DianaI barrel into my house, sweating and trembling from shock as I collapse to the floor. Barely a second later, Billy barges in.“Hey! Did you find your ma-“ It takes only a second for him to take in the tears streaming down my face as well as the blood around my mouth, torso and hands, and the original small smile on his face disappears, replaced by a grave expression.With long strides, he reaches my side and stretches out a hand to touch me but stops when I subconsciously flinch. He draws back his hand but frantically looks me over with his eyes.“This blood…” he starts, “It’s not yours”, he concludes a second later. It’s not a question. He can tell. Decades of being a warrior has taught him enough.“Whose?” he asks simply, face dead serious.I flinch again but still answer, “Beta Mason”, my stomach twisting as I force out the name.Billy suddenly stills before abruptly standing up. He then begins to pace the short length of my room.“What happened?” he grits out.“He- he tried
DianaBut after a few steps, I run back to him again and hug him. “Thank you Billy”, I whisper against his chest, “For everything…I love you”.Sighing, he wraps his arms around me too, crushing me in a bear hug against him, “I love you too pipsqueak and I’ll miss you”, he lets go, gently pushing me away.“There’s no time to waste. Now go!”I nod and dash into the trees behind the shack. Luckily, my house is at the furthest end of the Omega district and the southern border is directly behind it. I speed the entire way through the forest, ignoring the stitch in my side.I stop a yard away when I catch sight of the sentry posts.Taking a deep breath, I jam my hands into the pockets of my sweatpants before walking with forced casualness towards the border.Instantly, I feel eyes train on me, scanning my form with an intensity that makes my heart skip a beat- the piercing gaze most likely coming from the hidden sentries. Maintaining a casual facial expression is hard but I try my best, an
DianaWith a start, I jerk up in a panic, my body vibrating with tension as my head whips around the room in alarm; my pupils blown wide as my eyes dart around, looking for the threat. I am completely disoriented and it takes me a full minute before I finally remember where I am, and another, for my racing heart to slow down.My body sags from the rush of adrenaline and I collapse limply back on the bed, staring up at the dirty ceiling in a daze.I’m safe…this is a human territory…I’m safe…they haven’t found me… and my mind whispers a dark ‘yet’.As I bring my breath back under control, I slowly turn on my side, curling up in a fetal position and hugging my knees to my chest. A hiss escapes my lips as the movement sends sharp zaps of pain coursing through my body, reminding me of the multiple aches and bruises on my person. Injuries that I had accrued; more piling on top of the existing ones day after day- injuries I had had no time to treat, much too busy running for my life.It had
DianaAt the door, hesitant to leave the safety of my room, I peek out first to make sure that there’s no one suspicious lurking. What if they’ve already found me? What if they’re outside, just waiting for me to come out so they can catch me? My anxiety spikes as numerous paranoid thoughts run through my mind. The larger part of my brain reminds me that this is a human territory but the fear is ever present. I grimace when my stomach growls loudly. If the old clock hanging on the wall is right, it's past noon already and the last thing I ate was a stale sandwich two days ago. I peek out one more time to make sure it’s safe before stepping out and locking the door behind me. Getting directions for the nearest diner from the very bored receptionist at the front desk, I walk out of the motel and stare contemplatively at the only road there. Going left would take me out of town. Yanking the hood more firmly over my head, I go right. Apart from what seems to be an abandoned car repa
DianaI don’t walk back out with the job.Apparently, they had just hired someone yesterday- I'm literally just a few hours late. I’m not discouraged though. I have a whole pamphlet full of restaurants, diners and cafes. I’m sure I’ll get something.I leaf through the pamphlet for the nearest one and realize it’s quite far. I would take a cab there but unfortunately, I’m broke as hell.Slipping my hand into my pocket, I take out the crumpled bills I have left and count them. The balance makes me wince. With the pitiful amount I have left, there’s barely enough for one more meal. And then after that, I’m screwed. Thankfully, I had paid for a day's stay at the motel so I at least have shelter for the next few days. But unless I get a job soon, I’m out in the streets.Well, walking it is then. Five restaurants, four cafes and one bar later, and my earlier optimism has been stumped to dust. I realise just how naive I had been.It is incredibly hard to find employment.To be honest, I d
Diana My eyes dart to the gas station store but the employee isn’t looking out here, I can see that he’s got headphones in and that his attention is focused on his phone. Even if I were to shout, the glass door and windows are all shut so the likelihood of him hearing me is slim.At this moment, I become painfully aware of just how secluded this place is. Not just the employee. No one would hear me.A chill spreads through my limbs and my hands glow clammy. I turn around and start to speed walk back the way I came, hoping and praying that they would just go back to what they were doing and leave me alone. But my luck has never been that good. Regret floods my veins at the foolishness of my actions this night.Stupid! Stupid! I should have waited till tomorrow…“Hey!” Out the corner of my eye, I notice that they start to walk even faster, closing the space between us. My heart sinks and I break out into a run but they react immediately. They fan out and flank me on both sides. One
DianaIt happened so fast that the man didn’t even have time to scream. One second, he’s still here, and the next, a sickening crunch sounds in my ear and then he’s gone.Warm blood splashes onto my face, flows down my cheeks and drips down my chin, but I’m too dazed to care. All I am able to do is lay there, eyes wide as I listen to the creature tearing into the man. The sounds; a cacophony of ripping flesh, crunching bones, and guttural growls, echo through the stillness of the wilderness like a macabre symphony of nature’s brutality.“Ahhhhhh!” the short one screams, turns around and runs away. He trips, and falls, but scrambles back up and continues to run. In his fear, he doesn’t even realize that rather than running in the direction we came from, he’s heading deeper into the woods.Of the two remaining men, one falls to the ground and a pungent smell starts to emit from him. He had pissed himself.The next second, we hear a piercing scream of terror coming from the direction of
Chapter 16Dominicus The air is filled with bone-cracking snaps and animalistic growls. Each movement reverberates within me excruciating agony as my muscles contract and elongate- reshaping my form. It’s a slow and laborious transition, as my body struggles to shed its lupine form and reclaim its human identity.It’s been so long since I’ve changed back that my body has almost forgotten how to do so.With each agonizing twist and contortion, guttural groans and grunts escape me. The sound of flesh tearing and reforming echoes in my ears, punctuated by the heavy thuds of my paws as I slam them against the forest floor. Thuds become slaps as paws turn into hands.Amidst the tumultuous transformation, the silence of the night is broken only by my labored breaths.And then finally, as the last vestiges of fur recede and the final bones settle into place, there is silence.Agile, my limbs slowly stretch until I’m standing on my bare feet. I flex my fingers and crack my neck. Keeping my ey
Diana A low growl rumbles from Alpha Darius of the Plena Luna pack. His eyes glint with raw grief. “No. I will avenge my son. I’ll hunt down those bastards myself!” Dom’s sharp edge softens for the grieving father, though just slightly. His voice lowers, gentler, though still firm. “That won’t work, Darius. The best thing you can do — for your mate, for your pack — is live. The best thing you can do for your son is protect what’s left. If you rush out looking for a fight, you’ll only throw your life away. And that helps no one.” Alpha Darius’ eyes are red with rage and frustration. His trembling lips open and close for a moment before a strangled and pained sound is wrenched from him. Alpha Stefan however, is obviously not so easily convinced. He gives a sharp, sarcastic laugh. “You must be kidding me.” His eyes glitter with derision. “I’m not the kind of man who lets someone else decide his fate.” He sneers, gaze sweeping from me, to Dom, to Eleanor. “Especially not peopl
Diana Alpha Livia clears her throat delicately, her fingers tapping once against the table before she speaks. “So… as the Priest…” I lift my chin, my voice cutting clean through the room. “Priestess.” She pauses, a flicker of acknowledgment in her eyes, then corrects herself with a small nod. “Priestess. As the Priestess, how exactly would you seal the Dark Mage? Alpha Dominicus mentioned the Priest played a crucial role before — but he didn’t explain how.” And there it is. My stomach knots faintly. That’s the problem, isn’t it? I’m not entirely sure myself — not yet. But Dom and I plan to find out as soon as this meeting ends. Still, we had agreed beforehand: no hint of uncertainty, no gaps, no loose threads. We couldn’t risk sparking panic among the packs — or worse, letting anything slip that the dark witches might catch wind of. I part my lips, preparing to smooth over the gap, but Dom beats me to it. “Even if she explained it, you wouldn’t understand.” His voice is
Diana Her voice cuts crisply through the air. “The first time the Dark Mage was sealed… you said it took the Amadeus Alpha, the Primarch Arcana, and the Moon Goddess’s Priest.” Her eyes sweep the room, assessing. “Are you saying we’re going to repeat that now?” Dom nods once, calmly. “That’s right.” Alpha Livia’s brow furrows slightly. “And you, you’ll stand in for your ancestor?” Dom’s mouth curves in the faintest of smiles. “I will.” Her gaze sharpens. “That leaves the Primarch Arcana… and the Priest.” She casts a slow look around the table, then back at Dom again. “Until today, none of us even knew there was a Priest. Do you know where this Priest is?” Dom’s eyes flick briefly to me, and parts his lips to answer, “Yes. It’s-“ I finish for him. My voice quiet but clear. “-Me.” The room freezes. Every head turns. I keep my face composed, letting my voice carry evenly across the silent table. “Allow me to properly reintroduce myself. I am Diana Castellanos—Alpha
Diana Suddenly, a voice slices sharply through the heavy silence. “We have to stop the ritual!” An Alpha halfway down the table shoots to his feet, his face flushed with urgency. His Beta, seated beside him, tugs lightly at his arm as if to steady him, but the Alpha shakes his head sharply, his eyes locking onto Dominicus. Dom doesn’t even flinch. His voice remains calm, almost weary. “Naturally.” He lets the word hang in the air for a beat, then tilts his head slightly. “How do you propose we do that?” The Alpha’s response is instant, raw with emotion. “Easy. We find them. We go to their coven and wipe them out—all of them.” Dom blinks once, slowly. Then gives a faint, almost pitying shake of his head. “Easy?” He leans in just slightly, his tone still smooth but edged with a dangerous undercurrent. “How exactly do you plan to find them? Don’t forget—these aren’t wolves we’re dealing with. They’re witches. You think you can find a witch who doesn’t want to be found?”
DianaThe next Alpha my eyes land on pulls my attention instantly.He’s middle-aged, broad-shouldered, hulking—even among all these Alphas, he stands out as particularly powerful. His short-cropped hair and sharply cut features give him a severe, almost intimidating air.But what surprises me is the look on his face.Unlike the others, there’s no flicker of wariness, no veiled animosity in his gaze.Instead, he’s smiling. Calm. Almost amused, like he’s simply waiting for the meeting to begin, perfectly at ease.Intrigued, I shift my gaze to the third Alpha who stands out.And this time, I have to look twice.The Alpha, her Beta, and the two Gamma warriors flanking her… they’re all women.The Alpha meets my eyes directly—her expression steady, cool, unreadable. Then, with a small, polite nod, she acknowledges me before turning her attention back to Dom.All of this unfolds in seconds: quick assessments, sharp glances, the silent tension of predators sizing each other up.By the time my
Diana I spot Dom waiting just down the hall, his arms crossed, his sharp eyes flick up as soon as come out me. His face softens—just slightly—and he reaches out. I walk up to him and slip my hand into his. Eleanor falls into step behind us, quiet and peaceful, her presence a steady pulse at my back. Together, the three of us move toward the wide double doors at the end of the hall—the conference room where today’s meeting is about to hold. The air feels thicker here, heavy with the scent of too many wolves, sharp anticipation, and something almost metallic — the bracing edge of challenge, perhaps, or simply the weight of so many packs gathered under one roof. As we near, an Amadeus warrior steps forward. Clyde. He bows smoothly. “Alpha. Luna.” He gives Eleanor a polite nod. “Ma’am.” Dom gives him a curt nod in return, but I offer Clyde a small smile. Eleanor answers warmly, “Hello dear.” Clyde straightens and says, “The packs have brought a fair number of warriors w
DianaI blink, brow arching. Magnus almost mated to someone? That’s news to me.Can’t find it in me to care.The first girl nods eagerly. “Exactly! And it was super suspicious. It was supposed to be this huge deal — even our Alpha was invited — but just a week before the ceremony, it was called off.” She waves her hands for emphasis; the others nod vigorously.She leans in, voice dropping. “I heard Natasha left Zervos and went back to the Silvanus pack, then mated with an Omega from Plena Luna.”Another round of wide eyes and startled gasps.“It’s obvious why the ceremony was canceled,” she smirks. “Natasha met her real mate. Everyone thought Magnus set the match because he hadn’t found his mate yet… but he had. And he rejected her!”The gasps turn into soft curses. I catch words like scum and bastard tossed out under their breath, and I have to bite my lip to keep from laughing.The third girl eagerly nudges the first. “And? And?! What else?”The first girl glances around, then leans
DianaWhat were they thinking?A low voice, warm and smug, ghosts by my ear.“See?” Dominicus says. “I won.”I don’t turn. I can feel the smirk behind his voice and the presence of him just a breath away.I shake my head slowly, incredulous. “They actually came…”“And with a whole damn parade,” he says with a huff of amusement.“Pompousness and posturing,” I mutter.He chuckles. “That’s what you bet against, dulcis.”I scowl, still watching the arrivals, still baffled by the absurdity of it all.“And now,” he says, voice low as he leans down slightly, “you owe me.”I start to ask what the terms were again, but then I feel his lips brush the shell of my ear, and his whispered words burn hotter than sunlight across my skin.My breath catches. My entire body flushes.Damn him.Dom steps back and with a sweeping motion of his arm, the corners of his mouth quirking upward, he says, “Ladies, shall we?”I pull my gaze away from the window, and roll my eyes at him. “Lets.”Behind me, Eleanor
Diana “You’re on speaker, Alpha. They can all hear you now.” Dominicus doesn’t waste a breath. “Good,” he says, his tone flat, cold. “Then listen closely because this-“ he pauses, just long enough to make the weight of his next words settle into their bones, “—is the key to a ‘peaceful retirement’ for all of you.” There’s no trace of politeness. No deference. Only the weight of his authority, sharp as steel. The line is silent. No one dares interrupt. “Of the thirty-seven packs–,” he continues, “you each used to run one of the major nine.” Ten now - The Amadeus pack is back, I muse. “The rest of the smaller — scattered, less resourced packs are no less important. Therefore you are not only to go back to your own packs. You will each take responsibility for informing the Alphas of the minor packs in your regions. I don’t care how you do. Just get it done.” He paces a little, jaw tight. “You will tell them witches exist. You will tell them that dark witches have returned — tha