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
Cassandra's POVThe dungeon was a living nightmare. The cold of the stone walls seeped into my skin, and the dampness in the air made it hard to breathe. The darkness seemed to claw at me, a brutal reminder of my captivity. My heart thudded in my chest as I screamed, “Let me speak with Alexander! He has to hear me out!”My cries echoed down the narrow corridor, unanswered. Panic gripped me; I had to make Alexander understand. “Please,” I yelled again, my voice cracking with desperation.Rebecca, who was in the cell next to mine, got to her feet, her eyes full of annoyance and rage. “Will you just shut up?” she screamed back, marching over to the bars that separated our cells.“He's not going to listen to you. You've lost any right to mercy,” she spat, her voice laced with years of pent-up anger and hatred.I narrowed my eyes and walked over to the bars as well, facing her. “How dare you tell me what to do? You are nothing," I hissed, my voice dripping with venom. “You're just jealous
Olivia’s POVThe garden was a sanctuary, a pocket of peace within the ever-busy kingdom. The sun cast a warm, golden hue over the vibrant blossoms, creating an atmosphere that felt almost magical. I sat on a stone bench, watching Liam and Sarah chase each other around the neatly trimmed hedges. Their laughter filled the air, a melody that lifted my spirits.Beside me, Lidia was telling me all about her progress in learning how to be a healer. Her eyes sparkled with newfound confidence, a sight that warmed my heart more than I could express."I've finally mastered the basics," Lidia said, her voice filled with pride. "The head healer says I have a natural talent for it. It feels so rewarding, knowing I can help others."I smiled, glad to see this side of her. "I'm so proud of you, Lidia. Healing is a powerful skill."She nodded, her expression sincere. "Thank you, Olivia. It means a lot coming from you. I have to admit, I never thought I'd enjoy learning medical skills, but now... it f
Olivia's POVThe miller's house stood tall and silent, its weathered facade a stark reminder of the countless memories etched into its walls. As I stood before it, my heart ached with a mixture of dread and determination. This was the place I had once called home, but it was nothing more than a repository of pain I had buried deep inside of me. I was not the same person anymore. I had come alone, feeling a compelling need to confront these ghosts without anyone else's support.I took a deep breath, my hand trembling slightly as I raised it to knock on the door. The wooden surface felt coarse under my knuckles, a tactile reminder of the years gone by. The sound echoed hollowly.The door creaked open after a moment that felt like an eternity, revealing Nathan. His face bore the marks of age and worry, his eyes reflecting the burden of years. "Olivia," he greeted."Nathan," I responded, struggling to keep my voice steady. "May I come in?"For a moment, he hesitated, his eyes searching mi
Olivias povI nodded, feeling the sting of defeat mingled with the knowledge that retreat was our only choice. The angry pack began to encircle us, their cries a painful melody of grief and accusation. My heart twisted with each shout, each demand for answers drowned by their pain."Go! Leave the pack!" a voice boomed angrily from within the throng. The words hit like stones, heavy with finality. "And never come back! If we see any of you again, we'll kill you!"My voice cracked as I tried to reason with them once more. "But what if the dark rogues—" I started, my plea hanging unfinished in the air as another shout rose up."Get out!" they barked collectively, their judgment as unwavering as a mountain standing strong against a storm.A deep sense of anguish clawed at my insides, tainting the relief of survival with the bitterness of misunderstanding. Despite my actions being necessary for their safety, I had become the villain in their story, my intentions overshadowed by the stark r
Olivias pov Victor had just been telling me everything he had heard while at reeds pack meeting and how he had followed reed and heard him talking to a woman when alexander appeared holding the hand of a boy who looked so scared and skinny it made my heart ache.Zack's eyes were wide and frightened, darting around as if searching for danger in every shadow. Despite the chaos, Alexander kept a firm but gentle grip on him, guiding him toward us with a reassuring presence that only he could project. "We need to get him to the elders. Now." Alexander said, his voice steady but edged with urgency.I nodded, my resolve hardening. "Victor," I said, turning to my brother, "tell everyone we're leaving. We need to move quickly. But don't let them know too much until we're out of Derek's pack."Victor's gaze met mine, worry flickering momentarily before he masked it with determination. "I'll take care of it," he promised, turning to rally the others. Despite the chaos around us, I knew Victor
Alexanders povThe morning light seeped into the horizon, but I felt none of it. I left the others to the thankless task of dealing with the bodies. Weariness clung to me like a shroud, but it was overshadowed by a gnawing thought I couldn't shake: the woman and her son.She had died in my arms, a testament to the horrors Reed had unleashed. Her final words, a plea for her boy's safety, echoed in my mind. I had to find him. I moved swiftly through the palace. My footsteps carried me deeper within, drawn inexorably toward the dungeons. It struck me as odd that no guards patrolled the stairs, an eerie silence enveloping this bastion of oppression. As I descended, faint cries reached my ears.The sobbing beckoned me, tugging at my conscience. I followed, my senses alert for any sign of hostility. I arrived at a dilapidated door, the wood barely holding against the rot of time. No guards stood watch—a negligence that whispered of cunning intent. My grip tightened around the doorknob, musc
Olivias povNight unfurled like a shadowy banner overhead, cloaking the clearing in hues of inky blue and silver. I stood amidst the soldiers, their scents mingling with the forest's earthy aroma. My senses tingled with anticipation; the air crackled, heavy with a promise of impending conflict. Despite my efforts to focus, my thoughts drifted to Victor. He should've returned by now, yet the woods swallowed secrets, leaving only whispers of worry in its wake. Still, I could let nothing shake my resolve. The dark rogues were coming, drawn by an unseen force that tugged at my very spirit.I shook off the icy grip of dread. My task was clear—protect the pack and ensure no more lives flickered out under the harsh hand of fate. Each breath was a solemn vow, each heartbeat, a promise forged in defiance. I was ready to face them, those shadowed figures who dared to threaten our home. Around me, the pack’s warriors stood—a formidable wall, backlit by the fire of their collective will to surviv
Victors povThe moment was tense. Anticipation hung like a charged mist in the air, as I followed the pack into the clearing. The mass moved with a sombre, muted energy, hearts heavy with mourning and uncertainty. I kept my head low, shoulders hunched, adopting shadows as my allies. Among the crowd, I blended seamlessly, a wolf among wolves. Yet, beneath this silent facade, fury simmered, its heat almost palpable against my skin.Reed’s voice pierced the subdued atmosphere, his tone poised and reassuring—a mask for the venom I knew lay beneath. I glanced up briefly, eyes narrowing as he spoke words of sympathy and solidarity. His charisma was undeniable, words like honey to the ears of those who stood listening. My insides turned, the force of my hatred threatening to overwhelm the composure I clung to."But I assure you," Reed declared, his voice carrying over the throng, "the future of our pack is secure. With young Zack, Ava’s brave son, I will ensure he is trained to become the le
Olivia's pov As I moved from one pack member to another, I kept my gaze sharp on Alexander. He stood a little ways off, his jaw tense, eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of trouble. He might have been the Alpha King, but even leaders have limits. The weight of this conflict was taking its toll on him, and I could see it eating away at his resolve.As my fingers worked their magic on the injured, I engaged them in conversation, a tactic both to calm their fears and to uncover the deeper narrative of why these civilians were on the battlefield. "Tell me about Ava's son," I whispered to a middle-aged man whose arm lay wounded and bleeding."Zack,” he panted, eyes clouded by pain but softening at the name. "Ava's son, he is Derek’s rightful heir."The revelation stunned me into a brief silence, my hands hesitating over his injuries. An heir? This was news not even whispers had brought to us.Another voice chimed in, a young woman smoothing back her bruised hair. "It was Reed's idea
Reed's povThe chamber was dimly lit, the air infused with damp stone and dread. I sat at my makeshift throne, my mind a restless sea of ambition and impatience. I was waiting, waiting for the inevitable news to reach me. Around me, shadows danced on the stone walls, much like my own thoughts danced on the edges of regret and desire.Minutes crept by until the sound of footsteps echoed from the hall. The guard's arrival was bathed in urgency, his face a mask of tension. "Alpha Reed," he said, voice clipped with news he had been instructed to deliver."What is it?" I asked, trying not to betray the flicker of eagerness beneath my calm veneer. The fingers of power curled through my veins, urging me forward into a crescendo that hummed within."The battle, Alpha," the guard began, shifting uneasily from one foot to the other. "High casualties. Many injured."I nodded in silence, following my understanding. A moment of hesitation stretched between us, and then the guard continued, "Ava, Z
Alexander’s POVChaos stretched out before me, a tapestry of destruction and hopelessness, as we led the injured toward Olivia and her healing light. My heart was heavy with anger, a pointed blade digging into my chest as each step echoed with the groans of the wounded. I needed to channel this rage into something productive, into saving lives, something larger than myself.Carrying a young man, his legs limp and useless, I noticed a woman on the ground ahead. Her hair was matted with dirt, and her body lay unnaturally still among the silent, grim company of the dead. A shiver traced down my spine. No one should find themselves alone in death.I was about to move past her when her hand twitched. My heart jumped in recognition. “No—” I whispered, rooted to the spot. It couldn’t be. She was supposed to be dead. But there she lay, breathing in jagged, shallow gasps.“Hold on. Olivia can heal you,” I told her, my voice a lifeline thrown out into the abyss. As I gently cradled her in my ar
Olivia's povA foreboding chill crept into my bones as Reed’s pack vanished behind us, the vast wilderness stretching ahead. My mind was a whirlwind, thoughts flitting like moths around a flame, settling briefly before being cast aside by another pressing concern. Derek’s pack was our destination; saving them demanded urgency that no distraction could deter.The carriage was silent except for the rhythmic clatter of wheels against uneven ground. Alexander sat beside me, his presence comforting but our peace tinged with a palpable tension. Every piece of me ached to reach those in need.As we drew closer, the air shifted, the sweet scent of forest mingling with something acrid and metallic—an unmistakable prelude to the chaos awaiting us. Blood. I inhaled deeply, my senses sharpening, a familiar heat flaring through my veins as we approached the hallowed ground of Derek’s realm. I know longer cared what Reed may have told Derek's pack about me all I wanted to do was help them.In a sud