Aldric sat up on the bed, "A woman? In the woods?""Yes, Aldric. She was no ordinary person.""What do you mean? Who was she and where was she from? Did she say something to you?""She's from our pack. I never saw her face because she was well covered as if she was hiding something. She was hastily walking towards the border. She had a very dark energy, Aldric. She is a witch," Reyana explained.Aldric let out a slight chuckle, "Reya..." he fondled her messy hair, "Have you been having those nightmares again?" he smiled at her."What have my nightmares got to do with this, Aldric?" She asked with furrowed brows."Remember we found you unconscious in the woods? You must have had one of those nightmares when you were unconscious, making you think all you saw was real...""Stop it, Aldric! I know what I saw! How do you think I ended up half-dead in the middle of the woods? She used black magic on me!" She almost yelled out of frustration"But, Reya, in as much as I'd love to believe you,
It had been two long days since Reyana had last felt the cold grip of chains around her wrists. She had been released and was free to go about her usual activities around the pack.She stood before the mirror, her hands trembling as she brushed her hair in an attempt to regain some semblance of normalcy as she prepared to go out and get something to do with her time. She was done healing.As she stared at her reflection, Reyana's thoughts drifted to Alpha Randall, the man whose presence had become an ever-present shadow in her mind. Since that fateful night, she had not laid eyes on him, and Aldric on the other hand had been keeping his distance.Reyana was eager to go out and mingle with people because she was tired of feeling trapped and frustrated. She was finally a prisoner in her pack.Her heart sank as her gaze fell upon the bracelet adorning her wrist – the Arcane bind. A single tear traced a path down her cheek.The Arcane bind sat mockingly on her wrist. As harmless as it loo
The air crackled with tension as Reyana's heart hammered against her ribcage, her every breath coming out in shallow, ragged gasps. She could see the flicker of surprise in his green eyes.For a moment, time seemed to grind to a halt. Randall's world shrunk to a suffocating darkness as Reyana's words echoed through the caverns of his soul deep down the depths of his existence.Fear, anger, hurt, and pain intertwined in a suffocating embrace, constricting his chest with an iron grip as he felt a knot in his stomach.Reyana's boldness caught him off guard, her audacity piercing through the armor he had carefully crafted around his heart. He never expected her to reject him.Reyana felt fear sipping through the cracks of her fearless facade as Randall's silence and lack of expression sent icy chills down her spine.After almost an eternity of silence, Alpha Randall let out a smile... That was the first time she'd ever seen him smile, and she couldn't deny that he had the most charming sm
"The coronation is in four days," Aldric remarked, gently fondling her hair as they both sat in a hidden place somewhere around the garden with Reyana lying in his arms.Reyana wasn't so sure how to react. She knew how hurt Aldric must have been feeling at that point."You also have the Arcane bind on your wrist..." he stated, unconsciously running his fingers around the bind on her wrist.Reyana was still quiet, waiting to see where he was headed."This means we are stuck in the pack. There is no escape from here," his voice was low and sad.Reyana felt a painful thud in her heart as she sat up to face him, "Aldric... I love you," she declared, gazing into his hurtful eyes, "No matter what happens, we'll still be together. It's a good thing the Alpha doesn't want me. We can keep on seeing each other, just like right now."Aldric chuckled, "I wish it was that simple, Reya. As soon as you are crowned Luna, you officially become his.""I'll only be his Luna, not his lover nor his wife.
Klara listened with rapt attention to all Reyana told her. She looked closely at the dagger in her hand and thought of the best way to go about it."You mentioned something about it being poisonous, right?" Klara asked, still taking a proper look at the dagger."Yes, it is," Reyana replied, scanning the dimly lit environment to be sure no one was in sight."Although I haven't had anyone come to me for treatment of any injury for a long time. Are you very certain this person is from this pack?" Klara asked with furrowed brows."Yes, I am. She called me by name, Klara," Reyana's response had no doubt in it."Okay. I still think the Alpha has to be aware of this. It might help in our search for this person," Klara suggested."No..." Reyana quickly objected, "He'll never believe me. This happened on the same night I attempted to leave the pack. He might think I made up the story. We can tell him when we have proof of who this person is."Klara thought about her point and it was valid. The
Reyana knocked on the small wooden door as she waited patiently for a response.She pushed the door open when the door was answered."Reyana, you came back?" Klara asked with furrowed brows."Yes, Klara. I forgot to bring along the herbs you asked me to pick for you," Reyana explained, setting down the basket of herbs with a thud.Klara's eyes softened with gratitude as she glanced at the bounty Reyana had brought. "Oh, thank you, Reyana. You shouldn't have gone through all this trouble."Reyana waved off her concern with a smile. "It's no trouble at all, Klara. I was bored anyway. What are you working on?" She asked curiosity piqued as she observed Klara mixing herbs in a small bowl."It's for the Alpha," Klara replied, her voice tinged with sadness as she continued meshing the herbs in the bowl."The Alpha?" Reya was puzzled, "Is he sick?" She asked, hoping he'd just die and let her live her life.Klara shook her head slowly. "Not exactly," she murmured, her gaze distant.Reyana sen
Reyana felt the entire world spinning as the realization of who the bearer of the voice was came crashing down on her. Randall.His grip on her wrist tightened, sending a jolt of fear coursing through her veins. She could feel the heat of his body radiating behind her, his closeness suffocating her."What are you doing here, Reyana?" His voice sliced through the tense silence, dripping with malice and accusation."I... I..." Her voice wavered, her mind racing for an excuse to escape the suffocating atmosphere, "Klara asked me to bring your potion, Alpha. I'll be on my way now," She managed to stutter out through rasped breaths as she attempted to leave at once.Reyana still had her back pressed against the solid wall of Randall's chest, the mere thought of turning around to face him filling her with dread. She couldn't bear the thought of looking into his eyes.She took a few steps away from him, but Alpha Randall who still had his iron grip on her small wrist forcefully pulled her ba
Reyana lay on her small bed, wrapping her arms around herself as she cried profusely. She felt like a betrayer.She had almost let that monster take away her pride and innocence... She sobbed louder, giving into the torrent of emotions that flooded her.The night was cold and quiet but she didn't care. She wanted to let it all out.She was lucky to have been able to leave Alpha Randall's presence untouched. For reasons best known to him, he had angrily walked her out of his chamber. Every emotion he had felt before that moment just vanished into thin air. But she didn't care about him right now.Her coronation is in a few days. After the ceremony, she'd have to move into the pack fortress as the new Luna of the pack. She was scared.Alpha Randall was a man with utmost control over his emotions, but there was still no expectation as to why he acted the way he did tonight. This made Reyana feel she wasn't safe being around the Alpha as she might not be so lucky the next time he tries to
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
"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