Ella's POV I drifted awake some time later to find myself still caged on the front of the wagon, which was rumbling along in the pitch blackness of night. Still in the middle of nowhere.My shoulder was an inferno of agony, the shaft still protruding grotesquely. But I had no tears left, just cold rage and grit determination.Ignoring the pain, I twisted around seeking anything that might aid my escape. But the iron bars were unbreakable, the padlock out of reach.Despair threatened to crush what little hope I had left. Even if I did manage to slip these bonds somehow, I was still drugged and gravely injured.How could I dream of outrunning full grown warriors like this?"Lea nudged my spirit gently. We will find a way, EL. Focus. They have not defeated you yet.""You're right," I answered tiredly. "Giving up was not an option. We would keep fighting however I could until my last breath. My daughter was depending on me."The rest of the gruelling journey passed in a miserable haze of
Jayden's POVMy heart hammered against my ribs as our forces marched into view of the Blood Moon pack's stronghold. Our scouts reported it was heavily fortified and armed for battle. This would be no easy victory, even with the advantage of surprise on our side. But failure was not an option – not when Ella and our newborn child were trapped somewhere behind those menacing stone walls.I spared a glance at my father riding beside me, his war helm concealing any hint of doubt or fear if it existed. His stoic silence was a steadying influence amidst the uneasy shifting of our amassed fighters. Alpha River had stolen my mate and tortured her years back and attacked our borders one too many times. Today, we would make him bitterly regret ever provoking the full force of the Silver Fang pack's wrath.A thunderous roar suddenly split the air from the battlements ahead, followed by a volley of flaming arrows arcing through the sky towards us."Shields up!" I bellowed immediately. Our front
Aiden's POVThe frigid night air stung my lungs as I sprinted through the dark forest, dodging around gnarled roots and ducking under low branches. My wolf, Black, lent speed and grace to my steps, but apprehension nipped at my mind. I was venturing into dangerous territory, deep in the heart of the Blood Moon Pack's lands. If River's sentries caught my scent here, I'd be dead meat. But I had no choice - this was the swiftest route to reach Ella and Jay.Guilt gnawed at my insides, making each breath burn. I never should have betrayed their trust and abandoned our mate bond. The empty ache in my soul was just punishment for my foolishness. But I aimed to make things right. To fight at their side where I belonged and help take down the vile beast who threatened our family. I only prayed that the Goddess granted me that chance.Black rumbled impatiently, urging haste. We're exposed out here, pup. Eyes open.I nodded grimly, senses straining for any sign of enemies lying in wait. But
Jayden's POVThe din of battle surrounded me as I cut down enemy after enemy, fighting my way toward another of the mansion gate. Our assault had been swift and vicious, but victory still hung in the balance. Every fibre of my being was focused solely on reaching the River. Nothing else mattered than killing that Bastard. And getting out of here.I had just felled another Blood Moon soldier when urgent shouting caught my attention. One of our messengers was shoving through the chaos toward me, eyes wide with alarm. My pulse spiked instinctively. "Jayden! Urgent news!" the young wolf painted. "Report," I barked, impatience simmering in my blood. What could be more important than the battle at hand?"A messenger arrived from the palace. Your mate Ella has given birth, but now she's disappeared!"His words hit me like a warhammer. For a moment I couldn't breathe, couldn't think. Ella had delivered our child already? And now they were both missing?Rage and mindless terror warred wit
Alpha RiverTriumph surged through my veins as I stared down at the girl that I was trying to have as mine. She's now imprisoned in my dungeon. Ella, the weak Omega I trapped and she managed to escape. Now she's finally mine.The drugs had kept her unconscious through the journey here, but soon she would awaken to her new reality as my captive mate. The thought sent a pleasurable tingle down my spine.My wolf Storm rumbled in savage satisfaction, already seeing the slight female as belonging to us. "Yes, she would fight at first, but we would enjoy taming the fiery spirit from this little she-wolf." Storm smiled."Do not become overconfident, my king," a rasping voice spoke behind me. I turned to see the withered crone who served as my occult advisor shuffling into the dim space. As always, her sightless white eyes seemed to stare right through me."The girl may yet slip through your grasp if you do not take precautions," she cautioned.I bristled at the implication I couldn't control
EllaFear clawed at my throat as the guards dragged me from my cell into a torch-lit chamber. Strange symbols decorated the stone walls and ceiling, emanating a sinister reddish glow. My sore body aching all over In the room's centre lay a granite altar etched with more strange runes. Terror turned my blood to ice realising it could only be for dark magic.My struggles went ignored as the guards dumped me on that altar, tearing away my soiled dress and securing me spread-eagled to the cold stone with black iron shackles. Utterly exposed and helpless, my pulse hammered wildly in my throat. What fresh hell was this?The guards wordlessly departed, their task complete. I was left alone, trembling and fighting back tears as the minutes crawled by. Until heavy footsteps echoed, heralding the approach of my living nightmare. Alpha River strode in, a cruel smile twisting his ruined face when he saw my vulnerable state."At last, after long years of waiting, you are mine," he growled in fer
Aiden Pain lanced through my shoulder as the wolf's claws raked across my skin. I twisted away with a snarl, lashing out viciously with my own dagger until the brute fell back with a pained yelp.I fought on relentlessly, cutting down any enemy who dared cross my path. The scents of blood and fear were thick in the air, igniting all my primal instincts. My wolf Black howled for vengeance within me.One by one I killed Alpha hunters.Even though they ambushed me and their numbers were greater, I have to go help the Silver Fangs battle fiercely to drive the attackers from the blood moon pack.It's all my fault in the first place.I ducked a wild sword swipe, sinking my teeth into the soldier's unprotected wrist until he screamed and released his weapon. A swift kick to the chest sent him crashing down before I whirled to block the next attacker.The fighting felt endless, a blur of ducking, slashing, constantly struggling just to keep my feet beneath the onslaught. But gradually I en
Aiden's POVShame flooded my veins as I walked slowly through the halls of the Silver Fang castle. Everywhere I looked, there was evidence of the damage my foolish actions had caused.The castle was on high alert, with guards stationed at every entrance. Servants rushed around with grim expressions, fortifying defences and preparing supplies for siege or war. The air was thick with fear and rising anger directed at the rival Blood Moon pack.All because I had betrayed my own kin to consort with that vile Alpha River, compromising our security. Now Ella had paid the price, kidnapped right from her sickbed before she could even recover from birthing my niece.The guilt threatened to crush me. I had brought this down on us all on the basis of River's honeyed lies and false promises of power. Now the pack was embroiled in a bloody conflict, and my dear childhood friend was a captive because of me.Rounding a corner, I froze in dismay as none other than Luna Verena strode towards me, escor
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