~ Rufus’s POVI smiled as I watched Elara go into the kitchen to wash the plate. I was still seated on the chair and then thought about my feelings for her. Ever since I saved Elara in the forest, I enjoyed her company more and more and always wanted to protect her. At first all I had in mind was to protect her but then I gradually felt something for her. It was subtle at first, a lingering glance a moment too long, a warmth spreading in my chest at her laugh. I'd find myself anticipating her presence, my heart skipping a beat when I saw the flash of her auburn hair through the trees. Conversations that once flowed easily became laced with nervous stammers, my mind a tangled mess as I tried to decipher these newfound feelings.I initially thought that it was a pity, seeing a young lady in the forest, and to make it worse, she was also pregnant. My heart sank as I spotted the figure huddled beneath the sprawling oak. A young lady was unconscious under the gnarled trunk. Even from a dis
~ Rufus’s POVFear battled with a strange sense of anticipation. I wondered if Dolph was actually right. “What if this power wasn't a monster to be controlled, but something incredible waiting to be explored?” I took a deep breath, trying to center myself. Closing my eyes, I focused on the energy, willing it to flow instead of restricting it.Suddenly, the world seemed to sharpen. Sounds became clearer, colors more vibrant. It was like a filter had been lifted, revealing a hidden layer of reality. Then, something even more bizarre happened. I reached out my hand towards a rusty old swing set that stood abandoned at the edge of our yard. As I concentrated, a barely perceptible ripple emanated from my hand, traveling towards the swing set. To my utter astonishment, the swing set began to creak and groan, slowly lifting itself off the ground.My eyes flew open, wide with shock. Dolph stood beside me, his jaw slack with awe. We stared, speechless, as the swing set hovered in mid-air for
~ Rufus’s POVFear gnawed at my insides as I ran closer to the pack’s clinic. The second I stepped inside the clinic, the doctor’s words hit me like a cold wave.“We did everything we could, but..." His voice trailed off, but I already knew. No. It couldn't be.My mom exploded. Tears streamed down her face as she grabbed the doctor’s coat, her voice ragged with a mix of disbelief and desperation. "No! Please, you have to try again! Look at him one more time!" she pleaded, her voice cracking with every word. I stared at my dad, whose face etched with a deep, silent pain, and remained rooted to the spot, his gaze locked on Dolph's lifeless body.Ignoring the tears blurring my own vision, I bolted towards the doctor. My voice, barely a choked whisper at first, rose in pitch as I pleaded, "Please, you have to save him! Don't you see, that's my brother!" But the doctor’s reply was a gentle but firm punch to my gut. He explained, his voice heavy with sympathy, that by the time Dolph arriv
~ Rufus’s POV My stay in the house became so difficult and unbearable since Dolph's death. My family wasn't what it used to be. My mother despised me so much, and my father simply stared at me without saying anything. I had to leave the house when I was sixteen years old and began living my life without my parents. Seeing Elara pregnant with a little baby boy reminded me of my younger brother, and I had no choice but to give the baby his name. I was so deep in thought that I didn't hear Elara call until she tapped me and asked if I was okay. "I'm fine,Elara," I said before asking if she was finished with the dishes. "I finished it a while ago, and I've been calling your name ever since. "Are you certain you are okay?" She inquired, looking concerned. "I'm fine," I told her curtly. Her next words shocked me. She told me that I had a visitor, and it was an elderly woman. "What visitor?" I inquired, surprised that I had received no visitors since I began staying in the forest. I m
~ Elara’s POV After doing the dishes, I returned back to the room and was surprised to see Rufus on the chair I left him. He was perched right on the chair I had left him on earlier. But something was different. He wasn't napping or playing with his phone. He was staring off into space, completely zoned out. It looked like his little brain was working overtime. He was so lost in deep thoughts and I wondered what was going through his mind at that moment. I called out his name but he couldn’t hear me and then I decided to leave him alone to his thoughts. I sat on the bed to resume playing my games and just then I heard a knock on the door. My heart jumped into my throat as I was so scared because Rufus had never mentioned any family or friends who might drop by. So I thought Alpha Rayel had finally found me and he was the one by the door. Panic surged through me. “What if it was Alpha Rayel? Has he finally tracked me down?” I muttered to myself. The knock on the door intensified
~ Rayel’s POVThe silence stretched, thick with tension. The intruder, who had been stubbornly quiet, finally broke the hold. "Who's Elara?" he croaked, his voice rough.My glare could have melted steel. "Do you know Elara or not?" I demanded, my voice tight. He scoffed before asking me again who Elara was. My blood was boiling at that moment. The jerk had Elara's scent all over him and was acting completely clueless. Every fiber of my being screamed at me to deck him, but I forced myself to take a deep breath. Swallowing my rage, I asked him again why Elara’s scent was on him.“I have no idea who you are talking about!” he yelled out. I groaned in frustration, clenching my fist in a blow and before I could deliver the punch to him, Boris quickly stepped in. He whipped out his phone and shoved it right in front of the intruder's face. On the screen, clear as day, was a picture of Elara.“This," Boris practically growled at him, "is the woman the Alpha is asking about."The intruder c
~ Rayel’s POVLost in thought, I barely noticed Hazel slip into the room. Her sudden hug startled me, but then I turned with a smile, glad to see her. "Feeling any better?" I asked gently.Hazel's grin was answer enough. "Absolutely, and it's all thanks to a certain someone," she teased, squeezing me tighter.I chuckled, then my smile softened a touch. "How's Rose?""She's doing much better," Hazel replied. "The doctor wants to keep her at the clinic for a few more days, just to be safe and make sure everything's on track before discharging her."A wave of relief washed over me. It wasn't perfect, but it was definitely better news. "That sounds good," I agreed. "Maybe we can even bring her some of her favorite food?"Hazel's smile widened. "That's a great idea! I bet she'd love.Yeah, that sounded good," I replied to her. Just then her expression turned serious."Hold on," she said, her voice firm. "What about that jerk who attacked me? You just let him stay here?"I explained the w
~ Rufus’s POV After watching my mom zoom off in her fancy black Lamborghini, I returned back home and then I saw Elara with the biggest grin on her face, like she just won a lottery. She was so lost in her happy world, she didn't even realize I was there. I just stood by the door, watching her bop around the room, humming along to a Justin Bieber song she was playing on her phone.Her dance was mesmerizing. Her hips swayed with the music, and her movements were so graceful that I couldn't look away. Every part of me wanted to join her, to move and groove along with her happiness. But I stayed rooted to the spot, watching in awe.Suddenly, things took a turn. Her foot snagged on her long skirt, and she lurched forward. My heart leaped into my throat. Adrenaline surged through me, and without even thinking, I sprang across the room. In a flash, I was beside her, ready to catch her if she went down.Thankfully, my reflexes kicked in like lightning and I reached her just in time. My han
~ Rayel’s POVPanic clawed at me as Elara’s mental link flickered, replaced by a terrifying image,a dark cave.“She is in danger!” I yelled out. Every ounce of self-preservation melted away, replaced by an urge to protect her.The fragmented images Elara had sent were enough. Mountains, a cave entrance. It wasn't much, but it was all I had. Barking orders to Boris, I rallied my most trusted warriors. We rode with a desperate urgency, the rising sun painting the sky a bloody red that mirrored the turmoil within me.Hours bled into one another as we traversed treacherous terrain. Doubt gnawed at the edges of my determination. Had I reached in time? Then, a flicker of hope. A plume of smoke rising from a clearing in the distance.I felt energetic, so I urged my men forward. The scene that greeted me was a tableau of chaos. Elara, battered and bruised, was surrounded by Darach's men. Her defiance, even in her weakened state, ignited a fury within me hotter than any fire.Before I coul
~ Elara’s POVThe trek with Rufus towards my father's supposed location had been arduous. Days blurred into nights, the dense canopy offering scant sunlight. Rufus remained by my side, my keen senses constantly on alert. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the trees thinned, revealing a desolate mountain range.A shiver ran down my spine as I spotted a dark, gaping maw nestled at the base of the highest peak. It couldn't be. The cave. The one from my connection with my father.Fear warred with desperation. Taking a deep breath, I linked with my father once more. This time, raw, agonizing screams reached me.“ My father, It was him,” I told Rufus.Heart pounding a frantic tattoo against my ribs, I scrambled down the rocky slope, Rufus hot on my heels. The stench of damp earth and something metallic filled the air as we reached the cave entrance. A low growl rumbled from within, sending shivers down my spine.Ignoring the fear, I pushed past the ragged curtain concealing the entra
~ Rayel’s POV"What?!" The scream ripped from my throat, a guttural roar of fury. Ignoring the guards and the stunned look on Hazel's face, I lunged at Dolph. He may have been chained, but that wouldn't stop me. My fist connected with his jaw again, a satisfying blow that carried the weight of my wrath."How dare you!" My voice was a low growl, laced with a dangerous edge. "They're not pawns in your twisted games! You lay a single finger on them, and you'll regret the day you were born!""Rayel!" Hazel cried, her voice thick with hurt and betrayal. Clearly, the sight of me attacking her lover had shaken her.But before I could even process her reaction, she did something that sent a fresh wave of shock through me. Hazel, the woman I thought I knew, knelt beside the now-wincing Dolph and began to help him up. Her touch, gentle and concerned, was a stark contrast to the coldness she had shown me earlier. "Is Elara still alive?" Her voice, laced with a desperate urgency, was directed at
~ Rayel’s POVPushing myself off the bed, a newfound determination coursed through me. The anger might still simmer beneath the surface, but it was overshadowed by a fierce longing for Elara and my son. I wouldn't give up. I would find Elara and my son, no matter what it took.Just then, the door creaked open. It was Boris. Relief washed over me, maybe he had news about the retrieval team."Your Majesty," he announced, his voice a welcome sound in the tense silence. "I've done as you ordered. The guards are heading towards Alpha Dolph’s pack as we speak."I nodded curtly, a flicker of appreciation for his swiftness. But before Boris could launch into whatever he was about to say, I cut him off. Hazel's name was a raw nerve, and I couldn't bear to hear it right now. "Don't mention her," I rasped, my voice tight. "Just find Elara's stepfather. I need to talk to him."Boris's brow furrowed in confusion. "Elara's stepfather? What about him?" It was clear he didn't understand my plan, but
~ Rayel’s POVMy heart shattered into a million pieces. Years of love, devotion, poured down the drain. The woman I thought I knew, the woman I had built a future with was a stranger. The truth, a bitter pill coated in sugar, sat heavy in my gut."You... love someone else and have never loved me?" My voice barely rose above a whisper, the words scraping against my raw throat.Hazel scoffed, a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Loved? Please, Rayel. It was never love. It was convenient. A way to pass the time." The coldness in her voice sent a fresh wave of nausea crashing over me."And now you want out?" I managed, the question laced with a desperate hope that maybe, just maybe, this was all a twisted joke.Hazel's smile returned, but this time it was devoid of warmth, a predatory glint flashing in her eyes. "Exactly. And wouldn't it be a grand gesture of your love to let me go quietly? A final act of selflessness before I return to the arms of someone who actually deserves me."
~ Rayel’s POV I was speechless, staring at Hazel. She wasn't making things easier. Hazel got up and walked closer to me, clearly frustrated."You're being such a jerk, Rayel! Why are you acting so mad? I told you I was pregnant, and you believed it even though you knew I can't have kids. Why are you getting mad at me now?” Hazel demanded, her voice laced with anger.Frustration bubbled over. "Seriously, Hazel? You can't even apologize?" I exclaimed.Hazel scoffed. "Why would I? I bent over backwards for you, remember? You should be thanking me, not throwing a tantrum."Her lack of regret made my blood boil. "That's unbelievable, Hazel! You don't get to play innocent here. Taking responsibility is grown-up stuff, and you're failing miserably! I hate it when people don’t take responsibility for their actions!” I said. The air hung heavy with accusation after Hazel's scoff. "Take responsibility for my actions!" she spat, her words dripping with misplaced blame. I managed a smile, thin
~ Rayel’s POVMy jaw clenched as I spotted the woman. She was heavily pregnant, her face pale with exhaustion. As soon as she saw me, her eyes widened and she immediately dropped to her knees."Who are you?!" I demanded, my voice firm but not angry.Her voice trembled as she stammered, "Y-Your Majesty... I'm..." Sweat beaded on her forehead despite the cool air.She took a shaky breath, finally calming down a bit. "My name is Ares," she revealed in a small voice."Ares," I repeated, trying to place the name. It didn't ring a bell. My gaze swept across the room again, taking in the changes. Gone was the bare and dusty space I remembered. Now, comfortable furniture filled the space, along with a surprising amount of good food stocked in a nearby cupboard. My eyebrows furrowed. "And why are you here, Ares?!”My tone was accusatory and it was clear I wanted answers.“Ares! Who exactly are you and what are you doing here?!” I asked again.“Luna Hazel… can explain… that,” she stammered.“Wh
~ Rayel’s POV A memory surfaced. My father had once mentioned a room that belonged to his grandfather. They hadn't gotten along, and after my grandfather's passing, my father had ordered the room sealed and untouched. This, I realized, was the very same room.The room's pristine condition was a stark contrast to the dust and neglect I had expected. Curiosity gnawed at me. I crept closer, reaching out to push on the doorknob. It wouldn't budge, it was locked. But from the inside!Confused, I rapped on the door. "Hello? Is anyone there?"A woman's voice, laced with surprise, echoed back. "Who is it? Are you Luna Hazel?"I heard her footsteps approaching the door, but it remained firmly shut. When I didn't answer, the footsteps stopped.Something wasn't right. I pushed against the door with all my strength. It creaked open a sliver, revealing a glimpse of a cluttered room and... a woman.The sight that greeted me was a shock. A heavily pregnant woman stood there, her eyes wide with alar
~ Elara’s POV Rufus knelt down, and a moment later I heard the happy gurgling of my son. Rufus had brought him out, a tiny scrap of peaceful normalcy in the midst of the chaos. Dolph munched on his food with a single-minded focus that mirrored my own training sessions. It was almost comical, the way he would get so engrossed in eating he'd fall asleep right after, as if sensing the importance of the task at hand.A surge of fierce love washed over me. I would find my father. Not just for myself, but for Dolph, to create a safe and secure future for both of us. Fueled by this newfound determination, I devoured my food, ready to tackle another grueling training session. The road ahead was long, but with each passing day, I felt myself getting closer, not just to unlocking my powers, but to reuniting with my father.Days bled into weeks as I trained relentlessly. Rufus pushed me hard, but I never faltered. Then, one day, it happened. With a final, grueling exercise, Rufus finally manage