Diana Dominicus’s face turns unreadable—cold, calculating. His voice carries the weight of certainty as he says, “There’s a traitor in the Council.” Billy and I both stiffen. Dom’s eyes narrow slightly. “Maybe more than one. But one thing is for sure—the Elder behind Magnus is working with the witches.” He tilts his head slightly. “Magnus is just a pawn.” Billy goes pale. He shakes his head vehemently. “No way.” His voice is hoarse, disbelieving. “Ain’t no damn way anyone on the Council would do somethin’ like that…” He trails off, swallowing thickly before shaking his head again, more forcefully. “No. I don’t believe it.” Dominicus regards him with something almost like pity. Billy scoffs, rubbing his face with a trembling hand. “The Council—workin’ with witches? Dark witches, at that?” His hands drop to his sides, clenching into fists. “That’s high treason.” His disbelief is evident, but I feel it too—the slow, creeping horror of it. Yes, the Council is corrupt. Power-hungr
Diana Dom seems to be done contemplating. His gaze flicks to Billy. “Billy.” His voice is calm but firm. “If you were the Council, what would you tell Magnus to convince him that Diana would be safe… while I was being taken out?” Billy frowns, thinking. “Well,” he begins slowly, “Magnus was adamant that Diana not bring you with her. And he didn’t seem like he was lying. He really doesn’t want you on his territory.” His expression darkens slightly. “But that clashes with the Council bringing an entire army. That means either they’re expecting you to show up. Or at least, they’re making they are ready for you in case you happen to show”. Dom nods. Billy exhales. “exhales. “So… if it were me, I’d tell Magnus to lure Diana to the Zervos pack alone. I’d use somethin’—somethin’ she can’t resist—as bait.” His brows furrow. “And then, I’d tell him that while she’s there, the Council warriors will head to your territory to take ya out. That way, you two are separated. You’re dead. And Di
Diana At the northern border of the Zervos pack stands a towering black wrought-iron gate, its intricate design serving as both a deterrent and a symbol of authority. This entrance functions as the official entrance into the territory, the only way permitted for guests to enter. My car rolls to a smooth stop in front of it, the engine purring beneath my fingers- a stark contrast to the tense anticipation thrumming beneath my skin. I glance at the sleek black asphalt road leading into the pack—clean, well-maintained. A stark contrast to the last time I left this place. Back then, I had snuck out through the dense woods like a fugitive. And now? Now I’m driving in through the front gate, in the open. The irony isn’t lost on me. A guard approaches the driver’s side window, his expression serious. His sharp gaze sweeps over me through the glass, assessing. I don’t recognize him. Which isn’t surprising. The Zervos pack is massive, its population even larger. And back when I was sti
Diana I step out of the car with deliberate ease, my movements slow, controlled. The moment my boots hit the ground, I feel the shift in the air. The wolves standing outside the packhouse—high-ranking members of the Zervos pack—are staring at me. Not just staring. Gawking. Their expressions flicker with disbelief as their eyes dart between me and the sleek silver sports car I just arrived in. I don’t miss the way they school their expressions a second later, but it’s too late. I already saw it. They weren’t expecting me to pull up in something like this. Too expensive? Too luxurious? Too powerful for the girl they looked down on? I fight back a smirk. A new model. Released this year. A gift from my mate. But as satisfying as their reaction to the car is, it’s nothing compared to their reaction to me. I see it in their eyes the moment they take me in. The shock. The disbelief. The fear. I’m wearing black jeans, a black tank top, a leather jacket, and boots. My hair i
Diana“As I said, Alpha Magnus, tell me what you made me come all the way here for and do not waste my time.”I feel the weight of his gaze, sharp and unwavering, but I don’t flinch. Instead, I surreptitiously scan the area, looking for the familiar faces I had been expecting. The Council elders should be here—shouldn’t they?Nothing. Not a single one of them.I let out a quiet breath, keeping my expression neutral. So, they’re not here yet? Or maybe they’re hiding inside, waiting for their cue to emerge?I glance back at Magnus. He doesn’t know that I know the Council is here, so I’ll just have to wait and see how he plays it. There’s no rush to reveal anything. Not yet.Magnus swallows, his throat working as he tries to keep his composure. His voice is steady but firm. “What I want to tell you is private, Diana. I don’t want anyone to overhear it. It’s best we go inside to my study. It’s soundproof.”I raise an eyebrow, my lips curling slightly. “You could order all your wolves to s
Diana I stop dead in my tracks, my gaze shooting back to Magnus. His voice is apologetic now, his entire demeanor crumbling. “I’m sorry, but I can’t let you leave.” Out the corners of my eyes, I notice that some pack wolves are slowly gathering and are staring, obviously curious as to what is happening. After all, we’re standing in front of the pack house, the busiest place in the pack. “You’re under the thrall of that abomination,” he spits the words, expression then twisting into something far more sinister. “I’m going to save you, Diana”, and then in a softer voice, persuading, “And then we can start over.” My full attention snaps back to him. There it is again. That word. Abomination. Until not too long ago, I had been called that too. An abomination. A freak of nature. And now, here Magnus is, calling my mate—Dominicus—my wonderful, strong, perfect mate, the same thing. For what? For suffering from a condition beyond his control? A growl rises in my chest, deep and pr
Diana “I’m sorry. But you’ll understand all this someday. But for now, I’m going to need you to come inside with me.” The Elders all look smug and arrogant. The Zervos wolves surrounding me all look tense and ready. As though they’re just waiting for the command before they attack. The tension in the air is palpable. The heavy silence stretches before me, everyone waiting with bated breath for what I’ll do next. My voice is low, “Let me leave,” I say, “Or you’ll regret it”. It’s the last warning I will give. But Magnus just steps forward, his wolves each taking a corresponding step closer blocking me in. The circle is tighter now. I can feel the aura radiating from them—the anticipation, the expectation that I’ll submit. Billy bristles, a warning growl rumbling out of his chest. His eyes are sharp and alert as he keeps an eye on the wolves surrounding us. Well… I already anticipated all this happening before I even got here, but still, I can’t help feeling unhappy.
Diana Like an arrow shot from a bow, I launch myself to intercept them. One of the Gamma wolves lunges, aiming for my throat, but I’m faster. Time seems to slow. I see it all happening in slow motion—the vicious flash of claws, the rippling muscles beneath skin, the taut tension in the air before the attack lands. With a swift sidestep, I grab his wrist, twisting it behind his back before slamming my knee into his ribs with a sickening crunch. He crumples to the ground, gasping for air as I spin, already shifting my weight to the next wolf. The second Gamma tries to come at me from the left, claws flashing. I pivot, a spinning kick landing squarely in his chest, sending him flying backward. He crashes into the stone pillars of the packhouse’s entrance with a sickening thud, his body folding in on itself. He doesn’t get up. The next moments blur in a whirl of fists, feet, and claws. Behind me, I hear another wolf charging. Without even looking, I swing my fist backward, the
DianaI don’t say anything. I can’t—because part of me agrees with him.He searches my face, voice cracking.“I already lost your mate. And for 13 years, I believed I lost my child too. I won’t lose you.”The silence between us stretches again. The grief in his words coils around my ribs like a vice.After a long moment, I exhale.“I promise,” I say softly, reaching for his hand, “we’ll talk about this. We’ll figure it out. But right now… let’s go back inside. There’s still more Eleanor has to tell us.”He looks at me for a long moment. Then, finally, he nods.We walk back together, quiet and heavy with unspoken thoughts. Inside, the room is just as we left it—Dominicus and Eleanor still seated, their faces somber.Billy crosses his arms as he steps in, his tone dry but edged in steel.“Might as well just leave her with the humans. She was safe there. Let her stay hidden.”Eleanor tilts her head slightly.“Yes, she’s safe,” she says calmly. “But for how long?”He frowns but doesn’t an
Diana The room goes quiet. I blink in confusion, taken aback and not understanding why he’s so angry. My brows furrow as I watch him in confusion. He seems to be getting more furious by the second. It’s a fury I don’t think I have ever seen on him before. My mind races a second more and it clicks. My heart stutters before dropping to the pit of my stomach. I hadn’t thought of that. Not fully. Shit! Blood drains from my face and I suddenly feel sick. Billy asks again, slower this time, the words like steel. “Who the fuck did you say was gonna fight him?” Eleanor’s expression crumples into something close to guilt. She looks down. I bite my lower lip. Dom’s brows draw together. Billy’s voice is calm but dark. “Three people, right? That’s what you said?” He points at Dominicus. “One is the Amadeus Alpha. He’ll fight the physical battle.” Then he points at me. I flinch. “Second is the Castellanos Alpha and Priestess. That’s you.” I can’t meet his eyes. “And the third…
Diana He starts pacing toward the door like a man possessed. I glance outside—the sky is pitch black, the moon high and silver. “Billy,” I say gently, “it’s late. Why don’t we go tomorrow?” But he shakes his head, already reaching for the doorknob. “I can’t wait. Who knows where she is? What kinda situation she’s in? If she’s far, the sooner I leave, the sooner I’ll reach her—” Eleanor lifts her eyes to Dom in a silent signal. Dominicus stands immediately, moves forward, and catches Billy by the shoulders before he can bolt. “Wait,” he says gently but firmly. “Where are you going? You don’t even have the tracker yet. How will you find her without it?” Billy blinks. “Right. Right, right.” He lets himself be guided back, still jittery, heart pounding in his chest. He turns to Eleanor again, eyes wide and pleading. “Then give it to me. The… the thing you said. What is it?” “I’ll make you a Scrythorn,” Eleanor replies. “It’s an ancient charm, carved and imbued with s
Diana Billy hasn’t moved. His eyes are bloodshot and shining, and when he finally speaks, his voice is hoarse. “You said you used dark magic, too,” he rasps to Eleanor. “But you’re still here. Still… you. Why couldn’t she do the same?” Eleanor’s face softens. “Because she wasn’t strong enough. Six years of dark magic, even in small doses, is too much. I stopped after one spell. I cut myself off. Let the darkness bleed out slowly over time. But your mate…” She sighs. “She didn’t have that luxury. The curse had corrupted her too much”. But I know the rest. Eleanor is the Primarch Arcana. Stronger than any light witch alive. That’s the difference. That’s why she survived. Billy lowers his head, shoulders slumping. He doesn’t speak for a long time. My chest aches with a pressure that builds and builds until I can barely breathe. All those years, I thought no one loved me. That I meant nothing to anyone. I was wrong. Now I know—my parents, the witches who could have teleport
Diana Eleanor folds her hands in her lap, her face as gentle as ever, but I see the flicker of regret in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Billy,” she says softly. “What I’m about to tell you might be hard to hear. But I believe it will answer the questions you’ve carried for a long time.” Billy glances between Dom and I, seeing the corresponding seriousness on our faces and sits straighter, “Go on,” he says. Eleanor nods. “Just as I was explaining to Diana and Dominicus, your mate—Myralie—was the one who suppressed Diana’s wolf. It was the only way she could keep her from shifting, and from being found.” Billy’s head jerks slightly. “Myralie?” he repeats, his brow creasing. “You mean… Myra?That her real name?” I watch the flicker of pain flash through his eyes. He once told us he didn’t know much about her. Only her name. And now it turns out… even that was only half true. There’s a bittersweet sadness in his face as the realization sets in. His mouth parts slightly, but no words come. “S
Diana Dominicus stares at her, brows drawn. “So… you’re not dying,” he says, voice low, suspicious. “I’m not dying,” she insists, looking directly at him now. “I swear it.” He holds her gaze for a beat longer. Then, finally, he nods. I feel the tight coil of tension in his body loosen, the faintest ripple of relief coming through the bond. I exhale too, only now realizing I’d been holding my breath. “It’s not fair,” I whisper. The words slip out before I can stop them, soft and aching. Eleanor looks at me with kind eyes, and then gives a small smile. “Magic isn’t a person, dear. It has no consciousness to look into the facts surrounding the incident and decide whether or not it’s fair. It doesn’t think or feel. It simply is.” She sets her teacup down gently, the sound barely audible. “Light magic doesn’t coexist with dark magic. It won’t. The moment I used it—even to save someone—I knew what it meant. My days as the Primarch were numbered.” Her smile turns wry. “The fac
Diana She lifts her eyes, and they shimmer with something like wonder. “I felt it. A divine ripple. Like something ancient had stirred. Like the pattern of fate had twisted slightly on its axis.” Her fingers curl around the porcelain cup. “I didn’t know what it meant. But I knew—something was coming. I didn’t know what, or who, but… I hoped.” She looks at me now. And her expression softens into something almost reverent. “And then, one morning… a girl walked in.” My throat tightens. Eleanor’s voice drops into a hush, as though telling a sacred secret. She gives me a small smile. “A werewolf… a werewolf with a sealed wolf”. “A beautiful girl,” she continues. “Her eyes were haunted and it was obvious she was running from something.” My stomach tightens. Eleanor’s expression softens again. “It took me just one look. I knew exactly who you were. The Castellanos Alpha heir. The one who escaped the massacre. I was… stunned.” She shakes her head with a quiet chuckle, bu
Diana I swallow the lump in my throat. For the longest time, Dom had no one. I’m so glad is finding more family and loved ones. He doesn’t answer. But his eyes shine, and he reaches up, catching her wrist. “You should’ve told me,” he murmurs, his voice thick, “I wasn’t in the right state of mind for a long time, but when I got better-“ She looks at him with weary affection. “Because you’d already suffered enough,” she says softly. “You were just starting to come back to yourself. I didn’t want to pile all this… this heavy, dark mess on your shoulders.” Her eyes flick over to me, and a teasing smile tugs at her lips. “And you had just started falling in love, too. I couldn’t bear to spoil it.” My cheeks warm instantly. Eleanor chuckles. “After nearly a decade of pain and silence, you deserved a little reprieve. Both of you. Watching it happen—watching you fall for each other—it was so cute. And awkward.” I let out a tiny, strangled sound and cover my face with my hand
DianaShe stops in front of him.“The witches at the Castellanos pack…” she says, voice quiet, “they did reach out to me.”I bite down on my lower lip. Hard.“But not to ask me to come. They weren’t calling me for help.” Her gaze flickers to me. “They just wanted me to know what was happening. That the dark witches were there. That the Castellanos were preparing to fall.”Her voice dips, heavy with the weight of regret.“I wanted to go. I swear I did.” Her hands tighten at her sides. “But I knew… I knew if I went like I was, I’d only be a burden.”The words hit like a cold wave.“I couldn’t use my magic properly,” she continues. “It was still tainted. I was still walking that razor’s edge. And if I stepped into a battle like that—drew onto the bulk of magic to battle- the dark magic inside me would’ve stirred violently… fed on the chaos”Her throat tightens.“I would’ve had two choices: fight it or give in. If I had resisted, it would have killed me. If I had given in…” She looks up a