LOGINSylvia’s POVI stared at the woman who was my daughter; she should never have been born. From the very start, she brought nothing but shadows into my life. I still remember that day that turned into night, and I screamed in pain as she struggled to come out. Until the eclipse was done, she arrived in the world. The elders predicted she would be special, that the Goddess gifted her during the eclipse. But to me, she was a mark of everything I had lost. I couldn’t even look at her. Never really wanted a child. I only wanted Balthazar; he was handsome and strong. His eyes followed me everywhere. I was his universe until she arrived. After her birth, it was like Balthazar slipped away, piece by piece, as if she had stolen all the light left in our lives. She ruined the one thing I ever truly cared about.I threw a bucket of water on her face. She gasped. Her eyes opened and started to focus.Sylvia, she said, smiling, " We finally meet. Do tell, why do you hate me so much?What’s the poin
Victoria’s POVI will not live in fear anymore. Nothing changed. It will not change her hatred for me, it will not change my questions of why?Cadmus was grumpy as they came to take the small bag he had packed. Victoria, follow the rules, stay safe, and remember to text me. I need to know you’re safe every hour." I can take care of myself and have a good trip," I told him. Then Thalia hugged him and went to kiss Amelie. His eyes softened for a moment, then went back to amber cold. I kissed him several times because we hadn’t been away from each other in a long time, and the panic was setting inside me. Inside, it felt like something tight was coiling in my chest. What if something happened to him? What if she found me again while he was gone? The house suddenly felt so much emptier, every shadow longer, every familiar noise sharper. I tried to remind myself of all the ways I was strong, all the dangers I had already survived, but the questions crowded in: what if our luck finally ran
Victoria’s POVTwo months have passed since Amelie was born. Holding her still feels unreal, as though her arrival made me more alive. She’s thriving, gaining weight, and her big green eyes have already charmed Cadmus and the kids. When she looks at me, fierceness and worry mix in my chest—will I ever be enough for her? Some nights I watch her sleep, counting each breath, feeling grateful and terrified at once. I want her to have a happy, safe life. She’ll be spoiled, but I can’t help it. Our home is filled with happiness and hope now.Makarius is the Alpha of the pack, a role that means he leads and protects everyone in our group, settling disputes and making decisions for our safety. In our pack, the Alpha isn't just a ruler but also a caretaker and a guide—everyone has their place, whether as a warrior, caretaker, or member learning their strengths. It was later that afternoon when I noticed Makarius following Thalia like a shadow. They fight all the time, more like she fights and
Cadmus’s POVVictoria's screams twisted inside me. I gripped her hand, desperate to anchor us. Each cry tore through the walls I'd built against fear. My heart pounded, helplessness flooding me with every agonized sound. I wished I could take her pain, but all I could do was hold on and pour all my love and strength into her trembling fingers.Cadmus, listen to me, she said. If anything happens to me… she screamed again."Nothing will happen to you," I said, trying to stay calm, though fear gripped me like a vice inside."Victoria, I see the head! One hard push, come on," the doctor told her. "Push!"Victoria screamed, then fell back onto the pillows. "It's been two hours," I shouted at the doctor.We’re almost there, push again, he saidWith the final, desperate push, Amelie slipped into the world, slick and impossibly tiny. For a moment, everything stilled—then her sharp, raw cry split the hushed tension in the room, loud and vital. Relief crashed over me in a dizzying wave. My brea
Victoria’s POVSeven months pregnant, I needed a break every hour. My back ached, my moods shifted wildly, and every smell was too strong. Amelie, our baby girl, kicked hard whenever I tried to rest. The doctors argued with me constantly, acting like they knew what was best for my body. Cadmus was both spoiling and overly protective, sometimes to the point of suffocation. I knew he meant well, but I longed for space and independence. Still, I was grateful for him, even when his fussing drove me crazy.Hathor has fallen asleep next to me. He thinks now that he will have a sister, we won’t love him anymore.Cadmus entered the bedroom, came to my side, and kissed my lips, then my belly. "She'll be as beautiful as you, and I’ll shred anyone who comes near her," he said. He petted Hathor’s head. "Is my boy insecure?" he asked.I nodded. We need to show more love, I said"Victoria, he is with me most of the day, even in the meetings," Cadmus said. I laughed."Sorry, you—I mean…stop!" I said
Four years later…Victoria’s POVThe pack buzzed with celebration. Torches flickered along snowy paths, casting playful shadows as the cold white banks were cleared for the towering bonfire at the center of the clearing. Smoke from roasting meat curled upward, mingling with the sweet, earthy aroma of pine and something sugary from the dessert tables. Laughter and voices soared around me, echoing through the crisp air, while children shrieked, darting between the adults with gleeful abandon. The drumbeat thudded in the distance, quickening my heart as I watched the bustle around me. My nerves tightened with every guest who arrived, knowing that tonight, everyone would be here.Victoria, my love, Cadmus teased through the link. Let’s go for a run, just us.Just one hour, promise. He chuckled.We walked deep into the bare forest and undressed, tucking our clothes into a jacket. I closed my eyes for a breath, reached inside for that instinctive tug, and let it sweep through me. Bones real
Cadmus’s POVI wasn't happy about this trip, but Victoria insisted. Determined to be prepared if anything went wrong, I took extra precautions. Soon, we arrived at the hidden pack houses.The pack houses were hidden among old pines, their trunks close together and needles covering the ground in a s
Victoria’s POVDad? What are you doing here?Is this your dad? Lucien asked, curious.Balthazar looked at Lucien, ignoring his question. Then Balthazar turned directly to me. "Victoria, we need to talk," he said firmly.I introduced them, trying not to let my nerves show. "Lucien, this is my father
Four years ago…Drystan fastened the necklace around my neck, his fingers dwelling just a little longer than necessary.He gently lifted my chin and looked into my eyes. “This circle? That’s us, Victoria.I didn’t wait. I kissed him, and he met me halfway, his hand finding my waist as he kissed me
Victoria’s POV“Victoria,” he uttered gently, “you can’t keep it.” He smiled. “It’s a wild animal, not a pet.”I was busy petting an adorable baby beaver.But, Drystan, I really want him.“Come on, get up. We’re already late,” he said, taking the beaver from my hands and letting it go.Drystan, are







