Zane's POVI turned to her immediately, my expression firm. "Karen!! We need to consider all options. We surely don't assume she's dead but we have to explore all options."She looked up at me, more like to start up another argument, but I shot her an authoritative gaze, forcing her to bend her head low in submission."Continue please," I ordered the fishermen.The fishermen nodded, their faces somber at the whole affair. She was a good Alpha to all, caring to a fault. "We'll do our best Alpha Zane, and possibly cover the whole river to our side," the fisherman said, their faces somber. As they set off, Karen turned to me, her eyes flashing with anger. "This is just ridiculous Zane. They're not going to find anything, and you know it. "I turned to her, my expression cold. " We'd see about that Karen. Let's keep our hands crossed. Surely it's not my intentions that she'd be found in the river, for she'd be dead," I said. Looking deep into her eyes I saw a certain cloud there. What
Zane's POV “Greeting Alpha Zane, I bring you news from the search team," a bass voice rang out from the other side. It was Lucas, the lead warrior. I let him in."Alpha Zane, the search party has returned, and we bring, " he paused, sensing the tension in me." Speak I say!!"He looked up into my face. " We found nothing, Alpha Zane. No trace of her."Clenching my fists, I felt a surge of frustration at the news. "Keep searching then. We've got to find her ..... dead or alive, " I said in a sober mood.I was beginning to see the reality of losing her forever, and I shivered at the thought. "I want every inch of the pack house and forest searched, in and out. Send emissaries to the neighbouring packs and beyond. She must be found!! " I ordered again, getting up to my feet. As they left, I paced back and forth my headquarters again, my heart still racing in fear.Suddenly, I heard a faint voice call out, "Zane, help me."It was Selena's voice and I turned around sharply. "Selena? "
Karen's POVI stood just outside Selena's room, my mind reeling with anger and disgust. How could he have survived? I had made sure to push her into the river, and no one came to her rescue after that.I clenched my fists, and for the first time, I began to see Rowan as a snitch, yes!! For only him knew about the plot and the whereabouts of Selena.This just couldn't be happening. Everything was planned carefully, never for her to be found alive.As I stood rooted at Selena's door, I saw as healers trooped in and out, bowing curtly in greeting to me. I felt so angered, more like I should just grab their leader on the neck and zap life out of her.But no, I couldn't do that. It would certainly be so obvious. I felt a sudden pang of unease. What if Selena regained consciousness and related the whole affair to Zane. She might even kill me before doing so. That would be the end of my fight for his love. Surely he would believe her.Or would he?I shook my head in a rush in an attempt to
Karen's POV"No, she's not lucky, she must die the next time!!" I stated, picking up a stone and throwing it to the river."Hmmm, perhaps she's not meant to die," he said, letting out a low whistle.I turned back sharply to face him, wondering where that came from. I saw the touch of sarcasm in his eyes, and I chuckled."Surely we've not come this far to give up now, do we?" He walked closer to me, picking up some pebbles too and throwing them into the river."So what's your plan?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.As on as he asked that I turned to face him. "I certainly have no idea, that's why I came to meet you."He scoffed, bending to pick more stones from the riverbank. He was very good at throwing pebbles to slide on the surface of the water, as it slid perfectly, some tipping five to six times before sinking."You have to do this. Your pack members and warriors are already getting familiar with Zane and if care is not taken he might usurp... ""Enough!!! Never to sa
Karen's POVA wave of shock washed over me. Her eyes were wide open, as she stared at me in blankness. "Zane.... I...." I stammered, my mind engulfed with fear. I thought she had revealed anything to him, and I was prepared to defend myself, even with my powers it necessary.The room was bathed in a warm, golden light, and for a moment I thought I just stumbled into one of those awful dreams of mine.Selena's eyes met mine, and I thought I saw a sharp flicker of recognition travel by, but I waved it off."Karen," she called softly, further heightening my confusion.She just called my name!! "Hi Se...lena," I replied in a stammer, my palm running greasy. What was going on!! "It's so good to see you, to be alive," she added, her voice soft and weak but full of warmth."She's been awake for a while now," Zane whispered, still staring at her. " It's good to finally see her awake Karen."My face flushed, both with surprise and with an inner sense of relief.Were they playing games with
Karen's POVI just stood there, pretending to be concerned about Selena's current situation. I couldn't surpress the sense of satisfaction that I felt, but I just needed too. It would certainly destroy all my plans.I knew I needed to keep up with the charade, to act like I care about her, but I couldn't keep up with it. It was just getting harder and harder to do."I should go," I said, mustering all the sense sincerity I could. "I'm sure you two need some time alone."Selena nodded, smiling up to me. " How was the mating ceremony?" she asked again, attempting to raise her head to me."I'll tell you about that later Selena, do take your rest," I replied, forcing a smile to my face and rubbing her face gently. "She'd be fine, I assure you," I whispered to Zane.As I turned to leave, Zane caught my eyes, and for a flicker of a moment, we just stared at each other. I understood perfectly what the message he was trying to pass. He seemed to be warning me, telling me to stay away from Sel
Selena's POVI slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in the surroundings. The room was quiet, just too quiet, except for the slow breathing of someone sitting beside me. He just sat there, a deep concern etched on his face. His eyes were strangely piercing blue, or perhaps I lost memory of the colour of his eyes? "Selena, you're awake," he whispered, planting a kiss on my neck. The he rose his head up again, furrowing his eyebrows, and his jaw set in a thin firm line."You still don't remember much," he said in a cool and heartbroken tone. I looked up at him, tears brimming in my eyes. But I could still make out his mussed dark hair. It was as if he has been running his hand on it repeatedly, his skin pale and his face gloomy.Despite his tired and sorrowful appearance, he still radiated a sense of comfort and reassurance as he looked at me.Raising my hand gently, I placed it on his face."My dear Zane," I said almost in a whisper. "How can I forget your gentle touch, your kindne
Selena's POVI watched keenly as Elara took the food from Karen's hand, her eyes scanning Karen and the food with a mixture of suspicion and curiosity.What was going on? Why the suspicious stare and all? I tried hard to recall if Karen had done anything to hurt me in the past, but no, I just couldn't. She was just as good as she appeared to be.Thorne, the other healer also stood beside Karen, staring at the food with an equal amount it scrutiny."I'm just not sure this is a good idea," Elara began to say, her eyes fixed on Zane. " We just didn't approve of this meal for her and we're afraid it's.... "" You're afraid what!!! That I poisoned it, is that it?" Karen yelled, her face red."Just shut it Karen!!" Zane retorted "You've heard it from the healers themselves. Selena can't take this, at least not for now!"As I watched this all unfold, I was beginning to have this growing unease. Something just didn't feel right with their attitude towards her. Why so mean?Just at the peak of
Karen's P.O.VI bursted into the throne room, my heart beating hard against my ribs as the scene back at the forest kept on replaying in my head. I took in deep breaths as I felt like my lungs were about to fail me. I tried to breathe in but I did so too fast and ended up choking. I tried to compose myself, but what met my eyes blew away my last remnant of restraint.A shirt gasp escaped my lips as I froze in place. Selena and Zane.Not only had they left me behind in MysticShadow Pack, but they were also entangled with each other, right here in the sacred throne room!'No. this can't be happening,' I thought to myself as different thoughts raced through my mind. "Selena!! Zane!!" I roared as my voice echoed off the grand marble walls. "What the hell is going on here?!" They were wrapped in a passionate embrace, with Selena's fingers dancing around the locks of Zane's hair, while his hands clasped her around the waist as though wanting to never let go. They shared a passionate kiss
Selena's POVI sat on the throne reserved for the Luna of the pack, the long hair that was prepared for me cascading down my back like a river of sunset dues.Sitting just beside me was my heart throb, Alpha Zane, the grand and prosperous Alpha of Moonstone pack. He was all there could ever be to me, my epitome of strength and grace.His presence commanded power and strength all around, and I couldn't help but steal glances at him. His piercing blue eyes seemed to see right through everything he set his gaze on, and it sparkled with a sense of amusement that sent calm chills through all those he spoke with.I watched as his chiseled features were set in a calm and serene expression. But deep down I knew that beneath that tranquil surface lay a depth of emotion, a sort of passion that only I was lucky enough to experience.Seeming noticing my continuous stare at him, he sharply turned to me, a smile growing on his face.As I continued to gaze at him, I felt my heart swell in admiration
Karen's POVI couldn't surpress the anger and defiance I felt at the strange warrior's words. How dare him prophesy doom to my face? Who was he to tell my about my desires for lust and power? Only I knew what I wanted, and how I'd go far I'd go to get it."Your warnings and prophesies are not needed here," I blasted at him, my voice low and venomous. "I alone understand how it feels to see the one I love so dearly being snatched away from my hands by a mere.... werewolf. "The strange warrior laughed hard at this, raising his head up and shaking quite violently."She's the Chosen one, Karen. You can't do anything against her that won't return back to you," he said after the fit of laughter." You have no authority to prophesy doom to me, the one with the healing powers!! " I roared, taking steps towards him in rage.He stood still, his eyes till locked with mine. "You're blinded by your selfish ambition," he continued, his voice quite low and gravelly.I laughed at this, a cold and
Karen's POVZane's eyes locked into mine with a sudden look of seriousness. "Selena a needs to get to the Aeges stone as soon as possible. It's the only source of her recuperation, and you know that. "I felt a surge of confusion as I stole a glance at Selena. How would this affect my already laid out plan? There was no time to think."I'll come with you all then," I finally heard myself say. "We'll all go together, and I'll stand by your side."Selena beamed with smile as I said this, and I couldn't help but wish that I could just pierce her neck and end her at that point.She walked up to me. "Elara," she called, her eyes filled with all sense of gratitude.I stole a glance immediately at Zane, and then stared back at Selena. "I'm not Elara. I'm Karen," I replied in correction."Oh, I've been mixing up names lately," she replied, tapping her forehead gently. " Thanks for your offer, but we'll be fine.""No Selena. I love you dearly and I'm willing to take it all up on myself to see
Karen's POVI raised an eyebrow, my gaze travelling from the powerful stallion to the chief guard."You've got to be kidding me," I repeated, my voice laced with surprise and skepticism. "This is the best available you say?"The chief guard took a glance at me and then at the powerfully built beast, his fade etched with concern and wonder at my expression."You don't like it?" he asked calmly. "This stallion is the best in the entire pack. It was trained specially for speed and agility, and it's the best recommended for such a long journey. "I snorted, still filled with anger that I was left behind in the pack. "I highly doubt that," I muttered, taking gentle steps towards the beast. Once getting to the stallion, I ran my hand over it's mane. It turned it's face to me and nickered, it's eyes gleaming with intelligence. I smiled this."I think we'd work," I said out loud, the chief guard chuckling at this. He had always wanted us both to work things out between ourselves, hoping that
Karen's POVRowan took slow predatory steps towards me, his fangs still visible and his claws strangely shot out. "This changes everything."He was obviously consumed with an inner fire, consumed more with the desire to unleash complete destruction, but he still kept me in suspense."Speak!!" I roared in anger, tired of all his acts.He stared at me for a while, possibly wondering what had come over me, then he walked to me, putting his hand on my shoulder. It felt like he dug his claws into my skin, but I stood there, staring at him. He kept on, his hand still dug into my shoulder. No longer able to bear the pain he inflicted anymore, I shook my shoulder in an attempt to take he claws off my skin, but that was a pretty bad idea, for as soon as I did so, I felt his claws tearing my skin the more."Aarrgggh!!!" I screamed, stretching my hand towards him in an attempt to push him away from me violently, but he held my hand, spinning me around in a single point."How do you feel about
Karen's POVI turned to him slowly. "So that's it? Sounds so perfect to be true Rowan. You know how reality is don't you? "His lips slowly gave way to a large grin. " Of course my dear Karen. When nature wishes to play foul," he paused, his eyes fixed on me as he moved backwards, getting to his warriors. "We'd always be ready to strike if necessary."I suddenly felt a chill run down my spine as I watched all these unfold. I've always known Rowan to be cruel and evil, but never in time past have I seem him in this form, so consumed with hatred and anger. He seemed to be simmering on the surface of the anger he felt for the death of Raven in the battle front. It was terrifying, and for just a brief moment I regretted aligning myself with him in the very first place.But then the love I felt for Zane and my lust for the position of the chosen one and the powers associated made me stand firm.I was doing this for the right reasons and I knew it. I would stick with him to the end."You'
Karen's POVI stormed along the river bank, my feet pounding fiercely against the damp earth. Rowan was already standing in there, his hands behind his back as he viewed the horizon across the sea."You lied Rowan," I spat,. my eyes burning with fury. " The portion I was given was meant to kill her, not to help her regain her memory!! "He turned to me sharply, and I jolted as I saw his eyes red with anger. "Today marks it a year since Raven return back to the soil, and you keep me company with this awful trash of a complain? How dare you!!! "As he roared, other warriors which I later identified as members of Redmoon pack walked out of the surrounding forest, their claws out. He was their Alpha, slowly plunging them into the darkness of rogue life, but they couldn't help it."That's your burden to bear Rowan. The portion was meant to kill her!!" I roared, not even minding the presence of his warriors. "You have no right to lie to me Rowan!!"Rowan's eyes flashed with anger again. " Y
Selena's POVAs I finished the meal, Karen's excitation reached a fever peak. "Yes... yes...yes..." she whispered, her eyes wide and still rubbing her palms as a gesture of her excitement.Still watching her with a mixture of confusion and curiosity, I handed the tray back to the healer."Thanks again Karen," I said. "I'll forever be indebted. "" Yes indeed Selena, you will be, " she whispered loosely, getting hold of herself almost immediately and adding. "I mean.... there's not much of a problem Selena. All for you."Her behavior was beginning to unnerve me greatly, and I almost began to regret taking the food. Her strange actions were all too bizare.Her face beamed with smile once more as she took the tray from the healers and turned to leave. I felt glad to see her go.I relaxed back on the bed, and just as I was starting to relax,I heard the sound of familiar footsteps towards the room from outside.Zane walked in, his eyes scanning the room again before coming to me. "Hey S