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
Reagan sat on a stool beside Reyana's bed, watching over her. From the day he met her, he felt a certain warmth towards her.He felt the need to protect her. Watch over her. He couldn't tell why.Klara had made them both promise not to tell a single soul about what they had just witnessed on Reyana, and they made the promise.She had also assured them that she'd look for answers about what was truly happening. Reagan was okay with not telling anyone, and since Ria was Reyana's best friend, they were sure she'd keep her mouth shut.Klara had gone out to attend the council meeting Randall had called for. Reagan couldn't bring himself to leave Reyana just yet.After almost an eternity of staring at Reyana and making sure she was sound asleep, his gaze drifted toward Ria, who also sat on the other bed, keeping her gaze on Reyana, too."How are you doing?" He asked just before he could stop himself.Ria slowly peeled her gaze from Reyana's sleeping frame, focusing her soft gaze on Reagan,
The Alpha felt a slight discomfort at the mention of Reagan. They still hadn't settled their differences yet, especially their most recent clash before he embarked on this cursed war, but that wasn't important now.Personal grievances could wait. They had other pressing threats at hand."How so?" He asked Gwyneth, who stood, waiting for approval to continue speaking."He had examined the attackers," she began, "their armor, their weaponry - none of it belonged to any pack we recognize." Her gaze swept across the room, "It was unlike anything we've ever seen, far more lethal.""And, logically, the Dark Silver pack is a small pack. They wouldn't dare attack us in this manner with their limited forces. They can't afford the luxury of extra warriors to carry out an attack on our pack while the rest of them face our army out there," Gwyneth explained vividly her observations with Reagan.The hall went silent, reasoning out all she had said."They could be from Novak's pack, since he helped
Klara paced her inner chamber, anger evaporating from every pore on her skin. She had tolerated Visha enough, but today... Today, Visha, that viper, had finally pushed her too far, spewing venomous accusations in front of the entire pack.Alpha Randall, bless his oblivious heart, had adjourned the meeting earlier. The turn of events had taken even him by surprise.Alpha Randall knew Klara too well, and he knew there was no way in hell she could be a traitor. He knew Visha had overstepped her boundaries, too, but of course, he was too in love to scold her.Klara had walked out of the hall in hurt and humiliation. Visha had ridiculed her in the presence of everyone.Shame, a bitter pill on her tongue, burned alongside the sting of betrayal. Hot tears welled in her eyes, threatening to spill over, but she held back. Visha would never be the reason she'd shed a tear.A sharp knock on the oak door startled her from her maelstrom of emotions."Who is it?" She called out, her voice rough wit
"Get your hand off me."Klara's words made Visha blink in surprise. She hadn't expected Klara to act that way. Here, in front of the Alpha himself, Klara dared to challenge her."I... I apologize," Visha stammered, her voice tight. Hurriedly, she retreated to the bedside, her eyes darting from Klara's icy glare to the Alpha's impassive face. Disappointment gnawed at her.The Alpha, as always, remained silent, offering no rebuke to Klara's insolence. He didn't even say anything in her favor. She had noticed that the Alpha hardly ever scolded Klara, no matter what.'What is it about her?' Visha thought, her stomach churning with venomous jealousy. Klara, with her sharp tongue, seemed to possess an invisible shield that deflected any reprimand from the Alpha.If she hadn't known the Alpha to an extent, she would have thought he was sleeping with Klara.A warm hand settled on Visha's shoulder, "She'll be fine." Randall said, pulling her out of her thoughts.Visha offered a weak nod, her g
"Visha is the chosen one."Klara's gaze narrowed down on him. Randall had always thought Visha was the chosen one. It was nothing new to them. But this time... It was different... His words carried more certainty than contemplation. It made her panic."You've always thought so," She replied, hoping that it was still a thought to him.A flicker of satisfaction crossed Randall's features. "I am certain of it now," he said, a hint of triumph coloring his voice. "She told me about her awakening. She described everything, how she used her newfound power to save the pack."Klara felt the blood drain from her face. The air grew thin, stealing the very breath from her lungs. Had she been mistaken? Had her own mind conjured the image of the Crescent Moon shimmering on Reyana's skin? She had almost began to doubt all that she had witnessed that day.Panic clawed at her throat. She was certain, absolutely certain, of what she'd witnessed that day. But Visha… what game was she playing? This went
Klara finally succumbed to sleep. She had finally managed to sleep after a restless night. She felt vengeful and hurt.Visha's presence in the pack became a worry to her. It seemed to her that Visha was doing more harm than good to the Alpha.She thought of ways to handle the situation at hand, but she wasn't coming up with any good ideas. But she would never allow Visha to bring chaos upon the pack their ancestors had built with their sweat and blood.Klara was a descendant of one of the most powerful witches of the Blood Crescent pack. Her bloodline was known to have served the Blood Crescent pack for hundreds of years. Their loyalty was always with this pack.This was her home. No one would destroy it.Sleep had finally claimed her late into the night, and she seemed to be having a peaceful sleep when she heard an urgent knock on her door.She tried to ignore it, but it persisted, pulling her out of her slumber. She grudgingly opened her eyes, wondering if it was already morning, b
A flicker of relief danced across Reagan's face, "Thank you," he murmured, "Now, tell me everything." A sweet, assuring smile formed on his lips.Her voice, hoarse from exhaustion and unspoken fear, poured out the events of the early hours. She expressed her worry about Reyana's state of unconsciousness."I am trying to be brave and to stay positive, Reagan, but I am afraid. She's been in this state for four days now. What if she doesn't come out of it?" A single tear traced a path down her cheek, but she quickly brushed it away."You have to stay positive. Reyana will be fine. She is a fighter, and she'll pull through this. I have no doubt." His words held encouragement."Together, we can help her," he continued, his gaze meeting hers, "Let's find the herbs you need for that potion. We'll do everything in our power to wake her."A flicker of gratitude sparked in Klara's eyes. His words and support were like a lifeline in the sea of her anxieties."About the glow and scar we saw... Ha
Alpha Randall was proud of his warriors. At the same time, he was thankful for Alpha Parthe's warriors. But at this point, he saw a very difficult situation facing them. The war seemed impossible to win.His warriors were totally outnumbered, and Alpha Parthe's warriors, despite their skills, were acting based on their Alpha's order: 'Leave the battle the moment one hundred of his men are down.' Alpha Parthe likes his warriors the same way he likes his women. He doesn't tolerate losses. And if it isn't his own battle, he doesn't see why his men should risk their lives saving another pack, no matter what the deal was.A cold dread washed over Randall as he watched Alpha Parthe's warriors begin their retreat. The signal was clear: one hundred of their men had fallen, and as per their agreement, they were withdrawing.Randall's heart raced, and his mind scrambled for a solution. He couldn't blame Parthe for protecting his forces under his stringent rules of engagement, yet the sting of
Randall's vision blurred with pain and anger. He could barely process Rashka's words, his mind struggling to reconcile the reality before him. "Reyana," he called out, his voice strained. "What has he done to you?"Reyana's eyes glinted with mischief and darkness, "This is who I am, Randall," she replied, her voice devoid of emotion. "Rashka has shown me the truth. Our destiny is to rule, not to serve."Randall's heart shattered at her words, but he knew he couldn't afford to lose himself in grief. He gritted his teeth against the pain and forced himself to stand. The wound in his side burned, but he refused to let it weaken him further.Randall tightened his grip on his sword, his resolve hardening. "I won't let you destroy everything we've built," he declared. "I will fight until my last breath.""Your last breath is all I desire, brother," Rashka said with a cruel smile and walked back to the warriors he had come with.Reyana followed him behind.Randall's vision blurred with a mix
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