Avery’s Point of ViewKaiden’s gaze didn’t waver, and I felt myself getting lost in it. Panic bubbled inside me. Before he could say another word, I blurted, “I need some air. Excuse me.”Without waiting for a response, I turned and hurried out of the hall, my heart pounding in my chest. I found myself in the garden, the cool night air offering a momentary reprieve. I walked deeper into the garden, past the neatly trimmed hedges and blooming flowers, searching for a quiet place where I wouldn’t be easily found.Leaning against a tree, I tried to catch my breath. “What’s wrong with you?” I muttered to myself, scolding my reflection in a nearby fountain’s water. “Why did you suddenly feel speechless and breathless around him?”I paced, shaking my head as if to rid myself of the memory of his gaze. “Get it together, Avery,” I said firmly, but my cheeks still felt hot.“Running away from me?”The deep, familiar voice made me jump. Whirling around, I found myself face-to-face with Kaiden.
Avery’s Point of ViewAs I bolted out of the garden, my breath coming in ragged gasps, I barely noticed the darkened path ahead of me. My only focus was putting as much distance as possible between myself and the intoxicating presence of Kaiden.But then I collided with something or rather, someone.“Sorry,” I muttered, not even looking up as I tried to keep moving.A firm hand grabbed my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. “Wait,” a soft yet familiar voice said.I froze, my heart still racing as the person turned me to face them. My breath hitched the moment I saw her.“Avery?” she gasped, her eyes widening in recognition.It took a moment for my own shock to subside, but as I took in the woman standing before me, realization dawned. “Aliyah?” I whispered, my voice filled with disbelief. “Is it really you?”A wide smile spread across her face as she nodded. “It’s me!”I blinked, momentarily lost for words. Aliyah had been one of the very few people in the Krypta Clan who had ever truly
Avery’s Point of ViewJust as I was about to move from where I stood, my name rang out in the quiet night.“Avery!”I turned, startled, to see Laura’s face come into view. She was jogging toward me, her expression a mix of concern and relief. “I’ve been looking for you! Where have you been?”For a moment, I froze, my face heating as the memory of Kaiden’s intoxicating presence flashed in my mind. The way his touch lingered, the intensity in his eyes, it all came rushing back, and I knew my flushed cheeks betrayed me.“I…. uh, I was out here for some fresh air,” I stammered, hoping the dim light would hide my reddening face.Laura raised an eyebrow but didn’t push. Instead, she sighed, falling into step beside me. “I saw what happened earlier,” she said softly. “I’m sorry you had to face Maya.”“It’s fine,” I replied quickly, shrugging it off even though the encounter still stung. Maya’s venomous words were nothing new, nothing compared to what I had faced, but they still had a way of
Avery’s Point of ViewAliyah took a deep breath, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Avery… your father is dead.”The words hit me like a physical blow, and for a moment, the world seemed to tilt on its axis. My grip on her hand tightened as my breath caught in my throat. “What…?” I whispered, the single word filled with disbelief.Aliyah nodded, her own tears threatening to spill. “I’m so sorry, Avery. I didn’t know how else to tell you.”My vision blurred as the truth sank in, and a deep, gut-wrenching grief overwhelmed me.Even though he had been far from the best father, distant and strict to the point of cruelty at times, he was still my father. The news of his death weighed on me heavily, and I found myself grappling with emotions I didn’t fully understand.Aliyah’s hand remained on mine, offering silent comfort. “Avery,” she said softly, breaking the silence. “I know your relationship with him wasn’t easy and far from the best, but losing a parent… it’s never simple.”I nod
Maya’s Point of View“Arghh!” I screamed, my voice echoing off the walls as I grabbed the nearest bottle from my vanity table and hurled it across the room. The glass shattered against the wall, the sharp sound only fueling the fire raging in my chest. I didn’t stop there. One by one, I swept everything off the vanity, perfumes, brushes, and jewelry sending them clattering to the floor.How could he? How dare he?My breath came in short, furious bursts as I paced the room, my fists clenched so tightly that my nails dug painfully into my palms. The scene from the party played over and over in my mind like a nightmare I couldn’t escape. Kaiden, my Kaiden, had humiliated me in front of everyone, because of her.That lowlife. That nobody.I gritted my teeth, my jaw aching from the pressure as I fought to contain the whirlwind of emotions tearing me apart. “He made me kneel,” I muttered under my breath, the memory igniting a fresh wave of fury. “In front of everyone… for her.”Who the hell
Maya’s Point of ViewThe world seemed to shatter around me.I stumbled back, my knees giving out as I fell to the ground. My breath came in shallow gasps, my vision blurring with disbelief. My mind screamed that this wasn’t real, that it couldn’t be.‘He’s never kissed me’The thought was like poison, seeping through my veins as a bitter memory surfaced.It was months ago, in Kaiden’s chambers. I’d gone there under the pretense of spending the night with him. I’d thought that maybe, finally, we could be closer, that he might see me the way I’d always wanted him to.I had leaned in, my heart racing, desperate for a kiss, a connection. But before our lips could meet, he pushed me away, his expression cold and unyielding.“Don’t.” His voice was harsh, almost cruel. “I don’t want this, Maya.”The sting of rejection had burned, but his next words cut even deeper.“You should leave.”The memory was like a slap in the face, bringing me back to the present. My gaze snapped back to the stables
Avery’s Point of ViewI was brushing Star’s coat, humming softly to myself, when I felt a light touch on my shoulder. Startled, I jerked back, nearly dropping the brush. Spinning around, my breath caught.There, standing just inches away, was Kaiden. His piercing eyes held mine, a playful glint dancing in them. How did he get so close without me noticing? My mind raced, but my body betrayed me, freezing under his intense gaze.“Kaiden?” I managed to whisper, my heart pounding.He smirked, the curve of his lips sharp enough to slice through my resolve. “Miss me, Snowy?”Snowy. That nickname always sent a strange flutter through my chest, no matter how much I tried to ignore it.“What are you doing here?” I demanded, clutching the brush like it was some kind of weapon.“Isn’t it obvious?” he said, leaning casually against the stable door. “I came to see you.”I gaped at him, struggling to form a coherent thought. “You… You shouldn’t be here. What if someone sees us?”Kaiden’s smirk deep
Kaiden’s Point of ViewI smiled faintly as the memory of the stables played in my mind. Avery’s laughter had been soft, genuine, and the way her eyes sparkled when she smiled, it was something I couldn’t forget. The feel of her lips on mine sent a wave of warmth through me, making me exhale deeply."You’re thinking about her again, aren’t you?," Slade’s voice echoed in my mind, teasing and smug."Not now, Slade," I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose."Oh, no, no, no, no. We’re talking about this, you don’t get to shut me out. You kissed her, Kaiden. How does it feel to hold our mate, hmm? To taste her lips?"I groaned, wishing I could shove his voice out of my head. "She’s not our mate."Slade snorted. "Keep telling yourself that, you stubborn fool. That bond you’re feeling? That pull? That’s not just some fling, Kaiden. That’s fate.""It doesn’t matter," I replied sharply. "Even if there’s something there, she’s not marked, and I can’t…..""You’re scared," Slade interrupted, hi
Maya’s Point Of ViewThe words hit me like a slap. The mist around us seemed to freeze in place. I just stared at Dal, blinking, my breath hitching in my throat as I tried to make sense of what I had just heard.A ball. Next week. The Alpha revealing his Luna. To the entire Aethoria.My mind reeled, staggering under the weight of it.Wait… Wait, wait, wait.Kaden was back. Kaden, the man I had loved with every breath in my body. The man whose absence had carved a hollowed-out ache inside my chest so deep it sometimes felt like I wouldn’t survive it. The man whose name had been the only thing keeping me tethered to the ground during the darkest nights.And now… Now he was back, and his first act was to announce his Luna? Not just to the pack… no, that would have been bad enough, but to the whole of Aethoria? The entire kingdom?"How?" I whispered hoarsely, almost to myself. "How is that possible?"The air grew heavy, pressing down on me until it felt like I was drowning in it. I swayed
Maya’s Point Of ViewThe rain was tapping against my windowpane, a soft, persistent rhythm that filled the heavy silence of my room. The dim light from the bedside lamp cast a muted golden glow across the room, stretching long shadows along the walls. I sat there on the edge of my bed, my arms wrapped tightly around my knees, staring blankly at the floor.I should've been sleeping. I should've at least tried to rest. But Kaiden’s face haunted my mind, those dark, emerald green eyes, the set of his jaw, the way he looked at me like I was the only person in the world that mattered. Damn him. Damn him for getting under my skin, for making me feel this way.I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the memories away, but it was no use. Every breath I took, every beat of my heart seemed to echo his name. A sharp knock shattered the stillness. I flinched violently, my heart leaping into my throat. My head snapped toward the door. I sat frozen for a second, staring at it as if it might burst open at
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewThe silence after Dalton’s humiliation still clung to the air like smoke. I remained standing at the foot of the throne, arms loosely at my sides, gaze sweeping over the Elders seated before me.None dared speak first.Good.I allowed the silence to stretch, to remind them all who commanded this room—not just by title, but by right. When I finally moved, it was with the slow, deliberate grace of a predator who had already decided the outcome of the hunt."Now," I said, voice low, "let us proceed."Lucia, the eldest among them, cleared her throat lightly. "Your Highness," she began cautiously, "regarding the Luna... have you considered the arrangements for her presentation?"A few Elders nodded eagerly, desperate to move away from the tension Dalton had dragged in. Elder Roman spoke next, voice slightly strained. "It is customary, Your Highness, that the Luna be presented with all honor and grandeur befitting her station.""And perhaps," Elder Winona added quickl
CHAPTER NINETY-TWOKaiden’s Point Of ViewThe weight of the Elders' eyes pressed in like a tide, steady and ancient. Their bows lingered, but as I gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment, they slowly straightened, murmuring among themselves.“Your Highness… truly,” Elder Varo said, his voice a rasp of disbelief and reverence. “After all this time…”“You grace us,” another added, placing a palm against his chest. “The Pack is honored by your presence once more.”I sat atop the throne, shrouded in shadow, one leg crossed over the other, forearms resting lightly on the golden arms of the seat. My presence demanded silence and they gave it, trembling beneath the weight of it.Only once the final syllable of their greeting faded into the air did I speak, voice low but steady, each word dipped in command.“You may rise.”One by one, they shuffled to their designated seats in the stone semicircle, robes billowing behind them like fading shadows. Their movements were precise, dignified but I coul
Kaiden’s Point Of ViewI stepped onto the main path of the pack and immediately felt the shift in atmosphere.The air buzzed not from power, not even from anticipation, but from the sheer awareness of my presence.Eyes turned. Whispers started.The moment I passed by the warrior training field, every single one of them halted mid-motion. The clang of swords stopped. Feet paused mid-stride. Heads turned. “Your Highness,” a young she-wolf stammered, dropping into a bow. The others followed suit, some in shock, others in stiff, respectful awe.I gave them a short nod, acknowledging their greetings, and continued towards the Pack Hall. But none of them moved until I was already halfway down the path.Even in my absence, the pack was in perfect shape… buildings maintained, patrols running in rhythm, no air of disarray or neglect. I knew who to credit, even if my pride didn’t want to admit it. Caspian.He’d held it down like the true beta he was. Efficient, strict, and downright obsessive a
Avery’s Point Of View“Time they see that you’re alive.”I stared at him, my breath catching in my throat. “You’re not a secret. You’re not hidden. You’re mine, Avery. And it’s time the whole world sees that.” My fingers trembled in his grasp, and for a long second, I just blinked at him, the words echoing in my ears like a drumbeat.“Kaiden…” I whispered, my voice barely there. “And also,” he added, his voice dropping into something deeper, something almost primal, “it’s time they know you’re my mate. My Luna.”I felt the world pause.My chest tightened, lips parting in a small gasp as the full weight of his words slammed into me.“Your… Luna?” I echoed, wide-eyed. He nodded slowly, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand. “It’s not just about going back. It’s about announcing it. All of it. You. Me. Everything they never expected.”I felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. Not just alive. Not just returned. But standing at his side as his equal. As the Luna of the pack th
Avery’s Point Of ViewI exhaled slowly, brushing my fingers along his collarbone, feeling the steady thrum of his pulse beneath my touch. His skin was warm, like sunbaked stone, and his body radiated heat even through the sliver of space between us.“I was having a peaceful moment,” I whispered. “And now you’re having me.” He caught my wrist and kissed the inside, slowly. “You were humming. Happy. I like you like this.”“I like me like this.”“I love you like this,” he murmured into my skin. The words hit harder than I expected. I blinked up at him, lips parting. He smiled, soft but wicked. “Don’t go all misty-eyed on me, Snowy.”“I’m not misty-eyed. I’m just…”“Falling for me harder?” he teased, nudging my nose with his. “Already done. You were asking to be kissed.”“Was I?” His voice dropped, dark and dangerous. “You always are.” I laughed and smacked his chest, but it was hopeless. My heart was a mess of fireflies in a jar, wings fluttering with no rhythm, just wild chaos.Something
Avery’s Point Of ViewThe soft bubbling of stew filled the kitchen, a gentle, almost hypnotic rhythm that echoed my heartbeat. I stood barefoot in front of the stove, humming an old melody I didn’t even recognize. The tune danced lazily from my lips as I stirred the pot, watching warm steam curl around me like a misty lover wrapping itself around bare skin.The scent of roasted garlic, wild onions, herbs Kaiden had handpicked himself from the garden... it all mingled into something intoxicating. Comforting. Like home. Like a life I never thought I’d be allowed to have.Sunlight streamed through the wide kitchen windows, golden and thick, kissing the countertops, slipping over the wooden floors, and catching in the coppery strands of my hair. The beams painted streaks of honey across my skin as I moved, sleeves rolled up to my elbows, the hem of Kaiden’s shirt brushing dangerously high up my thighs.His shirt.It drowned me, and yet I felt more naked in it than I ever had wearing nothi
Sophia’s Point Of ViewThe door slammed shut behind me with a finality that echoed through the silence like a death knell.My back hit the door as I collapsed against it, gasping for breath like someone who had nearly drowned. My chest ached… physically ached as if something vital had been ripped from within me. I clutched the fabric over my heart, hoping in vain that the pressure would stop it from breaking further.But it didn’t, and then the tears came. Hot. Silent. Devastating.I slid down the wooden frame, my legs folding beneath me like a marionette with its strings cut. My body trembled uncontrollably, fists pressed hard into my eyes, as if I could block out everything, his cold eyes, his cruel voice, the feel of his hands on my skin… not like before. Never like before.“Why…?” I whispered, my voice barely audible. I rocked slightly, the room spinning around me. “Why did you change like that, Julian?”The name alone cracked something deep inside me.“You weren’t like this,” I br