Leanna stood on the porch of the manor, leaning against a pillar. Her heart tightened inside her chest when she saw Darius and Archer return with a hysterical Amani, completely inconsolable. Overwhelmed, she stepped outside, on the verge of a breakdown herself. Some time later, Darius walked out and sank onto a bench, resting his head in his hands. โHow is she?โ Leanna asked softly.โJust as you would expect,โ Darius replied, his voice heavy. โShe blames herself for the death of that entire village, as if she were the one to poison the food herself. I had Maggie give her a mild sedativeโฆ it was the only thing I could think to do to calm her down.โLeanna joined Darius on the bench, resting a comforting hand on his shoulder. โAre we certain it was poisoned? Could it have been spoiled or contaminated?โDarius raised his head, meeting Leannaโs gaze with a dreadful look. โArcher and I sniffed it all out ourselves. We had to shift into our wolves to detect it, but traces of silver is what
โWeโre moving the meeting up,โ Malakai asserted as he barged into his fatherโs chambers.โWhatโs the rush, son?โ The King inquired nonchalantly, as a seamstress measured him for a new suit.โI havenโt received any letters from Amani in two days. I need to go back and make sure everything is okay.โโWell, thatโs what being mated to an Alpha is all about. Priorities first, right?โ The King remarked. โBesides, if something was wrong, youโd surely sense it now that sheโs marked.โโThatโs the thing,โ Malakai explained. โWe donโt have a link.โโHmmโฆ interesting,โ the King mused.โI still want this meeting moved up,โ Malakai insisted. โAll of the Alphas are arriving tomorrow; weโll have the meeting then.โโVery well,โ the King conceded. โAs soon as all the Alphas arrive, weโll proceed with the meeting.โโGood,โ Malakai declared. โRight after the meeting, Iโm out of here.โThe King smiled and gave an agreeable nod. โOf course, my sonโฆ as you wish.โMalakai observed his father closely for a mo
Rush proved to be a man of his word. As nightfall descended, he returned to Bloodmoon with his formidable army of rogues. Amani and her Betas were left speechless, clearly seeing that Rush had not exaggerated his influence in the Rogue Lands. It was evident he had rallied every capable Lycan from the entire territory. Hundreds of thousands of rogues arrived with Rush, ready to stand against the Alpha King. โDid I deliver or did I deliver?โ Rush asked, his smirk broadening as he raised his hands in a questioning gesture. Amani exhaled in astonishment. โI must admit, I am quite impressed. Everyone is aware of the terms required to fight with Bloodmoon?โ In response, Rush did not speak. Instead, he knelt on one knee and placed his fist over his heart. A moment later, Kaleb followed suit, kneeling with equal respect. Then, like a ripple across a vast sea, the entire army of rogues dropped to their knees in unison, declaring Amani as their Alpha. Amani never imagined she would see the da
The day started like any other for the two elderly gentlemen lounging by the riverbank, their fishing rods lazily cast into the calm waters. The sun was warm, and the gentle breeze carried the scent of pine and earth. They came here often, always catching a good batch to grill for dinner, the rhythmic ripples of the river a familiar and soothing sight.But this time, the ripples revealed something far more ominous than a fish. The water trembled, and soon the ground beneath them did too. At first, they thought it was a distant stampede, perhaps wild horses rushing through the forest. Yet what burst from the tree line was not hooves, but pawsโhundreds, thousands of themโthundering toward the riverbank. Their breath caught in their throats as they realized this was no ordinary stampede. It was an army of wolves, led by a creature of legendโthe most formidable she-wolf the world had ever known.Amani steered the charge, her powerful muscles propelling her as she leapt effortlessly over t
The Conference Hall was alive with the clatter of cutlery and the low hum of conversation as the Alphas of the Pack Lands gathered for a hearty breakfast. The air was thick with the scent of sizzling meats and fresh bread, but even thicker was the tension. None of the Alphas dared to object to Malakai's plan to merge his pack with Amaniโsโlikely due to the silent challenge in his fierce gaze, daring anyone to oppose him.Malakai had just begun to address the growing concerns about the Rogue Lands when the door flew open. Marquis, his fatherโs head guard, stormed in, his expression grave.โYour Majesty, forgive the interruption, but we have a situation,โ Marquis announced, his voice tight with urgency.The King frowned, irritation flashing in his eyes. โCan this not wait? Weโre in the middle of an important meeting.โMarquis took a breath, his words heavy with the weight of bad news. โYour Majestyโฆ Blackclaw has been invaded. The entire western border and surrounding cities are under s
โDanielaโฆโ Steven whispered urgently as he pulled her into a secluded tent. โโฆI wasnโt trying to eavesdrop, but you wonโt believe what I just overheard.โโWhat is it?โ Daniela asked, her curiosity piqued.Steven glanced outside, ensuring no one was within earshot. โAmani is pregnant.โโWhat?!โ Daniela gasped, her voice rising in shock.โShhhโฆ keep it down,โ Steven urged, his tone tense. โNo one is supposed to knowโฆ not even us.โDaniela began to pace the confined space, her hands trembling as she ran them through her hair. โAnd sheโs still planning to go through with this war, knowing sheโs with child?โ โI overheard her tell Maggie and the Betas that sheโd inform Prince Malakai,โ Steven said, his voice filled with concern. โHeโll surely do everything in his power to stop it before it escalates.โโBut what if thatโs not enough for Amani?โ Daniela said, her mind racing. โSheโs determined to kill the King, Steven. What if she doesnโt tell the Prince? Being pregnant makes her vulnerable,
Amani burst from the tent, collapsing to her hands and knees on the grass as she retched violently. The sight of Terrenceโs lifeless body hanging from the chains was a blow to her gut.Malakai rushed to her side, his hand gently resting on her back, his touch a calming presence amidst her turmoil. โAmaniโฆ?โShe raised her hand, a silent plea for a moment to compose herself. She took a shuddering breath, forcing the bile back down as she tried to regain control. She had never wished death on anyoneโexcept perhaps, the King. But now, as the bile of despair rose in her throat, the notion of killing him felt hollow. It wouldnโt erase the pain in her heart, and it certainly wouldnโt restore what she had lost. She wanted justice, not vengeance; to see the King held accountable for his heinous crimes and to stop the cycle of suffering inflicted by his corruption.โAre you alright, Amani?โ Malakai asked gently.โNoโฆ Iโm not alright,โ she replied, turning to face him with a mix of frustration
The moment Malakai entered the Conference Hall, the air grew heavy with tension, every eye locking onto him with consternation. โWhatโs the verdict, Prince Malakai?โ Alpha Dale of the Swiftwater Pack asked, his voice cutting through the silence. โIs she pulling her troops out of Blackclaw?โ Malakaiโs gaze swept the room before he responded. โNo, sheโs not.โ The King, unfazed, leaned forward, a cold smirk playing on his lips. โVery well then. This wonโt be the first time Iโve sent some trifling rogues to their demise, and it wonโt be the last. Members of the Council, assemble the armyโweโre going to war.โ โNot so fast,โ Malakai interjected, his tone laced with a quiet, simmering intensity. โThere are some serious allegations against you, Father.โ The room fell into an oppressive silence, every breath seeming to hold still. โAmani obtained a confession from Terrence Kramer, the head of shipments and trade. He claimed that you ordered him to poison an entire shipment of food meant for
โThree years laterโThe Kingdom of Bloodmoon had blossomed into a beacon of unity and prosperity, standing as a symbol of what could be achieved when packs merged their strength and purpose. Malakai and Amani now ruled from a magnificent new palace, a grand structure of towering stone and glass that overlooked the thriving lands they called home. The borders of what was once Blackclaw and Bloodmoon had been redrawn, and the newly united kingdom stretched far and wide, its people flourishing under their reign.In these years of peace, a new council had been appointed, and among them stood Darius, the Prime Alpha. His journey from Alpha Saulโs trusted Beta to a leader in his own right had earned him this prestigious title. He had proven his worth in the most trying of times, displaying the strength, wisdom, and compassion that made him worthy of the role. Now, he stood at the forefront of governance alongside Malakai and Amani, ensuring the kingdom remained just and fair.The Rogue Land
In the heart of Blackclaw, the main square was packed with every member of the kingdom. The air buzzed with anticipation as they all waited for the Royal Council to make their announcement. A raised platform stood at the center of the square, where the Prime Alpha and the Council members had gathered. The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows over the crowd, its warmth heralding the start of a new beginning.The Prime Alpha, tall and imposing, stepped forward. His voice echoed through the square, strong and clear. โToday, we bear witness to the rise of a new Alpha of Blackclaw,โ he began, his eyes scanning the sea of people. "A new Alpha King who has proven himself not only by blood, but by strength, by honor, and by the love of his people."Before he could continue, the sound of footstepsโsteady, commandingโrose above the murmur of the crowd. Heads turned as soldiers parted, and there, striding forward hand-in-hand, were Malakai and Amani. The people gasped, awe and reverenc
Amani let out a heart-wrenching yelp, her wolf howling in anguish as she watched Malakai fall. Her entire body trembled, her green eyes wide with panic and pain. She could see Malakai struggling, his legs weak and shaking as he tried to get back up, but his movements were sluggish, labored, the life draining from him with every passing second.King Zander circled Malakai now, his teeth bared in a cruel, triumphant snarl. His eyes gleamed with arrogance, a sneer twisting his lips as he watched his son struggle. โIs this all you have, boy?โ Zander growled, his voice oozing with scorn. โGet up and die with your dignity!โMalakaiโs body shook as he attempted to rise, his muscles straining, but his strength betrayed him. His paws buckled beneath him, and he crashed back down to the blood-soaked earth, hacking up blood.Amaniโs heart felt like it was tearing apart as she watched him. Her soul screamed with pain and desperation. โKai, get upโฆ please.โ Her voice broke through his fog of pain,
The sun had just crested the horizon, casting long golden rays over the battlefield, as if nature itself was marking the start of a new day โ one that would end with a kingdomโs fate decided in blood. Malakai and Amani stood side by side in their wolf forms with their army of wolves standing fiercely behind them, stretched as far as the eye could see. On the opposite side, King Zander stood at the head of his own army, composed of the most powerful Alphas from the Pack Lands, their own armies standing just as formidable. They, too, were in their wolf forms, muscles tense, their eyes glinting with the same deadly readiness.The Kingโs gaze locked onto Malakai, his eyes cold and calculating. There was no remorse, no regretโonly arrogance, as if he already knew how this fight would end. Malakaiโs fury was barely contained, his gaze burning with years of betrayal and the raw need for justice.The Royal Council watched from the side in human form, mounted on their horses. They sat as impa
Malakaiโs massive wolf form lunged toward Darius, their snarls and growls filling the air as the two locked in a fierce sparring match. Claws scraped against the ground, and the thudding sound of their bodies colliding echoed through the clearing. Darius countered Malakaiโs attack with a sharp snap of his jaws, but Malakai was faster, his dark, hulking figure moving with terrifying precision. His eyes, flickering between blue and black, betrayed the storm of rage building inside him, the same fury that would fuel him for the inevitable battle at sunrise.From a distance, Amani watched, her heart in her throat. She stood with Archer and Maggie, their forms shadowed by the trees, far enough away to avoid being a distraction, but close enough to see the intensity of Malakaiโs movements. He was pushing himself hardโtoo hardโand she could sense the weight of his determination, the ferocity of his resolve.โHe doesnโt understand,โ Amani muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Her gaze r
Amani entered her tent, her eyes landing on Malakai sitting on the cot, just as she expected. She had figured heโd be here, a respite away from the crowd. His hand traced the healed wound on his abdomen, though he quickly pulled his shirt down the moment she entered, trying to keep her from worrying more than she already did.She crossed the tent, her gaze lingering on him as she sat beside him on the cot. โDoesnโt look like that scar is going away any time soon,โ she said softly, her tone laced with concern.โI donโt care about the scar,โ he replied, his voice low and distracted.Amani tilted her head, watching him more closely. โWhat is it, Kai?โ She asked, her brow furrowed. โYou left in the middle of the briefing. Weโve all decided not to wait for your fatherโs army to return. Weโre going to storm the palaceโthereโs a good chance the other packs havenโt arrived yet, theyโll never expect us to counterattack so soon. I really believe we can win this war.โโThere wonโt be a war,โ Mal
Amani burst out of the tent, her senses immediately assaulted by the chaos of battle. The night was alive with the savage cries of wolves and the clash of bodies, the once-quiet camp now a maelstrom of violence. Amaniโs heart beat with the rhythm of Malakaiโs, the bond between them fueling her strength, guiding her through the brutality. She could feel him with her, his presence a steady anchor in the storm.As Amani carved her path through the battlefield, she was a whirlwind of lethal precision. She moved with predatory elegance, each strike a dance of power and skill. She ripped through her foes with ruthless efficiency, her claws and fangs tearing through their defenses, leaving a trail of defeated adversaries in her wake.She surged forward, her wolf form a fiery trail of crimson and silver as she darted through the fray, her eyes locking onto Daniela and Steven. They were surrounded, the two of them desperately fending off the vicious onslaught of two large wolves. Their snarls
As Amaniโs fangs sank into Malakaiโs flesh, a sudden jolt of energy surged through her, stronger than anything sheโd felt before. It was as if the world around her blurred for a moment, then dissolved entirely, leaving her in a place that was neither here nor thereโa space beyond time, beyond reality. Her vision swirled with brilliant colors, then settled, revealing an ethereal scene.Suspended in the vastness of the cosmos, was a luminous, iridescent egg. Its shell shimmered with a soft, otherworldly glow, shifting between shades of deep violet and radiant silver, like the night sky encapsulated in a single fragile sphere. Inside the cosmic egg, two small wolves played, their forms glowing with a light that seemed to come from within.The first was Zayn, a sleek black wolf, his fur dark as midnight, with a powerful yet gentle presence. He moved with a confident grace, his large paws barely making a sound as he playfully chased after the smaller wolf beside him.The other was Seraphin
Darius and the soldiers moved swiftly, their steps urgent as they carried Malakaiโs unconscious form into the medical tent. Amani followed close behind, her eyes wide with fear, heart pounding in her chest. The warm, coppery scent of his blood filled the air, mingling with the scent of antiseptic and herbs inside the tent. The tension was thick, oppressive, as every soldier felt the gravity of the situation.Maggie was already waiting, her hands steady but her eyes sharp with concern. When her gaze fell upon Malakai, a gasp escaped her lips, and her face paled. The sight of the darkening veins around the gaping wound made her stomach twist with dread.โOh dear Goddess, what happened?!โ Maggieโs voice trembled as she rushed forward, her hands moving instinctively to assess the damage.โHeโs been hit with silver, Maggie,โ Amaniโs voice cracked with desperation. โPleaseโฆ please help him.โMaggieโs eyes darkened with understanding, and she immediately took charge. โCall the Physician! Get