During his life as King Alpha, Brandon never thought that a woman would challenge him. Even more so, that woman was his own Luna.The Luna who reappeared after ten years.Only a few hours had passed and there were so many shocking things that hit him. Brandon couldn't even process everything yet, he thought about his meeting with Rachel all night, while the morning came without him even realizing it.As the sun began to illuminate the courtyard of Pack Manowi's palace, he couldn't help but stiffen at the sight of Rachel standing before him.The woman was no longer wearing a silk gown, but a battle dress made of leather and covered with armor.Rachel looked at him with a closed expression, it was difficult to guess what was going through the woman's head. She just continued to stare at him, her hazel eyes still cold.Brandon was forced to agree to Rachel's invitation to battle, even though he never wanted to. Rachel had him cornered and he had no choice but to refuse. Moreover, this due
Rachel could not answer anything for a long time.Brandon was silent as well, seeing the confusion on her face. Rachel continued to stare at him, but he had no idea what that stare meant.Brandon's chest rumbled waiting for an answer, his hands clenched tightly. Did Rachel intend to refuse his request? Maybe she was fed up with everything Brandon had to say.'Rachel has changed', he thought.The fear was creeping into his heart fast. However, Brandon still hoped there would be a miracle. He hoped that love still remained in Rachel's heart, even though on the other hand, her hatred for him was also evident.The boundary between love and hate is actually so thin. And Brandon hoped that Rachel would prefer the love that was almost drowning between them.Brandon wanted to start all over."Rachel?" called Brandon, starting to feel worried because of Rachel's silence.The woman suddenly picked up her sword and stood up. She stared at Brandon for a few seconds before turning to leave wordles
"Rachel, how about you come to my palace?"Rachel winced at Kennedy's request. They had just met and he wasted no time in immediately inviting her to his palace? Did this man really only see Rachel as a means of revenge?Rachel could barely contain her grin. She felt like yelling at Kennedy, saying that he should be ashamed to come to her. He should have apologized to her, even begged at her feet after what he did.But apparently Rachel was wrong. Kennedy was still Kennedy, nothing but a scheming man who was still hungry for power. He had deceived Rachel countless times just to achieve that impossible thing. How disgusting!Kennedy must have thought that Rachel was still an innocent woman who was easily tricked with sweet words."My request was too surprising, huh?" Kennedy laughed and rubbed the back of Rachel's hand that was in his grasp.'It's good that you realized', Rachel thought sarcastically.However, she still wanted to see how far Kennedy was trying to influence her. So, Rac
"I was serious about what I said. Do I look like someone who's joking?" said Rachel with a completely changed expression. She no longer wore a sweet and innocent face, but a stern expression that made Kennedy's eyes widen."What... what do you mean..." Kennedy froze in place, feeling shocked and confused by Rachel's drastic change.So, why did Rachel want to come with him if she never wanted their revenge cooperation? What was the point of the duel Rachel and Brandon had if she didn't want revenge? Kennedy confused himself, suddenly feeling like a fool."What do you mean, Rachel? You must be joking, right? I know you still have a grudge against Brandon for taking him to war. Honey, you can't-""Stop...!" Rachel interrupted sharply. The look in her eyes directed at Kennedy was piercing, making the man feel as if he was being bullied. The aura emanating from Rachel looked exactly the same as Brandon when she was overcome with emotion.Kennedy was completely bewildered. What was really g
Kennedy felt confused about whether or not to accept Rachel's offer.But as an Alpha, Kennedy could not refuse the woman's offer, or his pride and status as a leader would be questioned.Kennedy then grabbed his sword hanging on the wall, then chased after Rachel who was already in the courtyard of Pack Leinz's palace, about to walk out towards the gate."Rachel, I accept your offer of a duel this instant! Stop right there!" shouted Kennedy, pointing his sword forward.Rachel automatically stopped walking. She turned her head and grinned at the sight of Kennedy engulfed in a burning rage. Rachel felt happy that Kennedy had finally gotten her temper out. She had been waiting for this for a long time."So, you accept my offer to battle?""Yes, right now. Right in the courtyard of my palace," Kennedy replied haughtily. He realized that Rachel could no longer be fooled, so she would fight the woman.No matter what, Kennedy had to win and bring Rachel back to her knees. Kennedy wasn't goin
Viviane didn't even glance at Rachel, whom she had arrowed with a poisoned dart. She ran straight to her husband in a panic.Kennedy was lying on the ground with his consciousness drifting. He could no longer hear Viviane's screams echoing through the palace grounds."Kennedy? Kennedy? Wake up, you must retain your consciousness!" Viviane screamed hysterically as she shook Kennedy's barely conscious body again. Tears rolled down her face as she called out to Beta Gonder and Beta Suzy. "Hurry up and get a healer and take my husband to his room! Quick! Guards, don't stay there! Let's get my husband up quickly!"Rachel watched the drama unfold with narrowed eyes. The pain in her neck was getting worse, but she was more surprised by what Viviane was doing to her.Was this all because of Kennedy?Well, of course it was. What else could it be? That woman is her mate, Rachel thought, laughing blandly.Rachel had forgotten that Viviane loved Kennedy so much that she was willing to take the ri
Brandon was silent on the side of the bed with his eyes fixed on Rachel. She had been unconscious after Brandon had found her in the forest bordering Pack Canis.Brandon didn't know what had happened to Rachel, but she had a wound on her neck. It was a wound from an arrow that had been forcefully pulled out. The wound was not deep, but Brandon realized that there was a deadly poison left there. And the poison had spread in Rachel's body.He was completely shocked when he saw the woman's terrible condition.Brandon had intended to go hunting to calm himself down. Along the way, he kept thinking about Rachel and finally found her lying in the forest. Even worse, she was already unconscious.So, Brandon decided to bring Rachel to Pack Manowi."Sweety," he called in a hoarse voice. Brandon's hand moved to caress Rachel's pale face, as well as her slightly blue lips. Her gaze turned sad.The doctor had given her medicine to stop the poison from spreading, but it wasn't enough. The poison t
"So, what exactly happened?""Mmm, I-I got into a... battle," Rachel said in a quiet voice.But Brandon, who had sharp hearing, immediately widened his eyes. "What? A battle?" Brandon chuckled in displeasure. "Who are you fighting with?"Rachel put her hands together and bit her lower lip, a little hesitant to say it. She was afraid Brandon would be angry. Even though the reality was that he would be, she didn't want to add to the problem.If Brandon got angry, then not only would Brandon and Kennedy be at odds, but both packs as well. The troops from each pack would fight back. And if a war broke out, then Pack Canis would also take part because it all started with Rachel.There would be many casualties, and Rachel didn't want that to happen.She challenged Kennedy solely out of personal vendetta. She knew the two would just duel and be done with it, but Viviane intervened.And now, this is what happened.Rachel didn't expect that she would collapse in the woods, only to be found by
"With this, I, King Alpha Brandon Matthew, officially hand over my leadership to my son—Armani Matthew, on his 20th birthday!"Applause immediately filled the room. Brandon and Rachel stepped forward with wide smiles, placing the crown and the Pack Manowi emblem ring on Armani’s finger.The coronation celebration was held on the exact day of Armani’s birthday. All the members of Pack Manowi, Pack Canis, and Pack Leinz were invited—not just the Alphas with authority.The festive atmosphere filled the grand hall, which had been lavishly decorated. Golden chandeliers illuminated the room, while exquisite food and drinks were served for the guests.The hall was nearly packed; everyone seemed eager to witness the coronation of the heir to the throne.Armani had grown into a strikingly handsome young man, exuding charisma and authority. His strong leadership aura commanded respect, even from much older Alphas.Although only 20, Armani had already won numerous tournaments and duels, proving
The cold wind carried a mist that blurred the view ahead. The forest Viviane traversed grew denser, with towering hawthorn trees lining her path.The sunlight could no longer penetrate the thick canopy of interwoven branches. Though it was still morning, the place resembled a moonless night.Viviane wiped the sweat from her forehead and glanced at Volkov, who was sleeping soundly in her arms. The distinct scent of trees after the rain had lulled him to sleep. The place was damp and quite chilly, prompting her to find a better spot to rest."Where are we heading, Miss Viviane?" Gonder asked, scanning the unfamiliar surroundings. He and his wife were both weary and hungry, but they had found nothing edible along the way.Viviane sighed tiredly. "We should head west, toward where the sun sets."Gonder and Suzy nodded, having no other suggestion for their destination. Leading the way, Viviane secretly felt unsure of where to go, but she couldn’t afford to show her hesitation.Suddenly, so
"Take them all out. Today, they will be taken to the border." That morning, Brandon immediately gave orders to his Beta. Following his claim and official proclamation, Brandon wanted Viviane and her followers to leave Pack Leinz immediately. Victor nodded obediently and hurried to the dungeon. Brandon then turned to Rachel, who was seated beside him. Her face was furrowed, lost in thought. “Sweety, are you alright?” “Mm, yes.” Rachel snapped out of her thoughts and pulled the corners of her lips into a smile. “I was just... just thinking about Viviane's departure and…” “What is it? Are you worried?” Brandon asked, raising an eyebrow. Rachel fiddled with the ribbon of her gown and nodded. “A little. I’m afraid she might do something after Kennedy’s death. She’s skilled at concocting poisons, and... I’m just scared she might seek revenge,” Rachel admitted, rubbing her neck uneasily. She wasn’t sure why she was suddenly dwelling on it, especially since Viviane was just an ordinary
Rachel and Armani sprinted through the forest, their hearts pounding with both anticipation and joy. Rachel had heard from the Moon Goddess that Brandon had triumphed over Kennedy in their duel. He had taken control of Pack Leinz following Kennedy’s death in their battle. Initially, Rachel was deeply worried, knowing Kennedy and Viviane often resorted to underhanded tactics. But she was also aware that Brandon’s strength was unmatched. “Mom, are we almost there?” Armani asked, matching his mother’s pace as they navigated the dense forest. The pungent smell of moss lingered in the air after a light drizzle had fallen just moments before. “Almost there, sweetheart,” Rachel replied. “Are you tired?” “Not at all!” Armani exclaimed, shaking his head with a determined look that made Rachel chuckle. “I’m the heir to Pack Manowi, strong like my father. There’s no way I’d feel tired.” Rachel let out a soft laugh, gently patting the top of Armani’s head, charmed by his confidence. “In th
Brandon made the announcement in a booming voice, addressing the guards, servants, Beta Gonder, Beta Suzy, Viviane, and her nine-year-old son—Volkov Li. He stood before Kennedy’s throne, with Victor positioned just below the steps. Everyone knelt before Brandon, affirming his claim over Pack Leinz. Viviane and Kennedy’s two Betas were forced to kneel under the pressure of Brandon’s overwhelming power. Viviane clenched her fists, her fury still burning deep within. Her tears had dried, but her heart was shattered beyond repair. She knew her life would change drastically after Kennedy’s death, but now she had one single purpose. She had to avenge Kennedy. She had to kill Brandon mercilessly, just as he had done to her husband. Viviane glanced at her son, who was bowing his head beside her. His face was pale and downcast, his lips sealed tight for hours. He was still deeply shaken by Kennedy’s death and Brandon’s claim over the pack that should have been inherited by Volkov. All he
"Viviane..." Kennedy struggled to speak, his voice barely audible. He coughed violently, more blood pouring from his mouth and staining his chin and neck. Viviane was hysterical, her cries echoing in the tense silence. "No! Don’t say that! Healers! Where are the healers?!" she screamed, tears streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks. "Someone call the healers now! Why are all of you just standing there?!" "No... Viviane... I don’t think... I can hold on... any longer," Kennedy stammered, his voice faltering. His trembling hand lay weakly in Viviane’s grip, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Viviane sobbed harder, her tears falling on Kennedy’s pale face. She clung to him desperately, her world unraveling as her husband teetered on the brink of death. Around them, the crowd remained silent, their expressions grim. No one dared move or utter a word; they all knew there was nothing they could do now. Kennedy's defeat was absolute. Blood continued to pour from Kennedy’s mouth, stai
“What did you just say, you bastard?!” Brandon growled deeply. Kennedy chuckled and pressed his hand against Brandon’s chest, forcing him to remain pitifully pinned down. “Yes, because soon enough, that poison will make you wither away, slowly destroying your organs,” Kennedy whispered. Brandon’s eyes widened in shock at those words. He struggled to free himself from Kennedy’s hold, but his strength had mysteriously vanished. Something was wrong in their duel. The poison. It was the poison that had rendered him this weak. Brandon’s gaze darted to the tip of Kennedy’s spear lying beside him, glistening with a clear liquid. He had been so focused on Kennedy that he had failed to notice the details of the weapon. Brandon cursed himself inwardly for being so careless. How could he forget Kennedy’s cunning nature—and that of his wife? Especially after Rachel’s own experience of being struck by a poisoned arrow. Brandon should have realized it earlier. They would do anything to win.
After calming herself, Viviane followed Kennedy to the front courtyard of the palace. There, Brandon stood fully armored, facing off against Kennedy. A silver sword, famed for its magical properties, hung at his waist. His gaze locked onto Kennedy, who didn’t look away either. The tension in the courtyard of Pack Leinz was palpable, creating an eerie atmosphere. Moments passed in silence, intensifying the suspense. A gentle breeze blew, causing the hairs on everyone’s necks to stand on end. Both Betas and the guards watched each other cautiously. Some of them were breathing shallowly, waiting for these two top-ranked Alphas to break the silence. Finally, Brandon let out a sharp breath and spoke, "I’ve come here to challenge you honorably! A one-on-one duel using the full extent of our Alpha powers. Win or lose, the stakes are Pack Manowi and Pack Leinz." Kennedy narrowed his eyes and smirked. "Are you serious about your offer?" "Of course." Brandon grinned. "I’m not one to make f
As usual, Armani was busy with his morning training routine. Rachel was trying to sew a cloak for Armani when Brandon entered the room, his face serious. Rachel quickly set down the fabric in her hands and looked at her husband. “Brandon?” “Sweety, I need to talk to you about something important,” Brandon said, taking a seat in front of Rachel. Rachel frowned. “What is it?” Brandon cleared his throat, hesitating for a moment as if unsure about how to deliver his plan. But his resolve was firm today. “I’m going to the Pack Leinz territory to challenge Kennedy to a duel.” “What?” “I know you might think I’ve let it go, but I haven’t, Rachel. My plan for revenge remains unchanged,” Brandon explained, quickly taking Rachel’s hand in his. “But you don’t need to worry. This isn’t a war involving our entire pack, just a one-on-one duel between me and Kennedy. I can’t let him keep acting recklessly and harassing you.” Rachel looked concerned, biting her lower lip as she gazed at Brand