Raven povFor a while, he was quiet. He didn’t say anything, didn’t move, just stared at me with an intensity that made my skin heat up. The silence stretched, and my own heartbeat became the only sound I could hear.I was afraid to breathe, too scared to acknowledge the storm brewing between us, too scared of what I was feeling at this moment.Then, with one sharp movement, his clawed hand ripped through my shirt like it was nothing but paper.A gasp tore from my lips as the fabric fell away, leaving me naked before him. I raised my hands, trying to cover myself, but he was faster. His grip locked around my wrists, pinning them above my head against the cold wall.I twisted, trying to break free, but he only tightened his hold, pressing his body against mine. Trapping me. Caging me. Owning me.And yet, my wolf… she hummed in delight, betraying me, revelling in his dominance.His gaze burned into my skin, traveling slowly over my exposed flesh, as if memorizing every inch. His golden e
Ansel’s POVI had forgotten how good Raven felt—how her body responded so easily, how she opened up for me without resistance. At least she was good for something. And now that I remembered just how sweet she was, I wouldn’t be letting go.But the moment I left her chambers, reality hit hard.The meeting hadn’t gone as well as I’d hoped. Kelvin had irritated me to no end, daring to ask about Raven like he had any right. Just hearing him say her name made my blood boil. And to make things worse, Asher had told me about Matthew.That sorry excuse for an Alpha.If I see him again, it will be his funeral.I had just settled into my chambers, my thoughts a tangled mess of frustration and lingering desire, when a sharp knock echoed against my door.“Enter,” I said, my patience running thin.The door creaked open, and Rufus stepped inside. He was one of my most trusted warriors, but tonight, his face was set with something unreadable. That alone was enough to put me on edge.“I have a report
Raven’s POVSomething was wrong with Rowan.I can’t get those marks out of my head.It was because of them that Rowan stopped things with me before. And then when I asked about them again, he shut me down completely.Why?The question gnawed at me, refusing to let go.I paced my room, my heartbeat loud in the silence. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw them—dark, intricate lines wrapping around his skin like something ancient, something forbidden. He looked terrified when I touched them. And that fear… it hadn’t been for himself.It had been for me.A shiver ran down my spine.I couldn’t ignore this. Not anymore.If Rowan wasn’t going to tell me the truth, I would find it myself.I should have let it go.But I couldn’t.Not when something in my chest told me there was more. Not when I felt like I was standing in the middle of a story I didn’t understand, with pieces missing, scattered, hidden from me.That’s what led me here.The halls were quiet, flickering torchlight casting long sh
Ansel’s POVThe anger hadn’t left me since we stepped out of the council chambers. It clawed at my insides, twisting, an uncontrollable storm just beneath my skin.They thought they could dictate my path. That they could force me into a corner, strip me of my own control.Bastards.I stormed into my chamber, slamming the door behind me. The fire in the hearth barely warmed the room, and I felt the cold in my bones, in my mind.They wanted Luna? Fine.They wanted a claim?They wanted an heir? My jaw clenched so hard it ached.I had spent years fighting, carving my own place in this kingdom. I had shed blood for it. I had earned it. And now, because of their impatience, they dared to push me, to put me in a position where I had to fight for something that should have already been mine.I ran a hand through my hair, trying to think. Trying to breathe.But all I could hear was Marcellus’s voice.“If the three of you cannot decide amongst yourselves, then perhaps a decision must be made fo
Raven POV I slammed my door shut behind me, my breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. My heart felt like it was trying to claw its way out of my chest, the adrenaline still surging through my veins from what I just did. From what I had just seen.Rowan’s journal. His secret. The truth he had been hiding. I wasn’t able to read everything but what I read made my stomach twisted violently, and I barely made it to the side of my bed before I collapsed onto it, gripping the sheets as if they could steady the storm inside me. My mind was spinning, trying to make sense of what I had read—what little of it I could understand.“You must cleanse the line, Rowan. But know this—every generation that has tried has failed. Most didn’t even survive the attempt. That is the curse for breaking the bond gifted by the goddess.”And those items he listed.Moonstone, soaked in wolfsbane for seven nights.A dagger forged in silver and obsidian.The heart of a black wolf, freely given.Ashes of a burned
Rowan povThe moment I stepped into my room, something felt wrong. I paused at the doorway, scanning the room. Nothing looked out of place—my bed remained untouched, my desk as I had left it, and yet… I knew someone had been here.I should have caught their scent. Should have heard their heartbeat. But there was nothing.The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Whoever had come and gone was skilled. Too skilled.Shoving the thought aside, I closed the door and walked toward my desk. Ansel and Asher were preparing for war, and I… I just need to go away. I need to find a cure.The throne meant nothing to me.Let them tear each other apart for it.I reached for a piece of parchment, summoning a messenger bird. I needed to contact the priestess again. If I was going to rid myself of this curse, I had to act now.My fingers barely brushed the quill before fire tore through my chest.I gasped, staggering to my feet as pain exploded across my ribs, spreading like molten iron. My visi
Raven’s POVAnsel slammed his mouth against mine, kissing me like the brute that he is.There was nothing tender about it. Nothing soft about it. Just force and pure possession.My wolf still reacted to our closeness, but I didn’t. Not anymore. Not after what I had just learned.Now, his touch felt wrong.Before, I could pretend there was something between us—something real, something that wasn’t just his hunger to conquer. But now, every time his hands touched me, I knew what he was. What he wanted.He wanted power, he wanted to control me and he wanted the throne.And he would use me to get it.I refused.My hands pressed against his chest, shoving with all my strength, but he didn’t budge. His grip tightened, his fingers digging into my waist as he crushed me against him, his teeth scraping against my lips.I bit down hard on his lips.Ansel growled, jerking back slightly, but I didn’t let go. I clamped my teeth onto his tongue until the sharp, metallic taste of blood filled my mou
Ansel POV I was about to pour myself a drink, the lingering satisfaction of claiming Raven still humming through my veins, when a sharp knock rattled my door.Before I could turn, the door flew open.“My lord!” The guard panted, his face pale. “Rowan is summoning you. The palace has been breached.”The glass slipped from my fingers, shattering against the floor.“What?” My voice was low, dangerous.The guard swallowed hard. “He—he sent word just now. It’s urgent.”I didn’t wait for more. I was already moving, yanking on a shirt as I stormed out, my steps quick and purposeful. The halls blurred past me, my mind spinning. Breached? How?The guards at every corner stiffened when they saw me, but I ignored them. My heart pounded with a mix of fury and anticipation.Rowan had better have a damn good explanation.Rowan was already waiting when I stormed into his chambers. He was standing near the fireplace, arms crossed, his face grim. Asher was there too, leaning against a table, fingers
Ansel POV I still can’t believe Raven—the future mother of my child—is the damn child of prophecy.The father hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it has to be me.I haven’t been able to scrape that thought from my mind. It makes her more valuable to me, to the kingdom. As the future king, it gives me more leverage than both of my brothers combined.Which is why we’re going to get her back.And kill Morgan.Because if we don’t, there won’t be anything left to rule. No wolves. No land. No bloodlines to carry forward.My wolf, Karl, paced just beneath my skin; he was as restless as I was. The bond pulls at us in ways I still don’t understand even after mating. The instinct to keep her close feels like a leash tightening around my throat.I rubbed my head and stepped onto the balcony.Below, the guards moved in formation around three figures. The surviving alphas had arrived. Finally,I didn’t wait to be summoned. I turned from the window and made my way to the war room, checking my appea
Raven POV How could life still exist here, so untouched, so vibrant, under the looming shadow of a queen like Morgan?My legs trembled as I dismounted, the village air started to get thick with tension and heat. People began to notice our presence, guards in dark armor, a queen in blood-hued leathers, and me, silent and unfamiliar. The streets quieted and then cleared as if the air itself warned them to run.A man stepped forward from the gathering crowd, his steps looked hesitant. He looked like he might be the village leader, so much older, sun-weathered, and proud despite the fear he couldn’t mask. He bowed low before Morgan, his voice shaking.“Your Highness,” he said. “We didn’t expect… We weren’t prepared for—”She raised a hand. “I didn’t come for your hospitality.”His lips parted, but nothing came out.“I came for the last Black Wolf,” she said.A hush fell so heavy it could have crushed bone.The man stiffened, his face blanching. “I… I don’t know what you mean…”Morga
Raven POV I don’t know how long I slept, but when I opened my eyes, my body felt lighter than it had the day before. I felt less like I was dragging the weight of the world behind me.I stretched slowly, taking a moment to adjust to the new room. This wasn’t home, it was a war zone. But hopefully, if I played this right, I could do what I needed to do and get out of there alive.Walking barefoot to the window, I pulled the curtains aside.This place was as gloomy as ever.From where I stood, all I could see was a thick fog rolling over blackened trees, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching for something unseen. The sky was a dull gray even though the sun was up and scorching.There was no birdsong, no life and absolutely nothing.I let out a slow breath and drew the curtain shut. This place —it was spoiling my mood. The air, the silence, the weight of it all. It was like even the ground outside was mourning. I can't wait to get what I need and burn it to the ground.Sha
Ansel’s POVI stood on the balcony outside my room, the cold wind brushing against my face like a reminder that everything was changing. Too fast. Too much.“What are you thinking about, little brother?” Rowan’s voice broke through the quiet as he stepped beside me.“The long journey to the Hollow Valley?” he added.I hesitated, biting my lip. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to say it out loud… but I needed to. If anyone could understand, it was him.“Rowan, can I ask you something? Honestly?”He nodded. “Yeah.”I exhaled slowly. “Do you think we’ll make it out of this alive? All of us?”His silence gave me space, so I kept going.“What happens now that Raven is the child of prophecy? She’s…the goddess Selene reborn. If people find out, it could change everything—start things we’re not ready for.”I paused. “And… what does that mean for our son?”Rowan turned to me, eyes thoughtful. “Whoa. That’s a lot of questions.”I gave a half-hearted laugh. “Sorry.”He clapped a hand on my shoulder. “D
Raven POV My other self turned to look at me, her eyes filled with tears. I never let fall that day.“Do you understand now?” she asked quietly.I nodded, breath shaky. “That was the day I gave up.”“You didn’t just give up on him,” she said. “You gave up on you.” "You buried yourself beneath anger and pain. You stopped believing you were meant for more.”Tears slid down my cheeks before I could stop them.I hated how much it hurt.“I was broken,” I whispered.“You still are,” she said gently. "But broken things can be rebuilt. She stepped forward, walking into me.And I felt it.That pain. That grief. That rage.But also… I felt light.Soon, the memory shifted, and it was me when I was much younger, the children at the park stoning me and laughing out loud in amusement.I bit my lips until I felt blood roll down my lips, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. Because the pain in my mouth was nothing compared to the pain in my chest.There I was, no older than six years old, curled into m
Raven's POV I was still in a state of shock when Kelvin strolled into the room, completely unfazed by the bodies at his feet. He walked over them like they were nothing like he’d seen this kind of carnage a thousand times before, and he probably had.He wore that infuriating smirk again, the one I was beginning to realize was just part of his face. Part of his behavior.“Your Highness,” he greeted Morgan with a bow. Then his gaze slid towards me. “Oh, the little queen is here. Lovely to see you, Raven.”I rolled my eyes, refusing to give him the reaction he wanted. The urge to punch that smug face of his clawed at me, but I held it down. Barely.God, if I ever got the chance, I’d kill them both. Rip them apart and bathe in their blood if that’s what it took.I felt my wolf stir inside me, a low growl vibrating through my chest.She didn’t like being separated from our mates, caged like that. And these two were responsible. Again.Twice now, they’d taken me from the ones I belonged t
Queen Gwen POVIt’s been three days since the battle.Three days since blood painted the earth and death hung heavy in the air—on both sides.It hurt to kill them. Those creatures… they were mindless, controlled by Kelvin and that cursed Queen. They were puppets, not monsters. But it was either them or us.And still… we lost.We fell for their diversion. We lost Raven.I’ve been trying—truly trying—to stay strong. I’m a queen. I’m supposed to be composed, logical, unshaken.But the thought of something happening to her…It chills me in a way I can’t explain.From the moment I first laid eyes on Raven, I knew.I don’t understand the feeling, not fully but I knew. I was meant to be near her. To protect her. To fight for her.I was meant to be her sword.And I let her down.“Hey… are you okay?” Loira asked gently, walking up beside me.I tried to force a smile. “Yeah. I’m just… sad, you know?” My voice cracked. “It feels like we were so stupid.”She said nothing, just listened.“She shou
Raven POV “What did you say, Raven?” she asked again, her voice low and skeptical.“I said I’ll join you, Morgan,” I repeated, steadying my voice. “But only on one condition.”She sighed as though she was enduring a headache. “And what is it now?”“You’ll release Mathias.”Her brows lifted. “Who?”Of course, she doesn’t even remember. The disgust rose sharp and hot in my chest, but I swallowed it. I was in enemy territory now. I had to play this smart.“Mathias is one of the prisoners. He was in the same cell I was thrown into.”“Oh,” she said with a chuckle. “That’s all?” Fine. I’ll have him released today.”“And—”She cut me a glare, her patience thinning. “And what?”“You’ll give me the dagger. I need it.”Morgan narrowed her eyes. “I’ll think about it. "Don’t push your luck, little bird.”She turned away, already done with the conversation. “When Kelvin returns, your real training begins. I’ll need you ready.”"But aren’t you scared, Morgan?” I asked, my gaze steady.“What?” she
Raven POV We walked out of the cell, the heavy door slamming shut behind me with a loud clang that echoed down the stone halls.I tried to ignore the gnawing feeling in my stomach, tried to shove the fear deep down where it couldn’t reach me — but it was there, crawling under my skin.Facing that beautiful monster again made my heart pound harder against my ribs.We moved through a large hallway, the stone walls cold and silent witnesses to my march.From what I could tell, it was already dawn — soft light trickled through high windows.Two days.I had been trapped here for nearly two days without food.My legs ached, and my body screamed for rest, but I forced myself forward, step after heavy step.Finally, we entered a large throne room.At the far end of it, sitting on a towering, jagged throne of black stone, was Morgan.She looked… magnificent.Beautiful and terrible, like something carved from nightmares.Her smile, slow and cold, made my skin crawl.I paused, instinctively gla