KristoffA council meeting loomed on the horizon, and I felt the weight of responsibility on my shoulders. Vowing to ensure its success and gain favor, I meticulously prepared for the gathering. Rolf's nod upon entering the room affirmed my readiness. A final glance in the mirror, and I departed, Rolf faithfully trailing behind as we made our way to the council room.Upon arrival, the council members were already seated around the circular table, their eyes fixed on the entrance, anticipating the arrival of both myself and the Ironwolf. Taking my seat, I sensed Rolf's presence standing steadfastly behind me, fulfilling his role as my confidant.My gaze swept over the distinguished figures present – Sigurd, the Beta, and the Ironwolf's younger brother; Gustav from the council of treasuries; Torvald, the warrior leader; Rune, the head tracker; and Rolf as my arms bearer. Accompanying them were other significant figures, including old advisers, previous leaders, and past council heads.A
Chapter 16KristoffI was shocked to my core. My eyes widened, almost bulging out of their sockets, as my father's announcement echoed in the grand hall. My heart raced like a runaway stallion, and my brain couldn't make sense of what the Ironwolf had just told us. This couldn't be happening. The Ironwolf's words hung in the air like a surreal mist, and I found myself unable to fathom the sudden turn of events for the worst.As the council members erupted in cheers, I couldn't join their celebration. My gaze remained fixed on my father, disbelief etched across my face like an indelible mark. The very foundation of my expectations crumbled beneath me. I was so confident in this idea, yet somehow the Ironwolf had found an escape from what I perceived as a perfect plan."Perhaps there's a misunderstanding, father,” I managed to murmur, my voice barely audible.The council chamber fell into an uneasy hush as the Ironwolf scoffed at my decision. "Just a moment ago, you were all for peace b
Ari I was shocked to hear the news. My body trembled, breaths became shallow, and my heart sank. I couldn't process what I had just discovered; it was beyond anything I had imagined. Slowly turning my head, my mind flooded with questions. I wanted to speak, but my mouth couldn't form the words. The harsh reality shook me, and the cheers from a distance were silent inside my head.I looked into Kristoff's eyes, tears streaming down my cheeks. His eyes were also filled with tears, stumbling over his own words as he tried to explain."Is it true, Kristoff?" I managed to ask, my voice choked with emotion."Ari, this is not what... Please ignore them. I – no... Just listen to me first. Give me a chance to explain," he pleaded.I felt the weight of the devastating truth. I wanted to hear his explanation, but part of me no longer wanted to hear the painful reality. Tears continued to roll down my cheeks, and Kristoff tried to comfort me. However, I gently pushed him away."Just answer the d
KristoffAfter the announcement, I refused to leave my quarters. Despair gripped me as I replayed the moment my fated mate rejected me. I lost interest in everything, yearning to be lifted from my sadness and forget the pain that consumed me.It was over. Ari was gone from my life.What else could I do but drown myself in alcohol, a silent companion during these difficult times? It was like this bitter escape I held onto, not giving a damn about eating or drinking water. I was engulfed in these intense waves of self-hate, suffocating me from the inside out. In a fit of rage, I threw a glass across the room, and the sound of it breaking into thousands of tiny pieces, mixed with the smell of spilled alcohol, mirrored my own emotional mess breaking apart.Despite being the crown alpha of one of the strongest packs in the land, I felt like the world's biggest failure. I had this fancy title of Jarl, but when it came down to it, I couldn't even protect the one thing that mattered most to m
AriLife moved forward for me after the big announcement. The days blurred together in the same routine, filled with mundane housework. I threw myself into my tasks, working so relentlessly that my body seemed to keep up, resilient despite the heavy load—anything to drown out the persistent thoughts about Kristoff gnawing inside me.Just the image of him in my mind was enough to bring tears to my eyes. I tried desperately to forget the love we once shared and pushed forward, attempting to embrace a new chapter in my life without him. I kept convincing myself that Kristoff didn’t deserve my affection, that he was just like Maddie and Seraphina. While the severed mate bond was making our breakup bearable, my feelings for him were still as strong as ever, leaving me both confused and frustrated. I mean, I already rejected him formally, so why was it still hard for me to forget him?Jackie, a constant presence since the announcement of Kristoff’s engagement to Maddie, kept checking on me
AriI threw myself into work, preparing diligently for the upcoming exam. The omega exam had four categories reserved for four different types of workers: court ladies, lady-in-waiting, military, and scholars. Without a doubt, I chose the scholarly department; it was the best fit for me, as I had been educated in Moonshadow thanks to the insistence of my father. In his words, reading books was as important as wielding a sword. Also, it was the category that promised the quickest elevation in rank. Success in this exam would open the door to becoming a minor pack official—the first crucial step in my quest for revenge and upward mobility in Ironflame.The scholarly department, however, was the most challenging. It demanded intelligence that could rival those serving the Ironflame pack. Thanks to one of the sons of a high official whom Igor befriended, I was able to get some materials to review for my upcoming exam.Every night, I dedicated myself to studying, sacrificing sleep on multi
AriObserving Olenna was like glimpsing into a world of contrasts. Her refined demeanor and the elegance of her clothing underlined the vast difference in our ranks—her high status against my omega position.As I reached out to lend a hand, her eyes unexpectedly glowed with warmth and kindness that went beyond our different positions. Her gratefulness felt real, surprising me and making me rethink my assumptions about people in higher roles in this pack."May I know who's my lifesaver for today?" she asked, pulling me from my thoughts."Oh... My name is Ari," I replied.“Your skin had paler tones, and judging by the way you spoke, I could definitely feel you are not born an omega. You are not a local, are you?”I nodded, and her expression changed subtly. I sensed a tender pity, though she tried to conceal it with a smile."Then would you care to share how you ended up here? That is, if it is okay for you to share."Since the attack, I rarely share my past life with anyone here, yet s
AriThe day of the engagement arrived, and I found myself facing the mirror, a deep sigh escaping my lips. Koa, my spirit wolf, couldn't help but express his concern for me.“Are you sure you want to do this?” he asked.“There’s no other way, Koa. I must do this,” I replied resolutely. As I tied my tie, Koa's worry lingered, and I could sense his apprehension about the path I had chosen.I glanced at myself in the mirror, feeling kind of detached. The function hall was all decked out for the engagement party, but my face didn't show any excitement. I went in, and it was like a fancy dream. The place had these beautiful drapes and sparkling chandeliers. Tables were set up real nice with fresh flowers and fancy dishes. It smelled like a bunch of exotic flowers, and people were chatting away.But even with all that fancy stuff around, I couldn't get into the party vibe. My face didn't light up with joy or anything. I was just going through the motions, feeling uncomfortable and annoyed.
AriThe battle was over, and Sigurd and Seraphina had lost. It’s strange how hunger for power can lead to such downfall. No one expected Sigurd to betray us like this; his loyalty to his brother was always unquestionable. But jealousy is a powerful force. Beta Sigurd chose power over family, and he paid the ultimate price. Now, with his death, peace has returned, though not without the sacrifice of brave souls during the battle.After the civil war, the high council wasted no time in delivering justice. I watched as they sentenced one of the main instigators of chaos among us.“Your treachery and treason are beyond punishable,” one of the council members declared, addressing Seraphina. “In the name of the great Ironflame, and in honor of the late Alpha, the great Ironwolf, I hereby declare your fate.”They readied Seraphina’s sentence, taking into account the child she carried.“You, Seraphina Rosenberg, will be pardoned for 9 months due to the baby you carry. However, until you give
AriThe sky was cloudy, mirroring the melancholic vibe we all shared. With the late Alpha's family, my hands and feet were tied. We faced the crowd of Ironflame, who did nothing but throw us their pitiful stares. I couldn’t blame them for not acting. After all, what could they do to help us against the usurper?We never saw it coming. We never expected that the calm, collected, and timid Beta harbored such extreme resentment for his older brother, enough to kill him and blame his nephew for the crime. It was beyond his character, or perhaps we were just blinded by his pretentious facade. His betrayal was unexpected, and it was the most painful for the Alpha family. Being from the same blood made the deception the most bitter pill to swallow.I turned my gaze to Beta Sigurd. Beside him stood Seraphina, the temptress who might have orchestrated everything. I didn’t know how their alliance started, but one thing was for sure: their alliance was a force to reckon with. I smirked, seeing m
KristoffAfter that escape, Ulric led me to a place not far from the capital. It was a land called Stelar, which used to be a hiding place of rogues in the past. When we arrived, I saw some of the warriors from Skagi. I recognized some of them who had accompanied us when we went to fetch a cure for Anika in the Canary District.They all nodded at us as we approached. Ulric turned to me, urging me to eat first. Then, he thanked each of his men. At that point, there was no denying that my brother inherited our father’s bravery and charisma. Ulric was one capable leader, no doubt. He was every bit of Ironwolf that wasn’t present in me. I also couldn’t help but remember how he had stepped up to protect Ari on multiple occasions. In his presence, I felt useless and insecure.I ate my soup unenthusiastically, lost in my thoughts. Then, I felt Ulric’s hand on my shoulder. He was also carrying a bowl of soup and ate beside me. I couldn’t help but ask.“Why did you save me? If you let me die,
KristoffFinding myself in such a dire situation was beyond anything I could have imagined. Though my feelings toward my father were complex, I never once entertained the thought of taking his life. Despite our differences, I loved and respected the Ironwolf, just as I did the rest of the Ironflame. Now, as I gazed upon his lifeless form, a profound sense of pain gripped my heart. If only I had accepted his apology before his untimely demise—that was my sole regret as I faced this trial of death."TRAITOR!" "MURDERER!" “HOW COULD YOU KILL YOUR OWN FATHER?”These accusations echoed through the crowd, I felt a wave of despair wash over me. This was once a place where cheers for my name resounded, but now it brimmed with rage and condemnation for a crime I did not commit."Kill him now!" the crowd clamored eagerly, their eyes filled with contempt and disgust.But amidst the cacophony of accusations, there were voices of reason and support."Jarl Kristoff could never do that, you fools!
KristoffAfter Ari and Ulric left, the Ironwolf turned to me, his expression softened in a way I hadn't seen before. It unsettled me, so I turned to leave the council room. But he followed, calling after me with a tone I couldn't ignore."My son..."I quickened my pace, hoping to escape his reach, but he caught up, his words chasing after me."Forgive me for everything, my son."I ignored him, my anger simmering as I walked faster. But he persisted, grabbing my arms to halt my retreat."Kristoff! Wait..."Reluctantly, I stopped and turned to face him, my frustration bubbling to the surface."For what reason, Father?! Have you suddenly realized you have a son who needs you? It's too late for that now."I tried to break free from his grip, but he held firm, his voice pleading with sincerity."I'm sorry... It took me too long to understand. I'm sorry for interfering in your love for Ari."His words ignited a fiery rage within me. Without hesitation, I raised my fist, my anger overpowerin
AriMy heart pounded fiercely in my chest as I sat among the esteemed members of the Ironflame council, the weight of their scrutiny bearing down on me like a heavy cloak. Beside me, Ulric's reassuring presence provided a semblance of comfort, his gentle touch and supportive gaze grounding me amidst the tension.With a steady hand, Ulric pressed mine, offering silent encouragement that spoke volumes in its simplicity. Grateful for his unwavering support, I drew strength from his presence, finding solace in the solidarity of our friendship.Suddenly, the Ironwolf's attention shifted to Ulric, his question hanging heavy in the air like a palpable force. "What’s your plan now, Ulric? Everyone knows about your child already."Ulric bowed respectfully, his response measured and deliberate. "Of course, father. It is time to marry Ari and reinstate her status as a high-ranking she-wolf in the Ironflame."The Ironwolf's approval came swiftly, his words a testament to Ulric's worthiness. "Very
KristoffOpening my eyes that morning felt like lifting a heavy burden, each movement carrying the weight of the painful events that had unfolded. I rose from my bed with a sense of resignation, drained of energy and enthusiasm. Every breath I took seemed to sap what little life remained within me, leaving behind only emptiness and pain.A deep breath drew the attention of my spirit wolf, Ivar, who reached out to me with concern. "Are you alright, my friend?"But I couldn't find the words to respond. I was tired, tired of existing in a world filled with nothing but agony and unfulfilled desires. I slipped into a depressive state, the weight of my emotions crushing me under their relentless weight."Perhaps make yourself busy… or learn to have a proper talk with anyone you trust about this… I could be the one you need. You can suppress this emotion while working, Kristoff. It will affect your name," Ivar offered, his words tinged with wisdom and concern."Do I look like I care anymore?
AriAs we journeyed back to Skagi, the weight of the recent events pressed down on us like a suffocating fog. Ulric remained stoic, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery, while Lady Aleria's concern was palpable in the tense silence. I, on the other hand, couldn't quell the restless turmoil within me. My mind raced, haunted by the fear of almost losing my baby, a terror that gripped me tightly.Upon our return to Skagi, the floodgates of my emotions burst open, and I collapsed under the weight of it all. Tears streamed down my face as I choked on sobs, feeling the overwhelming burden of guilt crushing me."Oh, please forgive me for the chaos I have caused you," I managed to utter between sobs, my voice trembling with emotion.Lady Aleria's expression softened as she rushed to comfort me, her arms enveloping me in a warm embrace. She dismissed my self-blame with gentle reassurance, placing the fault squarely on Seraphina's shoulders."None of it is your fault, Ari. Everything happened
KristoffAs the commotion settled, I rushed to the Alpha Mansion, my heart pounding with worry for my mother. Bursting into her room, I found her in tears, hastily packing her bags. Anika, her eyes filled with concern, turned to me as I clenched my fists, anger bubbling up at the sight of her distress.My nostrils flared with frustration, directed both at Seraphina and my father for once betraying my mother. Disappointment welled within me as I watched him approach her, his voice tinged with false concern."Where are you going, Joanna?" His words dripped with insincerity, and my mother shot him a withering glare."Does it matter to you? I think not." Her voice was sharp, filled with the pain of betrayal. Anika hurried to assist her as she continued packing, and I fought back the urge to confront my father.But he persisted, reaching out to touch her, only to be met with her fierce rejection. "Do not touch me, you fool!" Her voice echoed with defiance, and I could feel the tension crac