Elara’s POVI stared at the figure in the doorway, my breath snagging in my throat.Elder Harrow.He stepped into the cell with the kind of quiet confidence that didn’t belong in a man I’d always believed was half a breath away from death. His back wasn’t hunched. His steps didn’t drag. And the cane he used since the day I knew him, was nowhere in sight.My stomach twisted.I couldn’t speak for a second. Couldn’t move either. The chains still held my arms, but this revelation had me rooted deep in shock than any physical restraint ever could.He looked at me like I was a child who had disappointed him. “Elara,” he said. “You were always… too curious.”What was that supposed to be? All I've ever wanted was protect the pack from Dorian and his croonies.But it turns out that we always had enemies in the pack. How could I've known.No wonder it felt too suspicious when Andrew was recovering and this so called elders decided to take control.“You?” My voice cracked. “No. No, that’s not—”
Andrew’s POVPain ripped through my skull as I opened my eyes.It was like claws scraping the inside of my head, dragging through my thoughts. I blinked, chest heaving, lungs burning, and sat up fast. Too fast.My stomach flipped.“Elara.”Her name burst out of me like a gasp of air after drowning. I looked around, panic rising. The room was bright, too bright. Familiar, but wrong.Like I wasn't meant to be here.This wasn’t the last place I remembered. This wasn’t where I last saw her. I was bleeding on the ground when she came to my aid. But then I remembering moments I slipped in and out of consciousness.It was the infirmary. At the packhouse.What the hell—“Easy, Andrew.” A voice to my right.I turned. Greg.He stood by the door, arms crossed, jaw tight. His eyes were red-rimmed, but he wasn’t the kind of man who cried. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days.“What happened?” My voice cracked. “Where is she? Where’s Elara?”Greg didn’t speak right away. And that told me everyth
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,”
Andrew’s POVPain ripped through my skull as I opened my eyes.It was like claws scraping the inside of my head, dragging through my thoughts. I blinked, chest heaving, lungs burning, and sat up fast. Too fast.My stomach flipped.“Elara.”Her name burst out of me like a gasp of air after drowning. I looked around, panic rising. The room was bright, too bright. Familiar, but wrong.Like I wasn't meant to be here.This wasn’t the last place I remembered. This wasn’t where I last saw her. I was bleeding on the ground when she came to my aid. But then I remembering moments I slipped in and out of consciousness.It was the infirmary. At the packhouse.What the hell—“Easy, Andrew.” A voice to my right.I turned. Greg.He stood by the door, arms crossed, jaw tight. His eyes were red-rimmed, but he wasn’t the kind of man who cried. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days.“What happened?” My voice cracked. “Where is she? Where’s Elara?”Greg didn’t speak right away. And that told me everyth
Elara’s POVI stared at the figure in the doorway, my breath snagging in my throat.Elder Harrow.He stepped into the cell with the kind of quiet confidence that didn’t belong in a man I’d always believed was half a breath away from death. His back wasn’t hunched. His steps didn’t drag. And the cane he used since the day I knew him, was nowhere in sight.My stomach twisted.I couldn’t speak for a second. Couldn’t move either. The chains still held my arms, but this revelation had me rooted deep in shock than any physical restraint ever could.He looked at me like I was a child who had disappointed him. “Elara,” he said. “You were always… too curious.”What was that supposed to be? All I've ever wanted was protect the pack from Dorian and his croonies.But it turns out that we always had enemies in the pack. How could I've known.No wonder it felt too suspicious when Andrew was recovering and this so called elders decided to take control.“You?” My voice cracked. “No. No, that’s not—”
Elara’s POVPain brought me back first. A dull, aching throb in the back of my head. My arms were numb. My mouth dry as sand. I tried to move, but metal bit into my wrists, cold and tight.Chains.Again.My eyes fluttered open, heavy with whatever they’d drugged me with. The room was dim—stone walls, a single torch flickering from a place near the door. Shadows danced across the floor. I was sitting against a wall, ankles bound too, arms chained above my head.Not the infirmary. Not home.I didn’t have to ask where I was. The stench of blood and damp earth was enough. Dorian’s stronghold. His dungeon, probably. How poetic.It was easy to notice where I was. I've been here on different occasions. But thinking about it felt like a lifetime ago.Footsteps echoed before I could gather my thoughts.I lifted my head. Slowly. Dorian’s shadow emerged from the dark corridor like something from a nightmare. Tall. Composed. That familiar smirk stretched across his face like he’d won the damn war
Michael’s POVWe moved fast.The second the sun started to rise, Lora and I were already past the east part, slipping past the border into the dense pine thickets beyond the territory lines. There were no patrols, or guards. Lora stayed a few steps behind me, light on her feet but tense. She hadn’t spoken much since Greg gave us the order to follow up on Mara and Rhea’s movements. I didn’t blame her. The silence between us was laced with suspicion neither of us wanted to say out loud yet.Mara and Rhea. Trusted pack members and protectors.Or so we thought.“They escaped during the fight” I muttered, glancing at the tracks in the dirt. “Didn’t say a word.”Lora grunted. “And stole the ancient relic. That’s what tipped Andrew off.”“Smart of him,” I said.“Too late,” she replied quietly.Yeah. It was. We were playing catch-up, and with Dorian breathing down our necks, every second mattered.We followed the trail for another mile before the forest gave way to an old hunting cabin. It l
Elara’s POVI knew something was wrong the second I stepped into the east wing.The air was too quiet. The silence too deep.I picked up my pace, boots tapping softly against the stone floor as I rounded the corner. The scent of blood hit me hard—sharp, coppery, unmistakable. My pulse spiked.“Andrew,” I whispered, and broke into a run.Then I saw him.Slumped against the wall. Blood smeared down his jaw, his shirt torn, one arm bent at a sick angle. Greg was kneeling beside him, pressing cloth to his ribs, while Michael stood nearby, sword still drawn, face pale and furious.“Gods,” I breathed, dropping to my knees beside him. “What happened?”“He was ambushed,” Greg said without looking at me. “Two attackers. One escaped. The other…” He jerked his head toward the body behind him. “Didn’t make it.”Andrew coughed, his eyes fluttering open as I gripped his hand.“Elara?” His voice was raw, barely a whisper.“I’m here,” I said. “You’re okay. Just breathe.”“You’re late,” he rasped, try
Andrew’s POVElara’s words echoed in my skull like a blade dragged across stone.“Maybe I’m already a traitor to them.”She hadn’t looked back when she said it. Just walked off into the cold air, leaving me frozen there like an idiot.I didn’t chase after her. Maybe I should have. But gods, I was too tired of chasing people and questions. We were all bleeding from wounds no one wanted to talk about.By the time I reached the main hall, Greg was already waiting for me with that same grim look he always wore these days. He handed me a letter unfolded.I scanned the contents fast. Border movement. Enemy signs. Dorian.I exhaled through my teeth. “How close?”Greg stepped back and let the tension crackle between us before answering. “Too close. We have scouts reporting unusual gatherings. Clusters of his soldiers shifting along the northern part. Tactically scattered, but coordinated.”“How many?” I asked.“Don’t know yet. But enough to stir up real fear. And we’re not exactly standing on
Elara’s POVThe forest was quiet.I didn’t move. Didn’t even blink. Kieran’s voice still lingered in the air like smoke, sweet and poisonous.He stood before me, filled with arrogance, wearing that half-smile like he owned the godsdamn moon. He was dangerous—that much hadn’t changed. But something in his eyes tonight was different. I didn’t like it.“You’re serious,” I said.“Deadly,” he replied. “And if you’re smart, you’ll stop wasting time and start fighting them.” He flicked his fingers toward the east. The council chambers. The heart of everything rotting in this pack.Andrew’s voice was low, controlled. “You think Elara’s going to join you after everything you’ve done?”Kieran didn’t even look at him. His eyes stayed on mine. “I think Elara’s smart enough to know the rules were written to break her.”I clenched my jaw.Michael was already moving. “Enough. You’re under arrest—step away from her now.”Greg followed with his sword drawn, boots crunching on the leaves. I didn't eve
Andrew’s POVI couldn’t sleep again. Not after that message.The relic belongs to me now.Dorian didn’t have to sign his name—we all knew who sent it. The words were enough. No other person knew about the relic we had in our possession. Elara hadn’t said a word since we returned. She sat at the edge of the firepit behind the west wing, where the grass still bore bloodstains from last night’s attack. She stared into the flame like she could will herself to burn, or maybe disappear into it.I stayed back at first. Watching. Thinking.Then I finally walked over, crouched beside her.“You don’t have to go.”She didn’t even look up. Just flicked her eyes toward the flame, lips pressed tight.“Elara,” I tried again, softer this time. “You don’t have to leave.”She turned slowly. There was something unreadable in her face—tired, proud, uncertain.“You saw what the council did,” she said quietly. “They made up their minds before I even walked in the room.”“I don’t care what they decided,”
Elara’s POVWe didn’t win that night. We survived it but barely.The next morning was colder than it should’ve been. The scent of burnt wood clung to everything—my hair, my clothes, the inside of my mouth. Ash coated the ground, making it look like snow had fallen during the night. The council chamber was gone. Just blackened beams and smoldering rubble now.We’d spent the night counting our wounded and burning the dead.I didn’t sleep. None of us did.And we didn’t catch Mara or Rhea. Not a single damn trace.They vanished into the forest with whatever they stole—leaving behind bodies and a mess none of us were prepared to clean up.I sat on the flat edge of a broken pillar just outside what used to be the vault room. My limbs ached. My mind hadn’t stopped spinning since the explosion. My blade rested on my lap, stained dark red. I hadn't had the energy to clean it.Andrew crouched beside me, holding a cracked piece of the council vault door in his hand.“It wasn’t just the ledger,”