The training grounds were covered in jagged rays from the sun, which was high in the sky. Alpha Rylan's forehead was dripping with sweat, which trickled down his exposed chest and soaked into his pants waistband. As he slashed his sword forcefully against another warrior's blade, his tense muscles gleamed in the sunlight. Clang!The sound of the two swords colliding violently reverberated throughout the grounds. The pressure caused the less seasoned and younger warrior to falter. He clenched his jaw and pushed back using all of his strength to swing his weapon. However, he couldn't compete with Rylan. With lightning speed, Rylan twisted the blade out of his warrior's grasp by turning his wrist. The sword clattered loudly to the ground. The warrior stooped to pick it up, panting. In a fit of rage, Rylan raised his leg and kicked the man in the side at that point. The kick was powerful. The warrior fell face-first onto the hard ground. He let out a soundless moan. Someone clapp
With the wind gently rustling his cloak, Lance rode through the tall trees surrounding the Nightfang territory. Golden light filled the path ahead as the sun filtered through the forest canopy. Bramble, his stout black steed, advanced steadily in the direction of the Nightfang Pack. The smell of damp earth and pine, which was so familiar, filled the air and reminded him of bygone eras.Although it had been a while since he had visited the Nightfang Pack, this trip was essential. He needed to see Shadrach, an old friend who was the herbal master and advisor in the pack. Upon arriving at the main compound, Lance was met with friendly smiles from a few pack members. They knew him and even held him in high regard. He returned the nod and proceeded to a tiny wooden cottage located at the distant end of the training field. From its chimney smoke, curled. Shadrach's house was there. Lance got off his horse, rapped once, and pushed open the door. Shadrach was inside, hunched over a line
The golden rays of the sun streamed into the stables. The stables were dry and warm, filled with the earthy scent of hay, damp wood, and fresh manure.Hooves clopped softly against the concrete floor. As one of the horses shifted its weight, another swatted and flicked its tail at a buzzing fly.The stable door creaked open, and a servant stepped in. The smell of sweat, hay, and manure hit him full in the face. His boots sank slightly into the straw-covered floor as he made his way towards the stall.The horse inside stamped a hoof and snorted, tossing its head as if already sensing trouble.Without a word, the servant unlatched the stall and stepped in. he grabbed the lead rope and clipped it to the horse’s halter with practiced hands. With a sharp tug, he pulled harder, dragging the horse out.The saddles were already secured on the horse’s back. Thick bags bulged on either side, strapped tightly.Bethar walked out of his quarters that morning, his steps were steady and assured. Bu
"Jarred. This is all shades of wrong. I didn't tell you about Bethar's secret to use it against him," Rufus growled. "With the way you're approaching this situation, you'll end up gathering enemies for yourself! And this doesn't suit our plans."Jarred glared at the old man, his most trusted ally. "But what will you have me do? I had no choice. I'm running out of patience. I must become the next Alpha. No one deserves it more than I do."Rufus was seated calmly, watching him intently as he paced the length of his living room in agitation. "You need to calm down. What makes you think Bethar will do exactly what you told him?”Jarred paused for a second and turned, facing Rufus. His face is a mask of fury. "That's because I have him backed in a corner. If he doesn't do as I want, his wife will learn the truth about his foolish actions. Bethar loves his wife and would do anything to keep her happy. Why do you think he went to such lengths to keep the girl far from him?"Rufus stroked his
Bethar was motionless, leaning against the door that Estelle had slammed. His entire body shook. He was speechless. He lacked strength. His thoughts were disorganized. “Oh goddess. how did she know?”He had spent so much time hiding it. Even he was almost unaware of the past because he had buried it so deeply. But now, it had risen like a ghost and ruined everything. Stumbling back into the study like a drunk he turned slowly. “This needs to be fixed,” he said in a low voice. His gaze swept across the room settling on the books and scrolls strewn all over the table. He shoved them out of his way and leaned heavily on the chair. He was oppressed by the deadly silence. He dipped his quill in ink, reached for a blank scroll and started writing, his hand trembling with each stroke. He had delayed this moment for years. It wasn't the right time he had always told himself. He hid the past because of Estelle. Her happiness was important to him.Now that she knew the truth, he had noth
“How dare you!” As though he had been burned by the seat, Bethar leaped out of his chair. He was breathing heavily and quickly and his eyes were filled with wild rage. The veins in Bethar's neck swelled as he clenched his fists, indicating that Jarred's words had a profound effect on him. Arms crossed, Jarred stood a few feet away, his face smug and unconcerned. Although he spoke in a calm tone there was a cold undertone. “Say whatever you want, Bethar. It's a valid offer. I will protect your secret and you help me.” Bethar’s body shook with anger. He found it hard to believe what was going on. “ I will never do as you wish. You believe you can use blackmail to force me to betray the council and all I've stood for?” His eyes were dark and gleaming with bad intent as he slowly turned to face him fully. “I believe you're making a mistake,” he said in a quiet, almost derisive tone. “Estelle loves you very much and you know it. When she discovers the truth, what do you think will hap
The cool night air blew gently, filtering into the open windows. Which was partly covered by ornate curtains.In his study room, the shelves were lined with different volumes of leather-bound books, documents, charts, and other important items.Under the flickering flames of candles placed on a candlestick, Bethar scribbled in his journal. He paused slightly and rubbed his mustache thoughtfully.Since the last meeting with members of the Ridgewood council, he had yet to hear anything about Ravena.How possible is it? That Ravena will abandon her duties to go on some silly trip. That's unlike her.Ravena was a great leader. Focused and fierce in her duties. To her, the pack comes first.And those two: Ethan and Daemon. It seems they're hiding something. He knew he had given Ethan and Daemon an ultimatum to give them details of Ravena's whereabouts or face the consequences of their foolishness.Secretly, he has been conducting investigations, but he has yet to get anything solid.Witho
He watched her tenderly as she became sad. That look, he had seen it before. When he lost his younger sister, Lira's mother.And now another woman will die if he doesn't act quickly. “You must perform a binding ritual. To do that, you need something that belongs to Ravena. A piece of jewelry will do.”Tilting her tear-streaked face toward him, Selene sniffed. Her chest began to feel lighter. The crushing fear of dying vanished instantly.With a flicker of hope in her eyes, she wiped her cheeks. She repeated, her voice hardly more than a breath. “A piece of jewelry? I can do that if it will keep me alive.”Lance nodded slowly. “Your soul will be permanently linked to Ravena's body. No more imbalance. But you have to move quickly, Selene. You must return to Ridgewood.”Selene stiffened when that name was mentioned. She gasped, her heart pounding in fear. “No! I….I can't,” she stuttered. “I don't want them to know that I am alive.”Lance's tone stayed calm, but his face darkened with wor
Selene's eyes flickered open. And settled on the glowing light from the lamp. At the other end of the room.She felt the gentle touch of air that caressed her skin.“She’s awake!” Lira exclaimed with delight. Lance immediately turned from where he had been standing near a boiling kettle at the far end of the room. He hurried over to her side without any delay. For the very first time, Selene saw him genuinely smile at her as his blue eyes glistened with relief. Standing close to the bed, he smiled warmly. “I'm glad you made it. I was beginning to fear that the worst must have happened. The Moon Goddess appears to still have plans for you, though.” Selene felt heavy as she attempted to sit up. Her head ached dully, and she was breathing sharply and quickly. As she reclined, the plush fur blanket began to slide down to her waist. Lira moved swiftly, helping her rest against the headboard.Selene took another look at Lance, perplexed by the warmth in his face. He had always given off