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 likeNora PovI ran through the woods, breathing heavily. My eyes staring ahead of the huge lavender tree upfront. I didn't care if my heart was about to fall off my chest, I was determined to get there in less than five minutes. I wanted to be strong for him. I ran like my life depends on it. Well, my heart depends on it. I hated when he looked at me with such disappointment. "Hey, weakling! Get the hell out of the way!" I heard a grumpy voice, running past me with speed. "She looks so pathetic running like that!" Another sneered, veering past me. "She must be human!" The first one spat out, following his colleague. "Fuck you both!" I spat out angrily, inside of me.As much as I wanted to tell them that, I don't want to look for trouble. I don't want my brother to be caught in-between his duty to the pack as the future beta and his duty as a brother to a pathetic loser like me.If I wasn't so unlucky, I was supposed to be ranked amongst the strongest werewolf in the pack. That's bec
Nora POVI stared at him, his cold-looking face, devoid of all emotions. He was staring blankly at me, as if I were some useless piece of trash. But those weren't the eyes that looked at me years ago. "I am your mate" I managed to blurt out, hating the question he just asked. My hands were shaking and I felt as though there were thousands of spears jabbed at my heart. How could he ask if he was going to accept me or not? If he wasn't going to accept me then what? He wouldn't… I felt shaken and I could feel my hands shaking nonstop. My eyes met his. He was looking emotionless as if I was nobody to him. Didn't he feel the slightest bond? "You think I will accept you?" His voice rang out, making my body shiver involuntarily. But there was a part of me deep down that hated those words.A part that wanted him to look at me like he did some years back. Being mates wasn't a child's play. He shouldn't joke like that. And that's when my ears picked the dreaded words. My legs almost gave w
Carlos POVTonight was the moonlight festival and I was happy my father just announced that I would be crowned this weekend. Just as my friends were congratulating me, I saw her.Nora Viking, the human girl who can't have a wolf. A weakling that needed to be protected every single time the rogues attacked. She couldn't even fend one of them off! Even when it was decided that she would be trained, it ended up badly because she fainted on all occasions.Three years ago, I met her alongside her brother, Justin. He was the son of my father's beta and my future beta too. She was beautiful. Very beautiful, that I instantly fell for her.But we haven't gotten our wolf then. I didn't know she was my mate. I waited eagerly for her to wolf out… I wish she was my mate. I thought she would be a strong female wolf just like the whole of their family.I wanted one, just like how my father got my mother, his perfect warrior mate. I wanted mine too. Was that too much to ask from the goddess? But th
NORA POVI got home, feeling devastated at what happened. I thought he was different from all the others. My heart bleeding in undeniable pain, I dragged my broken soul inside.I was about to push the door open when I heard whispers from my parents. A word penetrated into my ears, my hand on the door growing stiff.“ Do we tell her that she isn't our daughter? She is human. She would never get a wolf. I feel for how she is trying to be what she can never be," that was my dad's voice.“ I forbid it, Nathan. No one will tell my daughter anything. She is my child and I will protect her at all cost," my mother said, with finality in it.I wasn't too sure I heard it right, yet I wasn't ready to let it go. So, I pushed open the door as my heart prayed I heard wrongly. They couldn't be talking about me, right?“ Mum, dad… what's going on?” I asked, my eyes fighting off the wetness around it.As I watched the faces staring at me in shock and guilt, a pang of pain shot through my already damag
Nora POVI tried to open my eyes but the blinding light didn't let me. I stopped trying, letting the tears flow down my eyes. I was truly dead and in the afterlife with the moon goddess.Why did I give that bastard the satisfaction of seeing me dead? I was totally useless and worthless. Maybe I should hunt him in my ghost form, at least that would teach him a lesson.“ My princess, are you alright? Why are you crying?" I heard a melodious yet anxious voice in my head and a tap on my shoulder.Did I just hear someone calling me a princess? Was I the daughter of the moon goddess? That would be great! I could just ask my mother to give me the power to hunt that bastard Carlos! I quickly flung my eyes open, the blinding light piercing through it.“ Ah!" I let out a scream, immediately shutting it again.Even if she was the moon goddess, must everything inside her temple be white? I mean extremely white that I could swear it was all purely diamonds. Slowly, I opened my eyes as I tried to
Carlos' PovI went back home after rejecting the human girl. How could I accept such a weakling as my mate? I think the Moon goddess made a terrible mistake in pairing me with her. As I moved closer to the palace, I felt my heart about to explode from the pain of the mating bond. Nevertheless, I was glad I had cut off every attachment with her.I got to my chamber and lay on my bed, trying to put off whatever lingering emotions I was having for Nora. She wasn't worth my thoughts.If only her parents weren't the beta of the kingdom and her brother was my best friend, I would have kicked her out of the kingdom as soon as I found out she was human.Why would my father let a human live among us?“ You are my mate!"Her words echoed in my ears over and over again. Her broken eyes and shattered emotions tugging at my own heart. I swore it had taken me all my willpower to reject her. There was something trying to stop me. Furthermore, It was strange she could feel the mating bond when she
Carlos POV“ We found a piece of shoe belonging to Nora at the tip of the cliff. It's likely she jumped off the cliff,” One of the guards had reported through the general mindlink.I heard Justin's mumbling as he raced toward the direction. I also stood there perplexed for another five minutes before dashing over too.Deep down, I had started feeling guilty if ever it was true that Nora committed suicide by jumping off the cliff.“ It can't be true," I kept repeating Justin's denial to myself, convincing myself.I ran as fast as I could in my wolf form and got there a few seconds later than Justin. I walked briskly to the spot and indeed I could perceive the scent of Nora. Since we became mates, her scent was practically hovering around me even if it's a distance away.“ It's indeed my sister's shoe but maybe she lost it," Justin said, trying to convince himself.“ That could be true. We just need to wait for the guards patrolling the river side. If she fell off the cliff, we are like
Nora POVJust like that, I became a princess after escaping the cruel death my mate had planned for me. As I watched my new family, a tinge of sorrow pierce through my heart. It reminded me of the parents and brother I had known for a long time. A flash of sorrow passed through my very being. I was already missing my brother and my parents. I wonder what they would do when they realize I was gone.“ Can I send a message to my parents? I mean-"“ You can go and visit them anytime, my dear. But, you need to build your energy first. You lost most of your energy trying to survive the fall. Luckily, your father perceived your scent and traced your floating body," my new mother said, patting my hair.Her eyes were filled with undiluted love and care. She was epitome of beauty and regal aura. As her long golden hair flowed all over her face, she looked like the moon goddess herself.“ Tell me, my daughter. Why did you want to kill yourself?" That was my new father asking. His squinted eyes
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.