NARRATOR*FLASHBACK*"You must marry the Luna from the Ice Claw pack," he said, his voice firm, his gaze fixed on anything but him. "To form a strong alliance between us and strengthen our bond," he added. It's for the pack. "There’s no one better suited for this than you, Thane," he continued, finally looking up at him for the first time since the conversation began."Why me?" Thane asked, his voice breaking with quiet desperation."You're the heir, Thane. "Look around you. "We need the Ice Claw on our side," he emphasized."This is one of the many sacrifices you’ll have to make for the good of the pack," he stated.In a few days, you will be announced as its new leader. It's time you stepped up your game. Let the people feel safe under your reign.""Only a Luna— royal blood—can rule beside you. "Not some dumbass librarian, what does she know about leadership and sacrifices?" he added casually, the words cutting deeper than any blade. "She’s no good for the pack." He ended dismissive
I heard the loud voice from where I hid, and I knew it was game over. I had to run.“Get her!" I kicked against the door as hard as I could, bolting through it almost immediately. They were behind me, all four of them. I didn't stop running.The sound of grasses and twigs being trampled upon by our feets echoed through the night. My hands gripped the object in my hand tighter, as I kept running.“Stop!" One of them yelled. "Stop now, and we will let you go freely."Lies!I'm not a fool, and they're all liars. If their Alpha is a liar, then they are too.My heart ached as I thought about the situation that led me here. I had my doubts, but he overrode them, and made me fall in love with him, only to be rejected at the last minute when it actually mattered.Love sucks, but Alpha Thane sucks even more.A harsh voice pulled me out from my little “That book belongs to the pack, you can't take it. You theif!"I held unto it tighter. I'm not a thief! I ignored them as best as I could, putt
“I'm here to announce to everyone that your Alpha has found a mate. She's Alexa, from a pack that was once our rivals, but will now be joined together in this beautiful alliance."I was frozen into place, for over five minutes. I couldn't move, I couldn't speak, I couldn't think.I couldn't breathe.My eyes met his, and for a second, it felt like I had been restored, but only for a second. When I saw that same unusual far-fetched gaze settle in his eyes, I knew it was all over.“Thane…” How could you do this to me?He tore his eyes away from me, and it felt like a part of me was being torn apart. I'm dreaming, right? This isn't real.It can't be!I swallowed, finally finding my feet. Whispers were beginning to rise from every corner of the huge hall, everyone had something to say—their Alpha had found a mate afterall.If I stood there for one more second, I would probably lose my mind, so I turned and walked away. A part of me wished he would stop me, and tell me all of this was jus
The crackling sound of fire was the first thing I heard, the scent of herbs and charred wood heavy in the air.The room was dim, the flickering orange light casting shifting shadows along stone walls carved with symbols — ancient ones, some I recognized from the very book I’d risked my life to steal.I bolted upright, pain lancing through my shoulder.“You’re awake.”The voice was deep, but not unkind. A man stepped from the shadows, his face partially obscured by a hood. His scent was unfamiliar — neither part of Thane’s pack nor any of the neighboring clans. Rogue, maybe?“Who are you?” My voice came out hoarse, raw from breathing in too much smoke.He crossed his arms above the other. “Your saviour?"My eyes narrowed in confusion. “Those guys didn't seem willing to take it easy on you. A thank you would be nice at this point." He said.The air seemed to hum between us. “I know you saved me, thank you. But that won't stop me from asking who the hell are you?" I said, my voice coming
"Alpha Thane,” the Head Chief's voice echoed in the huge meeting room which suddenly seemed too small. "Our librarian here, Ms Mira, claims that you are her mate— that you have been all along— and you two had a secret relationship going on already. By any chance, is any of this true?"I stood in the center of the room, my palms clammy at my sides, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it. The council, ten in total, sat in a semi-circle, their faces expectant, their eyes shifting between me and the man I thought was mine.Thane sat directly across from me, his broad shoulders hunched slightly, fingers digging into the armrest of his chair. Beside him, too close for comfort, sat her — Alexa, the witch with the serpent’s smile.I raised my chin, just a little. My eyes found Thane’s, and for a fleeting moment, I saw it — hesitation, doubt, and underneath all of it, guilt. The silence stretched too long, and each second felt like a knife carving into my chest.The Head
The ground beneath me pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat matching my own. I could feel the earth, the air, the life pulsing through every root, every tree, every soul within reach."What am I?" I whispered. “What is happening to me?" Della stepped closer, her expression gentler now. "That’s a question only you can answer, Mira. But you’re not just a wolf. And you’re not just your mother’s daughter.""What does that mean?" My voice rose, but she only gave me that same unreadable smile.The clearing was silent, save for the soft crackling of the torches placed around the perimeter and the rustle of leaves dancing in the evening breeze. Through the corner of my eyes, I saw creatures gather, their eyes and undivided attention all on me, and it only made me want to disappear even more.Della was hovering above me, her voice echoing in my head, probing and intense. “Tell me what you feel, Mira."It—whatever it was—was starting to overwhelm me. It kept swirling like an over-agigated turnado,
“What?" I blurted out.Luca appeared behind me, his movements so stealthy that I didn't notice him, until he spoke. “Try again, Mother."She glanced at him. “My spell cannot be wrong. But I will nevertheless."She began again, twirling her hands as a blue glowing back formed again. Her concentration was unbreakable, and her lips moving as she muttered inaudible words. After what felt like ages, she stopped, the glow disappearing into thin air.“What did you see?" I asked hurriedly.“It's the same thing." She held my eyes. "The Aurora's seal is in Alpha Thane's territory.”Wow! “That's strange. Don't they know that the seal is there?" Luca asked.His mother shook her head. “I'm guessing they don't. It was hidden very well, I can tell. She must have given it to a very trusted person, because it wasn't me." Something flashed in her voice, but I was too engulfed in my thoughts to fathom what it was.“We have to get the ring before they figure it out!" Della said.I turned to her, feeling
“What is it with that book anyway that the Alpha wants it back so badly. It’s just an ordinary book!” the other said sounding a little cowardly and ignorant.I turned and spared Luca a glance, he was listening to them intently and I figured that’s what I must do too.“Shhh!” the wolf paused, “You don’t spill words like that.” He warned. “That book is a a very important book and contains all the magic spells used in the ancient history of magic. It contains one of the most powerful spell chants and Alexa needs that book as well.” He explained gritting.I wanted to reposition myself and didn’t know when I stepped on a twig. It cracked sound was like a trumpet through the quiet forest. The two wolves stopped talking immediately and listened, their ears straightening and inclining to the direction of the sound One sniffed the air. “I smell her.” He said sniffing some more taking steady but calculative strides towards me.My heart skipped a bit as I was afraid of being caught. I didn’t kn
NARRATOR*FLASHBACK*"You must marry the Luna from the Ice Claw pack," he said, his voice firm, his gaze fixed on anything but him. "To form a strong alliance between us and strengthen our bond," he added. It's for the pack. "There’s no one better suited for this than you, Thane," he continued, finally looking up at him for the first time since the conversation began."Why me?" Thane asked, his voice breaking with quiet desperation."You're the heir, Thane. "Look around you. "We need the Ice Claw on our side," he emphasized."This is one of the many sacrifices you’ll have to make for the good of the pack," he stated.In a few days, you will be announced as its new leader. It's time you stepped up your game. Let the people feel safe under your reign.""Only a Luna— royal blood—can rule beside you. "Not some dumbass librarian, what does she know about leadership and sacrifices?" he added casually, the words cutting deeper than any blade. "She’s no good for the pack." He ended dismissive
Luca reached out to hug me but since our hands were bound, we greeted each other by pressing our temples against each other—and for a brief, precious moment, it felt like all hope was not completely lost.“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you,” he said, lifting his head. Regret and sadness clouded his eyes like a mist.“Oh, Luca,” I said, my voice tender, merely a whisper. I cupped his face in my hands tenderly and looked at his withdrawn eyes. “It wasn’t your fault,” I said, trying to console him.He shook his head, gently pushing me away, he lowered it once more.“It is,” he muttered, shrinking, curling himself into a round ball. “I couldn’t even save Mother.” His voice cracked, and tears brimmed in his eyes. “I watched her get killed.” The tears fell off his eyes like a scar.I stayed silent, my heart aching for him. There were no words that could soothe a pain like his… the pain of watching someone you love so dearly die.I understood how sad this was for him. I would feel the
Nathan laughed—a cold laugh. “You call this power? This is you selling your soul for a taste!”“ENOUGH!” Alexa’s voice boomed, the ground trembling as magic pulsed from her.“I've had enough of this pep talk with you.” She said, “Enough stalling!”“Now back to what I really came for and if you try to stop me again, then I promise you, I won't play nice.” she threatened."I don't bloody care!!" He growled and lodged at her with great speed but she already saw him coming.She stretched her hand, exuding dark violent fumes at her fingertips... she held him in a still bubble mid air and with a twist of a finger, she crushed all the bones in his body, all his joints went cracking, torn—all in a single bend of the finger.My heart sank.Nathan growled in pain under such torment and when she finally released him. He fell to the ground, a loud and heavy thud. It got the earth shaking and vibrating for a second."Nathan!” I yelled and ran to him. I didn't want to lose anyone else tonight.Ale
She groaned, her lungs gasping for air as she looked at me, water trailing off the corner of her eyes. She stammered…blood oozing from the side of her lips. “Mira…” I heard her say in a low whisper.“Guard the seal!” she said, “Safe… keep the seal. Luca, keep him—” she sighed, releasing the last air before her eyes rolled to the back of her head, closing shut and just like that, she was gone.I screamed in pain, clinging her body to my chest tightly. I cried uncontrollably.Luca heard me scream and turned to look, it was then he realized it was his mother. He saw me crying over her with her body in my arms.He was traumatized and weak, his sword slipped through his hands and fell to the ground and that’s when the enemy army overpowered him.I didn’t realize I was screaming until my throat burned yet I couldn't stop.“Mira!” a voice called in a loud whisper. “Let’s get out of here!” “Do you want to get killed out here?” it reprimanded. “Follow me, I know a way out!.” He added, eyes
“Mum…” I protested, gasping for air and freedom. She loosened her grip and apologized, planting a soft kiss on my forehead.I loved it—I loved hugs, I loved being in her arms—but something about today felt different.It felt like a goodbye.I was scared.She took me to my father. He came closer and stayed in front of us while she carried me in her arms. He looked at me with worried eyes.“My princess,” he said, as he fondly called me, pressing his forehead unto mine. “I love you.” he muttered.I smiled and held his face playfully, pulling his blonde hair. "Ouch!” He feigned a look and chuckled, but there was something about his laughter.It wasn’t excitement. It wasn't free, it wasn't wholesome. It was bitterness laced with something else.Something deeper.“What’s going on daddy? Mummy?” I asked, sensing the tension between the two of them. They exchanged glances—a look that said more than words could ever—then mother broke down in tears. She collapsed into father’s arms, sobbing
Luca returned, armor strapped, sword in hand. He went to Della’s side. “What now?”“I’m going to try to reinforce the barrier,” she said. “But we’ll need time. If she breaks through before I finish... there will be no hiding anymore. We will have to fight back! Protect Mira with all you have. She is our only hope for redemption.” She instructed.Luca gave a nod. He turned to me, “I told you before. Stay behind me.” I gave a sharp nod like my life depended on it.He held my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.We have no idea what was going to come after now but this was war.Back at the center of the village, Cara rallied the others—warriors, magicians, even those who had long forgotten how to fight.They all knew: the end of hiding meant the beginning of war.I stood between Luca and Della, my heart out in my palms. A thousand thoughts swirled in my mind, but one thing was clear. My presence here had brought the threat to our doorstep. I couldn’t run anymore.“Della,” I said, my voice
His toned chest was likened to that of an athlete, the water trailing down his sculpted form. I imagined my hands brushing over his torso, my lips kissing off the wetness—desire.Suddenly, I seemed to forget how to breathe.Goodness, he’s beautiful! I gasped between breaths, biting my lower lip unconsciously.“Mira!” he snapped his fingers in her face, voice sharp and weighty.I blinked hard, caught red-handed in my daze. “Yes!” I replied quickly, my voice soft barely a whisper—too soft, like a submissive partner.He paused, his jaw tightened. He held a breath and closed his eyes, groaning inside, trying to bade away the thoughts, his well built flesh responding to me, hardening. His body responded to my eyes, too well—but now wasn’t the time.He left me, else he might just lose his mind and lose control. He ran to get himself cleaned and got dressed.He turned, running a hand through his wet hair, trying to banish the rising heat. He needed control. He needed to banish the thoughts
Alexa narrowed her eyes, lips pressing into a thin line. This chase was growing tedious. She refused to let it spiral into a game of chance, going round in circles because of a powerless girl. It was time to shift tactics.She raised both of her hands. Dark, shadowy energy began to swirl between her fingers like a round ball, forming a massive orb of glowing violet flames, black and unstable, thrumming with menace. She whispered incantations, low and incomprehensive. They escaped her lips, ancient and intelligible, not meant for mortal ears.The orb hurled with sharp thrust towards the forest.It streaked violently across the sky, leaving behind a glowing trail of destruction, it came down quickly and tore through the trees as it homed in on its target—guided by magic, rage, and a name etched into it's very soul:Mira.As the violent trail of energy scorched through the forest, carving a burning path through it. Trees bent and splintered in its fury, animals fled, and even the wind s
“Let me see your wounds,” I said, reaching for the towel on a flab beside the tub and a small jar of healing herbal ointment I found there as well, he must've kept them there to use them on himself. He lifted his arm first—scratches, a gash on his side, purple bruises forming along his ribs and collarbone. I bit the inside of my cheek as I gently dabbed at the injuries, cleaning them with care.Then his back.“You know,” I said quietly, focusing on the gash near his shoulder blade, “you didn’t have to fight him because of me. I was already going to stop talking to him. Besides…we are just friends. I bet he fought you to spur you.” I didn't know when I chuckled to myself.A spark of frustration flickered in his tired blue eyes as he turned his head to look at me.“You don’t see what I see, Mira,” he said in a hush whisper. “He was slowly winning your heart. I couldn’t just wait around and watch that happen.”I sighed, pausing for a second before resuming with the ointment. “No. But y