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
Olivia's POVAs Alexander and I approached the towering gates of our palace, One of the palace guards hurried towards us. His steps were quick and purposeful, and as he reached us, his face showed more than just the usual seriousness. “Alpha,” he began, bowing his head. “Catherine Miller is here. She wishes to speak with both of you.”I saw Alexander’s shoulders tense. He let out a heavy sigh, opening his mouth to speak. But I gently placed a hand on his arm, stopping him. “I’ll talk to her,” I said softly.Alexander hesitated, his eyes searching mine for a moment before nodding. “Go and see the children,” I continued, squeezing his arm for reassurance. “I’ll handle this.”“She’s already seen her daughter,” Alexander said, his voice weary.“I know,” I replied, meeting his gaze. “But it’s hard to turn your back on your own blood. It’s not Catherine's fault that Cassandra did all those horrible things.”Alexander gave a resigned nod and turned to make his way to the children’s playroom.
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