MasukIris’s POVBenjamin stared at the severed paw for several seconds before forcing himself to look at Kristian. His shock quickly changed into anger when he realized every guest was waiting for his response.Benjamin pointed toward the box and said, “This proves nothing except that your methods are brutal. Any savage can remove a dead Alpha’s paw and use it to frighten people.”Kristian did not defend himself. He looked at Harrison, and his Beta placed a thick file on the nearest table. The council seals across its cover immediately silenced the senior Alphas who had begun whispering.Harrison opened the file and spread several reports beside the box. They contained witness statements, military orders, transport records, and photographs taken along Red Crescent’s disputed border. Every order carried the pack’s official crest.The first report described three neutral settlements burned during Red Crescent’s search for rebels. Families who had offered no resistance lost their homes, while
Iris’s POVUncertainty crossed Benjamin’s face, then vanished. “I earned my position,” he replied. “Your minor contributions had nothing to do with my strength.”He had not understood. Red Crescent’s finances had collapsed, its military support had vanished, and its new partnership had slipped away, yet Benjamin still believed the people he had driven away had contributed nothing to his rise.He did not know that before Nancy awakened, her power worked through me. His wolf recovered faster after I treated him, and his control improved whenever I stayed near. He had called those changes proof of his natural superiority. My warning meant that support was gone, but his pride allowed him to hear only an insult.Jade pulled against the soldier holding her and begged her uncle, “Please speak to Kristian for Benjamin. If Blackthorne restores its agreements, Red Crescent can recover.”Her uncle looked toward Kristian before answering, “I cannot plead with him. The Supreme Alpha stands above m
Iris’s POVKristian’s warning left Jade silent on the floor. The soldiers pulled her upright but kept her under guard, while her uncle asked the master of ceremonies to continue the banquet. The guests returned to their places slowly, still watching Kristian with new caution.Jade’s uncle carried the proposal folder onto the stage. “The regional medical partnership must still be decided tonight,” he announced. “Since its original creator is present, Dr. Iris will explain the plan.”Benjamin looked at me with sudden confidence. The proposal had come from Red Crescent’s archives, so he expected me to confirm its value and help him secure the partnership his pack desperately needed.His assumption was easy to read. He believed our past still gave him a claim over my work and loyalty. In his mind, leaving Red Crescent was a temporary rebellion. He expected me to repair the crisis he had created, then accept whatever place he offered afterward.I accepted the folder and took the stage. The
Iris’s POV“I once thought your betrayal was the worst thing you had ever done,” I said coldly. “But now I realize I was wrong. The most disappointing thing about you is that even after everything, you still choose to stand with someone like Jade and tear others down because you cannot accept the life I have now.”I glanced at Jade.“Looking back, I was truly blind to ever believe people like you were worthy of my trust.”Jade struggled against the soldiers holding her, anger flashing across her face.“You’re afraid because I’m telling the truth,” she shouted. “You acted helpless until Kristian protected you. Now you walk around as his Luna, pretending you already belong here.”Before I could answer, Kristian moved.His dark eyes turned crimson, and his pupils narrowed. A terrifying Alpha aura filled the hall, forcing weaker wolves to lower their heads.Nancy stirred inside me but did not take control. She recognized Kristian’s wolf and remained alert as I watched him approach.Jade’s
Iris’s POVJade stared at her uncle as though she had misunderstood. Red wine covered her face and dress, but he showed no concern for her humiliation. He placed the proposal folder down and walked toward Kristian.I thought he intended to confront him. Instead, the older man lowered himself onto one knee before the entire hall and bowed his head.Jade’s uncle addressed him respectfully. “Supreme Alpha, forgive my niece’s ignorance. She did not understand whose protection governed this banquet.”I knew Kristian was powerful, but I had never watched anyone kneel before. The room did not merely respect him; it answered to him. For the first time, I understood why Benjamin’s insults never unsettled Kristian. Benjamin had challenged someon
Iris’s POVMy fingers remained locked around Jade’s wrist. Nancy’s strength made holding her effortless, but I used only enough pressure to stop her. Kristian remained ready to shield me, yet I no longer needed anyone to take the blow.Jade tried to pull free and shouted, “Let go of me!” Her face reddened under everyone’s attention. I changed to a backhand grip and said, “You tried to hit me because you embarrassed yourself. Shouting will not make you look better.”I turned her wrist outward and released her. Jade pulled away too quickly, caught her heel against her dress, and nearly fell. Benjamin caught her around the waist. She clung to his jacket while several guests hid their smiles.Benjamin helped Jade stand and said
Rue’s POVAs time passed by, the gloom of the virus was starting to fade away. People were getting cured and the gloomy moments were getting replaced with days of working on the tech invention for Percy’s project.We had managed to bring Vicky's brother into the Blood Claw Pack, and he was catching
Rue’s POVWe left Half Moon Pack territory in silence. My brother drove the car, his expression calm but blank. I kept stealing glances at him , trying to figure out if he was truly bothered as I was by our interaction with Lauren.After a while, I spoke.“Cole, are you okay? With what Lauren said
Aiden’s POVIt’s been five years since Rue walked out of my life, since she disappeared with our daughter and took whatever remained of my soul with her. And still, the emptiness refuses to leave me.Time was supposed to numb it. Everyone said it would. That the sting of betrayal would dull, that g
Rue’s POV“There is a sickness spreading,” he said gravely. “A virus that preys on our kind. It weakens wolves, stripping them of strength, leaving them fevered, unable to shift. It makes us human.” He paused.“ Even the most skilled healers and witches are powerless. My team and I are trying to fi







