Olivia's POVVictor turned to face me, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of pride and unspoken sorrow."I must return to my kingdom," he said, his voice steady, betraying nothing of the weight that hung between us. "Give my regards to Lidia for me."I nodded, my throat constricting as I tried to find words that would adequately convey my gratitude and love for him. Hugging him, I let him go. "I love you, Victor," I answered softly. I’ll see you soon."Victor gave a final nod before turning and leaving. I watched his silhouette grow smaller against the horizon until he was just a memory of strength fading into the distance. Although Lidia and I had our differences, I knew that our brother’s love for us was the glue that would bind us, even if we were apart. Victor was the heart of our family.Alexander stepped beside me, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the storm of emotions swirling within me. "Ready to go home?" he asked, his voice low but steady. He understood the tempest ins
Reed's POVThe moon hung high in the sky as I returned to my pack, the Blackthorn Pack, with a grim satisfaction, tightening my chest. There was a sense of accomplishment that only came from playing my hand exactly the way I wanted. I strode into my palace, feeling the eyes of my wolves on me. They pretended to be engrossed in their tasks, but I could sense the curiosity burning through their gazes."Gather around, everyone," I called, my voice echoing. My pack members assembled quickly, their respect and fear clear in the air.Brandon, my beta, approached with cautious determination. He was a steadfast subordinator, always eager to please but never crossing a line. "What are your orders, Alpha?" he asked, standing at attention.I took a deep breath, savouring the moment. This was the power I craved, the dominance and control that made me feel invincible. "We need to move swiftly. We’re heading to Derick's pack, the Moonclaw Pack. I’ve been granted temporary leadership over there by t
Reed's POVThe journey to the Moonclaw Pack was shrouded in silence. As my men and I rode under the silvery gaze of the full moon, my heart pounded with excitement. But disappointment soon overtook that excitement as the pack's town came into view. Derek had always painted his pack as affluent, a glittering jewel amongst werewolf clans. Yet, the reality was a stark contrast to his grand tales.The buildings were rundown, roofs sagging under the weight of neglect. Fields that should have been abundant with crops lay barren, and the air was thick with an undercurrent of decay. My eyes roamed over the scene, taking in the dilapidated structures and the apparent poverty that clung to every corner. The Moonclaw Pack was poorer than I had ever imagined.Still, there were eyes on us—watchful, cautious eyes. Though no pack member dared to step out into the open, I could feel their presence, hidden behind windows and doors, perhaps even behind the dense foliage surrounding the town. The eeri
Reed's POVThe palace of the Moonclaw Pack was a reflection of the town—once grand, now decayed. Its once-proud spires now loomed like fingers of despair reaching out for the night sky. The vines clung to the walls like desperate whispers of a forgotten past. My footfalls echoed in the vast, empty corridors, filling the silence with a sense of foreboding.As we entered the grand hall doors, the older man stopped turning to look at me. “Alpha Derek did not allow us to go into this part of his palace.” The worry was clear in his voice and on his face.“I am your alpha now, and his rules do not apply here anymore.” He turned back the doors, pushing them open. To my surprise, the room was filled with relics and artefacts from Derick's rule. I felt an immediate distaste for the man—so caught up in his own grandeur that he let his people suffer.Glancing at the man, I knew he sensed my mood. "Search the place," I ordered. "I want a full inventory of everything of value. And find Derick's q
Reed's POVSitting on the throne, I felt the palpable weight of the room's history. The grandeur was tainted by the previous alpha's neglect and vanity. The wooden chair beneath me was hard and uncomfortable, yet the symbolism of my position was worth any physical discomfort. I had achieved what most only dreamed of, but I wanted more: absolute power and indisputable dominance.The grand doors creaked open, drawing my attention. My eyes narrowed as a figure stepped inside—the same young girl from before. "Alpha Reed, I have done as asked," she announced in her voice, a whisper that echoed in the vast room. There was an edge of anxiety in her tone, a fear of disappointment."Bring them in," I ordered, my voice reverberating through the hall.She turned, walking away with purposeful strides. A murmured exchange outside the door followed, and soon enough, a hesitant shuffle of footsteps grew louder. When the woman entered the room, their appearance left a stinging realisation that gnawed
**Olivia’s POV**Visiting my mother's grave was bittersweet. It seemed to infuse me with a strength that I had never felt before. Wiping away the lingering tears, I vowed to carry her legacy forward, not just in memory but in action.With the triplet’s challenge fast approaching, I knew I couldn’t afford to waste another moment. The looming trials required every ounce of focus and strength I could muster."Alexander," I called out, finding him in the training ground. He was demonstrating a combat move to some younger wolves, and his grace and power were evident in every motion.He turned toward me, and a knowing smile stretched across his lips. "Olivia, what can I do for you?"I approached him, trying to hide the nervous energy bubbling inside me. "I need your help with my training. The triplet’s challenge is near, and I can't afford to be anything but my best. Any chance you can give me some tips?"Alexander's eyes twinkled with mischief and something else, a heavier emotion I couldn
Olivia's povThat night, I drifted into a dream that seemed more vivid than reality itself. I found myself alone in a dense forest, the moonlight barely piercing through the canopy of trees. The air was thick with an unsettling stillness as if the forest was holding its breath. I took a step forward, my senses on high alert, and then I heard it—a low, menacing growl.Dark rogues emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing with malevolence and their forms twisted into grotesque shapes. One by one, they advanced toward me, closing the distance with each step. Fear gripped my heart, but then I heard Aura’s voice in my mind, clear and resolute, **“Use your light.”**I focused on the warmth that emanated deep within my core, letting it build and spread until it engulfed me. The dark rogues hesitated, sensing the change, but it was too late for them. I released the light in a blinding, radiant wave. The rogues let out a collective howl of agony as the light consumed them, turning them to a
Olivia's POVI stood my ground, my senses hyper-focused on the figure advancing toward me. The forest was eerily silent. The only sound was the crunch of leaves under the approaching creature’s paws. As it emerged from the shadows, its form became clear—a wolf, its eyes shining with predatory hunger and its fur bristling in anticipation.Refusing to show fear, I made a quick decision, darting to the right just as the wolf lunged. It missed me by a hair, its claws swiping through the empty air where I had just been. Without hesitation, I took off running, confident in my speed and agility. I knew the wolf had little chance of catching up with me.As I weaved through the dense canopy of trees, my thoughts raced, and I reached out to Alexander with my mind. I needed to warn him about the threat. *There are wolves after me,* I projected urgently.His response came almost instantly, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. *I know, Olivia. This is part of your training.*Understanding hit