RYDER'S POVEveryone who had been involved in the unfortunate incident was finally awake. Lumina, the omega girl, and Lumina’s nanny, but the doctor had insisted they remain in the hospital until tomorrow for proper monitoring.So I was home alone because Adira remained with Lumina.I couldn't sleep. I didn’t know if it was because the house felt empty and hollow or because my mind was racing with thoughts I didn’t want to think. But I worried for Lumina and for the pack.After tossing and turning for a while, I eventually left the room. I took a bottle of red wine and a glass from the kitchen and drank in the dark sitting room. Wolves have high alcohol tolerance, so before I knew it, I was down to the last glass and slightly tipsy.My ears twitched at the sound of footsteps close by. It was night, and everywhere was silent, so I was certain someone was trying to enter the house. I moved quickly toward the door, a hundred thoughts running through my mind.“Could they be here for Lumin
RYDER’S POV“Don't bury him; throw him to the vultures,” I ordered Jackson and walked out of the torture room.Adira had already left earlier to be with Lumina.I was devastated at the death of the perpetrator, but I was glad we could save Lumina.“What now?” Grandpa Alan asked as we made our way out of the cellar.“I don't know. We couldn't get anything out of him before he took his life. There is no way to figure out what really transpired or who planned everything,” I said dejectedly.“That's right. For now the best option would be to reinforce security in the pack and double patrol,” Grandpa Alan said, his voice bleak.“That’s right. I somewhat feel like a failed father,” I muttered.My jaw tightened; the word had left my lips before I could stop it. I didn't want to show vulnerability, but I couldn't help it.“You haven't failed anyone. You did what you could do. You did your best, and you got a result for it. You found Lumina,” Grandpa Alan encouraged me.I stopped, my hand runn
ADIRA'S POVWe left the hospital room and made our way out. Ryder walked ahead while I followed behind.I froze when I noticed bloodstains on the floor. My gaze shot up, and that was when I saw it. His sleeve was soaked, blood dripping from his arm, leaving the trail behind him.Before I could think, I rushed forward. “You are injured!” I grabbed his arm, panic rising in my voice. “Didn’t you notice? You should be treated before we go.”As I raised my head, his shocked eyes met mine, and that was when I realised what I was doing.I pulled my hand away quickly, heat rushing to my face. “Why are you acting out!” I scolded myself silently. Clearing my throat, I forced my tone flat. “You should get treated. I am only saying this because you were hurt while saving Lumina,” I added, hoping to ease the earlier awkward situation.I didn't want him to think I still cared or liked him.His expression hardened. “Leave it alone. I am okay,” he muttered and turned away.I walked briskly and steppe
ADIRA'S POVI moved with the speed of light, rushing towards Lumina.“Moon goddess, please,” I pleaded, with rapid breaths.Just as I saw a wolf rushing towards Lumina, the wolf slid on the ground and changed midway, offering her body as Lumina’s soft landing.“Mum…” I whispered with teary eyes as I realized she had caught her just in time.She gave me a reassuring smile, cradling Lumina to her chest.“Are you okay?” I asked, checking her body.“It’s just a few scratches from sliding on the ground to catch her. It will heal in a couple of minutes,” she replied.Ryder, my father, and the other wolves were gone. They chased after the perpetrator relentlessly. I hoped they would catch him, but even if they didn’t, what mattered was that Lumina was safe.“Lady Adira,” a warrior called out to me. As I turned, he threw me something for my mum to wear.“Thank you,” I nodded to him.As wolves, nudity didn’t matter much to us in battle, but we always stacked clothes around in the forest for mo
ADIRA’S POVI bolted, and for a second I regretted my choice of clothing this morning. My skirts whipped around my legs, slowing me down. I grabbed the underside of my skirt, raised it up without caring, and continued to run.I needed to get to my child, and hopefully this time it was not a dead end. My heart thumped in my chest, pounding hard against my ribs as I ran.Ryder, my father, and Jackson surged after me with pounding feet and snarling determination.I knew a shortcut; after visiting the cave so many times, I now knew the place like the back of my hand. I cut the corner and continued to run.“Adira,” Ryder yelled breathlessly.But I did not stop; I kept running.“I think we are going off route. We are not heading south anymore,” he yelled.“I am taking a shorter route,” I yelled back and continued to run.They all followed without another question, and as I switched between the paths, I landed in front of the cave.Just then Mum and the other warriors arrived too, some in th
RYDER'S POVBeta Atlas turned sharply to the woman, his head shaking vigorously.“I am sorry, but I can't let you get tortured,” the woman cried as she looked at Beta Atlas.“No! Don't say it!” Beta Atlas continued to shake his head.“Alpha…” Claw's voice filtered in through the mindlink.“Shut up!” I barked loudly, silencing the room.“Talk to me,” I said to Claw through the mindlink.“Lady Adira’s father just arrived with his warriors. He wants them to join the search party,” he reported.“Let them,” I ordered. “We need all the help we can get.”“He said he is coming to the pack now; he wants to see you,” Claw passed across.“Okay. Alert border warriors to let him in,” I ordered and ended the mindlink.My eyes snapped back to Beta Atlas and the woman. “You both have two seconds to say what you have to say, and don't waste my time,” I said grimly.“He was with me after the Luna trials. We have been seeing each other for a while in secret,” the woman said in a shaky voice.Murmurs imm