/-Alora-/The battlefield was dead silent, thick with the smell of blood and ash. Tyrone's body lay before me, his death weighing upon my chest like an anchor. The blade in my hand was still warm, the metal of it shaking as though it too had carried the vibration of his dying breath.“Alora.”Randall's voice was low beside me, calm and stable. His hand wrapped the side of mine, a touch without a touch, and yet it was enough to draw me out of the haze that threatened to gobble me up.“It's done,” he said, his eyes level.“For now,” I said, my voice empty.Randall didn’t argue. He rarely did. Instead, he stepped closer, his presence offering a strange sense of warmth. For someone who had once been my oppressor, Randall had become more.I turned to face him, my grip weakening on the blade until it fell to the ground with a dull thud. “What now?”He cocked his head, watching me with those storm-gray eyes that always saw too much. “Now, you rest.”A bitter laugh broke from me. “Rest? Afte
/-Alora-/Allison's words hit us like a weight and made my breath skip. That was the first time I felt like I could not believe what I heard. A bond of fate? With Randall?The fact that Randall didn't make eye contact with me made me think that he knew this was ridiculous.I knew he told me this when we first met, but I thought it was one of his stupid jokes because I was a slave in the pack at the time. Now Allison was proving it and making plans to stop it for real.Anyone could have said or done something, so they just stood there in silence. But the silence was broken by Patrick's first words, which he said in a low, strained voice. "Are there still some things we don't know?"I turned towards him and looked into his eyes, and my hands were trembling as I looked for some sensible reply. "I don't know," I said, barely raising my voice above a whisper. “That,” he said, “is the first time I have ever heard such a thing.”“Oh, that’s very convenient,” Allison jeered, crossing her arms
/-Alora-/The room was filled with a heavy aura of silence. I sat at the edge of my bed and looked outside the cracked window. I kept hearing Randall's words: "You don't have to forgive me, Alora; I never meant to hurt you."How many times had I heard lies like that? So you are not different from Tyrone, the man who said he would love me but didn't keep his word? Randall, the one person I thought might be different, has also betrayed me.Patrick was leaning against the doorframe, and as he moved, his shadows cast a scary look in the dim light. He had a strange way of walking into any room and oozing confidence.He told me in a soft voice, "You can't stay here and pout." ‘If you’re going to face this,’ as you said, ‘you need clarity."Clarity?" I laughed, staring at him. "Clarity about what, Patrick? That Randall played me? That he’s just like Tyrone?" I choked.Patrick sighed, running his hand through the strands of his hair that had fallen on his face before approaching. He stood be
/-Alora-/It felt like a physical weight was pressing down on me as I moved back and forth in my room because the air was so charged.Randall turned to see Patrick sitting in the corner, reading a big book that Patrick had borrowed from Randall. He looked at me every once in a while, and his face showed that he was worried and angry.He said it again, "You are going to fall into depression if you don't stop overthinking," but he didn't even look at me."It doesn't matter to me if I did!" I fired back. "Who would I trust, and when will all the steps stop leading me into a trap I wasn't aware of?"Patrick put up his hand, closed the book, and let out a big sigh. That means it's okay for you to question Randall. But there's nothing wrong with what you're doing, Alora. Talking about things that may be beyond your control will simply allow the Allisons of the world to continue to be in charge."The very sound of her calling my name on her lips made me feel as if a gut drop. After she rev
/-Alora-/Walking into the Night Terrors part of the woods, I stepped on every leaf and branch on the ground, my fast heartbeat matching the noise I made.His words went further into my thoughts with each echo, words that Randall, the so-called lover, cherished and toyed with my emotions."I knew who you were even before you joined this pack," he told me, his tone alternating between guilt and defiance. Its weight sank deep, severing what had been a valuable link for me.The once-pleasant smells of pine and earth were overbearing. I wanted space and time to clear my head, which was feeding my fury and anxiety. However, there was always this deep longing, lamenting the deep bond that still bound me to Randall."This is going nowhere," Celia murmured from behind me. I froze and clenched my hands.Twirling around, I found her leaning against a tree, hugging herself and wearing a blank mask."I'm not running," I murmured, unhappy for reasons I couldn't explain to myself. "I'm thinking."
/Alora/The library smelled musty from ancient leather and parchment.I sat at the center table, listening, as the weight of the past held me down like a hand on my chest. Patrick, as always, started sifting through piles and piles of books and worn-out volumes. His eyes were concentrated and wandering over the documents, full of strength to liberate me from the beast in front of him. I don't know what I would do without him being around.Suddenly, he muttered, "Here," and laid a yellowed sheet before me. "This might be what we need."I grabbed for the sensitive, papery piece, but the scribbled text was hardly legible due to the anticlines. It was a record, one that documented a deal between my mother's pack and a rogue Alpha named Lucius. Another name I knew right away, and the sound of it filled me with fear."Lucius," I repeated, and instantly regretted it; it was poisonous. "He was an ally turned enemy?"Patrick then moved closer, his expression stern. it appeared that things cha
/Alora/The shadow appeared to be much longer that night, spooling and twisting watchfully.I remained in my chamber as sadness surged in me at the understanding of the role I had played during the day. This connection with Randall looked weak and connected me to the chaos and deceit surrounding me and the people I considered friends. I followed my fingers across the ancient paper on the table before me, to the location on the map where Night Terrors lived, but my mind wasn't there. I was horrified when I heard a knock at the door.Patrick came inside the room with a frown on his face, locking the door and adding, 'You'll want to hear this.'I beckoned him to sit. "What is it now?" More rumors about betrayal? Is there another warning that I'm too stubborn to heed?Patrick's lips hardened. "Lucius has made a move. Our scouts reported that they had seen a group of his rogues on the eastern boundary. This is a message.Lucius ran through my thoughts, sending shivers down my spine, and
/Alora/Randall's gaze was fixed on me, and I exuded the unpleasant sensation of being under someone's watch. His dark eyes looked pitiful, but I didn't appear affected by them. I forced myself to look away as if fascinated by the thrilling design of our beloved carved windowpane."You don't get it, do you?" I whispered, and you could hear my irritation in those words."What is it I don't understand, Alora?" he asked, moving closer to her. Although he was not particularly loud, his voice was more composed than I expected, which made me even angrier.I turned around to face him and folded my arms. "What else have you hidden from me? "I can't believe anything you say after lying to me like that."He began with a sigh, trying to explain himself, but I interrupted him, "I've already told you that—""No, you have explained it," I said harshly. "That's not the same thing."Randall sighed. I never imagined this Alpha standing in front of me as the man whom others feared and respected. He see
/Alora/The peaceful night stretched before us, revealing numerous stars that unfurled like small light forecasts for our future. Randall and I sat on a hill that offered breathtaking views of our growing piece of land, which had become our true home. We gazed at the beautiful full moon as the woods extended over the valley, presenting complete routes to our village across ancient rifts. It was now calm. It was our peace of mind.Randall's body heat comforted me as I relaxed against him, allowing the tranquil evening to soak deep into my center. I placed my palm over the intricate tattoo on my wrist to connect with the sacred bond between the ground, our packs, and him. As I viewed our land illuminated by moonlight, I was confident that every step we took had resulted in this beautiful moment. And it was gorgeous.My softly whispered words, "We've been through hell," showed the real truth. We withstood the difficult times together because we refused to give up, and as a result, we
/Alora/A heavy atmosphere of joy filled the festival space, along with numerous life energies coursing through its grounds as I strolled among the crowded visitors. Since ancient times, this festival has commemorated peace and memory under the official name of the "Festival of Unity." Every pack territory within our boundaries, as well as pack territories from nearby territories, came together for a unique celebration in honor of Lila's lingering spirit. Throughout the event, we honored the alliance between the SilverClaw and Night Terrors packs, which has grown stronger since their original bond via conflict.My ears were overwhelmed with the sweet noises the children produced as they raced by. Because the long-standing hatred between us was no longer there, the once bitter enemies from both packs reunited as a unit in an unhindered celebration. The scene was quite amazing to see. They were unaware of how their ancestors had previously overcome adversity and endured bodily suffe
/Alora/The night was filled with silence. The only sound was the rustling of the leaves beneath the weight of the moonlight as the wind swept through the trees like the moan of an old, tired soul. It was a welcome sound, and the forest—so familiar to me—always gave me a sense of calm. However, tonight felt different.The ambush had left a mark on me. The loss and uncertainty were nearly too much to endure. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the expressions of people I couldn't protect. I could still hear the echo of Lila's laughter in my head, a sound that felt distant and unreachable now.I needed to find some comfort, even if just for a moment.The grave was just ahead. I didn't need to search; I already knew where it was. I had been there several times since the night Lila was taken from me.I kneeled by it, resting my palm on the cool stone and allowing the weight of my sadness to subside for a while. I hadn't been able to truly grieve previously. The battle, the pack, and the b
/Alora/The air smelled of smoke, blood, and betrayal. I stood in the center of what was left of the ritual grounds; the ashes of the sacred bonfire spread across the earth like a terrible metaphor for the vows made just hours before. Wolves hurried to help the injured, their frightened shouts breaking over the crackling of remaining flames. My hands were coated with filth and blood, some of it mine, not all. My breaths were short and weak, but I refused to falter."Ethan, secure the perimeter," I said, my voice as keen as the dagger strapped to my thigh. "Kayla, please prioritize wounds. "Nobody dies on my watch today.""On it," they said in unison, their expressions a combination of resolve and fatigue.Randall's presence behind me was like a shadow, his protective instincts tightening in the aftermath of the attack. His voice was low, but it carried the weight of a storm barely contained. "This wasn't a random attack, Alora.""I know," I said, turning my attention to the wolves
/Alora/My breathing became louder than the vision breaking my focus with its rough and irregular rhythm that made me feel like I tore through endless forest paths. My heart thundered in my chest, an unrelenting beat that echoed the warning still ringing in my ears: Maintain the bond, or else this connection will destroy you.The abrupt movement as I stood up revealed my death grip upon the blanket which served as my link to reality. The gloomy light of the moon through curtains provided the only illumination in the room. Beside me, Randall stirred. His usual calm attitude tonight seemed to create a heavy powerlessness. When his eyes met mine he slowly awakened. His voice came from the darkness low and thick while still sleepy. “Another vision?”My voice reduced to a soft minimum as I replied "Yes." “And it’s getting worse, Randall. The voices... They’re louder. Different voices are giving us warnings about the approaching dangers.“What did you see?” His face remained calm but a m
/Alora/Hello, Randall.I needed to stand in front of you and acknowledge my faults.Her face tightens, and his hands form tight fists at his sides. Despite the tense situation, his eyes remain filled with anguish.Maris takes another stride toward him, unfazed by his threatening tone. Her words rush as she says, "I made a mistake." Walking away from you was the worst mistake of my life. I told myself that I could find happiness with him, but I realized my mistake.Randall, he's gone now. He's died. And I..." Her low words are muffled by grief, and a single tear falls down her cheek. "I never stopped loving you."Maris' remarks begin to weigh heavily on Alora and Randall's bond. Alora's breath pauses for a moment.Randall's natural weakness pierces her heart more deeply than any weapon.Randall talks gently and firmly, eventually concluding, "You don't get to say that today." "You disappeared. You choose him. When you left to start your new family, I painfully grasped every shattered
/Alora/A solid weight settled above us, and moist aromas mixed with tight energy filled the space where the wolves gathered.Everyone in the room kept a careful eye on me as if they expected something from me. Randall stood next to me, his posture constant, power emanating from his shape, and his clenched jaw revealing his turbulent buried emotions.The conclusion of our bonding procedure meant that the Night Terrors and SilverClaw packs would unite their clans under our control. Dark shadows appeared at the edges of my mind, signifying oncoming societal instability at this divinely critical time.I took one step forward. When Randall's fingers brushed across mine, the subsequent touch kept me focused on the present moment.When I gazed into his eyes, I saw nothing but peace, aside from power. This was it. This moment would change everything.And suddenly the wind shifted.A wave of bitter cold swept across the area, and I realized that the entire equilibrium was going to shift. It w
/Alora/The bright morning light cut through the shades of the night to separate the stress that was building up around the Night Terror fortress. In front of the mirror stood someone who looked a lot like me but also seemed like a stranger. As part of SilverClaw tradition and to add some dark elements from the Night Terrors, a second robe stuck to my whole body. A ceremonial robe meant to unite together two packs and two wolves made me feel like I couldn't believe it, and I thought I was going to pass out.The person in the mirror appeared confident yet empty on the inside. Because I was trying hard to understand an idea that was still beyond my understanding, something important seemed to be missing. I was caught in a fog as I went back and forth between wanting things and fearing them at the same time.I was swept out of my thoughts when Kayla spoke in a calm but authoritative tone. Alora, your hard work has reached a breaking point. All your successes should shine brighter than e
/Alora/Time passed since the tribunal's conclusion yet darker thoughts remained to repress my emotions. My mind felt suffocating tonight. The calm forest outside my window caught my attention as I stood looking out but the darkness there made me consider my future challenges.Throughout the day different people presented their choices between awe and fear joined with hesitant acceptance while bowing before me. Fundamentally changing our pack's direction still made the future path appear unpredictable than ever. Leadership included more than acquiring wins through the duty to handle every decision's effects and results.The gentle sound of knocking on the door blew me out of my thoughts.Turning toward the door I spoke my offer "Come in.".When Randall entered the room his whole attitude easily filled every corner. The unharmed fortitude with which he carried himself through rough times stood strong but his attention tonight showed a delicate yearning that made me uncomfortable.He