LOGIN~AlaricThis place was a shithole.That was the first thought that came to my mind while walking through the gates, and it didn't improve the deeper I went. People were running in every direction, like they were being chased by something, and their terrified screams pierced the already tense atmosphere. Goddess, what a joke of a pack this was.I pushed forward with my men; the troop I sent to watch over Althea from afar had already done some damage before we arrived, so I scanned everything carefully, taking notes of the dead soldiers littered around.This would teach him not to mess with Darkmoor.I walked in further and found three court maids on the ground near the courtyard with cuts on their bodies that looked fresh, and instinctively, I wrapped my hand around the hilt of my sword.Just when I was about to give out orders to my men, a howl split the air somewhere around us, and I paused, my grip on my sword tightening. The howl came again, sounding pained, settling within me wro
~AltheaThe second Vespera said those words, the whole room tensed, and Halter marched forward, grabbing my arm hard enough that I winced."I knew it," he snarled, eyes burning holes into me. "I knew something was off about you the moment I walked in. I couldn't even sense your wolf." His grip tightened. "I got word that Alaric sent someone to spy on me.""She's his Luna." Vespera folded her arms, hips popping. "The Luna of Alpha Alaric."Everyone in that hallway went rigid at once, and I yanked my arm free. I glanced over at Sera, who was standing there behind them; her hands were folded in front of her, and her head slightly bowed.I frowned. What really is her deal? Don't tell me she's with them…Halter's face split into a weird, pleased smile. "Well, well, well." He looked at me like I was a prize he hadn't expected to find in his possession. "Alaric was truly foolish enough to send his precious Luna over."He turned and snatched a sword off the nearest guard.My eyes widened, and
~AltheaI stiffened at that voice. Then the guards parted, and I was standing face to face with Vespera.Oh Goddess. What was she doing here?I instantly schooled my face, despite the full-blown panic I was feeling inside. "Who are you talking about?"She chuckled darkly, clearly not buying a single word of it as she stepped fully into the room, folding her arms."What is she talking about?" Halter asked, his eyes moving between us, sharp and impatient.My heart was slamming so hard against my ribs I was convinced the whole hallway could hear it, a steady, rapid thud, thud, thud under my skin. I kept my hands loose at my sides, with my face carefully blank, without letting my eyes dart toward the exit too obviously. "Her." Vespera pointed directly at me, her lips curling slowly. "I've been visiting my uncle for weeks now, as you wouldn’t know. And one of the guards mentioned there was an extra breeder nobody could place, where she came from. No record, no family claim, just appeared
~AltheaPRESENTThe second the Beta stormed out of the room, I quickly put on my clothes and ran out too, leaving the still frightened maid there. My legs shook, but I didn't let it slow me down.I need to find Sera, or find a way out, or anything that would get me out of here before someone decided I was worth taking a closer look at.I crept along the corridor, keeping to the shadows, and when I peeked over, I saw a guard I recognized. From the careful way he moved and his posture, aware of every eye that could land on him.He wasn't from around here, and I was certain he came from Darkmoor, but how…?Our eyes locked and he rushed over, dipping his head in a quick bow before pulling me behind a pillar."My Luna," he whispered quickly, "Alpha Alaric sent me to watch over you. We need to get you out, now."Alaric sent guards to watch over me? So Sera and I weren't alone after all.Relief hit me so hard my knees nearly buckled, but then I thought of the other breeders still locked insi
~SeraHis room was bigger than I expected. Decorated with dark wood and heavy furniture. It was the kind of space that made you remember who you were talking to the second you walked in.Even his candles were fancy. Tsk. Show off.I hovered near the door, wringing my hands, as I let my shoulders fall. "I do—don't know if it's my place to say this," I said, keeping my voice small and uncertain."Speak." He ordered, his tone leaving no room for arguments. "Nobody will harm you here. Not even me."My gaze dropped, darting around while my fingers pulled at my shirt sleeve, aiming to look distraught, and then I dropped straight to my knees in a soft thud, my palms planted on the floor."Your kindness knows no bounds, Alpha," I praised, head bowed so low it was nearly touching the ground. "But a breeder like me, kneeling in front of you, I'm not even worthy of speaking in your presence."I could feel him getting irritated above me, then his weight shifted, and his breathing sharpened. Good
~SeraShit.I rushed around the nearest corner and pressed my back to the wall. I don't even know if this was a good hiding spot, but I just knew that I couldn't be standing in that hallway when he got there.Their footsteps got closer until Halter and his Beta appeared, speaking in low tones, and then they stopped.I peeked, seeing the small frown on their faces as they looked around, their noses high, sniffing the air.Shit. I think they got my scent.I leaned on the wall, my palm flat against my chest as my heart thumped so loud I was sure they could hear it too.Keep walking, you two. There's nothing here to see. Just keep walking. A few seconds passed with my breath stuck in my throat.Then Halter grunted, “Must be the damn breeders.”I let out a small sigh as they continued their conversation. I slid a little closer to the edge of the wall so I could hear better."She's getting worse by the day," Halter said. "The healers can't tell me anything useful. I give her a month, maybe







