Ava's povThe flames burned hotter, the air buzzed with magic, and the sound of hammering metal echoed through the chamber as warriors and blacksmiths worked tirelessly. But the real work was happening at the center of the forge where Darius, Lucien, and I stood surrounded by scattered blueprints, vials of glowing liquid, and stacks of metal pieces.Darius rolled up his sleeves, his brow furrowed as he measured out precise amounts of sulfur and powdered iron. “Alright, if we’re going to do this, we need to be meticulous. One wrong calculation, and we’re going to blow ourselves up before we even fight the rebels.”Lucien smirked. “You sound like you’ve almost done that before.”Darius shot him a look. “Let’s just say I’ve had a lot of close calls.”I placed the scroll from the Light Forge onto the table. “I’ll take care of the enchantment. But first, we need to finalize the structure of the bombs.”Lucien crossed his arms. “The explosives you used in the past were meant to cause destru
Ava's povI saw it.A set of footprints on the ash cover ground, leading towards the storage room where the bombs which have not yet been used were kept.My eyes widened in realization. They didn't just come to destroy the bombs, they came to steal them as well.“We need to move,” I said, standing up. ““Now.”We followed the footprints, moving swiftly through the underground hallways in the blacksmith's forge. The air was thick with the smell of smoke, choking us, we made sure to keep our footsteps light as we followed the footprints.“They lead outside.” Rowan whispered, pointing ahead.We emerged from the tunnel into the cool night, we were a bit far from the pack now, much closer to the forest. The footprints continue into the trees.Then we say the person.A cloaked figure, running through the woods, a bag of stolen bombs slung over their shoulder.Kael didn’t hesitate. “Stop that person!”We gave chase.The figure was fast, weaving through the trees like someone who was familiar
Ava's povI didn’t remember falling asleep.One moment I was staring at the ceiling, my mind racing with a million thoughts and the next, I was standing in a vast void.I knew this place.I had been here before, months ago.A soft glow of silver light approached me from the sky, the air was filled with an ancient power that sent a warm feeling through my veins.Then, she appeared.The Moon Goddess.She stood before me in her radiant and ethereal glory, her flowing silver robes shimmering like liquid light. Her shiny hair cascaded down her back, her sincere eyes shining and holding wisdom of agesBut there was something else there, something sad in her expression.“You have called for guidance, child,” she said.Her voice was just as soft and powerful as the first day I had met her with Aria, her voice filled the space around us.I swallowed hard. “Zerathos has my power. He stole the bombs infused with my light. I don’t know how to stop him.”She studied me for a long, thoughtful mome
Ava's pov“The Moon Goddess came to me again in my dreams.” I said, my voice urgent. “She gave me a way to remove my power from the bombs. A ritual. If I do it, Zerathos won’t be able to use them against us.”His expression darkened. “A ritual?”I nodded. “It’s a complex process and it will leave me vulnerable for a time. But if I don’t do this, he’ll use those bombs to wipe out everything.”Xander was silent for a long moment, his jaw clenching and his hands curled into fists on the desk.Then, he stood up. “No.”I blinked. “What?”“No,” he repeated, his voice firmer this time. “It’s too dangerous. If this ritual leaves you vulnerable, what happens if Zerathos feels it? What if he chooses to strike at that moment?”“We don’t have a choice,” I argued. “We can’t risk him using those bombs. You saw what one did to Blackthorn now imagine what an entire collection could do.”Xander exhaled in frustration, running a hand through his hair. “Damn it, Ava.”He was torn. I could see it in the
Ava’s POVThe weight of what I was about to do had finally settled upon me. I had been in a haste all along, fueled by an adrenaline rush that I hadn't even bothered to stop and think about the consequences. Now, we were already in motion so there wasn't any time to think.Every muscle in my body felt tense, my mind racing with all the possible outcomes—both good and bad.The ritual had to work.There was no other option.The Lightforge was buzzing with activity as we prepared for what was to come. Every warrior and enforcer in Blackthorn had been put on high alert. Xander had ordered extra patrol guards to be stationed around the castle grounds, ensuring that not a single thing could slip through unnoticed.I stood in the center of the forge, surrounded by my closest and only friends. Rowan and Kaida were drawing protective runes on the stone floor with crushed starlight powder, an ancient substance that amplified light magic. Kael was adjusting the positions of the enchanted lantern
Ava's pov)Run.That was the only thought replaying in my head as I ran through the spirit realm, my breath coming in ragged pants.I pumped my legs as hard as I could, willing my body to go faster.I made the mistake of looking back, eyes widening as I saw the darkness coming close to me.Zerathos roared, it was filled with so much rage that even the air trembled. His power slammed into the ground causing the shimmery liquid like surface to crack.I have to get out.I have to sever my magic.The spirit realm kept changing around me, like we were disrupting its balance. The landscape kept changing into different things— endless skies, towering buildings, rivers flowing upwards instead of downwards.This realm was a free space of magic and anyone with strong magic can change it to their willAnd Zerathos was far stronger than me here.“You can’t run from me, little goddess,” his voice echoed through the space, slithering into my ears, sending a shiver down my spine.I risked another gl
Xander's povThe entire room was heavy with tension. Ava was still trembling in my arms, her face pale, eyes unfocused as if she were still stuck between realms. Leo hadn't stopped growling since she returned and told us what had happened.Zerathos had tried to claim her.Tried to replace her bond with the Moon Goddess.Tried to take her.The very thought sent a murderous growl rumbling through my chest, my grip tightening around Ava instinctively. She had fought him off, but it wasn’t enough. He had touched her, reached her in a way no enemy ever should.I exhaled sharply, trying to focus on what mattered most. The ritual had worked. The bombs infused with Ava’s light magic were useless to the rebels now. But this… this was a deeper problem.“We need to talk,” I said, my voice firm but low enough not to startle Ava.Rowan, Kael, Vanessa, Kaida, Lucien, and Darius were all watching us closely. Their expressions ranged from concern to outright fury.Darius was the first to speak. “What
Ava's povThe dream started the way all nightmares did, it was too quiet, too still.I was standing in a vast, endless void of nothing, the ground swirling with black mist that stretched as far as my eyes could see. The air was thick, suffocating and laced with the smell of evil and death.Every breath I took felt heavier, as if the air was pressing against my chest. I tried to find my bearings but there was nothing. No ground beneath my feet, no sky above me. Just endless black stretching in every direction.A shiver ran down my spine.Something was wrong.I turned slowly, my heartbeat picking up. I was alone.Or so I thought.Suddenly, a deep, dark voice broke the silence."Did you really think you could escape me, little moon?"My entire body went rigid.That voice.I knew it.I had fought it. Resisted it. Ripped my magic away from his grasp. And yet, somehow, I was here again, back in the abyss of Zerathos' world.I clenched my fists, my heart pounding in my chest as I summoned ev
Ava's povThe air buzzed with excitement.Golden rays of the sun spilled through the leaves above as the clearing beside the Moonstone Falls which glowed with enchantment.I had never seen the sun so bright, it was as if all the gods were watching closely to see what would be revealed today.Long, linen banners fluttered from tree branches, dyed in the traditional white and silver hues of blessing rituals. It was a sacred spot—where our ancestors once received visions from the Moon Goddess herself—and it felt like the perfect place for today.My gender reveal.Or as the werewolves called it: The Spirit Beckoning.Kaida had explained it days ago while wrapping my waist in white silk, her eyes shining with pride as she narrated the ancient tradition.I wasn't surprised that she knew so much because the nightshade warriors were known for holding on to our history very tightly, they even knew far more than even blackthorn but only shared why they deemed necessary.“When a pup grows strong
Ava's povThe day had started like any other.There were meetings with the inner council, light bickering over the upcoming full moon festival, and more parenting advice— that I didn't ask for— than I could keep up with. My mind felt full, my ankles were sore, and despite how much I adored everyone’s excitement, all I wanted was silence, a soft place to lie down, and maybe a jar of pickled mangoes.Xander had been called away to handle a little rogue situation near the southern border, and although I tried not to worry, being apart from him—even just for a few hours—tugged at something inside me.Even after the war,.rogues would still be spotted from time to time. They weren't threatening and tended to run away at the sight of us. They just wandered aimlessly but we had underestimated them once and didn't want to make the same mistake twice.He’d been protective ever since we found out about the baby, even more so since I’d started showing a few weeks ago. My bump was still small, but
Ava's povI always thought pregnancy would feel magical. Glowing skin, cute bump, a sense of purpose, maybe even that mythical "pregnancy glow" everyone swore existed.Instead, it felt like I was being hunted… by my own body.“Move,” I growled at Xander, who stood directly between me and the basket of moonberry tarts I’d been craving since sunrise and asked the cooks to make.He turned slowly, blinking. “You’ve already had three.”I narrowed my eyes. “And?”“And… I love you,” he said quickly, stepping aside and lifting both hands like I was some scary creature.Which I kind of was.Pregnancy had changed me. It was like I had become Ava 2.0—crying over songs with puppies, getting irrationally upset when Xander didn’t refill the honey jar, then five minutes later curling against him like nothing ever happened. The mood swings weren’t just real. They were ruthless.The moonberry tart was cold by the time I got to it, but I didn’t care. I devoured it with all the speed of a starved animal
Xander’s POVThe moonlight spilled through the open balcony, casting soft silver over the sheets tangled at the foot of the bed. The fire in the hearth had died a while back, quiet and tired like the rest of the castle.The day has taken an unexpected turn which I loved so much. A twist that made my heart race and a smile light up my face.She was asleep.Ava.My mate. My Luna. My light.Her hair was fanned across the pillow, her face relaxed and peaceful—something I never took for granted anymore. I didn’t move, just sat at the edge of the bed, eyes watching the delicate rise and fall of her chest.Her unexpected words echoed in my head like a metal being hit by something.She’s pregnant.It should have been a simple announcement. But for me, it cracked something wide open.For weeks, I’d noticed something different in her scent. Not wrong—just new. I hadn’t placed it, not until she stood before me and told me herself. There had been no grand preparation. No expectations. Just her an
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