Xander's povThe sound of my boot on the stone floors echoed in the empty hallway. I was going to the council chamber, I had been summoned due to the incident with Vanessa and her friends.I was surprised and I was prepared. The council chamber was a large circular room, the walls were lined with guards and tapestries that told takes of the war and our history.My focus wasn't on them today but on the people seated behind the long table at the end of the room. The pack elders. Their expressions were neutral yet I saw annoyance and curiosity in some of their eyes.I scanned the table and my steps flattered when I saw him.My father.Against my will, my heart raced at the sight of him. Why did they call him? This is bad.No matter how hard I try, my father will always have his dark evil claws buried deep inside me. My heart beat picked up and I prayed that it wasn't loud enough for him to hear, I couldn't give him that satisfaction.My mind flashed to my bloody younger self on the floor
Xander's pov“You summoned me here for this?” I asked in a low tone.Thane gestured for me to take a step forward. “As you are well aware, we just received some concerning information about the human called Ava. Vanessa has brought some certain things to light and we cannot ignore them.”The human. It disgusted me the way they spoke about Ava.My jaw ticked and I turned to shoot Vanessa a glare which she ignored by keeping her eyes forward.“Baseless accusations.” I spat.“Well, the rest of the pack seems to think otherwise.” Thane replied. “They also believe that she is manipulating you somehow , turning you against your pack and making your priority shift from your duties. And the fact that she may also be inclined in the rebellion brewing amongst the humans.”I couldn't control it anymore and a low and dangerous growl escaped me, echoing through the room. Everyone went silent, pin drop silent. “how dare you accuse my mate of such?”Shit. I didn't know when the word “mate” slipped o
Ava’s POVXander had been summoned by the council this morning. I was worried about him because I knew it was because of me and Vanessa wasn't going to let it go.Thomas had also found me this morning and told me that we were to have a meeting. That added to my nerves, I was still considering my decision to join the rebellion but I was already too far in to kill out I had memorized the directions Thomas had given me on a note. He said to burn it once I was done and I did it. It was a small, poorly lit space hidden behind the servant's quarters which was accessible by going through a narrow passage hidden by some loose stone in the wall. My heart pounded with every step I took inside.The room was fairly crowded with people— servants, cooks, gardeners, all humans who worked down to their bones tirelessly to keep the castle and werewolves running because they were too lazy to do it themselves. Their eyes turned to me as I walked in, there was a mixture of determination and apprehension
Ava's povI gave her a hug then watched her disappear back into the servant's quarters before heading to my room, entering and shutting the door behind me. The space felt smaller than usual, the walls pressing in as the weight of the rebellion’s expectations settled on my shoulders.I pulled out the letter again, rereading D’s words. “You are more than you know.”His words echoed in my mind as I laid down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. Sleep didn’t come easily, my thoughts were filled with fear and a million questions.What did they mean, I was more than I knew?The Next Morning…The castle was quieter than usual, the tension in the air was thick and I knew that it had something to do with the council meeting yesterday. I hadn't seen Xander since and as much as I didn't like to admit, I was worried about him.I kept my head down as I went about my tasks, avoiding unnecessary interactions. Xander didn’t assign me any task but I couldn't just sit around and do nothing so I joined
Ava's povA lot of strange things have been happening a lot lately. This was my second time seeing the shadow, first with beta Magnus and now outside the laundry room.It was being… controlled. Sent by someone and I knew their target was me, for what reason? I don't know.I sighed and rubbed my face in exhaustion as I walked back to my room. Pulling the note out of my pocket I read its content once again and traced by fingers along its edges.“We must meet.”The words kept replaying in my head. It felt like some sort of challenge and an invitation at the same time.D.It was just a single letter but something about it. I couldn't put my finger on it but my intuition told me that I should meet with him. I rested my head against the cool glass window and stared at the letter.Everyone seemed to have faith in me, why? I don’t know. Did I deserve their faith? I wasn't sure. The more I stared at the note the more the handwriting began to look… familiar.A knock at the door pulled me out of
Ava's povI decided to take a nap to rest my head and gather my thoughts. To my surprise, there was a basket of food waiting for me outside my door when I woke up.I knew that no one had access to that wing except Xander and myself. It was so thoughtful of him to do this for me.After eating I decided to take a bit of fresh air outside my room. It was late so the castle was dark, Xander's warning rang in my head but I promised that I was going to be quick and I was going to scream at the top of my lungs if someone attacked me.I walked with my bare feet on the cold stone floors, something about me grounded me. The castle was a bit cold and I welcomed it.“We must meet. There are truths you need to hear, but they cannot be written.”What truths? What could he possibly want to tell me that would justify the danger of leaving the castle? What does he know that I know?It all sent a chill down my spine.The soft clattering of a pebble against the floor in the silent castle startled me. M
Ava's povThe ride was a bumpy one as the cart jolted on the uneven path. Every bump made my nerves worse, I began to second guess my decision but it was already too late.Heather and Thomas were silent throughout the ride, nothing needed to be said because their presence was calming enough. Looking back, the castle was far behind us, only the spikes of its towers could be seen in the horizon.The cart slowed and came to a stop. The driver— a short, chubby man with sharp eyes, turned to ys. “This is the furthest I can go. The meeting point isn't too far from here, just walk down this path and you'll find it.” He said pointing at a path to our left.“Thank you.” I whispered to him, he gave a nod in return.Thomas helped Heather get down then me. The air was chilly so I pulled my cloak tighter around my body.“Stay close.” Thomas said, his voice low.The driver gave us one last tip of his hat before he kicked the horse and went on his way, disappearing into the forest.I took a deep bre
Ava's povHe then sighed and turned to the fire. He took a seat on one of the logs of wood next to the fire and gestured for me to do the same.Hesitantly, I obeyed and walked towards him. My legs felt weak— like jelly, as I took a seat across from him. He may be my brother but he wasn't the Darius I knew any longer. In the past few years that has has been missing something changed, I could tell.So I wasn't going to trust him easily. He was acting… suspicious. How does he know the things that he does? I needed answers.The fire flickered casting shadows on his face as I watched him.“There’s so much you don’t know, a lot that I need to tell you.” he began, his voice steady but lacking warmth. It was cold and distant, like he was here physically but his mind was elsewhere. “When I disappeared, it wasn’t by choice. I was taken.”“Taken?” I asked.“Yes,” he said, his jaw tightening. “By the werewolves. They thought I was the one the prophecy spoke about, Ava. They know about your blood
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