Nora's POVOn arrival at my mother's chamber, it seemed she had been expecting me because she immediately pulled me into a brief hug before leading me to a couch. “I will be right back.” She said and after a few minutes, she returned with a full pendant making my lips break into a smile. The broken pendant from earlier had now been merged. “Here, you can have it.” She said, pushing her hand forward. “Thank you mother.” I replied with a grin, receiving the pendant from her. I was about to place it around my neck when she held my hand and then went ahead to help me with it. Holding the pendant, my lips broke into a smile. “It's pretty, mother.” I said, grinning widely. “It suits you. As always. Sweetheart, never take it off you again.” She replied, caressing the side of my face, a smile tugging the side of her lips. “ Never again, mom. I learnt my lesson the hard way." I replied with a bitter smile. I shook off the sad feeling and decided to tell her the reason I came to see he
Nora POVMy eyes glistened with tears I couldn't hold back, when I saw and perceived the familiar scent of the people who I had known since I was little.My werewolf parents. With a big grin, I ran into their arms, squashing them in a tight embrace. “I have missed you so much, mother. I miss you so much father.” I mumbled, pulling away from them. Although it's just been weeks since I left them at the border, I was already missing them. My eyes searched around them, looking frantic. As if they read my mind, they shook their heads. “ Justin has to take care of the pack since Alpha Carlos is away.”Although I was glad to see my foster parents, I miss my brother. I was also surprised to see them in the kingdom. I thought they would only come during my coronation. “ How did you-"“ The king gave us a token that allows us access to the kingdom.”I nodded while grinning. “I'm glad you have adapted so well.” My foster mother said, smiling sweetly at me while my foster father looked on wi
Nora's POVGrabbing my head with both hands, I let out a low grunt as I bit my bottom lips. My parents kept persuading me to let go of Carlos but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. He was my captive and I wanted it to remain that way for as long as possible. He was the one that hurt me first and not until I healed properly, I wasn't going to let go. I made an excuse and left them so I could think properly. I wonder why they all want me to let him go after all he did. The more I thought about it, the enraged I became and so I was pacing about, trying to calm my racing mind and head which was spiraling with different thoughts but to no avail. “You're finding it difficult to forgive him, not because of what happened at the cliff.” Mrs. Vikings said, making me snap my head in her direction quickly. "I don't know, Mom...Dad," I said, my voice hesitant. "I just can't trust him right now. I need time to process everything."They exchanged a concerned glance. "Nora, sweetie, we unde
Nora's POV It's been two days since my foster parents and Carlos left. I was still preparing for my journey to the Blue Lycan Kingdom and getting to know about the kingdom from my mother too.Walking down the flight of stairs with my hands across my chest, I was visualizing how the training at the Blue Lycan Kingdom was going to be like. Cranking my head to the side, I pushed my hand up my neck, massaging it with as I allowed my eyes to roam around the empty land mass in front of me. “ Are you thinking about him?" A teasing voice from behind me got me rolling my eyes.“ Do you like him that much? I could give him to you," I retorted, glaring at Vina who had a broad grin on her face.“ Nah- he is not my type. Besides, I don't know if I would wake up the next day if I dare it," Vina responded, giggling.Vina was more like a thorn in my flesh. She was always pairing me and Carlos even when she knows our story. According to her, she could still feel our connection. She believes the bon
Nora's POV “ What do you mean, Uncle Damon?" I asked, squinting.“ Don't take me wrong, Nora. I am just looking out for my niece. I hope you actualize your dreams. But then, there are implications when you don't keep your- words, as a royal-"“ Go to the point, Uncle Damon." I cut him off, sensing a negative vibe from his aura.“ The council had given you a year and six months. But then, you are assuring us of your success in one year. That's making a promise or rather a royal promise that must be kept-"“ You are still beating around the bush-"“ Be patient, Princess. What I mean is, if you can't keep your promise, it won't tell well in your future promises as the heir and future Queen. What if you fail and you don't get your wolf? That would be very sad and disappointing. As your uncle-" Uncle Damon concluded, shrugging.With a scoff, I fixed my gaze on my uncle. “ Then I need to train harder so I don't disappoint you, uncle. You don't need to bother about my future promises. Just
Nora's POV Uncle Callum wasn't bluffing. It was at this point that the realization dawned on me. How was I going to fight against a Lycan in his wolf form, not one but three when I was just a human? “You can step back and when you have made up your mind to go on with your training, we are here to aid you.” Elder Callum said in a dismissive manner. “No!” I snapped, taking a step forward with my fists clenched by my side. “I came for training, I'm up to whatever you throw my way.” I snapped, my gaze fixated on his back. Swirling in my direction with a smirk on his face, he asked, “Are you certain you can hold up?” “Yes!” I affirmed only to hear a low howl.Shifting my gaze to where the sound had come from, I stumbled backwards as my heart slammed against my chest. Right in front of us were three wolves with dark brown fur. They were baring their canines as they sized me up. Scared, I began to move backwards only to bump on the nostrils of one who immediately pushed me to the nex
Nora's POV“You have just five minutes to be at the training ground.” “ Five minutes?" I stuttered. That was impossible! How can I get to the training ground in five minutes in my human form? Even if I was a fast runner, it was literally impossible without my wolf." Uncle, I will need at least ten minutes to get-”He didn't even wait for my reaction before he turned around to leave. Frustrated, two large tears rolled down my cheeks but I was quick to wipe them off. Before coming here, I had bragged about returning to the pack with my wolf and also breaking the age long record. With this still ringing in my head, I pulled myself up, trying to catch up with Elder Callum who was literally crawling through the hallway in his human form.He was as fast as lightning and I wondered how it was possible. Maybe he made use of his wolf speed without changing to his wolf. I sighed in frustration but kept on running towards
NORA POVIt wasn't up to ten minutes after his departure when Uncle Callum walked in. He didn't say a word to me, rather he looked around for a while before taking his leave. To me, I considered his actions mocking and demeaning. Without being told, I was convinced Uncle Callum believed that I couldn't amount to anything and it was best if I quitted. With this thought ringing in my head coupled with that of my bragging before leaving home, I made a resolve to prove everyone wrong and that can only happen if I make up my mind to overcome any obstacle on my way. That same night, while everyone was asleep, I stole out of my bedroom and headed straight for the training ground. “A leader cannot be a weakling.” These words filled my head pumping me to go on with my self training despite the pain that raked through me. The urge to create a better version of myself was so great that I didn't stop even for a minute until it
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.