**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
**Olivia's POV**As the day wound down, I braced myself for the moment I’d been looking forward to—snuggling into bed beside Alexander. Today had been a rush of emotions, a mixture of excitement and nerves as I pushed my limits during training with Victor and Allen. Their presence revitalised me and granted me a sense of belonging and strength that hadn’t faltered since they’d arrived.The room was dimly lit, and a soft, golden glow splashed shadows across the walls. As I slipped under the comforting warmth of the blankets, I sighed contentedly, leaning into the solid comfort of Alexander's presence.“Thank you for bringing Victor and Allen here,” I murmured, looking up at him, gratitude clear in my eyes.Alexander turned slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting into a teasing smirk. “That wasn’t me, you know. It was Victor’s idea. He missed you and wanted to see how your training is progressing.”His words filled me with warmth, my heart swelling with appreciation for Victor’s thoug
**Alexander's POV**Sitting in my office, I waited for Victor. I needed to work out a plan with him on how we would deal with Reed. Leaning back in my chair, I closed my eyes, enjoying the rare moment of peace. The quiet was cut by a knock on the door, followed by Victor's entrance. "Morning," he greeted, a weary nod in my direction."Morning," I replied, gesturing to the chair opposite mine. Victor settled into it, a reflective silence descending as we both gauged the magnitude of the conversation to come.As Victor settled into the chair, I felt a heavy weight over my shoulders. Cassandra’s death had left a chill in the palace corridors, one that refused to lift. I had never seen anything like it before.“I appreciate you coming, Victor,” I began, the words hanging in the air like unspoken fears.“I could tell from your message last night that it was urgent,” Victor replied, his voice calm but edged with concern. His gaze settled on me, a mixture of determination and understanding
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