Alaric’s POVI stood there for a moment, watching Elowen retreat to the couch. Her arms wrapped around herself like she was trying to hold her emotions together. For a second, I almost felt something—guilt, maybe. But I pushed it aside. Weakness wasn’t an option.“Darling,” I said softly, stepping closer. “I know you’re upset, but don’t let Theron get to you. He thrives on chaos, on making you question everything.”She glanced up at me, her eyes glassy with unshed tears. “Why do you always have to fight? Why can’t any of you just let me breathe?”Her words stung more than I expected, but I forced my expression to stay soft, understanding. “I’m not here to fight, Elowen. I’m here for you.” I reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “You know that, don’t you?”She hesitated, her gaze searching mine like she was looking for answers to questions she couldn’t even voice. “I don’t know what to believe anymore,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.“Then believe t
Alaric's POV I closed the door to my room, a satisfied smirk curling my lips as I leaned against the wall. The house was quiet now, Elowen likely already in bed, caught in the illusion I’d so carefully crafted for her. I pulled my phone out of my pocket, unlocking it with a quick swipe of my finger. My thumb hovered over the photo album, a special folder tucked away in the depths of my phone. I opened it, and there they were—pictures of her. Pictures of us. Innocent at first glance. Her resting against me, her laughter caught mid-action, her flushed cheeks after our "moments." But then there were the others—the ones I’d taken in secret, capturing her vulnerability, her naivety. She had no idea these existed. I scrolled through them slowly, savoring each one like it was a prize. Each image reminded me of how easy it had been to manipulate her, to wrap her around my finger with a few sweet words and well-timed gestures. And now, in just one week, it would all come crashing
Elowen’s POV The pictures on the giant screen—intimate, vulnerable moments of Alaric and me—flashed one by one, each image a dagger to my heart. My hands trembled, my face burning with humiliation as I stood frozen in the center of the crowd. My knees buckled, my chest constricting as the whispers started around me. Laughter. Gasps. Some voices murmured in disbelief, while others relished in the humiliation I couldn’t escape. “Is this real?” “Look at her! She’s supposed to be his mate?” “Pathetic.” I wanted to scream, to run, to hide—but I couldn’t move. My eyes darted to Alaric, standing near the projector. His smirk—a wicked curve of his lips—told me everything. This wasn’t an accident. This was deliberate. “Why?” My voice was barely audible, cracked and trembling. I swallowed the lump in my throat, forcing myself to ask again. “Why would you do this, Alaric?” He stepped forward, hands casually in his pockets as though this public humiliation was merely a game
Elowen’s POV The world was dark when I woke up. My head throbbed, and my body felt heavy, pinned down by an unseen weight. Slowly, I opened my eyes to see faint light streaming through the cracks of an unfamiliar ceiling. My breath hitched. Where was I? I tried to sit up, but a sharp pain in my side forced me to stay down. The events from earlier slammed into me like a tidal wave—Alaric’s betrayal, Lisa’s cruelty, Ranon’s confession, and the rogue attack. My heart ached as if someone had torn it out and crushed it beneath their heel. The door creaked open, and a figure stepped inside. It was Theron. His shirt was torn, blood smeared across his arms, and his face was etched with worry. “You’re awake,” he said, his voice filled with relief. I didn’t respond. My throat felt raw, and the words I wanted to say were trapped behind the storm of emotions swirling inside me. Theron knelt beside the bed, his eyes searching mine. “Elowen, are you okay?” I blinked at him, unsure if I
Elowen's POV As the wolf remained crouched, its presence oddly comforting, my sobs gradually quieted. My breath came in ragged gasps as I wiped my face with trembling hands. The forest was silent again, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. The wolf took another tentative step forward, its golden eyes gleaming in the dim moonlight. I didn’t flinch this time. Instead, I just stared at it, my exhaustion outweighing my fear. “What do you want from me?” I whispered, my voice hoarse. It tilted its head, studying me like it could understand the weight of my question. “I’m broken,” I continued, my voice cracking. “I don’t know who to trust anymore. Everyone I thought cared about me…” I trailed off, shaking my head as fresh tears threatened to fall. The wolf let out another low whine, its ears flattening slightly as if it could feel my pain. I sniffled, wrapping my arms tighter around myself. “I’m not strong enough for this. I never was. They a
Elowen's POV The forest was silent, save for the soft rustling of leaves in the wind and the distant howls of wolves. I stood there, my knees trembling, as the golden-eyed wolf I’d come to trust and depend on transformed before my eyes. His powerful form shifted, fur melting into skin, muscles rippling as he stood up straight. The air around him shimmered with an energy that was unmistakable. And then he was standing in front of me, not as a wolf, but as a man—a breathtakingly handsome man. His features were striking, sharp jawline, chiseled body, and eyes that burned with an intensity I couldn’t look away from. His hair was wild, a mix of dark brown and gold that caught the moonlight, making him seem almost ethereal. But it wasn’t just his appearance that stole my breath. It was the way he held himself—confident, powerful, yet somehow gentle. He looked at me with an expression that spoke volumes—one of recognition, longing, and something deeper, something I couldn’t yet place. Hi
Elowen's POV I stared at the man standing before me, his golden eyes watching me with a mix of intensity and patience. He had told me things I couldn’t comprehend, truths that felt too big, too impossible to be real. My mind raced with questions, doubts, and fears. “How do I know you’re telling the truth?” I asked, my voice shaking. “How do I know this isn’t some cruel game like everything else in my life?” His gaze softened, and he took a step closer. The moonlight cast a glow over his features, highlighting the sincerity etched into his face. “I know you’ve been hurt,” he said, his tone steady. “I know betrayal has left its scars on your soul. But I swear to you, Elowen, I have no reason to lie. Your mother’s love for you runs deeper than anything you’ve ever known. And she’s waiting to prove it to you herself.” My knees felt weak as his words washed over me. My mother? Alive? The idea was too much to grasp. For years, I’d carried the weight of her loss, the guilt of being pow
Elowen's POV We traveled through the dense forest, the trees towering around us like silent sentinels. Kael moved with purpose, his every step sure and confident, while I trailed behind, my thoughts a chaotic mess. The air grew colder as we ventured deeper into the woods, the moonlight barely penetrating the thick canopy above. Finally, Kael stopped in front of a small, hidden cabin nestled between two massive oak trees. “She’s inside,” he said, turning to me. “Are you ready?” I wasn’t. How could I be? But I nodded anyway, my heart pounding in my chest. Kael pushed open the door, and the warmth of a crackling fire greeted us. The cabin was cozy, with wooden walls adorned with simple decorations and a faint scent of lavender lingering in the air. And then I saw her. She was sitting in a chair by the fire, her back to us, but I’d recognize her anywhere—the curve of her shoulders, the way she held herself. My breath hitched, and my legs felt like they would give out. “Mom,” I w
Elowen’s POV I stormed down the hallway, my breathing uneven as I tried to shake off the weight of his words. His voice, his touch, his confession—it was too much. He didn’t deserve to have this kind of power over me, and yet he did. “Damn you, Alaric,” I whispered under my breath, wiping the tears from my cheeks. I reached the academy courtyard, where the rain had finally begun to lighten. Students milled around, their eyes darting to me, their whispers following my every step. It didn’t matter. Let them gossip. Let them judge. Nothing they said could hurt me more than he already had. But my steps faltered when I saw him again. Alaric. He was leaning against one of the tall stone pillars, his dark eyes locked onto me the second I stepped outside. His expression was unreadable, a mix of longing, regret, and something else I couldn’t place. "Elowen," he said softly, his voice cutting through the noise of the courtyard like a blade. I froze, my fists clenching at my sides.
Elowen’s POV The hallway felt like it was closing in around me as I stormed out, the taste of Alaric’s kiss still lingering on my lips. My hand trembled as I pressed it against my mouth, trying to erase the memory of his touch, his intensity, the vulnerability in his voice when he said he couldn’t stay away. I hated him. I had to. He was my enemy, the man who had humiliated and broken me countless times. But that kiss—it wasn’t just heat or passion. It was something deeper, something that scared me more than all the pain he had ever caused. The rain outside had started again, but I didn’t care. I pushed through the heavy doors of the academy and let the cold droplets soak me. The chill grounded me, gave me a focus as my emotions threatened to spiral out of control. "Elowen." His voice followed me, deep and commanding, but this time it wasn’t filled with anger. There was a softness in it that made my chest tighten. I didn’t turn around, refusing to let him see the turmoil he w
Elowen’s POV The tension from the hallway still buzzed under my skin as I walked briskly toward the nearest exit. The cool air from the rain earlier seemed like the only thing that could calm me. My fingers trembled, but not from fear—it was the adrenaline, the fire still coursing through me after everything that had just unfolded. "Elowen!" I ignored the voice calling my name, the sharp tone unmistakably his. I quickened my pace, my boots clicking against the polished floor. “Don’t walk away from me,” Alaric growled behind me, the commanding power in his voice making my steps falter. I stopped but didn’t turn around. “What do you want, Alaric?” I asked, my voice cold, trying to mask the storm of emotions threatening to break loose. Suddenly, I felt his hand on my wrist, firm yet not painful. He spun me around to face him, his towering frame inches away from mine. His dark eyes burned with something I couldn’t quite place—anger, frustration, and something deeper, more dange
Elowen’s POV The next morning, I walked into the academy with my head held high, my mother’s words echoing in my mind. They fear you because they know your potential. For the first time in years, I didn’t feel like the weak, humiliated girl they wanted me to be. Today, I wasn’t going to let anyone step on me. Not anymore. The hallway buzzed with students, the usual murmurs and whispers filling the air. As I strode down the corridor, all eyes turned toward me, some lingering longer than usual. I ignored them, focusing on my newfound determination. And then she appeared—Lisa. Her sickly sweet voice rang out as she stepped into my path, her perfectly manicured nails clutching a notebook she held as though it were a weapon. “Well, well, look who decided to grace us with her presence,” Lisa sneered, her lips curling in that familiar condescending smirk. “The academy’s favorite little charity case.” I stopped, my eyes locking onto hers. “Move, Lisa.” My voice was calm, steady, but
Elowen’s POV I stormed out of the academy, my thoughts a swirl of anger and determination. I couldn’t stand it anymore—the triplets, their arrogance, their smug faces. They didn’t understand what I was capable of. But I was about to make them. The path through the woods was familiar, almost comforting in a way. The thick trees shielded me from the world, and I welcomed the solitude. I needed to think, to plan my next move. I was done being the victim. It was time to take control of my own fate. As I approached the secluded cabin where my mother had stayed in hiding all these years, I felt an overwhelming surge of emotion. The resentment toward my father, the betrayal, the isolation—I felt it all. But I couldn’t afford to let those feelings overwhelm me now. I had a bigger purpose. I knocked three times on the heavy wooden door before it creaked open, and there she was—my mother. Her eyes, the same as mine, held a depth of wisdom and sorrow, but there was a quiet strength in them
Elowen’s POV The sun was setting as I walked through the academy grounds, the golden light casting long shadows across the path. My thoughts were racing, but my mind kept returning to one single point: revenge. Everything had led to this moment, to the game I was about to play. No more hesitation. No more fear. It had been a day since I stood before the triplets, made my bold statement, and I could feel the change in the air. The tension was palpable, swirling around me like a storm ready to burst. The whispers had intensified, and I knew they were watching. But the look in their eyes now wasn’t one of control or superiority—it was uncertainty. And that... that felt damn good. As I made my way to the training grounds, I could hear their voices before I saw them. Ranon’s deep tone, Alaric’s mocking laughter, and Theron’s quiet words that I couldn’t quite make out. I didn’t need to know exactly what they were saying. I could feel their eyes on me, following my every move as I approa
Elowen's POV The tension in the air was thick as I made my way through the halls, my heels clicking against the marble floor. The whispers continued behind me, but I paid them no mind. My focus was on one thing only: the game I was playing, the plan I had set in motion, and the power I was slowly reclaiming for myself. Every move I made, every word I spoke—it was all a calculated step toward my ultimate goal. And today, I’d made a significant move. Ranon had been quiet ever since our encounter, his silence telling me everything I needed to know. The way he looked at me, the way his gaze lingered longer than it should have—he was intrigued, and that gave me the upper hand. As I turned the corner toward the courtyard, I saw him again. Ranon. This time, though, he was with his brothers. Alaric, Theron, and Kael were standing in a tight circle, their postures stiff and their conversations muted. But as soon as I entered the space, their heads turned. The moment I laid eyes on th
Elowen’s POV The morning came, but it didn’t feel like the start of a new day. It felt like the beginning of something darker, something powerful, something that would change everything. I stood in front of the mirror, taking in the reflection staring back at me. I had chosen my clothes carefully today. A tight, black leather jacket clung to my body, showing off my curves. My shirt underneath was dark and fitted, and the jeans hugged my legs just right. I wanted to show them—show all of them—that I wasn’t the fragile, broken girl they thought I was. My makeup was bold, my lips a deep shade of crimson, my eyes smoky and intense. I wanted to make an impression, leave a mark. As I looked at myself in the mirror, I couldn’t help but smirk. This wasn’t just a new outfit. This was a declaration. "Let them look," I muttered to my reflection. "Let them all stare." I left my room and made my way to the academy, the sound of my boots echoing in the empty halls. My heart raced in ant
Elowen’s POV As soon as the door shut, sealing me off from the outside world, I felt the dam inside me break. I rushed to the bathroom, needing the small, confined space to hold myself together, but the second I caught my reflection in the mirror, I shattered. My face was pale, my eyes red-rimmed, and my hair was still damp from the rain. The girl staring back at me looked like a stranger—lost, broken, and utterly defeated. I gripped the edge of the sink, my knuckles turning white as I tried to steady myself. But the pain was too much, the emotions swirling inside me too overwhelming. “What’s wrong with me?” I whispered, my voice cracking as tears blurred my vision. I sank to the tiled floor, pulling my knees to my chest as the sobs I’d been holding back finally escaped. It was all too much—the betrayal, the lies, the endless cycle of pain and confusion. Why couldn’t they just leave me alone? Why did they all have to worm their way into my heart only to twist the knife dee