Elena’s pov “I swear that’s all.” The imposter begged. “I was approached by a blonde woman that told me all I had to do was inform her about the plans of the soldiers at the border.”“What pack are you from?” Oliver asked.“Blue Moon Pack.”Of course it was Blue Moon pack. I wondered what Chloe had planned working with them. Did she want to rule the Full Moon pack or ruin the pack?The spy, a wiry man with shifty eyes, sweated under the dim light of the interrogation room. Oliver stood to my right, his jaw tight, the very air around him crackling with contained fury. I knew that Oliver would have already snapped the spy in half easily if he wanted but he was restraining himself.“So all she had you do was stay at the borders?” Oliver spat and the man nodded.“That’s all she told me to do.”“How am I sure you’re not lying?”“Please. She… she told me to do it,” the spy stammered, wiping his brow with a trembling hand. “A woman. Blonde hair… cold eyes.”My heart clenched. Blonde hair.
Oliver’s povElena looked at me with exhaustion in her eyes. She gives me a small smile before turning to leave the interrogation room.I turned back to the spy who was now almost unconscious. With a growl of annoyance, I grabbed the spy by the scruff of his neck and dragged him to one of the holding cells. The metal bars clanged shut with finality as I locked him in. He whimpered, shrinking away from me. “You’ll be lucky to survive the night.”I turned back to the main room, intending to talk with Lucas on our lack of progress, but stopped short. Lucas was standing by the window, his back to me. He was usually filled with energy and passion for catching the enemy but now he was motionless, radiating a strange, almost painful stillness.Something was wrong."Lucas?" I asked, my voice laced with concern. "What is it?"He didn't respond immediately. The silence stretched, thick and suffocating. Finally, he turned, his face pale in the dim light filtering through the barred window. His
Elena’s povThe courtyard, usually a place of quiet reflection, buzzed with an unsettling energy. Chloe, dressed in a deceptively innocent top and leather pants, was holding a conversation with a group of guards.Laughter, light and airy, drifted towards me, sharp and cold as shards of glass. It felt deliberately staged, Chloe wasn’t that friendly with the guards. The guards looked in awe as they spoke with her. Chloe was charismatic, of course she would hold their attention.Something about it felt off. Not like before, not like the shapeshifter I detected earlier. These guards seemed…normal. Too normal, perhaps. The air around them was clear, no scent of the wild, no fierce look in their eyes. Still, I couldn't shake the unease.Chloe noticed me, her perfectly sculpted eyebrows arching in mock surprise. She disentangled herself from the guards' eager attentions and glided towards me, her movements as fluid and predatory as a serpent. “Elena! How are you holding up? Such a shame abo
Elena’s povThe air in the prison reeked of mildew and fear, a scent I was quickly growing accustomed to. I watched, stomach churning, as two guards dragged the lifeless body of the captured spy from his cell. His limbs flopped awkwardly, like a discarded puppet. Yesterday, he’d been sneering defiance; now, he was just another body being carried out.Oliver, his jaw tight with controlled fury, stood beside me. "He bit his own tongue," he said, his voice low and gravelly. "Preferable to facing our justice."I studied Oliver's face, the sharp angles of his cheekbones, the controlled flicker in his usually warm brown eyes. The spy’s demise was too convenient, too neatly packaged. It was clear Oliver had taken matters into his own hands. I couldn't blame him. The unexpected fact that the spies were hiding in the midst of his people using magical powers to stay hidden was enough to create that surge of anger in him.He caught my gaze, and a flicker of guilt crossed his features. "Come on,"
Beauty’s povThe rose bushes, usually a source of comfort, felt suffocating. Their sweet fragrance, once a medicine to my troubled soul, now seemed to mock me with its beauty. I wandered through the garden, each step heavy with the weight of my betrayal. My fingers brushed against the petals, but I felt nothing but a hollow ache in my chest. I finally sat on the stone bench in the garden, close to the flowing lake.Elena. My best friend. The only person that ever noticed me in the entire pack. A stranger that turned to my sister. And I had betrayed her. The memories clawed at me, sharp and relentless. Elena’s face when she first saw the custom white wedding dress, her eyes sparkling with a joy that only Oliver could ignite. She and Oliver had their ups and downs but they still found each other. They were perfect, a love story whispered in the wind. And I, driven by fear and desperation, had shattered their happiness.Not only did I ruin her dress but I had also tattled about her lo
Elena’s povI walked to the garden with a goal in mind. After the last meeting with Oliver and Lucas, I decided to test Beauty one last time. Something in me still wished that it was all a coincidence.I saw her sitting on a stone bench by the lake. I pretended not to see her, choosing a wrought-iron bench at the far end of the garden. The cool metal bit into my skin through the thin fabric of my dress. I inhaled deeply, the fragrant lavender momentarily calming the storm inside me. It didn't last."Elena?" Her voice was a fragile tremor. I didn't turn."Elena, please." The desperation was more pronounced this time. I finally relented, slowly turning to face her. Her eyes were red-rimmed, her face pale. Guilt, or a clever imitation of it, shone in her gaze."What is it, Beauty?" My voice was flat, devoid of any warmth.She rushed forward, her hands clasped together, pleading. "I... I need to talk to you. Please, just... just let me explain."I raised an eyebrow, a silent invitation to
Elena’s povThe morning sun, a bleary-eyed witness to my sleepless night, cast long shadows across the wooden floorboards of my room. It was finally the day I get to see the Sage Oliver had recommended. I wondered if I was finally going to get the answers I desperately needed.I had so many questions about the visions I got, how I could detect the magical runes and how I could save the pack.I hoped this Sage will be clear and concise and not make me go in circles.Taking a deep breath, I steeled myself and walked towards Beauty's room. This was something else that made me nervous. I was going to confirm if she was for or against the pack. She had confessed to ruining the dress but not to the other betrayal. Yet I was ready to forgive her. Whatever her actions will be today will guarantee if she was repentant or not.I knocked softly on the door, and Beauty's voice, light and lilting, bid me to enter. She sat at her in front of her mirror, brushing her hair, her reflection mirroring h
Beauty’s povThe jolting of my horse was doing little to calm the tremor that wracked my body. Each clop of its hooves against the rough track echoed the frantic beat of my heart. How had I let myself get into this mess? Elena had asked me to follow her carriage, a simple request that now felt like a death sentence.Days ago, I overheard a hushed conversation between Elena and Oliver. I knew I shouldn’t have followed Elena after we talked in the garden but I had wanted to ask her out to the mall. It was supposed to be our bonding time but I overheard an important piece of informationThey spoke of a journey to see a Sage, someone with the power to… well, I wasn't entirely sure what, but it sounded important.I quickly left the area before Elena would catch me and the newly found forgiveness would be gone. But as I entered my room, I saw an all too familiar man seated on my bed. His hand deep in the saving box I had been keeping all my life.“W..what do you want?” I stuttered and he sm
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