Ryder's chest tightened and he knew he would do anything to protect and care for her.
"I will never let anyone hurt you again" Ryder whispered, his voice gentle.
Crystal's eyes searched Ryder's face, searching for answers. She saw sincerity and deep affection in his gaze. She felt a sense of peace wash over her but she knew she was in the arms of a stranger.
"who are you?" Crystal asked, her voice still shaking.
"I'm Ryder, your mate" he replied softly.
Crystal's eyes widened in surprise. Her eyes searched his face, trying to process the revelation. "My mate?" she repeated.
Ryder nodded "yes, I have been searching for you for a long time".
Ryder's expression softened and he gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
The touch sent shivers down her spine and she felt a spark of electricity run through her body.
Crystal's eyes fluttered closed and she leaned into Ryder's touch, her lips parting slightly.
Ryder's gaze dropped to her lips and he felt a surge of desire.
The tension between them grew, until it seemed to vibrate with anticipation.
Ryder's wolf, Aiden growled softly, urging him to claim Crystal as his own.
But Ryder hesitated, unsure if Crystal was ready. He didn't want to scare her off or push her boundaries.
Instead he leaned in, his lips brushing against her forehead in a gentle kiss.
Crystal's eyes opened, and she looked up at Ryder, her gaze searching his face. For a moment, they just looked at each other.
"Can I see your wolf?" Crystal asked nervously.
Ryder smiled, and with a fluid motion, he transformed into his Lycan form.
Crystal gasped, mesmerized by the majestic creature before her.
Ryder's Lycan body was powerful and majestic, with thick, dark gray fur and piercing yellow eyes. His muscles rippled, his powerful legs propelling him forward with ease. His face was strong with high cheekbones and a sharp jawline, and his ears were pointed and alert.
As Crystal looked at Ryder, she couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty. She had just been rejected by someone, and now she was supposed to accept this stranger as her mate?
It felt overwhelming, and she wasn't sure if she was ready to open herself up to someone new.
Ryder's gentle touch and kind eyes helped ease her worries a bit but she still felt a mix of emotions. She was drawn to Ryder but she didn't know him.
Despite her reservations, Crystal felt a spark of excitement as she reached out to touch Ryder's fur. He nuzzled her hand, and she felt a sense of calm wash over her.
Without hesitation, Crystal mounted Ryder's back, wrapping her arms around his neck. As Ryder began to run, Crystal felt the wind rushing through her hair, and she laughed with sheer joy.
The forest blurred together and Crystal felt free - from her worries and fears.
As they ran, the forest grew denser and the trees seemed to close in around them.
Crystal felt a sense of exhilaration, the wind whipping through her hair.
She leaned forward, her cheek pressed against Ryder's fur as she felt drawn to its warmth.
After a while, Ryder slowed to a stop and Crystal looked up to see a beautiful lake glinting. The water was crystal clear, reflecting the trees and sky above.
Ryder's padded towards the lake's edge and Crystal slid off his back, walking towards the water's edge.
The lake's tranquility was soothing. Ryder followed her, his eyes watching her with a gentle intensity. Crystal reached out a hand and Ryder nuzzled it, his fur soft and warm.
As they stood there, Crystal felt a sense of peace wash over her. She looked up at Ryder and he seemed to be looking back at her. For the first time since meeting Ryder, Crystal felt like she could breathe, like she had found a sense of belonging.
Ryder shifted back into his human form, his eyes never leaving Crystal's face. "You're safe now," he said, his voice low and soothing. "You're with me, and I'll always protect you."
Crystal's eyes locked onto Ryder's, and she felt a spark of connection. She knew she still had questions and doubts.
She nodded and Ryder smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
As they stood there, the only sound was the gentle lapping of the water against the shore.
With the moon rising high in the sky, casting its silver glow over the forest.
Ryder spoke up, "We should get you home," he said, his voice gentle but firm.
Crystal nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment that their time together was coming to an end.
"Which pack are you from?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
Ryder smiled, happy that she was initiating a conversation. "I'm from the Star blood pack" he replied. "But I have to ask, which pack are you from?"
Crystal's eyes widened surprisingly. "I'm from the Moonlight Pack" she said, her voice low.
Ryder's expression softened, "I should escort you home," he said, his voice low and soothing.
With the moonlight casting long shadows behind them, they walked through the forest silently, each with their own thoughts.
Crystal knew she could trust him and his presence made her feel safe.
As they approached the Moonlight Pack's territory, Crystal felt a sense of relief wash over her. She was home.
Ryder turned to her, his eyes bore hers. "I'll leave you hear", he said.
Crystal nodded, "Thank you '.
"You are welcome", he said.
With that, Ryder turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Crystal to make her way home.
But little did they know, dark eyes had been watching them from the shadows, their gaze fixed intently on Crystal. The moonlight seemed to cast an ominous glow and the air was thick with an unseen threat.
*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