Rune’s POV As I spoke to Sienna, I could feel Alora's gaze burning into me from across the dungeon, her glare sharp enough to cut through the thick tension that hung in the air. Without fully turning to face her, I caught her expression in my peripheral vision, a mixture of defiance and raw anger. The sight amused me more than it should have. Even in this grim setting, with her hair limp and her once-sweet scent tainted by days of captivity, she managed to look downright adorable in her fury."Stay away from my friend! You bastard." She yelled angrily. I almost had to admire her spirit, even as I found it infuriating. But for now, I kept my focus on Sienna, who sat before me, still shaken but slowly coming around to my supposed kindness. I continued to speak to her in the most soothing tone I could muster, like I was comforting a wounded animal. She was actually a nice girl, with a softness in her that contrasted sharply with Alora's fiery defiance. Maybe that's why th
Alora’s POV After Rune left the dungeon, I felt the fury rise within me like a storm I couldn’t control. My whole body trembled, shaking from the sheer force of my anger and frustration. How could he just leave like that? He came down here, teased me with his presence, made me believe he was going to end this nightmare once and for all (even though in cruel ways) and then he just walked away. The anticipation of the moment had wound me so tight that now, with him gone, it felt like my insides were going to snap. I wanted to do so many things but I am restrained. I can’t do shit. I wanted to scream, to lash out, but all I could do was sit there, my hands balled into fists, my nails digging into my palms until they drew blood. So much dirt beneath my nails I feel dirty myself. It hurt, but the pain was nothing compared to the anguish of being trapped here, at his mercy. This was why I wanted to escape. He has no mercy. He lacks simple humanity and I hate him. This wasn’t
Rune’s POV I leaned back in my chair, the leather creaking softly beneath me, as I fixed my gaze on the CCTV screen in front of me. The monitor displayed a live feed of Sienna, who was being escorted through the halls of our pack house. Her wide eyes darted around, taking in every detail of her surroundings, and I could almost see the wheels turning in her mind as she tried to process where she had been brought. The Arctic Canines pack house was a marvel, and I took no small amount of pride in it. Situated in the heart of the second most powerful pack in the entire werewolf world, it was more than just a residence, it was a telltale to our power and our wealth. The towering stone walls, intricately carved with ancient symbols of our lineage, reflected the history and strength of our pack. The vast corridors, lined with priceless artwork and rich tapestries, spoke of generations of prosperity and dominance. My father’s influence was evident in every corner of the pack house. He
Rune’s POV I watched as Sienna continued to eat, her pace slowing as she gradually satisfied her hunger. The room was quiet except for the soft clink of silverware against plates. I let her have a few more moments of peace before I spoke, knowing full well that what I was about to say would shatter any sense of comfort she might have found in this place. "As much as I would like to see to it that you are thoroughly washed and in better condition," I began, my voice slicing through the silence, "there's something we need to discuss first." She froze mid-bite, her eyes darting up to meet mine, the last remnants of bread clutched in her hand. I could see the flicker of uncertainty in her gaze. I enjoyed that moment, the second before everything changed, when she was still hopeful, still unaware of what was to come. I leaned forward slightly, resting my elbows on the desk as I regarded her. "I’m going to be upfront with you, Sienna. I’m using you as bait." Her fork clattered onto
Alora’s POV Rune allowed me to rot in that wretched dungeon for two more agonising days. Each passing hour felt like an eternity, every second of which fueled the fury burning within me. I’d always known he was a monster, but this—this was something else. This was cruelty of the most calculated kind, and with each tick of the clock, my hatred for him grew like a relentless storm, threatening to consume me whole. The thought of him made my blood boil. I imagined tearing him limb from limb, savouring the image of feeding him to the rogues that he so despised. It was the only thing that brought me any solace in that dark, suffocating cell. Sienna. Was she being treated kindly? Or was she experiencing Rune’s twisted version of kindness, the kind that felt like a knife in the gut when you least expected it? But there were no answers, only more questions. Something about Sienna is off. I can feel it. I should have felt it since that day. I was lying on the floor when I h
Alora’s POV I waited the next morning, fully expecting someone to come and drag me back to the palace. After all, I had submitted, hadn’t I? What more could he possibly want? The hours stretched on, and no one came. With every tick of the clock, my anger grew, bubbling up from a deep well of frustration. Why was he doing this? Hadn't he humiliated me enough? Maybe this was his way of further degrading me, making me wallow in the filth of the dungeon for just a bit longer, to break me even more. When the door finally creaked open, I tensed, ready for whatever fresh torment awaited me. But it wasn’t a guard or some cruel order. Instead, they brought me food, not the usual stale bread and water, but a real meal, a homemade meal. The smell alone made my mouth water, my stomach growling in response. It was the kind of food that reminded me of home, of times when things were simpler, before everything became a living nightmare. Without a second thought, I wolfed it down, shov
Rune’s POVWatching Alora through the screen as she moved around the room, I couldn’t help but smirk. Even now, she refused to completely submit. The defiance was still there, buried under layers of fear and exhaustion, but it was there nonetheless. She had removed the white lingerie the maid begged her to wear, opting instead for a simple sundress from the armchair. The act of defiance was almost laughable, she still thought she had a say in anything that happened here. She doesn’t but I don’t want to push her too far today. The room she was in wasn’t just any room in the dungeon. It was my secret, a place I had built years ago when I needed somewhere to retreat from everything and everyone. A small, hidden space where I could be alone, undisturbed. No one knew about it, not even my closest confidants. But now, Alora had been brought there, and the secret was out. It was no longer my private sanctuary; it was her new prison.With a deep breath, I rose from my chair, leaving the s
Rune’s POV I leaned in closer, my breath warm against her skin as I kissed up and down her ear, savouring the way she shuddered beneath my touch. Each kiss was slow, deliberate, meant to remind her of the connection that still pulsed between us, no matter how much she tried to deny it. Her breath hitched when I reached the sensitive spot just beneath her ear, where her pulse fluttered wildly. I let my lips linger there, feeling the rapid beat of her heart, savouring the mix of defiance and undeniable desire coursing through her. Slowly, I trailed my lips down the curve of her neck, taking my time, knowing exactly where to press to make her body respond despite herself. Her scent—sweet honey mixed with a hint of fear—intoxicated me, made me crave more. I imagined marking her there, claiming her once and for all. The thought sent a possessive thrill through me, one I knew I would act on eventually, but not just yet. There was still so much more of her to explore, to conquer. As
Alora’s POVI didn’t like the direction our conversation was heading not one bit. Nathan kept saying I didn’t need to worry about my father insisting he wouldn’t harm me. But that wasn’t what I was worried about. I just wasn’t ready. Not yet. I had left all of that behind for a reason and bringing up my father’s name felt like digging up something I wasn’t prepared to face. I had met my mother and it was all chaos Will my life ever be normal like other peoples? Or will I have to keep facing one problem after another because I was born by a goddess? Why was I mortal if my mother was even goddess? Things would have really been better if I had lived with her. But no they threw me into the wolves wicked cruel mouths. I shook my head and pulled back but Nathan reached out his expression soft and understanding. I love just how different he was from Rune. So different that it melts my heart. “Hey,” he said, pulling me into a hug. “It’s okay. You don’t have to face him until you’re rea
Alora’s POVThe next few months with Nathan felt like a fresh start. After accepting him into my life, everything just... clicked. I don’t know how to explain it but the life I was used to has changed into a softer one. The fact that I’m not running away from Rune makes life so much easier now. He knows where I was but won’t bother me. There is a sense of freedom that comes with that. With having Nathan as my partner. He was there every day making sure Nevaeh and I had food and warmth and company. We fell into a rhythm sooner like waking up together, taking care of Nevaeh, and talking over meals he hunted and cooked. He was steady and I began to wonder why I’d ever wasted my time hoping for Rune to come back. Why I hadn’t thought about being with someone else other than Rune? Nathan introduced me to a few of his friends in the forest. They lived nearby though not too close and seemed to genuinely welcome me into their small hidden community. They all wear tropical fits! They were
Alora’s POVDays turned into weeks and the cave became a little more like home. Every morning, Nathan would be there at dawn bringing freshly roasted meat, berries, or a flask of water from the nearby stream. It was a routine that became oddly comforting. Each time he brought food he would sit with Nevaeh and me laughing and telling stories that made the cave feel a little less like a prison. Sometimes, he would sing softly to Nevaeh, and she would giggle her tiny hands reaching for his dark hair or the collar of his shirt. My heart would ache because she will grow up thinking him her father. One morning, he arrived with something different which surprised me. It was a small bunch of wildflowers their delicate petals gleaming in the light of day. “For you,” he said, his voice softer than usual while his gaze lingered a little too long on my face. I took them with a hesitant smil my heart skipping a beat but I brushed off the feeling. After all, he was just being kind. But then Na
Alora’s POVThe next morning I woke up to the scent of roasted meat that filled the cave. It was the fifth day in a row that food had mysteriously appeared, always placed at the edge of the cave far enough away that it seemed like whoever was delivering it didn’t want to intrude. It was always the same, roasted animal meat still warm, smelling so tempting that I couldn’t help but devour it the moment I woke up. It wasn’t elegant, it wasn’t pretty, but I ate like I hadn’t seen food in days because I hadn’t. For the first three days I’d survived on nothing but hope and desperation. The thought that Rune might come back had kept me going but now... now, I was just clinging to whatever kept my body strong enough to move. I need to feed my daughter with the little food I have in my tummy. The sixth day passed the same way food left at the entrance, hot and ready. I wondered if the woman from Rune’s pack was behind it, realizing Rune wasn’t coming back. It was a comfort to imagine that
Alora’s POVI woke up the next morning, the bed cold and empty beside me. Rune was gone. I blinked up at the dim cave ceiling, feeling the chill settle around me as I stretched my aching limbs. I smiled thinking about yesterday night and how Rune took what he wanted without reserve. My whole body was worn out sore in places I didn’t even know could ache. But it was a good kind of exhaustion, the kind that came after the best sleep I’ve had in forever. I hope we can do it again soon to forget all about our future problems. Pulling on my clothes I glanced at Nevaeh, still fast asleep in her crib. Relief hit me like a wave as I noticed her breathing was steady and calm, her tiny chest rising and falling like it should. She is alright. My eyes stung and I had to swallow back the emotion that swelled in my throat. I leaned over, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead feeling her soft warmth against my lips. I had almost given up almost thought I'd lose her, and now, here she was alive
Alora’s POV He has so much control this night. I don’t have it but he seem to have tons of it tonight. I tried to steady myself, hands pressing into the rough stone floor of the cave, but he reached out and gripped my wrists guiding them back to hold myself open for him. “Don’t let go,” he murmured, his voice low and commanding. The tone was laced with a hint of danger, one I’d grown both wary of and drawn to. Then, I felt the cool sensation of liquid against me. Is that his… saliva? My pulse quickened as he spread it over my most sensitive areas, each touch deliberate and torturously slow. Before I could even brace myself, Rune’s hands tightened on my hips, and in one swift, powerful thrust, he entered me. The force made me gasp, the shock of it going through me as his body claimed mine entirely. The sensation was overwhelming, his presence consuming, leaving me no room to breathe or think, only to feel. His breath was hot against my neck and his dark whisper sent a thri
Alora’s POVIn the dim light of the cave, the raw, primal need in Rune’s gaze felt like a live wire running through the air. He’d never looked at me like this before, with tensed lust, mixed with a fierce restraint that made the moment even more intoxicating. For me, every surge of arousal was fueled by my feelings for him. I wanted him more with each passing second, even as a flicker of nerves darted through me. “Turn around and walk to the bed,” he commanded, his voice gravelly.I turned slowly, letting my hips sway, feeling the weight of his gaze on me, heavy and searing. His need for control, for ownership, was almost palpable, and I knew he was savoring every inch of me.Nevaeh was in a crib by the fire to keep her warmer. I wonder how that strange woman knew but then I’m done questioning the reality I’m in now. “Get on your knees at the foot of it, face down, ass up” he said, voice low.I sucked in a breath, anticipation pooling in my core, and eased into the position, the ro
Alora’s POVHis tone held an edge that was unmistakable, and my pulse raced at the authority in his voice. This was different. This was the Rune that likes to play and doesn’t care we are in a cave right now with our daughter feet away. Rune had always been the one to reach for me first, to take charge by peeling away the layers himself, rough and impatient. But this... this felt like a test, like he wanted me to submit in every situation we were in. “Why…?” The word slipped out before I could stop it, but his expression hardened.“Don’t ask questions. When I tell you to strip, you strip. Now.” He said, his expression blank but heated. I flinched, my body reacting not out of fear but from the raw intensity in his voice. His gaze held me captive, and despite the ache of everything happening around us, the danger that loomed, this moment was our escape. My hands rose to the hem of my silk gown, trembling, anticipation curling in my stomach as I hesitated. The cave’s cool air prickl
Alora’s POVThe weight of everything we’d learned (the prophecies, the warnings, the strange woman with her cryptic knowledge) was too much. I felt like I was drowning under layers of secrets and mysteries, each one pulling me deeper. I couldn’t think straight, couldn’t focus. All I knew was that I needed relief, something to steady me, to quiet my mind and body. And I know where to get it. I know who would take away my worries and make me forget the last few weeks. I lay Nevaeh down gently on the plush bed, brushing a tender hand over her tiny arm, making sure she was safe and breathing steadily. But as I stepped back, my chest was tight, my nerves stretched so thin that I felt like I might snap. Yes, the cave has a little chamber with old stuff inside but very comfortable and warm. Like an old woman’s little haven. Turning, I found Rune’s gaze on me. His presence was a strange comfort in this overwhelming night. Without a word, I stepped toward him, closing the space between us