It was as if the entire members of the Blackwood Pack had completely gone still. The once warm, inviting glow of sunlight now cast cruel shadows over every corner, reflecting the unease rippling through the gathered wolves. The scent of hatred and mockery lingered in the air, clashing with the sharp tang of tension and impending conflict.Alpha Eugene stood tall, the veins on his neck visible due to anger, his jaw clenched so hard it could have cracked stone. His icy glare swept over Mira, who struggled in the iron grip of the guards at either side of her. She tried to free herself but it was nearly impossible. “Speak, Mira,” Eugene growled, his voice rough, a deadly storm brewing beneath the surface. “You accused Luna Seraphina of poisoning me and my Becca. But when she ate from the said poisoned food, she was completely fine. Explain yourself. Now.”Mira swallowed, though her throat felt raw. Her limbs trembled under the guards’ hold, but her voice rose clear and firm, fueled
The cold, damp air of the dungeon clung to Mira’s skin, bringing back bitter memories of her time here the first time.The heavy iron door clanged shut behind the guards, leaving her in suffocating darkness except for a flickering torch on the far wall. The stone walls were rough and unwelcoming, the floor uneven beneath her. She swallowed hard, trying to will back the rising fear clawing at her chest.“You will get what’s coming to you, Omega trash,” one of the guards sneered, leaning against the bars. His lips curled into a mocking smile as the others chuckled behind him.“Yeah,” another chimed in. “Thinking you could open your mouth against Luna Seraphina like that? What a joke.”Mira straightened her shoulders, defiance burning in her chest despite the terror gnawing at her heart. “I spoke the truth,” she shot back, her voice shaking but fierce. “And you’ll regret mocking Luna Becca. She’s also your Luna now. She deserves your respect.”The guards burst into cruel laughter.“R
The late afternoon sun bathed the grand estate of the Blackwood Pack in warm gold, though inside Becca’s heart, a cold, gnawing dread settled in. It was practically impossible for her to sit tight and enjoy the beautiful colours that were plastered in the sky.She had so much more than she wanted fixed in her mind.The events of the chaotic breakfast replayed in her mind like a nightmare she couldn’t wake from — Mira being dragged away, accusations flying, Luna Seraphina’s smug defiance, and Eugene’s torn expression. Every step she took down the long corridor toward the garden felt heavier than the last.It felt like she was on a walk of shame, but without the theull of knowing you had dine a lot of nasty things a few minutes earlier with someone you loved.Her conversation with Eugene had given her an idea of a plan she could use to prevent Mira from being banished from the pack.She knew she had no choice. She would never grovel before Desmond, not after the venom he had spat in
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the garden. Becca's thoughts were heavy as she watched Luna Seraphina’s retreating form. The promise she had made to the devilish woman to give up her title was a weight that felt heavier than any crown.Luna Seraphina’s devilish smile still lingered in Becca’s mind as she walked back to where Max stood, his brow furrowed in concern. Max was watching her intently, the uncertainty clear in his eyes.“Becca, are you sure about this?” Max’s voice broke the silence, low and filled with concern.Becca’s gaze was focused on the distant horizon, the soft hues of the setting sun barely catching her attention. Her lips tightened into a line, and she turned slowly to face Max.“I don’t see another way,” she said quietly, her voice firm with conviction. “If giving up my title means helping Mira, then that’s what I’ll do.”Max let out a low breath, his eyes searching hers for any sign of doubt. “But you are the Luna, Becca. You’re our
The heavy oak doors of Desmond’s study creaked open, spilling warm golden light from the crystal chandelier across the lavish room. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, and a grand mahogany desk sat at the center, filled with scrolls and papers sealed with blood-red wax.Behind it sat Desmond himself, his broad frame hunched as his sharp eyes scanned over an open document. His dark hair was slicked back today, and his lips curled faintly in satisfaction as he made a final note with the quill.The heavy scent of cigars and alcohol hung in the air, wrapping around the room like a suffocating cloak.Luna Seraphina stepped in with a noticeable sway in her hips, her green silk gown hugging her figure as she walked toward the desk. A smile tugged at the corner of her ruby-painted lips — a smile that only grew wider at the sight of Desmond’s preoccupied expression.Desmond didn’t look up at first, but he noticed the shift in atmosphere. The air practically vibrated with Seraphina’s smug ex
The sun was beginning to sink lower in the sky, casting a soft glow over the Blackwood Estate.Alpha Eugene sat in the meditation area on a wide stone slab, his eyes closed in meditation.But no matter how hard he tried, his mind would not quiet. The storm inside him had been brewing for days and it ate at his control like a feral beast. His wolf was restless, pacing at the edges of his sanity, demanding blood and justice.The rustle of leaves announced a presence, and he opened his eyes to find Becca walking toward him. She looked tired, her face pale but set with determined resolve. Her eyes were bright with something raw and unyielding. Eugene sighed, sensing that whatever peace he had tried to claim here was about to be shattered.“Becca,” he said, his voice low, but carrying a warning edge. “This better be good.”Becca didn’t flinch. She stopped in front of him, her hands clenched at her sides.She drew a deep breath, then spoke.“I’ve found a way to save Mira,” she began.
Servants walked past Becca with lowered gazes, and warriors pretended to patrol, all while whispering about what had just happened — about the proud and scheming Luna Seraphina finally tasting her own medicine.Becca stood by the tall marble fountain in the center of the garden, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips. The reflection of the moonlight on the water mirrored the faint glint of triumph in her eyes. For once, she had turned the tables. She had made Seraphina squirm, had stripped away the cruel woman’s dignity in front of witnesses. It was a sweet, intoxicating victory.And what surprised Becca even more — though she tried to push the thought away — was how Alpha Eugene had looked at her afterward. Proud. There had been something fierce and approving in his gaze as their eyes met, like for a fleeting moment, he truly saw her, not as a pawn or a liability, but as a Luna worthy of her place."Stop it, Becca," she scolded herself silently, shaking her head. This isn
The night air hung heavy, thick with tension inside the darkened chamber where Luna Seraphina sat, crumpled on the luxurious fur-lined chair. Her hair, usually immaculate, was tangled and falling around her tear-streaked face. Her delicate hands trembled as she clutched a silk handkerchief to her chest, her breaths obvious with fury and humiliation.Thus had been the most embarrassing day for her since she had been born into her prominent family, and as such, it hurt like hell.Her mind kept on torturing her by replaying that moment Becca ripped her dress in front of everyone. “I… I can’t believe she did this to me,” Seraphina choked out, her voice raw from crying. “In front of the entire pack… in front of mere servants and guards… she stripped me of my dignity!”Desmond, pacing the richly carpeted floor like a caged predator, his jaw clenched so tightly it could have cracked bone, stopped abruptly and turned to face her. His face was a storm of unfiltered rage. The flickering fi
The crisp air of the early morning filled Jack's lungs as he walked through the vast garden. The vibrant colors of the flowers, a mixture of pinks, reds, and purples, painted the scene like a tapestry, yet his mind was far from the beauty around him. His thoughts kept drifting to Mira—the way she had looked at him when she was angry, that fire in her eyes, the sharpness of her words.He hated seeing her like that.As he got closer to the garden’s edge, he noticed the sound of laughter, the soft chatter of the maids as they hung bright ribbons and paper lanterns for the upcoming Moon Festival. As Jack approached the small gathering of servants, his eyes immediately landed on Mira.She was on a tall ladder, reaching up to attach a decorative lantern to the wooden trellis above. Jack stood there for a moment, mesmerized. Her long hair fell down her back, the morning sunlight catching the strands and making them glow.There was something about her presence that made the world feel st
Desmond’s lips curled into a wicked smile as he made his way down the hall to meet with Luna Seraphina. He was getting closer now to everything he had ever wanted. And the best part? He would do it all with Luna Seraphina by his side. Her ambitions matched his own, and together, they would rule the pack. All they needed was the right push.Desmond finally reached the door to her dressing room. He could hear her voice, sharp and demanding, echoing through the door. With a quick, determined breath, Desmond knocked on the door before stepping inside.The scene before him made him pause for a moment.Luna Seraphina stood at the center of the room, her back to him. A seamstress was on her knees, pinning the hem of a flowing gown, but Seraphina was visibly displeased. Her sharp voice filled the room as she shouted at the young women around her.“No, no, no!” Luna Seraphina snapped, her eyes dark with frustration. “This dress is a disaster! Can’t you see it? The color is wrong, the cut
The late afternoon sun cast long shadows through the tall windows of the mansion, filling the corridor in hues of amber and subtle gold. The atmosphere seemed to be alive in the rays of light, as if the world itself joyous with this beautiful day. Yet within Max, there was no such happiness His boots echoed against the floor, a slow, heavy rhythm of a man burdened by the thoughts circling his head.He paced with clenched fists and tense shoulders, each stride steeped in regret. His jaw was set tight, the memory of Mira’s eyes—so wounded, so distant—cutting deeper than any blade. He had seen many expressions on her face, but never one that made him feel this… ashamed."Idiot," he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. "What the hell were you thinking?"He had gone too far. Again.Determined to make sense of his spiraling emotions, Max turned toward the one man he trusted to give him clarity—Alpha Eugene.The door to Alpha Eugene’s study stood slightly ajar. The fain
The scent of dried herbs and crushed petals drifted lazily through the air, wrapping the room in a soft, earthy embrace. It mixed with the subtle smell of alcohol and the delicate perfume of wildflowers, creating a scent that was uniquely Becca’s clinic—her sacred space of healing and refuge. The gentle clink of glass vials echoed softly as Becca moved with calm precision, grinding a blend of lavender and some plants into a fine powder with her mortar and pestle. Her hands were steady, purposeful, her every movement honed by years of experience and a heart that had long committed itself to the art of healing others.The quiet was only broken by the occasional rustle and the whisper of Mira’s steps as she moved around the room like a restless spirit. She worked efficiently—organizing the apothecary jars, relabeling bottles, wiping clean the already spotless shelves—but there was a tension in her shoulders, a storm bottled behind her carefully composed expression.Becca didn’t miss
Max walked toward them, his face twisted in anger, his jaw clenched tightly. Mira’s stomach churned at the sight of him, her earlier calm evaporating in an instant."What’s going on here?" Max’s voice was low but filled with a dangerous edge, as though he had already made up his mind about what was happening.Mira’s heart skipped a beat. She opened her mouth to explain, to say something, but before she could, Max was already grabbing her arm, pulling her back roughly. The force of his grip made her stumble slightly, and he positioned himself directly between her and Jack, his body a solid wall, blocking any view of Jack from her.She felt a surge of confusion. Why was he acting this way? He had never been this aggressive before. But his eyes were like ice, and there was no warmth in the way he looked at her, only possession."Max, stop," Mira said, her voice soft but firm, trying to pull herself from his grasp. "What’s wrong with you?"Max didn’t acknowledge her words. His eyes sta
The hallways of the mansion were unusually quiet, except for the faint sound of Mira’s soft footsteps. She carried a basket of laundry, the familiar weight pressing against her side as she walked toward the washroom. Her mind, however, was elsewhere. Thoughts of the poor maid who was about to be executed for Luna Seraphina’s crime plagued her thoughts, filling her with guilt and sorrow.So lost was she in these dark thoughts that she didn't notice the figure coming toward her until it was too late. The collision was sudden, her body crashing into a broad chest, and the basket of laundry flew from her hands, clothes scattering across the polished stone floor."Oh!" Mira exclaimed, flustered, as she scrambled to retrieve the fallen clothes. "I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention."A low chuckle met her ears, warm and familiar. "I should be the one apologizing," the voice said. Mira’s gaze flicked upward, meeting the kind, dark eyes of Jack. The sight of him brought an unexpecte
Becca stormed back and forth across the polished floor of her chamber, her face filled with unfiltered anger.“I swear to the Goddess, Mira,” Becca spat, her voice trembling, “if I see that snake Desmond again today, I won’t be held responsible for what I’ll do.”Seated on the edge of a chair near the fireplace, Mira watched her friend with a mixture of sympathy and helplessness. “Becca, please,” Mira implored, her voice soft yet edged with urgency. “Come sit. Just… breathe. Pacing like this won’t undo what happened at the council meeting.”Becca froze mid-step and turned to face her, eyes blazing. “How can I sit, Mira? How can I sit while an innocent girl—Selene, a mere maid—is being condemned for a crime she never committed? And we both know exactly who’s behind this farce!”Mira swallowed hard, glancing down at the floor. “Luna Seraphina and Desmond,” she said bitterly. “They’ve woven their web too well this time.”Becca resumed her restless pacing, her movements sharper and ang
The morning sun poured lazily through the curtains of Becca’s chamber, the warmth nudging her awake before the light could even fully reach her face. Becca smiled, the memory of yesterday’s public disgrace of Luna Seraphina playing over in her mind like a beautiful, triumphant melody. The look of pure horror on Seraphina’s face, the crowd’s murmurs, and the way Alpha Eugene had looked at her with unmistakable pride—she hugged herself at the thought, only to snap out of it immediately."No, Becca… don’t be foolish. Don’t start hoping for things you know can’t be" She shook her head and slid out of bed, her feet hitting the cool floor. Today wasn’t a day for foolish daydreams. It was a day to finish what had been started.She dressed quickly and tied her hair back with a simple ribbon. As she turned to leave, a soft knock came at the door.“It’s open,” Becca called, fastening the last clasp on her sleeve.Mira stepped inside, looking fresher than Becca had seen her in days. Her face
The night air hung heavy, thick with tension inside the darkened chamber where Luna Seraphina sat, crumpled on the luxurious fur-lined chair. Her hair, usually immaculate, was tangled and falling around her tear-streaked face. Her delicate hands trembled as she clutched a silk handkerchief to her chest, her breaths obvious with fury and humiliation.Thus had been the most embarrassing day for her since she had been born into her prominent family, and as such, it hurt like hell.Her mind kept on torturing her by replaying that moment Becca ripped her dress in front of everyone. “I… I can’t believe she did this to me,” Seraphina choked out, her voice raw from crying. “In front of the entire pack… in front of mere servants and guards… she stripped me of my dignity!”Desmond, pacing the richly carpeted floor like a caged predator, his jaw clenched so tightly it could have cracked bone, stopped abruptly and turned to face her. His face was a storm of unfiltered rage. The flickering fi