The earth spun on its axis for Reyana. There was chaos everywhere. Her heart hammered a frantic tattoo against her ribs as she scanned the faces around her.A roar of grief and rage ripped from Reyana's throat. Tears streamed down her face, blurring the image of the attackers, but her vision narrowed in on the nearest one. He was a hulking brute.Raising his wickedly curved blade, he lunged at a cowering woman in the doorway.Without a conscious thought, Reyana threw herself between them. Her small fist connected with the warrior's armored chest with a dull thud, barely registering against his imposing frame. But the distraction was enough.The woman scrambled back, a look of gratitude flickering in her tear-filled eyes.The brute had a menacing grin on his face, "That had a great impact, little girl," he mocked as he lunged at Reyana, his fist colliding with her cheek.Reyana fell harshly to the ground, her head still in a daze.A chorus of surprised shouts erupted as more women made
The Dark Silver territory was a bloody mess. Keir watched with grim satisfaction as the warriors slaughtered each other.A guttural growl escaped Keir's throat, a sound that spoke of both victory and simmering fury."Take our men! Help the wounded and carry the dead! Leave!" Keir ordered his warriors who hesitated, feeling reluctant to leave their Alpha in the enemy's territory."Now!" He commanded.They hurried toward their warriors laying on the floor, doing exactly as the Alpha had commanded.A lump formed in Keir's throat; each fallen warrior represented a gaping hole in his pack. These were fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons of women.Soon, the entire place was deserted of the Blood Crescent warriors, except for Aldric, Kellan, and Merikh who stayed with their Alpha.They had recognized some of the warriors who had attacked them. Most of them were from the Black Moon pack.The Dark Silver pack had given their allegiance to the Black Moon pack and it infuriated Alpha Randall ev
Klara had regained consciousness. She was weak but had no choice. She helped the injured pack members, tending to their wounds the best way her strength could let her.She saw some young men hurrying toward the pack. They were carrying someone.Klara scampered to her feet the moment she saw who it was."Where did you find her?" She asked when they approached her."Just by the border," One of the young men said, holding Reyana's legs securely, while the others held her hands, head, and back gently.Klara's face twisted in a frown. "By the border? How... How is that...?" She blurted out in confusion.She hadn't had the time to think about all that had transpired. She still hadn't gotten an explanation as to why Visha was lying in Reyana's stead on the battleground. She had been too busy tending to the wounded members.Visha had been taken into her chamber where they awaited her recovery. She was unconscious."Take her to my chamber now." She turned to Trina, "Administer the Emberbloom h
The first sliver of dawn light speared through Randall's eyelids, dragging him reluctantly from the clutches of unconsciousness. A groan escaped his lips as his head throbbed with a dull ache. He blinked, trying to focus his blurry vision.He found himself sprawled on a bed of damp grass, the familiar scent of pine needles and damp earth filling his nostrils.Panic clawed at his throat. Where was he? How did he get here? He sat up, wincing at the sharp pain that lanced through his skull.His puzzled gaze scanned the environment, resting on the figures lying beside him - Aldric, Kellan, and Merikh.They also stirred, their faces pale and drawn, as they sat up in confusion."What happened?" Kellan rasped, his voice hoarse, looking around the familiar environment, "How did we get here?"Kellan shook his head, the world tilting slightly as he felt a light pain on his shoulder. "I... I don't remember either."The injury on his shoulder was healing, but it was very gradual. It seemed those
Visha worriedly paced her chamber. The events of the previous day came flooding her memory. She hadn't had the time to think about it. She'd been sliding in and out of consciousness.She needed to act fast. She would lose her game faster than she thought if she didn't get the Alpha to give her his mark.She hadn't thought that Reyana had any special powers. Her awakening has made the stakes too high, and her true identity as the chosen one might be revealed soon.Alpha Novak had promised to kill her if anything ever went wrong with the plan.The sound of her door opening forced her out of her thoughts."Aldric..." She breathed with an outstretched hand, her voice bearing relief and desperation, her painted lips curving into a welcoming smile, "I thought I'd lost you."He didn't move towards her outstretched hand. Instead, he stepped into the room, the door swinging shut behind him with a loud thud.He stopped a few paces away from her, his gaze as cold and hard as the steel of his swo
Alpha Randall stirred lazily on his bed, a searing pain stabbing the side of his head as he blinked his eyes open.He didn't have the time to study his environment when he felt warm arms enveloping him in a desperate hug."Oh, Goddess! I thought I had lost you, Alpha!" Visha's sobbing voice rang in the quiet chamber as she buried her tear-filled face in his broad chest."Ah..." He winced."I'm sorry... I'm sorry... Are you fine? Where does it hurt?" She lifted herself off him, running her soft palms and curious eyes all over his body.Her hands rested on his wounded thigh, "Does it hurt so much?""Visha..." he called weakly, trying to sit up, "What... How did..." His throat felt dry.Visha quickly reached for the water on his table and handed it to him."A lot happened while you were away, Alpha. The pack... We... A lot of people died," she burst into fresh, uncontrollable tears.Fresh strength seemed to have seeped into Randall's bones as he jerked off the bed, trying to sit up at th
Alpha Randall, his broad shoulders slacked due to the heavy weight of grief he felt, stood by the window. The fading tendrils of sunlight cast his face in a gloomy glow, highlighting the worry lines etched on his face by the recent events.He panicked, but he did well to hide it.Vulnerability was a luxury he couldn't afford, especially not in the presence of a woman as brave as Visha.He was proud of her. But he felt a nagging worry for Reyana, his mate. Klara's chamber would be his first stop as soon as Aldric arrived. The very thought of seeing Reyana sent a wave of longing through him.Visha, perched on the edge of the bed, observed him with a predator's keenness. Her theatrics were a masterpiece.She couldn't help the overwhelming surge of excitement running through her.She knew Randall was putty in her hands. She knew how much Randall believed every word that left her lips. She used the opportunity of being the first person to have seen him awake to her advantage.Right now, he
"We would have lost even more people than we did if Reyana hadn't stepped in to save us all. She fought along with everyone else, defending her pack as the Luna she is," Klara began, making Randall turn around to face her."She..." Klara paused, contemplating if this was the best place and time to talk about Reyana's awakening. It might sound ridiculous to the Alpha since he had no prior knowledge about Reyana possessing any special abilities. He might scoff at the notion."Klara?" Alpha Randall called out, his voice laced with a hint of impatience, pulling her out of her thoughts."There is something you need to know, Alpha." She finally said."Isn't that why I gave you listening ears?" Randall countered, his brow furrowing in frustration. He needed clarity, not riddles."I'd like to discuss this with you in private," Klara said, briefly glancing at Aldric and Visha."They are no strangers. You can tell me right here," Randall pressed, curiosity hitting the roof.His attention was dr
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