The Storm between us

Castillo’s POV.

She remained exactly how I’d left her— stunning yet dangerous, and full of deceit.

*Ceryn.*

I was seated outside my pack entrance, contemplating recent occurrences. It has been a handful. Then suddenly, an intel hurriedly came in and reported that there had been traces of Ceryn heading towards the north. 

Apparently, I haven’t seen or heard about her for weeks now. So when the wolves who supported her were cast away from the pack upon my return and recovery, and were said to be gathered by the western walls towards Stormfang, I had sent some men to watch out for Ceryn.

Because I already know, the reason she’s been distant is to strike again when no one is watching, and this time I won’t let her be. 

I will fight her with everything that I’ve got. For betraying me, slandering and almost dethroning me. 

Seeing her challenge May —the woman who’s supposed to be my rightful Luna, hatred and anger brewed inside me.

I used to fantasize about her cute face. Now, all I could see was poison in her smile.

“You’ve got some nerve,” I said as I stepped into the courtyard, the pack parting around us like waves. “Coming back here after what you did to me.”

She turned, her head tilting with that same wicked elegance that once made me weak. “Oh, Castillo. You’re alive. How… disappointing.”

“Disappointing? I smirked “Or it is you who’s a disappointment to me and every pack community at large. How dare you show your deceitful self here you witch.”

“Hahaha,” she laughed mockingly. “I’m no longer the scared little girl who you wanted to take advantage of, intending to make me your Luna. I stabbed you when I was weak, now I will tear you to pieces. Letting you live was a mistake” 

“You could only get to me because I made myself vulnerable to you, now the sight of you disgusts me. I will slaughter you and send your family out of my pack.” 

“I only waited this long, thinking you would return remorseful but seeing how unrepentant you are, get ready to die by my sword. You deserve no mercy” I roared. 

The guards watching tensed up. Aether moved closer to May, Aria watched us like a hawk, and Nyra stood aside. 

I didn’t mind,  because this fight?

It was mine.

“You think poisoning me and taking over my pack makes you strong?” I stepped forward, feeling the weight of the moment. “You didn’t conquer—you cheated.”

“I adapted,” Ceryn shot back. “You were weak. I gave the pack a purpose.”

“You gave it fear,” I growled. “I built this pack from scratch. And you burned it down behind my back.”

For a moment, her eyes flickered, and I caught a glimpse of the truth. There was still some of her left. But it was buried deep under her ambition.

She raised her hand to strike, but I was already on the move.

My claws extended, my strength? Returned and reforged.

We clashed like thunder and steel, my fist connecting with her side as her dark magic swirled around us.

And then I felt darker powers, like she was possessed by something demonic than her usual self, but I didn’t stop.

I wouldn’t.

“You don’t get to walk in here like a queen,” I snarled, pinning her against the stone wall. “Not after what you did. You want May? You’ll have to get through me first.”

She bared her teeth. “Gladly.”

Her energy pulsed — wild and unstable. She broke free from my grip and sent me flying back, cracking me into the walls beneath me.

Pain shot through my ribs, but I stood up.

Because this wasn’t just a fight, this was my chance for redemption.

Just as she charged up to strike me again, the air blew perilously… Unexpectedly May shifted and with full steam and glowing claws lacerated Ceryn from behind. 

Ceryn fell to the ground wounded. Whimpering loudly. 

“That’s not your battle bitch, don’t let me come for you” Nyra Yelled.

“Try it and I will bury you alive like I did previously, but this time I will make sure you don’t rise again” Aether warned. 

“You wish!” Nyra snared “I don’t have your time, because you’re nothing but a shitty past. I’m back just for the Moon's Vessel”

Just at the height of arguments,  A gust swept through the gates, like the wind was carrying a secret.

Aether’s head snapped toward the east mountains.

“Impossible…” he whispered.

And then, someone walked towards us, tall, lean, and had a striking resemblance to Aether. Captivating eyes and a scar across his left brow.

*Laziel.*

Aether’s younger brother. The one who went missing five years ago during a rogue ambush. Everyone thought he was dead.

I saw the moment Aether’s breath caught.

“Laz…?”

Laziel stopped, staring at Aether as if he couldn't believe his eyes. “You got taller.”

Aether choked out a laugh. “You got uglier.”

In three long strides, they were across the space—brothers reunited in a tight embrace. As everyone watched in stunned silence.

“I thought I lost you,” Aether whispered.

“You almost did,” Laziel replied quietly. “But I found my way back… and I’m ready to fight beside you.”

Aether looked at him, eyes fierce. “Then you’re most welcome, it hasn’t been easy doing it alone, you can be my beta if you want to, I don’t have one for now”

Laziel blinked. “Just like that?”

“You’re blood, you’re back. And I think that position fits no one more.”

Immediately I regained focus, and I realized Ceryn was gathering energies from the wind to strengthen herself to flee. I walked towards her;

“Do this the calm way and follow me, or I'll hurt you right now.”

“Nyra help me!” she screamed. 

“You wouldn’t dare,” May cautioned facing Nyra. “It’s her battle. She brought this upon herself, you better don’t interfere.” 

“And why do you think I will listen to you?” 

“Because I’m ready for you both. Enough of the tossing and turning. Nyra, I’m sure you never knew I would be this prepared, try saving her and see how all hell would let loose.” May reproved aggressively 

For a moment I felt impressed. I never believed May had progressed so rapidly. She stood up for me and fought with me. Does she still have feelings for me? I pondered.

–––

May’s POV

The tension in the atmosphere has gone down but my heart has been palpitating heavily. I was still wondering how I was capable of boldly challenging Nyra and Ceryn at the same time. 

I realized that ever since the trial and awakening I have grown stronger and the strange powers I had obtained were settling down well within me and blending with my wolf. Thankfully for Aria, her assigned morning training has been paying off. 

I looked up and noticed Laziel stepping to the edge of the clearing by the cliff, scanning the faces of every wolf that passed by, he seemed delighted to be here—to rejoin his brother. 

Then his eyes landed on her.

*Melina.*

Leaning against a tree, arms crossed, she was watching everything with a mix of fire and boredom.

I stared at him, as he gazed lustfully at her. 

She turned and saw him and their gazes locked, Laziel… paused.

Not out of fear, nor confusion but more like curiosity and attraction.

Melina raised an eyebrow.

Laziel smirked.

“Who the hell is that?” he muttered out quite loudly, unaware I had been watching him all this while.