LOGINKellanI bow my head in fear. "Please...spare my life. I won't fail you again.""Of course you won't," Julian replies with a sneer. "Not when you're dead!"He glances at Lucian right then and they both laugh loudly.Then he turns back to me. "Report to our mother the moment you reach Nightbane. You should know that she is the only reason we have not killed you off yet. She vouched for you."I nod once, throat tight. Then I follow the strange beast out of the chamber. He leads me through winding corridors and out of the main building into the cool night air.There, I see a black car with its engine already running."Help yourself in," the beast growls as he slides into the driver's seat.I climb into the back, every moment sending dull aches through my healing body.We drive away from the main structure and into a sprawling region filled with countless tents–the breeding camp of the Grimwards.Through the window, I see beastly figures moving between the tents–hulking shapes, some carry
KellanI open my eyes to the same nightmare. My legs hang heavy, soaked in cold, muddy water that reaches my ankles. Both arms stretch painfully apart, wrists chained high on opposite walls. My head dips low, neck severely aching from days of this torture.I have been like this since I ran from the ambush site. I reached Julian and Lucian's camp, gasping out the truth that Aeron still lives. The moment the words left my mouth, their faces twisted with rage. They seized me and brought me into this cell of torture.Now, hunger gnaws at my stomach, and thirst burns my throat. I have slipped in and out of unconsciousness more times than I can even count. Opening my eyes now is just another return to the living hell.I am about to let myself drift into another episode of unconsciousness when the iron gate to my cell creaks open for the first time in days. Heavy footsteps echo afterward.Lacking the strength to lift my head, I can only feel rough hands grab my arms. The chains release with
AeronI release Sera's hand immediately, regret twisting in my chest. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be asking you that right now."Sera shakes her head quickly. "No, no, no, my love. You have all the goddamn right to ask."She clears her throat and leans closer, her expression shifting as if she is about to reveal something of high secrecy.But just as her lips part, a familiar voice echoes from outside the door. "Let me in right now!"Sera quickly straightens.The door opens and Aspyn bursts in, her face a perfect mask of worry and relief."Aeron!" she cries, dropping to her knees beside the bed. "Oh, thank the heavens you are alive. I thought...I couldn't forgive myself....Oh I thought we had lost you!"She rises and tries to move closer, reaching out as if to touch me. But Sera steps in smoothly, catching Aspyn's arm."The Alpha is still recovering," she says. "He needs some space."Aspyn turns to her Sera."In fact, I don't think he wants to see anyone right now," Sera adds, eyes fixed
AeronMy eyes open slowly, expecting darkness or the sting of sunlight.Instead, pure whiteness surround me. It is endless and blinding. There is no road, no blood, and no bodies.Just a vast, empty light.I look down at my hands, but I see paws instead. And strangely, I feel stronger than ever.Energy pulses through my veins like fresh fire, the wounds sustained from the bullets seemingly distant and almost forgotten now.I look around me in a slow circle. There is nothing but whiteness in every direction. There are no trees, no sky, and certainly no enemies.I tilt my head back and release a deep howl, pouring my entirety into it. The sound rolls out strong and commanding, only to echo back at me.As the echo gradually fades, a figure appears in the distance. It walks toward me through the light.As the person draws closer, I slowly recognize the broad shoulders and proud posture–even the familiar cloak.Alpha Edric–my father.Shock ripples through me, and I drop to all fours before
HelenaI lower the phone from my ear, a satisfied smile still playing on my lips.The throne room feels quite vast and quiet around me, shafts of light cutting through the tall windows around me.I suddenly feel a presence behind me, and I turn slowly to see Sera standing by the large doors. Her eyes are fixed intently on me.I feign a warm smile as she walks further inside. Then I clear my throat before glancing around the grand space."You know, my late husband and I used to spend so much time together in this very room. Planning, talking–""Who were you speaking to on the phone?" Sera cuts me short.This surprises me, and I turn to face her fully."What?" I ask, the smile slowly fading from my face. "I see you were eavesdropping on me, not so?"Sera chuckles softly as she continues to approach me. "I wouldn't call it eavesdropping. I am happen to be the Luna now, remember?"I smile and chuckle along, tapping my forehead lightly."I guess I seem to be forgetting that too often," I m
AeronFor a moment, I consider calling off the summit and rescheduling.But I know that would be disastrous. Grey would never permit another meeting. It would be the perfect excuse to do away with our alliance once and for all.I am still turning these thoughts over when I hear a sharp order from one of the cars ahead."Halt!!"My phone rings at the same instant. I answer it quickly.The chief security warrior's voice comes through, tight with urgency."Your Grace, I'm afraid we have been ambushed."My eyes widen just as I hear gunshots from outside. The car had already come to a sharp halt.I take in a deep breath, trying to calm my already stirring wolf before I can speak into the phone."Do all you can to crush the ambush," I tell the chief security warrior. "And do not lose your life on it."I cut the call just as more gunshots rip through the air. The driver reaches into the car's dashboard and pull out a golden pistol.Then he glances at me through the rearview mirror."I will d







