Ava's povMy mind was still reeling from the shocking revelation of the traitor but I had other important things to focus on as I sat in my dimly lit chamber, the only source of light was the moonlight streaming in from behind my curtains by the window.I sat by my desk with a pen in my hand, poised above the piece of paper in front of me. My heart pounded as I thought of what I was doing, I was taking a risk because if I am caught I would be as good as dead but I needed to do it.I had made up my mind not to get involved with the rebellion again which is why I had tactically evaded Heather and Thomas by spending more time with Xander. But tonight I would need their help.Tonight, I was going to write a letter to Darius because we need to meet. Ever since I saw the symbol on that piece of metal at the bombing site, I have been sick to my stomach at the fact that my brother could cause such destruction.I began to scribble words down on the paper, words that have been swimming in my he
Ava's pov“Don’t play games with me!” I snapped, my voice rising and trembling with anger. “The bomb that killed dozens of innocent people at the pack—wolves and humans alike. I saw the symbol on it, Darius ‘D.’ That was your work, wasn’t it?”Something passed through his eyes. It looked like guilt but he quickly masked it. “I don't know what you're talking about, you must be mistaken.”“Don’t lie to me!” I yelled, my voice echoing through the clearing and the night air. “I know it was you. How could you do something so monstrous? Do you even realize how many lives were lost because of that bomb? How many families were torn apart? How… how many children died? Babies?...” My voice broke as I thought about the last part.Darius pushed off the tree, his expression darkening as he took a step towards me. “You don’t understand, Ava. This war isn’t about one bomb or one attack. It’s about survival and making a stand in this world. The werewolves have oppressed us for centuries, treated us
Ava’s povThey threw me in the dungeons because it was too late and everyone was asleep. The dungeon was colder than the last time I was down there, terrifying memories came flooding back and I shut my eyes to keep them out.The cold air clung to my skin like a second layer, my teeth rattled and my body shivered. They had stripped me of my cloak so I was in nothing but a simple dress.Shadows flickered under the faint glow of the torches lining the walls, they seemed to be reaching out to touch me so I slithered away.I pulled my knees to my chest, the heavy metal cuffs clanking and digging into my skin. It was certainly going to leave a little bruise. I was already walking on eggshells around the werewolves but this time I had broken all the eggshells.I closed my eyes and thought back to everything that had happened. From Darius defending his evil deeds to the ambush and the accusations which have been laid up on me. Darius's words seemed to be true, I would always be a human to the
Xander's povThe silence was deafening as everyone seemed to hold their breath. My eyes scanned the room taking in all their faces, the people I had called my friends, allies, family and leaders. They all stared back at me with a mixture of different expressions on their faces— doubt, fear, anger, hate and disgust.Finally, my eyes returned to Ava. Despite all the words and objects that had been thrown at her, she stood tall and unyielding at the center of the room.Her courage lit a fire in me. I believed her, I had come to learn that we must always trust and rely on each other in the trying times to come. They didn't understand what we were going to face, they didn't know that their only hope was the person they were turning on— the person they wanted to kill.I had to protect her at all costs.I stood up from my throne, releasing more of my alpha power into the room. They needed to remember who they were in front of.“What has become of you all?” I began, keeping my voice steady de
Xander's povMurmurs erupted in the room, ticking me off even more.“Silence!” I roared, voice thundering through the throne room. The murmurs ceased at once, all eyes were wide as they stared at me.“I am ashamed of you people.” I told them with disdain in my voice.“She met with the rebel leader!” Elder Garrick yelled.“To stop him!” I countered. “To save lives! Our lives! Ever since this rebellion started what have any of you done to protect this pack? To protect Lycara? You sit in your comfortable chambers and offices casting judgment while others fight and die for the safety of our people.”I turned to the council of elders, my gaze piercing. “You claim to be the voice of wisdom, the protectors of our traditions. But tell me, what part of our tradition says we should execute the innocent? Where is the wisdom in killing someone who has fought to protect us? How will you justify that?”“You’re risking everything for her.” my father said, his voice low but filled with anger.“No,” I
Xander's povShe took a deep breath, steadying herself. “So imagine my surprise when the rebel leader suddenly picked interest in me and I discovered that it was my brother.” She let out a dry empty laugh.“After the bombing I decided to reach out to him again to see if I could end it all.” Her gaze dropped to our intertwined hands. “That’s why I sent the letter. I wanted to meet him, to talk to him, to convince him to stop.”“And what did he say?” I asked.Her hands clenched into fists. “He’s consumed by hatred, he's too far gone Xander. He blames the wolves for everything— I understand why he would think that way. He wants you guys to pay for every blood you have shed. He believes he’s fighting for justice, but… he’s blinded by his anger.”I nodded slowly, I understood as well. We haven't exactly been the best to humans. “And the bombing? What does he have to do with that? I thought it was the work of the rogues?”Her eyes filled with tears, and she looked away. “The ‘D’ carved on t
Vanessa’s POVHe believed her. He belived the witchI clenched my fists in anger, biting back the urge to scream in frustration. I couldn't believe he asked us to leave and openly challenged his father for her.Ever since Ava walked into our lives she turned our world upside down. She managed to wiggle her way into Xander's heart with little effort yet I have been trying for years and failed.The goddess even exposed her and brought evidence to show that she is against us yet he still defends her. I stormed back into my chambers, slamming the door behind me.My mind raced as I paced and thought about my next move. How could he be so blind? So foolish?The fact that Xander— our alpha king, not just any regular alpha had successfully been deceived by a mere human infuriated me. He was supposed to be strong, decisive, and above all, loyal to his pack. But now, it seemed his loyalty lay elsewhere.With a small scream I threw myself on my bed and stared at the ceiling. I needed to calm dow
Ava’s POVWe sat in silence. The gentle crackle of the fireplace was the only thing that could be heard between us. The weight of what would be done to Darius when he was caught, pressed down hard in my chest. The words remained heavy and inspired.I looked at Xander, he had a faraway look in his eyes. The air around us shifted, it became something more intimate as he lifted his eyes to look at me. Something unreadable flickering in his stormy gray eyes.“What?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Xander exhaled and leaned back into his chair, his finger idly traced lazy patterns on his desk. “I was just thinking,” he murmured. “About us.”A now familiar warmth and tingle went through my body at his words. “What about us?”He looked at me for a moment, studying me. “About our bond. It's not complete yet “My breath hitched. I have been trying my best to avoid this topic for a while because I wasn't sure whether or not I was ready. We had both danced around it, never fully addres
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