Elara's POVI woke up to voices I didn’t want to hear. My mother and Aunt Silvia were hovering over me, their expressions tight with something between relief and expectation. I blinked a few times, my head pounding like a war drum. The memories from my past life, from Amaris, were still sharp and raw in my mind. The betrayal, the curse, the fire that had burned through me. And underneath all of it, that voice—hers—whispering, urging me to act.“You’re finally awake,” my mother said, her voice soft but tinged with urgency. “We were beginning to worry the fever had taken hold for good.”I sat up slowly, the weight of Amaris’ memories pressing against me like an anchor. The room was spinning, and my body felt like it had been dragged through every battlefield from here to the moon.“Where… where is Lucas?” My voice cracked, and I barely recognized it. “Is he okay? What about Sabrina? Did she survive? Did Aurelio—” My words tumbled out, desperate and jagged, but neither of them answered.
Lucas' POVI bolted out of the darkened corridor, every fiber of my body thrumming with a singular purpose: find Elara. My wolf was clawing at the edges of my mind, his panic mirroring mine. The thought of her in danger, possibly alone and hurt, made my chest ache. She had to be okay. She had to be.I didn’t make it far before I almost collided with Sabrina. She skidded to a halt, her wide eyes narrowing when she saw me. “Lucas! Thank the moon,” she said, her voice strained. “You have no idea how bad it’s gotten.”“What happened?” I demanded, grabbing her by the shoulders. “Are you hurt? Is Elara with you?”“Slow down,” she said, shrugging me off but not unkindly. “ Dad’s terrorizing people again,” she said flatly, not even looking like it bothered her. “But Aurelio’s finally ready to fight back.”“I don’t care about Aurelio right now,” I interrupted. “Aurelio is more than capable of handling himself.’’ This wasn’t about him. This was about Elena. I couldn’t let her down. Not again.
Alpha Darian, Lucas’ FatherThe basement of the packhouse was a dark, damp place, long forgotten by most. The air was thick with dust, the stone walls slick with moisture. Darian stood at the center of the room, his towering frame illuminated by the faint glow of a single hanging bulb. In his hand was a rusted crowbar, its edge already chipped from his relentless prying at the floorboards. His jaw was tight, his movements sharp and furious.His thoughts, however, were far darker than the room itself.Five hundred years. That was how long it had been since he buried the artifact under this very foundation. A piece of power so ancient, so potent, it could turn the tide of any battle. He had hidden it here during his rise to Lycan King, knowing even then that one day it might be the key to securing his ultimate goal—the eradication of the werewolves and the enslavement of the witches. Only Lycans, he believed, should rule. The lesser creatures were nothing more than pawns, tools to be us
Lucas’ POVThe clearing was empty—just woods and silence. My fists clenched so tight my claws cut into my palms. This was supposed to be it. The witch’s village. Instead, there was nothing but the sound of Sabrina sobbing behind me and the gnawing realization that we’d been played.By him.“I’m sorry, brother,” Sabrina whispered, her voice shaking. “I thought I was helping. I thought I’d fooled Dad when I stole the map.”Her words only fueled my anger. “You’re not the first to be fooled by our father,” I snarled, spinning to face her. “But this is the last time I let him make a fool of me.”The map was crumpled in my fist. I didn’t care what enchantments it might hold or if there was a slim chance it was real. To hell with the map. I flung it into the river, watching as the current snatched it away, dragging it downstream until it disappeared.“What are we going to do now?” Sabrina asked, her voice thick with frustration. “How will we find the witch village?”I paced the clearing, the
Lucas POVI stood in the centre of the clearing, leaning against one of the logs and folding my arms. I watched the rogues shift uncomfortably under my glare. They had no reason to trust me, just like I too planned the worst for them after this was over. They were a risk. Something about them was off. I trust my instinct above all else, after this, Sabrina and I would slaughter them.“These witches aren’t fools,” I started, making sure my tone was controlled. “They will predict each strategy. They’re waiting for me, they know I’ll come for my mate. They will have wards, traps and an army in ambush. We can’t go into their game strong. We rewrite the rules.”The rogues looked at each other uncomfortably. By not speaking they told their own story—they were unwilling participants, yes, but nonetheless essential.From my right, Sabrina’s voice came, harsh and tinged with dubiosity. “Then you think that relying on them is a clever rewrite?” She pointed vaguely at the assembled group with a
I didn’t need Theo’s words to confirm what my gut was already screaming. The air felt wrong, heavy, as if the land itself was laughing at our stupidity. But then Theo’s voice came, sharp and urgent: "Lucas, it’s a trap."I didn’t have time to respond before it all unraveled. The rogues ahead slowed, their movements suddenly coordinated in a way that screamed premeditation. Rylan, the so-called decoy, raised his hand, not in surrender, but in signal. My stomach twisted."What the—" Sabrina started, her eyes narrowing on the rogues. But before she could finish, they turned to us, no longer pretending to be allies.The gates of the witches’ village creaked open, their sound low and mocking, like an unspoken welcome to the slaughterhouse. Then they appeared—the witches. They didn’t storm us like an army. No, that would have been too straightforward. Instead, they strolled out, casual and confident, as if they’d already won. Their faces wore smug expressions that made my blood boil."Rylan
Elara's POVThe world inside my mind was suffocating. It was warped in darkness.Amaris's voice surrounded me. “Let me show you, Elara,” she said, her tone laced with venom. “See the truth you refuse to face.”The ground beneath me shifted, the cold, hard surface replaced by damp earth. When I looked up, I was no longer in my mind. I stood in the ruins of a village. Smoke hung in the air, mingling with the metallic tang of blood.Bodies were scattered everywhere—men, women, children. Their lifeless eyes stared up at the sky.“What is this?” I whispered, my voice trembling.“Your mate’s legacy,” Amaris said, appearing beside me. Her form was pale and ethereal, but her eyes burned with rage.She gestured to the carnage around us. “This is what Darian did, what his Lycans did. Women, children, the elderly—it didn’t matter. He slaughtered them all.”I moved forward, my feet dragging as though weighed down by the horror. A child’s body lay crumpled by a burned-out home. His tiny hand clutc
The door opened without warning, and Darian turned his head just as his wife stepped into the room. She didn’t flinch, didn’t pause, didn’t even narrow her eyes. She glanced at him and the naked woman lying on top of her mate. She walked to the bedside table, opened the drawer, and pulled out a necklace. The sight of her calm, indifferent movements made his stomach twist. She didn’t care.“You’re not going to say anything?” he asked, his voice rising. He pushed the girl off him and stood, glaring at his wife. “I fuck another woman in our bed, and you couldn’t care less?”She didn’t bother looking at him. She fastened the necklace, letting the clasp click into place, then smoothed her hair. “You’re throwing a tantrum, as usual,” she said without emotion. “Unfortunately, I raised Sabrina and Lucas. I’m not interested in raising another child.”The words hit him harder than they should have. He clenched his fists and took a step toward her, but she was already walking away. She left the
Elara’s POV"We want to make this right," my mother begs. "Let us help you."I cross my arms. "There’s nothing you can do to erase years of pain and suffering.”"We can free you from Amaris," Aunt Isabella cuts in. "A ritual to expel her spirit completely."I look at them, breathless for a moment. If Amaris was gone, I could feel my wolf again. I wouldn’t be worried about my baby. I could go back to Lucas, given I won’t be worried about Amaris taking over and hurting him. I’d be free. I study their faces, looking for any sign of deception. "Just like that? You want to help me after admitting you orchestrated my entire life?""It's the least we can do," Matthew says. "Let us try to fix what we broke."My mother steps forward. "Please, Elara. Let this be our apology."I consider their offer. Part of me wants to refuse anything they suggest, but another part... "Fine," I say finally. "Do it.""We'll need time to prepare the ritual grounds," Aunt Isabella says. Hesitant, I ease up. "Fin
I have lived in many cages. Some with iron bars. Some made of illusions, some built from my own hope, crumbling when I realized no one was coming to save me.I thought I had finally escaped. That with Lucas, I had built something real. But it was all another illusion, another carefully constructed lie.Now, I stand on the edge of another choice—run, as I always have, or turn around and face the ghosts I spent my life running from. My mother, my aunt… they claim they have answers. But why should I believe them? Why should I listen?Because of the baby. Because of the life inside me, the only thing that is still mine.I have no choice but to turn back.I walk into Matthew’s pack house again. My mom is standing over Matthew, reciting incantations to try to heal his burn wounds. When they see me, everyone stops. “I only came because I want to know the truth. It’s the only way to protect my baby.’’ The quiet part I hadn’t said out loud was why. Because I was all alone now. Lucas kicked
Elara’s POV"You need to understand where it all began," my mother starts, while she helps apply ointment on my aunt's wounds. She mutters some incantations under her breath, stretching her hands over my aunt's chest. Yet again, like magic, her wounds disappeared. “Beautiful, isn’t it?’’ My aunt asked. “Scary’s more the word.’’ I admit, setting down the book. “Elara, you don’t have to be afraid of magic.’’ “I don’t want it.’’ I snapped. My mom looks back at me. She approaches me, coming to hold my hands gently. “Don’t!’’ I let out. “I don’t want to hurt you again.’’ “Elara, you’re part wolf, part witch. You’re a reincarnation of Amaris, and you’re carrying a Lycan baby. If you want, you can be the most powerful creature to ever roam this world.’’ “I just want a simple life.’’ I admitted, leaning back against the chair. “My baby deserves a simple life. Can you take the magic away? I don’t want to be cursed like this. I almost killed you for crying out loud.’’ “But you didn’t!’
Elara’s POV“I promised myself I’d never come back here,” I muttered as Matthew helped me up the stairs leading to the packhouse. “After you banished me, I had no home. Now everyone who used to bully me somehow calls me Luna. Not just that, but they think I’m some witch.”“We have much to talk about, darling,” Matthew said, smiling. “For now, you need rest.”We reached the top of the stairs, and standing at the entrance were faces I never thought I’d see again.“Elara! Oh, darling!” My mother and aunt rushed toward me, their arms outstretched.They hugged me tightly before I could react, their sudden warmth startling me. My body tensed, the touch setting off alarm bells in my head.“Easy there,” Matthew chuckled, stepping in. “She’s pregnant. Don’t crush her.”They laughed, easing away but not letting go completely.“Sorry, dear,” my mother said, brushing my hair back like she used to when I was a child. “I’m just so excited to see you again.”“Me too,” my aunt chimed in, her smile si
"Please don't do this, Alpha!" Sarah drops to her knees before Lucas. Her tears wet the ground. "She's our Luna!"I watch more pack members fall. One by one. Begging him. Pleading for me."Alpha Lucas, we need her," Michael's voice breaks. "The pack needs her."I feel their love wrapping around me like a warm blanket. But it's not enough. It's never enough.Lucas stands before me. Towering. Rigid. I search his face for any trace of the man who held me last night. Who whispered promises against my skin."I love you," I whisper. The words scratch my throat on their way out.He looks at me with empty eyes, my words mean nothing to him. He slams the door in my face. It is the final disrespect, the very thing that makes me regret knowing him. I’ve never had a place I called home that truly felt like home. Back in Matthew’s pack, it was anything but home. My parents left me a tiny house all to myself but the people around it made my life hell. Here, in Lucas’ pack, I had nothing of my own
Elara’s POVI used to catalog my heartbreaks like others collected seashells. Each heartbreak was unique, adding to my growing collection. The silent heartbreaks haunted me most. Like watching other children walk home to loving families while I returned to an empty house as an orphan. Then came the loud heartbreaks. Fists connecting with flesh, my face stuck into mud. Jeers echoing through hallways. Gum yanked from my hair piece by piece.After finding my first mate, Matthew, heartbreak came with rejection. It wasn’t after he called me to his room that night and propositioned me to become his sex slave that I felt insulted. But still, it didn’t come close to this. Standing here now, listening to Lucas speak, I understand something new. All my previous pain feels like gentle rain. This moment is the hurricane that teaches me what it truly means for a heart to break.I realize now, I’ve never known what heartbreak truly feels like until Lucas.He stands in the center of the room, look
Elara’s POV“I used to scrub these floors. Back in my old pack, they'd make me clean the hospital wing after battles, after accidents, after anything that brought real wolves in for treatment. I'd mop up blood and bandages, listening to them groan in pain while nurses rushed past me like I was invisible. Sometimes I'd hear them whisper - *stupid omega, worthless omega, don't waste medicine on her kind*.” Aurelio looked at me, really looked at me. He had nothing to say. “I remember the day I broke my arm. Three younger wolves had caught me alone, wanted to teach the omega her place. I'd dragged myself to the hospital entrance, blood dripping onto those clean floors I'd just mopped. The nurse had looked right through me, told me to clean up my own mess. I learned to set my own bones after that. Living in Matthew’s pack as the bullied omega taught me that services like health care were only available to wolves who mattered. For years, even when seriously sick, I’d clean the floors and
Elara’s POV“You’re nothing,” Mary spat, coming at me with a knife. “An inferior creature. You don’t deserve my son. You don’t deserve to live.” I tried to speak, to defend myself, but the words caught in my throat. I touched my stomach, afraid for my baby.“Oh Goddess, please help me.’’ I cried out, looking above. Mary laughed. “The goddess won’t help you. She abandoned you wolves centuries ago. She grew scared of us. How mighty Lycans had become.’’ My wolf stirred uneasily inside me, but it felt distant. It felt like she was retreating into the shadows of my mind. “Mary, please,” I managed to whisper. “I love Lucas. I would never—” “Silence!” Her roar echoed through the garden, and I flinched. Why wasn’t anyone coming to save me? Where were the guards, the warriors, the maids? Anyone. “Your love is a stain on our bloodline. You’re a mistake, one I intend to correct.” Before I could move, she lunged at me. The dagger was aimed straight at my chest, and I froze. My fight or f
Lucas’ POV“This isn’t possible. You’re dead.” The words came out before I realized I’d spoken them. “Surprise, Alpha. I’m very much alive.” His grin was wide, almost too wide, like he’d been waiting for this moment. “Do you feel it yet? Has the magic kicked in?”The air was tense, everyone held their breaths. I knew what Matthew meant, I just didn’t think the other Lycans did. The sheer number of wolves around us was too much. None of us was at full power. The forest is pumped with witch magic, which in turn weakens us. Each of us can handle fighting about 50 wolves, even while weak. That’s the power of a Lycan. However, something else was off. The magic got stronger and stronger. “Sabrina…” My father cried out. I turned to see my sister slumped against a tree, her hand pressed to her side. Her face was pale, her breathing shallow. She was slipping away, and I couldn’t do anything about it—not yet.“That’s right,” Matthew said, his tone mocking. “I laced my arrows with the same poi