Ella's POVI sat on the edge of my bed, feeling a sense of solitude in my quiet room. The sunrise streamed in through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the floor. I sat up staring at the empty room, my mind clouded with emotions as my body feels a little weak as always these past days, it makes Lea sleep all day. That's why I've been going to train and exercise so I can feel back to life and motivated. It's been weeks passed since we left Edward's place, where the revelation of the curse had cast a shadow over our lives. It seemed like an eternity, yet I couldn't shake off the lingering feeling of unease.And Aiden's absence weighed heavily on my heart. I had hoped that with time, our bond would strengthen and we would find solace in each other's arms. But since we returned he wasn't here and wasn't back till now. His absence and the unanswered phone calls left me feeling adrift, unsure of where our relationship stood. Was it merely the curse driving us apart, or was there somethi
Ella's POV I poured myself a cup of coffee, Alpha spoke up, breaking the silence. "How was your training session this morning, Ella? Making progress?"I took a sip of the steaming beverage, appreciating its comforting warmth. "Yes, Alpha, it went well. I'm trying to stay in shape and keep my skills sharp. It helps me focus and clear my mind."He nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "That's good to hear. We all need an outlet for our thoughts and emotions, especially during these challenging times."Speaking of challenging times. Jayden's absence was palpable, and it keeps eating me from the inside. I couldn't help but wonder where he was and what he was going through. I decided to voice my concerns. "Umm, have either of you heard from Aiden recently?" I asked tentatively, trying to mask the worry in my voice.Luna exchanged a glance with Alpha before speaking softly. "No, Ella, we haven't. It seems Aiden has been preoccupied with matters we're not privy to." She paused, lookin
Ella's POV Sitting in the dining room, surrounded by the familiar warmth of the Alpha's family, I watch as they eat the food but for me I have no appetite and a wave of nausea hits me. The aroma of the delicious breakfast spread suddenly became overwhelming, and I have to excuse myself, if I don't want to throw up there."Excuse me please, I have to go," I murmured, my voice trembling. "I... I need to use the restroom." I explained.Concern filled Luna's eyes as she watched me, her maternal instincts kicking in. "Ella, are you feeling alright? You haven't been yourself lately.""Yeah. I'm fine." I answered, getting up from my chair, feeling Jayden's gaze on me."I think you should see a doctor." She added, advisably."No, no."I'm just. It's not that much." I stammered. Her words struck a chord within me, echoing the thoughts that had been swirling in my mind. It was time to find out the truth, to understand why my body was behaving so strangely.When I looked up, Jayden was looking
Ella's POV Sitting alone in Jayden's room, I wait for him to return from work to tell him about it. I've mentally prepared myself and the earlier the better. I was lost in a whirlwind of thoughts and memories. His room brought back a flood of childhood memories, reminding me of the times we had spent together as carefree kids, before the weight of responsibilities and curses burdened our lives.My gaze wandered around from room to room as I entered a room he kept his childhood things, taking in the familiar objects that held significance in our shared history. The shelves lined with books we had devoured, the posters on the walls capturing our shared interests and dreams, and the well-worn chair where we would spend countless hours talking and laughing. Each item held a story, a fragment of our intertwined lives.I picked up an old photo album from Jayden's desk, carefully flipping through the pages. The faded photographs depicted a younger version of us, capturing moments of joy,
Jayden's POVI watched Ella as she nervously explained how she decided to keep the pregnancy a secret, so that she surprised Aiden. Her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and worry. Anger flared within me, and my wolf, Jo, stirred restlessly. How could she only think of him? Why always want to please him?She wanted to surprise him, to see the joy in his eyes when he learned he was going to be a father. She kept talking but inside, a storm raged within me, a tempest of anger, frustration, and longing."Does he deserve it?" I asked. "Is he even worth it? That you need to surprise him. He left you for more than two months now, and all you think of is how to surprise him? Does he even love?" I snapped, my words laced with a hint of venom. "He doesn't deserve to be surprised."Ella flinched at the intensity of my response, her eyes wide with surprise. I could see the hurt in her gaze, the confusion clouding her thoughts. But right now, I couldn't contain my emotions any longer.
Ella's POVMy eyes flicker open from the glistering rays coming in from the window, I blinked my eyes twice adjusting to the light. Grey curtains. Grey room.My eyes wander through the room, my brain adjusting to the surroundings.This is not my room. My eyes travel and land on a familiar handsome face near me. As memories of last night wash upon me and my cheeks turning red."How did I sleep here?" I whispered aside. Looking at the handsome face in front of me, I traced his chiselled jawline with my fingers smiling sheepishly. My hand went to his pointed nose, and drew lines around his thin pink lips staring at it. I brushed off his snow white hair on his face. Staring at his beauty mark above his brow. Wow. Just how can someone look so good early in the morning without any effort. I must look like a mess right. With all my puffy eyes from all the crying last night.I moved closer and placed a soft kiss on it. Making him growl and I move back quickly hiding my face in the duvet."L
Jayden's POV Standing in the centre of the training ground, my muscles tense and my mind consumed by a whirlwind of emotions. The events of yesterday morning replayed in my thoughts, each moment amplifying the anger that had simmered within me.Swinging my fists through the air, I channelled my frustration into the intensity of my training. Each punch, each kick, carried the weight of my pent-up emotions. The rhythm of my movements matched the rhythm of my racing thoughts.I landed a powerful strike on the training dummy, a surge of fury coursed through me. I don't know why Ella would still keep her pregnancy a surprise for Aiden, and using it as bait. Jo growled within me angrily. The thought burned in my mind, fueling the fire that burned in me."Did she even know how jealous we are to see that child is ours? Besides that she uses us as bait." He roared. "Just. Just to surprise the motherf**cker!""Jo! Language." I yelled at him." I've told you this. I know you are angry but don't
Ella's POVWalking through the training grounds to the clinic where I teach new healers, I saw Kristy and Caleb engaged in a conversation from a short distance away. I was always curious about why Kristy ignore Caleb, so I'm kind of happy they were talking now. It's been a while and I wanted to talk to them. So, I decided to go greet my childhood friends.They two were always ignoring each other, what was wrong between them? After being childhood friends."Hear me out this once Kris, we need to talk. It's important," Caleb pleaded, with an earnest expression, a mixture of apprehension and determination. I overheard them with my wolf ears.She seemed to be preoccupied and uninteresting. She glanced at her watch and replied hastily, "Cale, I'm really busy right now. I have something important to take care of. Maybe later."Caleb looked disappointed, his brows etched across his face. "But Kris, this can't wait. It's been weighing on me for so long, and I thought now would be a good time t
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