Everyone was in high spirits. Guests from far and wide came to grace the special occasion.Alpha Randall silently wished for a guest who wouldn't appear - Alpha Novak.He wished Alpha Novak would make the mistake of showing up in his pack for the occasion. But Novak knew better than to do so.The wedding ceremony had concluded without a hitch. The marriage rites had been performed, and now, the celebration was in full swing. Randall and Visha welcomed guests and received well wishes.Visha scanned the crowd, frustration twisting her features. Reyana. Where is she?She was pissed. She had wished for Reyana to be present. She craved to see the humiliation on Reyana's face when she saw her being married to her mate. But that satisfaction remained frustratingly out of reach.But that was fine. Not that Reyana didn't know anyway.A large figure, clad in bear-hide armor, pushed through the crowd, "Look who we have here!" His gruff voice echoed, hurrying toward Alpha Randall and his new brid
The joyous music that had filled the Blood Crescent pack hall just moments ago screeched to a halt, replaced by a deafening silence broken only by the ragged breaths of a grieving father. Alpha Rufus hunched over the lifeless body of his daughter, Namsi. Her gorgeous body was now pale and still, a single, half-empty goblet lying beside her limp hand.An agonizing snarl ripped from Rufus' throat, sending shivers down the spines of even the most hardened warriors present."What happened to my daughter!" Alpha Rufus growled, his eyes turning dark with rage, causing everyone around to step away from him.Randall and his officials stood by, speechless. How did this even happen? In his pack?He had made sure to emphasize the importance of safety to his warriors during this event. Yet, here they were, under his very roof, witnessing the loss of an innocent life.Shame twisted at his insides. Where had his guards been? How could such a thing have happened under the supposed heightened securi
"You heard me. I killed her!" Aldric spat with venom in his voice, "Because of you, Visha. You have made my life worthless!" Sweat beaded on his brow, glistening like a crown of thorns under the flickering candlelight.He turned around, gripping a portion of his hair in his sweat-slick palm."What are you talking about? I never asked you to kill anyone..." Visha asked, confused as to what he was saying.He turned to face her, his shoulders slumped in defeat. "I had to," he rasped, his voice raw with regret. "She recognized you. She was going to expose you… I wasn't thinking..." He blurted out, his words making almost no sense."Expose me? There's nothing to expose! Calm down, Aldric. This isn't the time for panic." Desperation laced her voice, "Where did you even get the poison?""I got it from the market across the border," Aldric muttered, his gaze fixed on the intricate knotwork of the rug beneath his feet, almost lost in thoughts."Now, tell me all that happened," She pressed."I…
A slight knock on the door made Reyana shift lazily on her bed.She'd been indoors all day and wished no one else bothered her after Ria tormented her with her presence six times!She sincerely hoped it wasn't Ria."Come in," she called out lazily, darting her eyes to the door to see who comes in.'Oh,' She thought, taking a sitting position."Reyana. How have you been?" Reagan's familiar voice called out as he entered her chamber."Reagan. I have been well. Please sit," she gestured for him to sit on the stool just beside her bed."You've been indoors all day. Why didn't you attend the ceremony?" He asked with raised brows, even though he knew why she hadn't been present."You already know the answer to that, don't you?" She replied with an eye roll."I was worried about you. I decided to pass by to see how you are faring," He said."Thank you.""Something happened during the..." He started, but she replied even before he finished."Yes. Ria told me." Her reply was brief. She meant i
Reyana had been terrified after Reagan left. She wished she could ask him to sleep in her chamber but it was absurd. Ria wasn't in her chamber when she went to look for her.She had no choice but to sleep alone.Thoughts about the Ashkai clouded her imagination until she slept off. But now, she wished she was awake, listening to tales about the Ashkai rather than being trapped in this nightmare she found herself. A cold sweat slicked her skin.She saw herself in the familiar empty chamber where she'd always dreaded.She frantically looked around her, and as usual, there stood the familiar figure shrouded in a cloak of midnight black, who always made her shudder with chills.He was also wearing his usual mask that never let her tell who was truly behind that mask.He took a slow, deliberate step towards her, his dark cloak billowing around him like a shadow. She sat, frightened and unable to move a muscle."Well, well, my little mate," he drawled, the amusement in his eyes deepening. "
Reyana looked around the large chamber. It was empty. Full of cobwebs and lots of dust. And a flickering candlelight that was placed in the middle of the room.She coughed, inhaling some of the dust in the room. It looked like it had not been used in centuries.She also saw some old books lying carelessly on the floor, covered in cobwebs.Panic snaked its way around her limbs. She was sure the whispers came from this room. Where did it go? She couldn't hear it anymore."Is someone in here?" She asked in a trembling voice, her palms turning ice-cold with fear. She heard no response. The only reply she got was the echo of her voice bouncing off the cobweb-draped walls.She walked further into the room, her hand trailing along the rough stone wall for support, checking to see if she'd see something... Anything that'll give her a clue as to who was whispering her name. But there was nothing – just row upon row of empty shelves, their surfaces thick with dust.Suddenly, a soft sigh drifted
Reyana was confused, a persistent frown creasing her brows. Wasn't she already aware of her powers, which she already lost? What other powers did Shota speak of?Ever since Reyana regained consciousness, she had remembered so much about herself. She now remembered her family vividly.Her mother was a powerful witch in her previous pack. Little wonder she was exhibiting some strange signs. It explained it all. She was from a bloodline of witches. But unfortunately, she had lost her powers. Her heritage.So, who was this Tamara Shota that was talking about? And what in the Moons is this potion for?She needed to be more careful with Shota."I am still lost. I possessed magic once, yes, but it is gone. So, what other magic could there be? I..." Reyana was saying when Shota stopped her."You ask too many questions. This is your heritage. It is meant to awaken a potential that has been dormant within you since birth. This magic has been slumbering for years, waiting for the right heir to c
A venomous hiss escaped Keir's lips, the words slicing through Randall like a whetted blade, "Where is the Alpha who ruled with wisdom and authority?" he spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "I see no trace of him. All I see now is a little pawn, a puppet dancing on strings pulled by a manipulative hand!"Keir's words were exposing the truth Randall had desperately tried to ignore. He wasn't the Alpha he once was, the leader who navigated challenges with a steady hand and an unbiased heart."Our mate lost her wolf. I couldn't feel her anymore. But did you as much as notice it? Of course not. You've been too busy with someone inconsequential! Tell me, Randall," he sneered, "why don't you feel the spark you're supposed to feel after being bound to your precious mistress?"A wave of frustration washed over Randall. "Are you blind, Keir?" he roared, "Yesterday's ceremony was a tragedy! It is enough to make anyone unhappy. I lost an old friend! Our friendship died along with his daughte
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
"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