ITHRA.âCome on, Ithra. Tell me what you want.â Zadok spoke into my ears. Hiccup.We have been in silence for the past few minutes. My gaze fixated on Athaliah, and the deepest part of me wanted to see her head bloodied on a golden platter. However, I chose to be diplomatic and make good use of the opportunity. Like it or not, I was now a member of this pack, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't change my genetic composition. I was a witch. Whether or not I had powers didn't mean anything to these people who lived the better part of their lives believing witches to be a scourge that needed to be cleansed. Killing these people would only solidify their terrible opinion of me. Zadok's expression was unreadable, he had a glint in his eyes as he watched me, thoroughly enjoying my dilemma. I strongly felt like it was a test. And for some reason, I was determined to ace it. âLet them go.â I finally spoke, eyes focused on Zadok. âWhat did you say?â His eyes widened a bit, he di
ZADOK My eyes skimmed through the decade old greenhouse that was Shilhi's workspace. âI think it's good that she wants to train.â Shilhi remarked, stirring her cauldron pot. God knew what content it was this time around. âWhy do you say so?â Azriel asked from behind me. âShe poses enough danger even without powers, why would she need to train more?â I heard the implications of his words, but chose to play dumb. âA powerless witch living in a pack of witch-hating-wolves.â I answered in place of Shilhi. â It doesn't take a genius to know why she feels threatened.â I watched Shilhi pour little portions of the pot's contents into small bottles. Those were my potions. âI understand that, but you already said you would introduce her to the pack as a guest. No one would hurt her after that.â Azriel explained. âTraining her will pose more of a risk to us with her current skill set.â âIf I didn't know you well, I'd think you are scared of her, Azriel.â A wry smile was on my face, âIf
ITHRAâWhy do we have to go this early?â I walked behind Azriel, trying to meet up to his pace. âDon't think that because you are now a member of this pack, you have permission to idle away.â He said without a glance back. âWe are disciplined, and in order for you to fit in, you must be disciplined.ââI wasn't trying to fit in.â I sneered behind him, âZadok- I mean, the alpha said I would be introduced to the pack. It's been two days and there's been no word. Forgive me but I don't feel like getting attacked by your people.âAzriel stopped, and turned around. âMy people?â he asked in an incredulous tone. I stared back at him. Surely, he didn't expect me to refer to them with anything dear. Not when they were all after my life. When he realized I wasn't planning on saying anything, he sighed. âToday is your first day of training. Zadok will meet you in between. I have been assigned to oversee your training.â He took a long look at me, âwhich unfortunately for you, begins in the earl
ITHRA Everyone returned to their places after the little show from Zadok. The remnants of the wolfâs body was carried out of the training ground and decorum returned like it never left. Zadok left for God knows where and everyone returned to sparring and getting dirty on the ground. âCome.â Azriel said, and led me to the right side of the training ground where there were less people. I wondered what he was planning on teaching me today.âFor today, Iâm going to test your abilities.â he gauged me with a look I couldnât understand. âLet's see what you are capable of doing.âAzriel stepped back with his arms spread wide and a wolfish grin. âCome on, let's have it. Show me what youâve got.â For the first time ever Azriel seemed comfortable with me. Dare I say, he looked almost happy. Like nothing could go wrong and this was his forte. It took a moment before I realized he wanted me to hit him. âNo..â I muttered, refusing to do it. His face lost its smile. âDonât act like you donât
ZADOKShilhi, Azriel and Zadok were seated round a wooden table in the greenhouse. âShe suddenly became powerful, like she wasn't weak and complaining some seconds ago.â Azriel narrated to Shilhi, speaking about the training session with Ithra. âShe took off his hands like it was nothing.ââWe can't take that for a fact, who knows, perhaps the alpha didn't use as much strength?â Shilhi opined, her gaze flickered to me, and I answered. âI obviously didn't use as much strength, but I am certain she shouldn't have been able to get out of my hold that easily. I didn't exert much strength, but it was strong enough to hold her.ââMaybe your hand slackened a bit during your interactions?â Shilhi said with her eyes focused on me. âThe alpha was angry.â Azriel said, âFrom my point of view, he was seconds away from strangling her. He couldn't have slackened his hold in that mind state.â It was good he answered her bizarre question because I doubted my answers will be anything but lethal. â
ITHRAI havenât received a word since the training two days ago.When Azriel informed me of our training session this morning, I didnât know how to feel about it. When we passed the training grounds, I got concerned. âWhere are we going?â I asked with a raised eyebrow.Azriel turned back, âYou will not be training with the others today.âI couldnât grasp the meaning behind his words, and I felt my guard build up. âWhat do you mean?ââThe Alpha has instructed you will be training at a different spot moving forward.â His tone clipped. I didnât like the sound of that, âWhere is he? Will he be present?â I find myself asking. There was no way I was training without Zadok. If they wanted to kill me, then he should have the decency to do it himself. âNot that it is your concern, but he will join us shortly.â He answered. Without waiting for a response, he took a route I knew too well. He entered the farm, but I remained rooted to my spot.I couldnât believe my eyes. âBeta Azriel.â A fe
ITHRA I fell to my knees with another blow to the head from Athaliah. Blinded by my bodily fluids and earth, I could hardly make out the frame of Azriel, who stood at the far end of the farm. âGet up.â Athaliah urged, dragging me by the hair. âSecond lesson. Do not stay down for too long. Every second is valuable, and the more you stay down, the more dominion your enemy has over you.â She dragged me up and cut me short with another heavy blow to my stomach. My body erupts in pain, and I feel my internal organs struggle to keep up. Athaliah continued to drill her fist into my guts, and I tried and failed to prevent myself from it. It became evident that I didnât have enough skills to defend myself. All my life, I craved power and went after everything that could grant me dominion over my enemies. I was already at a disadvantage. Born as a witch without powers. I tried all I could to get myself armed and ready to attack before they attacked me. However, I never thought there w
ZADOKï»żâShe can't survive the dark forest,â I muttered, gritting my teeth as I watched Athaliah beat Ithra to a pulp. âShe's too weak.ââExactly why she is training.â Shilhi said beside me, âShe will do fine with enough training.â I got frustrated. âCan't you see? It will take years before she becomes good enough to survive the dark forest. We don't have much time.â âWhat do you propose we do?â Shilhi turned to me, âLast I checked, she is our only hope of getting into the dark forest. We don't have options.â Athaliah delivers a spin kick, and Ithra is on the floor, Almost lifeless. I could tell she was still alive by the faint high and low of her chest. She was breathing, thank God. For some reason, it sucked to watch her get beat up. Despite knowing it was for her good. I knew she would be attended to afterwards, but it didn't go well with me. âWhat is she doing?â Shilhi's inquisitive tone jolted me from my thoughts. âWhat did she say?â I looked to the field and spotted Athali
ITHRAâS POV I woke up with a moan. Zadok was between my legs. This has been the case since I was declared ready and fit to go home. I couldnât believe I survived. And that with Logan intact - my little fighter. When I woke up, I was unable to use my body or legs properly, I remembered the relief I felt when the news broke that my baby had survived the poison given to me by Cole. They said he had a will to fight and three months down the line, he was still kicking and ready to come out - our hybrid baby. Zadok licked me and I let out a soft moan, âBaby...â âGood morning, Amore.â He said with his face between my legs. His breath caused a vibrating feeling down my cooch and I bit my lips in ecstasy. âZadok,â I muttered, and his finger slipped into my core. A shiver passed through my body and I felt my baby kick. âI want you.â He said, âI want you in all the way possible.â I closed my eyes, enjoying the feel of his hands on my body. His fingers went in and out of me, increa
ZADOKâS POV I held Ithraâs hand while they attended to her. âHow is she? And my baby?â I stuttered, unable to swallow. She looked too thin. Our baby bump was showing but she was yet to wake up. Itâs been three days already. âHer body is weak, and the baby has been poisoned. We are trying to save their lives but the odds are not in our favour.â I got on my feet and held the shirt of the doctor. âYou will save both their lives!â I roared in his face and he looked scared out of his wits. âYou will save them both or I will have your head.â Azriel stepped in front of me, holding me back. âAlpha. You need to let them do their job. Staying here and scaring them out of their wits will only hinder the smooth operation and speed recovery of the Luna.â âWhat am I supposed to do?â I asked, breathing heavily. âWhat am I supposed to do when my mate is lying lifeless and I risk losing her and my baby?!â Azriel maintained silence. He knew I was at my wit's end and was capable of doing a
AZRIELâS POV I figured out the best way to rescue the Luna that night. You can imagine my shock when I came to share my progress with the Alpha and found him gone with a note that he was taking a head-start. My shock grew when my spies in the Moon Light pack informed me of Zadokâs arrest and his close execution. I was already on my way with the warriors when Athaliahâs message of Zadokâs impending death was delivered. We got to the pack at midnight, and according to my three-month-old plan, we infiltrated the borders, clearing the guards while keeping a low profile. The heavens must have smiled at us because the entire pack was gathered for an announcement, making our entrance, swift and painless. By the time they were done crowning Athaliah Luna, we were mixed in the crowd, and brushing the dungeons for signs of the Alpha and Luna. Soon enough, news of our arrival spread and warriors were dispatched to the dungeons, seeking us out. It soon became a warzone, and I killed ever
ATHALIAHâS POV I was one step closer to my goal. I walked down the aisle with a faux smile, while Cole stood in the portal with an impatient look on his face. He couldnât wait to get his hands on the prisoners and I could understand that. A sudden assembly had been called to welcome me as the new Luna of the Moon Light pack. I heard the whispers. They couldnât believe that I had climbed my way up to snagging the position of Luna. Thanks to Ithraâs sudden pregnancy, Cole decided she had been tainted and could not serve as his luna. However, he had every intention of making her his slave after killing the bastard that grew in her stomach. But of course, his crazy obsessive mind couldnât deal with the thought of killing Ithra with her baby, so he sought ways to kill the growing child while keeping its motherâs life. Hence, her imprisonment in the dungeons, coupled with the timely administration of abortive potions. Live long enough and you will see a lot of things. In the thic
ZADOKâS POV âThis is useless!â I banged my fist on my office desk. âI need to leave. I need to get her out.â Azriel, the ever voice of reason spoke first. âI understand your reasons. But we need to cover all bases before we rescue her from Coleâs hold. Itâs one thing to sneak you into the pack, but Itâs another to take her out in one clean try.â âI donât care! I donât care anymore.â I said, getting up on my feet. âIf it will take a war to get her out, then rally the warriors. Because Iâm done with this shit!â âWe canât go to war.â Azriel's tone was levelled. âThat would be us sending people to their deaths with the risk of coming up empty.â âI donât care what you think. I need to go back and retrieve her. If you are unable to come up with a plan, then rally up the warriors, we move in three days.â âWe canât go to war.â He said and I saw red. âAnd why the hell not?!â âAthaliah.â He said and my anger rose to an all-time high. âShe is the new beta of the Moon Light pack and
ITHRAâS POV Itâs been three months. Three months since he visited me, promising to return and save me from this insanity. Every day I woke up with hope, waiting for him to save me like he promised - only to be disappointed when night fell and there was no appearance of him in my room or the Moonlight pack. A lot happened this past few months. After my sizzling night with him, I decided to prepare. I woke up that morning, wore my clothes and pretended I couldnât feel the ache or hollow between my legs that yearned to be filled by him. I went about my life like a docile bride, doing everything within reason to convince Cole I had submitted to him. The first few weeks were tricky, seeing he didnât believe my act and thought I had something planned. However, as we approached the third month, Cole was convinced of my acts and took every opportunity to show me off as one whom he managed to bend to his standards. Kissing up to Cole had its ups and downs. For starters, I was no long
ITHRAâS POV I returned to my room from dinner with Cole, escorted by two guards. Dinner with Cole was painful. Listening to him yap about how I needed to be good to enjoy more of these âprivilegesâ with him made my stomach churn. I sat there like a moron while he fussed over me like he didnât beat me a while ago. I could feel my sanity dwindling the more I remained here. Much more than anything, I craved freedom. Freedom that Cole has vowed never to give me. I was trapped in an insane nightmare that was my life. One would think I have suffered enough to experience peace but whoever wrote my story thought otherwise. We arrived in front of my door and they opened it, silently urging me inside the dark room. I walked in and the door was shut and locked. I sighed and felt the walls around me, looking for a light switch. Soon enough, light flooded my room, or should I say - my prison and the first thing I saw was a dark shadow standing by my window. Startled, I blinked, grabbing
AZRIEL’S POVThis madness ends today.I thought as I marched to Zadok’s office with proof of why we must rescue Ithra.Yes, I was beyond convinced she was the one. My instinct had once again been proved right and if the Alpha refused to take action this time, I would do so myself.She was my half-sister after all.I knocked on the door and Zadok ordered me in. His face was a wreck as always. I didn’t care. I was done doing things on his terms. If there would be any further proceeding with us, then he needed to get out of that self-depreciating slum or I would yank him out myself.Damn the consequences.
ITHRA’S POVThe sound of the metal door opening stirred me awake.“Rise and shine, Luna,” Athaliah said with a smile.I felt weak. Too weak to say a word to her.“Thankfully, your mate is better and he has ordered to have you out of here.” She said with a clasp and some men entered my cell. “Seeing you can’t help yourself, I thought to bring some guards to speed the transfer.” She added with a smirk and the guards picked me up roughly.I felt pathetic. I couldn’t even fight back as they roughly dragged me through the concrete floor, leaving me with bruises and scratches.By the time I returned to my room