Elena POV The moment I stepped out of my room and started down the silent corridor, a slight chill raced across my skin. Even before I reached Sophia’s chamber, I could feel something shifting in the air, as though fate had finally begun to rearrange the pieces of its long-awaited plan. Somewhere deep inside me, I had always known this day would come. From the very first second I heard what happened in the Black Mountain Pack, I knew Dino would come for her. It wasn’t just a wild guess, it was the kind of certainty that came from instincts sharpened by the blood of an Alpha and the eyes of a sister. Still, seeing him standing there waiting felt strangely surreal. I exhaled quietly and placed my palm against Sophia’s closed door before pushing it open. She was sitting on the edge of her bed, her hair falling loosely around her shoulders, staring at nothing in particular. There was exhaustion in her eyes, a weariness that reminded me of how long and dreadful her journey to this
Dino POV Morning came with a gentle hush, the kind of quiet that settles over unfamiliar places and makes every sound feel louder than it should. For a moment I simply sat up on the cold ground, glancing cautiously at the strangers who had shared this remote spot with me through the night. Thankfully, they had turned out to be harmless hunters caught on the same rough path. We exchanged a few polite smiles and a couple of words nothing more, before we each went our separate ways. But as soon as I climbed back onto the horse and the morning air hit my face, something strange happened. A sudden rush of warmth spread through my chest, like sunlight cracking through a dark sky. I couldn’t explain it. I had spent nights upon nights filled with guilt and regret, tormented by thoughts of what I should have said, what I should have done before Sophia walked out of my life. But right now—even with the aches in my bones and the long road behind me, there was a wild, growing joy inside
Elena POV The soft ray of sunlight flashed through the tall balcony window, brushing gently over my face and announcing the arrival of morning. I stirred slightly, blinking the sleep from my eyes, wanting to sit up, but the heavy weight of a familiar arm tightened around my waist, holding me in place as though I would suddenly vanish if he let go. Hmm…... Lykan’s voice was still hoarse with sleep, vibrating against my shoulder as he pulled me closer. Isn’t it too early to leave your husband all alone in bed? A small laugh slipped past my lips, even as my heart warmed instantly at his words. Really? I muttered, looking over my shoulder to catch his sleepy face. So you’ve turned to little Cael now? You suddenly need me to stay in bed with you too? He didn’t let go. Instead, he lifted his head a little, eyes sleepy but sparkling as they met mine. I’m more than Cael, he replied in that playful, teasing tone that always made my chest flutter. He even winked at me, and despite mysel
Dino’s POV The deeper we rode into the northern wilderness, the more I realized why most wolves would rather confront their enemies than embark on this journey. The night here was different, thicker, almost alive. The wind carried stories that were not meant for the faint-hearted, and each step my horse took seemed to echo across a barren, endless land. For hours, we rode in silence. Even the horse rider beside me had stopped humming that lighthearted tune he’d been singing when we left. His hands trembled slightly as he held the reins, though he kept trying to steady himself every time our eyes met. I didn’t blame him; I was scared, too. But I couldn’t show it. A king doesn’t tremble before the dark. We’re almost there, I said firmly, even though I wasn’t sure we were. Just keep moving, the black mountain shouldn’t be far from this ridge. He nodded. Yes. We pressed on. But after another long mile, the road vanished underneath us. The path was swallowed by thick, unforgivin
Lykan's POV Most times, it's best to choose peace over a storm, but tonight, peace felt distant. Elena had broken down completely after that heated exchange with Mira. I had watched her yell, watched her emotions spiral out of control, and then watched her crumble like a tower shaken to its core. Something was haunting about seeing the strongest person you know, your Luna, your queen, fall apart from within. She was trying to stay composed, but the silent sobs had given her away. I didn’t say a word as I bent down and carried her in my arms, holding her like something fragile, something precious. Her tears soaked through my shirt, warm and heart-wrenching. I walked us to our room, shutting the door quietly behind us. She still hadn’t stopped sobbing. My Luna, I whispered as I sat on the edge of the bed with her in my arms. No response. My beauty queen, I said again, hoping the warmth of those words would soften her. But she still said nothing. Instead, she slowly raised her hea
Lykan POV I carried Cael gently in my arms, his little head pressed against my chest. His breaths were soft, calm, and innocent. The hallway to his room was silent, the torches along the walls flickering quietly like tired sentinels keeping watch. All around us was stillness, but my mind was nowhere near still. Too many things were happening at once: Elena’s fragile reunion with Sophia, the growing tension in the air, and now, Mira. Cael stirred slightly when I laid him on his bed. A faint smile showed on his face, as though he were wrapped in a peaceful dream. I brushed my palm through his hair and adjusted the blanket over him. Sleep, little warrior, I whispered. You’ve seen enough for today. I waited for a few more seconds until I was sure he had settled completely. Then I stood, exhaled softly, and stepped out of the room, closing the door with a gentle click. As I made my way back to our chambers, my steps were steady but my thoughts were racing. Elena had be