Eleanor's POV It wasn't until a few minutes into dinner, when Loretta failed to join us, that I realized the truthโshe was locked away in her room, kept like a prisoner. Even though I never cared much for Loretta and believed she deserved every bit of the pain she was going through, I could not stop the surge of anger and rage boiling inside me toward Sebastian. He had not changed at all. I wondered, why was he so cruel? Why did he take pleasure in tormenting women and making people suffer?I picked at my food, but even my favorite dish tasted bitter tonight. Sebastian had made sure the cooks prepared my best mealโa silent reminder of our past togetherโbut the taste did nothing to soothe my anger. The flavors danced on my tongue, yet I felt nothing but a deep resentment. In a moment of frustration, I dropped my cutlery with a loud clatter and dragged my chair back, ready to storm out of the room.Before I could leave, Sebastian raised his head and fixed his eyes on me. "What's wrong?
Eleanor's POV I sat alone in my room after dinner, the silence heavy around me. I had forced myself to eatโnot because I was hungry, but because the guilt from the harsh words I had hurled at Sebastian was eating away at me. I felt as though I had misjudged him, that I had been too quick to condemn him based on what I had seen and thought. That guilt was so strong it had pushed me to eat even when I had no true appetite.As I sat there, my mind drifted back to the past. This very room held memories that were both sweet and painful. It was the same room where I had spent my very first night with Sebastian, where I had lost my virginity. I remembered that night clearlyโthe excitement, the tenderness, and the way my heart had soared when he chose me. Back then, I had truly loved him. I had not paid attention to rumors or gossip. I was busy with my studies and the unusual pursuits that set me apart from other teenagers. Had I known the whole truth about Sebastian, I might never have agre
Sebastian's POV I took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage, and began, โI know you remember our past lifeโthe mistakes I made, the pain I caused. I hurt you deeply, and I made your life miserable. I repented too late, and I live with that regret every day.โ My voice grew steadier as I continued, โThe moon goddess gave me another chance, a chance to be with you as my mate. I cannot let this chance slip away. I know I have caused you pain, but I also know that my love for you is real. I will keep chasing you, keep fighting for you, until the anger and hatred in your heart melt away and only love remains.โI paused, searching her eyes for any sign of understanding or forgiveness. The storm of emotions between us was palpable, and for a long moment, we simply sat there in silence. Then, almost hesitantly, she spoke, โHow can I believe that youโve changed, Sebastian? How can I trust you when the past is so heavy on my mind?โI squeezed her hand gently. โI donโt expect you to t
Sebastian's POV As I gazed at Eleanor, a powerful, primal urge stirred inside meโa deep desire to have her, to explore every inch of her being. For countless moons, I had longed for this moment, a chance to be close to her without anger or hurt standing in the way. And there she was, her eyes filled with a spark that mirrored my own. I would be a fool not to act.This was the opportunity I had waited for, and in that moment, no voice of caution could hold me back. I let my hand reach out and gently ran my fingers through her fiery red hair. I heard a soft sigh escape her lipsโa sound that sent a warm thrill through me. It was clear that she, too, was caught in the moment, as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of us. The air between us crackled with tension, and every second felt charged with possibility.With deliberate tenderness, I leaned in and pressed my lips to hers. I felt the softness of her mouth and the warmth of her skin, and I sensed that she did not resist. Wh
Eleanor's POV Shame clung to me like a heavy cloak as I arrived at our pack that morning. I felt utterly exposed, as if every pair of eyes were reading my soul, stripping me of all pretense. I knew no one was aware of what had transpired, yet inside, I felt naked and vulnerable as though the whole night had been played for all to see.How had I let it happen? How had I surrendered to my desires so completely? How had I allowed Sebastian to control me? Part of me whispered that it wasnโt entirely his faultโI had chosen him, wanted him, and gave in to those forbidden feelings. But waking up that morning, a deep, crushing guilt weighed on me. I had promised myself that I would never let these hidden emotions take hold, yet there I was, lost in the aftermath of our night together. I couldnโt stop picturing Loretta, standing in front of the room, and myself, naked, under the sheets and beside Sebastain. As much as I told myself that I didnโt care for her, I felt guilty.And Sebastainโs si
Mary's POVAs I watched Eleanor, our Alpha, I felt that there was something different about her. There was a quality in her presence that I could not quite placeโa mysterious spark in her power that stirred memories long forgotten. Though my mind was cloudy with age, I remembered hearing tales of such gifts. I knew that werewolves with this kind of power often possessed several special abilities together. In my younger days, we used to call them the "special werewolves." Yet, no matter how hard I tried, the exact details always slipped away.Despite my hazy memories, I found Eleanor both intriguing and amusing. It was rare to see someone with such unique gifts. The last time I had seen a power like hers was when I was very young, and now, here she was coming to me for guidance. I felt honored and excited at the thought of helping her learn to control her abilities. I saw it as a precious opportunity to help her harness her power, discover her hidden talents, and become the best versio
Klaus's POVI live in a grand houseโone that I owe to Sebastian, my so-called friend. Thanks to him, I have all the money I could ever wish for. I am now one of the richest werewolves in our pack, owning several houses. Yet there is one thing Sebastian has been very greedy with: power.When Sebastian became Alpha after his fatherโs death, I expected that I would naturally become his Beta. We had been friends since we were little. But Sebastian chose someone else, and even then I held on to the hope that one day I would be given more. Years have passed, and here I amโrich beyond measure but with no real influence or power.My greatest desire is to rule as king of the pack, and I will stop at nothing to achieve that goalโeven if it means betraying Sebastian. After all, he was the one who first betrayed me.I spent many long hours plotting my next move. One day, as I was deep in thought, one of my servants entered my study and said, "My lord, you have a visitor." I frowned; I had not exp
Sebastian's POV The past few days have been a blur, a nightmare I cannot shake off since Lorettaโs death. I still cannot believe it happened again. For the second time, a Luna died under my careโand this time, she died with my child inside her. The pain of losing my child mixes with the crushing guilt of having failed another Luna. I feel as if I am cursed, doomed to watch those I care about slip away from me.I keep thinking back to my previous life, when Eleanor died under my watch. Now, Loretta has met the same tragic end. I ask myself over and over: Am I truly undeserving of companionship? Am I so much of a beast, a monster, that those I care about perish in my presence? These questions gnaw at my soul, leaving me hollow and tormented.As for Eleanor, I have not seen or spoken to her since our last encounter. I sit in silence, consumed by guilt and regret, wondering if she has ever forgiven me for my past mistakes. I have waited for her to reach out, but there has been nothingโon
Klaus' POVThe boat rocked beneath my boots as I dragged Eleanor away from that blood-soaked cabin, her beta sprawled on the floor like a broken toy. Rykerโs chest barely rose, his breaths shallow and ragged, his worthless blood staining my pristine Selene. That idiot, heโd dared to fight me, dared to defy me, and now he was a mess of torn flesh and fading growls. I smirked, kicking the door shut behind us. Good riddance.Eleanor didnโt resist as I pulled her across the deck, her steps steady despite the chains rattling around her wrists. She couldnโt fight back, not with the poison Iโd been slipping into her meals for days, sapping her strength, dulling that wild power Iโd seen her wield. She was mine now, a tool to bend or break. Either sheโd lead me to the Capris Coven, or Iโd haul her back to the Crescent Moon pack and force her to my will. No more games.I shoved her hard, and she hit the deck on her knees, her auburn hair spilling over her face like a curtain.โGet up,โ I snarle
Rykerโs POVI was trained to protect Eleanor, not to blindly obey her every word. That distinction had guided me through years as her beta, my duty was her safety, her life, above all else. So when the door burst open with a splintering crack and Klaus loomed in the threshold, flanked by two hulking guards, my instincts took over. My switchblade was already in my hand, its weight familiar and steady, and I thrust it forward, the steel glinting in the dim lantern light.โDonโt you dare come in,โ I warned, my voice a low growl, edged with the promise of violence.Klausโ dark eyes flicked to the blade, and a harsh, mocking laugh rumbled from his chest. โYou plan to stop meโฆ with that?โ His tone dripped with contempt, his lips curling into a sneer as he took a step closer, his broad frame filling the doorway like a storm cloud rolling in.I didnโt care what he thought. Iโd fight tooth and nail, hell, Iโd tear this ship apart plank by plank, to keep Eleanor safe. She stood behind me, her v
Klaus' POVMore than anything, I despise being made a fool. The sting of it burned hotter than any wound, a festering humiliation that drove me from Aliciaโs cramped cabin with a snarl still twisting my lips. My boots pounded the deck as I stormed toward the helm, the sea air sharp and briny in my lungs. I needed answers, and I needed them now. Ryker and Eleanor had strung me along for six miserable days, and I was done playing their game.I found the sailor hunched over the shipโs charts, his gnarled fingers tracing lines I couldnโt decipher. โWhere are we?โ I barked, looming over him. โTell me exactly where this damned boat is!โTorin flinched, his eyes darting up to meet mine before dropping back to the parchment. He muttered something under his breath, then pointed to a looping pattern on the map. โWeโveโฆ weโve been circling, sir. Same stretch of sea for days.โThe words hit me like a fist to the gut. Circling. My worst fear confirmed, laid bare in ink and cowardice. Rage surged t
Klaus' POVThe sixth day at sea stretched before me like an endless galaxy, the horizon a mocking line of unbroken blue. Not a whisper of the Capris Coven, not a shadow of land, just the ceaseless slap of waves against the boat and the briny tang of salt stinging my nose that I was already getting tired of. I stood at the deck, gripping the weathered railing, my patience wearing thin with every passing hour. And Ryker,damn him, his presence grated on me more with each day. I have been catching strange feelings from him for a while now, a quiet unease that coiled in my gut like a serpent.We had no reason to like each other, that much was clear from the start. But this? This was different. He moved through the ship like a ghost, detached, his eyes darting away whenever I tried to pin him down. He acted as though he hadnโt just crawled out of the Capris Covenโs habitation a few days ago, as though he wasnโt the one whoโd sworn he knew the way. And Eleanor, since that strange night when
Sebastain's POVI watched Leilaโs face shift as the weight of my revelation settled over her like a storm cloud rolling across a clear sky. Her hazel eyes widened, then narrowed, her lips parting slightly as if the words she wanted to say were caught in her throat. The dim light of the lantern flickered across her features, casting shadows that danced with her confusion.โSheโs pregnant?โ Leilaโs voice cracked, disbelief threading through every syllable. โHow could you not know?โThe question stung, sharp and accusing, though I knew she didnโt mean it to wound me. I swallowed hard, my throat dry as ash, and forced the truth out. โI only just found out sheโd been using wolfsbane tincture.โLeilaโs brow furrowed, her frown deepening as she tilted her head, studying me like Iโd spoken in a foreign tongue. โWolfsbane tincture? That bitter mixtureโdoesnโt it weaken a wolfโs abilities over time?โโWhat do you mean?โ My voice trembled, betraying the dread coiling tighter in my chest.She lea
Leila's POVThe moment Nathanโs urgent message reached me, scrawled in his hasty hand on a scrap of paper, I leapt into action. I lashed the reins of my carriage, urging the horses into a frantic gallop toward Bloodmoon Pack. The wind tore at my hair, the wheels rattling over the uneven road, but my mind was a storm of its own. Eleanor, pregnant with my brotherโs child, had vanished on some reckless voyage to uncover her roots, without a word to Sebastian. And he, predictably, had gone berserk. The note was cryptic, lacking on details for securityโs sake, but it carried a weight that sank into my bones. I didnโt understand it all yet, not fully, but I knew one thing I had to get to him before he went completely wild.The journey stretched across a full day, the sun climbing and sinking as the landscape blurred past, rolling hills giving way to dense forest, then the rugged outskirts of Bloodmoon territory. The horses frothed at the mouth, their breaths heaving in clouds of steam, and
Eleanor's POVThe nightmares didnโt relent. Night after night, they clawed at me, vivid and merciless, peeling back layers of truth I hadnโt been ready to face. The pain was a constant now, a dull ache that throbbed in my chest and temples, but Iโd grown accustomed to it, numbed by the burning need to uncover the full details of the betrayal surrounding me. Each vision was a rough piece of a puzzle, and by the third night, the picture was complete, its edges sharp enough to draw blood. I woke that morning with the taste of anger on my lips, the echo of thunder still rumbling in my skull, and a clarity that felt both liberating and suffocating.After a sparse breakfast, bread and a sip of refreshing water that did little to settle my churning stomach, I summoned Ryker to my cramped quarters. The boat rocked gently beneath us, the sea deceptively calm beyond the porthole, its glassy surface mocking the storm brewing within me. I sat on the edge of my bunk, my hands clasped tightly in m
Sebastain's POVCapris Coven.The name alone sent a shiver racing down my spine, a cold dread that coiled tight around my chest. Eleanor was headed there, chasing some foolโs errand with our pup growing inside her, our pup, a secret she kept from me, a wound that festered deeper than I cared to admit. The last and only time I journeyed to that forsaken place, I had been a boy, barely old enough to understand the world beyond my pack. It was a nightmare etched into my bones, a blur of terror and misery that still haunted me decades later.I had been small then, clinging to my father's side as we sailed across a sea that seemed endless, its expanse swallowing the horizon. I didnโt know the route, only that it took days, each one worse than the last. The waves had tossed our rickety boat like a toy, the air thick with brine and the sour tang of my own vomit as seasickness wrecked my young body. I retched over the side until there was nothing left, my stomach a hollow pit.. I hadnโt under
Eleanor's POVThe secret of our pup, a fragile life growing within me, I had it kept locked away, hidden with lies about this journey. I had told him I needed to master my powers to understand it, when really I was on a journey to a land I didn't know, a people who were thought to be wiped from this realm. My deception didnโt absolve his, but it muddied the waters, blurring the lines between victim and villain. We had both wielded knives, and we had both drawn blood. None of us was innocent of hurting the otherBut Klaus and Alicia, those two were a different breed of poison. Their betrayal wasnโt born of love tbat turned sour for a moment or promises broken, it was calculated, cold, a blade aimed at my heart with no remorse. I didnโt need more visions to fuel my resolve. The ones I had seen were enough, their revelations shattering everything Ibelieved. My mind lingered on the Great War, a memory not from this life but etched into my soul by the visions. It hadnโt been the necessary