"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
"What was the dream about this time? It feels different from your usual ones," Ria gently probed. She had always known about Reyana's scary dreams. But with the worried look on Reyana's face, she knew there was more to this very dream.Reyana took a deep breath, her voice tinged with worry as she carefully recounted the haunting details of her dream to Ria.She also told Ria about attempting to tell Klara and the obstacle she encountered on her way. Tears threatened to spill, but Ria intervened, offering a reassuring embrace to quell Reyana's rising emotions."Don't ruin your make-up. It's fine. You don't have to let Visha ruin your beauty tonight, okay?" Ria embraced her, patting her back soothingly."I have a very bad feeling about today. I feel this dark energy around the pack and it's making me uneasy," Reyana said, goosebumps prickling her skin, as unease crept all over her."It's all in your head, Reya. Shake it all off and enjoy the day. I'll be by your side most of the time,"
"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