NORA POVDetermination seeped through my veins as I made up my mind to beat the record I had been getting for the past one week. Although other trainers said it was impossible, only if I had my wolf. They said it would have been possible considering my speed.The only Lycan that had gotten less than 0.5 seconds was the first Ancient Blood. Beating that speed will require my wolf. After giving Karen a faint smile, I shut my eyes tightly, envisioning the target without losing focus. I don't know if I could make the 0.5 second speed but at least I could aim faster.As I breezed through the bushes, tearing whatever was on my way apart. I sustained bruises yet I felt nothing as I ran at full speed. I know Elder Silvarum was already waiting for me there for the calculation. With the whistling of the morning breeze streaming past my ears, I continue to run as fast as I could. In a blink of an eye, I was already standing before the old man as I catch my breath.“ It's outstanding but you st
CARLOS POVI cursed as I changed into my wolf form, filled with anger at what I just heard. How could such a thing happen and none of the elders had a whiff of it.I got to the conference room in less than five minutes and changed back into my human form. My eyes scout through all the elders who had a grim yet fearful expressions. “ How could this have slipped your reports?" My voice boomed across the throne room.My hands tapped rapidly on my throne, watching the Elders whose heads were bowed shivering slightly. I waited for their excuses once again, yet none spoke a word.“ No answer? I guess I should find out my way," I smirked, my aura changing drastically.I stood up abruptly, making them whimper a few steps back. They should have known for the past six months I had been on the throne that I was nothing like my father.Don't get me wrong.My father was one of the most decisive Alpha in all werewolves territories. Brutal yet merciful, so much that most of our territories were now
Carlos POVI woke up with a start, sweat dripping all over my body. It felt so real and I could have sworn it was Nora. How could she have a wolf when she was just human?I felt a familiar pain tugging at my heart as her face flashed before me. I got up swiftly, making my way to the bathroom. Maybe a cold bath would straighten me out.As I walked past the reading desk, I paused. Instead, I made my way to the desk. I saw an enclosed box. It was the box holding the shard of emerald pendant.I took out the shard, examining it once more for any inscription. Indeed, there was an inscription but it was partly torn. I removed the one on my neck and noticed inscriptions on it too.I sighed, a strong migraine kicking in. Why can't I get the feeling that something wasn't right out of my head?“ I need to find out the truth."With that I sent a mindlink to my gamma, Kayden. He was also my best friend, just like Justin and I trust him. “ Get me an expert on inscriptions and wordings”" Yes, Alph
NORA POVI leap high, my feet bare and my heart racing. That damn old man would be the end of me. Why was he so strict? I wish I could be trained by Nora only.“ If you are a second behind, you will be punished, brat." Elder Silvarum’s voice came through the mindlink. I could have yelled a fuck you at him but then I wasn't ready to train all day. That's how wicked Elder Silvarum was to me. Did he even see me as the Lycan princess?Maybe he forgets that I was still not with my wolf. With a sigh, I continued the race without the surge of power and speed that comes with having a wolf. It's just me, my human form, and the burning need to become powerful. I could feel the forest getting blurred around me, trees becoming green and brown smudges as I ran the distance. My legs had began to ache and I could swear that my lungs were going to be on fire, thanks to that old man!I pushed on, fueled by determination.I wanted to meet up with his timer, so I ran with all my strength. Even without
NORA POVI was still trying to balance myself while cursing Elder Silvarum in my mind when I caught about two Lycan wolves approaching me. Don't tell me I have to fight these people and Karen without my wolf!“ Shit, Elder Silvarum!" I grunted, getting ready to face them.Two of them charged forward, their movements were as fast as a strike of lightning. I reacted instinctively, my body shifting into a defensive stance. Our bodies clash, a flurry of punches and kicks, each blow landing with precision and force.I staggered a little when the third person came from behind me, a punch landing on my back. "Focus, Nora!" Karen growls, his fist inches from my face. "Don't let your emotions rule you. You're a Lycan, a warrior. Unleash your power!"I gritted my teeth again, channeling my energy into a fierce counterattack. The two guys meet me head-on, our movements a blur of speed and strength. I can feel my Lycan instincts rising, the urge to dominate and in-state my authority. Yet, I cou
Nora POV“ For the sake of the pendant, Nora. I will let you go back but be back before the fall of the red moon.” Her voice seems to falter at the end of her words.I could barely contain my excitement as I stood before my mother, my heart racing with anticipation. She has finally given me the permission I have been waiting for - to go back to my former pack and exact my revenge.Filled with excited whimper, I embraced my mother tightly. Although I wanted to ask her why I had to come back before the fall of the red moon, I decided to ignore it because I would be back before then.“ How is the training?" She asked, searching my face with those piercing eyes. My mother's aura was extremely powerful and I wondered if she was just a Lycan or something more.“ Improving. Hopefully, I will give the elders a favorable answer." I answered with a crestfallen face.My mother touched me gently, her warmth traveling down my heart. I raised my head, gazing at her reassuring face.“ You are strong
Nora POV My eyes glanced around the big mansion, holding tightly to my backpack. My mother's reluctant face and my father's grim look made my heart falter for a moment. I owe my new existence to these people. Although they were my biological parents, they meant more to me.They were my shield and light. The ones who made me discover the powerful Nora. Today was the day I was leaving my kingdom for my former pack. It wasn't easy convincing the elders of my decision but with my father's firm authority, I was given until the month of the Lycan Full Moon Festival.Still with the grim expression, my father walked up to me.“ You could have taken Karen with you. I will only feel better if he-”" Father, you have to trust me. I am no longer that weak girl. I am your daughter, the powerful Nora without a wolf.” We have been arguing since last night for me to go alone but my father wasn't convinced. He still believes I might be bullied by those people again.With a sigh, my father insisted."
Nora POV“ Nora-" His voice was laced with hidden excitement.Before I could say anything, I found myself in his embrace. I remained stiff and confused at his attitude. I thought he hated me and wanted me dead?“ Get the hell off me!" I screamed, pushing him away.I watched as he staggered backwards, his legs faltering close to the huge oak tree a huge distance away from me. I gasped in disbelief at the strength I just used. I thought the potion would have wean off the Lycan strength.As he staggered backwards, there was hesitation as his eyes roamed all over my body. He seemed to have a complicated look on his face, as if he was sensing something more. I squinted, my mind taking a drastic decision. I can't let him know I was powerful but then the potion was supposed to have worn down the Lycan aura around me! What exactly was happening? That old man told me it wouldn't take up to five minutes before the effects started kicking in.“ Tricky old man!" I sighed inwardly.I hope Carlos
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.