The tension in the grand hall hung thick enough to choke on. Clara was known for loose lips and insatiable curiosity, shuffled forward, her eyes darting from face to face like a cornered weasel. Nothing stays a secret with Clara. Everyone wondered what she was up to this time."Alpha…" She stammered, her voice cracking under a hundred scrutinizing stares. "Perhaps… perhaps Shikta's niece…" She trailed off, her gaze flickering towards the woman in question."…Shikta's niece might have found the Locket... Shikta had gone in with her niece to clean up your chamber on the morning you set out for the war..." Slight gasps left everyone's lips at Clara's detestful lifestyle.She paid no attention to them as she continued, "Her niece is known to have light fingers. Perhaps..."Shikta whirled around, her face contorting in a mixture of anger and fear. "Clara!" she hissed, her voice laced with venom. "Don't you dare! My niece wouldn't steal anything!" A tremor ran through her sturdy frame, raw
"We don't know how long it would take for our scouts to return with answers, but we can't sit and do nothing. The full moon is upon us. The ritual must happen, or else we are doomed for life," Alpha Randall said in an icy tone that did well to mask his worry and frustration."What happens on the night of the full moon? What ritual?" Merikh, a little bit confused, asked. He seemed to be the only one who didn't know an event was taking place on the night of the full moon.A frigid silence fell upon them.Visha's soft voice broke the silence, "Randall," she began, her large, innocent eyes batting with practiced naivety and innocence, "is there a particular event that coincides with the full moon?""Merikh, you'll know in due time," Randall said to him, "Meanwhile, you may leave now. The meeting is over."Merikh stood confused. Why was he the only one leaving while the others stayed back? Did they see him as a traitor? He thought painfully.He bowed before the Alpha before taking heavy, l
Aldric and Kellan made to leave the courtroom, but Klara, her brow furrowed in concern, called out to them, her voice laced with urgency."We have a problem," She said, gaining their attention."What other misfortune could possibly befall us at this hour, Klara? Surely, the loss of the Grimoire is enough to contend with for now." Kellan asked with arched brows, exhaustion tinging his voice as he wondered how many more problems they had to deal with. It was already too overwhelming.Klara drew a sharp breath, her gaze flickering between the two men, "Visha is not the chosen one. The Alpha is making a great mistake, thereby endangering the entire pack," She said with an edge to her tone.Kellan's expression was nothing short of utmost surprise. His jaw dropped in disbelief. What was Klara saying?"What are you saying, Klara? Didn't you listen to the Alpha earlier? He said it's been confirmed," Kellan said, gesturing at the Alpha's seat as if the Alpha himself could materialize and valid
Alpha Randall wished he could walk faster than his legs could carry him as he made his way to Klara's chamber.He had also instructed the maids to put every finishing touches the Luna's chamber would need so that Reyana would immediately move into the fortress.A fierce possessiveness surged through him. A part of him just wanted her around him. He wants to protect her always. He felt she was exposed to easy danger out there in the pack house.Visha trailed behind him, jealousy almost consuming her. She was also eager to see Reyana, gauge her condition, and assess the potential threat she posed.Alpha Randall was almost oblivious to her presence."Randall?" He heard her call out to him in an almost breathless tone.He stopped and turned his gaze to meet hers.Visha swiftly closed the distance between them, her face contouring into that of innocence."Are you angry with me?" She murmured, her voice laced with a hint of vulnerability. "I apologize for my outburst towards Klara. It was s
"Enough!" Randall thundered, making Visha flinch, "I came here to inquire about your well-being, Reyana, not to witness another childish bickering session! I see you are strong enough to exchange meaningless words!" He took a menacing step forward, his broad shadow looming over her frail figure on the bed, but she remained unmoved, her gaze fixed on his imposing form."Stop being a plaything, Alpha. Have you taken a look at my wrist?" She said, lifting her wrist for him to see.The revelation struck him dumb as his gaze fell upon her bare wrist. Randall knew that the Arcane bind could only be taken off by a powerful witch. But how did... Confusion battled with a flicker of suspicion in his eyes.Before he could speak, Visha interjected, "Oh, stop being ridiculous, Reyana. Who knows? You might have taken it off by yourself. Didn't we all witness you dabbling in some dark magic not too long ago?"She hurried to Randall's side, placing a placating hand on his arm. She fluttered her eyela
A weak and unwelcome sliver of sunlight speared through a crack in the heavy oak shutters, casting a thin line of reflection across the worn tapestries that adorned the walls.It has been a few days since Reyana last saw Alpha Randall and his annoying mistress. She couldn't be thankful enough.She was feeling much better than before. The constant headaches had stopped, and the injury on her stomach had healed completely, leaving behind a puckered scar.She also hadn't had any strange nightmares so far. Maybe it all went away with her wolf and powers. She didn't know if she should be thankful or not. But right now, she had peace, and that's all that mattered.Now, she was strong enough to go about other activities... But, there was no activity to go back to.Reyana had promised never to meddle in the affairs of the pack anymore. She was never going to get credit for it either way. She had decided to let Visha do everything. That's what she wanted. Wasn't it?A sudden rapping at the doo
A knot of unease had taken root in Klara's stomach, tightening with each passing day. The events around her unfolded at a neck-breaking speed, leaving her breathless and scrambling to keep pace.She had tried talking to the Alpha again after the other day, but their conversation had ended in a bitter argument.She was at the losing end because Reyana had no proof to substantiate their claims… No powers, no wolf. They were locked in a fight they were destined to lose. A sense of utter helplessness washed over Klara, threatening to drown her in despair.She stopped in front of the familiar door that housed Shota, and the door swung open, letting her in.Shota was nowhere to be found."Shota?" Klara called, announcing her presence."Just as I thought," came Shota's voice, laced with a hint of amusement, "they'd all forgotten about the old witch, lost in their whirlwind of love and betrayal." She peeped from the beautiful garden at the far end of the huge chamber."How have you been, Shot
A cloak of sadness draped over Alpha Randall's shoulder as he and his Gamma, Kellan, took a casual stroll around the pack. They went deep into the pack area to have a look around.The Blood Crescent pack is a huge pack, making them the envy of other packs. Sometimes, Alpha Randall takes time to go around the parts of the part his schedule allows him per time, just to see how things are going.He decided to look at the Southern part of the pack today. He hadn't been there since the unfortunate incident."How are they faring?" He asked Kellan, who walked by his side. He didn't need to specify who "they" were. Kellan understood.Kellan sighed deeply, "The burial rites helped ease some of the pain, Alpha," he said, his voice low and solemn. "But the wound is fresh. It will take time to heal."Randall nodded curtly, his gaze lingering on the disturbed earth. He could practically feel the echoes of battle, the screams of his people, the fear that had gripped the pack.Anger surged through h
"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