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
Novak stalked through the woods, his pace fueled by a simmering anger that threatened to boil over.His warriors and witches trailed behind him.They got a certain clearing and Aldric stopped."This is where you left her?" Novak demanded, his voice rough with unspoken emotions.Aldric inclined his head, a flicker of regret crossing his face. "Yes. Unconscious, but alive."Without another word, the five witches accompanying them, Letira and Corvus, stepped forward."We require an undisturbed area," Letira, the leader of the witches announced.Novak gestured towards a clearing a few paces away. "Let's give them some space."They moved swiftly, while Letira lay down intricate patterns of woven branches and leaves. Corvus, her assistant, produced a small pouch and began chanting a low, guttural melody, the other three witches chanting along with her.Minutes turned into a tense silence broken only by the soft murmur of the witches' chants. Letira's hands moved with practiced ease, sprinkl
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