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
"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