No, Randall. The Sigil. With the Sigil of possession, I am never far from Rashka. Prepare for what's to come, Randall." Reyana said, walking away into her chamber.Since she woke up that morning, she had been feeling strange. The feeling of hatred and pain she felt while at the Oasis seemed to intensify after her encounter with Rashka last night.As Reyana moved through the dimly lit corridors of the fortress, a wave of nausea washed over her. The Sigil on her back throbbed with a dull, insistent pain, its faint glow pulsing in rhythm with her heartbeat.She stumbled into her chambers, closing the door behind her with trembling hands. The room seemed to close in around her, the shadows elongating and shifting as if they were alive.She felt utmost
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