Elowen’s POVI could feel the tension in the air even before I stepped into the house. The oppressive silence was heavy, punctuated only by the occasional click of Liora’s heels against the marble floor. The sight of her waiting for me in the foyer, arms crossed and an icy glare fixed on me, sent a chill down my spine. "You're late," she snapped, her voice sharp enough to cut glass. "I was out," I replied curtly, refusing to meet her eyes as I made my way toward the stairs. "Out? With who? One of those mutts you're bonded to?" she sneered, her words dripping with venom. I froze mid-step, my hands tightening around the banister. "Don't," I warned softly, my voice trembling with suppressed anger. "Don’t what?" she mocked, taking a step closer. "Don’t point out the truth? You’re pathetic, Elowen. Always have been. You think those boys care about you? You're nothing but a weak little Omega dragging them down." Her words hit like a slap, but I refused to let her see the hurt. I
Ranon’s POVThe rain hadn’t let up, drenching us both as we walked in silence. Elowen was shivering, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. She didn’t look at me, her gaze fixed on the ground, and I could feel the fragile cracks in her resolve. Good. This was my chance to turn her against the others and bring her to me. She didn’t need to know the truth, not yet. Right now, all she needed was to believe the lie I was weaving. I slowed my pace, glancing at her from the corner of my eye. She was soaked to the bone, her lips pale and trembling. A perfect picture of vulnerability. “Here,” I said softly, shrugging off my jacket and draping it over her shoulders. She flinched slightly at the contact, her wide, tear-streaked eyes darting to mine. “I’m fine,” she muttered, trying to shrug it off, but I held it firmly in place. “You’re freezing,” I countered, letting my voice carry just the right amount of concern. “Don’t be stubborn.” She hesitated, then finally relented, pull
Theron’s POV The bitter burn of alcohol slid down my throat, but it did nothing to dull the storm inside me. Bottle after bottle, I drank, hoping, praying to drown the thoughts of her. Elowen. Her name alone sent a fresh wave of anger and longing surging through me. “Damn you,” I growled, slamming the empty bottle onto the table. The glass rattled but didn’t shatter. I wished it had. I wished for destruction—something to match the chaos inside me. My wolf howled in my head, clawing at my consciousness, begging me to turn back. She’s ours, he snarled. You can’t escape her. “Shut up,” I muttered, dragging myself to my feet. The room spun slightly, but I didn’t care. The ache in my chest was unbearable, and I needed to make it stop. Before I knew it, I was behind the wheel, the rain pelting against the windshield as I drove aimlessly through the night. My hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly that my knuckles turned white. The alcohol buzz made my movements sluggish, but
Theron’s POVThe storm still raged outside, relentless and unforgiving, much like the chaos in my mind. Camille lay beside me in the car, her chest rising and falling steadily as she tried to catch her breath. Her fingers trailed lazily over my arm, but her touch felt distant, almost foreign.I leaned back, staring out the rain-streaked window, the weight of everything crashing down harder than the thunder outside. I could feel the storm in my chest, the battle between what I wanted and what I knew was wrong. “That was… intense,” Camille murmured, her voice soft and teasing. She shifted closer, pressing her body against mine as she draped an arm over my chest. “I could get used to this.”I didn’t respond. My wolf was growling low in my mind, furious and restless. This isn’t right, he snarled. She’s not our mate.I let out a frustrated breath, my fingers gripping the seat beneath me as I tried to push the thoughts of Elowen away. “I don’t care,” I muttered under my breath, earning a
Elowen's POV I stared out the window, my sketchbook lying forgotten in my lap. The steady hum of rain against the glass mirrored the restless whirl of my thoughts. Alaric. His name was a drumbeat in my mind, relentless and consuming. The way his fingers intertwined with mine, his protective gaze, the warmth in his rare smiles—I couldn’t stop thinking about him. And yet, it terrified me. I was so caught up in the spiral of emotions that I didn’t notice anyone approach until a voice cut through my thoughts. “Elowen.” I jumped, clutching the edge of the table. My heart raced as I turned to see Ranon standing there, holding two steaming mugs. “Ranon,” I said, my voice sharper than I intended. “What are you doing here?” He raised a brow, his lips curving into a faint smile. “Relax. I’m not here to cause trouble.” I frowned, my suspicions immediately rising. “Then why are you here?” Without answering, he placed one of the mugs in front of me and took the seat across the tab
Elowen’s POV The rain came down in torrents, soaking me to the skin as I wandered aimlessly through the academy grounds. The storm mirrored the tempest inside me, each drop falling like a piece of the pain I couldn’t hold back anymore. My thoughts were a jumble—Ranon’s sudden attempts at kindness, Theron’s anger, and Alaric…always Alaric. Why couldn’t I stop thinking about him? His piercing eyes, the way his touch sent shivers through me, his calm yet commanding presence. It was maddening. The thunder roared overhead, and a bolt of lightning lit up the sky, illuminating my surroundings. I didn’t care where I was going. My feet moved without purpose, my body trembling from the cold and the overwhelming ache in my heart. And then, I felt it. Warmth. Stability. Before I could process the sensation, strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind, pulling me back against a firm chest. The world seemed to stop for a moment, and I froze, my breath caught in my throat. His scent hit m
Elowen’s POV The warmth of Alaric’s embrace seeped into my skin, soothing the turmoil that had been brewing inside me for weeks. His strong arms encircled me as if nothing could tear us apart, and for a brief, blissful moment, I allowed myself to forget everything, the chaos, the heartbreak, the doubts. It was just him and me, standing together beneath the shelter of the walkway, with the storm raging outside and the world feeling like it had melted away. His hand gently stroked the back of my head, his fingers threading through my damp hair as if trying to ground me, to assure me that he was here. "You’re not alone in this, Elowen," he whispered against my hair, his voice low and steady. "I’m right here." I closed my eyes, inhaling the scent of rain and Alaric, the two blending together in a way that made me feel calm yet restless at the same time. My wolf stirred within me, content in his presence, but I knew the tension between us hadn’t fully dissipated. There were still so man
Elowen's POVThe tension between the three of us crackled like the lingering storm outside. I could feel Ranon’s eyes on me, scrutinizing every inch of my being, as though he was trying to piece together what had happened just moments ago. Alaric’s body was still close to mine, protective, his stance rigid as if daring Ranon to say something he wouldn’t like.Ranon’s jaw tightened, his lips curling into a humorless smirk. “I see you’ve been busy, brother,” he said, his voice laced with mockery. “Didn’t think you’d stoop to sneaking around like this.”Alaric didn’t flinch, his hand brushing mine subtly in reassurance before he stepped forward. “What do you want, Ranon?” His tone was sharp, cutting through the tension like a blade.Ranon’s smirk widened as he crossed his arms. “Oh, I was just taking a stroll. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon you two… so cozy.” His gaze flicked to me, lingering just long enough to make me squirm. “You really don’t waste time, do you, Elowen?”I s
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