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
Theron’s POV The night stretched endlessly as I sat in the shadows of my room, the scent of rain still lingering in the air. My wolf was restless, snarling and pacing within me. He had been furious ever since I’d seen Elowen with Alaric. She had looked so... content. I clenched my fists, the image of her smiling at him, leaning into his touch, searing itself into my mind. My wolf howled in protest. She’s ours. Not his. Not Ranon’s.But she didn’t see it. She didn’t feel the bond the way I did. Ranon’s words echoed in my mind, taunting me. She’s his mate now... maybe she deserves whatever Alaric has planned.A low growl escaped me. No. She didn’t deserve that, no matter how much she hated me, no matter how broken our bond had become. I stormed out of my room, grabbing my jacket as I made my way to the garage. The mansion was quiet, everyone lost in their own schemes and lies. As I climbed into my car and sped into the night, my thoughts were consumed by one name: Elowen. -
Alaric’s POVHer soft whisper reached my ears, and it sent a shiver down my spine. Alaric. The way she said my name, laced with vulnerability and trust, made my wolf stir with satisfaction.I turned to her, my eyes locking onto hers. Her lips trembled slightly, her breath uneven. She was so close, and the mate bond pulsed between us like a living thing, demanding attention.“Elowen,” I murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. She didn’t pull away; instead, her eyes fluttered shut.I couldn’t resist any longer. Leaning in, I captured her lips in a kiss, pouring everything into it—passion, possession, and something softer I barely understood myself. She gasped against my mouth, and I took the opportunity to deepen the kiss, my hand cupping her cheek as I tilted her head slightly.She melted into me, her arms wrapping hesitantly around my neck as the kiss grew more fervent. My wolf growled in approval, satisfied that our mate was responding to us.When we finally pulled a
Alaric’s POV The cold light of morning filtered through the academy’s tall, narrow windows as I stepped out into the courtyard. The echoes of last night’s tumult still clung to the stone walls, but now there was an air of calm—a fragile, tentative peace that I was determined to nurture. I could almost taste the promise of a new day, even as the bitter whispers of scandal and gossip from the previous day still lingered in the corridors. I walked slowly toward the main entrance, the faint murmur of students’ hushed voices floating around me, but I paid them no mind. My focus was singular: to find Elowen. I needed to see her smile again, to hear her gentle laugh that had, for a moment, made me believe that perhaps the past could be mended. There, beneath an ancient oak in a secluded corner of the courtyard, I found her. She stood alone, her gaze fixed on the horizon as if she were waiting for something—or someone—to come rescue her from her own haunted thoughts. Her dark hair cascade
Alaric’s POV The echoes of the courtyard confrontation still rang in my ears as I strode through the academy halls. Every step I took was measured, each one driven by a single, unyielding purpose: to protect Elowen, no matter the cost. The whispers of gossip trailed behind me—snatches of voices, venomous and envious, spreading rumors of seduction and betrayal. But I cared little for the idle tongues of students. My only focus was her safety. I found her in a quiet alcove near the rear of the academy, where the faded murals of our ancestors looked on in silent judgment. Elowen sat on a stone bench, her eyes red and distant, the traces of the earlier turmoil still evident on her delicate features. I paused at her side, letting the charged silence speak between us. “Elowen,” I said softly, my voice a low rumble of both tenderness and controlled fury, “I won’t let anyone hurt you again.” She looked up at me, her gaze filled with a storm of conflicting emotions—hurt, anger, and a ling
Alaric’s POV The midday sun beat down mercilessly on the academy’s courtyard, where the usual hum of chatter and gossip had turned into a simmering cauldron of whispers. I had been standing by the ancient stone fountain with Elowen when the commotion began—a harsh, discordant note in our fragile peace. Lisa stormed into the center of the crowd like a vengeful tempest, her eyes wild and venomous. “You think you can seduce him, don’t you?” she spat, her voice loud enough for every student to hear. The vulgarity in her tone was matched only by the cruelty in her accusations. “Elowen, you shameless wench—trying to steal Alaric away from me! You’re nothing but a filthy tramp, and you’ve ruined everything!” The courtyard fell silent for a moment as her words sliced through the air. I saw the shock in Elowen’s eyes, the pain in her posture. Before I could intervene, Lisa shoved Elowen roughly aside, sending her stumbling. Gasps erupted among the onlookers; gossipers and cynics alike fille
Elowen’s POV That evening, the academy’s corridors were quiet, the echoes of the day’s promise still lingering in the air like a soft melody. I wandered down a dimly lit hallway, the events of the afternoon—our tender confessions, gentle laughter, and tentative touches—still playing in my mind like a delicate film. I wasn’t sure where this path would lead, but something inside me, a small ember of hope, urged me onward. I found Theron waiting in a secluded alcove near the library, where a single window framed the twilight sky. He looked up as I approached, his eyes lighting with a softness that made my heart tremble. The night was cool, but as soon as he smiled, the chill seemed to fade away. “Elowen,” he said quietly, his voice imbued with both warmth and an unspoken promise. “I’ve been thinking about our walk earlier... about how every word felt like a step toward something new.” I hesitated, glancing down at my hands. “It was a beautiful walk, but my mind is still a mess,” I a
Elowen’s POV Later that afternoon, as the academy’s bustle faded into a gentle hum, I found solace in the secret gardens tucked away behind ancient stone walls. The late sunlight filtered through the canopy of lush trees, scattering golden flecks across the dew-laden grass and blooming wildflowers. I wasn’t alone for long. Theron was waiting by a trickling fountain, its soft murmur a quiet counterpoint to my racing thoughts.I approached hesitantly, still wary of the ghosts of our past but undeniably drawn to his steady presence. As I neared, he turned and offered a warm, tentative smile that made my heart skip. His eyes, dark and sincere, held the promise of something gentle—a world that might be kinder than all that had come before.“Elowen,” he said softly as I reached him, “it feels like this place was made for moments like these.” I managed a small smile in return, brushing a damp lock of hair behind my ear. “It does have a way of making the world seem… simpler.” My voice trem
Elowen’s POV The morning after our moonlit walk, the academy’s courtyard was bathed in soft, golden light. Dew still clung to the grass, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of blooming jasmine. I found myself wandering the quiet grounds, the echoes of our whispered promises from the night before lingering in every step.I hadn’t planned to see Theron again so soon—but fate, it seems, had its own designs. There, under an ancient oak whose gnarled branches stretched protectively overhead, he stood waiting. His dark eyes, warm and sincere in the morning glow, met mine as soon as I approached.“Good morning, Elowen,” he said softly, a tender smile playing on his lips.I paused, my heart fluttering unexpectedly. “Morning,” I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral, though the memory of our garden kiss sent ripples of warmth through me.Theron stepped closer, closing the distance between us until we stood nearly shoulder-to-shoulder. “I was thinking,” he began, his voice tentative yet ea
Elowen's POV The drive had been long. By the time Theron pulled off the road and parked beside a secluded lake, dawn was already painting the horizon in delicate shades of pink and gold. The rain had stopped, leaving the world dewy and fresh, and the silence between us was no longer heavy with the weight of the past—it was something else now, something fragile but full of unspoken promises. I stepped out of the truck, my boots sinking into the damp earth, the cool morning breeze wrapping around me like a whisper. I heard the door close behind me, felt his presence as he walked up beside me. Theron didn’t speak at first. Instead, he reached out, tucking a strand of damp hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered for just a second longer than necessary, brushing against my skin like a fleeting caress. My heart stuttered, and I hated how easily he still affected me. “I never thought I’d see you like this,” he murmured, his voice low, intimate. “Like what?” I asked, turning to mee
Elowen’s POVAfter the stormy confrontation in the courtyard, I found myself restless. There was too much unspoken between us, too many raw wounds still fresh in my heart. Late that night, when the academy was quiet and the world outside whispered of change, Theron pulled up in his old, battered pickup. The vehicle’s paint was chipped and faded from countless journeys, yet it held an unspoken promise of escape and new beginnings. I hesitated at the edge of the rain-soaked lot, then stepped toward him.Inside, the cabin was dimly lit by the dashboard’s glow. The smell of leather, engine oil, and damp rain mingled in the small space—a comforting, familiar scent that seemed to offer a temporary reprieve from the chaos of my thoughts. Theron opened the passenger door with a gentle nod. “Elowen,” he said softly, “climb in. Let’s drive for a while.”I settled into the seat, the worn fabric cool against my skin, and for a moment, the world outside slowed to a gentle hum. The engine purred to
Elowen’s POV The next day at the academy, the corridors felt colder than ever. I moved through the halls with my head held high, yet every step was weighted with lingering doubts and memories that I’d rather forget. The storm from last night had passed, but the thunder of my conflicted heart still rumbled beneath my ribs. I arrived at the courtyard early—hoping to catch a few moments of solitude—only to find them already gathered in a tight, tense circle near the ancient fountain. Theron stood in the center, his dark eyes scanning the horizon as if searching for an answer. Alaric leaned casually against a stone pillar, his usual cocky demeanor replaced by a pensive, almost guarded look. Ranon, quiet and intense, stood close by, his gaze fixed on me with an unreadable expression. I paused at the edge of the group. Their eyes followed my every step, and I felt as though I were being dissected by memories of every cruel word, every act of humiliation they’d once inflicted upon me. Ye