Nora’s POV
After a tiring journey, we finally got to our destination — The Lycan Kingdom.Since it was an emergency, settling in was a hassle but thanks to my father and the elders who understood and helped them wholeheartedly.As for Carlos, the attention of the doctors were called and without wasting time, they came to his rescue.Although I was drained from all my earlier activities, I couldn't rest. My heart kept wandering about as I thought of what would become of Carlos.“I hope he doesn't die.” These words were on my lips and I kept repeating it over and over again as my heart thumped against my chest.It was past midnight, yet the doctors were still with Carlos. To get my mind off him, I began to pace through the hallway.“You need to get some rest Nora.” Karen said, announcing his presence.Ever since we had a fall out at the boundary, he hadn't spoken to me.Acting like I didn't hear hCarlos' POV Having rested well after the night of the war, I regained consciousness but this was only known between me and the doctor in charge. My reason for doing it was not that I wanted to feign being in a coma and draw pity from people, rather I was unsure of what was going to happen. Nora was the last person I was expecting to come save me at the borders. I'm certain she didn't come for me, not when her foster parents were also in danger. But she bringing me to the pack for treatment meant she still had a bit of care for me but even at that, I was scared. When she was done cleaning me up like she does twice a day, I felt her weight leaving the bed and at once I held her hand. My grip was weak simply because I was weak too but I held on until I couldn't anymore. “Thank you.” I mumbled, gulping down the lump that had risen in my throat. “You're awake.” S
Nora's POVThe sudden interruption sent my words back into my mouth and also made me realize that I had let my guard down once more. When I didn't respond to Karen who was fuming, he grabbed my arm and not minding the pains he was causing me because of his strong grip, he pulled me out of the ward, banging the door shut. He continued this way until we got to the garden which was devoid of any sound as the sun was up high in the sky. “Have you lost it?” He yelled, taking his position in front of me with his hands strapped across his chest. “Calm down!” I managed to say but instead of that to happen, he became even more furious, fist pumping the air. “We both know Carlos is up to no good, why do you keep allowing him to use you?” He yelled. “He doesn't love you, if he really does, he would not have rejected you.” He added. At this point, trying to calm him down was impossible. He wasn't going to listen to whatever I
Carlos' POVWhen Karen came in earlier, I could see the spite and anger he was emitting from his eyes as he glared at me. On my part, I was furious with his sudden interruption. Just when I thought everything would be settled between me and Nora, he made his entrance and as usual, I bore the brunt of it. Still nursing my hurted feelings, Justin walked into the ward. He was about to take his leave when he halted suddenly. “How long have you been awake?” He asked. From the body language, I knew he was uncomfortable with our presence here, same as I was but I needed to win Nora back before thinking of anything else. She was my main priority and I wouldn't give up on her until I succeeded in getting her back to myself. “It's been a while.” He didn't wait for me to say anything more before he stormed out of the ward, banging the door shut. Pushing my hand into my hair, I let out a low groan with my lips in between my te
Nora's POV I wanted to ask Vina what all these was all about but I couldn't stop pondering on the question. Reviewing Vina’s words, I couldn't help but to wonder what had prompted her into asking that and for the records, I doubt if Karen and I acted like we were items. “Your silence says I’m right.” She broke the silence in the room as she turned her back on me. She was about to step out when I rushed to her side. Holding her arm, I swirled her to face me only to see a silly smile dancing on her lips. “What is going on? Why did you ask?” I voiced out my thoughts, urging her to speak with my gaze. Now seated on the edge of my bed, Vina leaned in and with her hand resting on my shoulder, she said, “I’m worried about you.” “What…” “You're stressed out, you need to get a lot of rest, Nora.” She pouted, trying to make me lie on my back but I was adamant. “Since
Carlos POVAs Karen made his way out, I suddenly felt my chest tightening. Something was definitely wrong and it was likely Nora. I ran swiftly towards the hospital ward, my eyes searching for her.As I got closer to the emergency ward, her scent hit me. It was indeed Nora and she was in the hospital. With shaky legs, I made my way towards where the doctors were trying to revive her. “Nora!” I called with a shaky voice, hitting her cheeks severally, trying to make her open her eyes but all to no avail. “She will be fine.” The doctor who was going after her before she slumped said, causing me to snap my head in his direction. I felt forlorn as I stared at her pale face. The doctor gently pushed me aside before turning to look at me. There was a faint smile on his face which made my pounding heart a little relaxed. “She is tired, hence her brain shut off all of its activities. She will need enough rest before she will get rejuv
Carlos' POV I was surprised to see Justin trying to tag along with us. I sent him a mindlink not to get involved in my issues. I was already feeling guilty towards his family. Although he was my beta, I know how much he was struggling to let go off my betrayal.That was one of the reasons I usually overlook his outburst at me. But then, this was my own issue. I was ready to place my life on the line in exchange for that of my Pack members and that's why I didn't struggle with the guards. The procession finally came to an end when we were in the middle of the training ground. It was same training ground used by all the warriors. It was also the place Nora had trained to become stronger." Karen-" “Can you feel the scent of defeat mingled with betrayal? ” He asked, looking around like this was the first time he was visiting this place. " What do you mean?" I asked, furrowing my brows.With a scoff, he stated." This was
Nora’s POVBlinking my eyes, I tried to focus my gaze but the bright sunlight which was seeping into my bedroom wasn't helping matters.Yawning, I threw my feet off my bed but before I could stand on my feet, mother rushed to my side and then aided me. “Are you alright?” She asked with a raised brow, her whole gaze fixated on me. “I am good.” I replied and that was the truth. I had been lacking rest for a while and now that I had rested, I was rejuvenated. Nodding, mother let go of me and I proceeded to use the bathroom after which I joined her. She didn't need to tell me the steaming cup of cocoa belonged to me before I grabbed the handle, taking a long sip of the delicious liquid. “Thank you mom.” I said, eliciting a nod from her coupled with a warm smile. Rubbing my arm, she didn't say any word to me as I continued sipping from the cup until it was empty. “Do you want another one?” She asked and I shook my head in the negative.Now resting on my shoulder, I allowed her to r
Nora's POV Now with Carlos, I had to apologize for Karen's misconduct which he waved off like it was nothing. The fresh bruises on his body was nothing but a testament of the duel he must have gotten involved in with Karen. Taking my gaze from him, I began to stare into space. I couldn't afford to look back at him, the numerous scars on his body made me guilty. “Nora, permit me to return to my pack and build it.” He said and unable to resist staring at him, I snapped my head in his direction. “Don't get me started Carlos! You're fully aware of the danger that pack holds yet you feel you will be able to survive a day there.” I rolled my eyes at him. “You underestimate me too much. I know you are stronger than me for I’m just an alpha wolf and not a Lycan but I’m strong.” He paused before saying. “I can't be a refugee in another pack with my members. I need to tell them that indeed I’m a leader and their lives and w
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.