There were two noble figures in the throne room. One was her husband, Alpha Ethan. The other, a man she did not recognize, bore the bearing of one accustomed to power. At a mere glance, it was clear he was a man of great significance.Seated around them were the lords of the pack, each adorned in their formal garb, their gazes fixed with solemn attention.The stranger’s posture upon the seat of honor bespoke authority. He required no words to command respect.Alpha Ethan rifled through a parchment, his jaw clenched tight, his teeth grinding as though to keep his wrath at bay."Ilara," he said coldly, "repeat what you have just spoken."The young maid trembled where she stood. Her hands fidgeted, and her eyes dared not meet those of the Alpha."Your Grace," she began, voice fragile. "Last night, the Luna came to my mistress and requested they take a walk together."Selena felt dread seep into her bones like a chill wind through stone walls."But then she turned to the guards and ordere
"These brothers are monstrous. They are the prophecy of doom."Lord Rhovan’s voice rang across the field, laced with venom and finality.Crack.A sharp cry tore from his throat, raw and involuntary. His spine arched as if an invisible hand had seized it. Something had snapped, deep, cruel, final.Then came another crack.His right leg gave way beneath him. He collapsed to one knee, clutching the ground, his scream echoing like a wounded beast.Confusion rippled through the gathered wolves. Murmurs stirred like restless wind. What was this sorcery?All eyes turned to Vargr.He stood still, expression unreadable, his gaze locked upon Rhovan. The air around him seemed to hum with an unseen force.The pack began to understand. The pain did not come from Rhovan’s own doing.It came from him."What are you doing, brother?" Darius shouted, stepping forward. "I need him alive."But the torment did not cease.Crack.The left leg now. Rhovan collapsed entirely, his body writhing. His howls pier
They turned down a path, the cobbled stones damp beneath their feet, and the torches on the walls casting flickering shadows."Even if I know my husband's feelings for you will not depart from his heart," Selena said, her voice gentle, almost wistful, "I still believe that one day, he will love me for who I am."Lena stopped at once.She said it. The words Lena had long dreaded, yet expected, had finally been spoken.The silence lingered like a held breath."Luna," Lena began slowly, choosing her words with care, "we... I do not have feelings for your husband. My heart is for another."Selena reached out, grasping her hand with a soft smile. "I am not bothered by that," she said. "I would rather find a way to rid myself of the problem."Lena quickly pulled her hand away and turned her gaze about. Only then did she realize where they stood. The corridor was narrow, the light dim. The usual castle bustle was absent. No guards. No servants. No sound but their breathing and the faint rust
Alpha Ethanasius rode hard into the camp, mud splashing beneath his horse’s hooves as his eyes scanned the group of gathered Alphas. They were already on edge, some armed, others pacing like caged beasts.“They ambushed us,” he said as he dismounted, voice low but sharp. “The pack leaders… they’re here. And they brought human soldiers with them.”“What?” Alpha Solen barked, stepping forward. His eyes glinted with disbelief and fury. “Where is Darius? Why hasn’t he returned from the witches’ clan?”Ethanasius met his gaze. “I don’t know. But sure he's getting aid as we speak.”Alpha Valren scoffed, folding his arms. “Maybe he’s left us to our doom. That man always walks his own path.”Before anyone could respond, a booming voice echoed across the clearing.“Alphas of the fallen blood,” Lord Rhovan’s voice carried like thunder. He sat atop a tall black steed, flanked by guards, his red cape flaring in the wind. “Come out of your tents now. No bloodshed. No resistance. Or I will burn you
Alaric stood abruptly, wiping the tears from his eyes with a trembling hand.“I want nothing to do with that child. Take him away from me.”“But—”He cut off the voice with a cold glare and turned sharply, his eyes burning with fury as he strode toward the pack leaders gathered around a roaring bonfire.The infant’s cry pierced through the pounding rain, echoing across the open clearing like a desperate plea.“You’ve taken my wife from me because of your blind fears,” Alaric roared, voice raw with grief and rage. “And now my son? What has he done to deserve your hatred?”Lord Rhovan held the baby aloft, the flames dangerously close—licking at the child’s half face, already marking it with a raw, angry scar.“He carries the blood of our ancestors. We cannot allow him to live.”Alaric stepped forward, eyes wild and voice trembling with emotion.“You vile, power-hungry fools! Open your eyes! That child has my gift—no ancient blood stains his veins.”His gaze locked on the infant’s fragil
Alaric stood abruptly, wiping the tears from his eyes with a trembling hand.“I want nothing to do with that child. Take him away from me.”“But—”He cut off the voice with a cold glare and turned sharply, his eyes burning with fury as he strode toward the pack leaders gathered around a roaring bonfire.The infant’s cry pierced through the pounding rain, echoing across the open clearing like a desperate plea.“You’ve taken my wife from me because of your blind fears,” Alaric roared, voice raw with grief and rage. “And now my son? What has he done to deserve your hatred?”Lord Rhovan held the baby aloft, the flames dangerously close—licking at the child’s half face, already marking it with a raw, angry scar.“He carries the blood of our ancestors. We cannot allow him to live.”Alaric stepped forward, eyes wild and voice trembling with emotion.“You vile, power-hungry fools! Open your eyes! That child has my gift—no ancient blood stains his veins.”His gaze locked on the infant’s fragil