REGINA
I wasn’t sure I was going to need anything but my phone and perhaps, a little purse to keep the phone intact. Black Clive wasn’t so close, neither was it far away. I and Marcy had been to the region before when we were young, free and careless. It lay past the vast forests around the region of the mountains. There was a particular tree back then – I could still remember. It was extremely large and crooked. This was the tree that was referred to as the Black Clove. It was just the perfect place where Marcy would have asked me to meet her.“Alright, Ruby… Are you ready?” I asked as I stared out into the woods that was going to lead straight out of our territory.You’re finally getting me consent? Ruby replied arrogantly. I don’t know… I don’t think we want to see Marcy.“So, you want to remain here and do nothing until we become the cruel alpha’s bride?’ I shot back angrily.We would become his bride anyway, whether we go to see MarREGINA I made my way to Marcy’s room shortly after seeing Lionel. She looked so small lying there, her face pale but serene. Her hands rested on her swollen belly protectively, even in her sleep. My heart clenched at the sight of her. The sister I had thought I’d lost forever was here again, and despite everything we had endured, there was hope. Then I thought of the tragedy that had befallen her—of Silas and everything else. Victor had indeed taken more than we could imagine. “Marcy,” I whispered as I approached her bed. Her eyes fluttered open, groggy but quickly filling with recognition. “Regina?” she murmured, her voice hoarse. I nodded, tears already welling up. “It’s me.” She eased into a smile. “I just knew you could do it. I just knew you could. You’ve always been just too strong.” I laughed as I planted a kiss on her forehead. “How’s the b
LIONEL The first thing I noticed was the sterile smell of antiseptic. My body felt heavy, but the softness of the hospital bed was comforting. Slowly, I blinked my eyes open. Regina’s face came into focus. Her hair was slightly disheveled, dark circles shadowed her eyes, but she was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen. Her hand rested on mine, her touch grounding me. “Lionel,” she whispered, her voice filled with relief and tenderness. Tears welled up in her eyes as she leaned closer. “You’re awake.” I managed a weak smile. “Hey…” Before I could say more, Grandpa appeared by her side, his face a mixture of concern and relief. Ryker and Gwen were there too, their expressions lighter than I’d seen in days. “You gave us quite the scare, kid,” Grandpa said, his gruff tone unable to mask the emotion in his voice. “Victor?” I rasped, the memories of the fight f
REGINA “No,” I whispered, cradling Lionel closer. His breathing was shallow, his usually vibrant eyes clouded with pain. Victor stood a few paces away, lowering his weapon with a chilling casualness. “You should've just cooperated with the plan, Regina.” He chuckled disdainfully. “You and that pathetic excuse of an alpha.” “Don’t you dare!” Marcy’s voice cut through the tension, and I turned just in time to see her charging at Victor. “Marcy, no!” I screamed, but it was too late. Victor swatted her away like she was nothing, sending her flying into the side of the truck. She hit the metal with a sickening thud, collapsing in a heap. My mouth dropped open, my scream coming uncontrollably. “Stay down, girl,” Victor sneered, turning his attention back to me. I froze, my arms tightening protectively around Lionel. Every instinct screamed at me to fight, but my b
REGINA I and Marcy had been together in the room, waiting, when we heard the sounds of the war going on outside the building. Lionel was here. At first, a feeling of joy and assurance rushed to me, but almost immediately, a certain panic rushed through me when we had waited for quite long enough and Lionel was yet to show up. “Are you sure he’s still okay?” Marcy asked, the fear in her voice evident. “He is okay.” I replied with all certainty. “Nothing could happen to Lionel!” Then the men suddenly stormed in, barking orders. Marcy and I rose hastily and followed the men down the corridors, all the way to the back of the warehouse. Soon, we were out in the dark and there was nothing but the dim lights of the moon to guide us through. I could still hear the faint buzz of war on the other far end of the building. Axel led the group of Victor’s men, his expression unreadable, but
LIONEL His taunting words drove me mad, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me fall apart. I clenched my jaw, focusing on my breathing as I adjusted my stance, preparing for the next round. But Victor wasn’t done. He was playing with me, like a predator toying with its prey. He danced just out of reach, circling me, his every movement calculated, precise. “You know, Lionel,” he began. “I’ve always admired your strength. But strength doesn’t mean anything when it’s built on lies. Your so-called ‘perfect love’ with Regina? It’s a joke. You’re both weak, just like your parents were. Too sentimental. Too tied down by your pathetic little bond.” His words struck harder than any blow he could throw, reminding me of all the mistakes I’d made, of all the things I’d failed to protect. The past kept clawing at me, refusing to let go. I roared in fury, charging toward him once more, but this time, I cou
LIONEL All I needed was a location and just that, Arturo had provided. Another site, another holding of Victor’s. Even if it meant going to a hundred locations this same night, as long as I was not dead, I was going to set my eyes on Regina and there was nothing that could be done to change that. As we drew closer to the warehouse where Regina was supposedly held, we knew better than to just storm our way in. We needed to maintain a low profile. The warehouse loomed ahead, its corrugated metal walls dull and rusted under the dim glow of the moonlight. A faint chill ran down my spine as I scanned the perimeter. This was the place. I could feel it in my gut. Regina was inside, and I wasn’t leaving without her. Ryker crouched beside me, his face set in grim determination. Arturo and his men from the Eric Circle pack fanned out behind us, their movements silent and purposeful. Each of them carried