Karen's POVHis words made cold chills run through my spines as I halted momentarily. Clenching and unclenching my fists, I tried to grapple with the fact that Elder Callum had gotten involved in something I had managed to keep away from him. I growled in frustration, my mind racing with anger. "What do you mean they're coming back? How did they defeat the rogues so quickly?""The blue Lycans are a formidable force, Karen," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of fear. "Uncle Callum is a skilled leader, and they have many powerful warriors among them."I snarled, my anger rising. "This can't be happening. Not now, when I'm so close to achieving my goal."He hesitated, sensing my agitation. "Karen, maybe we should—""No," I cut him off, my voice cold and calculating. "We can't let them interfere. Uncle Callum would never allow me to continue my plans for Nora if he finds out. And as for Nora's wolf...I can't let them bring out her true identity. It would ruin everything."I paced b
Carlos' POVTo my delight, all of my plans fell into place. Thanks to the mask that covered my face, Karen couldn't recognize me and my masked smell made it hard for him to detect my presence. The moment I saw Nora, the urge to save her hit me with so much force but somehow, I was able to hold back. Karen's eyes suddenly fixed on me with a smirk carefully plastered on it. That's when I realized that he must have known it was me.I glared at Karen, my eyes blazing with fury as he approached me with his men. He looked smug, too confident, and I knew I had to warn him."Game's over, Carlos," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You're going down."I let out a scowl, my eyes gleaming with anger. "Oh, I don't think so, Karen," I responded, my voice dripping with condescension.With a sudden movement, he kicked me brutally, sending me crashing to the ground. I grunted in pain as he dragged Nora away from me, his men closing in to surround me.But I refused to back down. "Nora's see
Carlos' POV Standing in front of me was no other person than Karen, a smirk dancing on his lips. He wore an official coronation attire. A thick, black fur glistening in the light, perfectly groomed and sleek. His piercing yellow eyes seemed to burn with an inner fire, radiating confidence and authority. Pulling myself up, I tried to square off with him only for me to fall face first to the floor and the next thing that happened was a loud laughter that rang all over the hallway. “I knew you were up to no good so I decided to lurk around.” Smacking his lips with a shrug, he added, “Too bad you are yet to understand that I’m always one step ahead of you each time.” He hissed. “Why are you doing this? If you really love her like you claimed, you wouldn't hurt her this way.” I yelled, grasping the wall for support. Clicking his tongue, I was itching to hear what he had to say to me but he didn't speak. “You know…” Rub
THIRD POVSlowly, Vina moved her body which was aching slightly as she tried to snap her eyes open. After her encounter with Karen where he had dealt mercilessly with her, he had ordered his men to throw her into one of the rooms so she would die a slow and painful death. “Ugh! I'm not dead yet.” She muttered, finally snapping her eyes open as she pulled herself to a sitting position. It took a while before she could adjust to her environment, and when she tried to stand up in a bid to escape, she fell back on her behind with a little sigh. Wiping the blood that was on the side of her lips, she sucked her teeth, letting out a little grunt at the same time. If she was told before now that her collaboration with Karen was going to cause a lot of damage, she wouldn't have dared.Vina's eyes clouded over as she reminisced about the horrific event. She had thought that being Karen's mate would afford her some level of protection and care, but the memory of that fateful day still haunt
The last thing Vina expected was a bloodied Carlos, looking half-dead and lying at the entrance of the room where Nora was kept hostage.“ Carlos!" She screamed but quickly placed her hand over her mouth, not wanting to attract the guards.With her eyes almost falling off its socket and her heart beating heavily against her chest, she swallowed hard as if that would stop her wobbling legs. Not even the fear of the guards could topple the scary scene before her.Vina stepped backwards, her palm over her mouth. “What am I going to do now? Nora-!” she questioned no one as her eyes darted around the place.Vina's heart racing, she rushed towards Carlos, her eyes fixed on his pale and battered face. She couldn't believe the state he was in - bruised, bleeding, and seemingly lifeless. She quickly assessed the situation, realizing that there were no guards nearby, and sprang into action.With a renewed sense of determination and g
Reader's POV While all these were going on, Justin and the secret army he had gathered were trying to find out Karen's secret hideout. With the description Vina had given to them, it seemed easy but since they embarked on the search for the location, they haven't been able to reach their destination. Exhausted, the men gathered under a large tree to catch their breath while Justin and the members of the Blue Lycan Kingdom who had offered to help them went over the directives again. Drumming his foot against the floor, Justin had a look of worry on his face. He believed that Karen had caught Carlos and now he was in grave danger. “Calm down.” It was Elder Callum who had accompanied them that spoke. He too was trying to trace Nora’s scent but it was to no avail. “I can't reach him through the mind link.” Justin replied, still hitting his foot against the floor with his hands crossed on his chest. His distress got to the point that he began to pace about, all in a bid to clear his
Reader's POVThe news Greg brought, sent cold chills running through the spines of everyone present. Just like Greg had said, he stated that things were getting sour quicker than expected and this was the perfect example for it. Several times, Justin tried to speak but his tongue was tied. It seemed like a lead was tied to his tongue, stopping him from lifting it. Frustration simmered within Justin during the ride to the Blue Lycans pack. Elder Callum suggested that they bring them to his kingdom. Until they find out exactly how to get Karen, Carlos wasn't safe in the werewolf kingdom.But as soon as they arrived, ominous news awaited them.The guards informed Elder Callum and Justin that an envelope had been discovered at the entrance of the throne room, sent by an unknown source. Without hesitation, Justin snatched the envelope and tore it open, scanning its contents.“No, no, no!” he shouted, his fist crashing into the wall.
Karen's POVI decided to return to the kingdom with the unconscious Nora. It would be quite impossible to kill her without a full plan. I needed to have some time to help me restrategize. Carlos' sudden appearance had made all my plans go to naught as I strongly believed that he hadn't acted on his own. He must have solicited help from Nora's kingdom and so I had to be extra careful while dealing with them. On arrival, I handed Nora to the physicians. I stood before King Salvador and Queen Dione, and the elders of the kingdom. I could see the concern etched on their faces as I recounted my tale."I am afraid Carlos had already poisoned Nora by the time I reached her," I said, my voice laced with feigned regret. "I managed to rescue her, but I had to escape quickly, as my army was vastly outnumbered."Queen Dione's eyes welled up with tears. "Oh, Karen, you're a hero! We can't thank you enough for saving our daughter."
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.