Nora's POV When the maid pointed her fingers at Mirabel at first, I refused to believe her claim. I felt she was trying to pin her crimes on her instead of owning up to it. Not going to lie, I was disappointed. To think I had been trying to steer the accusing fingers from her only to find out she was the one who was responsible was driving me insane with each passing second. I understood the hatred she had towards me but trying to kill me was on a whole different level, something which I wasn't going to forget in a hurry. When she didn't defend herself, I felt she was the sole perpetrator of her crime but when she tried to say something else which no one seemed to notice, I scrunched up my brows as my inquisitiveness skyrocketed. “There must be a second person… Who could that be?” I muttered, darting my eyes around as I racked my head for answers which were not forthcoming. Pushing the thought behind me, I returned my attention to the issue at hand only to see her being dragged
Nora's POV It took a while before I could process what I had just heard. Even at that, it was hard to believe until Harriet repeated her words. “I'm not telling a tale here, my lady. The maid who poisoned Prince George stabbed herself in the dungeon and then Lady Mirabel was confirmed to have died from poisoning.” “How possible is this? I just left the dungeon a while ago and…” I filtered off, beads of perspiration gathering on my forehead. Suddenly, I felt a cold chill running through my spines as I reviewed what I had just heard, trying to make a meaning out of it. To confirm her tale, I returned to the dungeon to see things for myself only to be greeted with another scene. Right in front of the dungeon was the corpse of the guard who was on duty. Crouching next to him, I placed my fingers before his nostrils to confirm if indeed he was dead and it turned out to be true. “The person was lurking around
Carlos' POV On my return from the Lycan’s Kingdom the only thing on my mind was to find out the truth about what had happened that night. Aria was my target only for me to be told she was no longer in the pack and as if that was not enough, her father left too, leaving me devastated. Aria was the only person who had answers to my questions but she disappeared now that I needed her the most. While pondering on what I will do next, I felt a second presence in the courtroom and at once I turned around to see Justin staring back at me with his hands pushed into his pockets. When he didn't say anything for a while, I cleared my throat, “Is anything the matter?” I asked, peering closely at him. “What are you going to do about Aria’s disappearance? From the look of things, she ran off when she knew the event was going to be traced back to her.” He rapped. Closing the gap between us, he stood a few feet away from me, “You
Carlos' POVAll my efforts to get Nora back were thwarted by Justin who felt I didn't deserve a second chance. Not even for once did he try to hide it, he kept poking it in my face like I was the first person to reject my mate. Despite all these, I kept on trying, waiting for the lucky day when I will be able to meet with Nora again. This time around, I promise not to hurt her for whatever reason, I will right my wrongs and make sure things work out between us. Even if she is still weak, I wouldn't take that into consideration. As Justin had said, I will train her to become the strong woman I want her to be. When it seemed like no matter how I tried to get Nora back it wasn't going to happen, I gave up only to receive an invitation to the Royal ball. This time around, not even Justin will be able to stop me since I couldn't decline the invitation, so Nora, whom I’m certain would also be at the ball. My ex
Nora's POVJust when I thought I was going to meet with my second chance mate after Carlos had rejected me, the mate bond led me to where he stood. It took all that I had in me not to erupt in anger. I was furious at the moon goddess for pairing me with someone who had rejected me for the second time. Thanks to Karen who had pulled me from the scene, I wouldn't have known when I would lose control and then create chaos. Even though the rest of the party was fun-filled, the thought of what happened earlier kept ringing in my head making me uncomfortable and sometimes, I find myself drifting off. Just when the party was about to draw its curtains close, I heard a devastating news that made the hair on my body stand still. “I can't leave my parents to suffer.” I said, pulling myself up as Karen ran after me. Now outside the hall, Karen stood in front of me, preventing me from taking one step further. “This i
Nora’s POV The pain made me lose concentration as I found it hard to stay put. Laughing like a maniac, Aria raised the knife she had been holding on to above her head. Instead of it glistening like before, it was now fully covered with blood. On her feet was Carlos who was bleeding profusely after being stabbed multiple times by Aria. I had felt the pain too because of the lingering mate bond.“Aria!” I howled, my eyes darken as I advanced in her direction. With anger welling up in me, I jumped on her, kicking her to the ground. I didn't stop there, I dug my claws into her neck making sure to rupture her blood vessels. In her defensive mode, she quickly transformed to her wolf form, baring her canines as she sized me up. She was about to lunge at me when her father, Alpha Jasper made his appearance. Now it was two against one.“Being a Lycan gives you no such privilege.” Alpha Jasper said through
Nora’s POVAfter 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 h
Carlos' 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
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.