Elara's POV Today was supposed to be an ordinary day. I was meant to run simple errands, mind my business, and make it back to my little corner without incident. I wasn’t aiming to be noticed, especially by the pack members who always made it their mission to remind me where I stood—or, rather, where I didn’t. But sometimes, I wondered if staying out of their way only made them seek me out even more.I pulled my hood up and ducked my head, hoping the less they saw of my face, the better. The market was busy, filled with laughter and chatter, and I hoped the noise would hide my presence. I had to pass by a group of wolves, talking loud and carefree, completely absorbed in their own conversations. My steps were quiet, deliberate.But luck wasn’t on my side.“Hey, isn’t that Elara?” The voice was sharp, familiar. I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was—Mira, the pack’s reigning queen bee and self-proclaimed guardian of everyone else’s business.I ignored her, quickening my steps.
Elara's POVThere was a silence so thick you could almost hear everyone’s heartbeat without even trying. Andrew Galway’s gaze cut through the crowd like a blade, cutting away the jeers and smirks, leaving only the raw tension hanging in the air.Mira, who’d been so confident a moment ago, faltered. She tried to recover, her voice losing a bit of its edge as she said, “Oh, Alpha Galway, it’s nothing. Just… handling a bit of discipline.”Discipline. The word tasted bitter as I repeated it in my mind, feeling the sting of gravel still digging into my knees. She really would say anything to cover herself, twist anything to suit her version of the story. And if I tried to argue, to explain, she’d only use it against me. I knew how this game went; I’d lost too many times before.Andrew didn’t seem convinced. His eyes moved from Mira to the others still gathered around, lingering on each of them just long enough to make them uncomfortable. There was something different about him, a low power
Elara's POVI stared at Andrew, my heart pounding in my chest, feeling as though the ground beneath my feet had just crumbled away. He was really doing this, claiming me, offering me a place in his pack. It felt surreal, like something out of a dream, so unexpected that my mind couldn’t fully comprehend it. And yet, here he was, standing before me with an air of calm resolve, as if this decision was as natural to him as breathing.“Gather your things now!” he commanded, his voice steady and firm. “Meet me at Alpha Dorian’s cabin in half an hour.”I opened my mouth to speak, then closed it, utterly lost for words. The reality of the moment was too overwhelming. My thoughts swirled in a chaotic mix of disbelief, hope, and terror, each emotion crashing against the other like a turbulent storm. I nodded mutely, unable to form a coherent response. Andrew didn’t wait for another word; without a glance back, he turned and walked away, his confidence unshakable, something only an Alpha could
Elara's POV The path to Dorian’s cabin was quiet, except for the sounds of my hurried footsteps crunching against the gravel. My heart still hadn’t stopped racing since Andrew had made his announcement in front of everyone. Part of me was nervous, still wondering why he’d choose me when the rest of the pack would gladly turn a blind eye if I disappeared. But another part of me—one I wasn’t ready to admit to—felt a sliver of excitement, hope even, at this sudden twist in my fate.I kept walking, trying to make sense of it all. What did Andrew really want with me? It couldn’t be simple kindness; no Alpha would risk his reputation for that. But for now, that mystery was buried under the urgency to get to his cabin and see what came next. Each step brought me closer, until finally, I could see it—a small, dark cabin nestled away from the rest of the pack’s lodges.As I approached, the faint sound of voices drifted from inside, one of them unmistakably Andrew’s, his tone low and steady. I
Elara's POVI stared at him, the weight of his words pressing down on me like the iron jaws of that trap had on my leg. Kill Andrew? It sounded impossible. The Alpha, my supposed mate, the one who’d given me a fleeting taste of hope before snatching it away with his plans? My thoughts spun wildly, clashing against the memories that kept replaying in my head.“What if he’s only taking you for his own reasons, reasons you don’t understand?” Lora had asked, her voice trembling with both fear and worry. “Elara, once you go, you may never be able to come back.”And then there were Andrew's own words, still ringing in my ears: “She’s perfect for my plans.” Plans I wasn’t privy to. Plans filled with manipulation and betrayal. I clenched my fists, the nails digging into my palms. Could I really do it? Could I kill him?The shadowed man’s smile deepened, cutting through the thick silence. “I see the conflict in your eyes, Elara. But you know the answer already. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’
Elara's POVI awoke to an unknown scent of leather and heat, my head pounding as if I had been hit with a heavy object. For a fleeting moment, I remained motionless, trying to piece together what had happened. Bits of memories flooded back— the wicked spirit’s smile, his threatening demand, and then... Andrew's men.The room was luxurious yet cold. Heavy red drapes adorned the windows, blocking any hint of sunlight from seeping in. A fire crackled in the fireplace, casting flickering shadows on the dark wooden walls. It took me a moment to grasp that I wasn’t alone.He was present.Andrew occupied a distant corner of the room, a single chair positioned to face me directly. He rested his elbows on the armrests, fingers intertwined. His intense gaze penetrated me, devoid of warmth and filled solely with a cold, calculated intent. I found it hard to breathe. Just seeing him always stirred up conflicting feelings— confusion, anger, and a desire I was unwilling to face.“You’re awake,”
Elara's POVAfter Andrew exited the room, the only sound accompanying me was the metallic jingle of the chains binding my ankles. I found myself fixated on the cold, unyielding door, my mind simmering in silent frustration until the weight of exhaustion finally pulled me into an uneasy slumber. When I stirred awake, a jarring realization struck me—I was no longer in the familiarity of my bedroom.The atmosphere around me was sharp and numbing, a biting chill creeping into my bones, and a metallic scent hung heavily in the air, evoking the unsettling aroma of blood. As I blinked to clear my clouded mind, I took in my surroundings with growing unease. I was inside a sprawling cavern, its rocky walls looming overhead, lined with an array of weapons—swords and daggers reflecting the harsh light, their edges glinting ominously.This space felt all too familiar from the fleeting moments of consciousness I had experienced when I was first dragged through its entrance, but now, under the cruel
Elara's POVI couldn't get the confrontation with Andrew out of my brain. In a weird way, he'd cut me open and left all my insecurities bleeding, but there was still more, hints of something unsaid, of something in his eyes. I couldn't tell if it was pity or frustration, but it was a ghost, following me as I stepped through the pack house.I tried to keep my head down, avoiding the prying eyes of the others. My status as the outsider, the cursed wolf, stayed with me like a scar. Even breathing wrong around these wolves could spell disaster. But Andrew’s words stuck with me: “You’re not strong enough.”Much as I hated to admit, maybe he was right. Perhaps I was too weak for this world. But what was the alternative? Grimshade pack had taken everything I had before I came here. All I had left was to survive, and I wasn't going to let anyone take that, too.I got lost in thought, and almost didn't catch the low murmurings from one of the meeting rooms. The door was ajar, the voices in the
Andrew’s POVElara’s dagger had nearly sliced my throat.I could still feel the rush of air against my skin, the fraction of a second between life and death. And the way her eyes—dark, wild—had looked right through me before she stumbled back in horror.She hadn’t meant to.That should have made me feel better. It didn’t. It only meant we've a big problem on our hands. It's good thing we didn't go back to the pack. She might get tripped off and mistakenly kill someone.“Elara,” I said, my voice sharp. “Tell me what the hell is going on.”She shook her head, backing away, hands trembling. “I—I don’t know.”This was what she kept doing since yesterday. Whenever I got too close, asking her if she is okay, she will retort fine.Now, it was more than obvious that she lied.I strode toward her, heart still hammering, fear burning behind my ribs. Not for myself. For her.“You almost killed me.”Her breath hitched. “I didn’t mean to.”I knew she didn't mean to but it does not dispute the fac
Elara’s POV"Embrace the power. Let me in."The whisper curled around my mind like smoke, slipping through the cracks of my exhaustion.It tried to overwhelm my mind and bring it under its subjection. It felt so strange that I jerked upright, heart hammering. My eyes darted around the campfire, searching for… something. But there was nothing. Only Andrew watching me with wary eyes, Michael staring into the flames, and Lora pretending she wasn’t stealing glances at him.The voice had sounded so real.“Elara?” Andrew’s voice was low, careful.I forced my expression into something neutral. “It’s nothing.”It wasn’t nothing. I had been hearing this voice ever since we returned from the seer's cabin. I had let it slip earlier and since then, Andrew has been watching me like a hawk.It made me uncomfortable but there was nothing I could really do about it. So I decided instead of heightening the tension I will just keep it inside.—That night, I barely slept.Every time I closed my eyes,
Andrew’s POVElara hadn’t spoken since we left the seer’s cabin.She walked beside me, eyes fixed on the ground, her arms wrapped around herself. The tension rolling off her was almost tangible. I wanted to say something, anything to make her feel better, but I had no words. What could I even say after what we’d just heard?"You may have to kill her to stop her."The sentence had lodged itself deep in my mind like a blade I couldn’t pull out. We had thought of this scenario before we started the training. But hearing from someone else only made it more likely.And I didn't want that.Elara wanted to keep training. I wanted to believe she could control whatever this was. But doubt had burrowed into my chest like a parasite, feeding on every fear I had.If she lost control, would I really be able to stop her? Would I really be able to kill her?I doubt I could even lay a finger on her as it is. My wolf won't allow it.I clenched my jaw. No. I wouldn’t let it come to that.She would lear
Andrew’s POVThe room felt colder after the seer’s words."You are the key to destruction or salvation."Elara stiffened beside me, her breath shallow. I felt the way she tensed, the way her fingers twitched slightly, as if resisting the urge to reach for the burning marks on her wrist.I couldn't help but blame myself for the turn of events. I should've listened and let her be as she wanted.But no. I wanted a strong and powerful mate who could fight and protect herself when I can't do it.Now it seems everything just escalated.The seer, an old woman cloaked in shadows, let the silence stretch. The weight of her words pressed down on all of us.Michael shifted, his jaw tightening. Lora looked between us, her brows furrowed, ready to argue.But I beat her to it.“Explain.” My voice came out sharper than intended, but I didn’t care. I needed answers. And I needed them like yesterday.This was supposed to make our fight with Dorian easier between now and when the Blood Moon comes.The
Elara’s POVI lay on the ground, my breath ragged, and my body weak from exertion.Andrew’s weight lifted off me, and for a moment, I didn’t move. The loss of his warmth sent a shiver down my spine, and something inside me clenched—something that had nothing to do with the fight.A hand appeared in my vision, fingers open, waiting.I looked up.Andrew stood over me, his expression almost distant, but there was something in his eyes—a look of pride.His head cocked to the side as if challenging me to take his hand.I didn't know how he managed to give off two different emotions at the same time, but it had me wanting to add another emotion to them. One that promises to come from mutual pleasure.I hesitated, but only for a second. Swallowing hard, I reached up and placed my hand in his.The moment our skin connected, pain exploded up my arm. I screamed, jerking back, but it was too late. The fire had already latched on.Searing heat raced through my wrist, branding me from the inside
Andrew’s POVThe second her fist connected with my jaw, it seemed as if the world had stopped. A sharp jolt shot through my skull, shaking my senses.Silence.Pure, stunned silence.Elara stood frozen, her eyes wide, her breathing uneven. She couldn't believe it.She had hit me.I brought a hand to my jaw, rolling it slightly. A dull ache bloomed, but I barely felt it.Then, slowly—deliberately—I smirked.“Now that’s more like it.”Her expression twisted—anger, confusion, something else she wasn’t ready to admit.She had felt it. That flow of power. The instinct that had guided her.And it had thrilled her.I could see it in the way her fingers trembled at her sides, the way her chest rose and fell too quickly.But instead of excitement, fear darkened her eyes. She looked like she had seen a ghost.She took a step back, shaking her head. “No.”My smirk faded. Why was she being so dramatic?“Elara—”“No,” she snapped, voice sharp and shaking. “That wasn’t me. That was—” She swallowed,
Elara’s POVThe moment I agreed, the shift in Andrew was immediate. He didn't ask me to prepare. He was ready from the on set.His stance hardened. His expression turned unreadable.This wasn’t a training exercise. This wasn’t about teaching me a lesson.This was war.A war between us. It was not going to be as easy as fighting with Max. I will have to t use everything in me to fight him.I barely had time to process before he lunged at me, his hand stretched out in an attempt to grab my arm.I dodged on instinct, but he was fast—too fast. His hand shot out, grabbing my wrist, and in the next second, he threw a kick at my mid riff.The breath whooshed from my lungs as I hit the ground hard. Pain shot through my ribs.Andrew didn’t wait for me to recover. He was on me in an instant, foot pressing lightly against my throat—not enough to hurt, but enough to prove a point.I glared up at him, panting.“Dead,” he said flatly. “You hesitated.”Rage burned through me. I twisted, kicking out
Elara’s POVThe battlefield stretched endlessly before me, filled with blood and torn bodies.Wolves lay scattered like rats, their fur matted with dark crimson, their eyes empty. Some faces I recognized instantly—Max, his throat ripped open. Lora, her chest caved in, like someone had stomped on it. Michael, his hand still reaching for her as he lay motionless.A sob built in my throat, but I couldn’t make a sound.Because at the center of it all, standing in the midst of the destruction, was Andrew.His chest rose and fell steadily, as if this massacre meant nothing. His clothes were soaked in blood, his hands still curled into claws. But it wasn’t just the destruction around him that sent ice through my veins.It was his eyes.Black. Bottomless. Wrong. Gone were the golden pupils.He turned his head, sensing me.And then he smiled.The world turned. A scream shattered the silence. Mine to be precise.And I fell.I hit the ground hard, my body shaking. The vision brought me back to r
Andrew’s POVElara hit the ground hard, her body bouncing like a rag doll. Dust kicked up around her as she gasped for air, her arms trembling as she tried to push herself up. Her lip was split, blood trailing down her chin, but she didn’t cry out.She was stubborn, I’d give her that.Max stepped back, barely panting. He hadn’t even gone full force. I knew it. She knew it. And from the way the other warriors shifted on their feet, they knew it too.“Elara,” I said, my voice cold.She lifted her head, her green eyes flashing with raw emotions like Pain, frustration, and anger.Good.I crouched beside her, lowering my voice so only she could hear.“This is going to happen again,” I said. “Over and over. Until you get up and fight like you mean it.”Her fingers curled into fists. It's been about an hour since I paired her up with Max and the results were… tragic.“I am fighting,” she muttered.If that's what she calls fighting, I will be damned. It was like watching a lion toying with it