Ava's povThe guards began to drag me to the dungeon, my eyes remain locked with the alpha's. I didn't understand why he was doing this to me, why me?His words kept ringing in my head “Did you use some kind of drugs on me?” What could he possibly be talking about?.With the rate at which things were going, I'd be surprised if I won't have to amputate my leg in the end. I'm not allowing it to heal and I keep making the injury worse.Blood began to seep through the clothes Heather had wrapped around it as the guards dragged me. I swallowed in fear as we got closer to the grand staircase, I felt like I was going to pass out.“What's going on?!” I heard Princess Lyra scream.The next thing she was ripping the guards arms off me and I crumpled to the floor in a heap. I didn't even have the strength to get up, if my fate was sealed to die then so be it.“What do you think you're doing? Where were you taking her?” The princess demanded.“Your highness,” one of the guards said with a bow. “T
Xander's PovSomething snapped in me when he held Ava's waist, whatever charm she was using has to be really strong. I will find out what it is, because it is messing with my head and my daily life.Leo, my wolf, has been awfully silent these days, he feels what I feel. Whenever I mistreat Ava something in me breaks, it disconnects me from myself, I've been having a lot of sleepless nights because of it and I am fed up.The smell of her blood was prudent in the air but I ignored it. I paused as I felt her body go limp halfway down the stairs.I looked at her unconscious body for a second then continued on my journey, the guards who failed to excuse my order will be punished. I am the alpha king and when I give an order you follow it no matter what, you do not stop for anybody.I got to the doors leading to the dungeon and the guards stationed in front of it opened it up for me, I dragged her down the stairs and into the abyss.It was pitch black at the entrance but I was familiar with
Ava's PovI was floating, the sky was bright above me and birds flew. I landed on something soft and fluffy, my hand ran across it, it seemed to be fur.I giggled at the feeling and snuggled into its warmth. After a while I came down from whatever it was and took in the view before me. I was on a lush green hill which had a lot of flowers. It overlooked a beautiful lake which glistened in the sunlight.I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath, I let the peace and tranquility wash over me. There was a slight rustling behind me, it reminded me that I had been on top of something fluffy.I turned around and was met with my own eyes, except it was on a wolf. A giant wolf, it had white fur with silver streaks, I took a step back upon seeing its size.“Careful.” A soft angelic voice said.I looked to my right and saw a beautiful woman, she was the most beautiful person I had ever seen. Her skin glistened under the sunlight, it glowed like the moon, she was draped in an elegant white cloth
Xander's povAfter my meal I headed to the dungeon to assess the situation myself. I walked up to her cell and saw her on the floor where I had left her.I felt a sharp pain in my chest, a call to save her. I noticed the blood at the back of her head and wondered what happened.Did someone do something to her?Because I knew for a fact that the potion healed her former head injury, the thought of someone hurting her made me angry.I turned and left, she would wake up soon. The next day I asked for the dungeon guard on duty to come to my office.“The new captive, the human. Is she awake?” I asked.“No, your majesty.” He replied with a bow.“Get water and dump it on her, we need to interrogate her as soon as possible.” I ordered him.“Yes, your majesty.” He gave a bow then left.Beta Magnus and Gamma Draven wherein the study with me, “let's go train.”I needed to blow off some steam. Pack members gathered around to watch us spat, it had been a while.Magnus and Draven were a team whilst
Xander's PovVanessa picked up her things and hastily ran out of my office.Good.Immediately I turned back to my work a knock sounded at the door.“What now?” I muttered in frustration running my palm down my face.“Come in.”The door opened, revealing Lyra and Magnus on the other side. Irritation began to bubble within me because I knew the reason why they were both here.“Alpha.” They said in unison with a slight bow.“What do you want?” I demanded ignoring their greeting.“Alpha,” Lyra started. “Please let Ava go.”“No.” I returned my focus to the map of the pack grounds and the position where Magnus had placed the warriors.“You claim that she bewitched you, right?” Lyra continued. “What evidence do you have? As a king, you of all people should know never to accuse someone with evidence to back up your claim.”I did not speak, but my eyes signalled to her to continue.“You know the tension between our kind and hers has surged tremendously, there's on telling what will happen if
Xander's povIt has been three days since we moved her into my wing, four days in total since she has been in a coma.The healers have given up on her but too afraid to say anything to me, I overheard them one night.They had just finished dressing her wound which has made no healing progress. I stood there watching her.Her flawless face gave the impression that she was only asleep, as if she would wake up the next second. I took a moment to take in her form, her usual annoyed expression wasn't there, she just looked peaceful like she was sleeping.Her long lashes slightly brushed her cheeks and her hair was fanned out on the pillow underneath her head, she looked like an angel.The sun filtering in through the windows casted a warm glow on her pale skin, I have never seen anything more ethereal in all my years.I took a seat next to her and watched her, my hand reached out to brush her cheek softly. Her pink lips were slightly parted as she took in soft breaths.Her scent once again
Ava's povI was confused. Something was off about the alpha, about us.I felt heat rise to my cheeks as I remembered the kiss. The sparks and tingles that spread across my body, the softness of his lips, the feeling of his stubble against my cheek and the most intoxicating scent that infiltrated my nose.Something has shifted between us, I could tell from the way he spoke and acted towards me. I felt a deep connection and longing for him.I rubbed my eyes tiredly, the healer had left a few minutes ago after a thorough examination of my healed body and an hour of grueling questions.My answer remained the same all through. I don't know.I knew that I couldn't tell anyone about the woman and the wolf, Aria. I still have a lot of unanswered questions.Xander had instructed me to go to my chambers and clean up once the healer gave me the go ahead, which he had. I got up from the bed and headed for the door.My body felt lighter, stronger and far more healthy than it had ever been. A smil
Ava's povHe noticed my movement and his face changed to one of panic, he reached a hand towards me in an attempt to calm me down.Whatever was in his place spoke, “calm down, Aria.” Its voice was deep and rough.Aria?“What?” I whispered, he took another step towards me making me crawl back.Hurt flashed on his face, he still held his hands out to show that he wasn't going to hurt me.Why'd he call me Aria?“Wait…please.” The thing said then took another step.I didn't move this time out of fear and confusion, he took another then another until he was towering over me.I swallowed as he bent down to be at my level, it reached a clawed hand towards my face and I shut my eyes tightly in fear.I waited for the impact but it never came, rather he gently stroked my face. He brushed my hair out of my face, sparks danced across the place where he touched.I opened my eyes and stared into his golden eyes, there was something else in them. They weren't just gold but they had an ethereal glo
Ava's pov The wind howled softly against the window, it was odd but it was like a lullaby whispered in an ancient tongue. Xander had fallen asleep hours ago, his breathing deep and even beside me. His arm was draped protectively over my waist, warm and grounding, as if even in slumber he was guarding the world he’d sworn to protect. But I couldn’t sleep. Not tonight. The baby, Rowan, was stirring more than usual. Little flutters and firm nudges beneath my skin, like he was restless too or sensing something beyond the veil of reality. I closed my eyes, fingers spread across the curve of my belly, and whispered a silent promise into the dark. “I’ll always protect you, little one.” The world tilted. It started slowly, like I was falling into still water. The bed, the room, the warmth of Xander’s body all faded away like early morning mist. I wasn’t afraid. Instead, an overwhelming calm settled over me, thick and heavy, the kind of calm that whispers of someone celestial. A
Ava's pov The celebration had ended hours ago, but the warmth still lingered in my body. The lanterns had gone out. The laughter and footsteps had faded. Kaida and Lyra had walked us back to the castle gates, cheeks glowing from too much dancing and cider. The moon was high now, very bright silver light watching from its throne in the sky as if it too had awaited this final part of the night. Our chambers were quiet, save for the occasional crackle from the fireplace. I was dressed in one of Xander’s tunics, hair damp from a quick rinse, and settled against the high pile of furs and pillows in our bed. My fingers rested gently on my belly. Xander came out from the mini kitchen attached to his chamber, barefoot, shirtless, hair tousled, with two steaming mugs in hand. He handed one to me and dropped onto the bed with a soft grunt. “Ginger and honey,” he said. “Kaida’s secret cure for growing royal pups.” I smiled at him. “If it works, I’ll personally carve her name into a th
Ava's pov The 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
Ava's pov The 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 s
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