LOGINWarning: This chapter contains R-rated content and potentially triggering material. Reader discretion is advised. If you find such themes distressing, feel free to skip this section.“They seek something of him. Every step they take is laced with intention,” said Alpha Darius, turning his back to Uthred. “Any further word?”“Yes, Alpha,” Uthred replied with a bow. “The imposter remains in slumber, and I doubt he shall awaken soon. The pack leaders, however, have declared he fled, unwilling to face justice.”“As expected. They know well he sleeps, yet speak of flight to serve their own ends. The pack leaders craft their truths as they see fit,” Darius murmured, then turned his gaze once more to Uthred.“I could have intervened on his behalf,” he added, a glint of amusement flickering in his eyes, “but I wish to see how dearly he holds this one. The spectacle grows more engaging with every passing moment.”With another bow, Uthred withdrew. As he stepped into the corridor, he nearly col
“You have no say in this matter, my Alpha,” Selena said, her voice low and resolute as she hurried after Ethan, who strode swiftly from the castle’s great hall.Her steps were laboured—her belly round with child, her time of delivery drawing near. Word of the trial had reached her ears, and now her husband, upon hearing the full account, prepared to ride to the Dark Tower in Lena’s defence.“I cannot permit her to suffer for a truth she never knew,” he said, his voice weighted with purpose. “Lena is but a human—frail and unmarked by our laws. Even the smallest punishment could prove fatal.”He paused then, turning to her. With gentle reverence, he pressed a kiss upon her hair.“I entrust the affairs of the pack to you, love,” he murmured.A wistful smile touched her lips, sorrow threading through her heart as she watched him mount his horse, the steed’s hooves striking the cobblestones like war drums. In moments, he was gone, swallowed by the morning mist.It was then that she felt it
"I came as swiftly as the news reached my ears," Lord Jaime said, drawing her into a firm embrace.When they parted, she stepped back, her gaze soft with gratitude. "Thank you for coming, dear friend."He offered a warm smile, then turned to the Beta and gave a respectful nod."I am most grateful you chose to release her rather than subject her to that barbaric and senseless punishment," Lord Jaime said solemnly.Cedric returned the gesture. "It is my duty to protect the pack in the Alpha’s absence. I am glad I chose rightly.""Then we must not tarry," Jaime said, casting a glance toward the fading sun. "We must be gone before word travels faster than our wheels can carry us across the border."He turned to Lena and offered his hand."Wait," Cedric interjected, drawing forth a small glass vial. "I also made every effort to persuade the witch to lift the curse laid upon you. This is the result of her spellwork. It is but a small recompense for the many insults and wrongs you have suffe
"See that the High Prophetess is returned in safety," she commanded Cedric, who was already mounted upon his steed."At once, my lady," he replied, inclining his head with respect. Then, turning to the men assembled behind him, he barked the order, "We ride!"Within moments, the sound of hooves striking stone echoed through the courtyard as the riders galloped through the castle gates and disappeared beyond.She turned back toward the keep, her voice calm but firm. "And the Alpha, what is his condition?""He remains asleep," Jade replied.She paused, glancing over her shoulder. "Where is he now?""I have returned him to his chamber, mother.""Very well. We shall now see the Luna."But before she could take a step, her son's voice interjected. "The Luna is with him."She halted at once, her breath catching in her throat.---Within the Alpha's chamber, the Luna sat in stillness, her gaze fixed upon him, eye to eye, though his remained closed in sleep."I do not understand why you choos
"What am I to do," Lena said as her gaze stayed on the Priestess, who was struggling to kneel before her.The Priestess had aged, but her visions were still sharp and clear."Try to reach him while I speak to the spirit," the Priestess said.The Priestess held her hands together and closed her eyes as she began to chant.Lena went to a seat beside them."They say that you must lie with me so that he can come back," Craven said with a smile that sent a chill through her."In your dreams," Lena said. "You should go back to sleep and let him take control. I will not do it.""Beloved," Craven said, and his voice became soft while his smile faded. "You do not understand. The men are coming, and they will hurt you if I do not act. I am here to protect you."Lena scoffed. "I know of your care, but do you know that if you are gone, the pack leaders will have no reason for war. You must make him come back, and only then can he deceive them into leaving this pack.""To hell with the rules of th
The days that followed were filled with fear and unrest. Craven had kept his word to his beloved, and he had killed Lydia Voss with cruel precision. He had brought the unconscious witch to the dark halls of Blackthorn Hold. But in doing this, he had brought fear across the land.He did not only kill the woman, but he tore her body apart, and he sent the pieces to the packs. Each pack received two or three parts, and it was a cruel gift and an insult to all of them.Anger went through the lands, and they gathered at the Dark Tower with their voices raised and their teeth bared. The act had broken their peace, and there were whispers of war and hatred.But for all of their anger, none of them could bring Darius out.The Alpha had gone into himself, and no call or howl or sacred rite could bring him out. His Lycan beast was silent inside him, and it would not let him go.The High Priestess was veiled and solemn, and she had spoken with finality."He is in a world that he has made for him







