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Alaric The last of the pack representatives have finally arrived and it’s time to get down to business. The great hall fills with more ranked wolves than it's held in generations. Representatives from every pack in my territories gather to face a threat none of us fully understand yet. Through the mate bond, I feel Sage's nervous energy from where she stands with other healers. Cassius watches her too intently from his position near Blackthorn's delegation, while Eris sits with Victoria's group on the opposite side. Their careful distance feels calculated, especially since she can’t seem to keep her eyes off him. Something about how the wolves arrange themselves catches my attention. Traditional allies sit apart, while packs that historically feuded now whisper together in corners. The usual political lines blur as new alliances form."Notice how Blackthorn's delegation splits their attention?" Garrett murmurs. "Half focused on defense discussions, half watching Sage's every move."
Sage "Remember how it used to burn between us?" Cassius's voice drips with false intimacy. "Those nights at Blackthorn when you'd sneak to my quarters..."I roll my eyes at his obvious attempt to provoke me. Let him play his games - I won't give him the satisfaction of a response."The way you'd beg so prettily for my touch," he continues. "Such passion for an innocent omega."It’s so ridiculous, I barely contain my laughter. Then I feel it - rage and betrayal flooding through the mate bond. Horror freezes me as I realize Alaric is nearby, that he heard…"How dare you!" I whirl on Cassius as Alaric's presence fades. "You lying snake! You planned this!"The satisfaction in Cassius's face tells me everything - he knew Alaric was there, planned this whole scene. My hands shake with rage at being manipulated, at being used to hurt Alaric.“He's trying to break you apart,” Aura snarls. “Using your past against you both.”"Now, now." His smile holds pure satisfaction. "Is that any way to sp
AlaricMy claws leave new gouges in the training room walls, but the destruction does nothing to ease my beast's rage. Her words echo in my head: "You're the one who believes Cassius's lies because it's easier than admitting you're terrified..."How dare she turn this around on me? Make me the villain when she's the one who—But did she? a traitorous voice whispers. Did you even give her a chance to explain?Through the mate bond, I feel her hurt, her anger. But when I catch glimpses of her throughout the day, she's smiling, laughing with other healers like nothing's wrong. Like our fight meant nothing."The Northern Alliance needs immediate response about defense strategies," Garrett interrupts my brooding. "And three more territories report attacks."Right. I'm the Lycan King before anything else. Personal drama can't interfere with duty.But passing the great hall, I freeze at the sound of her laughter. She stands with a group of visiting healers, apparently sharing some joke. Not a
Alaric The truth hits like a physical blow as I watch Cassius manipulate yet another situation to his advantage. His careful words, his precise timing, the way he positioned himself to be overheard that day… because that’s what he did. I realize that now. I’m usually so careful to hide my aura, to prevent overwhelming people. But I was worried about Sage, unfocused. Of course he felt my presence.I'm a fool.“Finally figured that out?” my beast snarls. “Now fix it.”But pride makes my feet heavy as I head toward the healing wing. The mate bond pulses with Sage's hurt - no longer hidden behind cheerful smiles now that she knows I'm watching.She doesn't look up when I enter, though her shoulders tense slightly. "My King. Did you need something?"The formal tone cuts deep. "Sage...""I'm quite busy." She continues sorting herbs with precise movements. "If you have no official business—""We need to talk.""I believe we said everything necessary already." Her voice could freeze flame. "
Sage Focusing on work is the only thing keeping me sane. As long as there are wounds to heal, herbs to prepare, techniques to teach... I can almost ignore the constant ache of the mate bond. Almost.“He tries to apologize,” Aura reminds me for the hundredth time.“After believing the worst about us,” I counter, grinding herbs with more force than necessary. “After letting Cassius manipulate him so easily.”But even as I maintain my cold distance, I feel Alaric's presence nearby. He's been finding excuses to stay close all morning, though I refuse to acknowledge him.The first howl of warning barely registers - we've grown used to attacks. But the second howl carries notes I've never heard before, pure terror that makes my blood freeze.They bring the first victims in seconds later - warriors torn almost beyond recognition. The wounds... Moon goddess, I've never seen corruption like this."Lady Sage!" The head healer's voice carries panic. "We need you. Now!"I move without thinking, h
Cassius They think they've won. I watch from shadows as Alaric leads Sage through the gardens, his hand possessive at her lower back. The way she looks at him now, all soft eyes and gentle smiles... it would be amusing if it wasn't so useful to my plans."Quite the cozy picture," Eris murmurs, appearing beside me. "Your little scheme to separate them failed.""Did it?" I keep my voice neutral, studying how power radiates off Sage now. Such potential, wrapped in such a delicate package. "Sometimes you have to let your prey feel safe before the real hunt begins."Her eyes narrow slightly. "What are you planning?""The question is, what are you planning?" I turn to her with calculated interest. "The Northern territories have always wanted more control over the Lycan King...""And they'll have it." Her perfect smile holds secrets. "Through the perfect Luna who understands their interests.“The Northern territories will support whatever weakens his control," Eris continues thoughtfully. "A
Alaric The packhouse feels almost empty after weeks of hosting ranked wolves from every territory. Through our bond, I feel Sage's relief at returning to normal duties without hostile noble wolves watching her every move."The gathering served its purpose," Garrett reports, spreading territory maps across my desk. "Most packs agree to coordinate defenses now."But something nags at me about Cassius's too-perfect departure. About Eris's careful absence from political maneuvering these past days…A commotion at the gates interrupts my thoughts. My father's scent hits me before I see him - Perseus, returned from his month-long diplomatic mission to the far eastern territories."The attacks spread further than we knew," he announces without preamble, striding into my study. The journey has aged him somehow, left new lines around his eyes. "Every pack I visited reported similar patterns."Through our bond, I feel Sage's instant tension at my father's return. But there's no time to reassure
Sage The wounds are getting worse. Every patrol brings back warriors with injuries that fight my healing in new ways. The mutations adapt faster now, like they're building toward something. "The infection spreads differently," I tell the head healer, showing her black lines that spider through veins. "See how it targets vital points? Like it's learning..."“They prepare for something bigger,” Aura warns. “These are test runs.”"These aren't normal mutations anymore," the head healer agrees, studying the black lines. "See how the patterns change? Almost like...""Like they're testing which infections work best," I finish. "Learning from each attack what hurts us most."Another warrior arrives, this one's wounds pulsing with strange energy I've never felt before. When I try to heal him, the corruption actually fights back, attempting to climb up my arms like it has a mind of its own.“Not natural,” Aura growls. “Someone directs this. Controls it.”When I try to heal another warrior, co
Alexander I stand in the doorway of Lyra's chambers, all my carefully prepared words evaporating at the sight of her. She looks exhausted but resolute, chin lifted slightly in that way I've come to recognize means she's bracing for an argument. The bond between us pulses with conflicting emotions—relief at our proximity battling with the lingering tension from our courtyard confrontation."Can I come in?" I ask, my voice softer than I intended.She nods, stepping back to allow me entry. I close the door behind me, grateful for the privacy after our too-public disagreement earlier."I owe you an apology," I begin, pride giving way to more important priorities. "My reaction to your return was..." I search for the right word."Possessive? Accusatory? Completely unfair?" she supplies, though the slight curve of her lips takes some sting from the words."All of the above," I admit with a rueful smile. "I was worried sick, Lyra. The bond separation, the power surges, the reports of Vega's a
Lyra The palace looks different this time—less intimidating, more like a potential sanctuary than a gilded prison. Maybe it's because I'm not arriving as a captive or a curiosity, but as someone making a conscious choice to return. Or maybe I'm just too exhausted to be intimidated anymore."You okay?" Kieran asks, pulling his horse alongside mine as we approach the eastern gate."Just tired," I assure him, though that's only part of the truth. The bond with Alexander strengthens with every hoofbeat closer to the palace, the familiar silver warmth spreading through my chest after days of uncomfortable stretching.The guards at the gate snap to attention when they recognize me, their expressions a mixture of relief and curiosity. They wave us through with minimal questions, though I notice how their eyes linger on Kieran and the other healers with suspicion.Some things haven't changed, then.The eastern courtyard bustles with activity—servants carrying supplies, guards changing shifts,
Alexander "Your Highness, the eastern patrol has returned."I look up from the maps spread across my desk to see Captain Merrick standing at attention in the doorway. The grim set of his mouth tells me he's not bringing good news."Report," I command, straightening to my full height."We've confirmed the presence of at least eight individuals matching Northern territory descriptions moving through the eastern forests." He points to the area on my map where Lyra's healing community had relocated. "They're using search patterns consistent with tracking specific targets, not random patrols."My stomach knots. "How close to the healer settlement?""Too close," he admits. "Less than five miles from their last known location."A surge of power—part Alpha, part healing—runs through me at the news, making the maps glow faintly beneath my hands. I've been fighting these manifestations all day, each one stronger than the last as the bond between Lyra and me stretches with our separation."Shit,
Lyra "What existed between us was real," I acknowledge quietly. "Friendship, respect, potential for more. I never denied that.""And now?" His question carries no accusation, only sincere desire to understand where my boundaries are now."Now complexity exists where once things seemed so simple between us, so easy." I reply, honesty demanded by years of trust between us. "The bond with Alexander doesn't erase what came before, but it changes the context irrevocably."He reaches out slowly, giving me time to withdraw if I choose, and gently brushes a strand of hair from my face. The casual intimacy of the gesture—one he's performed countless times before—suddenly carries a different weight, awareness crackling between us like the static before a storm."If fate hadn't intervened," he murmurs, "if you'd never met him...""We can't know that path because we're not walking it," I interrupt gently, though I don't pull away from his touch. "Speculating about what might have been only makes
LyraThe familiar scents of wild herbs and wood smoke welcome me as we crest the final ridge overlooking our community's temporary settlement. After the palace's overwhelming grandeur, the simple cluster of hide tents and wooden shelters feels like drawing a deep breath after being underwater too long. My shoulders relax instinctively, the tight knot of tension court life created beginning to loosen."You look happier already," Kieran observes, pulling his horse alongside mine. His green eyes study me with the perception that comes from years of friendship. "The palace weighs on you.""It's... different," I acknowledge, remaining deliberately neutral despite the relief coursing through me. "Complex in ways I never imagined.""And the prince?" he asks carefully. "Is he worth the complexity?"The question carries layers beneath its simplicity. Through our temporarily stabilized bond, I feel Alexander's presence like a silver thread stretched thin but unbroken between us. Even discussing
Alexander Throughout the day, power surges continue with increasing frequency and intensity. During an afternoon security briefing, my Alpha energy flares so strongly that decorative weapons mounted on the walls rattle in their holdings. Later, while reviewing border reports, healing power manifests as visible glow surrounding my hands, making parchment maps luminescent where I touch them.By evening, controlling these manifestations requires constant focus, draining energy needed for royal duties that cannot be postponed despite my discomfort. The council reconvenes to discuss increased activity along the eastern border—reports of strangers matching Northern territory descriptions moving through regions where healing communities traditionally hide."Vega's agents, most likely," Dominic assesses, pointing to locations marked on the tactical map. "Their movement patterns suggest searching rather than random patrol.""Searching for what?" Lord Harrison questions."Not what—who," I corre
Alexander The council chamber feels like a trap this morning—a gilded cage of obligation, duty, and politics that keeps me from what I truly want to be doing. My attention drifts repeatedly toward the window, toward the eastern gate where I know Lyra will soon depart with Kieran. Every instinct rebels against letting her leave the palace, letting her travel with another man who clearly harbors feelings for her."Your Highness?" Lord Harrison's voice cuts through my distraction. "Your thoughts on the Northern territories' proposal?"I refocus on the documents before me, forcing composure over agitation. "Their offer of partial reparations is insufficient," I state, scanning the diplomatic language that disguises the Northern delegation's attempt to minimize consequences for their actions. "They participated in an unprovoked attack on our throne. I won’t accept anything less than full accountability."The council members exchange glances, some approving, others concerned."The Northern
LyraThe council chambers occupy an imposing section of the palace, all dark wood and serious faces. When I enter, conversation halts abruptly. Alexander stands at the head of a long table scattered with maps and documents, looking exhausted but commanding. Relief crosses his features when he sees me."Lyra, thank you for coming," he says, gesturing me forward. "The council requires information about Vega's capabilities and possible locations."I step further into the room, acutely aware of the scrutiny from a dozen pairs of eyes. Most expressions range from skeptical to overtly hostile, with only Dominic and Elara offering friendly faces among the assembled advisors."Surely there are more reliable sources of intelligence than a... healer," one councilor objects, the pause before "healer" making the word sound like an insult."You’d do well to remember my mother, your queen, is a healer. As am I.” Alexander snaps, a hint of Alpha authority edging his tone. “Lyra has firsthand experien
Lyra Dinner progresses with excruciating formality. I struggle with the bewildering array of utensils, the unfamiliar dishes, the careful dance of court conversation where nothing is directly stated and everything carries double meaning. Kieran fares no better, his discomfort evident in his tense posture and minimal responses.Alexander tries to include us in conversations, explaining context and introducing friendly nobles, but his attention is constantly divided. Royal matters continuously draw him away—urgent whispers from advisors, formal greetings required by protocol, political discussions that cannot wait despite the occasion.Each time he's pulled away, our fragile bond stretches thinner, fluctuating uncomfortably. Across the table, I notice Elara watching with concern, clearly perceiving the strain through her growing abilities."The court will always demand his attention," Kieran murmurs during one such absence. "This is his life, Lyra. Endless politics, endless obligations.