Chapter 88: A Clash of ShadowsKillian’s POVA pale witness to the storm we were about to unleash, the moon sat high. Ahead lay Veyron's stronghold, a massive citadel encircled by thick forests and rocky rocks. In the distance, fires flickered, creating unsettling shadows on the stone walls.My clinched hands caused the leather of my gloves to crack as I adjusted them. My whole body was tense, prepared for the fight that was ahead. To my left, Darius stood with a grim face and keen eyes that searched for any openings in the castle."Are you prepared for this?" With a sharp tone, I inquired.Darius gave me a quick look as a tight grin formed on his lips. "Ever since Veyron made this personal, I've been prepared."As two alphas connected by need rather than trust, we made an unusual partnership. However, I would swallow my pride and battle with Darius if it was the only way to get Aria back.I said, "Remember the plan." "We struck quickly and brutally. My pack enters from the north, whi
Chapter 89: The Ritual of SeveranceVeyron’s POVThe air was heavy with the metallic taste of magic and blood, and the room buzzed with old power. On an altar of obsidian, the focal point of it all, Aria, lay confined, her once-defiant face now muddled with fatigue. Hours before, her efforts had diminished to sporadic pulls at the magical bonds that shone dimly against her ankles and wrists.“Isn’t it beautiful?” I paced around her while whispering. My voice was a symphony of victory and hate that reverberated across the vast chamber.Even though she was frail, her golden eyes were still rebellious as she looked at me. "Veyron, you won't prevail. They are going to come get me.The room echoed with the dull, mirthless sound of my laughter. "Oh, Aria, they will arrive. However, it will be too late. They are not the focus of this rite. It concerns you.My breath brushed her ear as I drew in closer. "And the power that you don't even know you have."Her jaw tensed, but she was deceived by
Chapter 90: The Breaking PointDarius’s POVThere was a sense of dread in the air around Veyron's stronghold that caused the hair on the back of my neck to stand on end. The mate link was pulsing faintly, barely holding me to Aria, and the closer I drew, the greater the tug became in my chest. Somewhere in this castle of dread, she was here, and she was dying.Above, the sky swirled as if the heavens were in disarray. Lightning lit up the tall stone building in front of me, and thunder roared, trembling the ground under my boots. I was fully aware of the dangers of coming here by myself, so I didn't need Killian to remind me. I couldn't wait, however. nor with the knowledge that Aria's life was in jeopardy, nor with the excruciating tug in my chest.I had to clean up this mess.---Although there were several guards at the entry, I was too strong for them. With a single goal in mind, I ripped through the outlaws, my wolf's rage leaking forth as claw touched skin. With my senses focuse
Chapter 91: The Fading ThreadAria’s POVThick and oppressive, darkness clung to me like a second skin. It seemed like every muscle in my body had been drained of its power. Dark and relentless, the air was thick with magic that was grabbing at me with unseen fingers. I couldn't tell how long I had been asleep, but I felt a pull to wake up from the dim, fading warmth of the mate link.Darius was hovering over me when I opened my eyes, his face white and marked with fatigue. Normally ferocious and unflinching, his golden eyes were dull with concern."Aria," he murmured in a raspy voice. "We must relocate. Right now.Even though I had a hard time sitting up, the exertion made me feel lightheaded. Darius helped me stand up by putting an arm over my shoulders and supporting me."What took place?" My throat was scratchy and dry as I rasped.He clenched his jaw. Veyron's ritual almost succeeded. I stopped it, but there were repercussions.I looked around the wrecked room. The runes on the f
Chapter 92: A Light in the DarkSelena’s POVThe cold stone of the cell floor bit into my skin as I curled into myself, my arms wrapped tightly around my knees. The air was thick with the stench of dampness and decay, mingled with the acrid scent of Veyron’s dark magic that clung to every surface. I had lost track of time in this hellish prison, where the only company I had was the faint hum of curses embedded into the walls.My thoughts lingered on Aria, on the chaos that Veyron had unleashed. I couldn’t bear to imagine what he might have done to her. Every moment spent here felt like a failure, a reminder that I hadn’t been able to stop him.The faint clink of chains echoed down the corridor, breaking the oppressive silence. I froze, my heart pounding. Footsteps followed, deliberate and heavy. A shadow appeared in the dim torchlight, its outline distorted by the flickering flames.“Ah, Selena,” Veyron’s voice slithered through the air, oily and mocking. “How are you enjoying my hosp
Chapter 93: Shadows of the PastAria’s POVThe weight of what I was about to discover seemed to be borne by the air in the secret forest. My palm held a Moonstone that glowed weakly, its light flashing in tune with my heart's irregular beat. Anger, anguish, and bewilderment swirled through my head. Darius's alleged treachery, Veyron's falsehoods, and the rifts in our relationship were all too much.However, the small glimmers of a different era had begun as soon as we left Veyron's lair. In a series of flashes, I saw my own reflection, white and defiant, and a younger Darius, his face etched with agony. I felt as if the cosmos was compelling me to realize the reality."Are you alright, Aria?" I was drawn back to the present by Darius's voice. His eyes were seeking mine as he stood a few steps away, his massive shoulders tight.I said, avoiding eye contact, "I just need a moment."He took a few steps back to allow me room, but he nodded after he hesitated. In spite of all, I sensed his
Chapter 94: The Forbidden PathAria’s POVAs Darius and I ran, the forest was disappearing in front of us, the ground was uneven, and the air was heavy with tension. Every breath I took caused my lungs to burn, yet there was no time to stop. The fragile bond between us pulsated frantically, as if mirroring the chaos around us.With a furious glance over his shoulder, Darius said, "They're closing in." His eyes glinted with purpose, but I could see the dread simmering beneath the surface.I nodded, unable to find the strength to respond. My limbs felt like lead, and the aftershocks of Veyron's enchantment still coiled around my soul like shackles.I understood the significance of the shrill cry that pierced the air."They've surrounded us," I whispered tremblingly.Darius's jaw tightened. "We'll work things out. Stay close.He grabbed my hand and pulled me along as the jungle grew darker and the trees twisted into monstrous shapes. The earth itself appeared to have been tainted by Veyr
Chapter 95: The Weight of Unspoken WordsKillian’s POVAs I stood on the cliff's edge, gazing out at the horizon, the night's weight weighed heavily on my chest. The full moon, a silent observer of my inner struggle, lingered in the sky. Even though the chilly wind pummeled my cheeks and pulled at my hair, it was unable to dull the pain that had become ingrained in my very being.Although I had never been one to hide my feelings, this was different.Aria.Every idea, every choice, and every look she ever gave me were all plagued by her. When she stared at me, her eyes seemed to be searching for something that I was never able to provide. The way she had held on to Darius despite the fact that their relationship was obviously dangerous and cursed.She continued to turn to him despite this.The connection. The relationship was always the main focus.Knowing that her heart was divided between the two of us, I had been kind and had given her space. But now that I was standing here, I was
Chapter 200: A New DawnAria’s POVThe woodland was filled with the aroma of wildflowers and pine as the wind blew through the trees. The Golden Claw pack's domain was illuminated by silver light from the brilliant moon overhead. Even though I had always turned to the moon for direction, something seemed different today. Or maybe it was me that had changed.I felt whole for the first time in my life—not because of a connection, a title, or other people's expectations, but because I had created my own identity. I had reconstructed a universe from the ashes of the past, fought gods, and disobeyed old customs. I had come to this point because of every scar, decision, and sacrifice.Looking out over the peaceful landscape that extended to the horizon, I stood at the edge of the clearing. This was my heritage, my people, and my home. More than that, however, it was a blank canvas—a future that only I could influence.---Freedom's Weightliberty.I had struggled, bled, and clung to that wo
Chapter 199: The Leader I’ve Become Aria’s POV The dawn broke over the camp, painting the horizon in hues of gold and crimson. I stood at the edge of the clearing, staring into the woods that had become both my refuge and my battlefield. The past few days had been relentless—a swirl of revelations, battles, and choices that had irrevocably shaped me into someone I barely recognized. And yet, I felt stronger than I ever had before. The mate bond was gone, and with it, the tether that had once dictated my choices and emotions. It was a strange kind of freedom, one that I still wasn’t entirely sure how to wield. But as I looked around at the camp bustling with activity, I knew one thing for certain: I was no longer just a survivor. I was a leader. The packs were scattered, but not broken. They were looking to me now, not as a savior or some mythical figure, but as a symbol of what we could become—a society built on choice, trust, and unity rather than ancient, unyielding traditions.
Chapter 198: Parting Words Killian’s POV The camp was quiet in the early morning, the stillness heavy with the aftermath of the latest revelation. The glowing fissure, the figure cloaked in shadow—it was a warning that none of us could ignore. Yet, as the chaos settled into a wary calm, I knew my time here was coming to an end. I watched from a distance as Aria stood at the center of the camp, her presence commanding despite her exhaustion. She gave orders with a steady voice, her pack looking to her for guidance. She’d grown into a leader far beyond what anyone could have imagined—certainly more than I had ever expected. It was why I couldn’t stay. I turned away, heading toward the edge of the camp where my warriors waited. They were restless, eager to return to the Moonshine Pack’s territory and rebuild what we’d lost. But there was something else simmering beneath their surface: doubt. The mate bond’s dissolution had left a void, one that no amount of speeches or alliances cou
Chapter 197: Whispers of Tomorrow Aria's POV The sun had fully risen by the time I returned to the main camp. The celebration from the night before had left the field littered with remnants of shared meals and extinguished fires. Wolves were already moving about, cleaning and preparing to return to their packs. Yet, despite the bustle, an air of unease lingered, as if the earth itself remembered the tremors I’d felt in the forest. I brushed off my sleepless night as I moved through the camp, nodding to warriors and pack leaders. Their gratitude warmed me, but it was clear that the weight of leadership—and of what came next—was not solely mine to bear. “Aria.” I turned at the sound of my name. Darius stood a few feet away, his gaze steady. He was dressed simply, but the way he carried himself spoke volumes of the warrior he was. He gestured toward the forest. “Walk with me?” I hesitated, glancing at the chaos of the camp. But the look in his eyes was sincere, not demanding. “Alrig
Chapter 196: The Weight of Victory Aria’s POV The night sky was alight with celebration. Bonfires crackled and danced, illuminating the open field where wolves from every pack gathered, their voices raised in song and laughter. Victory had united them, if only temporarily, and for the first time in what felt like forever, hope seemed within reach. I should have been happy. I should have been standing among them, sharing in their joy. Instead, I found myself on the outskirts of the gathering, leaning against a gnarled tree as the noise of the celebration faded into the background. The relics were destroyed, and the rogue faction was defeated. Yet the voice from the temple—the cryptic warnings of the “shattered moon”—lingered in my mind like a dark cloud. “Why aren’t you celebrating?” Selena’s voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to see her approaching, her dark hair glowing softly in the firelight. She carried a plate of food in one hand and a goblet in the other. “I could a
Chapter 195: Breaking the Chains Aria’s POV The night was unnervingly quiet, a stillness that felt heavy, foreboding. It was the kind of silence that carried the weight of something unseen, a predator’s pause before the pounce. I stood on the ridge overlooking the rogue faction’s encampment, my heart steady, my purpose clear. Beside me, Killian and Darius waited, their expressions a mix of tension and resolve. It wasn’t the first time we had stood side by side against a common enemy, but this time felt different. This wasn’t just a battle for survival—it was a battle for the future. “I’ll go in alone,” I said, my voice firm. Killian’s brow furrowed. “Aria, that’s reckless. You don’t even know how strong their defenses are.” “That’s exactly why I have to go,” I countered. “This isn’t just about brute force. It’s about dismantling the very thing that gives them power. And I’m the only one who can do that.” Darius stepped closer, his piercing gaze locking onto mine. “We’re stronger
Chapter 194: The Serpent’s Shadow Veyron’s POV Darkness. It had been my companion long before I embraced its power, and now, even in death, it clung to me like an eternal cloak. This wasn’t oblivion—I had escaped that fate by sheer will and cunning. No, I existed in the in-between, where shadows whispered and time bent like warped glass. The rogue leader knelt before me, his head bowed low, his body trembling with the weight of my presence. His name was Silas, a name that once held no meaning. But now, he was my tool, a carefully placed pawn in the grand design. “You’ve failed,” I said, my voice cold and echoing, a sharp blade cutting through the still air. Silas flinched but did not dare look up. “The packs were stronger than expected, my lord. Aria—she—” I slammed my hand onto the obsidian table before me, the ripple of power making the shadows dance around the room. “Do not speak her name so lightly. She may be the key, but she is not your concern. Your concern is doing what I
Chapter 193: Bonds Forged in Fire Darius's POV The battlefield was chaos. Screams of rage and pain tore through the air, mingling with the clash of steel and the snarls of wolves in their primal form. Blood slicked the earth beneath my boots, and the coppery scent of it burned my nostrils. But amidst the carnage, my focus was unshakable: Aria. She stood at the center of it all, a beacon of strength and defiance. Her golden blade caught the light of the setting sun, each swing carving a path through the shadowed beasts that Silas had unleashed. She fought like she had been born for this moment, her movements fluid and unrelenting. Killian was to her left, his powerful frame a blur as he shifted between his wolf and human forms, tearing through the rogue forces. His fighting style was brutal but precise, a testament to years of training and instinct. And I was at her right, guarding her flank, ensuring no threat got close enough to harm her. We didn’t need words to coordinate; every
Chapter 192: The Rising Flame Aria's POV The shadows pressed in from all sides, their cold tendrils coiling around me like a living vice. Silas's laughter echoed through the darkness, a haunting melody of triumph. For a fleeting moment, doubt crept into my heart. Was this it? Was I truly out of my depth? But then, a warmth began to stir within me, faint but steady. It was the same energy I had felt in the ancient temple—the power that had surged through me when the mate bond system broke. The Moon Goddess’s rival might have sought to manipulate that moment, but the strength that pulsed in my veins now was entirely my own. I closed my eyes, blocking out Silas’s voice and the suffocating weight of the darkness. Instead, I focused inward, drawing on the fire that burned in my core. It grew hotter and brighter until it was no longer something I controlled but something I unleashed. With a cry, I released the energy, and the shadows around me exploded into shards of light. I fell to on