Lucas’s povThe teacup felt fragile in my hand, its delicate cup a stark contrast to the turmoil raging inside me. Helen had offered it with a soft smile, a gesture of peace I couldn't return. The hot liquid tasted like ash in my mouth.Across the small, sun-drenched living room, my father shifted uncomfortably. He was a large man, his shoulders broad and powerful, even more so in his wolf form from the pictures. But now, he looked…small. Almost apologetic. He kept trying to catch my eye, a yearning for connection plain on his face. I refused to meet his gaze."Lucas," he began, his voice rough, unused to speaking to me after all these years. "I...I wanted to say I'm sorry. For not reaching out after I was captured by the Blue Moon pack. I should have been there."My grip tightened on the teacup. “I don’t care anymore,” I bit out, the words sharper than intended. The truth was, I cared a lot. Every damned day. But showing it, showing him any vulnerability, felt like giving him a reas
Elena’s povThe last of the loud laughter and celebratory cheers finally faded. Our wedding party was officially over. Oliver, my husband now, led me by the hand through the winding corridors of the pack house, his grip warm and reassuring. We finally arrived at our room, specially decorated with flowers and soft lighting. I couldn't help but smile.He closed the door gently, turning to face me, his eyes crinkling at the corners with affection. He reached out, his fingers tracing the curve of my cheek. "Finally, we're alone," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.I leaned into his touch, my heart pounding a happy rhythm against my ribs. "It feels like a dream," I whispered back.A small table was filled with some warm rolls and fruit, and two glasses filled with wine. It was a simple, intimate scene, perfect after the whirlwind of the day. I reminded myself to thank Beauty later because it looked like her set up.Oliver kicked the door shut with his foot, his brown eyes sparkling
Lucas’s povThe biting wind whipped at my face, carrying the scent of leftover food and damp earth. It was the familiar smell of home, but even that couldn't lift the heavy weariness that clung to me like a clone. I was tired, bone-deep tired, a weariness that went beyond the physical. It was the kind that settled in your soul, making even the simplest tasks feel monumental.Returning from the Blue Moon pack had been… complicated. Meeting my father, finally putting a face to the stories, had stirred up a whirlwind of emotions I was still struggling to contain. The news he’d given me… I pushed the thought away. It was too much to unpack right now. I just needed home, needed the familiar routine, the comforting presence of those I loved and lived with all my life.And Nate. He was clinging to my hand, his small fingers wrapped tight around mine. He hadn't wanted to stay with Helen back at Blue Moon pack. He insisted on following me back to Full Moon pack. I squeezed his hand gently, a s
Beauty’s pov The clatter of a plate echoed in the large kitchen as I rinsed away the soapy bubbles. The wedding feast had been magnificent, but the cleanup… monumental! Still, humming a merry tune, I scrubbed with gusto. It was my duty, and I found a certain contentment in the order I brought to the chaos.Suddenly, the kitchen door creaked open, and my heart skipped a beat. Daniel stood silhouetted in the doorway, the soft light outlining his broad shoulders. He looked tired, but his eyes held a warmth that made my cheeks flush."Couldn't sleep?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.He shook his head, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Too much excitement, I suppose. And besides, I saw you were still toiling away. Allow me to help?""Oh, no, you don't have to," I protested, suddenly flustered. The thought of him helping me, of working side-by-side, sent a flutter of nervous anticipation through me.But Daniel was already rolling up his sleeves. "Nonsense. Many hands make light wor
Elena’s povThe cold stone floor bit into my bare feet as I scrambled awake. A frantic knocking echoed against the thick wooden door, cutting through the early morning stillness. Oliver stirred beside me, a low groan rumbling in his chest.“Alpha Oliver! Alpha Oliver!” a voice rasped from the other side. It was Garett, one of Oliver’s most trusted royal guards who was also a member of the Beta squad. His voice was laced with a fear I rarely heard, and it sent a shiver down my spine.Oliver, despite being half-asleep, was instantly alert. He sat up, his golden eyes already sharp. "What is it, Garett? Speak quickly."The door creaked open, revealing Garett, his face pale and sweating. "Your Majesty," he stammered, bowing low. "I… I regret to inform you that… your sister, Chloe… she has escaped."The words hung in the air, heavy and unbelievable. Chloe, Oliver’s younger sister, the one imprisoned for treason and plotting against the pack? Gone?Oliver swore under his breath, a low, guttu
Lucas’s povThe musty smell of ancient parchment clung to me like a second skin. Dust danced in the single shaft of moonlight that pierced the high, arched window of the library. For hours non stop, I’d been holed up in this place, a house of forgotten stories and meticulously recorded battles. I wasn't a scholar, or a strategist thirsting for historical insights. I was simply desperate.I was looking for my father. Or, more accurately, I was looking for the truth about what happened to him.The “truth” recorded by the pack.Everyone said he died a hero, felled in battle against the Blue Moon pack. A noble sacrifice, they called it. But the story my father told me did not align with it. For starters, he was still alive. So, I was here, going through the war scrolls carefully, hoping to find some detail, some inconsistency, something that would let me pierce through the official narrative and glimpse the truth. It was a fool's errand, probably. But I was a fool driven by grief and s
Oliver’s povThe scroll felt heavy in my hand, even though it was just paper and old ink. My grandfather’s signature stared back at me, the bold strokes accusing me with every glance. It authorized the use of Lucas’s father and his team as a distraction during the first war with Blue Moon Pack years ago. A distraction. Just like that, lives were weighed and found less valuable than others."We need to know the truth," I said to Lucas, my voice barely a whisper. He equally looked shaken up and I knew the news was a lot for him to handle.Lucas ran a hand through his dark hair, his face etched with worry. “My father always suspected something. He survived, but… he lost so much.”"We need to talk to someone who knew my grandfather," I said, pacing the room. "Someone who remembers the war, the council meetings, everything."Lucas stopped me. "The elders. The council elders."I nodded, the idea solidifying in my mind. "There’s one in particular. Elder Albert. He was close to my grandfathe
Elena’s povI looked around the pack house in boredom. Oliver and Lucas were nowhere to be found and Beauty was around the kitchen area busy with baking. I tried folding my clothes but I instantly got tired of it. I was a little restless and I knew why. I wanted to check out the dungeon again and this was the perfect time to. No Oliver or Lucas to stop me.They’d warned me, of course. "Elena, stay away from the dungeon," Oliver had said, his brow furrowed. The dungeon. It was always the dungeon. They acted like it was some kind of monster waiting to swallow me whole. But I knew I needed to see something in there.But curiosity ate at me. It had been a constant itch since I was little, ever since I'd gotten the vision about the dungeon and what danger may lie behind the heavy oak doors. I had a lot of questions like why didn’t the lock have a keyhole? Who locked the doors in the first place and how long has it been locked?Taking a deep breath, I walked towards the dungeon. I made su
Elena’s povThe air in the hidden chamber was thick with the scent of old parchment and magic. Willow, ethereal and serene in her human form, smiled at me, her eyes holding ancient wisdom. She extended a hand, and without thinking twice, I took it. The world dissolved around me, colors swirling into a dizzying mixture before getting together into a new reality.I stood in a circular room, its walls lined with shelves overflowing with leather-bound books. In the center, a large, old book lay open on a pedestal, bathed in a soft, ethereal glow. An irresistible pull drew me to it, and I began to read. The language was unfamiliar, yet I understood every word. It was a prophecy, my prophecy.But not the one I knew. This wasn't about a werewolf pack, or a war with elves. This was about me.The words on the page began to shimmer, transforming into vibrant images. I saw myself, Elena, not as a werewolf, but as a powerful magician, living in a sun-drenched cottage nestled deep within a vibran
Elena’s povThe rumble of the carriage wheels was a dull counterpoint to the turmoil inside me. Chloe and Jax were gone. Chloe, sentenced to exile, and Jax… well, his fate was harder to swallow because he could experience instant death the second he stepped his foot into Blood Hounds pack. They’d both put the pack at risk, and while I knew Oliver had done the right thing – the only thing he could do as Alpha – it still felt like a piece of my own heart had been ripped away with each pronouncement.These were people who put my life at risk but for a minute I felt bad for them. It was simply jealousy and anger and on Jax’s part, mindless love.Oliver let out a long, shaky breath beside me. I glanced at him. His face was etched with exhaustion and a deep, abiding sadness. Sentencing his own sister couldn't have been easy.I reached out, gently covering his hand with mine. "It's not your fault, Oliver," I said softly. "Chloe had a choice. She chose to betray us."He squeezed my hand, his
Third person povElena adjusted the worn leather straps of her backpack. She didn’t really need a bag but she just wanted to hold on to something. Today was the day she would finally go to Willow's temple and get the answers to the question she had. Part of her decided not to impose too much and just go with gratitude in her heart first.She smoothed down the simple linen dress she wore, tucking stray strands of her dark hair behind her ears. She made sure the sandals she was wearing were her comfortable pair.A gentle knock sounded on her door. "Elena? Oliver needs to see you in his office." It was Lucas, his voice warm and reassuring as always.Elena sighed. "Aren’t we leaving soon? I’m ready.""It won't take long. He asked specifically for you." Lucas's tone hinted at a plea, and Elena knew arguing was futile.With another deep breath, she quickly braided her dark hair, securing it at the top with a small ribbon. "Alright, let's go."As they walked towards Oliver's office, Lucas wa
Elena’s povMy heart felt lighter than it had in months as I watched Beauty and Daniel approach. Their hands were intertwined, an obvious proof of a connection that’s been made before our very eyes. We were all gathered outside the pack house: Lucas, Oliver, and myself, watching Nate and Sam chase huge balloons across the grassy clearing.My stomach bubbled in excitement as I watched the two of them steak glanced at each other and smile shyly. That had it coming for a while. It was obvious to everyone but the two of them that they were going to get together, they were just too blind to see it."Look who it is!" I exclaimed, clapping my hands together. "Beauty and Daniel! Finally!"Oliver chuckled, nudging Daniel with his elbow as they drew closer. "Looks like someone finally found their match." Daniel coughed, a blush creeping up his neck as he glanced away nervously.I waved them over, wanting to share in their happiness. "Come sit with us! Tell us all about the play." I emphasized o
Elena’s povOliver's hand felt warm and solid in mine as we walked back to our room. The evening air was cool, a welcome change from the stuffy dungeon. He squeezed my hand gently. “So, the Willow’s temple? Why do you think the Magician wanted you specifically to go?”His question pulled me from my thoughts, but not entirely. For a while, I have been thinking about Lucas and my strange connection with him.I shrugged, trying to sound casual. "I have no idea. She was not clear, wasn't he? Maybe it's something about my magic – or lack of it. I’ll just have to go and find out myself." I hated admitting that, but it was the truth. I was a werewolf, Oliver's mate, but I felt like I needed to know more in this world of magic.Oliver frowned. "We’ll figure it all out Elena." He stopped walking and turned to face me, his eyes showing the rawest form of sincerity. "Whatever this is, we'll face it together, okay?"I nodded, forcing a smile. "Okay. But I want to go as soon as possible. This whol
Elena’s povThe afternoon sun cast long shadows across the hallway as I watched Daniel and Beauty stroll towards the village. Their fingers were intertwined, and Beauty's laughter floated back to me on the gentle breeze. They looked so carefree, so… happy. A smile tugged at my lips. They were good for each other.A familiar warmth settled around me as arms wrapped around my waist from behind. I instinctively leaned back into Oliver’s frame. "Hey," I murmured, closing my eyes."Hey yourself," he said, his voice a low rumble against my ear. "How are you?""I'm… okay," I replied, a small lie. I was a tangled mess of guilt and excitement, fear and hope. "And you?""Fine. Chloe's been... well, let's just say she's really feeling the weight of what she did. It's good, though. Maybe she'll finally learn."I nodded, not wanting to dwell on Chloe’s past actions. Leaning more comfortably into Oliver, I took a deep breath. "I need to tell you something." The words felt heavy, like stones in my
Beauty’s povI scrubbed at a stubborn stain on the kitchen counter, the scent of lavender soap filling the air. I thought about my conversation with Elena and ways to gain her trust again. I was going to make it work.Through the small window above the sink, I saw a bunch of girls approaching Daniel. They were giggling, their cheeks flushed pink as they offered him little presents – a woven bracelet, a small bouquet of wildflowers, wrapped things. Each gift seemed to come with a shy, lingering look.A sharp pang of something unpleasant twisted in my chest. Jealousy. I recognized it, even though I hated the feeling. It was ugly and unwanted, but it was there, a cold knot forming in my stomach as I watched Daniel’s innocent smile charm each of the girls.I slammed the sponge down on the counter, spraying droplets of soapy water. I shouldn’t feel this way. Daniel was kind to everyone. He was helpful and generous, and of course, girls were drawn to him. But…did they have to be so obvious
Lucas's POVThe safe house guards stood to attention as I approached, their salutes sharp and respectful. It still felt strange, being treated with such deference. Just a few years ago, I was just another warrior, fighting for survival. Now, I was…well, something more. Something responsible for keeping the peace.But all that faded away when I stepped inside. There he was, my little brother, Nate. He was sitting by the window, drawing something with a crayon that looked suspiciously like a blue wolf. He hadn't seen me yet, completely absorbed in his artwork."Nate?" I said softly.His head shot up, and his eyes went wide. A grin spread across his face, so bright it could chase away any shadow. "Lucas!"He launched himself at me, a tiny whirlwind of limbs and excitement. I caught him easily, swinging him up into my arms. He wrapped his own arms around my neck, squeezing tight."You're here!" he squealed, burying his face in my shoulder. "You came to see me!"A wave of guilt washed over
Oliver’s povI stood outside Chloe's door, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. The pack house was quiet now, but the air still felt slightly heavy but everyone was recuperating. War had once come to our pack because of her. My own sister. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. How do you face someone who betrayed you? Especially when that someone is family.It all started a few months ago. We had been strong, united, until Chloe decided to align with the Blue Moon pack. She let their spies slip into our territory, feeding them information about our defenses. It sparked a war that tore through our lands, leaving bodies and broken trust in its wake. Wolves from both packs fought fiercely, claws ripping through flesh, teeth bared. I led our warriors, my wolf form fierce and unyielding, but the pain of her betrayal cut deeper than any wound.Then, things got worse. Reed, the evil magician, appeared out of nowhere. He was a dark force, a human who had learned to