Avery’s Point Of ViewThe cool night air brushed against my skin as I stood just outside the house, staring into the dark abyss of the forest. The trees loomed tall and silent, their branches swaying with the wind. I could almost hear them whispering secrets in the night, the rustle of leaves and the occasional distant howl from creatures roaming the shadows. But none of that registered in my mind. My thoughts were a chaotic swirl of uncertainty, fear, and anticipation.Kaiden still hadn’t come back.I’d been waiting for what felt like hours, pacing through the quiet halls of the house, trying to keep myself occupied with anything other than the growing knot in my stomach. He’d said it wouldn’t take long. He promised me it wouldn’t. So why was it taking so long? Why hadn’t he come back yet? What was keeping him?“What's keeping him?” I muttered to myself, barely louder than a whisper, as the weight of my thoughts pressed down on me like an invisible force.I looked up at the moon, its
Avery’s Point Of ViewThe weight of exhaustion pressed down on me, my mind foggy and clouded as I settled into Kaiden's bed. I tried to push the worry from my mind, but the darkness in my heart refused to let me rest. I curled up on his side of the bed, inhaling deeply, hoping to feel some sense of peace in his absence. His scent… earthy, comforting, undeniably him, filled my senses, and for a moment, I allowed myself to be lost in it.But the moment of solace was fleeting. My eyes fluttered shut, and before I knew it, I was drifting away.The world around me twisted, fading, until everything seemed to blur together, and the dark void swallowed me whole. I found myself standing in an open field, the wind biting at my skin. The night sky above was suffocating, filled with dark clouds swirling with angry energy. The air crackled, heavy with tension, as if something… someone, was about to come.My heart pounded in my chest, and my stomach churned with a sense of dread that I couldn’t sh
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe night was heavy with silence, broken only by the occasional whisper of the wind against the stone walls of the fortress. I stood by the massive arched window of my chambers, staring out at the endless stretch of wilderness beyond. The moon was high and full, casting a silver glow across the jagged landscape, but even its light couldn’t reach the darkness pooling in my chest.Avery.Her name was a prayer on my lips, a ghost in my mind. I could almost see her now — curled up in my bed, clutching my pillow, maybe huffing out a frustrated sigh because I hadn’t returned yet. The thought of her missing me, of her arms open and waiting for me when I returned, wrapped around my heart like a comforting flame. I smiled to myself, a soft, fleeting thing that barely brushed my lips.A sharp knock at the door shattered the fragile moment.I didn’t move. I already knew who it was… the guards. Their presence was as loud as a war drum even when they tried to be discreet. Wi
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe color drained from her face. Her lips parted, a soft whimper escaping as the full weight of her mistake slammed into her. "N-No…" she whispered, stepping back. I stalked toward her, slow, deliberate, every step like a drumbeat of doom."You touched her," I said, my voice low and deathly calm. "You dared to touch what belongs to me.""She betrayed us!" Maya cried, her voice shrill and broken, desperate now. "She betrayed you!""No," I said simply, as if I were correcting a child's math homework. "You betrayed me." The room felt like it was shrinking around her. Her back hit the wall, and she pressed herself against it, as if she could disappear into the stone.Her eyes darted toward the door, calculating, desperate for escape. "Kaiden, p-please," she stammered, her tears falling freely now. "I-I only did what I thought was right! I did it for you!"I loomed over her, my body blocking out the light, casting her in shadow. "For me?" I echoed, almost amused. "Yo
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe night air still clung to my skin as I dashed through the thick woods, each stride devouring the distance between me and her.My heart beat with a wild rhythm, not from the exertion… gods, no, but from the anticipation curling tighter and tighter inside me.I burst through the last stretch of forest, leaves scattering in my wake, and there it was — the small house tucked neatly under the starlit sky, warm lights glowing from inside like a beacon.My chest ached just looking at it. At what waited for me inside. I slowed my pace as I approached the door, brushing a hand down my clothes half-heartedly to knock off the dirt. I gripped the doorknob, twisting it open.The living room was… Empty. The lights were still on. The faint golden hue cast soft shadows against the furniture, the walls, and the forgotten blanket draped over the couch.It screamed of waiting. Of someone sitting up, long past when they should have slept, hoping — praying for someone to walk thr
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewHer hands clutched at my shirt, and she made a small, wounded sound that shattered me from the inside. "I swear it, Snowy," I murmured, moving my lips to her forehead, placing a reverent kiss there. "Even if the world falls apart, I will always find my way back to you.""You better," she whispered fiercely, her fingers fisting tighter against me. "Because if you don’t, I'll come drag you back myself." I laughed, a rough, broken sound, and crushed her closer, my arms aching with the need to keep her safe."Deal," I breathed.We sat like that for a long time, just holding each other, as if afraid the other would disappear if we let go. She pulled back a little after a while, eyes searching mine, vulnerable and fierce all at once."You scared me," she said, voice cracking again. "You idiot." I smiled sadly and pressed my forehead back to hers. "I know. And I'm sorry. I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you."She blinked, a few more tears spilling free. I
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe words echoed through my mind long after Slade’s voice faded into the silence.The curse. The darkness.It would come. But so would I. I stared down at the girl sleeping against my chest… my mate, my heart, my reason for breathing, and a fierce, almost primal need to protect her surged through me.No matter what happens, I swore silently. No matter what it takes... I will protect you, Avery. Even if it costs me everything. Even if it costs me myself.Slowly, I shifted, careful not to wake her. I cupped her face, feeling the delicate warmth of her skin under my palm. Her lashes fluttered slightly in her sleep, and she made a small, contented sound that squeezed my heart until it physically hurt.I dipped my head, brushing my lips over her forehead. Then her temple.Then her cheek. And finally, finally, her mouth. I kissed her softly, deeply, pouring every unspoken vow, every desperate promise into that kiss. She stirred faintly, her lips moving against mine in
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThirty minutes later, we stood outside in the training field behind the house.The morning air was cool and crisp, filled with the earthy scent of dew-covered grass and the faint rustle of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze. The sun was a low, molten gold on the horizon, casting a soft glow over everything, painting Avery’s hair in threads of silver and honey as she stood across from me.Arms crossed, chin tilted defiantly, she was the perfect picture of stubbornness and beauty. Her hair was tied up in a messy braid that somehow made her look even more irresistible. And gods, her outfit. Black, fitted workout clothes that clung to her like a second skin, highlighting every curve, every dip, and line of her body.I could barely focus.She noticed my stare instantly, her cheeks tinging a delicious shade of pink. "Stop staring," she muttered under her breath, fiddling with the hem of her top. I grinned wolfishly. "Not my fault you look so damn edible," I said shame
Maya’s Point Of ViewI couldn’t breathe for a second. The humiliation. The rage. The molten fire ripping under my skin, threatening to consume me whole.I would not let her win."He told me himself!" I snapped, my voice slicing through the thickening tension like a blade. I stomped forward so violently the designer let out a startled yelp, clutching her clipboard to her chest like a shield."He said I'm the only one fit to stand beside him!" I screamed, trembling with fury, my hands clenched into fists so tight my nails bit into my palms.Laura stood there, arms folded, completely unbothered. That damn smirk… that infuriating, mocking smirk, curled across her lips like she already knew the ending of a play I was fumbling through."Probably just trying to chase away a clinging little parasite," she said lightly, voice dripping with boredom, as if I was less than a fly buzzing near her ear.My blood boiled over."You…" I lunged at her, reckless, blinded by white-hot rage, my hand swingi
Maya’s Point Of ViewI watched, lounging like royalty, as Laura finally… finally, lifted her delicate hand and waved dismissively toward the designer. "You may attend to her," she said, her voice smooth but clearly edged with something cold. "I’ll wait."The designer hesitated, looking between us, visibly torn. I smirked wider, crossing my legs slowly, deliberately.As it should be. The future Luna didn’t wait for anyone.I rose from the chair in one graceful, commanding movement, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Every movement screamed power. Entitlement. Destiny."Come along now," I said breezily to the poor designer, who scurried ahead of me like a frightened rabbit. Jenna and Tasha, who had waited in the corridor, immediately fell in step beside me, their eyes shining with excitement.I tossed a look over my shoulder, giving Laura a smug little wave. "Pity," I said, voice dripping with faux sympathy. "You’ll get used to waiting behind me soon enough." The way La
Maya’s Point Of ViewWe cranked the volume up even louder, the music roaring through the house like a living thing. The maids wisely disappeared, or maybe fled, leaving us alone to bask in the madness. Wine flowed like water. Laughter echoed through the halls.We danced, wild, reckless dancing in our designer clothes, hair flying, glasses sloshing, makeup smudging, not caring about anything but the rush, the pure high of victory. At one point, Jenna climbed onto the coffee table, waving her glass over her head and shouting, "Long live Queen Maya!"Tasha and I howled with laughter, nearly collapsing onto the floor. I flopped down into a chair, breathless and giddy, my chest heaving. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Tasha plopped down beside me, still giggling, and leaned close."So," she said, voice dropping conspiratorially. "When's the big announcement?" I smirked. "Soon," I said, swirling the wine in my glass lazily. "I want it to be a moment. Big, public. No doubt left in anyon
Maya’s Point Of ViewI left the packhouse with my heart soaring so high, it felt like I could float. The moon bathed the grounds in a silver glow, and for once, everything… everything, felt exactly right. The door slammed behind me, and I practically skipped down the marble steps, my heels clicking with sharp satisfaction.I was going to be Luna.Not just some pretty little shadow hovering behind Kaiden. No, I would be his equal, his queen. I would finally take the place that had always been mine by right.I huffed out a laugh, half disbelief, half giddy euphoria, tossing my hair over my shoulder as I made my way to my sleek black car. Sliding into the leather seat, I ran a manicured hand through my hair and grinned at my reflection in the rearview mirror."Finally," I whispered to myself, voice trembling with elation. "Finally, Maya Pierce gets everything she deserves." I revved the engine and sped off, the scenery blurring past me as I drove toward my private house just off the pack
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThirty minutes later, we stood outside in the training field behind the house.The morning air was cool and crisp, filled with the earthy scent of dew-covered grass and the faint rustle of leaves stirred by a gentle breeze. The sun was a low, molten gold on the horizon, casting a soft glow over everything, painting Avery’s hair in threads of silver and honey as she stood across from me.Arms crossed, chin tilted defiantly, she was the perfect picture of stubbornness and beauty. Her hair was tied up in a messy braid that somehow made her look even more irresistible. And gods, her outfit. Black, fitted workout clothes that clung to her like a second skin, highlighting every curve, every dip, and line of her body.I could barely focus.She noticed my stare instantly, her cheeks tinging a delicious shade of pink. "Stop staring," she muttered under her breath, fiddling with the hem of her top. I grinned wolfishly. "Not my fault you look so damn edible," I said shame
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe words echoed through my mind long after Slade’s voice faded into the silence.The curse. The darkness.It would come. But so would I. I stared down at the girl sleeping against my chest… my mate, my heart, my reason for breathing, and a fierce, almost primal need to protect her surged through me.No matter what happens, I swore silently. No matter what it takes... I will protect you, Avery. Even if it costs me everything. Even if it costs me myself.Slowly, I shifted, careful not to wake her. I cupped her face, feeling the delicate warmth of her skin under my palm. Her lashes fluttered slightly in her sleep, and she made a small, contented sound that squeezed my heart until it physically hurt.I dipped my head, brushing my lips over her forehead. Then her temple.Then her cheek. And finally, finally, her mouth. I kissed her softly, deeply, pouring every unspoken vow, every desperate promise into that kiss. She stirred faintly, her lips moving against mine in
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewHer hands clutched at my shirt, and she made a small, wounded sound that shattered me from the inside. "I swear it, Snowy," I murmured, moving my lips to her forehead, placing a reverent kiss there. "Even if the world falls apart, I will always find my way back to you.""You better," she whispered fiercely, her fingers fisting tighter against me. "Because if you don’t, I'll come drag you back myself." I laughed, a rough, broken sound, and crushed her closer, my arms aching with the need to keep her safe."Deal," I breathed.We sat like that for a long time, just holding each other, as if afraid the other would disappear if we let go. She pulled back a little after a while, eyes searching mine, vulnerable and fierce all at once."You scared me," she said, voice cracking again. "You idiot." I smiled sadly and pressed my forehead back to hers. "I know. And I'm sorry. I'll spend the rest of my life making it up to you."She blinked, a few more tears spilling free. I
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe night air still clung to my skin as I dashed through the thick woods, each stride devouring the distance between me and her.My heart beat with a wild rhythm, not from the exertion… gods, no, but from the anticipation curling tighter and tighter inside me.I burst through the last stretch of forest, leaves scattering in my wake, and there it was — the small house tucked neatly under the starlit sky, warm lights glowing from inside like a beacon.My chest ached just looking at it. At what waited for me inside. I slowed my pace as I approached the door, brushing a hand down my clothes half-heartedly to knock off the dirt. I gripped the doorknob, twisting it open.The living room was… Empty. The lights were still on. The faint golden hue cast soft shadows against the furniture, the walls, and the forgotten blanket draped over the couch.It screamed of waiting. Of someone sitting up, long past when they should have slept, hoping — praying for someone to walk thr
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe color drained from her face. Her lips parted, a soft whimper escaping as the full weight of her mistake slammed into her. "N-No…" she whispered, stepping back. I stalked toward her, slow, deliberate, every step like a drumbeat of doom."You touched her," I said, my voice low and deathly calm. "You dared to touch what belongs to me.""She betrayed us!" Maya cried, her voice shrill and broken, desperate now. "She betrayed you!""No," I said simply, as if I were correcting a child's math homework. "You betrayed me." The room felt like it was shrinking around her. Her back hit the wall, and she pressed herself against it, as if she could disappear into the stone.Her eyes darted toward the door, calculating, desperate for escape. "Kaiden, p-please," she stammered, her tears falling freely now. "I-I only did what I thought was right! I did it for you!"I loomed over her, my body blocking out the light, casting her in shadow. "For me?" I echoed, almost amused. "Yo