FINN'S POVThe grand hall sparkled with the kind of beauty and elegance that masked the dark purpose lurking beneath the surface that evening.I had arranged every detail carefully, from the golden chandeliers casting soft light over the tables, to the flowing drapes framing the room in deep shades of royal blue and emerald.The guests began to arrive slowly, each dressed in their finest, each carrying the same hesitant expression. After all, it wasn’t every day you celebrated a man’s recovery by gathering half the pack’s inner circle.Dante had given me a sceptical look when I first suggested it. “Are you sure, Finn? It seems… unnecessary.”But I only smiled, giving him a pat on the shoulder. “Trust me, Brother. Tonight's not just about celebrating your recovery. I have a little announcement planned. You’ll see.”That kept him quiet, though I could tell he wasn’t thrilled. Dante didn’t love being the centre of attention, and as Alpha, he rarely had the luxury to be. Yet, despite his
ARIA'S POVFinn’s voice rang out across the hall, loud and clear, cutting through the low hum of conversations and gasps that followed the gruesome video.The sight of Ralph—bloodied, battered, barely recognizable—lingered in my mind, his pain etched in every laboured breath, every ugly bruise.It didn’t make sense. Finn was ruthless, yes, but not reckless. And beating someone within an inch of their life? That wasn’t like him.I turned to Adam, leaning close so no one else could hear me. “Finn is setting a trap,” I whispered, keeping my gaze fixed on the screen where Ralph’s battered form still flickered. “He wants Linda to slip up, to implicate herself.”Adam raised an eyebrow, a small, amused smile spreading over his face. “Well, well, looks like my little sister has got some brains in that head of hers.”I rolled my eyes, nudging him sharply in the ribs. “Not little, thank you very much.” My tone was playful, but the tension was twisting in my gut. Something felt wrong.Adam chuck
ARIA'S POVI watched from the shadows as Linda confidently walked right into the silver cell, barely a flicker of hesitation in her steps.The guards hadn’t so much as glanced at her. Of course, being the ‘supposed’ future Luna had its perks.For a moment, I thought about following her inside. But the plan in my head fell apart as fast as it formed—Linda would see me in an instant, and even if she didn’t, the guards would. And then…well, that wasn’t exactly the way I wanted to die.I lingered just out of sight, wrestling with my options, trying to decide if I should risk it. I was just about to turn back when I felt a presence behind me.I immediately turned around, and a sharp gasp escaped me before a strong hand clamped over my mouth.Panic shot through me, and my heart hammered wildly against my ribs. But then I saw who it was.Finn’s gaze met mine, a glint of urgency in his eyes as he held a finger to his lips, signaling me to keep quiet.My pulse slowed, though only slightly, as
ARIA'S POVI swallowed nervously as I turned back to the screen.Linda was helping Ralph up now, her arm slipping around his shoulders, her movements steady, gentle. It was almost unsettling, seeing her this way.After everything that had just happened, the way she had looked ready to strangle him, here she was—guiding him carefully as if she genuinely cared.“Is she really going to just… walk him out?” I whispered, glancing over at Finn.Finn only shook his head slightly, his gaze unreadable, as if he were trying to solve a puzzle I couldn’t see. “Let’s just keep watching,” he muttered.I returned my focus back to the screen, heart pounding, my eyes glued to Linda and Ralph as they moved towards the door. Ralph had a hint of relief in his eyes as he leaned on Linda, trusting her to lead him to freedom.Then, just as they reached the cell door, Linda’s expression changed. It was a barely visible change, the kind of look only someone who knew her well would notice—a flash of something
ARIA'S POVThe grand hall was buzzing with laughter, clinking glasses, and the light murmur of people deep in conversation. But as Finn and I walked in, the weight of what had just happened sat like a stone in my chest.Ralph’s face, the betrayal, the way he had gasped his last breath—it was burned into my mind. I could barely breathe as I looked around the crowd, half-wondering if people could somehow sense the horror I was carrying with me.And then I saw the bitch.Linda was seated among the crowd, dressed in a fresh, elegant gown, her hair pinned perfectly in place, her eyes bright as she laughed with the people around her. She looked radiant, so carefree and untouched by what had just happened in the cell below.How could she act like nothing had happened? Like she hadn’t just murdered the man who loved her?I felt a rush of anger inside me, my heart pounding, and before I could even think, I was making my way across the room towards her.This wasn’t about Ralph—I didn’t care for
ARIA'S POVLinda stood beside him, her hand resting on his arm, a smug look of confidence flickering across her face.That look—so composed, so sure of herself—ignited something hot and uncontainable inside me.After everything she had done, she could still stand there so calm, so unbothered, wearing that look of triumph? I felt the anger pulse through my veins, louder than the quiet hum of murmurs around us.Before I could stop myself, I took a step forward and grabbed her hand firmly, my words spilling out in a fierce, steady tone. “Didn’t you just kill someone? You killed Ralph, the father of the child in your womb!”The room went deathly silent. It was as if the entire crowd was holding its breath, their shocked expressions frozen in place, eyes wide and darting between Linda and me.I could actually hear my own heartbeat, the loud, insistent thud filling the quiet. The weight of my accusation seemed to hang heavy in the air, pressing down on everyone around us.Linda’s smug expre
ARIA'S POVLinda’s expression changed the moment she realized that I wasn’t going to back down. That mask of fragile innocence she wore cracked for just a second, but then, to my surprise, she started crying.“I’m sorry,” Linda suddenly said, her voice trembling as her eyes welled with tears. She looked around the crowd, her lower lip quivering in just the right way. “I’m so sorry, everyone. I don’t know what I’ve done to make Aria hate me so much. I…I’ve tried to be kind, but she just won’t stop harassing me!”The crowd murmured in confusion, their eyes darting between the two of us. My mouth fell open in shock, but Linda pressed on, her voice trembling with perfect fragility.“I really don’t know why she’s doing this,” she continued, wringing her hands. “I’ve tried so hard to stay out of her way, but she keeps accusing me of… awful things. And now she’s saying horrible things about my child… my unborn child. I just… I don’t know how much more I can take.” Her voice broke, and she bu
DANTE'S POV I couldn't wrap my head around what Aria was doing. From the moment she asked to speak with Linda, she had been relentless, accusing Linda of things that seemed so absurd.Claiming that Linda's child was fathered by a rogue wolf? The words were so ridiculous I almost laughed when I first heard them. Almost.Instead, I felt my patience wearing thin with every accusation, every raised voice. Aria wasn't like this. She was calm, collected, and never reckless. Tonight, though, she seemed agitated, lashing out like she was desperate for everyone to believe her. And yet, Finn...Finn wasn't the type to back wild accusations, and yet he had claimed to have proof. He said he had seen Linda go into the silver cell and kill Ralph. Murder. That word hung heavy in the air, causing my chest to tighten as I looked around the room. The air was thick with tension, whispers circulating through the crowd, spreading speculation and doubt. My eyes landed on Linda, standing not far from m
ARIA'S POV The sudden voice echoed through the hall, silencing the witches and stopping their chanting in the middle of a verse.My breath caught in my throat as I slowly turned to see who had interrupted.Standing there, tall and commanding, was Adam. His piercing eyes scanned the room, and his presence was like a beacon of hope in the midst of my despair. Behind him stood Finn and a dozen elite soldiers, their expressions hard and ready for a fight.In that moment, my legs moved before I could think. I managed to break free from Mason’s grip, my heart racing as I ran towards Adam. “Adam!” I cried, my voice cracking. “You’re here!”Adam caught me, his strong arms wrapping around me protectively. “Aria,” he said softly, his voice filled with concern. He pulled back slightly to look at me, his eyes scanning my face as if checking for injuries. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”I shook my head quickly, tears brimming in my eyes. “No, I’m fine. I’m just so glad you’re here. I thought…”
ARIA'S POV At that moment, the guards surrounding us suddenly shifted into their wolf forms too, their eyes glowing with anger, teeth bared and ready to attack. My heart sank as I realized we were completely trapped. Meanwhile Kieran didn't back down. His wolf form stood tall and powerful, his fur standing on end as he snarled back at them. I really thought he might stand a chance.He attacked the first wolf, his claws cutting through the air. The wolf yelped as Kieran struck and tumbled backward.The other wolves didn't hesitate. They leapt at him all at once, their jaws snapping and claws tearing into him."You are going to kill him!" I screamed, struggling against the guards holding me.Kieran's powerful jaws clamped down on one wolf's neck and tossed it aside like it weighed nothing. But for every wolf he took down, another quickly took its place.Suddenly , the designer and I were grabbed from behind, our arms restrained. I struggled, but it was no use.“Kieran!” I cried, wa
ARIA'S POV My heart was racing as I stood still. I gripped Kieran’s sleeve so tightly that my fingers hurt, trying to come up with the right answer to Alpha Mason's question.“I…I guess…it is,” I stuttered, feeling overwhelmed with fear.“Well, then,” Alpha Mason said, his voice calm. “Why don't we put an end to this nonsense, huh?” His eyes glinted with smug satisfaction as he spoke. “Come on, Princess. Don’t struggle needlessly. I'll take you just as you wish, so let’s go.” Mason’s words sent a shiver down my spine. I knew I had told him to take me, but I just thought that maybe he would call my bluff. Just maybe.I was terrified. Very terrified.He spoke as if he had already won, as if there was no point in resisting him. My mind screamed at me to fight, to say something, but the words caught in my throat.I glanced at Kieran, my heart pounding. His jaw was tight, his body coiled like a spring ready to snap. I could feel the barely contained anger simmering just beneath the surf
ARIA'S POV I really couldn't believe that we were completely surrounded. I was hoping that, maybe I was just imagining things.But I wasn't.The soldiers continued to walk closer with their weapons drawn, their eyes cold and unflinching. Kieran stood in front of me, his body tense and defensive, his gun pointed at the soldier in the front.I could feel the fear in my chest, but I couldn't let it take over.The leading soldier stepped closer, his weapon raised. The glint of the blade in the evening light sent a chill down my spine."Stay back!" Kieran barked, his voice strong and sharp. He didn't lower his gun. "Don't come any closer."The soldier didn't stop. Instead, he just kept walking toward us as if Kieran hadn't said a word."I said, stop!" Kieran yelled again.The designer, Elena, stood beside him, her voice filled with panic. "You need to back off! Don't you dare come any closer!"But it was like the soldiers were deaf. They ignored every word, their steps slow but deliberate
ARIA'S POV The tension in the room was thick, and my heart raced in my chest. Every sound, every breath felt louder, as if the very air in the room was pressing down on me.The designer didn't say anything to Kieran's question. Instead, she walked over to the door and locked it, the click of the lock sounding too loud in the quiet room. My heart raced as she turned to face us, a smirk playing on her lips.“What… what the hell are you doing?” I asked, my voice trembling.Kieran adjusted himself in front of me, his eyes narrowing at the woman. “You should stay back,” he warned, his voice firm.The designer didn’t answer right away. Instead, she took a cautious step forward, holding the gun at her side. Kieran and I took a step back, unconsciously mirroring her movement. My palms were sweaty, and my mind raced with questions.Then, out of nowhere, she spoke.“Your Highness,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “Don’t you recognize me?”I froze, blinking in shock. “What?” I managed
ARIA'S POV The room was quiet, but not the kind of peaceful quiet. It was the heavy, suffocating kind, filled with fear and uncertainty. I sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the door, my heart racing. Every minute that passed brought me closer to the wedding I didn’t want.Kieran paced back and forth near the window, his face tight with concentration. He had been trying to come up with a plan for hours, but nothing seemed to work. “What if we create a distraction?” I asked, breaking the silence. My voice was shaky, but I tried to sound calm. “Something to draw the guards away, even for a few minutes?”Kieran stopped pacing and looked at me, his brows furrowed. “And what would the distraction be, Aria?”I hesitated, wringing my hands. “I… I don’t know. Maybe something with fire or smoke?”He shook his head. “Too risky. The guards would panic, and the entire place would go into lockdown. It would only make things worse.”I let out a frustrated sigh, burying my face in my hands. “
ADAM'S POV The airport was buzzing with activity when I arrived. The bright lights reflected off the polished floors, and the noise of people rushing to catch their flights was overwhelming. I adjusted my bag on my shoulder and glanced around, looking for Finn. A dozen bodyguards surrounded me, their presence heavy and serious, as if we were preparing for war.Just then, I saw Finn leaning against a pillar near the private jet terminal. He looked up as I approached, his expression unreadable.“You’re here,” he said simply, pushing off the pillar and walking towards me.“Of course I’m here,” I replied, my voice tight. “We don’t have time to waste.”Finn glanced at the group of bodyguards behind me and raised an eyebrow. “You really think you need all of them?”I gave him a sharp look. “I’m not taking any chances, Finn. If something’s happened to Aria, we might need them.”He didn’t argue, but his expression said enough. He thought I was being overly cautious, maybe even paranoid. But
ADAM'S POVI was sitting at my desk when the news hit me like a punch to the stomach. The words on the screen didn’t make sense at first, and I had to read them again. “Alpha Mason of the Astral Pack to marry Aria, the Griffith princess of the Blood Moon Pack tomorrow.”The Griffith princess? Aria? My sister?My heartbeat thundered in my ears as the weight of those words sank in. Aria was getting married? To Alpha Mason? “No way,” I muttered, leaning forward, my hands gripping the edge of the desk. My thoughts were racing so fast that I could barely keep up. Why would she agree to a marriage like this?I grabbed my phone and quickly searched for more information. There were already articles popping up, but they all said the same thing: Aria Griffith is set to marry Alpha Mason in the Astral Pack.“No,” I whispered under my breath, shaking my head. This couldn’t be right. I didn’t waste another second. My fingers flew over my phone as I tried to call her. I pressed her name, held
KIERAN'S POV The wedding was set for tomorrow. Tomorrow!The word echoed in my mind like a warning bell. I didn’t have more time. If I waited even a moment longer, it would be too late. Aria would be trapped forever tied to that monster of an Alpha. I couldn’t let that happen. I wouldn’t let that happen.My plan was dangerous and messy, but it was all I had. Sitting outside the palace in the shadows, I watched carefully, observing everything—the guards, the maids, their routines.It was just after sunset when I spotted her. A young maid walking towards the side door of the palace. She was alone, carrying a tray. Perfect.I moved quickly, staying low, my steps silent. When she turned the corner, I was already behind her. Before she could scream, I grabbed her from behind, one arm around her mouth, the other holding her firmly in place. “Shh!” I hissed. “I don’t want to hurt you.”She kicked and squirmed, her tray clattering to the ground, but I tightened my grip. “Stop and liste