***Star blood pack***
Ryder, the powerful Lycan king, stood atop a hill, gazing out at the vast expanse of his kingdom.
The moon was full overhead.
As he gazed out at the kingdom, Ryder's fingers instinctively brushed against the earth, as he felt the pulse of the land's energy.
But there was something missing– his mate.
Ryder's thoughts were consumed by the search for his mate. He had been searching for years, and his pack was beginning to lose hope. But Ryder refused to give up. He knew that his mate was out there, and he would stop at nothing to find her.
As he stood there, Ryder's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he vowed to find his mate.
He would protect her, love her, and cherish her.
The thought of her was all that drove him forward.
He would not rest until he found his mate and claimed her as his own. The very thought of her sent a shiver down his spine, and he felt his heart pounding in his chest.
"I will find you, my mate," Ryder vowed, his voice carried away by the wind.
"I will find you, and I will make you mine."
Luca, Ryder's Beta and closest friend, approached him.
"Alpha Ryder, I've been thinking," Luca said, his voice low. "We've been searching for your mate for years, and we've had no luck. Maybe it's time to consider a different approach."
Ryder turned to Luca, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice firm.
"Well," Luca began, "maybe instead of searching for her, we should focus on understanding what kind of person she might be. What kind of qualities would she have? What kind of person would be a good match for you?"
Ryder considered Luca's words. He had always been focused on finding his mate through instinct and scent.
"I think you're right, Luca," Ryder said finally. "Call for the elders, so we can discuss this further. Maybe together, we can come up with a new plan."
Ryder's eyes flashed with a fierce light as he thought of his mate, his mind racing with ways to own her.
Luca nodded, "I'll do that and we'll meet in the great hall".
With that, Luca turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Ryder to his thoughts. Ryder stood there for a moment, before turning to follow Luca to the great hall.
The meeting with the pack elders would be crucial in determining the next steps in Ryder's search for his mate.
As he walked towards the great hall, Ryder felt a sense of hope rising within him.
The great hall was filled with the elders of the Star blood pack, all gathered to discuss the search for Ryder's mate.
But suddenly, his eyes snapped shut, and his head jerked up. He felt it - a chill ran down his spine, his breath catching in his throat as he sensed her distress.
His mate.
Ryder's eyes flew open, and he scanned the hall, his senses on high alert. Where was she? What was happening to her?
His heart racing with urgency. He had to find her. He had to know what was wrong.
With a swift motion, Ryder turned and strode out of the great hall, Luca calling after him. "Alpha Ryder, what's wrong?"
Ryder didn't answer.
He was already tracing the scent of his mate's emotions, following the thread of despair that had called to him.
He ran through the forest, his heart pounding in his chest. He had to find her.
Finally, he reached the place where the scent was strongest. As he looked around, he saw nothing. No one.
Ryder's eyes scanned the desolate landscape, his senses on high alerts.
The sense of his mate distress lingered making his wolf, Aiden growling.
He took a step forward, his booth crunching on the dry leaves.
Ryder's pulse throbbed in his neck, his breath coming in short gasps. He had to find her.
Suddenly, a faint whimper echoed through the forest, sending shivers down Ryder's spine.
He followed the sound, his senses guiding him through the darkness.
As he approached the source of the whimper, Ryder's eyes locked onto the figure huddled on the ground.
His mate. Her body trembling, her eyes closed.
With swift motion, Ryder scooped her into his arms, cradling her close.
Her scent enveloped him, calming his heart.
He buried his face in her hair, inhaling deeply and felt a sense of peace wash over him.
Her body trembled in his arms but as he held her, her shaking slowly subsided.
"Mine," his wolf, Aiden growled softly, satisfied.
Ryder's eyes closed savoring the moment. He had found his mate. The search was over.
Ryder's eyes locked onto his mate tear-stained face, she was crying.
The sound tore at his heart and he felt a. surge of protectiveness.
" Who hurt you?" Ryder's voice was low and menacing.
Crystal's eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at Ryder, unsure of who he was or why he was holding her.
She too a deep breath, trying to calm down.
"I...I was rejected" Crystal whispered, her voice barely audible.
Ryder's jaw relaxed and his lips curved into a gentle smile as he held her closer.
As Ryder held Crystal, he could sense her pain and vulnerability. He knew she needed comfort and care.
He continued holding her, offering silent support.
Her sniffles grew less frequent, her chest rising and falling with slower breaths.
Her tense muscles relaxed as she breathed in Ryder's scent.
Just as she looked up at Ryder, taking in his features, Ryder's eyes met Crystal's and for a moment, they looked at each other, the connection between them palpable.
*Starblood pack — Eastern battlefield*The second wave had begun.The undead wolves returned, this time with larger beasts among them. Creatures with horns. Others fused with bone armor. Some had two heads. One dragged a chain of skulls behind it as it moved, its breath clouding like winter.But the pack was ready.Crystal led from the front, eyes glowing and her magic rippling. She carved paths of flame, her power no longer flickering but steady and rooted.She didn’t hesitate while moving. A blur of silver and flame. Each time her palms rose, fire came out to the air in arcs. Not wild, but precise, controlled.Beside her, Ryder fought like the storm itself.His claws slashed through one undead wolf after another, black blood staining the soil. His growls became commands. His fury was silent but brutal. Sharp, precise and relentless.Ato
*Starblood pack — Outer Watchtowers, Midnight* The wind swept across the eastern cliffs, carrying with it chills. The full moon, peeked behind racing clouds, casting its silver light over the ridge below. Two guards stood on the highest stone watchtower. One was young, eyes darting nervously. The other, older and scarred, stood stiff and still, spear gripped tightly in calloused hands. Then, silence. No rustling leaves. No owls cry. No night insects in sight. “Do you feel something is wrong?” the younger asked, his voice barely a whisper. The elder didn't answer at first. Then he slowly nodded. “Too quiet.” Then a shape emerged from the shadows. Not running, not charging. Just walking like it had all the time in the world. A massive white-eyed wolf, covered in frost. Then another. And another. Soon, dozens emerged from the shadows, their hollow gazes locked onto the watchtower. The younger guard reached for the warning bell. Too late. A black arrow hissed through the ai
*Star Blood Pack — The Luna’s Chambers* Crystal collapsed to her knees, her throat dry. The crimson moon hung low outside, its light stained the shattered garden with a dark omen. The once-vibrant moonflowers were now blackened husks. The wind whispered secrets she dared not understand, and the pendant’s faint flicker was something unnatural. Her trembling fingers reached for the velvet box, heart hammering wildly beneath her ribs. “The crown is your cage”. The voice echoed in her mind coldly and more calculating. The weight of the words were suffocating. Chills crawled through her veins, threatening to unravel her sanity. She barely noticed the soft knock on her chamber door. “Crystal?” The voice was steady and calm, a beacon cutting through the storm. She looked up to see Ryder slipping inside, his golden eyes immediately searching hers. He wore a heavy cloak, but his presence filled the room with warmth. “Are you okay,” he said quietly, closing the door behind him. “
*Star Blood Pack — The Grand Hall* The great hall of the Star Blood Pack shone with golden torchlight and silver banners. Long tables stretched end to end, weighed down by platters of meat, honeyed breads, moonleaf wine and glowing fruit. It was a celebration. A feast of honor. The Luna had been claimed. Crystal entered at Ryder’s side, the new crescent-shaped mark on her neck glowing faintly against her skin. She wore a flowing silver gown, her hair was braided with starpetals. Around her, silence fell. Then came the bows. One by one, members of the Star Blood Pack and the invited outer clans dropped their heads, exposing their necks in respect. “She is truly the Flame,” someone whispered. “She carries the old light.” Crystal’s gaze swept the hall. Her father and mother sat near the high table, pride evident on their faces. Edwin’s chin was lifted but his hand rested lightly atop his staff, as if ever ready. Sarah gave Crystal a quiet nod of love. Ethan leaned forwar
*Star Blood Pack — Training Grounds* The clang of metal echoed through the morning. Warriors moved in organized formation, claws slicing through the air in rhythm, yet tension threaded between each breath they took. Luca stood near the sparring ring, arms folded tightly. His gaze flicked from warrior to warrior, sharp and calculating. From the eastern gate, Ryder emerged cloaked in black and silver. “Report.” Luca stepped forward and handed over a sealed scroll. “Two border patrols haven’t returned. We sent scouts at dawn. No word yet.” Ryder’s brow furrowed, his fingers tightening around the scroll. “They’re moving faster than we thought.” “And this..” Luca lowered his voice, pulling a folded parchment from inside his armor. “We found it beneath one of Queen Elira’s handmaidens’ beds. Coded in symbols I’ve only seen on witchbound contracts.” Ryder’s gaze sharpened. “Decode it and do it quietly. If the Queen’s sending messages beyond our borders, I want to know who’s listening.
*Starblood Pack — The Balcony*Crystal leaned against the carved stone railing of her balcony, silver eyes tracing the sky as dawn gave way to pale blue light. The wind brushed her skin.Her thoughts were quiet, too quiet. Aelira had gone silent since their connection that morning. Behind her, the door opened softly.Ryder stepped into the sunlight, golden eyes finding her immediately. His bare chest bore the golden markings of the bond, still glowing faintly.“You left the bed,” he murmured, sliding his arms around her waist from behind.“I couldn’t sleep,” she said, leaning into him. “My mind’s still full.”“Of what?”Crystal hesitated. “The power. The changes. The things I don’t understand.”He rested his chin on her shoulder. “Then let’s understand them together.”She turned to face him. “You’re not scared?”“I’d walk through fire for you,” he said simply. “Why would I fear your light?”Her heart thudded but her mind wandered briefly, fleetingly to the Queen. She had yet to spea