Elowen’s POV The rain continued to pour, soaking through my clothes and plastering my hair to my face, but I didn’t care. Standing here in Alaric’s arms, the world around us seemed to fade. It was just him and me, the steady rhythm of the rain, and the warmth of his presence against the cold. His forehead rested against mine, his breath mingling with mine, his hands firmly gripping my waist as if he were afraid to let go. I could feel his heart beating against my chest, strong and sure, a stark contrast to the wild fluttering of my own. “You’ll catch a cold,” he said again, his voice a soft rumble that sent a shiver down my spine. I laughed quietly, my hands clutching the damp fabric of his shirt. “You’re the one keeping me out here.” “I can’t let go,” he admitted, his voice almost a whisper. “Not when you’re finally here, looking at me like this.” His words made my chest tighten. “Like what?” “Like you trust me,” he said, pulling back just enough to search my eyes. “Like
Elowen’s POV The academy halls buzzed with the usual morning chaos, students rushing to their classes or catching up on gossip. I clutched my books tightly to my chest, trying to stay invisible as I navigated the familiar paths. Despite the warmth of Alaric's presence in my life, the academy still felt like a battlefield where judgmental stares and whispered rumors followed me everywhere. I had just rounded the corner when I collided with a firm chest. My books tumbled to the floor, and my heart sank as I looked up to find Ranon towering over me, his sharp gaze pinning me in place. "Elowen," he drawled, his voice low and laced with something unreadable. "Ranon," I said stiffly, bending down to gather my fallen books. Before I could reach for them, he crouched, his hand brushing against mine as he picked up one of the books. His touch was brief, but it sent an uncomfortable chill down my spine. "Still avoiding me, I see," he said, standing and handing me the book. His smi
Ranon’s POVI stormed down the corridor, my mind a whirlwind of anger and resentment. Her words echoed in my head, sharp and unforgiving. "Alaric loves me, and I love him. He’s everything you’re not, kind, patient, and respectful."Respectful? Patient? As if that’s what makes a true mate. She didn’t see it. She didn’t see me, the fire I could bring into her life, the passion that could consume her whole."Pathetic," I muttered under my breath, cursing her for the power she held over me. How could she choose him, out of all of us? Alaric, the golden boy who always played the hero. She didn’t understand that behind his perfect façade, he wasn’t as innocent as he pretended to be.My wolf snarled in agreement, growling, "She’s blind. But she’s ours."“She doesn’t want us,” I spat, shoving my wolf down.But I couldn’t stop myself. I turned on my heel, my feet carrying me back toward the library. I wasn’t going to let her walk away from me, not like that, not with those hateful words linger
Theron’s POV The Academy corridors were quiet, the faint hum of conversations in distant classrooms the only sound. I spotted Elowen walking ahead, her delicate figure framed against the sunlight pouring in through the windows. She seemed lost in thought, her head bowed as if the weight of the world rested on her shoulders. A part of me hesitated, my wolf clawed at me, demanding that I stay back, that I give her the space she clearly wanted. But I couldn’t. Not when I knew she was being manipulated by Alaric, my own brother. “Elowen,” I called out. She paused, turning slowly to face me. Her eyes met mine, and I felt the familiar sting of her disdain. “What do you want, Theron?” she asked, her tone tired and guarded. I walked up to her, stopping just a few feet away. “We need to talk.” She crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. “We have nothing to talk about.” I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I know you don’t trust me, and honestly, I don’t blame you. But thi
Elowen's POV The night passed in a blur, and I woke up the next morning feeling the weight of yesterday's conversation lingering heavily in the air. Alaric had promised me his love, and for the first time in a long while, I wanted to believe him. But the words of Ranon and Theron echoed in my mind like a constant, nagging reminder. What if they’re right? What if I’m just a pawn in this game between them? I shook my head as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. My face was pale, my eyes tired. I could still feel the warmth of Alaric’s embrace, his arms around me, as if he were holding me together. But I couldn’t help the creeping doubt that tugged at my heart. I had no time to linger on it. I had classes to attend, and life at the academy seemed to move on, despite the turmoil inside me. The moment I stepped into the hall, I was greeted by a familiar, but unwelcome face—Ranon. He stood across the hallway, his arms crossed, a smirk on his face as if he had been waiting for me.
Alaric's POVThe tension in the room was thick, almost suffocating. Ranon’s words hung heavily in the air, and I could see the doubt flicker in Elowen’s eyes. That seed of uncertainty he had planted had taken root, and it tore at me. I hated that he was able to get to her, even just a little. She was mine, and I would do anything to make her believe in that.Her gaze shifted from the door where Ranon had left to me. The vulnerability in her eyes cut deeper than I wanted to admit. I hated the feeling of not being able to fix it instantly, to make her see that I was everything she needed. “Elowen…” I whispered, my voice soft but firm, urging her to look at me.She turned slowly, but there was still a wariness in her expression, something I hadn’t seen before. It hurt more than I was willing to admit, but I couldn’t let it show. I had to be strong for both of us now.I reached for her hand, gently pulling her closer. The moment she was within arm’s reach, I wrapped my arms around her wa
Elowen's POVThe kiss lingered between us, soft and tender, but with an intensity that was undeniable. Alaric’s presence seemed to engulf me completely, and for a moment, I forgot about everything—about the tension with Ranon and Theron, about the doubts and fears swirling in my head. There was only him and me, and it felt like a sanctuary in his arms.I leaned into him, needing the comfort of his touch, the warmth of his body pressed against mine. His hands gently cupped my face, his thumb tracing the outline of my cheek as if memorizing every inch of me.“Elowen…” His voice was a low murmur, filled with raw emotion. “You don’t have to be afraid. I’ll never hurt you. I’ll protect you.”I closed my eyes, letting the sound of his voice wash over me, grounding me. But as much as I wanted to believe his words, the doubts still lingered in the back of my mind. The warning from Ranon, the way Theron’s anger had felt so real—could I really trust him? Could I trust anyone, after everything t
Elowen’s POV The next day, the Academy halls buzzed with their usual energy, but for me, it felt different. I walked beside Alaric, his presence a steady comfort. He didn’t say much, but his hand lightly brushed against mine as we walked, a silent reassurance. We entered the courtyard, where students were scattered around—some chatting in groups, others rushing to their classes. As much as I tried to ignore it, I could feel their stares, their whispers following us like shadows. “Look at her,” one girl murmured to her friend, her voice just loud enough for me to hear. “First, she’s the rejected Omega, and now she’s latched onto him?” Her words stung, but Alaric’s hand found the small of my back, grounding me. He leaned closer, his voice low but firm. “Ignore them. They don’t matter.” I nodded, though my chest tightened. It wasn’t easy to brush off the judgmental glares and biting comments, but Alaric’s presence made it a little easier. As we entered the building, I spotted Ranon
Elowen's POV The night came too quickly. I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection with a mixture of dread and defiance. My black dress clung to me like a second skin, accentuating every curve. It wasn’t flashy, but it was enough to make a statement—strong, untouchable, and in control. At least, that’s what I told myself. My wolf stirred impatiently, eager for what the night promised. I hated her for it. The bond between mates was relentless, and no matter how much I wanted to keep Ranon at arm’s length, a part of me craved him in ways I couldn’t ignore. A sharp knock at the door snapped me out of my thoughts. I straightened my spine, forcing the emotions down, and crossed the room to open it. Ranon stood on the other side, his presence filling the doorway. He wasn’t wearing his usual leather jacket. Instead, he’d dressed up, a dark button-down shirt rolled up at the sleeves, revealing his strong forearms. His hair was slicked back, but a few rebellious strands
Elowen's POV The game room felt oppressive the moment I agreed. Ranon’s smirk lingered on his face like he had already won—not just the game, but me. My heart thundered in my chest, though I forced myself to appear calm, composed. If he saw even a flicker of weakness, he’d exploit it mercilessly. “Don’t look so nervous, Elowen,” Ranon said, his voice low and mocking, laced with just enough amusement to irritate me. He moved closer, leaning his cue stick casually against the wall. His gaze never left me, sharp and predatory, like he was savoring the moment. “You agreed. I’m not forcing you into anything.” I held his gaze, refusing to flinch under the weight of his stare. “I’m not nervous,” I snapped, my tone sharper than I intended. “I’m just trying to figure out if you’re all talk or if you actually mean it.” His laugh was soft, yet it rumbled through me like a warning growl. “Oh, I mean every word,” he murmured. His hand reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair away from m
Elowen POV The loud crack of the cue ball hitting the cluster of solids and stripes reverberated through the dimly lit room. I paused at the doorway of the academy’s game lounge, my eyes drawn to the figure leaning over the pool table with practiced ease. Ranon. His sharp features were illuminated by the golden overhead light, his black hair falling slightly into his eyes as he lined up his next shot. He radiated confidence, his every movement deliberate and precise. I shouldn’t have stopped. Shouldn’t have even looked at him. But something about him—about us—always pulled me in like a magnet. “Enjoying the view?” he drawled without looking up, his voice smooth like velvet, yet tinged with a teasing edge. I rolled my eyes and stepped closer. “Hardly. I was just wondering how long you’d take to finish this game. From here, it looks like you’ve been struggling.” That got his attention. He straightened up and turned to me, his lips curving into a slow, wicked grin. “Struggling?
Theron’s POVI stood there for a moment, watching her disappear into the dorms. My wolf was howling in my mind, clawing to break free, to chase after her."She’s ours. Why does she fight it?"Because she’s Elowen. Stubborn, infuriating, intoxicating Elowen.I ran a hand through my hair, trying to steady my breathing. The kiss had left me shaken, craving more. She was like a drug, and I was hopelessly addicted.But she was also a puzzle, one I couldn’t quite figure out.I could feel the walls she’d built around herself, the pain she carried like armor. And I wanted to tear them all down, to see the real Elowen underneath.But I couldn’t push too hard. Not yet.Because if I pushed too hard, I might lose her completely. And that was something I wasn’t sure I could survive.---Elowen's POV Next morning the hallway buzzed with the faint chatter of students, but it all faded into a dull hum when my eyes caught sight of him—Alaric. The man who had turned my world upside down. He leaned cas
Elowen’s POVI stormed out of the library after the kiss, my heart racing and my mind spinning. What just happened? That kiss—it wasn’t supposed to feel like this. It wasn’t supposed to make me question everything.I stepped outside into the cool night air, needing to escape the suffocating walls of the academy. The moon hung high, its silver light illuminating the quiet campus. I leaned against a tree, my breath coming in shaky bursts as I tried to gather my thoughts.This wasn’t part of the plan. I was supposed to make him fall for me, not the other way around. I was supposed to stay in control, but every time Theron touched me, every time he looked at me with those intense, stormy eyes, I felt myself unraveling."Pull yourself together, Elowen," I muttered to myself, running a hand through my hair. "This is about revenge. Nothing more."But deep down, I knew it was becoming more than that. And that terrified me.The next day at the academy, I avoided Theron at all costs. I couldn’t
Elowen’s POV The days that followed only intensified the chaos inside me. Theron’s kiss had ignited something I couldn’t ignore, but I couldn’t afford to get distracted. This wasn’t about love, or even desire—it was about revenge. It had to be. I had a plan, and I wouldn’t let anyone, especially Theron, derail it. But every time our paths crossed, it felt like the line between playing him and falling for him was blurring. The way he looked at me, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and something I refused to acknowledge... it stirred something deep within me. I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn't let him have that power over me. --- The academy was in full swing by the time the weekend approached, and I had the perfect opportunity to push my plan forward. I walked into the cafeteria, head held high, making my way toward the table where the triplets usually sat. The whispers followed me, and I reveled in the attention. They wanted to see how far I’d go, how much of a spectac
Elowen’s POV The days following that kiss were a whirlwind. I knew better than to let my emotions get tangled up in the mess Theron had created. But every time our paths crossed, I could feel the heat between us—fierce, unrelenting, and impossible to ignore. It was almost as if he had become a shadow in my mind, lurking in every corner, whispering in my thoughts. I tried to shake it off, to focus on my revenge, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't quite erase the feeling that I had ignited something in him. And, for the first time in a long time, I was beginning to wonder if I could control the flames I had started. --- The academy was abuzz with gossip. Whispers about the kiss between The Triplet's and me were like wildfire, spreading through every hallway, every class. Alisa was particularly insistent on confronting me about it, but I made it clear that she was beneath me. I didn’t need to entertain her petty jealousy. But today, as I entered the cafeteria, my eyes i
Elowen’s POV I had no intention of letting the day pass quietly, not with everything that had transpired. My thoughts were focused on one thing: making sure Theron also knew exactly where I stood. He wasn’t going to get away with treating me like a puzzle he could ignore or dismiss whenever it suited him. If anyone was going to control the game, it was going to be me. I found him standing near the entrance of the academy, his usual confident posture a bit more tense than usual. His eyes caught mine the moment I entered the hall, and the expression on his face told me everything I needed to know. There was frustration in those eyes—his carefully hidden confusion about me. "Elowen," he said, his voice steady but with an underlying edge. His jaw was clenched, like he was fighting to keep his emotions under control. I ignored the way my heart twisted at the sound of his voice and the slight pull toward him. I had a plan now, and nothing was going to derail me. "Theron," I respo
Elowen's POV As I walked through the crowded hallways, the whispers seemed louder, more eager, more charged. The glances thrown my way were laced with curiosity and a hint of fear, the kind that came when people realized they were witnessing something dangerous. Something they couldn’t predict. I could feel the weight of their gazes, but I didn’t care. Let them stare. Let them talk. The game was just getting started, and I was in control. I caught a glimpse of myself in a reflective surface—my hair perfectly styled, makeup sharp and deliberate. I looked every bit the girl they thought they knew... but there was so much more beneath the surface. More than they would ever see coming. The triplets had no idea what they were dealing with. Ranon thought he knew me, thought he had me pegged, but I had yet to show him the real Elowen. The one who could bring them to their knees without lifting a finger. And today, I would make my first move. When I reached the library, I noticed R