**Cassandra’s POV**Chains clanked as I adjusted, the cold metal biting into my wrists. The dungeon's darkness pressed down on me like a suffocating weight, but even in this despair, I held onto a sliver of hope—Reed would come for me. Each footstep down the corridor made my heart race, anticipation gripping my soul, but they had always led to disappointment. The resolve in me was slowly eroding.Suddenly, a different sound echoed through the stone chamber—footsteps I couldn't mistake. My heart lifted briefly, but it sank just as quickly when I saw the familiar figure before me. It wasn’t Reed. It was my mother."Mum?" My voice cracked with the strain of days of disuse."Cassandra," she breathed, rushing to my side. Her appearance stunned me. It hadn't been long since I last saw her, but she looked like she had aged years in mere days. Her usually bright eyes were clouded with worry and exhaustion. I hated that I was the one coursing all of her pain, and for the first time, I wished t
Cassandra’s povI took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I had to say. I knew this was my last chance, and if Alexander didn't hear me out or believe me, I would never get another. "Alexander," I began, my voice wavering slightly, "I know I've made terrible mistakes. But my parents... they love me, and I've hurt them enough. I need to make things right."His eyes flickered with a mix of scepticism and something else—maybe a sliver of curiosity. "And why should that matter to me?"I swallowed hard, choosing my words carefully. "Because I have information that could help you. If you promise to show some leniency during my trial, I’ll tell you everything."Alexander's lips curled into a mocking smile. "I don’t make deals with people like you."I took a deep breath, knowing that everything hinged on what I was about to say. "Alexander, I understand your mistrust. I've done terrible things, but there are things you don’t know. Reed," I paused, trying to gather my courage, "Reed is my
**Alexander's POV**I stood there in sheer disbelief, ice gripping my heart as I watched Cassandra convulse on the ground, blood pouring from her nose, mouth, and ears. Her screams of agony cut through the silence, echoing in my ears with a haunting resonance."Guards!" I bellowed, my voice cracking with urgency. "Get the healer! Now!"Cassandra’s body arched with another spasm, her face contorted with unimaginable pain. The room seemed to spin, darkening as I tried to make sense of her sudden collapse. My thoughts hammered relentlessly, circling back to our last conversation.She had just been telling me that Reed was her mate, and then this—I couldn't help but feel a mix of anger and helplessness bubble inside me. The name "Reed" reverberated through my mind, tinged with bitter loathing. What had he done to her?In the distance, swift footsteps heralded Olivia's arrival. She burst into the room, her eyes landing on Cassandra with horror. "Alexander, what happened?" she asked, her vo
**Olivia’s POV**Catherine clung to me as if holding on to the last fragment of hope she had. She was shaking, her tears soaking through my shirt. I held her tighter, my heart breaking for her. No one should ever have to feel the pain she was experiencing, the unbearable sorrow of losing a child, regardless of the mistakes they made.“Olivia,” Catherine sobbed, her voice barely a whisper. “Why did this happen? How could she die like this?”I had no answers. All I could do was give her the comfort of my presence. “I’m so sorry, Catherine. We’ll find out what happened, I promise.”The healer waved for the guards to help him take Cassandra’s body away. They handled her with great care as if hoping it would ease the pain of Catherine watching her daughter’s lifeless form being taken from her. The healer mentioned he needed to examine the body to understand what caused such a sudden, violent death. It was the least we could do for Catherine to ensure that Cassandra’s death was not in vain.
**Alexander’s POV**The morning of the trial arrived, and it felt like the weight of the entire world pressed down on my shoulders. I hadn't slept at all last night. Cassandra's death kept replaying in my mind, the look of fear and pain on her lifeless face haunting my every thought. Despite the restless night, I knew I had to push through. Today, Rebecca's trial would come to an end, and I needed to focus.Walking into the grand hall, I was greeted by the solemn faces of pack members. Rebecca’s father stood at the front, waiting with a few others. I took my seat, feeling the tension in the air grow as Rebecca was brought into the room, her wrists bound with chains.Her father stepped forward, a desperate edge to his voice. “Alpha Alexander, my daughter is not guilty of killing Cassandra. She has been through enough. Please, show her mercy.”I glanced between Rebecca and her father, the weight of my responsibilities crashing down on me. “Rebecca had every intention of killing Cassandr
**Olivia's POV**I stood there in shock, Alexander’s words echoing in my mind. "Luna Queen." He hadn’t discussed this with me beforehand; the announcement had taken me completely by surprise. I looked down at Liam and Sarah, who were beaming with joy. Their father’s announcement had evidently filled them with pride and happiness.Alexander, sensing the mix of emotions radiating from me, gently excused us and began leading the way back into the palace. With each step, the crowd's buzz slowly faded into a distant hum, swallowed by the palace walls.Once inside, the grandeur and quiet of the palace offered a contrast to the frenzy outside. I turned to Alexander, my brows furrowed in both confusion and concern. “Alexander, you didn’t have to do that,” I admonished, my voice gentle but firm.Alexander turned to me, his eyes softening as they met mine. “Yes, I did, Olivia,” he said tenderly, taking my hands in his. “You’ve been my strength and the heart of this pack, even when you didn’t ho
**Reed’s POV**The harsh smell of decay lingered around the palace grounds where Derek’s old relics were being sorted. The Moonclaw Pack members were adjusting to my rule, but today, the air held an unusual tension. I could feel it coiling around my mind like a snake ready to strike; today, Alexander made his choice on Cassandra's fate. My attention was jarred back to the present by the sound of hurried footsteps echoing off the cold stone floors.“Alpha Reed!” A guard’s voice interrupted my thoughts.I looked up, my eyes narrowing as the guard approached. "What is it?"He hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. "A wolf from Alexander’s pack has a message for you. He insists on delivering it personally."My interest was piqued, and I nodded. "Bring him in."Moments later, Kane, a rugged-looking wolf from Alexander kingdom I had paid to be my loyal spy, entered, his eyes wary but determined. He bowed slightly before speaking. "Alpha Reed, Alexander has sentenced Rebecca to ten years of worki
**Olivia's POV**The early morning sun had just begun to paint the sky with hues of fiery orange and gentle pink. I felt its warmth on my face as I made my way to the training grounds, the dew-soaked grass brushing against my ankles. Today felt different, almost electric. The air was charged with magic, and I could feel it pulsing through me, urging me forward.I raised my hands, willing light waves to form around me. Warm, white energy gathered and swirled, creating a dazzling display that lit up the dimly lit training grounds. It was peaceful, almost otherworldly—my own private sanctuary before the pack awoke.As I revelled in the beautiful dance of light, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a group of people walking toward me. Instinctively, I assumed it was Alexander and a few of the warriors. But as they got closer, I recognised the familiar figures of Victor and Allen. My heart skipped a beat with excitement; I had missed them dearly.I quickly drew the light back into myself