"Vi... Visha?" Aldric stared at her wide-eyed as he struggled to make sense of the whole situation, "You are the mole? You were the woman Reyana saw in the woods? Why? Who..." His questions spilled out in a rush, each word tinged with a mix of anger and confusion."Hold your horses, Aldric," Visha interrupted him, her tone calm yet firm, betraying no hint of guilt or remorse."What did you mean by the words you just uttered?" Aldric's voice trembled slightly, his throat constricting with emotions he couldn't name."It all happened on the previous full moon, Aldric. I found out we were mates." She broke the news to him, letting the words sink in slowly as she watched out for his reaction."What? That isn't possible, Visha. You are more deadly than I thought. You think I'd fall for this?" Aldric's disbelief laced his words, his gaze hardening as he stared at her in disgust, letting out an amused chuckle.Visha's lips moved in a rhythmic chant, invoking ancient powers as her palm traced
"We have a mole in our pack," Alpha Randall's stern voice cut through the tense atmosphere like a sharp blade, commanding everyone's attention"And we know we do not condone such," Alpha Randall continued, his gaze piercing as he scanned the crowd for any signs of guilt. "The penalty for such treachery is instant death," he announced firmly.Visha shifted uncomfortably in her standing position. Her eyes glistened with tears as she covered her mouth with her palm at the mention of the verdict against the mole.As Alpha Randall's eyes swept across the crowd, they briefly met with Merikh's. The Alpha's curiosity flickered at seeing Merikh among the pack instead of with his usual officials, but he pushed the thought aside for the moment. There were more pressing matters at hand, and he would address any concerns later.Merikh was seen holding onto his new mate, Isanda, whom he had just marked. She appeared sickly and weak, leaning on him for support. Despite her condition, she had been un
Reyana and Ria sat in silence in Reyana's small chamber as if they were both scared of speaking to each other.There was heavy gloom in the entire pack the whole night, following the event of that day.Isanda's absence left a void in the pack's heart. Her kind and loving nature had woven her into the fabric of the entire pack, and her sudden fall from grace left them reeling.She was loved by everyone in the pack. She was a sweet girl who lost her parents when she was very young. She was taken good care of by other pack members and everyone became her family."I am scared for my life, Ria," Reyana finally broke the silence, "I still can't believe I was mated to a monster like this," her voice quivered as she fidgeted nervously, her fingers trembling as she struggled to contain her emotions.Ria had exhausted all her soothing words. She knew there was nothing else to say. Randall was actually a monster, no doubt about it.Ria, having exhausted all words of comfort, offered a reassuring
Alpha Randall had met with Klara earlier that day and he asked her about the new potion she made for him two days before. Klara had told him she hadn't gotten a new recipe yet, but she was surprised it worked for the Alpha and she was happy. Although she hadn't administered any to the Alpha the previous night, but to their surprise, he had slept peacefully that night even without the potion. Alpha Randall thought sarcastically, 'Perhaps having sex with Reyana made him sleep.' He chuckled at the silly thought of that all by himself but somehow, that silly thought made him desire her instantly. He had to send for her. Moreover, she was his mate. He had every right to her at any time. "Come to bed, Reyana. Don't just stand there," He said when she stood unmoving. Reyana cleared her throat, she felt her stomach twisting with an unsettling emotion. How was he even acting like he didn't just order the execution of one of his own? What kind of a monster was he? And now he wants to crown h
Ria and Kellan spent some quality time together after Reyana left. Ria was more convinced that Kellan liked her.He had assured her beyond reasonable doubt that he was serious about her and that what he felt for her was genuine.Ria had decided to give him a chance, to see how things play out. But she was also going to tread with care and caution.They had both agreed that their relationship would remain a secret until they came up with a better way of letting it out.Ria felt butterflies in her stomach at how Kellan held her lovingly in his strong arms, making her feel safe and shielded."Kellan?" She called softly, lifting her head to look at his handsome face."Yes, my love," He replied, making her blush really hard."There is something that's been of great concern to me..." She started."Go ahead and tell me," Kellan replied."It's about the Alpha and my friend," she paused, looking out for his reaction. It was a sensitive topic. But she got no reaction from him. He only listened.
The grand chamber was adorned with pristine white drapes that caught the morning sunlight, casting a soft glow over the room.A beautiful young woman lay gracefully on the expansive bed, her delicate features illuminated by the gentle rays, her ethereal beauty creating an enchanting sight.She watched with a mix of longing and sadness at the tall figure of the man who moved around the room bare-chested, his muscular silhouetted against the bright backdrop. He was totally engrossed in whatever he was thinking about, almost forgetting that she was lying on his bed."Alpha," Naya's voice floated softly, like a delicate melody in the quiet chamber, "Do you want to attend the coronation?" Her large blue eyes filled with innocence and concern, remained fixed on him, silently pleading for his attention."No," he replied casually, not sparing her a glance.Naya's heart sank slightly at his indifferent tone. "So... does that mean you won't be going?" She was careful with her words, not wanting
Reyana's heart skipped a beat as she looked into his eyes, "Al... Aldric..." She called out in an almost inaudible voice as she made to touch his arm but he pulled back."Reyana," Aldric responded, his voice devoid of its usual warmth, sending a pang of hurt through her already wounded heart."Aldric... Can we talk? I want us to talk. Please," she said desperately, her eyes pleading desperately for him to at least grant her audience.Aldric's response was laced with bitterness and resentment. "I don't want to die, Reyana. I've learned the hard way that you walk away unscathed while others suffer for your actions.""No matter what happens, I am the one at the risk of being punished by death while you walk away scot-free," he added as he looked at her with slight disgust on his face."Don't say that, Aldric," her eyes welled up with tears, "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice trembling with regret, "I should have listened to you that night. I should have..."Aldric's anger flared, "Wh
The atmosphere within the Blood Crescent pack bustled with feverish activity as the sun began its descent towards the horizon.The great hall was adorned with intricate decorations, vibrant banners displaying the pack's emblem fluttered proudly, and the scent of freshly prepared food wafted through the air.Rich tapestries depicting the heroic feats of the pack's ancestors and intricate floral arrangements crafted from wildflowers and ivy filled the hall.Candlelit chandeliers bathed the hall in a soft, flickering light, casting dancing shadows across the polished stone floors.Members of the pack hurried about, putting the final touches on the preparations for the coronation ceremony that was to commence in just an hour.Guests from far and wide began to arrive in horses and carriages, their footsteps echoing through the pack territory as they made their way towards the grand hall.Enforcers, vigilant and alert, stood guard at every corner, ensuring the safety and security of the pac
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, which
"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