Cassandra's POVThe air in the dungeon was a cold, malevolent breath, wrapping around me like a shroud of despair. The walls of my cell were stained with the darkness of forgotten screams, the stones themselves etched with the silent marks of countless betrayals. Time had lost meaning here; days and nights blended into a seamless, suffocating haze. My world had constricted to this cage of shadows, but within its confines, my resolve had only sharpened, turning into a blade honed by vengeance.A steady drip from the ceiling marked the passing seconds, each one adding to the weight pressing down on me. How long had it been? Days? Weeks? Months? Time crawled slower than the decay infecting the grimy floor. Yet, amidst the suffocating despair, a singular, fierce light of vengeance kept my spirit from breaking. Reed's unfinished rejection was a wound still festering, a beacon that kept my heart beating in sync with the rhythm of revenge.The ominous echo of footsteps shattered the oppressi
Alexander’s POVOlivia's form was fluid and powerful. I watched her replicate the movements I had drilled into her, every strike and counter flowing as they should. She was a natural, though she bore the weight of her struggles with remarkable grace."Olivia, keep your stance wide, always ready to pivot," I called out. As she adjusted, her eyes met mine, burning with fierce determination.It had been a taxing few weeks—teaching Olivia, managing my duties as Alpha, and wrestling with trying to find out more about the spirit wolf. More often than not, the nights bled into mornings. The few hours of sleep I managed were fragmented and restless.My thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of one of my guards. His footsteps were hurried, his face etched with urgency. The sight of him caused a knot of worry to tighten in my stomach."Alpha," the guard began, his voice low. "Cassandra has just arrived in your kingdom."The air around me seemed to freeze. I had hoped for more time, but the
Alexanders povAs the guards tightened their grip on Cassandra, her eyes flickered up to meet mine. Desperation speared through her gaze, but I did not waver. Not this time."Alexander, please," she began, her voice trembling. "Don't lock me away. I was once the Luna of this pack. I deserve better than this."I turned my back on her, my voice a cold decree as I addressed the guards. "Take her to the dungeons."The guards moved to escort her away, and Cassandra's pleading turned to shrieks that echoed across the courtyard."Please, no! You don't understand!" she screamed, her voice cracking under the strain. "I was tricked! I can explain everything! Don't do this!"The members of my pack halted their activities, drawn in by the spectacle. Murmurs spread like wildfire among them, and I could feel the unity of my pack hanging by a thread, ready to snap under the weight of the chaos Cassandra was creating.Whispers intensified, and doubt and confusion rippled through the air like a dark w
Rebecca's POVI had lost track of time months ago. The damp, cold air of the dungeon felt like a second skin, and the chains on my wrists had long since rubbed my flesh raw. For four relentless months, I had wallowed in regret, anger, and fleeting hope. The rattling of iron keys was an ominous precursor to the presence of another soul, however unwanted.I heard footsteps in my darkened corner, half hidden from view. The faint murmur of voices outside my cell drew nearer and grew louder. My pulse quickened. Visits were rare, and they never bore good news. Then, the cell door next to mine creaked open, and my eyes widened.A veil of disbelief wrapped me. Was that—? No, it couldn’t be. But as the figure stepped into the cell adjacent to mine, the unmistakable presence of Cassandra stood before me. My shock turned into uncontrollable laughter, sharp and bitter against the silence. Had I finally gone mad? Was my mind playing cruel tricks on me?"Rebecca," Cassandra's strained and desperate
Olivia's POVNo matter how hard I tried, I couldn't focus on training. My mind kept drifting back to Alexander. With everything going on, especially now that Cassandra was back in the kingdom, my worry for him was a knot I couldn't untangle."Olivia, are you ready?" Ethan's voice brought me back to the present."Sorry," I said, shaking off my distraction. "I need a break."Leaving the training grounds, I made my way through the palace corridors, my heart heavy with concern. I knew Alexander would be in his office, likely buried under a mountain of responsibilities. The kingdom's troubles weighed on him, and he was the stubborn man that he was, rarely asking anyone for help.As I approached his office, the large oak door was slightly ajar. I hesitated for a moment, peeking through the crack. Alexander sat at his desk, head bent low as he scribbled on a parchment. My heart ached at the sight; the weight he carried was visible in the tension of his shoulders and the furrow of his brow.Q
Cassandra's POVThe cell walls seemed to close in around me, a suffocating blend of stale air and despair. I paced back and forth, my fingers grazing the cold, rough stone as if trying to draw some semblance of power from the dungeon’s ancient darkness. The guards had brought me here swiftly, their laughter still echoing in my ears, mocking my proclaimed title of Queen Luna. Rebecca sat across from me, her eyes vacant but occasionally flickering with a sharp, calculating gleam. Her presence was a constant reminder of our shared fall from grace.I clenched my fists, trying to quell the rage bubbling within me. How had it come to this? I had been abandoned by Reed, the man who once swore eternal allegiance and was now mocked by mere guards for my rightful title! The betrayal cut deeper than any blade could. The cell's dampness seeped into my bones, amplifying my sense of isolation and despair."Queen Luna," I muttered under my breath, my voice cracking with the weight of the title.Rebe
Alexander's POVI made my way to my room, excited to spend the night with my family. My thoughts drifted to Olivia as I walked, and a warm smile crept onto my face. Just as I turned the corner, I was intercepted by Ethan."Alpha," he called out, jogging to catch up with me. His footsteps echoed against the hard stone. With a sigh, I paused and turned to face him. "What's going on, Ethan?". "It's Cassandra," he said, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "She's making quite the show down in the dungeon. Screaming and carrying on."A flicker of annoyance crossed my features, but I quickly masked it. "Let her scream all she likes. She'll tire out soon enough."Ethan nodded, a smirk forming at the corner of his mouth. "I'll make sure the guards know to keep an eye on her but not to engage.""Good," I replied. "And Ethan, I'll be spending the night with my family. I don't want to be disturbed unless it's an emergency.""Understood, Alpha. Enjoy your evening. I'll handle everything."With
Alexanders povI approached my office. Cassandra and Rebecca's parents stood at one side: Nathan Miller, with his hardened frame and tired eyes, and Cassandra's mother, Cathrine, who had an aura of fragility wrapped around her. Opposite them were Rebecca's parents, cloaked in equal parts grief and sceptical hope."Alpha," Nathan greeted me, his voice strained but respectful. "Thank you for meeting us."I nodded, my mind racing through the issues at hand, the complexities forming a tangled web around Cassandra's return. I walked over to Nathan, and he held out his hand for me to shake. "Come into my office," I said before turning to Rebecca's parents. “I will be with you shortly.”They followed me into my office, taking a seat across from me. Nathan exhaled deeply, exchanging a glance with his wife, who tightened her grip on his hand. "We never thought we'd see Cassandra again. The news of her being alive... it was a shock. But now, we find ourselves asking—you have her in the dungeon
Reed's PovThe afternoon sun filtered through the trees as I paced the clearing, my thoughts consumed with plans that only I could comprehend. The breeze swept through the whispering birches, making melodies in the leaves, but my mind was deaf to it. I had called a meeting with the pack; each pack member was summoned to our usual rendezvous.When they had all gathered, a mixture of young and battle-worn faces encircled me. I could see their concern, their uncertainty reflected back, shadows of doubt clouding their eyes. "Listen up," I began, feeling their attention zag toward me. "There have been sightings of the dark rogues getting close to us, and I believe tonight they will come."I paused, letting the words sink in. The air grew tense as if holding its breath along with them. A few murmurs erupted, soft as the rustle of leaves, but I raised my hand, silencing them once more. Their loyalty was commendable, but their faith in me needed shoring up."You've heard whispers about the sp
Olivias povThe road was filled with a tense quietness as the carriage bounced over rugged terrain. The scent of pine mingled with the crisp chill in the air, an intoxicating reminder of the mountain's nosebleed peaks and swathes of woodland stretching endlessly beneath the sky. Alexander and I remained silent. Our focus aligned on the journey to the packs that needed us. The horses' hooves pounded rhythmically against the ground, a steady heartbeat pushing us onward."We'll be there soon," Alexander said softly, breaking the delicate bubble of contemplation enveloping us. His voice was a soothing balm against the trepidation I felt, but I knew better than to dwell on them. Before I could reply, Reed's pack came into view as we cleared another slope, and my heart clenched momentarily—as my mind drifted back to all the horrible things that Reed had done, Cassandra’s face flashing before my eyes. I shook my head, pushing the thought out of my head as fast as it came. His town sprawled
Alexanders povThe morning had barely begun, yet the weight of the world pressed heavily on our shoulders as Olivia and I walked down to the triplet alphas' office. The hallway was alive with murmurs, everyone eager to thank Olivia. Each gesture of gratitude was a vital reminder of just how much we owed her. The warmth in their eyes contrasted sharply with the shadow of worry that clung stubbornly to her face."Olivia," a young omega called, offering a shy smile as we passed. "Thank you for saving us."Olivia nodded, though her eyes betrayed her restlessness. I could feel her tension like an electric current between us. The dream she had last night weighed on her like lead, and I understood her fear—it was the fear that gnawed at me, too. Our thoughts were locked on our children, Liam and Sarah, who were miles away in the city, possibly at the mercy of dark rogues.As we entered the office, the room was already buzzing with discussions on our next move. The triplet alphas—Cole, Casper
Olivia's povI found a spot overlooking the pack grounds, where I could see the far horizon painted with hues of twilight. Sitting down, exhaustion overwhelmed me. My body ached from the turmoil of the past days, and my eyelids were heavy, struggling to remain open. Despite knowing I should stay alert, sleep tugged at me with relentless persistence. Just a moment, I told myself, my eyes slipping shut as I drifted off.In an instant, I was home, laughter echoing around me. Liam and Sarah, my joyful twins, ran ahead, their giggles a balm to my weary soul. Chasing after them, I called out, the evening's gentle glow transforming suddenly as the sky turned an ominous shade of black."Time to come inside!" I shouted, but only their laughter answered. Confusion churned in my gut as I searched the darkening landscape. The shadows around swirled, their movements taunting and elusive. Panic flared sharply as the twins' laughter ceased, replaced by silence."Liam! Sarah!" I yelled, desperation c
Olivia's povWith my heart drumming loudly in my ears, I watched Victor. He lay still, his breathing shallow as the Glass warmth kissed his lips. My hands lingered close, trembling with uncertainty. "Drink, Victor, please," I urged softly, my voice barely above a whisper, a prayer wrapped in hope.I held my breath, time moving languidly, stretching uneasily around us. The weight of the moment pressed heavily upon my shoulders. Each heartbeat felt like an endless echo, my pulse a desperate chorus in the quiet room. And just when doubt threatened to choke me, Victor’s lips parted softly. His throat moved, taking in the liquid, a small sip at first, then another. Relief washed over me, the tension slowly uncoiling as I watched the colour gradually begin to return to his cheeks. With every drop he swallowed, I felt the oppressive heat that had wrapped around him like chains begin to diminish.I didn’t allow myself to get too hopeful, not yet—not until I was sure. But the change was undeni
Olivias povI turned sharply, and the chill that ran down my spine got colder when I saw what the panic in Alexander's eyes was about. On the floor lay Victor, my brother, motionless. Alexander was kneeling beside him, urgently checking his pulse."Victor!" I cried out, racing to his side. My heart pounded so loudly that it drowned out any other noise. Kneeling down, I reached for his hand. It was cold and clammy, a stark contrast to the fever emanating all around us. A knot tightened in my stomach."He collapsed just now," Alexander explained, urgency bleeding into his tone. His hand was on Victor's chest, listening to the shallow rise and fall of his breath. "He must have tried to hide how he was feeling to help the others."A heavy, suffocating wave of fear threatened to pull me under. Victor was always the strongest, the rock of our family, alongside our shared purpose to protect. Seeing him so vulnerable was a blow I wasn't prepared for.At that moment, only one thought pulsed th
Olivias pov"What's happening, Victor?" I asked, my voice steady despite the fear and panic swirling inside of me.He hesitated, eyes flickering with an emotion I couldn't quite decipher—worry, seriousness. "It's the pack," he finally said, each word carrying the gravity of bad news. "Many of them are very sick—and it's spreading fast."My heart thudded, a drum pounding within my chest. "Sick? How?" I pressed, urgency soaring through every syllable."It started an hour ago with the members who were near the fire, inhaling the smoke. We just thought that it was from breathing in too much of that toxic smoke and would go away once they got some fresh air and rest," Victor explained, his eyes briefly meeting mine, filled with uncharacteristic vulnerability. "But now it's spreading wider, reaching even those who were not directly affected."Panic began its insidious climb within me. "We need to see them," Alexander interjected, his voice a steady beacon of purpose.Victor nodded, leading
Olivia's povI stood on the balcony, watching the grey clouds climb higher—the leftover ashes of the dark burning up. The sharp smell filled the air, making it hard to breathe, yet it was a burden we had to carry. As much as I wanted to rest, a nagging feeling kept me awake. The rogues haunted us, their threats hiding in every shadow, reminding us of the danger we faced.The night quickly draped around us, its shadows reaching out like curious hands, but I couldn’t bring myself to leave the sight of the smoke rising into the evening sky. Frustration threatened to overflow; I was exhausted beyond words, yet adrenaline kept me tied to what lay below. Each heartbeat carried the hope that this would be the end of it.A soft sound broke the silence, and I turned to see Alexander standing there, concern softly marking his face. His presence was warmth against the cold pressing in, and I fought the urge to collapse into his arms."You should be asleep, Olivia," he said, his voice gentle.I s
Olivias povMy body trembled as the adrenaline slowly left and my mind swirled with questions I hated not knowing anything about these dark rogues I made a promise to then and there that when this was ove everything that we had learnt about them and defeating them would be recorded so that if this ever happened again they would not go into it blind. "Olivia," a familiar voice called from behind, pulling me from my racing thoughts. I turned to see Cole, the triplet Alpha I had saved, his face ghostly pale with a mixture of gratitude and weariness."Cole," I greeted softly, recalling the brief flash of fear in his eyes during the attack. We both stood amidst the chaos, a silent kinship forming from shared survival. "Are you alright?"He nodded, though the faint tremor in his hands betrayed him. "Thanks to you, yes," he replied, his voice steadying as he met my gaze. "I owe you my life, Olivia. We all do."A part of me wanted to shrug off his gratitude, to dismiss it as simply doing wha