LOGINRiven’s expression hardened. “My ancestor, Kaelthorn, once wiped out an entire pack… erased them from history. When I was young, I asked why we couldn’t do it again.” A bitter smirk touched his lips. “Every time I asked, I was met with the same warning: The cursed blood beast must never be awakened. That was Kaelthorn’s decree. No wars with gods, wolves, or witches. No bloodshed to stir the beast that sleeps beneath our veins.”He leaned forward slightly, his eyes gleaming with a feral glint. “But during my uncle’s war against Lucien… something did awaken,” Riven murmured, his voice carrying the weight of both revelation and madness. “I felt it… burning inside me. A hunger that wasn’t mine. Something ancient, savage… alive. The cursed blood beast is awakened in my veins.”Kade’s brows furrowed, his tone dropping into a wary growl. “The cursed blood beast?”Riven’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Dormant for generations,” he said softly. “But after the war, it stirred. From the marrow
Alpha Kade mounted his horse and rode out from the Crescent Moon Pack.His cloak whipped in the wind as he crossed valleys, and wild forests. What began as a single day’s ride stretched into four relentless days. The path wound through shadowed woods and barren hills, where the air grew colder and the silence heavier. Each night, he camped beneath strange skies, haunted by the cries of unseen beasts and the scent of blood lingering in the earth.By the fourth day, the forests thinned into harsh, jagged terrain. The horizon bled red beneath a dying sun as the Red Moon Pack’s territory came into view. Home of the young Alpha who had dared propose an alliance against Lucien.By the time Kade reached the territory, the sun had sunk lower. The scent of iron and ash clung faintly to the air. Soldiers in red armor guarded the gates, their eyes sharp and disciplined. This was not a pack that played with peace.Kade reined his horse at the foot of the great fortress, its towers rising like jag
Elia sat cross-legged on the chair, arms folded, watching as Anana rummaged through her little wooden chest of cosmetics like a crazy artist preparing for battle.Elia raised a finger sternly with an exaggerated sigh. “Before you begin, just so you know… I’m fragile. Both emotionally and facially.”“Oh, don’t worry,” Anana said sweetly, gathering her small chest of cosmetics on the table. “I won’t bruise your pride. I’ll just paint over it.”That earned a snort from Elia, who leaned back and shut her eyes as Anana began.Within moments, the room was filled with giggles, muffled laughs, and the faint clinking of brushes and jars. Every time Anana leaned in, her hand trembled from her trying so hard not to laugh.“Hold still!” Anana said through fits of suppressed laughter as she dabbed an extremely bright color across Elia’s cheeks.“I am holding still!” Elia protested, her voice half-muffled by laughter. “What in the goddess’s name are you putting on my face? It smells like… fruit and
Elia stood beside Anana in the sunlit courtyard, her excitement was impossible to contain; it practically sparkled in her eyes. “So,” she began eagerly, bouncing on her toes, “what adventure are we having today?”Anana’s lips curved into a mischievous smile. She leaned in close, her head slowly tilting as her black hair caught the light. Her voice lowered as though she were about to reveal a great secret. “There’s a place I found,” she whispered, “and I think you’ll absolutely love it.”Elia’s eyes lit up, her whole face lighting with curiosity. “Where?” she asked, leaning in even closer, her whole body practically vibrating with curiosity.Anana paused, letting the suspense hang just long enough to make Elia pout. Then, with a knowing grin, she said softly, “When Lucien and I went hunting months ago, we passed a spot deep in the forest… an entire clearing filled with every kind of herb imaginable.”Elia’s gasp was dramatic. “Herbs?” she squeaked, eyes wide as the word alone sent her
The morning light spilled softly through the corridor where Anana and Elia stood. Anana leaned close slowly, her voice a whisper of mischief. “Elia, do you know,” she began, her lips curving in a secret smile, “that the sweetest bread in the whole Crimson Blood Pack comes from the Master’s oven himself? Golden crust, soft as clouds, and sweet enough to make you forget your name.”Elia’s eyes widened like a child hearing a fairytale. “Really?” she gasped. “The sweetest in the whole pack?”Anana nodded solemnly. “Mm-hmm. I’ve tried… oh, I’ve tried… to sneak one for myself. But the Master of the Kitchen always catches me.” She laughed, the sound soft and warm. “You’d think being Luna gives me some power there, but no. That man guards his bread like treasure. Still…” Her eyes glinted. “It’s on my bucket list to steal just one, without him knowing.”Elia grinned, puffing her chest. “Then I’ll do it! I’ll steal that bread without being caught.”Anana chuckled, shaking her head. “Elia, noth
The older warrior’s jaw tightened, but he obeyed, drawing his sword and facing the boy. The younger one paled, gripping his weapon with both hands.“Do not hold back,” Lucien ordered, his tone brooking no argument.Steel clashed as the older warrior lunged, the boy stumbling back, blocking poorly, his footing clumsy. Twice, three times, the older warrior pressed him, each blow sending sparks and dust into the air. Finally, with a sharp strike, the boy’s sword flew from his hands, clattering to the dirt. He fell to one knee, chest heaving, fear raw in his eyes.Lucien’s boots carried him forward, and he stared down at the boy. “On the battlefield, hesitation is death. Weakness is not a wound that heals… it is a rot that spreads and kills your brothers beside you. If you cannot fight without fear, you are already dead.”He looked at the older warrior. “Again. Strike him barehanded.”The boy’s eyes widened in panic, but the older warrior lunged, his fist crashing against the boy’s jaw. T







