NORA POV
My bones began to make a cracking sound like they were literally breaking but instead of feeling pain, my limbs began to stretch as my muscles flexed out.My skin wasn't left out in this new transformation as it began to itch like I was being pricked.“Hang in there Nora, just hang in.” Karen yelled again as I pushed my hands in front of me, watching them as they transformed into paws. My long and thin fingers shrinked as my nails changed into claws.Instead of my smooth skin, it was replaced with velvety furs which kept covering my whole body with a speed I couldn't comprehend.My face wasn't left out in this transformative process. It became elongated with widened jaws. My teeth became sharpened in the form of razor-sharp fangs. Doubling over, a sudden rush of energy took over my body making my spine lengthen as my legs morphed into powerful wolf-like limbs.Due to my transformation, I could feel my clothes tearingNora POV Uncle Callum nodded again, his eyes shining with pride. "Yes, Nora. You are the chosen one, the next in line to rule our kingdom." My head spun as I tried to process this revelation. But Uncle Callum's words echoed in my mind, filling me with uncertainty. How was it possible to rule two powerful kingdoms? Suddenly, I was no longer just Nora trying to find her place in the world. How was this even possible? “ Uncle, I think you are mistaken. I can't be the heiress of two kingdoms. Besides, I know nothing about sorcery or magic-" Aunt Doreen came forward, her eyes gleaming. “ Only the rightful heir of our kingdom commands the howl you made last night. Why do you think your wolf came out one year, instead of two years and decided to appear here in the Blue Lycan Kingdom instead?” I shook my head, retracing my steps. None of these makes sense and I won't be brainwashed by these people to stay here in the kingdom. I have my own kingdom, my own people. I took a deep breath
As the palace was busy with preparation for the coronation, someone else was raging with anger. Mirabel's face twisted in a scowl as she seethed with anger. How could this be happening? George was the rightful heir to the throne, not Nora! Ever since Nora was found, the king had refused to see reasons with her. After all the promises of making her son the heir! How could he chose Nora over her son? "That witch still has her hands wrapped around Salvador!" Mirabel spat, her voice venomous. She hated the queen, Nora's mother but she was helpless. That woman was just too powerful to be trifled with.Mirabel's mind raced with schemes and plots as she thought of ways to stop Nora's coronation. She would not let this happen without a fight. She would do whatever it took to ensure that George was the one who sat on the throne.“ I need to speak to Salvador once again." As she stormed through the castle, her anger and determination fueling her every step. She was determined to confront the
THIRD POV With a straight face and firm voice he said, “I can't sit back and watch a lady rule over me. Not only that, someone who came out of nowhere to lay claim to the throne.” Shaking his head sideways, he said, “No way, I can't let that happen.” Gladden with how things took turn in the blink of an eye, she leaned towards him and with her eyes glistening with happiness, she asked, “Do you have a plan? A strong one at that.” “Not certain if my plan will turn out well.” He shrugged. “But I think I will be able to come up with something tangible in a matter of time.” “There's just four days left until the coronation, we have no time to waste anymore.” She pressed on, already doubting in her mind if she will be able to work with him. “I'm fully aware of that.” He snarled, snapping his head in her direction. “I'm going to do whatever it takes to stir her off the throne. If you don't believe me, you can try to team up with someone else or go solo.” He snarled. With his face cont
Nora's POV " Nora! not again!" My father said as soon as he saw me sneaking into his study.I grinned at him before crouching down to stare at the sparkling orb. I needed to get away from my mother for a while and this was my only solace. It's been chaotic these past days, ever since my coronation date was set. My mother was going all out for the event to be successful. I watched her fuming over every little detail of the party.I couldn't care less, I am not a fan of parties. Rather, I hid myself mostly in my father's study. To keep away from my mother and her fuss over my dress or other things relating to the party. My father had constantly complained and tried to convince me otherwise, yet I always charmed my way with him. My eyes were fixed on the glittering Orb at the extreme of the office cabinet. It's amazing how that little thing could light up an entire hall.“ Sweetheart, can I ask you something?" My father said, drawing my attention. " Anything, dad.”" Do you love your
Nora's POV That was George's voice. I could never mistake it. I could feel he was in danger, his voice filled with fright. Without wasting time, I made a dash through the dense forest. I let out a growl, alerting whoever was bold enough to harm my brother. How dare they hurt a royal! I got closer to a huge tree, surrounded by shrubs. There I caught sight of their fierce eyes, glaring and growling at the injured wolf. It was George and I confirmed it by looking more closely. As I stepped closer, their rotten smell hit me hard and I swore I would have thrown up if the situation wasn't so dire. I let out another earth shattering growl, making them look up at me.Their eyes filled with anger and viciousness. I took another look at George. He was already bruised and it seemed like he had broken a bone or two since he lay flat on the ground. “ How dare you! You stinking dogs!" I growled, making the first attempt to attack.I snarled and bared my teeth as I faced the bastards. They w
Nora POVThe sweat dropped down in torrents all over my body. My heart pounded a million times as I envisioned the pain of the dagger. But, I looked around to see myself on my bed and the familiar voice calling my name while banging on my door. “ Nora!" Karen's worried voice sounded outside my room.“ I am fine, Karen. It's-it's just a dream…” I managed to utter, standing up from the bed. I knew Karen wouldn't be convinced if I didn't come out.I opened the door while trying to hide the horror on my face. The dream felt so real that I swore I felt the piercing pain. With a forced smile, my gaze met Karen's worried one. The nightmare still lingered, its echoes haunting me and I couldn't shake off the hidden face with eyes gleaming with cruelty as the person stabbed me. My skin crawled with fear, my hands shaking as I clutched harder on the door.Just as I thought I'd collapse under the weight of my terror, I heard Karen's gentle voice again. "Nora, are you okay?"Karen's deep voice w
THIRD POV Nora looked at his receding figure, his words ringing continuously in her head. She managed to shrug it off before making her way to the dining room. The speech practice was making her famished. She couldn't wait to devour those delicacies.“ Come sit with me, darling," King Salvador beckoned, pointing at a seat close to him.As Nora sat close to the king, her eyes darted to a pair of eyes looking at her. She still couldn't fathom why Mira was so hateful towards her. Mira's disgust was barely hidden under her piercing glare. With a resigned sigh, Nora shook my head at the attitude of the woman who was supposed to act as a mother to her. She had always wondered why Mira hates her so much.The maids brought the royal breakfast and started dishing it out. It was customary to have a food taster in the royal dining but except for the King whose food was always tasted by the official royal food taster, the rest of the royals’ food were entrusted to trustworthy maidservants. Mos
THIRD POVThe investigation became intense each day. Even as at that, nothing could be gotten. The culprit seemed to have vanished into thin air. Regardless, the King was adamant on getting whoever tried to hurt his child.Nora on the other hand, alongside Karen had been investigating too. They always end their clues when it comes to a dead end. It was as if the person responsible was a step ahead of them. For the past few days after the incident, Nora continuously paid George visits. She hopes he regains his memories.But as days stretched on, George showed no signs of regaining his memory despite the potion that Elder Silvarum administered to him on a daily basis. He was like a day old child who had no idea about his environment. She had spent the whole night by George's side. She had asked Mira to take some rest since she was looking frail. “ Why isn't he responding?" Nora asked, frustrated.A continuous test had shown that he actively consumed the food laced with poison but be
THIRD POV Two hours later, they gathered in the twins' bedroom. Nora had laid out their favorite possessions: Zack's toy sword, Zoe's stuffed wolf, their hair brushes still containing strands of dark hair. Her hands trembled as she arranged the items in the circle Kathryn had drawn on the floor."This should be enough," Kathryn said, kneeling beside the circle. She looked exhausted, dark circles prominent beneath her eyes. "But I need to warn you all. My powers have limits. Especially against someone like the sorceress.""Just try," Nora whispered.Griffin stood back near the doorway, watching the proceedings with a heavy heart. He knew better than anyone what the sorceress was capable of. The years he'd spent in her thrall had shown him the depths of her cruelty, and her power.Kathryn began to chant, her hands moving in intricate patterns above the circle. The air in the room grew heavy with magic, pressing against their skin like
THIRD PovNora fought, earnestly, not knowing which powers controlled her. Was this her hidden heritage or something new? As the fight became even more fierce, she struggled to keep watch over the kids.Not until, she smelled them and the danger around. Nora looked up sharply, her gaze fixed on two Ancients emerging, dragging small, struggling forms between them. Her blood ran cold as she recognized Zack and Zoe, their faces pale with terror as they fought against their captors' grip."Mom! Dad!" Zack shouted, his voice filled with fear."Let them go!" Nora screamed, light flaring around so fiercely that several nearby wolves whimpered and backed away. How dare these people touch her babies!As her anger filled the air, Nora heard the evil laughter of the sorceress. "Now, that's interesting. You've grown stronger than I anticipated. Perhaps those meddling fools didn't suppress your power as thoroughly as they thought."
Griffin Her questions were becoming annoying. I wished I could just ignore it. That perhaps you hope to earn her gratitude. Her affection." Kathryn's voice was gentle but firm. "If so, you should know it's unlikely. She loves Carlos, whatever problems they may have." "I'm not a fool," I snapped, then immediately regretted my tone. "I know she loves him. I'm not doing this to win her over." "Then why?" I stared at the floor, struggling to articulate what drove me. "Because I failed her once before. I won't make that mistake again." Kathryn seemed satisfied with this answer. "Very well. I'll need time to prepare properly." I rose to leave, but paused at the door. "Kathryn... thank you." She shook her head. "Don't thank me yet. This may kill you more quickly than the sorceress's curse. Plus, I'm not assuring you that it is going to work." "At least it will be my choice," I said quietly. "For once." As I left the room, I felt the hunger gnawing at me again, stronger
GRIFFIN POVI felt it the moment it happened—a pulse of energy so distinct it nearly knocked me off my feet. I steadied myself against a tree, drawing in a sharp breath as recognition dawned.Nora had connected with her wolf.After all these years, after everything that had happened. She had found Reika again. Although it was a good thing, the implications were staggering—and terrifying. Those hungry powerful beings probably felt it too and their quest for Nora's blood would intensify. "Damn it," I muttered, pushing away from the tree and striding toward the pack house. Elder Silvarum needed to know immediately. Carlos too, though I doubted he'd take the news well.I'd barely made it halfway across the grounds when the first wave of pain hit. It started as a burning in my chest, then spread outward like wildfire through my veins. I stumbled, falling to my knees as my vision blurred."Griffin."The voice echoed in my mind, sickeningly familiar. The sorceress. My mistress. My curse."
NORA POVThe next one week flew by very peacefully. More peaceful than I ever expected. "Focus, Nora," Kathryn instructed, circling me as I struggled to maintain the small flame hovering above my palm. "You're letting your wolf nature interfere again."I gritted my teeth. "I don't have a wolf nature. That's the problem."Kathryn exchanged a glance with Elara, that same look they always shared when they thought I wasn't paying attention. It was infuriating."Your lycan blood is still part of you," she said carefully. "Even if you do not have a wolf. She looked down, busying herself with arranging crystals on the floor around me. I'd touched a nerve, I was sure of it."Whatever the case," Kathryn continued smoothly, "you need to separate your magical energy from your lycan energy. They conflict with each other."I'd been trying for days without success. The moment I called forth fire or water, I felt a resistance within me, as if something was fighting against the magic. My head would
NORA POVI woke with a gasp, my body jerking upright so violently that my kids nearly fell off the edge of the bed where they had been sitting.Silence stretched in the room for a long while. My kids hugged me, excited to finally have me back. After a while, Carlos came to sit beside me. "Nora!" His hands were on me instantly, checking for wounds that were no longer there. "Thank the Moon Goddess. You're awake."My head spun as memories flooded back —the attack in the forest, the children screaming, claws tearing into my flesh. I should be dead. By all rights, I should be dead.Carlos handed me a glass of cold water. "You need this." As I gulped the cool liquid, my eyes caught sight of something across the room a small form lying motionless on the floor, surrounded by my aunt. Blood pooled beneath her.The mute girl. "What happened?" I demanded, pushing the glass away. "Why is she bleeding?"Carlos followed my gaze, his expression grim. "She saved you. Took your wounds somehow."I
CARLOS POVMy heart stopped as I burst into the clearing. The scene before me was worse than anything I'd imagined.Nora lay in a growing pool of blood, surrounded by seven hooded figures. Their forms seemed to waver between solid and smoke, power radiating off them in waves that made my wolf recoil. Ancient beings. Powerful. Deadly."Get away from her!" I roared, my voice breaking with desperation.One of them turned slowly, revealing a face that wasn't quite human— eagyes too large, skin too pale. When it smiled, its teeth were needle-sharp."The mate arrives," it said, voice like breaking glass. "Just in time to watch her die."Rage exploded through me. I didn't care if they could kill me with a thought. I wouldn't let Nora die while I stood by. I charged forward, shifting mid-stride, claws extending as I leapt toward the nearest figure.I was still trying to think about my next move. I was confused about everything, and what step to take forward. But I was certain about one thing.
Carlos POVI moved towards my office window, and saw Griffin walking away from the pack house. I watched Griffin's retreating back, fighting the urge to slam him against the nearest wall. His arrogance was infuriating, but I needed to keep a level head. This wasn't about my personal dislike for the man—it was about protecting Nora and our pack.As soon as he disappeared around the corner, I pulled out my phone and called Elder Silvarum. I needed to speak with him personally. The message I sent to him was not even enough. The phone barely rang once before he answered."Carlos," his gravelly voice came through the line. "I've been expecting your call.""You always are," I said, a warm smile playing on my face despite the circumstances. "I need your counsel. It's about Griffin.""I know that already." I could hear the rustling of papers on his end. "You mentioned him in your letter."I moved to my table, keeping my voice low. "He's in love with Nora. I can use that, turn him against th
THIRD POVThe attack came at dawn, when the mist still clung to the ground and visibility was poor. Not with armies or weapons, but with whispers.The guards patrolling the pack borders heard them first—soft, melodic voices calling their names, luring them into the tree line. Two guards disappeared before the others raised the alarm.By mid-morning, the pack house was in lockdown. Carlos had doubled the guard, positioning his strongest fighters at every entrance. No one entered or left without his direct approval."We do not understand what happened. We just heard whispers, and some of the guards were already gone without trace," one of the guards reported to Carlos. Carlos's jaw tightened. "They're testing our defenses, looking for weaknesses.""But who are 'they'? We've seen nothing, no tracks, no scents."The pack was beginning to panic. They spent time trying to figure out what was going on and how to stop whatever danger was lurking. Carlos was more worried than everyone else.