The challenge

Domus’s POV

I stared through the window, and I’m proud of what I have built. Years ago, this land was empty, wild, and forgotten, a place neither humans nor rogues dared to claim. I started the settlement with nothing but a vision in mind— a place where rogues and humans could live together in peace, without fear or hate. Slowly, those cast out and those seeking a new start joined me, each person bringing their own scars and hopes. Together, we cleared the broken ground, raised homes, and created our own rules. Now it stands: the only settlement where both rogues and humans live side by side. A handful of rogues, we can even call ourselves a pack. Here, no one is hunted, and every wall and street reminds me of what we overcame to get here.

Humans raised me, and for that I will always be grateful. I have six children. I should be happy for what I accomplished, but I’m not. Many tell me how amazing all this is, after all, it's a broken world.

I want her, and she runs away. I’ve been searching for three years, and there's no sign of her. I know she’s not dead. never found the body, or that of her brother.

Maybe I’m sick in my mind. I want her; her scent is impossible to ignore. I knew I wanted her always, and she trusted me until I touched her. A small touch, but she felt it was different. She realized I wanted her, and she ran.

My Savannah, I sigh. A knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. Come in!

Good morning, sir, good news. Isabella is going to be the Luna of the pack.

I smiled. It is always a woman who holds the king’s crown. The queen is the most powerful piece; no one expects her to strike. I laughed. That last pack will be mine. Now I just have to find Savannah.

Any news from the scouts?

Sorry, sir, not yet, but soon. Then he left. I closed my eyes and saw her beautiful face.

Emily’s POV

I can’t be here anymore. I need to leave; this is not going to work for me. He is toying with me, and I’m stupid to believe him. I survived for a year without anyone. When I got separated from the group of women, I cried. Scared. They taught me to fight and protect myself. But mostly to be a shadow. Each day here just makes me feel more trapped, and I worry I will lose the piece of myself I fought so hard to keep. Part of me wants to trust, to hope this place could be different, that maybe someone here could care for me, but the fear always wins. I wonder if I’ll ever truly belong anywhere, or if I’m just meant to be alone. Still, I can’t shake the small hope that somewhere, safety and peace wait for me. I just must try.

Nolan was a very good man, and I had to trick him into leaving. I’m sad. After the ceremony, I will disappear.

The chores were endless, and I felt tired by the time I was done. I’m pretty sure Isabella had something to do with that.

A large fire was set in the middle of the open area, and the pack was gathering after dinner. I packed the small backpack, stole some bread from the kitchen already, and hid it in the woods nearby.

Nolan looked at me while we ate dinner. Emily, please stay close tonight. I have a bad feeling. Alpha seemed weird. I went to talk to him, and he just nodded. That viper, Isabella, was next to him at all times—always watching and ready to stir trouble for anyone who got in her way. Anyway, extra careful. You know what else is weird? I haven’t seen Kaden in a couple of days.

" That is unusual, " I said, looking around. Hunter didn’t make it to dinner.

We walked outside as the pack gathered for the ceremony, and Hunter walked with Isabella at his arm. His eyes looked fixated in front, seeing no one.

The ceremony was about to start, and everyone wanted to see if I could move through the crowd without being noticed. Then I heard him.

Hunter, he shouted, I challenge you! Kaden stood there shirtless, smiling.

My heart was pounding, scared for Hunter. He took his buttoned shirt off. Challenge accepted, he said

A circle formed. I couldn’t leave; everything inside me said run. But my heart pulled at him. I cursed. Dropped the backpack and went back.

Nolan was angry. Where did you go?

“I got pulled with the crowd, sorry,” I said. "Nolan, whatever happens, forgive me."

The crowd cheered, and I looked to see Kaden hitting him hard. He is not fighting back.

Your alpha is weak, no longer able to run a pack. He holds a human, and his Luna suffers…

Hunter punched him. Kaden punched him back several times, then he dropped to the floor. Some members cheered, and the rest just watched.

Kaden, stop. Ben walked into the ring.

Or what, grandpa? You challenge me? Anyone? He kicked Hunter in the ribs.

Something’s wrong Nolan says. Hunter is powerful, but he is not fighting.

That bitch did something to him.

I was crying. Then, while he watched, I ran. If I didn’t, I would be dead. Kaden either uses me or kills me. I put my backpack and ran east. I stopped one time. Ate a corner of the bread and cried. I felt like I betrayed him.

I got to the elevation and kept going all night. Between the trees, I saw the house, a small cabin. Good condition, I was glad because I was tired and cold.

Inside was simple: a small couch, a fireplace, and a large fur on the floor. The room had a bed, and I dropped on it and slept, thinking of Hunter.

I got up shaking. Cold, hungry, and full of guilt. I have to go back, who am I kidding, I fell in love with him. He needs my help, and I will not abandon him even if he doesn’t love me, even if he will cast me aside. He is my crazy wolf.

I’m craving his scent and his touch; I’m losing my mind thinking of him being alone. The decision was made.

Time to go back and stand up for my alpha.