LOGINHelenaThe moment I step away from Kellan’s chamber, the shape of my new plan begins to settle properly inside my mind.Not as scattered frustration or as blind anger. But as something cleaner and sharper.The corridor stretches ahead of me in silence as my heels strike softly against the polished floor, each step measured and elegant despite the storm threading through my thoughts. I can feel the faint humming of the packhouse as it begins activities for tonight's celebration. Kellan must have given orders from his chamber, as I spot servants already moving about in hurried preparation. Guards shift posts too, and I am sure the cooks are no doubt preparing food to feed an army.All for Sera and the unborn child.My jaw tightens almost imperceptibly.A poisonous potion from the deep Greenwoods should clear this mess. The thought slips through my mind so naturally that I murmur it beneath my breath before I can stop myself.“Yes,” I whisper faintly. “That should do it.”The Greenwoods
KellanAeron's laughter continues to spill through the line in sharp bursts, as though the very suggestion I have made amuses him far more than it should.I remain still, the phone pressed against my ear, and my jaw tightening with every passing second as the sound lingers.Then it dies down slowly, like ember losing heat."Kellan," Aeron says at last, "do just as I have commanded and stop being...delusional."The words lands harder than I expect, causing my expression to harden. But I do not speak yet."The role of pack advisor suits you far more than that of a commander," he continues on that firm, unquestionably authority I know too well. "Stay where you are most useful."My grip on the phone tightens. "My lord, I–""I expect a full report before midnight," he cuts in cleanly, leaving no space for argument.The line goes dead.For a brief moment, I stand there with the phone still pressed to my ears. Then the reality settles in fully, and something in me snaps."Damn it!" I say as
KellanThe heat lingers on my skin as I push myself up from the bath, water sliding down in slow rivulets that trace the lines of tension carved into my body. I reach for the towel draped over the rack, pulling it free and dragging it across my shoulders, then down my arms with deliberate, almost forceful strokes. The steam clings stubbornly, curling around me as though reluctant to let go, but I step out of it all the same, crossing into the cool air of the adjoining room.By the time I slip into my bathrobe and tie is loosely at my waist, my breathing has steadied a bit. But the restlessness hasn't.My gaze casually lifts to the mirror, and I pause there, towel still in hand as I stare at my image.For a moment, I simply look at the man staring back at me—the same hard lines, the same steady eyes, the same presence that has carried me through it all. There is nothing weak about what I see. Nothing uncertain.“Is it not enough?” I mutter under my breath.The question slips out befor
SeraKetura's hands remain steady as she continues her work, her earlier excitement still present.The faint scent of crushed herbs continues to linger in the air, mingling with something warmer and grounding. I feel far better now, the heaviness in my body now replaced with the strange, light awareness of another child within the confinement of my womb."This," Ketura says gently, her fingers resting just briefly against my wrist, "is only the beginning. A much early sign."I watch her, still trying to reconcile the reality she had just revealed to us with her facial expression."The child is only days formed," she continues in a calm and certain voice, "yet your body already showed the strong signs. Now, that is not common."My lips part slightly in clear confusion. "Well, what does that mean? Is it good or...bad?"Her smile deepens into something quite thoughtful. "It means your child's wolf carries great strength and a presence that refuses to remain hidden. Even now, the wolf is.
AeronFor just a heartbeat, I am certain I have misheard her.I stare at Ketura, then at Sera, then back again. Something in my chest jolts a bit violently."What did you just say?" I ask as I move, crossing the space in two strides.My hand finds the edge of the bed, bracing me as I lean closer to Ketura and searching her face.She turns to me with a smile on her face. "I said...your Luna is carrying your child."The room tilts as I quickly turn to Sera. Her eyes are wet with tears and wide with shock. For a second, I just look at her–taking her in as though I am seeing her anew."My love," I mutter as I reach for her and pull her close to me. My lips soon found hers, and I feel her response as her fingers curl into my shirt."I love you," I murmur against her lips when I finally pull back. "Do you hear me? I love you so so much."She lets out a small, trembling laugh through her tears, and I press another quick kiss to her forehead.With that, I take two steps back. Then I turn and
KellanI walk out of Aeron's chamber with so much hate and anger that I almost bump right hard on the healer who has been beside Sera lately."Oh I'm sorry," she says as she retraced her steps."Get the hell out of my sight," I reply immediately before brushing past her. Then I resume my footsteps forward, only for me to hear her voice again."You're out chasing a wrong cause, my dear."This makes me turn swiftly to her. I meet her unwavering gaze, and it is as if she knows more about my than I think."And how do you know that, psycho?" I ask sharply. "Or you just go around hitting on angry people?"She chuckles just then. "The one you love is much more in love with someone else, and you must move on.""No I won't move on!" I retort immediately. "I was in love with her first! He cheated into–"She suddenly turns and start walking away from me. This marvels me greatly."Yeah, walk the hell away!" I yell behind her. But she has already taken a turn and is out of sight. I hiss and turn
Sera“I didn't do it," I whisper, my voice weak and torn from crying too much. “I… didn't… do it."I don't know how long I stay like that–curled up on the hay with my face buried in my arms as my chest shakes with my quiet sobs.The stray under me scratches against my skin every time I move. Cold s
SeraEverything happens quick and I am too shocked to react. The courtyard is empty and just me, Kellan and Aeron stand there. So no one is there to stop Kellan when he pounces on Aeron. I think Aeron is going to fight back, or at least defend himself, but he just stands there, taking every strike
HelenaThe study room feels small as the sound of Aeron's footsteps fades down the corridor.The dull closes behind him with a soft thud, the sound echoing through the room. Helena stares at the doorknob for a long moment, her jaw tightening and fist clenching tight. She lets out the breath she did
SeraI look at Aeron, waiting for a word, an order, defense for me–but he just turns his head away, averting his gaze as the guards hold me. “I didn’t steal anything!”My voice echoes through the room as the guards pull me away. The elders shake their heads, Helena smirks and Aeron still has his b







