"Have you been relieved of your duties?" Those were the words she heard that jerked her around to see him striding towards them. Her eyes widened like saucers as she regarded him. Kalaril followed closely behind him. Sheera's heart resumed it's usual drama. Seeing him made her weak in the legs, in a way she couldn't explain.His long gold hair wasn't in braids today but fell freely on his shoulders. His silver eyes had her frozen in place. How could a man be so unnaturally handsome? Sheera would never stop to wonder. "Welcome, Alpha," she lowered her head, thankful her voice didn't crack under the weight of his presence.Keegan's eyes bore the cold, hard edge of steel. "I believe I asked a question," he said in a tone that was hard enough to cut through rock. It effortlessly caused Sheera to shiver. "N...Not exactly. I've been...""I asked her to join me," Ulric interrupted, stepping forward. "I plan to inform Livia about it later."Keegan's eyes, hard as ice, never left Sheer
The horses thundered beneath them, kicking up dirt as they raced through the dimming evening light. Keegan, Kalaril, Zandov, and four Keepers pushed their mounts to the limit, Zandov riding ahead with an almost reckless determination. Keegan's heart burnt with fresh rage as he thought about catching the witch. It was likely the same witch that had killed Sebastian's son, the same witch that had been wrecking havoc in his Pack. He was already thinking of the many ways he would make her suffer, make her yearn for death - which he'd gladly give in the end. He understood that Zandov enjoyed killing witches, but on this one, he'd have to let it go. As they rode through the darkening landscape, something gnawed at Keegan's mind. It was a thought that made him freeze momentarily, provoking an abrupt thump in his chest. His brows gathered together in a frown as Zandov's words from earlier replayed in his head. 'I can smell her. Whatever guise she had on is gone.'His mind went to the nec
The revelation was a blow Keegan had never anticipated. It struck him so fiercely in the heart, he felt as though the very air had been stolen from his lungs.Releasing his grip on Kalaril, he stumbled backward, his hands clenching into fists beside him, needing to hold tightly to something. His horse stood nearby, and he gripped its saddle tightly, his knuckles white, as if it could somehow anchor him in the swirling storm of confusion. The images form that night came flooding his mind - Sheera bleeding from the eyes and nose. It never was a dream. Every bit of it had been real. Sheera was a witch. ......Sheera knew she was running out of time. She was still bleeding, and while she could easily heal herself with a spell, she decided to cast a spell that could buy her some more time. Living amongst wolves as a witch had sharpened her instincts to a razor's edge, leading her into countless researches and study. Using the blood that dripped from her arm, she recited a spell under
Of course, the thought of taking a different route and fleeing crossed Sheera's mind, but she already knew that'd be useless. He always caught her. And using her powers on him was not even the last thing she was going to do. So, helplessly, she followed him. They rode for a long time, and Keegan didn't stop until they were deep into the woods. When Keegan finally halted his horse, Sheera did the same. They dismounted it together. Fear was still gnawing at her insides. She was certain he was going to kill her. Perhaps, it was time she started pleading. "I'm sorry," her throat tightened, her head lowered. "I... I know I deserve death for what I have done, but if you would just allow me to explain—"Keegan spared her only a fleeting glance, his face impassive, as if her words hadn’t even reached him. Without a word, he turned to his horse and took his bow. He tossed the quiver of arrows to the ground at her feet. "I'll be needing you to hold those. Come on," he inclined his head tow
Time passed in agonizing silence. When they were finally finished, the tavern owner insisted the meal was on the house, claiming Keegan's presence alone in his tavern would bring him more customers than he could ever dream of. And indeed, there was a growing crowd outside, watching like they'd just gotten visited by a demi god. Sheera could imagine how many of them would scramble to eat from that tavern by the time they left. Yet, despite the master’s insistence, Keegan paid him with a small pouch of gold. The old man rolled on the ground, thanking him tremendously. It truly was his lucky day, expect for Sheera, it wasn't. She envied him - wishing she could be that happy and problem-free. They rode back to the Fortress in silence. And to Sheera's dismay, Keegan didn't utter a word as he went, leaving her to go to her chambers. She was so scared and confused, she wanted to cry. Why didn't he say a word about her secret? He just discovered she was a witch. There was no way she was g
He edged nearer with two fierce steps. Sheera was too frightened to move, her pulse pounding in her ears as his nearness swallowed her. "Yes, I know you're a witch," his eyes held contempt. "I have hated and executed your kind for just existing. You shouldn't even be here in my Pack. Your unworthy lungs should've never breathed the air of my land." A crinkle formed across his nose, conveying his mounting annoyance.His hand shot forward, clutching the neckline of her dress in a vice-like grip. The fabric strained as he yanked her closer to him, their faces mere inches apart. "You should be dead already." She could feel the heat of his breath, the rage rolling off him in waves. "You should have died, right there in the woods. Then, I would have gone after your family for hiding you this whole time, for sheltering the filth of a witch. That is how I deal with your kind, Sheera, like dirt beneath my feet."His grip on her gown tightened, fabric bunching painfully around her throat, cut
It was Sheera's first time getting to sleep in Keegan's bed. They'd laid next to each other, Keegan cuddling her.She woke up in the early hours of the morning and found him still asleep, lying upward.She felt a thrill recollecting all that had happened the previous night. He had made love to her in the hungriest way for the longest time.She sat up quietly, leaning toward him, her gaze resting on his sleeping form.They were both bare beneath the sheets, though the cover draped over them, concealing parts of their nakedness. Her breasts were exposed, while the blanket covered her from the waist down. Keegan's broad, muscled chest remained uncovered, and the sight made her throat run dry.Alpha Keegan, the feared and formidable Alpha of the North, in bed with her. The very thought sent her heart into a wild rhythm.A small smile touched her lips
They walked down the path leading to the courtroom, two Keepers trialing them. Kalaril dismissed the Keepers, but Keegan remained silent, his face impassive as they walked."You're keeping her around." It wasn't a question. "What do you intend to do with her?""You may wish to clarify your words, Kal," Keegan's expression did not falter. There was a slight hesitation before Kalaril spoke again. "She's a witch. She can't be here, Keegan."Keegan remained mute, but the tautness in his jaw betrayed the impact of the words on him. "Trust me, I understand how you feel," Kalaril pressed on. "Sheera is a lovable woman, and I owe her for saving your life. But it's best if she's away. If the people were to find out, it would be disastrous.""So, what?" Keegan's control shattered like glass, whirling around to face him. "I should just toss her aside? Like she means nothing?"He took a step closer. "You think I don't realize what's at stake? You think it doesn't bother me that things might tur
ONE YEAR LATER"I therefore, crown you, Sheera Ashbourne Cipher, Luna of Howling Ridge, to rule beside our Alpha, Keegan Cipher for as long as you live." The Elder proclaimed, resting the Luna crown on her head just before the crowd exploded into a madness of applause and revelry.Sheera's heart pumped faster. Her stomach was filled with too many butterflies, she felt she wouldn't need to feed for some months. Her cheeks were pink as she looked at the Alpha who stood in front of her, wearing a proud look. Her Keegan. Tears stung her eyes at the realization that they were finally going to be together forever. She had always hoped for a day like this, and now it was finally happening.The Elder turned to the throng. "People of Howling Ridge, I present to you—your new Luna!"The applause and jubilation grew louder. Sheera turned to face them, a smile on her face. She didn't know if it was the baby hormones again, but she was so close to shedding a tear. Not a Luna-ish thing to do, She
Sheera thought her happiness was complete, not until she got some visitors at the Fortress.She was beyond shocked when she saw her mother—Dasha—and Naya come over to visit her. They spent a long time embracing and asking each other questions. Apparently, Dasha and Naya had been hiding in a friend's barn since six months ago, when Sheera's secret was revealed. They'd been scared when it happened and contemplated fleeing, but knowing Zandov and a lot of Keepers would be searching for them, they figured it would be impossible leaving the Pack without being seen. Thankfully, the one friend Dasha had and trusted took them in and hid them in her barn. They'd been there since then, still afraid of fleeing and getting caught. Sheera was beyond relieved to know they've been alive and safe. For the past six months, she'd been hoping they managed to escape to a better Pack.She took Dasha to Morginna who was glad to be able to meet the woman that had helped her. She thanked Dasha once more
Keegan suggested they used a locator spell on Odessa to know where she was. With what Thessaly had done, he wouldn't be surprised if she had something to do with Odessa's disappearance. When Morginna did the spell, using one of Odessa's belongings, she was able to trace her and it led them to a tomb, deep in the woods. Odessa was found unconscious with a rotten corpse beside her. It took them a while to realize the corpse was Nailah. They took Odessa to the Fortress where she was immediately attended to by a healer. .........Zandov requested audience with Keegan in his room where he expressed his displeasure over the new law he'd implemented. "This is a mistake. We cannot have witches living amongst us all in the name of protection. Every problem we have encountered that you believe this witch of yours have saved us from were all caused by this same witches. If it wasn't for her kind, she wouldn't need to save us from anything." Zandov grumbled. Keegan had been writing in a par
There was a crowd outside. The people of Howling Ridge gathered around the raised platform, most of them having sore eyes from long torturous hours of crying. The loss of their loved ones ran deep. Keegan walked up to the platform, his eyes scanning them. He'd called for the gathering as soon as he returned to the Fortress. He granted access to every one of his Pack members, wanting them to bear witness to what was about to happen.The people had been looking forward to him, wanting to hear what he had to say. It was as though, his words could provide any form of closure for them. "To the strong esteemed people of Howling Ridge," Keegan began, his icy voice cutting through the crowd that had turned very silent. "I want to thank every one of you for making it here today. I know you all are grieving. So, thank you for coming as requested."As you all already know, something strange happened to us during the Eclipse Moon. It is the first time in history that something this powerful ha
The Eclipse Moon was over. The sun rose brighter and earlier than usual, as it always did after such nights.The wolves had shifted back to human form, but a lot of them were dead.Keegan—though unable to do anything about it—had watched as some of the wolves around him died slowly and painfully, bleeding through the nose and eyes. He didn't need to do a deep thinking to know it had to do with Thessaly. But strangely, it hadn't affected him. The only pain he felt had come from the Eclipse Moon.Keegan feared it was the end for the wolves as prophesied, and there would be no stopping it.But fortunately and surprisingly, it stopped.When the Eclipse passed and they'd regained control of themselves, he looked for Kalaril, hoping nothing bad had happened to him.Fortunately, he found him, not far from where he was.
Their hearts were racing in their chests. For a moment there, they were too weak to run. Too hopeless to do anything. "Is this it?" Ravyn stepped forward. "Are we just giving up?""There is nothing that can be done anymore!" Sheera's voice rose in anguish, trembling with frustration. "She's started it already. We didn't get there in time. The wolves...they are all going to die!"Sheera fell to her knees, her head spinning. It felt like air was being drained from her lungs. Keegan. Keegan. Keegan.That was all she could hear. All she could think about. "No." Morginna shook her head. "We must find her.""To what end, mother?" Sheera shouted, her tears running down. Morginna paled. Turning to Sheera, she felt anguish for what she was about to say.****They followed the blood trail, faster this time. Finally, it ended. They looked ahead at the temple where the trail had ended. "You sure she's still there?" Ravyn asked. "She can't leave until the Eclipse is complete. She's the one
Sheera thought deeper. Fought harder.The sun was setting. The Eclipse moon was only moments away.It was obvious they might never find Thessaly before it's too late. She was good with covering her tracks, and she'd also created a barricade around herself, blocking any witch from tracing her with a spell.This method was clearly not working. They needed to devise another solution.Sheera froze when something replayed in her mind. 'Thessaly had created a barricade around herself, blocking any witch from tracing her with a spell.'Hold on...Her mind raced as she called out and ran after Morginna. She was panting when she found her with Ravyn."Sheera, are you...""You mentioned once that the reason you couldn't seek refuge with the witches after you gave me away was because they might want to find and
Sheera's eyes stretched so wide they felt as though they might escape their sockets. Despite how terrified she was, there was a ball of heat forming low in her abdomen. The Alpha had a hundred reasons to kill her, and he could do it so easily now. "I do not care about the silly excuse you gave." His voice was a low growl, his hand still pressed over her mouth. "What you did was an act of betrayal. You played me for a fool, and that goes to show that you are a horrible person."His silver eyes burned with fury, their intensity a flame threatening to consume her whole. His face, shadowed and taut with rage, seemed carved from stone, every line of it etched in hatred.Sheera didn't dare to utter a word, knowing none could satisfy him.Slowly, he released his hand from her mouth. His gaze raked over her, dark and menacing.He brushed his fingers around her neck, causing the ball of heat to spread wider in her abdomen. She closed her eyes, awaiting the moment he'd strangle her. "You 'hu
Hours passed.Sheera awoken on the ground, amidst a jumble of overturned carts and crates.She was bleeding from too many parts of her body. That was because she had crashed into some weapons from the cart.She grunted in pains, sitting up. She couldn't get to her feet. The pain was too much, and she was losing too much blood.Looking around, she noticed her horse was gone, which could only mean one thing—so was Thessaly.She remained there on the ground, waiting and hoping for help.After several hours, Morginna came just like she had hoped for.Before leaving Elke's place, she had gotten her necklace back—which Elke had been in possession of. Ravyn had been waiting outside the Fortress. She met with him, gave him the necklace and described where Thessaly was.Good thing Ravyn was smart and knew how to fo