THIRD PERSON POV "I can smell darkness around her," the mage said suddenly, jolting Emilia and Nathaniel out of their thoughts. His words hung in the air like an ominous cloud."What do you mean by darkness?" Emilia asked, concern etched on her face, her voice laced with a hint of fear."Dark magic, chaos is about to erupt," the mage warned, his expression grave, his eyes filled with a deep foreboding.He stood up abruptly, signaling the end of their visit, leaving Nathaniel with more unanswered questions.The mage's stern face silenced Nathaniel's inquiries, and they bid him farewell.As they left, Emilia and Nathaniel expressed gratitude. "Thank you for all your help," they said in unison.The mage smiled kindly. "It was nothing. May the moon goddess guide you."Their ride back to Woodland Pack was quiet, both lost in thought, their minds reeling with the mage's revelations.Hours passed in silence, the only sound being the hum of the engine.Upon arrival, Lena and Kilo welcomed th
Katherine POV I woke up to the soothing sound of raindrops hitting the roof, but my tranquility was short-lived. I found myself still confined to my room within the Redwood pack's stronghold, surrounded by darkness. The only light came from the moon's faint reflection, casting an eerie glow. For a moment, I wondered if the events of the previous day had been just a vivid dream or a hallucination. But the harsh reality hit me as I felt the coarse rope biting into my wrists, securing my hands behind my back.A wave of pain washed over me, and my head throbbed relentlessly. My thoughts immediately turned to the well-being of my companions. Were they safe? Had they suffered the same fate as me? Anxiety gnawed at my conscience.Just as I was lost in thought, I heard Nova's familiar voice, calm and reassuring. "Stop struggling; it only makes the rope tighter." I froze, realizing I wasn't alone in the room. Her words caught me off guard – I hadn't even noticed my subtle struggles. But Nov
THIRD PERSON POV As Katherine departed with Dimitri, preparing for their impending mating ritual, Nathaniel sighed in frustration. Why was the goddess punishing him? He had only just reunited with his mate, and they hadn't even begun to reconcile, yet another obstacle had arisen, threatening to tear them apart forever."We can't let Dimitri win," Emilia whispered, her voice barely audible.Nathaniel tilted his head back, helpless. "What can we do? We're trapped."Emilia slumped against the wall, tears streaming down her face. The reality of Dimitri's heartlessness was devastating.Footsteps echoed outside their cell, and Halo King appeared, Lyra by his side. Lyra gestured toward Nathaniel and Emilia. "Keep a close eye on them. I'll prepare for the ritual."With that, Lyra departed, leaving Nathaniel wondering what ritual she had in mind. Wasn't mating a sacred ceremony?Nathaniel noticed Halo King's intense gaze on Emilia and felt a surge of protectiveness. "Mate." Emilia's gaze re
THIRD PERSON POV Katherine's eyes fluttered closed as she drifted off to sleep, but her mind wasn't ready to rest. Instead, she found herself transported to a different time and place.She stood in a dimly lit room, the air thick with an eerie silence. Suddenly, a faint whimper echoed through the space. Katherine's gaze fell upon a young boy, no more than ten years old, cowering in the corner. His eyes were wide with terror as he pleaded,"Please...don't hurt me!"Katherine's heart ached as she watched, frozen in place. The boy's words sent shivers down her spine. Who was this child? And who was he begging for mercy from? The scene was so vivid, so real, that Katherine felt like she was witnessing a long-forgotten memory.Suddenly a man emerged from the shadows with a wide grin, “nobody is going to hear you. When will you stop whining”.Katherine watched as tears ran down the boy's eyes as he pleaded, “please don't do this again”The boy's tears fell silently as the man's mocking l
KATHERINE POV I slowly opened my eyes, blinking away the haze. The world around me was shrouded in a misty, ethereal light. Trees towered above, their branches twisted and gnarled, like grasping fingers. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves.At first, I thought I was in the forest in the pack, But something felt off. The trees seemed taller, the shadows darker. And the silence... it was oppressive, like a weight pressing down on me.As I sat up, the world around me began to shift and ripple, like the surface of a pond disturbed by a thrown stone. The trees blurred, their branches melting into each other. The sky above transformed into a deep, burning crimson.That's when I realized it. This wasn't real.I was dreaming.A thrill of excitement mixed with fear coursed through my veins, sending shivers down my spine. "Yes, you are my priestess," a distant voice declared, the sound echoing through the misty realm. The voice was mystical and deep, resonating
Katherine POV It had been a grueling week of questioning and investigating Dimitri's case, but we were no closer to uncovering any leads. The uncertainty was taking a toll on all of us, leaving everyone on edge. We knew something was brewing, but the when and how remained frustratingly elusive. The past week had been a whirlwind of activity, oscillating between searching for Dimitri and dismantling the council. Most of the wolves who had rallied to our cause had returned to their respective packs, leaving us to navigate the aftermath. David, now appointed alpha of the Redwood pack, was tasked with rooting out any remaining threats. His unwavering dedication was a beacon of hope in these tumultuous times. "So, where are you off to?" Emilia asked, snapping me out of my reverie. I turned to her with a casual shrug. "Just the garden." Nathaniel had persuaded me to join him for a stroll, emphatically stressing it wasn't a date, just a friendly outing. I had agreed, hoping the tran
Dimitri POV Agony ravaged my body, a relentless fire burning every nerve. I gasped, struggling to surface from the darkness.Where was I?Memories fragmented, like shattered glass. The last thing I remembered was...Pain.It consumed me, a living entity clawing at my insides.My eyelids cracked open, revealing a blurred ceiling. Every heartbeat pulsed pain through my veins.A groan escaped my lips as I shifted, weight pressing down on my battered body.My thoughts swirled, disjointed. What happened? I remembered entering the woodland pack border, did they save me,?With a Herculean effort, I dragged myself upright, but the room spun viciously, threatening to suck me back into the dark abyss. My head pounded, each pulse a fresh wave of agony. I gritted my teeth, fighting the nausea and the memories that lingered, taunting me."Water," I croaked, my voice barely audible.A figure moved beside me, handing me a cool glass. I grasped it with shaking hands and gulped the liquid, feeling
NATHANIEL'S POV I stood tall, my gaze piercing Carolina's, as I addressed the gathered warriors. The tension was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. "You've brought war to our doorstep, Carolina. What drives you to turn against your own pack? What grievance could possibly justify this betrayal?"Carolina's smirk twisted her face, her eyes flashing with contempt. I'd known she disliked me, but the depth of her hatred caught me off guard. Her expression revealed a long-simmering resentment, one that had been hiding beneath the surface."I've tolerated your presence for far too long, Nathaniel," Carolina spat, her voice venomous. "You think you're worthy of leading our pack? You're nothing but a weak, abandoned pup. A relic of a forgotten family."Memories resurfaced – Carolina's initial warmth when I first arrived, followed by years of cold indifference. She'd ignored me, made me feel invisible. Not as cruel as my parents, but her disregard still stung. I recalled the countless
NATHANIEL'S POV I paced outside the labor ward because I was panicking inside, so Felix kicked me out, my mind racing with memories of the past six months.Katherine's pregnancy had been a whirlwind of emotions – hers and mine. Mood swings, tears, and laughter filled our days. One moment she'd be radiant, glowing with joy; the next, she'd be crying over something as trivial as a misplaced book.I recalled the first time she'd craved pickles and ice cream at 3 AM. I rushed to the store, laughing as she devoured the combination in bed. Her smile had lit up the room.Then there were the days she couldn't leave the bed, exhausted and overwhelmed. I'd held her close, whispering reassurances as she sobbed.Through it all, our love deepened. I marveled at her strength, her resilience.And now, as I stood outside these hospital doors, my heart swelled with anticipation. Our little one was almost here.I took a deep breath, remembering Katherine's words: "We're in this together, Nathaniel."T
KATHERINE POV Tonight was the night – our official mating ceremony. I couldn't shake off the butterflies in my stomach, excitement and nerves tangled together. In the human world, they called it a wedding day, but for us, it was so much more. The thought of wearing the dress Nathaniel had designed specifically for me sent my heart soaring. His talented hands had crafted every detail, every stitch, with love and devotion. As tradition dictated, Nathaniel and I prepared in separate rooms, the anticipation building with each passing moment. As I swung open the closet door, my eyes widened in awe. Before me hung the most breathtaking wedding gown I had ever laid eyes on. The dress was a masterpiece of elegance and sophistication, tailored to perfection. The gown's ivory hue shimmered in the light, its silky fabric seeming to glow from within. Delicate lace and intricate embroidery danced across the bodice, framing the sweetheart neckline. The fitted waist flowed into a flowing,
NATHANIEL'S POV I slumped in my office chair, surrounded by scattered papers and half-empty coffee cups. The early morning hours ticked by as I struggled to focus on designing, my mind wandering to Katherine.Three weeks of absence had left me drowning in work. Janet's emails had been a lifesaver; she definitely deserved a raise.But my thoughts kept drifting back to Katherine. It had been a week since my recovery, and she'd moved back to the guest room. The distance between us felt like an insurmountable chasm.I knew she loved me, just as I loved her. Yet, trust remained the elephant in the room. No matter my efforts, Katherine's doubts lingered.Five hours passed in a blur as I worked, attempting to distract myself from the ache in my chest.Just as the sun began to rise, Kilo's voice broke the silence."What are you doing, cousin?" Kilo asked, concern etched on his face.I rubbed my tired eyes.I rolled my eyes at Kilo, a hint of exasperation creeping into my voice. "What does i
THIRD PERSON POV Nathaniel's eyelids fluttered open, his gaze locking onto Katherine's. The faintest spark of recognition ignited within his eyes, and her heart swelled."Katherine?" His voice, barely above a whisper, sent shivers down her spine.Tears of joy streamed down Katherine's face as she gently took his hand, her fingers intertwining with his."Nathaniel, you're awake," she whispered, her voice trembling.Kilo sprang to his feet, his eyes wide with excitement. "I'll get Felix!" he exclaimed, racing toward the door.As Kilo disappeared into the hallway, Katherine leaned forward, her face inches from Nathaniel's."You're safe now," she reassured him, her voice soft. Nathaniel's gaze drifted to his surroundings, confusion clouding his eyes."What... happened?" he stammered.Memories seemed to flood back, and Nathaniel's expression darkened."Carolina..." he growled.Katherine squeezed his hand gently, "She's dead, Nathaniel.”"Katherine... I'm sorry for not helping." His voice
Katherine POVA maelstrom of emotions ravaged me - anger, rage, and sadness waged war within. Nathaniel's lifeless body slipped from my grasp, and I lost all control. Carolina's growl of frustration at her failed attempt to kill me barely registered.Seizing her sword, I charged toward her. My vision blurred, fueled by unadulterated fury. I grasped Carolina's neck, my grip crushing. Her eyes widened as I squeezed, my fingers digging deep into her skin.With a swift, merciless motion, I twisted her head, snapping her spine. The sound echoed through the silence, a grim finale to our conflict. Carolina's lifeless body crumpled to the ground.The pack's stunned gasps faded into the background as I stood, frozen, my chest heaving. I didn't care that the entire pack witnessed me killing their Luna, or that Kilo watched in horror. From the moment Carolina stabbed Nathaniel, her fate was sealed.Covered in blood, my eyes welled up with tears. I collapsed onto Nathaniel's chest, my ear pressed
NATHANIEL'S POV I stood tall, my gaze piercing Carolina's, as I addressed the gathered warriors. The tension was palpable, the air thick with anticipation. "You've brought war to our doorstep, Carolina. What drives you to turn against your own pack? What grievance could possibly justify this betrayal?"Carolina's smirk twisted her face, her eyes flashing with contempt. I'd known she disliked me, but the depth of her hatred caught me off guard. Her expression revealed a long-simmering resentment, one that had been hiding beneath the surface."I've tolerated your presence for far too long, Nathaniel," Carolina spat, her voice venomous. "You think you're worthy of leading our pack? You're nothing but a weak, abandoned pup. A relic of a forgotten family."Memories resurfaced – Carolina's initial warmth when I first arrived, followed by years of cold indifference. She'd ignored me, made me feel invisible. Not as cruel as my parents, but her disregard still stung. I recalled the countless
Dimitri POV Agony ravaged my body, a relentless fire burning every nerve. I gasped, struggling to surface from the darkness.Where was I?Memories fragmented, like shattered glass. The last thing I remembered was...Pain.It consumed me, a living entity clawing at my insides.My eyelids cracked open, revealing a blurred ceiling. Every heartbeat pulsed pain through my veins.A groan escaped my lips as I shifted, weight pressing down on my battered body.My thoughts swirled, disjointed. What happened? I remembered entering the woodland pack border, did they save me,?With a Herculean effort, I dragged myself upright, but the room spun viciously, threatening to suck me back into the dark abyss. My head pounded, each pulse a fresh wave of agony. I gritted my teeth, fighting the nausea and the memories that lingered, taunting me."Water," I croaked, my voice barely audible.A figure moved beside me, handing me a cool glass. I grasped it with shaking hands and gulped the liquid, feeling
Katherine POV It had been a grueling week of questioning and investigating Dimitri's case, but we were no closer to uncovering any leads. The uncertainty was taking a toll on all of us, leaving everyone on edge. We knew something was brewing, but the when and how remained frustratingly elusive. The past week had been a whirlwind of activity, oscillating between searching for Dimitri and dismantling the council. Most of the wolves who had rallied to our cause had returned to their respective packs, leaving us to navigate the aftermath. David, now appointed alpha of the Redwood pack, was tasked with rooting out any remaining threats. His unwavering dedication was a beacon of hope in these tumultuous times. "So, where are you off to?" Emilia asked, snapping me out of my reverie. I turned to her with a casual shrug. "Just the garden." Nathaniel had persuaded me to join him for a stroll, emphatically stressing it wasn't a date, just a friendly outing. I had agreed, hoping the tran
KATHERINE POV I slowly opened my eyes, blinking away the haze. The world around me was shrouded in a misty, ethereal light. Trees towered above, their branches twisted and gnarled, like grasping fingers. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves.At first, I thought I was in the forest in the pack, But something felt off. The trees seemed taller, the shadows darker. And the silence... it was oppressive, like a weight pressing down on me.As I sat up, the world around me began to shift and ripple, like the surface of a pond disturbed by a thrown stone. The trees blurred, their branches melting into each other. The sky above transformed into a deep, burning crimson.That's when I realized it. This wasn't real.I was dreaming.A thrill of excitement mixed with fear coursed through my veins, sending shivers down my spine. "Yes, you are my priestess," a distant voice declared, the sound echoing through the misty realm. The voice was mystical and deep, resonating