EPILOGUEAUBREYThree months after the battle, I stand on the castle's eastern balcony, watching the sun set over lands that are finally at peace. The scars from Avery's assault have healed—both on the grounds and in the hearts of our people. Where once there was suspicion and fear, trust has begun to bloom like wildflowers after a long winter.The rebuilding has been more than just stone and mortar. Knox and I have worked tirelessly to forge new connections between the packs, creating bonds that go deeper than mere alliances. Former enemies now train together in our courtyards, their children play in the same gardens, and their elders share stories around common fires.A gentle breeze carries the scent of jasmine from the gardens below, and with it comes a profound sense of completion. I have finally avenged my family—not through destruction, but through protection. Not through hatred, but through love. The weight I've carried for so long has transformed into something lighter, somet
AUBREYThe urgency in Astor's voice cuts through the air like a blade. Within minutes, Knox and I are moving through the corridors, our footsteps echoing against the stone walls as we rush toward the courtyard. The mate bond pulses between us, steady and reassuring despite the chaos erupting around us.Warriors stream from every direction, some still pulling on leather armor, others checking the edges of their blades. The scent of preparation fills the night air—metal being sharpened, leather being secured, the tang of nervous sweat mixing with determination.Knox takes command immediately, his voice cutting through the noise as he issues orders. I can feel his authority through our new bond, the way every wolf responds to his presence without question."Report," Knox demands as Marcus approaches, his weathered face grim."Sixty fighters, maybe more," Marcus says, his voice tight. "They've broken through the eastern perimeter, but Knox—there's something else. Avery's using magic. Dark
KNOXI pace back and forth in front of Aubrey's bed, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. The afternoon sunlight streams through the tall windows of her chambers, casting long shadows across the stone floor. "Knox, you're making me dizzy," she says, a hint of amusement in her voice despite the exhaustion that still lingers in her green eyes. "Just tell me what's bothering you."I stop pacing and turn to face her, my heart hammering against my ribcage. The words I've been rehearsing in my head suddenly feel impossible to say. I run a hand through my dark hair and take a deep breath."Aubrey, there's something I need to tell you about what we found in the Ancient Heart." My voice comes out rougher than I intended.Her expression shifts, becoming more alert. She sits up straighter. "What about it?"I move closer to the bed, my boots echoing against the stone. "We discovered a white wolf and..." I pause, swallowing hard. "It was your mother, Aubrey."The color drains from her face i
AUBREYKnox and I exchange grave looks at Lina's words. Whatever she's just revealed has left us both unsettled, the implications heavy in the air between us."Do you know more?" Knox asks urgently. "Anything else that might help us understand what we're facing?"Lina shakes her head with visible regret. "Unfortunately, I don't. The visions I receive are fragments—glimpses of what's to come, not complete pictures. I wish I could offer you more guidance."Knox's frustration is palpable, his jaw clenching as he processes this limitation. But Lina's attention shifts to me, her ancient eyes growing sharp with concern."The most urgent matter now is breaking your blood oath," she declares, moving to examine me more closely. "The magical pressure has been building for—"I interrupt her with a gasp, my hand flying to my throat. The familiar tightness that's constricted my breathing for months, the invisible collar of Jax's control that's been a constant reminder of my bondage—it's gone. Comp
JAXThe blast of magic strikes my back like liquid fire, sending searing pain through every nerve in my body. I stagger forward, my vision blurring as I turn to face my attacker. Avery stands behind me, violet magic crackling around her fingers like purple lightning, her beautiful face twisted with murderous rage."You son of a bitch," she snarls, launching another magical strike in my direction.I lash out instinctively, my claws slashing toward her throat, but she dodges with inhuman grace. The magic that follows burns through the air where I'd been standing moments before, leaving scorch marks on the stone wall behind me."You're insane," I growl, barely avoiding her next attack. The force of the blast still clips my left arm, and I feel something tear—muscle, maybe bone. Blood runs warm down my sleeve."Insane?" Avery's laugh is sharp and bitter. "You used me, manipulated me, made me believe we were partners. And all along, you were planning to discard me the moment it became conv
AUBREYMy bare feet slip on wet leaves as I stumble through the forest, each step sending waves of agony through my broken body. Blood runs down my arms from deep gashes across my shoulders, soaking through my torn dress and leaving a crimson trail behind me. The metallic taste fills my mouth, where I've bitten my tongue to keep from screaming. I had to shift back to human form.Keep moving. Don't stop. They might still be following.My vision blurs as pain crashes over me in relentless waves. The silver blade wounds burn like liquid fire, refusing to heal at their normal rate. Every breath feels like swallowing glass, my ribs screaming in protest. But I force one foot in front of the other, driven by pure survival instinct.Branches tear at my already-shredded clothing as I push dee