"Visha. What if someone had seen you? I can't be seen with you and you know that!" Aldric said, his words carried a mix of worry and exasperation, his brows furrowed in concern."You have to stay calm, Aldric. I assure you, I mean no harm," her voice was honeyed, concealing the underlying cunning that Aldric was all too familiar with."Look, Visha. I know we are mates, and I also know you aren't lying about it. But, come on! This is a death wish! What would the Alpha do if he ever sees us together?" His voice carried a hint of fear, knowing the consequences of such a forbidden relationship.Visha's pleading eyes met Aldric's, her gaze searching for empathy. "I have been asking for just one favor, Aldric. Is it too much to ask?" Her voice carried a soft plea, her vulnerability peeking through the cracks in her facade.Visha had become like a plague to him. She was always trying to get his attention. He knew they were mates, but he still had to be careful around her. He still doesn't tr
Alone in her chamber, Reyana stood by the ornate window, the first rays of dawn painting her surroundings in soft hues of gold and lavender.She had left the Alpha's chamber early enough to have the time to prepare for the meeting. She was able to read through the scrolls given to her by the Alpha, to his surprise. And now, she was equipped enough to go for the meeting.He had given her some more scrolls to read, but she asked for permission to read them in her chamber, to enable her to prepare early enough for the meeting and thankfully, he agreed.As she sifted through the scrolls, a strange yet familiar warmth started to spread through her body. It was so subtle and so delicate it felt like a whisper against her skin. It started from her fingertips, a tingling sensation that she initially dismissed as a result of fatigue or perhaps an unusual reaction to the morning light streaming through her window. But as moments passed, the warmth deepened, weaving tendrils of sensation that s
"You're burning up, Reyana. Your fever is dangerously high," Klara's gentle touch was a balm to Reyana's feverish body as she administered potions to Reyana.They had dismissed everyone who was present in the room, leaving just Klara, Alpha Randall, Visha, and Aldric in the room.Their gazes were heavy with unspoken questions and a hint of disappointment."What happened to you, Reyana?" Klara asked calmly as she observed Reyana."I... I don't know. I just... it's just exhaustion, Klara," Reyana murmured weakly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think it was all due to my lack of adequate sleep," Reyana said weakly as her gaze darted around the room.She was still curious to know what that woman had told them about her.A pang of jealousy stabbed at Reyana's heart as she observed Visha's proximity to Alpha Randall, the way he comforted her with a touch that felt too intimate for Reyana's comfort.She saw how Visha held onto Alpha Randall's arm as if her life depended on it, and he l
"You have to tell me all I need to know, Reyana. Otherwise, I might not be able to help you," Klara said as soon as the others left.She felt there was something Reyana was keeping away from everyone and she was determined to dig it all out.She felt her eyes welling up with tears, "I don't know where to start, Klara," she confessed, her voice trembling with emotion as she struggled to contain her overwhelming hurt and fear."Start from the beginning, Reyana. I'm here for you," Klara reassured, offering a comforting smile as she sat beside Reyana, You can trust me, Reya. I am a friend, not a foe.""It all started when I was barely seven..." Reyana began to pour out her story to Klara.She spoke of the traumatic invasion of her pack when she was barely eighteen, the terror and pain etched in her memories, and how she had lost her parents in the tragic event, leaving her all alone in this cruel world.She told her also about some of the dreams she had been having. She didn't feel the ne
Beta Aldric, Gamma Kellan, Reyana, and Klara, including some pack warriors, were already assembled outside on their horses, awaiting the Alpha's arrival, their horses restlessly pawing at the ground, eager to set off.Reyana couldn't help but steal glances at Aldric, but he seemed determined to avoid her gaze, a pang of hurt flickering in her chest.As the Alpha approached, all eyes turned towards him as he made his way out of the fortress to the large field where they were gatheredReyana's eyes narrowed with a mixture of anger and disgust as she watched Visha latch onto the Alpha, her grip possessive and irritating. As usual, clinging onto him like a pest. She suppressed an inward eye-roll, refusing to let Visha's antics affect her composure.Everyone bowed their heads curtly when the Alpha approached. He was clad in regal attire befitting his status, a garment that set him apart from the rest of the gathering in its grandeur and significance.His long, flowing tunic made of rich ve
Everyone in the group was silent when the journey continued. The strange intruder that was seen seemed to have tampered with the atmosphere.Alpha Randall had barely spoken to him. Two warriors were asked to accompany him to the pack until they returned from the meeting.Reyana was dying of curiosity but she wasn't able to ask questions because she sensed it to be a sensitive topic. She decided she'd ask Klara all about it when they were back from the meeting.Reyana took in the fresh air when they approached the mountains. She hadn't felt so much freshness in a very long time and she instantly wished to experience more of that freedom."Connecting with nature, I suppose?" Klara's voice sounded from beside her, flashing her a friendly smile.'Finally! Someone had spoken to her', she thought in her head but she only smiled and nodded at Klara.The cold breeze from the mountains helped soothe the storm that had been raging inside her. The burning sensation she had felt that morning stil
Alpha Randall was conflicted. He didn't know if he was to feel embarrassed or proud of his mate, for the fact that she wasn't making any sense yet. She just sat still and observed, hoping to the Moon Goddess that Reyana doesn't put him to shame before so many Alphas.Alpha Novak made sure to mask his true feelings as he listened to Reyana spew out pure truth. They already know where the other two keys are hidden and how to get them. Most interestingly, the one trying to proffer a solution is actually the most significant key. What an irony.Not everyone knows about the fourth key to be a wolf. Years ago, Shota had hidden the key far away from every other entity, but at some point, she decided to carry out a ritual that made it possible for her to transfer the key to a very powerful witch, Tamara, who was her second in command at that time.She then came up with a prophecy that said that one day, a female would be conceived and would be born from the lineage of Tamara. That child would
"That is impossible!" Alpha Randall said in furry as he slammed his palm on the table before him, "The black-eyed wolf died a long time ago!" His eyes were brimming with anger."Alpha Randall. We all thought so too, but this prophesy was revealed for a reason. It is Selene's way of telling us to be watchful, in order not to be taken by surprise," Elder Kai explained, although his tone tinged with worry."You all believe this?" Randall asked, looking around everyone in the hall as silence enveloped the hall."This isn't about what to or what not to believe. The prophecy is here, Alpha Randall. It wasn't fabricated. We have to watch out for him," Alpha Nik broke the silence from the crowd."Then where has he been all along?" Alpha Randall asked with a scoff of unbelieve, "Perhaps he's been waiting to make a grand entrance?""Or, perhaps he's been the one stealing the keys all along?" Reyana's voice rang from where she sat, making Randall glare at her."I know nothing about this black-ey
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
"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