Lincoln's POV
Sweat drips relentlessly down my back, soaking through my shirt and stinging my eyes as I glance toward Sam. He’s breathing heavily, his hair plastered to his forehead, looking as exhausted as I feel. Up ahead, Xander leads our group at a punishing pace. His unit from Blood Moon moves with disciplined ease, effortlessly keeping the brutal rhythm he's set. Brant’s team runs just behind them, their steps steady and controlled. Clearly, we’re not at their level—yet.
Isaac and Jackson match our stride, both red-faced but managing the pace better than expected. Their determination gives me hope. At Alpha College, things will need to change drastically. We have to match Blood Moon's stamina and combat skills, especially if we intend to win our challenges in a few years. I resolve to speak to Xander about their training regime. Whatever they’re doing, we need it.
Zahra's POVAfter spending the morning with my aunt and cousin, eating ice cream, watching TV, getting our nails done by Kayla, and being spoiled with chocolate, I feel surprisingly good. They both patiently explained the best ways to fit a pad and determine which type I’d need. Kayla’s mortifying yet hysterically funny tampon-insertion demonstration had Alice and me rolling around on the floor with laughter. It’s so comforting experiencing this milestone first with women from my own family. Goddess knows what would have happened if I’d gotten my period back in the Beta’s house. I shudder at the thought. Although, I suppose Sienna and Abby would have stepped in. But what if I'd leaked like I did this morning at school? Fuck, that doesn’t even bear thinking about.As we enjoy a lunch of burgers, sweet potato fries, salad, and corn on the cob, Kayla announces, “I’m afraid
Zahra's POVThere’s a pause, and I turn back toward him, heading to my stool.“Um, Zahra,” Aiden says awkwardly, his cheeks turning a noticeable shade of pink. “I think you’re leaking slightly.”“What?!” I stare at him, baffled. What the fuck does he mean, leaking? He blushes even more furiously, the colour nearly matching his flaming hair.“You’ve um,” he clears his throat awkwardly, avoiding my eyes, “you’ve got your period.”Now it’s my turn to blush. Heat rushes to my face so quickly I swear it reaches the roots of my hair.“What! Oh no!” I twist around frantically, trying—and failing—to see the back of my trousers. “No, no, no!”“Hey, it’s okay. It happens. Come with me.”Aiden gently takes the plate from my hand, places it on the counter, and then carefully takes hold of my wrist, guiding me out of the kitchen. He leads me into a small bathroom down the hall and crouches to open the cupboard under the sink.“Mum keeps this stocked for visitors. Here.” He pulls out a couple of co
Zahra's POVI open my eyes to my room in the palace. It feels so much like home already that I honestly can’t believe I’ve only been here for two months. It’s more of a home than the Beta residence in Blood Moon ever was. The thought of leaving in a few days sends a pang of dread through me. Despite my initial excitement about Night Howlers, now that its only days away, terror is starting to seep in. Everyone there will be older, stronger, and handpicked as the best from every pack. Meanwhile, I'm still only fourteen.What if I have no friends? What if no one likes me? What if I’m not nearly as good as I think I am and can’t keep up?‘Whyyyy are you stressing about this so eaaarly?’ Zanthe yawns lazily in my head. ‘Of course, you’re good enough. You’re one of only five people accepted. We&
Cole's POVThe stench of blood and sweat clings to the air like smoke, thick and metallic. Even here, deep in the mountain clearing, where twisted trees rot slowly from within and black ash taints the soil, death’s scent lingers relentlessly. Legend claims a meteor struck this mountainside centuries ago, obliterating all life and leaving behind a sickness that still festers in the dirt. Anything that tries to grow here now is doomed. The trees that do survive twist into grotesque forms, their trunks hollowed by rot, their branches clawing at the sky like broken fingers.The cursed valley, as the kingdom calls it, was once a place I swore I'd never tread. At first, it disgusted me that I’d sunk so low as to need refuge in this forsaken place. But now? Now it feels like home. Brutal. Honest. Unforgiving. It does not pretend. It does not lie. There’s more beauty in its desolation than Blood Moon ever had in its polished halls and hollow honour.I stand beside my Alpha—my King—as we obser
Lincoln's POVWe all head back to our cabins to change into swim stuff before meeting up by the lake. Everyone seems to have had the same idea. The edge of the lake is already busy — coolers of beer are cracked open, someone’s dragged out a couple of speakers, and music hums in the background. The atmosphere is easy right now, but I can tell it’s going to ramp up before long.Sam, Isaac, Jackson, and I make our way toward Brant’s crew. They’ve somehow procured a bunch of picnic rugs and are laying them out like this is a weekend at the beach. The royal unit is there, and Zahra’s with them, but none of the other groups have arrived yet.Aiden spots us and grins. “So, how did you two find this morning?” he asks Isaac and Jackson.They glance at each other and grimace.“
Lincoln's POVSweat drips relentlessly down my back, soaking through my shirt and stinging my eyes as I glance toward Sam. He’s breathing heavily, his hair plastered to his forehead, looking as exhausted as I feel. Up ahead, Xander leads our group at a punishing pace. His unit from Blood Moon moves with disciplined ease, effortlessly keeping the brutal rhythm he's set. Brant’s team runs just behind them, their steps steady and controlled. Clearly, we’re not at their level—yet.Isaac and Jackson match our stride, both red-faced but managing the pace better than expected. Their determination gives me hope. At Alpha College, things will need to change drastically. We have to match Blood Moon's stamina and combat skills, especially if we intend to win our challenges in a few years. I resolve to speak to Xander about their training regime. Whatever they’re doing, we need it.