Aries’ POVThe light from the barrier was almost blinding, but in the next second, it faded just enough for me to feel what was on the other side, and by the moon, I felt her.Rex.The bond between us flared, pulling me toward her with such force that my knees nearly buckled. She was close, too close—for this to be another dead end.I drew in a sharp breath and took another step forward, ready to step into the light, but one of the Banished warriors moved in front of me, and the barrier closed instantly.“You can’t just walk in,” he said, hands raised in a placating gesture. “It’s not open to outsiders, Alpha.”He didn’t just keep me away from Rex. Not when I was this close.“I’m not an outsider,” I growled, impatience cutting through my words like a blade.The warrior hesitated, exchanging a glance with the man at the tree before turning back to me. “If the elders catch wind of this—”“I don’t care about the elders,” I snapped. “My mate is in there. Your Elegida.”At that, his arms d
Aries’ POVI’d spent the last twelve hours buried in maps, old documents, and every alliance record I could get my hands on. Nothing. Not a single thread to pull. My warriors had scoured the forest so many times I could trace its layout with my eyes closed, and still, nothing.The damage to the pack was visible everywhere I turned, but at least rebuilding had begun. As long as my people were alive, we could heal. Still, every brick laid, every broken wall fixed, only reminded me of who was missing.Rex.The bond between us still hummed faintly, stubbornly alive. It was the only thing keeping me grounded, the proof that she was still out there. I’d tear apart every inch of this world if that’s what it took to bring her back.I’d even tried to reach Alpha Levon, desperate to send word about the insult Ron had pulled using his name. No response. Ron’s network was tighter than I imagined, every move cloaked in shadow. And every failed attempt only fueled me more.I’d get them all back. Th
Rex’s POV Waking up felt… different.For the first time in weeks, I felt rested—like nature itself was embracing me. Maybe it was because I was with my people, or maybe it was something else entirely, but the shift was undeniable.I’d ended up sharing a room with Rose, mostly because Julian had very loudly forbidden Zane from staying anywhere near her. He was in full protective-brother mode, and honestly, I couldn’t wait to see how long he’d keep it up. Mates never stayed apart for long, and we all knew it. He was probably just stalling until Aries had a say in it. Those two had an unspoken Alpha-level synchronization when it came to things like this.Careful not to wake Rose, I slipped out of bed and made my way outside.The village was calm. Peaceful. People bowed as I passed, and while it still felt strange, I nodded politely each time. My feet carried me toward a house tucked away from the others. It was quiet… secluded.Something about it called to me.I stood in front of the do
Rex’s POV Just one word.That single word from Robin was enough to make every single one of them fall to their knees, no hesitation, no questions.It hit me then just how much that name, Elegida meant to them.They all stretched their hands forward, their fingers forming a strange, star-like gesture as they bowed their heads fully.I stood frozen.What was I supposed to do? I had never introduced myself to anyone this way, especially not to people who apparently saw me as the answer to a prophecy.Moon, I wish Aries was here.He’d know exactly what to say.The thought of him made my chest ache. I could only hope he was safe. I prayed he knew I was okay, too.“Say something,” Julian muttered beside me, nudging my shoulder.I realized I’d been silent far too long. My gaze swept over them, all still kneeling. Even Zane, their second-in-command, was down on one knee, eyes fixed on the ground.“Rise,” I said, my voice shaky.They didn’t move.I didn’t need this. I wasn’t sure I deserved i
Rex’s POV I stood frozen, my gaze locked on Robin while the healers worked. They moved in and out of the hut endlessly, carrying herbs and bowls of steaming liquid, but none of it stopped the blood.Julian knelt beside the bed, refusing to let go of Robin’s hand. His eyes were heavy with exhaustion, but his grip was unyielding. Zane stood silently in a corner, though I didn’t miss the way his gaze lingered on Rose, who had dozed off in the chair behind me. We were all worn down to the bone. Outside, I could hear murmurs and footsteps, but no one dared to enter.“What’s going on?” My voice was sharp, the kind of sharpness that came from panic and lack of sleep.Silence.I repeated it louder, my control slipping. “I said, what is going on?”This time, they all turned to me. Their eyes dropped, and the weight of my power pressed down on them without me meaning to.Zane was the only one who met my gaze. “What are you?” he asked, his tone wary as he stepped toward me.“That doesn’t matter
Rex’s POV Standing between what looked like ordinary trees while Robin, barely clinging to consciousness chanted in the Banished tongue felt unreal.The enemy was close, far too close, yet here we were, waiting. Julian kept Robin upright while Rose stood close beside me, her hand brushing mine like she was ready to steady me if I faltered.Finally, Robin’s eyes fluttered open. “Do you… want to open the barrier?” he rasped, his tired gaze locking on mine.“What do I need to do?” I asked, desperate to get them all to safety.“A drop of your blood,” he said softly.I didn’t hesitate. I grabbed Julian’s blade and sliced my palm. The sting lasted only a second before the wound began to knit itself back together. “Now what?”“Place your hand… on the tree.” He nodded weakly.I stepped forward and pressed my bloody palm against the bark.Nothing.Panic flared in my chest. Was I not Banished enough? Was I not one of them? Doubt clawed at my mind, until the tree began to glow.Light bled from