FIVE YEARS LATER The sound of light tapping on the intricately designed table swept across the gloomy pack hall. It wasn't just the sound, but an incredibly powerful aura that seemed to suppress the fearful growls of the wolves around.The man tapping on the table looked up, his mask covering half of his face. He stood up and walked towards the center of the dimly lit hall, his piercing eyes scanning the gathering of werewolves. The air was thick with tension, the only sound was the soft hum of enchantments that prevented eavesdropping. The wolves let out fearful whimpers as they drew away.The masked man chuckled lightly, his eyes fixed on a particular wolf. The gaze seemed to pierce this particular wolf.Then with a deep voice, he asked. “ What's the update from the spies?" A buffy wolf, the one the masked man was looking at, took two strides closer to him before turning into his human form as sounds of bones breaking and painful growls rented the air. With a deep bow and a hand
The splitting headache made Nora grunt in pain. The headaches were becoming more frequent for the past three months. Not only that, even the dreams were starting to get real.The wolf that kept calling out to her in her dreams was just too real. And powerful. Five years had passed since the battle, and Nora was living a quiet life in Eagle Pack. She worked as a librarian, surrounded by dusty books and whispered conversations. Ruling next to Carlos as the Luna of the Eagle Pack gave her immense joy, not to talk of her kids whom she doted on. Finally, she had the life she wished for…Or so she thought…Her days blended together in a haze of routine, but her nights were a different story. Nora's dreams were a jumbled mix of images and emotions, but one was constant. It was the wolf. A majestic creature with piercing yellow eyes and fur as white as snow. The wolf would pad through Nora's dreams, its presence both comforting and unsettling.Who was the wolf, and why did it haunt her d
NORA POVI woke up with a start, my eyes searching all around. I was already in my bedroom with my hands clasped tightly. I tried to recall what happened. The last thing I remembered was being with Carlos in the library and then…“ Arghh!” I let out, biting my lips tightly to hold back the raving pain.The splitting headaches had returned, stronger this time. These headaches didn't seem normal. Biting back the pain and discomfort, I clawed at the sheets with my body trembling. I could taste and feel the huge droplets of sweat trickling down my spine.As much as I tried, I couldn't stop the pain hitting me once again. This time, it hurt like hell!I wish I could make it stop. I was on the verge of losing it. The hand clasping mine held it even more tightly. As if afraid to lose me. His scent hit my already messed up head and somehow, I seem to want m
CARLOS POVI watched Nora sleeping, her face finally peaceful after hours of restless tossing. The moonlight streamed through our bedroom window, casting silver shadows across her features. Even after five years, I still found myself marveling at her beauty, at the strength she carried within her—even if she no longer remembered it.Her agonising scream shook my heart. The headaches were becoming worse. And her inquisitive too. I could hardly avoid her piercing questions and gaze. Just like now.Her episode earlier had shaken me. The one at the library had my heart on the edge. I was afraid of her recalling it all, again. Yet, the name she'd spoken—Karen—sent ice through my veins. She was starting to remember, and that terrified me.Alongside her questions.I quickly found an excuse of calling the healer, as distraction. Yet, she wasn't ready to give up. I
CARLOSI caught the scent of blood on the wind before I even reached the border. The acrid smell of fear mingled with the metallic tang of freshly spilled blood triggered every fighting spirit in me as I steadied towards the borders. I pushed myself harder, sprinting through the trees toward the sounds of battle.When I finally broke through the tree line, chaos greeted me. My border warriors were locked in fierce combat with at least twenty rogues who had somehow managed to breach our first line of defense. Bodies—both my pack members and rogues—already littered the ground."Alpha Carlos!" shouted Devin, one of my guards, as he knocked down a rogue. "They came out of nowhere, in formation!"I shifted immediately, bones cracking and reforming as my wolf took over. The familiar rush of power surged through me as I lunged into battle, taking down the nearest rogue with a singl
CARLOSI jolted awake, instinctively reaching for the arrow wound in my shoulder. My fingers found only smooth, unbroken skin. Confused, I sat up quickly, bracing for pain that never came. No wound, no burning poison, nothing—as if the attack had never happened.The sun had shifted position; I'd been unconscious for at least an hour. My gaze immediately sought and found the girl, who sat a few feet away, her back against a moss-covered tree. She looked even worse than before—pale as death, her makeshift bandage soaked through with blood, her breathing shallow."You healed me," I said, my voice rough from disuse. It wasn't a question.She looked up slowly, those strange amber eyes finding mine. Despite her weakened state, there was something fierce in her gaze, something ancient and wild that called to my wolf.I moved closer, examining her more carefully. She was youn
CARLOS POVAfter we got to the pack, I decided to visit Nora as soon as possible. The warning that Elder Silvarum gave me after Nora's wolf was suppressed kept replaying in my mind like a broken record."When a wolf is suppressed unnaturally, Alpha, there are consequences," Elder Silvarum had told me, his ancient eyes boring into mine. "Especially in one with her... lineage. Watch her closely. She shouldn't encounter that which she had."I took swift strides towards my office, weighing my options carefully. The wooden floorboards creaked beneath my heavy steps as I moved back and forth, my mind racing with the fear that I had tried to suppress since the ritual.A gentle breeze carried the scents of the pack—familiar and comforting—but did nothing to ease the tension gripping my shoulders.Something else was bothering me. The little girl. The fact that she might be tha
NORA POVAfter I woke up, I decided to get ready to visit the library. There had to be more information about not having a wolf. The emptiness inside me where my wolf should have been felt like an open wound, and I needed answers.I sat up in bed, pushing away the strange dreams that had plagued my sleep—whispers in a language I almost understood, shadows that seemed to call my name. Shaking my head to clear it, I rang the small bell by my bedside.Minutes later, my maid Emma entered with a respectful curtsy. " Luna. How did you sleep?""Well enough," I lied, not wanting to worry her with tales of my restless night. "I would like to get dressed. I am planning to visit the library.""Of course, Luna." Emma moved to the wardrobe, selecting a simple blue dress that would be comfortable for a day of reading. "Will you be needing anything else?""No, that sh
THIRD POVNora walked away from them, her mind spinning with the sorceress's demand. Give herself up to save her children? The choice seemed both impossible and inevitable. She wandered through the trees, needing space to breathe, and to think.She found a fallen log a short distance from the cave entrance and sank down onto it. The forest around her was very quiet, as if even the birds and insects sensed the dark magic nearby. Her hands trembled as she pressed them against her face, trying to hold back tears."They're discussing whether your life is worth saving the twins," a soft voice said from behind her.Nora looked up to find Elara standing there, her face partially shadowed by the trees."Elara," Nora said, quickly wiping her eyes. "I didn't hear you approach.""I move quietly," Elara replied with a slight smile. "It's a useful skill for a lady's maid."Nora nodded absently, her thoughts still with her children. "
THIRD POVElder Silvarum continued to talk about the sorceress and her relationship with Carlos and the twins, after everyone had slowly recovered from the shock. "The sorceress has powerful magic, but I believe we can track her.""How?" Griffin pushed off from the wall, suddenly interested."With blood," the elder replied simply. He turned to Carlos. "Alpha, although I don't possess sorcerer abilities myself, my bloodline carries ancient knowledge. And your blood will be the compass.""Whatever it takes to get my children back." "I can perform the tracking spell. I've done similar workings before," Katherine offered. "It's dangerous," Elder Silvarum warned. "The sorceress will have safeguards.""I don't care," Katherine replied dismissively. "Those are my niece's cubs."Carlos rolled up his sleeve and extended his arm. "Take what you need."Katherine glanced at Elder Silvarum, who nodded an
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.