LOGINKira still hadn’t calmed down by the time we returned to the manor.
The atmosphere throughout the territory felt heavy, as though the tension from earlier had seeped into the very air around us.
“Was I wrong for crashing out like that?” she asked quietly.
I took a moment before responding. “I’m not sure I’m the right person to ask.”
She began to explain anyway, “The first person I wanted to see
I couldn’t understand my mother’s reasoning. So, I quietly said, “Mother, as far as I’m aware, I’ve done my part for the family. I even have businesses in Verge City under your name. I’ve always been free to travel to our apartment there whenever I need to handle business, and I’ve never caused any trouble.” Panic flickered across my mother’s face. “Gwen, please forgive me. Lycans, wolves, and other species have never been allowed to attend the same school before. I was simply caught off guard.” She lowered her gaze. “Lycans have always been raised within our own territory, usually homeschooled by our elders. Verge City was only established recently to create a place where different species could live and learn together.” She hesitated. “I’m worried this might anger the King. He may see it as a threat to our kind.” “Then I’ll speak to the King myself,” I said. “No. Please don’t.” I sighed, unable to hide my frustration. “I will speak to him, Mother. I need to understand why
[Gwyneth] Sweat dripped from my skin as ragged breaths escaped my lips after days of spiritual training. I sat cross-legged in the heart of Oak Grove, a sacred sanctuary hidden deep within the mountains. Ancient oak trees towered around the clearing, their thick trunks and sprawling branches forming a natural barrier against the outside world. It was one of the few places where a Lycan could commune with their spirit and strengthen the bond between soul and beast. Today’s training was for my Lycan spirit. For hours, my Lycan spirit and I had fought malevolent entities that lurked within the spirit realm, drawing strength from darkness and corruption. The relentless battle had pushed us to our limits, but that was the purpose of the training: to become stronger. A few feet away stood the Head Priestess. She had overseen my spiritual training for the past five years, and for the first time since I had known her, fatigue was evident on her face. Sweat dampened her robes as heavily
They were blaming me for choices I had made long ago. I knew I carried my share of the guilt, but I had never deceived anyone. From the very beginning, I had been honest. I had told Vada long ago that Gwen would always remain in my heart; no one could ever take her place. So why did it feel as though every wolf around me was holding me responsible for what was happening now? Why had I suddenly become the villain in all of this? After speaking with Lynn, I couldn't stop myself from retreating to my bedroom, needing space to sit with everything that was happening. I pulled Gwen's photograph from the drawer. It had been taken on our wedding day, back when everything still felt certain. My fingers brushed over the frame as I stared at her smiling face. “My love,” I murmured, “can you forgive me if I have to forget, even just for a moment, and fulfill my duty?" For years, I had fought to earn my place among the wolves. After being cast out of the Blackwood Pack, I had clawed my way
[Lucian] Alpha Conrad couldn’t keep our argument to himself. He had gone straight to my father after our confrontation, so I already had a good idea why I was being summoned back to Blackwood Pack after seven days away. What I hadn’t expected was to find several high-ranking officials from other packs in the Wilder Manor. Lynn and Adrian were there with their pups. Alpha Conrad and Vada had arrived as well. From another pack were my sister, Kira, and her mate, Kaelen. As soon as I stepped out of the vehicle, my gaze landed on Lynn. She stood near the manor’s entrance, watching her pups run circles around the fountain. “Pups, greet Alpha Lucian!” Lynn called. The children immediately stopped and turned toward me. Their bright eyes widened as they looked me over. “Hello, Alpha Lucian! Wow, you’re handsome!” one of them exclaimed. “He’s an Alpha! Of course he is! But my daddy is more handsome, though,” the other pup declared with complete confidence. “Pups, be nice,” Lynn scolde
[Vada] Lucian and my father’s heated argument reached my ears as I stood outside the meeting room. Alpha Conrad, my dad, was once again pressing him about the marriage agreement between our packs. Every word felt like a thorn in my chest as I listened. I understood Lucian’s point, but I was still there, still waiting... I had done everything I could just so he would finally look at me, so that he would return even the smallest bit of affection. After all, Gwen had been gone for five years. Surely, by now, it was time for the living to move forward. Wasn’t it? Taking a steadying breath, I pushed the door open and forced myself to remain composed. No matter what happened, Lucian could never know what truly lived inside my heart. “Please forgive my father, Alpha Lucian,” I said softly. The man remained silent, so I turned away and followed my father, whose expression was still far from pleasant. We made our way toward the children’s play area outside the building. Lynn was alr
[Lucian] “Alpha Lucian, congratulations,” Alpha Adrian said. “As expected, your plan to build a central hub for both wolves and humans was a success. I’m grateful to be one of the Alphas you invited to help build this empire.” Five years ago, none of this had existed. Now, I am the richest wolf on the continent. Not only did werewolves look up to me, but even humans respected my name. By uniting the territories and turning Verge City into the largest trade center in the world, I had earned the title of Alpha King. I’m also the only Alpha with a direct line to the Lycans, the ancient rulers whose land our entire hub depends on. Those achievements hadn’t come easily. For the past five years, I had buried myself in work. Every expansion, every negotiation, every sleepless night has brought me to where I am today. “I’m grateful as well,” Kaelen said. “Thank you for putting aside the conflicts that once divided our packs. Because we chose to work together, our communities have grown
“I accept the marriage alliance with the Blackwood Pack…” The words felt heavy the moment they left my lips. I didn’t even need the time my father had given me to prove my mate bond with Soren. That alone was embarrassing enough, but what made it worse was how he didn’t question me at all, as if
My mind is a mess. I pushed myself to get into Lycan Academy because, just as Rumi said, it was part of my agreement with Soren. This is the most prestigious school for wolves, one that doesn’t favor any pack, no matter where they come from, because it answers only to its own standards. I had told
“Gwen?” Rumi’s voice snapped me out of my daze after I froze at what I had just witnessed. For a second, I tried to convince myself it was nothing, desperately gaslighting my own thoughts. But my heart had already dropped the moment Soren and the woman kissed. She has blonde hair, effortlessl
[Gwyneth] They say the Moon Goddess will grant you the things you desire most, as long as the moon and time are aligned. I’ve believed in her for as long as I can remember. That’s why I’ve always been certain that Soren and I are mates, from the very moment I first understood what love was. ***







