Rune’s POVThe water cascaded down my body, the steam rising around me in thick tendrils as I stood in the shower, head tilted back. My hands rested on the tiled walls, but my mind was far away from the warmth enveloping me. I could still taste her—Alora—on my tongue. That intoxicating blend of sweetness and desire lingered in my mouth, teasing my senses like a drug I couldn’t get enough of. It burned into me, making my chest tighten with a raw need that refused to fade, even now. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw her, flushed, trembling, and falling apart beneath my hands and mouth.I exhaled heavily, running a hand through my damp hair as the urge to bury myself between her thighs again grew overwhelming. The need was relentless, gnawing at me as I relived the sounds she made, the way her body tensed before shattering into pleasure.For a second, I felt something stir deep inside me, an odd sensation. Pleasing her... It had become something more than just getting myself off. It w
Rune’s POV The ball was fast approaching, and every day I watched Sienna flit around the pack house, working alongside the event planner like she had been born for the task. At first, I had no idea who told her to get involved, but I didn’t bother to question it. She seemed more engaged than she’d been in weeks, her focus entirely on the upcoming event, her demeanor softening as if she was slowly crawling out of the shell she had retreated into. Maybe it was the distraction she needed. Or maybe she was just eager for an excuse to leave this place, leave her past behind. It didn’t matter to me either way. What did matter was that she had attacked Alora, beaten her in a fit of rage. The memory of that knowledge made my fists clench involuntarily. My whole body seemed to hum with the need to avenge Alora. But I didn’t hit women, no matter how much my instincts screamed for justice. This was Alora’s battle, her choice to either face Sienna or let it go. Knowing her, though, I doubt
Alora’s POV I was lying in bed, lost in the world of my latest novel, completely immersed in the plot and the characters, letting me escape the reality of this dungeon. The sound of the door creaking open brought me back to reality with a sudden jolt. My heart skipped a beat as I quickly closed the book, my fingers brushing over the worn cover as I placed it aside. My personal maid or so Rune made it, entered the room with her usual quiet grace. But what caught my attention immediately was the hanger she held in her hand. Draped over it was a dress, a beautiful ball gown in the most stunning shade of seaweed green I had ever seen. The soft, shimmering fabric seemed to ripple with every movement, catching the dim light of the room and reflecting it in ways that made it almost seem like it was glowing. The gown itself was a masterpiece. The bodice was intricately detailed with delicate embroidery in shades of gold and silver, with small crystals sewn into the fabric that sparkl
Rune’s POVI paused outside Alora's door, my hand resting on the doorknob, hesitating for just a moment. Her scent filled my lungs –a fresh, natural aroma that never failed to make my mouth water. It was subtle yet intoxicating, a mixture of something sweet and earthy that clung to the air around her. It had been so long since I’d allowed myself to savor it like this. Taking a deep breath, I clenched my jaw, trying to rein in the effect she had on me. I had been thinking about this ball for days now, second-guessing the decision to allow her to attend. Letting her out of the dungeon, even for just one night, wasn’t something I take lightly. I could have just left her there to rot a little longer, kept her out of the way until I was ready to deal with her again. But something in me wanted her to be present tonight, to see her in a different light, at least for a little while. It wasn’t like she was free now. She wasn’t. Not by a long shot. The ball was nothing more than a brief rep
Alora’s POVAs we stepped into the ballroom, the lights seemed brighter, the air heavier with chatter and the low hum of laughter. My eyes blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the sheer number of people packed into the large, grand room. The space was a whirl of colors, elegant gowns, perfectly tailored suits, shimmering jewelry, and glowing skin, all blending together in a dizzying swirl of movement. We stood at the top of the stairs, looking down at the crowd of pack members who were laughing, talking, and enjoying themselves in the splendor of the evening. Each person was dressed in their finest, and despite the luxurious atmosphere, a tension simmered beneath the surface.Rune stood beside me, his presence commanding as always. It was no wonder that people paused in their conversations and glanced up at us. They were drawn to him, as if his very presence demanded attention. I felt his grip on my hand loosen, and a moment later, he let go entirely, distancing himself. Of course,
Alora’s POVAs I stood by the wall, the noise of the ballroom swirled around me, a chaotic symphony of laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft strains of classical music. The gilded walls and sparkling chandeliers cast a warm glow over the sea of pack members, each adorned in their finest attire, lost in the revelry of the night. My fingers curled around the slender stem of a champagne flute, the cool glass a contrast to the warmth of the room. I raised the flute to my lips, taking a small sip, the bubbles dancing on my tongue, but the taste was lost on me. I felt like an outsider here, a ghost haunting the edges of a world that had once been familiar. The sight of everyone dancing and drinking, laughing like they had no cares in the world, should have been comforting, but instead, it only deepened the hollow ache inside me. Their joy felt foreign, a distant echo of a time when I, too, might have laughed so freely. Now, I was just a shadow, hiding by the wall, hoping to remain un
Rune’s POVAs the ball progressed, I couldn't help but keep my eyes trained on Alora, who stood partially concealed by the wall. Her red hair cascaded over her shoulders, and despite the crowded room, it was her that I sought out amidst the sea of faces. She seemed out of place, almost like a fragile flower in the middle of a storm, holding onto her glass of champagne as if it were her only lifeline.My intention was to approach her, to check on how she was handling this unexpected event, but before I could take a step, I noticed something that made my blood boil. Alora's lips curled into a faint smile—something I hadn't seen in far too long—and it wasn’t directed at me. No, it was for Dylan, who had seemingly materialized out of nowhere. The sight of him returning her smile made something primal surge inside me.I watched, fists clenching involuntarily as they exchanged words I couldn’t hear over the chatter and music. Dylan’s presence by her side, the way he leaned in, close enoug
Rune’s POVI hadn’t gone far when Sienna appeared out of nowhere, her presence impossible to miss. She was dressed in a gown that seemed more like a second skin than actual fabric, clinging to every curve and line of her body. The dress was deep, the brightest shade of red I have ever known like blood, shimmering slightly as she moved. I had no idea who gave her the idea that this dress is appropriate for a ball but she soaked the attention. She wasn’t the meek woman I met in the dungeon. This woman has a purpose and I won’t rest until I find out what that purpose is. It had a plunging neckline that left little to the imagination and a slit that ran dangerously high up her thigh, revealing just enough to tease but not quite enough to fully satisfy the wandering eye. Her hair was styled in loose waves that framed her face, and her lips were painted a deep red that contrasted sharply with her fair skin.Sienna smiled –a slow, sultry curl of her lips that spoke of hidden intentions–