Elowen’s POV The next morning, I woke up to the soft hum of birds outside the window and the comforting scent of Alaric lingering in the room. For a brief moment, I let myself enjoy the peace. The storm of emotions from yesterday seemed like a distant memory, but the reality of the situation was quick to return. I sat up, running a hand through my tangled hair, and stared at the sunlight spilling through the curtains. Alaric had stayed true to his word, protecting me from his brothers. Yet, the lingering tension in the house was impossible to ignore. A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. I tensed, but Alaric’s familiar voice called out, “It’s me.” Relief washed over me as I got up and opened the door. He stood there, dressed casually in a dark shirt and jeans, holding a tray with breakfast. “I thought you could use some fuel,” he said with a warm smile, stepping inside. “You didn’t have to,” I murmured, but my stomach betrayed me with a loud growl. He chuckled, settin
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 POVThe morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a soft golden glow over the room. I stirred slightly, my body aching in places that hadn’t ached before. A slow warmth spread through me as last night’s memories flooded back—the way his hands had traced every inch of me, the way his lips had whispered promises against my skin, the way he had looked at me like I was his.I blinked, my lashes fluttering as I turned my head.And there he was.Theron.His face was relaxed in sleep, the usual hardness gone. His dark hair was tousled, falling slightly over his forehead, his breathing steady and deep. I had never seen him like this—unguarded, peaceful, beautiful.My chest tightened.What had I done?I had given in.I had let him in.My fingers twitched as I fought the urge to reach out, to trace the sharp angles of his jaw, to feel the warmth of his skin against mine.Instead, I slowly sat up, pulling the sheets around me. The movement made him stir, and for a brief mome
Elowen's POV The kiss deepened, igniting a fire that coursed through my veins. Theron’s hands roamed my back, pulling me against him, and I could feel the strength in his muscles as he held me close. The world beyond us was a distant echo, fading into nothingness as we lost ourselves in each other.“Is this really happening?” I murmured against his lips, the words barely escaping as I surrendered to the moment.“Yes,” he breathed, his voice thick with urgency. “And it’s everything I’ve wanted.” I shivered at the intensity in his gaze, the way it bore into me like he was seeing straight through to my soul. “But what if we get caught?” My heart raced, torn between exhilaration and fear. “Let them catch us,” he said, his eyes lighting up with mischief. “Let them see that we’re not afraid anymore.” His confidence was intoxicating, and I felt myself leaning into it, a part of me craving the defiance. “You’re reckless,” I replied, my voice playful despite the weight of my uncertainty.
Elowen’s POV I didn’t stop him. I should have. I should have shoved him away, reminded him of who he was—who I was. But I didn’t. Instead, I let him kiss me. His lips were warm, coaxing, drawing me in like a tide I couldn't fight. His hands slid up my arms, one settling at my waist, the other tangling in my hair, pulling me closer—closer than I should have let him. A shiver ran down my spine, but it wasn’t from fear. It was from the way he kissed me, slow yet consuming, as if he was memorizing the shape of my lips, the taste of my skin. And I let him. I let him. I melted into him before I could think, before I could remind myself why this was wrong, why I should pull away. Because right now, none of that mattered. Right now, there was only the way his fingers gripped my waist, the way his breath mixed with mine, the way his heartbeat pounded against my chest like a silent confession. I want you. I could feel it in every touch, every desperate press of his l
Elowen’s POVI walked away from Ranon, feeling his glare burn into my back. But I didn’t stop. Didn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he’d gotten under my skin.I had more important things to worry about.Like the storm raging inside me.Theron.That kiss.The way my body had betrayed me, melting into his touch when I should have shoved him away immediately.I gritted my teeth, pushing through the academy doors and making my way toward the dorms. I needed to be alone. I needed space to think, to breathe.But, of course, fate had other plans.Because the moment I stepped inside, I came face-to-face with the last person I wanted to see.Theron.He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, as if he’d been waiting for me. His dark eyes locked onto mine the second I entered, and something in his gaze sent my pulse skittering.I forced myself to keep my expression blank. “Are you following me now?”He pushed off the wall, taking a slow step toward me. “You walked away
Elowen’s POVI could still feel his lips on mine.I hated it.I hated him.And yet—my traitorous body still burned from his touch.I stormed through the empty corridor, my breath uneven, my mind racing.What the hell just happened?One moment, I was throwing my rage in his face, reminding him of all the reasons I despised him, his brothers, his father.And the next—I was kissing him back.Not just letting it happen. Wanting it.The worst part? I had felt safe in his arms. Just for a second.I let out a sharp breath, shoving open the door to the nearest empty classroom. I needed to think. To breathe.But the moment I was alone, the weight of everything crashed down on me.I pressed my fingers to my lips, as if I could erase the feeling of him. But it was useless.Theron wasn’t like his brothers. That much was obvious.Alaric was cold, calculating. He had humiliated me, ignored me, made it clear I was nothing in his eyes. Ranon had taken pleasure in my suffering, treating me like dirt
Theron’s POVI barely registered the halls as I moved, my feet carrying me on instinct. The academy was awake now—students murmuring in clusters, eyes turning toward me as I passed. But I didn’t stop.Elowen.She was in danger.I shoved open the main doors, stepping out into the crisp morning air. My mind raced.What did my father mean—ask my brothers?Ranon was ruthless, a soldier who followed orders without question. Alaric was the golden boy, the one who craved our father’s approval above all else.Would they hurt her?I forced the thought down. No. They wouldn’t kill her. Not yet.But they would break her.And if I knew my father, he wouldn’t leave any loose ends.I had to find her. Now.—It didn’t take long.The moment I stepped outside, I heard the commotion near the training grounds.A crowd had gathered. Students circled in a wide ring, their voices hushed but eager. I pushed through, my heart hammering.And then I saw her.Elowen stood in the center, her face pale, her lip s
Theron’s POV The words blurred for a moment as I tried to process what I was seeing. Promised to the Nightbane bloodline. Not just as a mate— But as a queen. My pulse thundered as I flipped through the pages, searching for more. The records were old, some sections nearly faded beyond recognition, but the truth was undeniable. Elowen’s lineage wasn’t just powerful—it was sacred. A true She-Alpha. A ruler by birthright. A direct threat to my father’s reign. And he had tried to erase her. No wonder he destroyed her pack. No wonder he wanted her dead. If Elowen had grown up knowing who she truly was—if she had been raised to claim her throne—she could have united the remaining Whitefangs and taken control of everything. She could have challenged the Nightbanes. She could have won. My father had always been ruthless, always willing to eliminate anyone who stood in his way. But this— This wasn’t just a strategic move. This was fear. He had been afraid of
Theron’s POV I found her behind the academy, in the secluded garden where the scent of damp earth and moonflowers filled the night air. She sat on a stone bench, her head bowed, her shoulders shaking as muffled sobs tore through her. The sight of her—Elowen, the girl who had just sworn to destroy me—completely broken—made something sharp twist inside my chest. I had never seen her like this. She was always fire, always defiance, always ready to fight the world with her sharp tongue and sharper claws. But now? She looked small. And it killed me. I swallowed hard, stepping closer. My boots crunched against the gravel path, but she didn’t move, didn’t even lift her head. “Elowen.” Her breath hitched, but she didn’t look up. “Go away, Theron.” I didn’t. I sat beside her instead, leaving just enough space between us that she wouldn’t feel cornered. Silence stretched between us, thick and heavy. The only sound was the uneven rhythm of her breathing, the quiet sniffle
Theron’s POV I stood there, staring at the empty space where she had been moments ago, my pulse still thundering in my ears. The auditorium felt eerily silent now, as if the universe itself had paused to let her words sink their claws into my soul. I will destroy your family, Theron. And I’ll make sure you watch every second of it. A sharp exhale left me, my hands clenching into fists. She hated me. She hated all of us. And yet, the taste of her was still on my lips, the ghost of her warmth lingering on my skin. Damn it. I raked a hand through my hair, forcing myself to move, to breathe. But the weight in my chest refused to ease, pressing down with a force that made it hard to think. I had known she was angry. That she felt betrayed. But I hadn’t expected that level of hatred. That raw, burning need for vengeance. And the worst part? I understood it. Hell, if I were in her position, I’d want us dead too. I turned sharply on my heel, storming out of the auditorium, my m