Ella's POVI stood in front of the mirror, wearing the long loose floral dress I carefully chose after spending almost an hour on picking what to wear. I applied a touch of makeup, as I powder my nose.I looked into the mirror. Beautiful. No dark circles. No messy hair.I let out a sigh of relief, Aiden had returned and would be here any moment. I can feel the mate bond getting stronger every second and my heart was filled with both excitement and nervousness.I wanted to make this moment special, to surprise him with the news of our child. But how should I approach it? What should I say? Should I give him baby gifts as a sign of our shared joy?I am carefully examining my reflection. The soft glow of pregnancy illuminated my eyes as I traced my fingers along my shoulder bone and gently rested a hand on my tummy, hoping to feel the slightest hint of a baby bump. Is Aiden going to find out immediately if she sees me? I couldn't wait to surprise him with the news of our growing family.
Jayden's POVI paced back and forth in the room, my heart ached with a mix of emotions. Seeing Ella broken by Aiden's harsh words tore at my soul. I couldn't stand to see my mate in such pain. She had gone to great lengths to surprise Aiden, even letting people believe the child was mine, all while knowing the truth."Jay, I... I can't bear it anymore. I can't believe Aide would behave like this. He just believes in what the people said and not giving me the chance to even explain. Even after it is his child." Her voice trembled. "And, I know it hurts you too, I'm so sorry for putting you in this situation, but please understand me.""That's why now I want to keep it a secret from him." She completed pouring her heart out. My brows furrowed, and my gaze filled with a mix of concern and frustration. "El, what about you? What about the pain you're going through? I can't ignore that. He has to pay for this." I interjected.Ella's voice wavered, her eyes welling up with tears once again
Aiden's POV I stood in the training ground, bathed in the pale moonlight that accentuated the sweat glistening on my body. The training dummy loomed before me, a canvas on which I could unleash my bottled-up rage and frustration. Each punch I threw reverberated through my muscles, providing a temporary respite from the storm brewing inside me.Thoughts flooded my mind as I landed blow after blow. "Why did she betray me?" I growled, my voice laced with a mixture of anger and sorrow. "How could she willingly carry another man's child? Doesn't she realise the pain it inflicts upon me?"Black howls, his eyes reflecting concern. "A," his voice echoed in my mind, a soothing presence amidst the chaos. "We've practised this several times, you need to let go of your anger, by finding a way to channel it constructively. Let the punches release the tension, but remember the love that still binds you to Ella."I paused for a moment, my fists trembling with exhaustion and lingering fury. I wiped t
Kristy's POV I sat on the edge of my bed, my mind consumed with conflicting emotions. Aiden, the one I had always loved, had chosen Ella as his mate. It was a blow to my heart, a wound that refused to heal. But I couldn't let Ella see the pain I carried. Instead, I put on a facade, pretending to be her best friend, supporting her and smiling through the torment inside.Today it's been worse. I couldn't hold it in any longer. Aiden's words echoed in my mind, taunting me. He had rejected my plea to be with him, claiming his loyalty to Ella. It infuriated me. Ella knew how much I loved Aiden, yet she refused to let him go. She had Jayden, the one she always wanted, while I was left with shattered dreams.I made up my mind. It was time to convince Ella to reject him, since he won't. I have to share my thoughts with her. I couldn't keep pretending that everything was fine when my heart was breaking. I would make her reject him. So he can be with me. Taking a deep breath, I headed towards
Ella's POVI woke up early, feeling a surge of energy within me. Today was the day Kristy had insisted on training together, claiming that it would help me stay strong and prepared during my pregnancy. I admired her dedication and felt grateful for her support, seeing her as my closest friend.I made my way to the training ground, the morning air was crisp and invigorating. Kristy was already there, her focus evident as she prepared for our session. I smiled warmly at her, ready to begin our training.We started with some light stretching, warming up our bodies for the workout ahead. Kristy guided me through various exercises and techniques, pushing me to my limits. Surprisingly, I found myself becoming stronger and more agile with each passing day.During our sparring sessions, Kristy's hits were notably more powerful than before. I admired her determination and attributed her strength to her own commitment to training. She was always encouraging me, pushing me to do my best and prai
Kristy's POVWalking through the pack grounds, my footsteps carried the weight of frustration and heartache. Aiden's rejection continued to haunt me, and the pain seemed unbearable. As I walked, my thoughts swirled, seeking solace and understanding."Nagging at Aiden will get you nowhere, Kristy," Lina, my wolf, growled in frustration. "He's made his choice, for now don't belittle yourself by following him every single Damn place he goes" she yelled. I clenched my fists, fighting back tears as I let out a frustrated sigh. Lina's words echoed within me, stirring a mixture of resentment and longing. How did it come to this? How had my feelings for Aiden taken such a painful turn?"I don't deserve this," I muttered to Lina, my voice filled with bitterness. "After all these years, after everything I've felt for him... to be tossed aside like this, I feel empty." I whined.Lina nudged, her presence offering a sense of comfort. "You're stronger than this, Kristy," she said, her voice gent
Aiden's POV My heartbeat raced as the scene in front of me.The garden was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, it was supposed to be a sanctuary, a place of solace and tranquillity. But what I saw turned it into Hell! Burning with fire ablaze.When I approached Ella's favourite spot in the garden, my steps faltered because what I saw shattered my heart into a thousand pieces when I saw her in between his arms.I saw Ella and Jayden figures silhouetted against the backdrop of vibrant flowers. My footsteps faltered as I witnessed their intimate embrace, their lips locked together in a passionate kiss. Time seemed to stand still as the scene unfolded before my eyes.There she was, my mate locked in an embrace with Jayden, their lips intertwined in a passionate kiss. The sight felt like a dagger to my chest, fueling the fire of anger within me.Anguish gripped my heart like a vice, squeezing it with an intensity I had never known. The pain of betrayal surged through my veins, igniting
Ella's POV For the past few days, that Aiden has been avoiding me. Jayden and I have been close, and always in each other's arms. We clung to our love, seeking refuge from the storm that threatened to tear us apart. The curse.The pendant has been black for a while now, and it serves as a wake-up call for us to work more about it, a reminder of the curse that loomed over us. We knew we had to work on our hearts, on ourselves, if we were to have any hope of breaking free from fate's grip.I walked through the pack, my mind lost deep in thought of how Aiden disappeared when we needed him the most to take care of this curse. I feel a pang gnawing at my heart, it's like he's not the Aiden Ive always known. I could feel the void of his absence in my heart. Because he is also my mate.Lost in my thoughts, I Lea nuzzle from within, waking up from her deep slumber."I see, still troubled with his thoughts again, right?" she asked, her voice a soft echo in my mind. I nodded foolishly.I can f
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