ALPHA LUCIUS'S POV"Nana," I call out, my voice echoing in the vast chamber. The old sage shuffles forward, her steps steady despite her age. "I need to speak with you."Nana's comforting presence eases the tension coiling in my chest. She knows me better than anyone, perhaps even better than I know myself."What troubles you, my king?" she asks, her voice a soft murmur."It's my wolf," I admit, the words heavy on my tongue. "Knight still eludes me, and I fear I may never regain my full strength."Nana nods sagely, her wrinkled face a mask of understanding. "Perhaps it is time we seek outside help. The witch healers of the witch town have knowledge beyond our own."I consider her words, weighing the risks against the potential benefits. In the end, I have little choice. My kingdom cannot afford a weak ruler, especially in these uncertain times."Arrange for them to come," I command, my tone brooking no argument. "But let it be done discreetly. I cannot afford any rumors spreading."Nan
VESTA'S POVI wake to the warmth of Dom's embrace, a contented sigh escaping my lips as I snuggle closer to him. His arms tighten around me, pulling me impossibly closer as if he never wants to let me go. But I know better than to get too comfortable. My life has never been one for settling down.As the sun begins to filter through the curtains, Dom stirs beside me, his movements slow and languid. He presses a gentle kiss to my forehead before reluctantly releasing me from his embrace."Morning, Lila," he murmurs, his voice rough with sleep."Morning, Dom," I reply, my tone light and playful. "Sleep well?"He nods, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Like a baby. How about you?"I grin up at him, mischief dancing in my eyes. "Oh, you know me. Always restless."He chuckles softly, the sound like music to my ears. "That's one of the things I love about you."My heart skips a beat at his words, a warmth spreading through me that has nothing to do with the morning sun. But I
AYRA'S POVThe air hung heavy in the training arena, thick with the scent of sweat and exertion. Ayra, clad in worn leather training gear, moved with a deadly grace, her movements a blur of controlled fury. Today, the anniversary of her sister's death, grief gnawed at her like a hungry beast. Every thrust of her practice sword, every swift dodge, was a silent prayer for vengeance.Across from her, Elara, a seasoned warrior with a reputation for ferocity, mirrored her movements. But for Elara, it was just another training session. For Ayra, it was a desperate attempt to channel the storm raging within.The wooden blades clashed, the dull thud echoing through the arena. Elara, surprised by Ayra's uncharacteristic aggression, stumbled back a step. Ayra pressed her advantage, unleashing a flurry of attacks, each strike fueled by a year's worth of simmering hatred.Elara, caught off guard by the sudden shift in tempo, struggled to defend herself. Ayra's blade sang through the air, a blur of
VESTA'S POVI paced back and forth in the changing room, the nerves fluttering in my stomach like a caged bird desperate for freedom. Today was the day of my test to join the warriors of the pack. The air was thick with anticipation, and everyone around me seemed so serious, so stern. I glanced at my reflection in the mirror, adjusting the straps of my training gear nervously.Just as I was about to lose myself in a whirlwind of anxiety, the door creaked open, and in walked Dom, his presence immediately calming. He wasn't part of the judging panel, but seeing him still eased my nerves a bit."Lila," he said, his voice filled with pride as he approached me, "I just wanted to let you know how proud I am of you. You've worked so hard for this, and I have no doubt you're going to kick some serious ass out there."I managed a shaky smile, my heart swelling with gratitude. "Thanks, Dom," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. His words were like a lifeline, anchoring me in a sea of unce
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POVI summoned Ayra to my chambers, my expression unreadable as she entered. "Why did you disrespect Nana?" I demanded, my voice sharp with irritation.Ayra remained silent, her defiance fueling the flame of my anger. I despised insolence, especially when directed towards someone as loyal as Nana. But Ayra's silence only goaded me further."You dare not answer me?" I seethed, my patience thinning with each passing moment.Still, Ayra refused to speak, her eyes locked on mine with a stubbornness that grated on my nerves. She would learn that defiance was a luxury she couldn't afford.With a wave of my hand, I signaled for her punishment. Ayra's eyes widened in alarm as my guards approached, ready to carry out my orders."You have crossed a line, Ayra," I sneered, my voice dripping with disdain. "And you will pay the price."The punishment was severe, perhaps more so than she had anticipated. But I had no tolerance for disrespect, especially from those who sought to underm
VESTA'S POVI woke up to the first rays of dawn peeking through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. It was my first day as a pack warrior, and I had been assigned to patrol duty. As I stretched and yawned, I couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves.Dom, one of the seasoned warriors, had taken it upon himself to advise me throughout the day, despite not being in the same unit. I appreciated his gesture, but I assured him I was fine on my own. He had a tendency to be overprotective, something I wasn't particularly fond of."Morning, Lila," Dom greeted as he entered the room, carrying a plate piled high with pancakes and fruit. "I made you breakfast before I head back to the office."I grinned at him, appreciating his effort. "Thanks, Dom. You didn't have to, but I won't say no to pancakes."He chuckled and placed the plate in front of me. "I know you said you're fine, but remember, if you ever need help, I'm just a howl away."I rolled my eyes play
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POVI sat on my throne, a commanding presence in the grand hall of the pack palace. My gaze was steely, my posture rigid as I watched the bustling activity below. I was the alpha king, feared by all, and I ruled with an iron fist.Suddenly, the doors to the hall swung open, and Nana, my trusted sage, entered, her expression grave. She approached me with determined strides, her eyes fixed on mine."Nana," I greeted, my voice low and authoritative. "What brings you to my throne room?"Nana bowed respectfully before speaking, her tone measured. "My king, I come to speak to you regarding Ayra."I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What about her?"Nana took a deep breath before continuing. "She has learned her lesson, my king. The punishment you have inflicted upon her has been severe, and I believe she now understands the error of her ways."I regarded Nana with a calculating gaze, weighing her words carefully. "And what lesson would that be, Nana?""That she must show respect
ALPHA LUCIUS'S POVThe meeting with the cabinet members was proceeding smoothly until Marcus, my beta, barged into the room with an urgency that demanded my immediate attention. His usually composed demeanor was replaced by a sense of urgency that I could not ignore."How important is it?" I inquired, my voice a low rumble that filled the room with authority.Marcus swallowed, his gaze flickering with a mixture of apprehension and determination. "Very, very important, Your Majesty," he replied, his words punctuated by the gravity of the situation.With a curt nod, I excused myself from the council chamber, leaving behind the murmurs of my advisors as I followed Marcus to a secluded chamber where a private investigator awaited.The investigator stood tall and confident, his demeanor a stark contrast to the tension that permeated the room. He wasted no time in getting to the heart of the matter, his words measured and deliberate."Your Majesty, after months of relentless pursuit, I have