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
The inner court of the Black Moon pack seemed to hold cheer as Alpha Novak drank from his goblet.The sour taste of the wine tingled his throat.He sat at the head of the table on his unique chair with his Beta seated at the right side of the table.Alpha Torress of the Dark Silver pack sat at the left side of the table.They were all in cheerful spirits."Alpha Novak," Alpha Torress began, his gruff voice sounding cheerful, "I can't thank you enough. We owe you a debt of blood! Your warriors were like beasts unleashed, tearing down Randall's army with no mercy!" He drained his goblet in a gulp, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips as his bald head, which was polished to a shine, gave a slight nod of appreciation.Alpha Torress is a man in his early fifties. Still standing strong and running his pack perfectly.He was a man of greed, as people may say. But to him, he always does what's best for his pack. It doesn't matter how he gets it done, even if it means offering his mate to an Eas
A frown creased Reyana's brow as she shook her head, her ebony hair shimmering in the dappled sunlight, "But Father, I have already told you, I don't know any Shota."Her father offered a patient smile, "Think, my princess. Think."Reyana's eyes narrowed in deep thought as she tried hard to recall."Ah... Yes... I have heard the name before now. I recall..." She stated, still trying to remember more details, "It was during the council meeting. She was the witch who hid the four necro keys hundreds of years ago... Isn't she?" Reyana finally remembered.Relief momentarily crossed her father's face."Indeed, my princess. She was the one who hid the keys," at the mention of the keys, a flicker of something Reyana couldn't quite place danced in his eyes, but she waved it off.Reyana's brow furrowed in deeper concentration. "But… but it was said that she mysteriously disappeared, never to be seen again. Hundreds of years have passed."Unease settled in her stomach. Why did her father seem s
"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