Panic started to twist and tighten in her stomach making her feel nauseous. She had quick disorganized thoughts about what she could and should do. Her blood ran cold with fear at the thought of not finding the jewelry and of failing the ritual.Still sitting on the huge bed, she covered her face with her palm. After a few moments, she dropped her hands and exhaled deeply.Then she sprang up from the bed.Her jerky movements were a result of her mounting fear. Selene began to pace back and forth. Her thoughts were scattered in different directions.She stopped pacing and her eyes scanned the spacious room. “What do I have to do? She muttered in dread.With a heavy heart, she moved towards the bathroom.Who knows she might be lucky? Maybe a piece of jewelry was stashed somewhere in the bathroom.It sounded odd but she was willing to explore and check it outShe pushed open the bathroom door and practically ran across the cluttered room. Normally a tidy and peaceful place, the bathroo
Selene unfolded the piece of paper carefully, slightly shaking her hands. Almost delicate, the paper felt light and thin in her fingers. She soon noticed the words that stood out on the page and were written boldly and clearly. She read the words:Tonight, the full moon will appear.Which is the perfect time for the soul-binding ritual. The ritual will be done tonight. Come with the needed item. And meet me in the cottage alone.Instantly she knew it was from Lance. It was the reason she had agreed to come to Ridgewood in the first place. To get the ritual done to stay alive.Glancing up from the paper, Selene looked. Her gaze swept over the grounds of the pack house. The young messenger boy who had handed her the envelope had already left. Engrossed in their own practice were a few warriors who continued to train on the ground, their powerful bodies moving in the afternoon light. Although she could still hear the shouts and metal clashing they now seemed far away and unimportant
Daemon put a soft hand on Ethan’s shoulder. “I have to leave now,” he stated in a quiet yet firm voice. Ethan gave him a glance and nodded. He was aware that Daemon had important tasks to complete.In the lengthy hallway of the pack house, Daemon's footsteps made soft noises as he turned and left. As he got farther away the sound of his footsteps grew weaker. Ethan watched until he disappeared from view.Following a short while, Ethan turned again and left the pack house. He moved swiftly leaving the building behind as his steps carried him farther and farther until he was entirely outside.***The elders' cheerful chatter filled the large hall which was typically a noisy place. All that changed the instant Selene entered the room with Bethar at her side.All of the joyful conversation ceased. The elders fell into utter silence after just a few moments of loud conversation. The moment she walked in, the room was swept in silence. Her gown flowed around her feet as she moved, it re
Warm, rolled bread was placed on a large wooden tray by the maid, who did it with ease and practice. The scene, which was domestic in nature, provided an odd sense of serenity amid the chaos of her present circumstances. Selene wiped her face clean with a damp cloth, washed her hands, and untied her apron.Every second spent in the kitchen gave her solace from the storm she felt inside of her.This was a new phase that came with conflicting emotions, but she was ready to give her best effort going forward.She saw an abrupt movement. A guard entered the kitchen through the open door. Selene turned, a questioning look on her face.The guard bowed his head respectfully. With a steady voice, he spoke. “Luna Ravena. Bethar is here to see you.She let a sigh slip out. Bethar, always with something urgent.“Tell him I will join him shortly,” she said in a slightly worn-out voice. After a short while Selene came out of the kitchen, the maid silently trailing behind her with the big tray f
The sun peeked through the sky, and the rays bathed Ridgewood in a golden glow.Merchants yelled prices, and horses clip-clopped over the stone walkway. Estelle rode quickly through it all, hardly glancing at the interested onlookers. Her horse abruptly stopped in front of the imposing stone manor which had tall glistening windows and a slender frame that cast a stark shadow over the courtyard. Estelle got off the horse without thinking. After the ride, her chestnut hair became loose and fluttered behind her like a banner in the wind. A young servant came running forward and took the reins from her while bowing low. “Greetings, my lady,” he respectfully said. Estelle ignored him. Her cold gaze ran through him with disdain and indifference. Like he was a piece of dirt.She straightened her back and walked with poise to the huge doors of the manor. Which was thrown open for her to walk in.The maids acknowledged her with a slight bow of their heads, but she glared at them instead. W
That morning after a quick bath. In the bathroom with a towel tied loosely around his waist, he gazed at his reflection in the mirror.The bruises had faded a little. His wolf was not as strong as Ravena who had the ability to heal faster.His healing will take a few days.His weary, battered, and shabby reflection gazed back at him. Beneath his eyes were deep blue shadows that conveyed recent chaos and restless nights. The swelling stubbornly clung to his skin while his jaw throbbed with a dull ache. Pressing it with a damp fabric, he groaned in pain. He can't wait to lay his hands on that bastard, Jarred!He will make him regret his existence! He flung the fabric away.His day was already jam-packed with important tasks such as reviewing security expansions across the borders, meeting with Ridgewood's elite warriors, and making sure the pack's defenses held up against growing threats. Ravena comes first above every other thing.He had to see her again. To gaze into her eyes and c