"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
Aldric sat in the inner courtroom of Alpha Novak, looking well beaten up. He had gotten a taste of Novak's anger, and he understood. He deserved more.Novak, his Beta, Gamma and Maya, stood with frowns on their faces, waiting for Aldric to speak."I don't know what it is called. But I can show you where," Aldric said, wiping off the blood stain from his mouth."And how do we know this isn't a trap set by you and that fool of an Alpha of yours?" Novak spat."I swear on my life, this is no trap. The earlier we act, the better for us all," Aldric replied.After a moment of silence, Novak spoke to his Gamma, "Gather the warriors. We set out to see this place he speaks of.""I'd like to come with you, Novak," Maya said."No. It might be dangerous. We have to be certain he isn't playing some tricks on us." Novak replied. "As soon as we succeed, she'll be back home to us. I promise."***Reyana had barely set eyes on Rashka in the last two days. She couldn't tell where he was and if everythi
Alpha Novak was fully prepared to go out in proper search for his sister. Aldric had taken them to the spot where he had kept Reyana when she passed out. It was a good start.His witches were waiting for him outside so they could go on the search. They were going to use an ancient method to trace Reyana's scent, foot imprint, energy, and anything at all they could use that would lead them to where she had been taken."You won't stop me this time, Novak. I am coming with you," Maya said when Novak stepped outside.His warriors, Aldric and Maya, stood waiting for him. He was prepared for a war, just in case there was need for it."Maya..." He wanted to protest but she wasn't having it, "Okay. Let's go."The witches swung into action as soon as they got to the woods,"Just pray to the Goddess she is found; otherwise, death will be a luxury you'd wish to have," Novak warned Aldric through gritted teeth.***Dust devils jigged across the plains of the parched earth as Alpha Randall, Klara,
"I didn't come here to help fight your battle, Alpha Randall," Alpha Parthe said coldly. "I am here for one purpose, and you know that.""I understand. But at this point, your help will be greatly appreciated. We sincerely need it." Alpha Randall replied."You were once arrogant and proud. Where did all that go?" Parthe said with amusement in his voice."Now isn't the time to be arrogant or proud. I need your help, and I am asking politely." Randall replied.There was silence."Still a no. We help you tear the veil, and that it is. Nothing more. I have other important matters to attend to after your pack. I can't dwell on this forever." Parthe said in the most relaxed tone for such a turndown.Randall's gaze shifted to Rashina and Sheila, who seemed to share the same opinion as Alpha Parthe, and they nodded in agreement."Sorry, Alpha Randall, but I have pack matters to attend to immediately," Luna Rashina said."I wish I could help. But a deal is a deal." Luna Sheila chipped in.Rand
"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