Rowan’s POVShe left her little rock and came to join me on mine because it was bigger. Her scent filled my nose, it was the most pleasant thing I had ever smelled. She smelt like berries, jasmine, herbs and the earth after it rains. It all combined perfectly.She took the paper from me and started writing. The sun had begun to set at this point and I was a bit hungry but I didn't mind. I didn't want to cut this moment short. The setting sun casted a soft golden glow on the forest, when the light hit Kaida she looked like a myth.A goddess out of a story book. My breath caught in my throat as I stared at her. I truly was the luckiest man alive and the thought made me smile widely.I continued to watch her, the gentle sound of the waterfall washing over us with tranquility. The weight from the past weeks lifted from my shoulders.I realized something. Ever since meeting her— although it hadn’t been long, my mind was consumed with the thought of her and I hadn't once thought about Lyra'
Rowan's povThe sun had risen to its peak at this point but as we began our journey back, the sunlight was once again barely visible due to the canopy of leaves and branches above. Of all packs we had visited, I now loved nightshade the most due to the fact that it had brought my soulmate to be and they weren't actually as bad as they had initially seemed. The smell of damp earth was oddly comforting.Kaida and I walked side by side as we climbed up the trees and walked to the center of the pack where Xander, Ava and the rest of the group were already waiting. Her hand occasionally brushed against mine and although it was a simple— sometimes unintentional touch, it sent a tingle and wave of excitement through me every single time.When we got closer to the group, their conversation halted and they turned to look at us. I could see the obvious confusion on my group's faces but what caught my attention was the shift in the alpha and Luna's expressions as they caught sight of Kaida next
Ava's povOur stay at Nightshade pack was a bit of a vacation to me. Something about being in the gloomy forest with nothing but peace and quiet helped ease the tension off my shoulders.I was still amazed by how quiet the pack was. Luna Seraphina had told me that most of the pack usually spoke through mind link and the kids had a spot in the forest where they usually went to play so as not to disturb the pack with their noise.I had asked why they were so quiet. As the name of their pack implied, they had to be as quiet as the night. It was their tradition. She had also gifted me with some scrolls to help me as a Luna and also help me and anyone I choose to show, learn the night walk.I deeply appreciated it. Although they seemed like they could kill you for breathing the wrong way, the night people were peaceful people who just enjoyed keeping to themselves.The wooden box on my lap jiggled slightly which made me look at it. The antidote was safely tucked in, and I was happy that we
Ava's povBy the time we crossed Blackthorn's borders it was already dusk. I was glad to finally be on familiar soil, I also wanted to see Lyra. She was the only person that had been nice to me when I first arrived beside Thomas and Heather.I felt a pang in my chest as I thought about them. They had escaped after the castle attack, I shook the thoughts of them away. Now wasn't the time to think about old friendships.The guards opened the gate and we were greeted by familiar faces that had relief and worry across their faces.Gamma Draven was the first to approach us, his face was dark with concern. “Alpha,” he greeted with a bow. “I'm happy to see you back and just in time. One of the sick, there's something wrong with him. He's… changing.”My heart dropped at the news.“Take us to him.” Xander commanded.We quickly got off our horses then followed Draven into the castle as he led us through a series of hallways until we got to the infirmary.The air was filled with the scent of he
Ava's pov“Enough!” I yelled. I was sick and tired of his taunts, I refused to let him make me feel weak. “I will end you, Zerathos. That's a promise.”Turning to one of the healers I said. “Get me water, a lot of it.” I needed the cure to go round for everyone.Marcus continued to scream and fight as Zerathos tormented him. In no time, the healers had gotten the water.I poured the antidote in it and mixed the fetched some and walked over to Marcus. “Don't let him bite you.” Aria instructed.“Xander.” I called out and he was by my side in an instant. “Hold his head, don't let him bite me.”Xander tilted his head then forced his jaw open despite his struggle, I poured the antidote into his mouth and a foul stench came out of his mouth as it touched the blood in his mouth.I withdrew, repulsed. “Let him go.” I ordered the others and they released him.His veins pulsed and glowed as the antidote coursed through them.“Come on, Marcus.” Draven encouraged. “Snap out of it! Fight! Don't le
Ava's pov"Ava, wake up."The voice, I recognized it in an instant. I peeled my eyes open and saw Xander sitting beside my bed, his grey eyes filled with both concern and relief.The last thing I remembered was being in Xander's arms after healing Marcus then I closed my eyes to rest“You're okay.” He said softly, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I was starting to think I would have to come to wherever you were and drag you out myself.”A light chuckle escaped me as I tried to sit up, my muscles screaming in protest due to how weak I was. “Marcus?” I asked.Xander nodded. “He's alive and well thanks to you. He's resting and will recover fully in no time.”My shoulders sagged in relief as I slid down and rested on my pillow. “How long was I out?”“Two days, almost three.” He answered.I nodded.“You need rest.” Xander said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. Not like I was going to argue in the first place. “The power you used was far more than you had anticipate
Ava's povThe elders and his father exchanged a look but said nothing. Xander grabbed a silver bowl and knife and placed it on the long dining table.One by one, everyone stepped forward. The ceremonial blade was passed around as each person sliced their palm and allowed the blood to fall into the bowl. Our group, including Lyra, took the oath without hesitation.Lyra gave me a smile as she walked back to her seat. I was glad to see that she had fully recovered, we hadn't gotten a chance to talk and I made a mental note to try and talk to her amidst the current chaos.Finally, it was my turn. I was to seal the oath with my power and blood. I pressed the blade to my palm and allowed my blood to join the rest in the bowl then Aria pushed my powers allowing it to flow into the bowl which glowed as the oath sealed.“Now, answer me.” I commanded. “By blood and magic, this oath is bound. Do you swear to uphold your end of the deal? Your vow of secrecy no matter the cost?”“I swear.” They sa
Ava's povBefore we could process what was happening, the keeper appeared before us. It glowed brighter than ever.“The bond has been sealed.” It said, “Kaida the great warrior of nightshade is now bound to you as your protector. This bond is greater than a pack bond, it has been forged by fate and the will of the moon goddess.”I could feel kaida's emotions through the bond as she stared at the keeper— surprise was what she felt. Just like me .“What does this mean?” I asked the Keeper.“It means that Kaida’s destiny is now intertwined with yours,” the Keeper explained. “Her purpose is to guard and protect you in every situation. Through this bond, she will share her strength, her instincts, and her wisdom with you. And in return, you will share your light and power with her.”Kaida locked gaze with her, her eyes filled with purpose and determination.“I will protect you,” she said firmly through the mind link. “No matter what comes.”I reached out and held her hand. “No. We'll prote
Ava's povSunlight spilled through the high windows of the grand hall, gleaming on the silver fixtures and dishware. For the first time in months, the hall wasn't empty. Laughter echoed all around me, mingling with the clinking of cutlery and the smell of warm bread and honeyed meats.I sat between Xander and Vanessa, my fingers curled around a steaming cup of tea. My stomach fluttered—not from nerves, but from something far newer. Something growing.The thought never failed to pull a smile to my face.I glanced around at the faces gathered at the table. Rowan was teasing Kael over a burnt piece of toast, Kaida sat beside him, her hand resting lightly on his wrist. Lyra was at the far end, wrapped in a thick shawl, her expression quiet but calm, a faint smile playing on her lips as she watched them. There was no tension in her shoulders.They were all here.All of them.And that meant more to me than any feast ever could.“Gods,” Vanessa said, stretching back in her seat. “It’s been f
Ava's povThe morning sunlight filtered in through the tall windows, casting soft golden glow across the stone walls of our chambers. The fire from last night had burned down to glowing embers, but I still felt warm—safe in the memory of the stars and the enormity of the secret I’d carried all night.I smiled, rubbing my tummy even though it didn't have a bump. It all still felt like a dream to me. I couldn't believe that I was carrying my child— out child— and would soon be able to hold him or her in my arms.This was like a reward from the gods for taking down zerathos. It was the most perfect gift.Xander’s scent hit me before I heard his footsteps. Woodsy. Earthy and a hint of citrus.He pushed the door open with ease, stridijg in, he was already halfway out of his ceremonial coat, his black shirt clinging to his chest beneath it. His eyes found me immediately—still seated at the edge of the bed, half-dressed, barefoot, lost in my thoughts.“There you are,” he said, his voice soft
Ava's povPregnant.The word sat on my tongue like a secret not yet ready for the world to know. Heavy and new. Sacred. My hands trembled as I exited the healer’s wing, the soft glow of lanterns lining the path doing little to light the darkness within me.It wasn't a bad darkness, it was just confusion.The corridor behind me felt like it belonged to another world—a place of certainty and whispered truths. Healers always knew things, some that we wanted to hear and the ones that we didn't want to hear. Out here, beneath the dark sky things felt more real.Too real.I walked slowly, aimlessly, not ready to return to the castle after what I had just learned. Not ready to face anyone. Especially not Xander.Not yet.The gardens were quiet this time of night. Peaceful. A hush had settled over the grounds, as though the very earth was holding its breath. The petals of Kaida’s cherry blossom tree glowed pale pink in the moonlight, and I found myself drawn toward it. Toward the spot we alwa
Ava's povSunlight streamed through the tall windows of the Blackthorn castle, warm and golden as it spilled across the newly polished floors. I stood at the balcony just outside the council chamber, my eyes tracing the distant tree lines. Smoke no longer rose from the hills. Screams no longer echoed through the valley.Peace.It was strange how something we fought so long and hard for could feel so… quiet.I placed a hand over my stomach. That now familiar queasiness cane again, subtle but persistent. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, grounding myself the way I’d been practicing since taking on the Luna title. Calm. Poise. Grace.“Luna Ava?” A voice called gently from behind. One of the omegas.“Yes?”“Lady Vanessa and the others are waiting in the courtyard. You said you wanted to walk with them today?”“Yes. Thank you.”I smiled and nodded, but the moment I turned my back, the nausea returned—like it never left. I gritted my teeth and blinked back the faint dizziness. I've been
Xander's povThe night was quiet, save for the faint crackling of the fire still burning at the center of camp.But Ava… she had curled up beside me, her head on my shoulder, her fingers gently tucked against my arm. Her breathing slowed sometime between Rowan’s quiet jokes, Vanessa blushing with Kael teasing her and Lyra sitting in silence after her brief confession.She fell asleep there, in the circle of firelight and friends and whispered memories.I couldn’t bear to wake her.So I carried her.Her warmth pressed against my chest as I walked us to the chambers we’d been assigned in the temporary Ashville pack house. The bed was a bit small but clean, sheets tucked in and blankets folded. I laid her down carefully, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek before covering her with the blanket.I wanted to stay awake and watch over her. Zerathos may be gone but he has left a lasting trauma and fear of the shadows. I was scared that if I closed my eyes and opened it I would real
Rowan's POVLyra’s breathing had finally evened out beside me, a soft, steady rhythm that showed that she was finally at ease and I was glad. She didn’t say another word after I wrapped the blanket around her and sat by her side. She didn’t need to.I looked at her, really looked.Her face had lost weight in the past months, the edges sharper now—grief had carved out the softness she once had so effortlessly. The dark, sunken circles beneath her eyes told me she hadn’t been sleeping much. And even now, in the calm after the war, her body was tense beneath the blanket, like she was ready to spring awake at any given time if someone so much as touched her. .But she had opened up.That alone made something in my chest unclench for the first time in weeks.I tilted my head back, let my eyes gaze up to the stars, but even their beauty felt muted tonight. Everything felt… dulled. Like we’d survived the fire, only to emerge into the ashes.But she talked. She talked.And I’d take that over
Lyra’s POVThe fire had burned down to little fire, and one by one, they drifted off to sleep. Ava had fallen asleep curled against Xander’s chest. Vanessa and Kael were tangled up on a blanket near the edge of the camp, whispering and grinning like the war had never happened and they were in some sort of fairytale. Like they’d known peace all their lives.I was happy and envious of them so I forced myself to look away.Rowan had stayed with me.He always did.By the time the last bit of fire was snuffed and silence had settled over the camp, he rose, wordless, and offered me his hand. I took it, letting him guide me away from the others, deeper into the shadows where the weight of their stares couldn’t follow.We walked to a place in Ashville that we liked. It was a little hill above the camp where the entire land could be seen and the sky felt so close. The stars were particularly bright on that night, I just stood there and took a deep breath.The night air was cold, crisp, almost
Lyra’s povI don't know how long we sat there but I had droned out their conversation as I watched the burning fire. Suddenly, I felt the air shift. It wasn't the regular shift.But this time, it was different.Tense. Sharp.I knew why.I could feel it, their eyes were on me.And they deserved answers.I just wasn’t sure I had the strength to give them.Rowan came even closer, a steady wall beside me, his warmth grounding. He hadn't spoken much, just held my hand quietly under the blanket we shared. It should’ve comforted me more than it did. But the guilt clung to me, curling in my chest like a shadow that refused to be exorcised.I peeped at Ava across the fire, her knees were pulled to her chest, arms loosely wrapped around them. Xander had stood up and was standing just behind her, arms crossed, his gaze unreadable as it flicked from person to person—though it lingered on me more often than not.I was almost certain I could go the night without a word being said. That they’d keep
Lyra’s POVThe crackling of the campfire sounded distant just like the faint sound of voices laughing and talking. Familiar voices. Ones that once meant comfort and strength. Now, they sounded foreign and distant, like echoes bouncing off the thick stone walls of guilt I had built around myself.I sat wrapped in my cloak, hood drawn low, body leaning into Rowan’s side. His warmth was steady, grounding. I could feel his heart through the fabric, steady as a drum, but there was a tension in the way he held me. He didn’t trust me—not entirely. I didn’t blame him.They had every right not to.Ashville was ruined. The war was over. And I had helped start it. They just didn't know that.I didn’t know how to look them in the eyes, not after what I had done.Ava’s laugh echoed through the air, loud and carefree, like birds chirping and singing during the summer. She teased Vanessa about how she once fought her over Xander. Vanessa rolled her eyes but smiled, her fingers tangled with Kael’s. I