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 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?
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's POV The air outside was crisp, the cool night breeze brushing against my skin as Ranon and I walked side by side. Neither of us spoke at first, the silence thick with tension, anticipation, and something far more primal. His wolf was just as restless as mine—I could feel it in the way his gaze lingered on me, in the slight stiffness of his shoulders as he fought to keep himself in check. The bond between us hummed like a live wire, a constant pull I couldn’t escape even if I wanted to. “Where are we going?” I finally asked, breaking the silence. “You’ll see,” he replied, his voice calm but laced with an edge that sent shivers down my spine. I hated how cryptic he could be, how he always seemed to know more than he let on. But I followed him anyway, my heels clicking against the pavement as we left the academy grounds and headed toward the forest that bordered it. “Let me guess,” I said, trying to sound unimpressed. “You’re taking me to some secluded spot in the woo
Ranon’s POV The moment her lips met mine, the world ceased to exist. It was only Elowen—the feel of her body pressed against mine, the sweet, intoxicating scent of her skin, the way she kissed me as though she was trying to conquer me. There was no hesitation in her touch, no barriers. Her defiance had melted into something raw and primal, and it called to every instinct I had as her mate. She tangled her fingers in my hair, pulling me closer, her nails scraping against my scalp and sending sparks down my spine. My wolf growled low, the sound vibrating in my chest as I deepened the kiss, claiming her mouth with a hunger that bordered on desperation. She tasted like fire and freedom, like a storm I wanted to lose myself in forever. When I finally pulled back, my lungs burning for air, she was panting, her cheeks flushed, her lips swollen from my kisses. Her eyes locked on mine, and for the first time, I saw no barriers, no pretense. Only her, vulnerable and fierce all at once. “
Elowen's POV My heart pounding in my ears, a mixture of excitement and trepidation coursing through my veins. Ranon's intense gaze sent shivers down my spine, and I knew in that moment, I was his for the taking. This wasn't about love or commitment; it was about desire, raw and untamed. "You're stunning," he breathed, his eyes roaming over my body, making me feel exposed yet empowered. I bit my lip, a nervous habit, as I reached for the zipper of my dress, my fingers trembling slightly. "Let me," he said, his voice a low growl as he stepped closer. I nodded, my breath catching as his fingers brushed against my skin, sending sparks of anticipation down my neck. With a swift motion, he slid the zipper down, the fabric of my dress pooling at my feet, leaving me clad in nothing but a delicate lace bra and panties. His fingers traced my spine as he whispered against my lips, “You’re playing with fire, sweetheart.” “Then burn me,” I breathed, daring him. A low growl rumbled in
Elowen’s POV The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine as the first rays of sunlight peeked through the trees. The sound of the river, gentle and steady, filled the silence between my uneven breaths. I was still here. Still tangled in Ranon. The weight of his arm draped over my waist, his warmth pressed against my back, his steady breathing fanning against my neck. His scent—smoky, wild, undeniably him—wrapped around me like an inescapable trap. Panic surged in my chest. I needed to leave. Carefully, I shifted, trying to slide out from beneath his grip, but the moment I moved, his arm tightened, pulling me flush against him. “Running?” His voice was thick with sleep, rough and lazy, but there was amusement in it too. “I thought you were tougher than that, sweetheart.” I clenched my jaw. “I’m not running.” “Liar,” he murmured, lips brushing my bare shoulder. My body betrayed me, a shiver running down my spine at his touch. Damn mate bond.
Elowen's POV The day passed in a haze, but every step, every glance felt like it had been dragged through the mud. I couldn’t stop thinking about last night, about Ranon’s touch, and the storm of emotions swirling in me. As much as I tried to push it away, the bond was there, undeniable and sharp, digging into me every moment. I found myself outside by the academy grounds, needing to be alone, away from the whispers and the weight of everyone’s gaze. My heart was still a mess, tangled with guilt, anger, and an overwhelming desire to run. But the bond wasn’t something I could outrun, not anymore. As I walked, I didn’t hear him approach until it was too late. Alaric. “You look like you’re about to self-destruct,” he said, his voice dripping with that familiar mix of condescension and false concern. I didn’t bother turning to face him. “I’m not in the mood, Alaric,” I said sharply. Alaric’s laugh was dark, mocking. “What? Not in the mood for what? For someone to remind you that you
Elowen’s POVThe academy gates loomed ahead, familiar yet foreign.It had been weeks since I’d last walked through them—weeks since blood stained my hands, pain etched itself into my bones, and the world I once knew unraveled at the seams. And now, as the morning sun streamed down, casting a golden glow on the stone path, I felt… off-balance.Not weak. No, I wasn’t that anymore.Just changed.Alaric’s hand hovered close to my back without touching, his gaze scanning the students like they were threats. Theron flanked my right, silent and unreadable, while Ranon walked a step ahead, his arms folded, jaw clenched as always.Their presence was suffocating… but not in the way it used to be.Now it was protective. Devoted. Desperate.Students turned to stare, whispers already rising like a wave."She’s back.""Is that her?""Did you hear what she did to Ezekiel?""That’s the witch with the triplet alphas..."Every whisper hit me like a blade. Not because I cared about what they thought—but
Theron’s POV Days bled into nights, and still, Elowen remained confined to the bed, her body slowly knitting itself back together with every excruciating hour. The once vibrant spark in her eyes hadn’t fully returned, but her chest rose and fell steadily, and that was enough to keep me breathing. The scars on her skin were healing, but the silence between us—the way she flinched when she dreamed, the way her hands trembled when she tried to lift a spoon—those were the wounds we couldn’t see. Each of us took turns helping her bathe, eat, walk down the long corridor of the mansion, and each time, we watched the strongest woman we’d ever known lean on us in a way she never had before. Alaric never left her side at night. He sat quietly in a chair beside her bed, his fingers loosely curled around hers as he whispered apologies she couldn't yet answer. His eyes, once hard and unforgiving, had softened in her presence, guilt clinging to every breath he took. “She used to hate being hel
Theron's POVThe forest was a blur of shadows and moonlight as we raced through the underbrush. Ranon cradled Elowen against his chest, her body limp and alarmingly pale. Her blood had soaked through his shirt, staining it a deep crimson that glistened under the faint light. Each labored breath she took was a testament to her fading strength.Beside them, I ran, every step sending jolts of pain through my battered body. My ribs ached, likely cracked or worse, and a gash above my brow sent warm rivulets down my face, partially obscuring my vision. But none of it mattered. The only thing that did was the woman hanging onto life in Ranon's arms.Alaric, slightly ahead, kept glancing back, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and determination. He pressed two fingers to her neck, searching for a pulse. His face tightened."Her pulse is weak," he growled, voice raw. "She's losing too much blood—""Don't say it," I snapped, my voice sharper than intended. "She's not going to die.""Theron—""
Elowen’s POVThe kiss lingered between us, a fragile moment of warmth in the storm we were about to face. Alaric’s hands tightened on my waist as if he was afraid I’d vanish if he let go.But I couldn’t afford to stay in this moment. Not when war loomed over us.I pulled away, my breathing uneven. "We need to prepare," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.Alaric exhaled through his nose, clearly frustrated but nodding nonetheless. "Ranon and Theron are already gathering the warriors," he muttered. "We leave at dawn."Dawn.That left only a few hours.I turned toward the window, staring out at the darkened sky. Somewhere out there, Ezekiel's forces were waiting. They wouldn’t stop coming for me.For my blood.Alaric moved behind me, his warmth pressing against my back. "We’re going to end this, Elowen."His voice was full of certainty. Of promise.I wanted to believe him.I turned in his arms, resting my forehead against his chest. "No matter what happens," I whispered, "promise me
Elowen’s POVThe five minutes stretched longer than I intended.Theron’s warmth, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, the way his fingers lazily traced patterns on my back—it was dangerously comforting. For a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to believe that things could be this simple.But they weren’t.With a deep breath, I pushed against his chest. "We really need to get up."He groaned but loosened his grip, rolling onto his back. His dark eyes, still heavy with sleep, locked onto mine. "You’re the one who stayed."I scowled, sitting up. "You didn’t give me much of a choice."Theron smirked, but before he could say anything else, the bedroom door burst open."Finally, you're awake," Alaric said, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed. His piercing gaze flicked between me and Theron, and his jaw ticked slightly. "We’ve got a problem."I threw the blanket off and swung my legs over the side of the bed. "What now?""More rogues spotted near the southern border."My stomach
Theron’s POVElowen stood rigid by the broken window, her golden eyes fixed on the spot where Victor had disappeared. The weight of everything we had fought for pressed against her shoulders like an invisible force, threatening to crush her.She was trying to hide it.But I saw the exhaustion in the way she swayed slightly, the way her hands trembled just the slightest bit before she clenched them into fists.She was running on sheer willpower alone.And I couldn’t let her.I stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Elowen, you need to rest.”She stiffened but didn’t pull away. “I don’t have time to rest.”“Elowen—”“No.” Her voice was sharp, her body tense. “If I stop now, if I slow down for even a second, Victor will come back. He’ll—”I turned her to face me, gripping her arms firmly. “And what good will you be if you collapse before that happens?”Her gaze met mine, fierce and unrelenting, but beneath it, I saw the cracks. The exhaustion. The pain.I softened my grip. “Pl
Ranon’s POVThe sound of running water filled the silence as Elowen showered. The three of us stood outside her door, waiting, thinking, watching.Alaric paced, his jaw clenched. Theron leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his eyes dark with exhaustion and something else—concern.Me? I just listened.Not because I was some creep, but because I needed to know she was still there. That she wasn’t slipping away from us again.After everything—after him, after Ezekiel—none of us were willing to let her go.The water shut off.A few minutes later, the door cracked open, and Elowen stepped out, her damp hair curling at the ends, a loose T-shirt hanging off one shoulder.She looked small.Not weak—never weak—but like the weight of everything was finally pressing down on her.“You’re still here,” she murmured, glancing between us.Alaric snorted. “Obviously.”Theron stepped forward, his voice softer. “Come eat something.”“I’m not—”“No.” I cut her off. “You are eating. You barely touched a
Ranon’s POVThe battlefield was eerily silent now. Only the distant crackling of dying flames and the scent of blood remained.Ezekiel was gone—reduced to nothing but ash.And yet, my hands were still clenched into fists, my body still coiled with tension.Because even though we had won, something inside me still felt restless.Elowen stood in Alaric’s arms, her breathing unsteady, her body barely holding itself together. She had just destroyed the most dangerous threat we had ever faced, but I could see it in her eyes—this wasn’t over for her.She was free from Ezekiel, but was she free from us?I swallowed down the bitterness rising in my throat.Theron stepped forward, rubbing at his jaw where a deep cut was already healing. His golden eyes flickered toward me, his expression unreadable.We were all the same right now—beaten, bruised, and completely drained.But our mate?She looked ready to disappear again.And I couldn’t let that happen.“Elowen,” I called, my voice rough from th
Alaric’s POV Elowen was safe. For now.But that wasn’t enough.Ezekiel had crossed a line. He had sent rogues to harm my mate. He had poisoned her, left her defenseless, and dared to disappear into the night like a shadow.He thought he could take her blood, her magic, her life.He thought wrong.As Elowen slept, her breathing steady, I stood at the window of our mansion, my fingers clenched into fists. The moon was high, illuminating the world in a silver glow, but all I could see was red.Ranon and Theron stood beside me, their expressions unreadable.But I knew.I could feel their rage.“We’re going after him,” I said, my voice cold, decisive.Theron exhaled sharply. “We don’t even know where he is.”“Then we find him.” I turned to them, my jaw tight. “No more waiting. No more reacting. He came for Elowen once. He’ll come again.”Ranon’s eyes darkened. “And next time, he won’t send rogues.”Next time, he’d come himself.And that’s exactly what I wanted.No more waiting.No more hi