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.
Olivia's povI knew Ethan was trying to muster his courage. His hands trembled slightly as he thumbed the edges of the box, cooling his earlier confidence. Finally, he opened the box, revealing a stunning ring. The large moonstone at its centre caught the light, casting an ethereal glow that seemed to shimmer with life."Olivia, this ring has been in my family for hundreds of years," Ethan said, his voice tinged with reverence and nerves. The raw honesty in his eyes touched me deeply.“It’s beautiful," I murmured, genuinely captivated by the artifact's majesty and the legacy it represented.Ethan went red-cheeked, the usual bravado he donned so effortlessly slipping away. "I was wondering if you would…" He paused, his words stumbling over one another like a landslide. I waited, offering him patience and a soft smile of reassurance.After a moment, he cleared his throat and started again. "I mean, I'm here to ask for Lidia's hand in marriage. I haven't seen Victor yet, but he'll under
alexanders povThe anticipation that pulsed through my veins was far stronger than any battle I'd waged, any beast I'd fought. Tonight was the night Olivia and I would affirm what we already knew in our hearts: that we were meant to be together. Our bond had withstood countless trials, and now it would be sealed under the moonlight with the people we loved.Despite the day’s beauty, echoes of concern lingered. Red flags flew in my mind every time I thought of Reed. His absence was like a splinter under my skin—a constant irritation that could not be ignored. But tonight was not about him. Tonight was about Olivia, about our family, and about the life we were building together.The palace was bustling with excitement. People flitted about, preparing for the evening’s festivities. I had instructed everyone to keep the atmosphere relaxed yet festive. Even though she opted for a simple ceremony, Olivia deserved a night filled with joy and laughter.Maneuvering through the busy rooms, I fi
**Olivia's POV**I took a breath, the pleasant scent of roses filling my nose. The garden was alive with nature's symphony, a perfect backdrop for what could be the most significant day of my life. Alexander had already set to arranging everything needed for our moonlit wedding. Tonight would be magic.I left the garden, excitement twirling within me as I ventured toward the dressmaker to see if she had anything that I could wear tonight with such short notice. I noticed there was no time for me to have something made, but I didn't care. The dress was not important; marrying my mate was the only thing that mattered. My footsteps echoed softly off the cobblestone path, each step a rhythmic countdown to becoming Alexander’s wife.As I approached, the gentle hum of early morning activity filled the air. People were setting up stalls for the evening's festival, laughter mingling with the scents of freshly baked goods. We hadn’t had a true celebration in so long; spirits were high, and eve
Reed’s POVThe damp air clung to my skin as I hunkered down in the grimy drain pipe, its confines offering an unwanted intimacy with persistent, rank odours. Though suffocated by shadows, this location was my asylum, for now, a perfect vantage point to observe their kingdom’s every move—without being observed myself. They should be celebrating their victories, echoing the laughter of conquerors throughout the kingdom, but instead, silence hung heavy, a ghostly whisper of unrest and anticipation.An eerie thrill coursed through me as I contemplated my slow, methodical plan for Lidia and Victor.Their names, like promises, formed stepping stones towards Olivia and Alexander, ultimately leading to the ultimate destruction of their spirit. Each one taken was a piece stripped away from their false sense of security.Lida would be first. Her face haunted my mind, but soon, it would be snuffed out by shadows she couldn’t escape. Olivia idolised her, and losing her would weaken her along with
**Olivia’s POV**Morning light peeked through the ornate curtains, wrapping softly around the room. Slowly blinking awake, I stretched, only to find Alexander’s side of the bed empty. My heart sank slightly at the absence, but it was quickly quelled by the knowledge of his duties. Besides, our life since the battle had seldom allowed us to lay in bed together.I sighed, throwing off the warm covers and swinging my feet over the edge, ready to face the day. After getting dressed, I tied my hair back into a loose ponytail, catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Today felt different; in a good way, I held no worries in my heart anymore.Making my way down the elegant staircase, the sound of laughter filled the air. It was the twins, no doubt causing their usual joyful chaos. I smiled to myself, relish in the simple, beautiful moments of motherhood.Before I could reach the dining hall, Lidia appeared at the end of the corridor. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” she called out, her grin wi
Reed’s POVThe forest was quiet, the only noises the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife. My leg throbbed with every stride, the pain a consistent companion during my escape, but it fueled my resolve rather than diminished it. I leaned heavily on my makeshift crutch, every step deliberate, every breath a challenge overcome.How long had I been on the run now? Time was a shapeless blur, marking moments only by the exhaustion that weighed on my bones. The elders’ guards pursued me tirelessly, and Alexander’s as well, all seeking my head. I had played my cards poorly, underestimating the strength of my enemies and overreaching my ambition—or so they thought. Maybe there was truth in it. Perhaps I needed this moment, this fall, to truly measure the darkness within me and to harness it against those who wronged me.I knew Olivia had what I needed to rise again—her power, her essence. Once she recognised that we were meant to be, she would come around. I could almost f
Alexander’s POVThe grand palace gates opened before us, the magnificent structure standing as a testament to our return and the resilience we'd found within ourselves. As the carriage came to a stop, I watched as Olivia took in the scene. Her gaze was both wistful and hopeful, a blend of emotions she wore eloquently.“Daddy, can we go play?” Liam’s eager voice brought my attention back to our lively twins, who were practically vibrating with excitement.“Yes, but be careful,” I chuckled, unable to resist the buoyant energy only children possessed. "Stay within the gardens."With a flurry of giggles, they bolted off, leaving behind an iridescent trail of joy in their wake. Olivia stood beside me, a serene presence amidst the chaos. I watched her eyes follow the twins, a softness etching across her features.The warmth of the sun bathed us, the golden glow amplifying the sense of homecoming that swelled within my chest. “It feels so good to be home,” Olivia murmured, her head finding a
Alexander’s POVThe carriage rolled over the crest of the hill, unveiling the sprawling kingdom beneath us. My heart felt a gentle release, the homecoming marking the end of turmoil. Olivia sat beside me, her presence as comforting as the view before us. The twins, Liam and Sarah, bounced in their seats, their excitement contagious. After what felt like an eternity of darkness and trials, being home seemed like a new dawn.“We're home,” Olivia said softly, her voice like a soothing melody that wrapped around the world, infusing it with warmth and love.I looked over at her, my heart swelling with a gratitude I couldn’t quite express in words. Her smile was like the sun piercing through the overcast sky of our past struggles. “Yes, we are,” I replied, feeling the tensions of the past slowly slipping away.The twins burst out of the carriage the moment it came to a halt, their laughter echoing around us as they raced toward the palace. Their footfalls were light against the ground, a st
Reeds povI didn't know how long I had been trapped in that cave with the witches' burnt and rotting bodies. Everything was a blur, and my mind struggled to piece things together, only fragments passing through every now and again like echoes of a fading nightmare. I vaguely remembered their chants, the strange words resonating in a rhythm that seemed to align with the throbbing pain in my leg. Natasha lay nearby, her eyes open but unseeing, a haunting reminder of what happened when the moon's light came through that cursed cave.As the days passed, the fog obscuring my thoughts began to lift. My survival instincts took over, pushing me toward a gruelling reality: I needed to escape, to move before they found me.With grim determination, I dragged myself from the darkness of the cave, the memory of Natasha and the others burning in my mind. I felt disconnected from the world around me, hollowed out and raw from the loss of my leg. Pain lanced through me with each movement, a constant