Awakened

Elara's Pov

Ten months later.

The night was split by the cries of newborns. I lay in a small cabin under Damion’s care, sweat and tears streaking down my face as I welcomed two lives into the world. The moment the babies were placed on my chest, their tiny fingers curling instinctively, my heart swelled.

Henry’s children were pure and innocent. The only proof I had of both my suffering and my strength.

Damion stood nearby with his arms crossed, his expression was unreadable. He had sheltered me and trained my newly found powers for months, hiding me from those who thought I was long dead.

As I cradled the pups, my powers hummed beneath my skin. The execution that had meant to erase me had only reborn me and awakened my wolf.

One day, I vowed silently that I would return. Not just for revenge against Chrysantha and Henry, but to claim the destiny the Moon Goddess had carved into my blood.

"They are just as beautiful as you are, my love." Damion's voice echoed through the room.

I looked up at him with teary eyes, then back down at the babies I'd birthed. Millicent, my wolf, was equally elated.

I could feel and tap into her presence. And I thought that was the beautiful thing any wolf could do.

"What if they find out the children I've birthed aren't yours?" I said to him,

"What would they say? And they wouldn't dare say anything condescending in your presence...my pack reveres you."

".... because of my powers?"

"More likely but solely because we'll be married soon."

My face lit up with a smile.

All the years I had lost; the years my pack had stolen from me, Damion had restored them to me.

Never in my slightest imagination would I have thought I could be loved by someone, let alone an Alpha of one of the most powerful packs. Damion has loved me in every way I never thought existed.

"Let me also hold our bundle of joy, my love." Damion's voice cut through my thoughts. He carried both babies, making them rest slightly above his stomach so he could look down at them.

The door opened, and the pack's midwives, who had helped me deliver my pups hours ago, walked in.

"Your Highness, you'll need to excuse us, we need to clean her up," One of the women said.

Damien stared at me for approval on whether he should leave the room, and I nodded slightly at him.

He sighed in disappointment and carefully laid the babies into their cradle before leaving.

*******

Barely two weeks later, I couldn't shake off the feeling that news had gotten to Alpha Henry about his newborn pups.

And I knew he was going to come after me and my babies. I couldn't let that happen.

To confirm my suspicion, Damion had caught and imprisoned a spy from the Iron Fang pack. I didn't need a soothsayer to tell me that Alpha Henry had sent him.

I had little time to spare, I had to put an end to Alpha Henry. The last thing I was going to do was let him get close to my pups.

So that night, I invited the pack's finest designers to dress me up for the ball that was being hosted by Alpha Henry at his kingdom. Only werewolves who were held in high esteem were allowed to attend.

And I, Elara Nightshade, the last heir of the moonborn, the most powerful Werewolf to walk this earth, would grace them with my presence.

A lot has changed about me in ten months. My hair now overflowed down to my shoulders, and they weren't the usual black color like it used to be. Due to the moon's powers that I possessed, my hair had changed silver.

With the help of Damion, I was able to discover that I was a moonborn.

Moonborns are powerful werewolves, pure descendants of the moon goddess who carry special gifts and powers to fulfill destiny.

And I was the last heir.

I stood before the mirror, mesmerized by my reflection. The designers had outdone themselves, adorning me in a stunning ensemble that perfectly complemented my silver hair. A delicate, crystal-encrusted gown in shades of frosty blue and pale silver hugged my curves. Around my neck was a choker made of gleaming sapphires that sparkled, its deep blue hue mirroring the exact shade of my eyes.

My ears were adorned with delicate silver filigree earrings, shaped like tiny flowers and studded with glittering diamonds.

I let out a satisfactory sigh. No words were said as the women exited my chambers.

Tonight was the night I was going to take my revenge on Alpha Henry and his Luna Chrysantha.

The ride that was supposed to take me to the ball was ready by the time I got outside. I made sure I was not being followed and, most importantly, that Damion wasn't aware of my plans.

Time was of importance. I needed to head back before Damion noticed that I was gone, and before my babies woke up.

The ball was as immaculate as I thought. The air was filled with soft noise and the clinking of wine glasses.

I held my head high, clutching my purse in front of me as I trotted down.

As I had imagined, all heads turned in my direction, mesmerized by my beauty. I was totally unrecognizable. 

It didn't take long before I spotted Alpha Henry, his arms intertwined with Chrysantha's.

I turn around to grab a glass of wine, pretending I didn't notice Alpha Henry's stare lingering on my body.

I could feel his presence even from where he stood. And I could sense him coming towards me.

"I do not remember inviting you, can you perhaps refresh my memory with your status?!" Henry's voice resounded from behind me.

I spun around slowly, wearing the most immaculate smile on my face. "I am Lady Millicent of the Moon Crescent Pack," I said, outstretching my hand towards him. He took it without hesitation.

"Moon Crescent pack. I must apologize, I have no knowledge of that pack being in existence."

"You will soon be." I lied.

"May I have this next dance?" he asked charmingly.

"Sure.... your majesty." I forced myself to say.

He was about to lead me to the center of the ballroom when I stopped him.

He raised a confused brow at me.

"A lot of people are watching us. Especially your Luna. She can't seem to peel her gaze off of us." I said to him,

Before he could suggest anything, I quickly intercepted his thoughts.

"Why don't we go outside where there are fewer people?"

"Of course," he said promptly, and I had to stop myself from smiling. My long-awaited plan was already in motion.

I had to be really careful, so I wouldn't give anything away. I could feel Chrysantha's hard gaze still pressed on me…on us.

He led the way amidst the crowd until we were finally outside and alone.

"You seem very familiar, I can't just place where I've seen you before," he said and ran his fingers across my chin.

For a moment, all I could hear was my heartbeat. I told myself I should hate him. I told myself I should end him where he stood. But when I looked at him, the memories of that night rushed in, tangling me up. The way he had looked at me before he struck. The way my world had ended because of him.

I should have wanted to kill him. I did want to kill him. And yet, standing there, all I could think about was how badly I wanted him to touch me. How badly I wanted his mouth on mine.

When his hand brushed against mine, I froze. The anger I’d carried for months should have burned hotter, but instead, something else took over. My strength, my powers, everything I thought made me dangerous and powerful slipped right out of my grasp. Under his touch, I was just… me. Just a woman who was inexplicably drawn to him.

And then his lips were on mine. It stole the breath right out of me. It felt like fire shooting through my body, like every nerve lit up at once. I knew I should push him away. I knew this was wrong. But I couldn’t stop. I didn’t want to stop.

I kissed him back, drowning in the heat of it, hating myself for how much I needed it and how much my body needed him, even my wolf was drowning under his hot lips.

He broke the kiss and traced his lips to my neck, the specific place that he had etched his mating mark. Millicent was begging to be released.

Before I realized what was happening, he gripped my arm hard and painfully before whispering, "I know it's you, Elara and I know you've come to kill me.”