Ella's POV In the following moons, life carried on its familiar rhythms - hunts and harvests, births and naming days, petty dramas and festivals to punctuate the seasons' steady turn. Slowly Silver Fang territory healed, scars fading along with grief's bitter sting as gentle time worked her graceful magic. The trials had changed us, deepened insight and empathy for those yet struggling to overcome trauma's lingering shadow. But we found new confidence with each difficult page turned, wounds closing stronger for the necessary lancing. My mates stood as pillars supporting our people through aftershocks. But the desperate edge to their bond softened, jealousy and mistrust slowly leached away by shared purpose. Together they planned, strategized, gave counsel and judgement with the effortless synchronicity of two bodies sharing one spirit. None could deny they were Alphas in truth. The curse withered in such unity's light.Watching Aiden and Jayden walk the same measured path cheered
Ella's POV Tears welled up in my eyes as I cowered before Luna Scarlett, the cruel and sadistic wife of Alpha River. My heart pounded in my chest, fear pulsating through every fibre of my being. I fought to hold back the sobs that threatened to escape my lips. I couldn't let them see my weakness."You worthless Omega!" Luna Scarlett's voice sliced through the air, filled with venomous rage. "How dare you keep me waiting? Do you think your pitiful duties to that sickly Freye are more important than attending to me?"Trembling uncontrollably, my weak and fragile body aching from the countless beatings, I mustered the courage to meet Luna Scarlett's icy gaze. "I-I'm sorry, Luna, it won't happen again," I managed to stutter, my voice barely audible. "Freye was in dire need of my help at that time. She... she is very ill and based on her condition..she might die if I left her alone." I explained stuttering.A cruel smile curved Luna Scarlett's lips, her eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure
Ella's POVI dragged my sore legs and left the room with my clothes soaked with blood and my body was dripping with blood, my head was pounding, but I chose to stay strong. I walked back to our room, the pain from my wounds still throbbing through every fibre of my being. Luna Scarlett's cruelty and Alpha River's chilling presence lingered in my mind, fueling my determination to escape their clutches. I knew that staying in this pack would only lead to more suffering.As I entered the room Amelia was waiting for me in the dimly lit room. Her aged face was filled with a mixture of worry and concern as she took in my battered state. "Oh my! Ella, my dear, come here let me see that." She grabbed me and sat me by the bed, bringing all the necessary things she needed to treat me. She stopped for a while looking at me for a while with a concern yet determined look on her face. "We're doing it today!" She whispered, making me look at her surprised, is she serious?."What today? I mean why
Ella's POVI ventured deeper into the unfamiliar forest for hours, every step became a struggle. The pain in my ankle intensified with each hobbling movement, a constant reminder of my wounded state. The darkness surrounded me, and the night air carried a chill that seeped into my bones, causing me to shiver uncontrollably.Alone, I desperately sought any signs of familiarity, any landmarks that could guide me to where Amelia explained. But I only became confused, foreign terrain offered no solace, no familiar landmarks to anchor my hope. I was a wanderer in a vast wilderness, with no sense of direction or purpose.My mind raced with worry, as I felt some sound and conversation of the Alpha River's warriors, they must be on my trail, and I began to fear. Their menacing presence loomed behind me, driving me to push beyond the limits of my physical endurance. But with each agonising step, my ankle protested, sending waves of pain shooting through my body.I shivered in pain and decided
Aiden's POV As I sprinted through the dense forest, my wolf, Black, taking the lead, a surge of anticipation coursed through my veins. The mate bond guided my every step, drawing me closer to the one who would complete me.Black's instincts honed in on her presence, the faint scent of her unique smell of lavender and chamomile mingling with the forest air filled every bit of me, leaving Black Restless as ever. And then, I saw her while long hair shimmered in the moonlight and her fragile body about to fall on the ground, her delicate form shrouded in pain and vulnerability. My heart clenched, a mixture of protectiveness and relief flooding my being.Within the blink of an eye, black was beside her grabbing her in his arms, she blinked twice, her beautiful electric green eyes met mine before she closed them. I took over my wolf, kneeling and kept her gently on the ground and examined her.I plucked a few leaves from nearby plants, crushed them and applied it on Ella's feet as a scorpi
Ella POV It's been days after my escape and finding my mate, who knew life would take a drastic turn, from the constant pain I get to never-ending love from my mate and childhood friend. It is one of the best times to travel out of the pack. We switch to our wolf and run in the woods for some time and find a place to sleep for sometime. I went bathing in the refreshing cold water in the nearby waterfall, and returned to where we camp for the night, my damp long hair cascading in loose waves down my shoulders. I can feel Aiden's mesmerising eyes fixed on me, pausing his task of grilling the deer he caught for our breakfast, he smiles warmly at me, making my heart flutter."Feeling refreshed, my love?" Aiden's voice was laced with affection as he took in my glistening body in the sun as I wore my clothes.I nodded, the cool droplets of water still clinging to my skin. "The waterfall is truly magical. It cleansed both my body and soul."He reached out to me, his touch gentle yet elect
Chapter Six – HomeElla's POVAs we approached the familiar borders of our pack, a mix of excitement and trepidation coursed through my veins. I clung tightly to Aiden's arm, seeking comfort in his presence as we prepared to face the pack that had been our home, and yet, a distant memory for so many years.The scent of pine and earth filled the air, enveloping us in a warm embrace as we stepped foot onto familiar grounds. It's been thirteen good years. I've always dreamt about walking through these gates, and here I am. The sight of familiar faces and bustling activity brought a smile to my lips, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.We shifted from our wolves upon entering the Alpha's mansion, and we were welcomed by familiar faces, though older than the one I once knew and were taken to him.Alpha Brian, Aiden and Jayden's father, stood tall and regal, his eyes filled with pride and joy as he caught sight of us. The strong and tall man I knew back then had some lines
Ella's POV I left Aiden with the Alpha and went to the toilet to pour water on me, my body has been burning for some time now. My wolf seems to be unrest, Lea for some reason has been spurting nonsense about our mate. Even when Aiden is right by my side. I guess it is because the air feels kind of odd, not like it used to be thirteen years back when I had my parents still alive, in the pack and my best friend Jayden too, all of them are not here now. The Alpha said he was on a business trip and I can't wait to meet him. That made me keep looking out at the sea of faces for when he would return. I guess not everything goes as you expected. Life is not a dream after all.I stepped back into the grand hall of the mansion, the soft glow of chandeliers cast a warm ambiance over the room. I look at the place, it sure changes. Just then I felt a pang in my chest, then it started to beat fast like a drum beaten in a disco song. The scent of sandalwood and the subtle undertone of pine fille
Ella's POV In the following moons, life carried on its familiar rhythms - hunts and harvests, births and naming days, petty dramas and festivals to punctuate the seasons' steady turn. Slowly Silver Fang territory healed, scars fading along with grief's bitter sting as gentle time worked her graceful magic. The trials had changed us, deepened insight and empathy for those yet struggling to overcome trauma's lingering shadow. But we found new confidence with each difficult page turned, wounds closing stronger for the necessary lancing. My mates stood as pillars supporting our people through aftershocks. But the desperate edge to their bond softened, jealousy and mistrust slowly leached away by shared purpose. Together they planned, strategized, gave counsel and judgement with the effortless synchronicity of two bodies sharing one spirit. None could deny they were Alphas in truth. The curse withered in such unity's light.Watching Aiden and Jayden walk the same measured path cheered
Ella's POVWarm spring sunshine streamed through the expansive windows of the great hall, bathing the lively scene in a golden glow. Long trestle tables practically groaned beneath the weight of sumptuous foods and libations laid out in overflowing bounty for our anniversary feast. The scents alone were intoxicating - roasted game, sweet cakes and fruity wines mingling with music, flowers and perfumes. Silver Fang spared no expense honoring traditions.I paused in an alcove to simply take in the joyful sight, heart full to bursting with profound gratitude. Even after everything, we had survived against the odds to gather once more in celebration of binding and new beginnings. Some sacred pact yet held between us, stewarding this family throughFire and shadow. We were still blessed beyond deserving.Gazing out over the sea of faces illuminated by smiles and flickering candles, I glimpsed so many who had walked beside me into the crucible and emerged together marching toward the light
Ella's POV As the first pale light of dawn crept over our encampment, I rose quietly, moving through familiar tent preparations to let my brave injured mates rest a while longer. Though we were victorious, the road ahead remained long. They deserved peace. "All is well, little moon. Watching you safe and near is balm after darkness." His sleep-roughened voice kindled a flush of happiness in my chest. Simply sharing in these small intimacies again was a gift beyond price after so much strife.>ì their strength, letting unspoken emotions settle. We had walked upon the precipice's crumbling edge, but somehow survived the brutal fall together. United, we could face whatever came next. Now it's time to go home, to my little Bella. But ominous prophecy still lurked beneath the fragile joy, its weight palpable in each careful touch, every fleeting vulnerable glance between us. Our family had weathered worse storms. With time and trust we would find our way, so long as we walked the rough
Ella's POVSeveral days passed swiftly as I regained my strength under the healers' diligent care. Soon I was able to move about freely and assist with the countless tasks required to restore order. Clearing rubble and digging mass pyres was sombre work, but it felt good to be useful again with my own two hands. The days of idleness had grated.When not busy with some menial but necessary duty, I spent hours with my precious daughter, singing lullabies to soothe her when the fortress's unfamiliar sounds proved frightening. Watching the pack experience the simple joys of sunlight on her face or wind in her fine hair grounded me through the chaos. The living yet commanded my devotion, not only the tragic dead. I could not dwell forever amidst ashes and ghosts.My brave mates also recovered apace, their resilience never failing to lift my spirit when they limped stiffly into view. Leaning on each other, we three made the rounds speaking words of comfort or stern encouragement as neede
Ella's POVThrough our sacred veins now coursed ancient magicks and prayers from generations long passed who had held fast to hope. Through us they yet fought on. We would not fail them.Before River could hurl his accursed sorcery I thrust both hands skyward, drawing down beams of pure light. Blinding light erupted from my outstretched palms, scouring away the shadows clinging to River's hulking form. The blessing entrusted to us could purge even direst darkness if called in faith. My eyes slid closed, willing my drained vessel to a conduit for its undiluted power.The concentrated blessing seared straight through to the festering wound at his core that had birthed such endless bitterness and cruelty. For less than a blink, I glimpsed it plainly and grieved.With a despairing wail, the broken creature dissolved to mist on the celestial winds until no trace remained. There could be no vengeance for mortal hearts now, only solemn release far kinder than fury's judgment might have de
Ella's POVA bone-chilling roar of agony echoed across the ravaged valley, cutting through the cacophony of battle like a knife. All fighting ceased for a suspended heartbeat as heads turned toward the sound's source. There, framed against the smoke-choked sky, stood the hulking form of River, face contorted in berserk rage. At his feet sprawled the mangled remains of his Luna Scarlet, her glassy eyes fixed unseeing on the ruin she had summoned forth. The sight seemed to shatter some fragile restraint on River's madness, his anguished bellow almost inhuman in its force.With slavering fury he turned on the cringing warriors nearby, spittle flying from his peeled-back lips. "Treacherous curse!" He yelled."You will all bleed for this!" His crazed scream promised endless torment as he backhanded the nearest fighter flying bonelessly. None dared approach the creature River had become, his grief transmuting into lightning violence. He rents armour and flesh effortlessly with bare ha
Ella's POV A piercing howl split the chaos-filled air as Scarlet's body contorted, flesh rippling grotesquely. Her garnet eyes glowed fever-bright, muscles swelling and distorting into rippling bulks of misshapen tissue. I staggered back in dismay as spiky protrusions burst from her arms, razor claws splitting through her fingers. Dear Goddess, what evil conjuring was this?The veil of humanity fell away entirely from Scarlet's visage, leaving only insatiable bloodlust in those crazed orbs fixed unblinking upon me. She had become a hunched monstrosity, twice my height and brimming with enough berserk strength to pulverise stone. I was outmatched now by an inhuman engine of destruction against which courage and skill meant nothing.Fear's clammy fingers closed around my hammering heart. There could be no defeating such a freakish abomination in single combat. My knives would shatter uselessly against that mutant hide. "Come on pup, defeat me now if you can." Scarlet monstrous voic
Ella's POV Yells erupted all around me on the blood-slicked battlefield, but my eyes were drawn like lodestones to one figure cutting gracefully through the carnage - the sadistic Luna Scarlet, crimson hair flowing behind like a banner of war. "Well, well, now look who we have here." His voice loomed in the battle of Claws.Hate seared through my veins at the sight of my childhood tormentor's cruel visage.Fate had gifted me this chance to confront the monster who had delighted in brutalising my young spirit through long bleak years. The reckoning was at hand if I could but close these few feet between us now separated by writhing bodies and whistling blades. My fingers itched to wrap around that swan-white throat. Lea snarled within, craving vengeance."It's good to see I'll be the one to End your life, Bitch." I yelled.Scarlet spun and pivoted through the fray with vicious expertise, her claws rending all who dared approach. None could match her speed and skill honed by decades
Ella's POV Chaos reigned across the blood-soaked battlefield as our forces clashed violently with the seemingly endless legions pouring from River's stronghold. Screams of the wounded and dying pierced the acrid smoke-filled air, mingling with the ceaseless clangour of steel striking steel.In the roiling press of bodies, I swiftly lost sight of both my brave mates leading the charge. It was all I could do to defend my own fragile hide against the berserkers swarming our position, drunk on bloodlust and driven by ruthless commands barked from the ramparts above.Dodge, feint, slash - no time for strategy, only lightning reactions born of raw desperation. The ground grew slick beneath my boots with the fluids of the dead and dying, their blank eyes accusing our futile sacrifice. We were being slowly crushed against an inexorable tide. If the gates remained sealed, all was lost. The fortress walls loomed impossibly high, untouched by our frenetic siege as flaming pitch and arrows ra