Third person povThe scent of lavender and detergent clung to the air in the laundry room, usually a comforting aroma, but tonight it felt heavy, suffocating. Elena found Beauty hunched on a stool, her shoulders shaking silently. The fluorescent lights hummed above them, casting a stark, revealing light on Beauty’s usually radiant face, now stained with tears.Elena’s heart clenched. Beauty was her only close friend, her confidante, the one person who understood her anxieties even without her having to say a word. To see her like this, so utterly broken, sent a jolt of panic through Elena."Beauty? What's wrong?" Elena asked, her voice soft, laced with concern. She knelt beside her friend, placing a hand on her trembling back. "Tell me. Please."Instead of words, a fresh wave of sobs erupted from Beauty. She buried her face in her hands, her body wracked with silent grief. Elena wrapped her arms around her, holding her close. Words felt inadequate, so she simply held her, letting her
Lucas’s povThe stench of damp earth and decaying leaves clung to me, a familiar comfort in the face of the storm brewing inside. I stood at the edge of the whispering woods, the usual tranquility a mocking contrast to the turmoil twisting my gut. Chloe was late. Or maybe I was early, driven by an anxiety that gnawed at my insides like a hungry wolf.I wasn't supposed to be here. Not after she'd told me. Not after she'd shattered the image I held of my father, the man I was told died a long time ago. The man I thought I knew.A twig snapped behind me, and I spun around, my senses instantly on high alert. Chloe emerged from the shadows, her face pale in the moonlight, her dark eyes wide with a mixture of smug and determination. She was everything I wasn't at the moment: grounded, resolved, and terrifyingly focused."Look who it is," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought for a second you wouldn’t come...""Let’s get this over with ," I snapped, the words laced with
Elena’s povThe morning had finally arrived. The day I, Elena, was supposed to marry Alpha Oliver. The air in the pack house crackled with a frenetic energy, a hum of anticipation almost tangible. Everywhere I looked, pack members bustled about, putting the final touches on decorations, ferrying trays of food, their faces alight with excitement. But beneath the surface of forced smiles and practiced breaths, a cold knot of dread tightened in my stomach.I should be ecstatic, radiating joy. I was, after all, marrying the Alpha, securing my place in the pack, fulfilling expectations. But a gnawing unease, a prickling premonition, clung to me like a second skin. The nightmare from before clung to me like a weighted blanket.I tried to shake it off, to convince myself it was just pre-wedding jitters. But the feeling persisted, a constant, low-level hum of anxiety that threatened to drown out the celebratory cheer. I walked through the bustling hallway. Pack members who didn’t seem to acc
Oliver’s povMy boots thudded softly against the worn wooden floorboards, each step a rhythmic counterpoint to the frantic thoughts churning inside my head. The morning of my wedding. A day that should be filled with joy, anticipation, and the sweet scent of a new beginning. Instead, a thick fog of unease clung to me, a gnawing premonition that something was terribly wrong.I paced my room, the nervous energy thrumming beneath my skin like a low growl. The sun streamed through the window, casting long, dancing shadows that seemed to mock my anxiety. Today, I was to take Elena as my mate officially, to bind us for life, to forge a future of strength and unity. She was everything I desired – intelligent, compassionate, and fiercely loyal. I pictured her smiling face as she saw her wedding dress for the first time. The content smile she had when she saw the chefs in the kitchen or the decorations. Her happiness was mine too.But there was a nagging feeling.Yet, the closer the moment dr
Olivier's povMy heart slammed against my ribs, a frantic bird trapped in a cage. Elena, my Elena, was standing in the closet room, the creamy silk of her wedding dress clutched in her hands. But it wasn't the beauty of the gown that ripped through me; it was the sight of her tears. Each shimmering drop was a shard of glass piercing my soul.Lucas stood frozen beside me, his own face a mask of concern. We had practically kicked the door off its hinges when we heard Elena’s choked sob echoing through the hallway. I hadn't even registered the frantic thudding of my own blood in my ears until I saw her.My wolf was roaring in my head, demanding retribution. Who dared to inflict such pain on my mate? The protective instinct, primal and overwhelming, surged through me."Elena," I breathed, my voice rough with worry. I reached for her, my hands hovering, unsure if I should touch her. She looked so fragile, so utterly broken.She didn't meet my gaze, her eyes fixed on the dress. "It's... it'
Elena’s povThe scent of sandalwood, Oliver’s usual cologne, slowly seeped into my frantic senses. It was a balm, a tiny island of calm in the hurricane swirling inside me. My heart hammered against my ribs, each beat a frantic drum against the silence of the room.“Easy, Elena, easy,” Oliver murmured, his voice a low rumble against my ear. He held me close, his strong arms a reassuring weight, pulling me back from the edge of panic. “It’s just a dress. It can be fixed. We’ll figure it out.”Fixed? A wave of fresh despair washed over me. The intricate lacework, ripped and shredded. The delicate silk, stained and torn. It wasn't just a dress; it was a symbol of my hope, my future with Oliver. And someone, someone deliberately cruel, had destroyed it. This was more than a warning of what was yet to come.“Who would do this?” I finally managed to choke out, my voice trembling. The image of the ruined gown, a mangled mess of white, flashed behind my eyes.Oliver tightened his grip, his ja
Lucas’s pov The words hit me like a physical blow. "We’re under attack." Elena's voice, though laced with urgency, was strangely calm. My blood turned to ice. How did she know? Chloe hadn’t even made her move yet, the plan still in the beginning stages of whispered promises and secret meetings.“An attack?” I whispered shakily.What have I done?My gaze flickered to Oliver, "Lucas," he barked, his eyes narrowed, "have you received any news from the border? Any signs of trouble?"I felt like I was standing at gunpoint. My loyalty to the pack, ingrained since birth, was locked in mortal combat with my consuming quest for the truth about my father. For years, I’d been told he died bravely, defending our territory. But the story Chloe gave and the picture… they all pointed to a different narrative, a darker truth that everyone was desperate to keep buried.Chloe, with her venomous charm and promise of unveiling those secrets, had offered me the key. But that key came with a price: betray
Elena’s povThe air in the room was thick with unspoken tension. Lucas’s face, was like an open book etched with a worry that mirrored my own. He couldn’t meet my gaze so it was obvious that he had done something with Chloe. Even though he promised not to."Tell me," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the rustling leaves. "Tell me about Chloe. About this deal."He hesitated, his jaw working. He ran a hand through his dark hair, a nervous habit I knew well. Finally, he met my gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of shame and desperation."Chloe… she wants to take over the pack. She’s been planning it for months, maybe even longer."My breath hitched. I knew Chloe was up to something but taking over the pack?"Take over? How?"He shifted his weight, the movement betraying his unease. "She... she has contacts. Connections to the Blue Moon pack."The Blue Moon pack. Our rivals. Enemies, even. A cold dread started to seep into my bones. "And what's your part in all of this?" I ask
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