Ella's POV I slowly opened my eyes as dim pre-dawn light filtered into my chambers. After yesterday's plan. I tried reaching out to Aiden, I went to the elders and Boston gave me some herbs to help me concentrate.And today is the day - the day I would try to reach Aiden one final time before it was too late. "We can do it." Lea whispered. It's the only choice we have against Alpha River. Against the curse of the Twin Mates!Rising quietly, I dressed with calm purpose, steadying my nerves for the enormous task ahead. I had to break through the dark shroud clouding Aiden’s spirit, make him see the ruinous path he now walked. If any part of the brave, loyal mate I loved yet lingered beneath the ambition and jealousy...my voice could call him back to the light.But it would not be easy. The Bond between us had been muted, his thoughts closed to me. Some malevolent influence had sunk deep claws into his psyche, twisted him into a stranger. I would be fighting against more than just
Aiden's POV I stalked through the forest, jaw clenched and shoulders rigid with self-loathing.Whenever I remember her voicey heart breaks even more."I'm such a fool." I mumbled.Ever since Ella had reached me through our mind link, and knowing she now saw all my treachery bare, shame and fury warred within me."Indeed I had been a fool. No, I'm worse than a fool - a pathetically gullible traitor, hung from the strings of his own ambition and pride." I punched my knuckles on the nearby tree.Ella's memories replayed in a relentless cascade, flaying me raw. Her horrified account of seeing my clandestine meeting with Alpha River, pledging their people's downfall in exchange for sole claim over her. I was selfish.The vile visions revealing Alpha River's true plans to betray and slaughter me once he was satisfied was karma on my part."Betrayed the Betrayer!" I let out a bitter laugh.I let out an angry howl trying to find some peace. But only pain and anguish tore from my throat, se
Kristy POVI moved through the darkened forest with swift, silent steps, sticking to the shadows out of a long habit.Soon I would reach the hidden cave where Owen awaited me, another clandestine meeting to further plot Ella's downfall. "I'll make sure you meet your End." I smiled.My pulse quickened at the thought. After long days of preparation, all the tangled threads were finally weaving together.The time I had dreamed of was nearly at hand - a new era dawning, with Ella gone and my rightful place restored. With Aiden!I just had to remain focused and let destiny take its course. Patience and cunning were all that stood between me and everything I had ever desired. I would not fail now, when triumph was so close I could taste it.Up ahead, the faint flicker of firelight marked the cave's concealed entrance.Owen's hulking silhouette paced restlessly at the mouth, visibly relaxing when he caught my scent. Foolish brute. His transparent desire was nauseatingly easy to exploit."T
Ella's POV I paced the training ground restlessly, squinting against the setting sun.Another day gone without sign of attack from the Blood Moons. The waiting grated on everyone's nerves, keeping the pack jumping at shadows. But I welcomed the delay. It gave me more time to marshal our defenses and shore up vulnerabilities. If war was coming, we would be ready.A familiar flutter along the bond with Aiden sent strength flowing through me.He was drawing nearer every day, his unwavering support bolstering my resolve. "Hurry up Aide, we need you." I mumbled to myself.Together we would protect our people, no matter the blood spilled trying to tear us apart.Lea stirred anxiously within as I made another circuit of the walls. Patience, sister. The goddess will reveal her plan in due time. I sent the she-wolf a reassuring caress. Lea spoke truth - this stagnation tested me, but fate's course would unfold as intended. For now, we need only remain watchful.Dusk had nearly faded to nig
Kristy's POV The cell door clanged shut with iron finality, sealing me in dank darkness.I collapsed to my knees, sobs wracking my body. After endless scheming and sacrifice, to be caged like a beast...it was unbearable."You play well, Kris, but your acting fools no one here." Lena warned.I smiled grimly into the blackness, straightening up. My wolf was right - histrionics accomplished nothing now. I needed focus, not despairThe game was not yet over. Actually it's just started. And I need a new plan.Rising, I prowled the confines of my cell, seeking any weakness. But there was none - solid iron on all sides.I was well and truly trapped, at least physically. But Ella had underestimated my determination if she thought these walls could confine my mind and spirit."Little bitch, no wonder Owen warns about her powers." I smirked.Settling cross-legged on the filthy straw pallet, I regulated my breathing and sank into meditation. With all my powers of concentration, I sought to pier
EllaAfter her visit to Kris, I really thought she would come around. That she would accept fault and turn back to our side. But no. She was as hard and unbreakable as a rock. Saying I should just wait for my downfall. It hurt to hear her talk like that. I mean, just weeks ago we were best friends. Sis, I would've called her. We did each other's hair, shared secrets, and cried on each other's shoulders. And now we're worse than enemies. It's like she wants me dead."I don't get it," I said aloud to my inner wolf, Lea. "How could Kris turn on me so fast? Was our friendship all just an act to her?"Lea's warm presence brushed against my mind. "Oh Ella, do not torment yourself so," she said gently. "Something has poisoned Kristy's spirit. This is not truly her."I shook my head, fighting back frustrated tears as I walked quickly through the stone corridors. "No, Lea. You didn't see the look in her eyes. That coldness, that hate...this is who Kristy really is." My hands clenched into
Ella Pain wracked my body as another agonising contraction hit me. I groaned, gripping the sheets in white-knuckled fists. This labour was happening too fast - it must've been triggered early by the poisoned "medicine" I drank. Damn Kristy and her sick schemes!Lea stirred anxiously within me as I panted through the pain. "Breathe, Ella," she urged. "Focus on your strength."I tried to steady my harsh breathing. But it was so hard to think through the relentless waves of pain crashing over me.Sweat soaked my skin and matted my hair. I felt like I was being split open from the inside out. Where was Dalia? I needed the healers. But the castle was in chaos with the fighting - no one even knew I was in labour yet.The guard also left. And didn't return.Another contraction seized my body. It was like getting stabbed over and over. A scream ripped from my throat unbidden.Lea's presence wrapped around my mind, calm and comforting amidst the agony. "You're strong, sister. Our baby will
Owen's POV I walked swiftly through the chaotic castle corridors, weaving expertly through the crowds of soldiers rushing to battle stations. None paid me any mind - with my guard's uniform, I was invisible.My pulse quickened, anticipating what was to come. Everything was falling perfectly into place. I had been the one to deliver the poisoned "medicine" to Ella, disguised in a cloak. The look of trusting innocence on her face before she drank it had been supremely satisfying. Soon enough, she'll be in labour, and her disgusting brat will be born. We didn't want to deliver a pregnant Ella to Alpha River. No, we would let her give birth, kill the child, and then I would take her. A flawless plan.I slipped unseen into the dungeons, the air instantly chilling. At the end of the row of cells was my prize - Kristy.Her face appeared in the barred window, eyes sparking dangerously when she saw me. Like a she-wolf scenting prey. It sent a pleasurable tingle down my spine."The potion wo