Chapter 7

BLACKWOOD PACK

Hazel's POV

"Ahhh..." The scream ripped from my throat as Sylus shoved me into my chamber.

My back collided with the stone wall, the impact knocking the air from my lungs. Candles trembled violently on the stands, their flames flickering and stretching across the walls, throwing warped shadows that danced like specters.

A sharp, icy breeze poured in through the open windows, slicing through my thin dress and raising goosebumps across my skin.

My knees buckled.

I doubled over instantly, clutching my belly as nausea surged violently up my throat. My stomach twisted in agony, heat and fear burning together inside me.

I shouldn't have asked to go with Sylus to the Shadowfell pack. I shouldn't have hoped. I shouldn't have believed I could hide it forever, though I was planning to escape with my pup.

Now he knew, he knew I kept the baby.

Sylus stood there, unmoving. His silver eyes bored into me, cold and distant, stripped of every emotion. Not anger, not concern, just emptiness. Then he turned and left, he didn't say a word.

The door slammed shut behind him, the sound echoing through the chamber like a final judgement. Pain sliced through my chest, but beneath it came relief, sharp and confusing.

At least he hadn't touched me. At least he hadn't looked at my belly again.

I collapsed fully to the floor, the cold stone biting into my skin, I crawled towards the bed, my fingers shaking as they clawed weakly at the sheets. Hot tears streamed down my face, dripping onto the floor below. My vision blurred, my chest tightening painfully.

Sylus had left without a word. What now?

Fear wrapped around my ribs like iron chains, pressing in until it hurt to breathe. I felt small. Exposed. Helpless.

Exhaustion dragged me under before I could fight it, I closed my eyes and slept off.

----

Sharp footsteps jolted me awake. My eyes flew open, my heart slamming violently against my ribs. The sound was deliberate - slow and confident.

I pushed myself upright, my back scraping against the bedframe as I sat up. My gaze locked onto the door, dread curling deep in my gut.

The door cracked open. Aria stepped inside.

The candlelight caught her expression immediately - a slow, satisfied smirk stretching across her lips. Her eyes swept over me, lingering on my disheveled state, the floor beneath me, the weakness she so clearly enjoyed witnessing.

"I heard..." She said, her voice dripping with mockery as she approached.

"The wolfless Luna isn't wolfless after all"

I didn't respond. I just stared at her, my jaw tight, my fingers curling slowly into fists.

"So you tricked us all into thinking you were wolfless, so that Sylus can mate you? Are you that desperate, Hazel?"

A hollow scoff escaped my lips before I could stop it.

"Desperate? Do you think I want to be here?"

Her eyes darkened slightly.

"Whatever your reasons are, Sylus will never mark you!"

"Why are you so keen on Sylus?" I snapped, forcing myself to stand despite the ache in my body.

"If you want him so much, why don't you have him!?"

"Shut up! You worthless bitch!" Her hand struck my face.

Pain exploded across my cheek, sharp and blinding. I reeled back, hitting the edge of the bed, but I forced myself upright. I wouldn't let her see me crumble. Not anymore.

"Do you think you can keep that thing inside you?"

"My baby stays"

Her lips twisted cruelly.

"Too bad. Sylus doesn't want it..." Aria mocked.

"Our pack doesn't want an heir from a weak Luna," she spat.

"What do you want from me, Aria?"

"I'm here to fulfill Sylus' wish," she said coolly.

"To get rid of that thing inside you!"

"Don't touch my baby, Aria!"

"And why should I listen to you?" She crossed her arms.

"The baby won't make it, so what's the point of keeping it?"

"You're insane."

"Oh, you think so?!" She turned sharply towards the door.

"Guards!"

My heart slammed against my ribs. The guards rushed in, their heavy boots thudding against the stone floor. Terror flooded my veins as I realized what Aria planned to do.

"Take her."

"Don't touch me!!" I screamed as my rough hands grabbed me.

"Let me go!"

They dragged me from the room, my nails scraping uselessly against stone as I struggled. My screams echoed down the hallway, raw and desperate, swallowed by the cold walls of the pack.

-----

Nyx's POV

SHADOWFELL PACK

"Your daughter's wolf will be one we haven't seen in a long time." The priestess held Hazel's trembling hand in hers as I remembered, her voice soft yet laden with prophecy as her eyes locked with Hazel's.

"The ancient wolf..." Father's eyes flashed with an almost predatory glint, his lips curling into a Freddy smile. He leaned forward, voice thick with excitement.

"That's good news. Then we can't wait for you to manifest your wolf on your 18th birthday."

"Yes, dear," Mother murmured as she brushed her fingers through Hazel's hair, her gaze soft, almost adoring.

I couldn't help the bitter pang that shot through my chest. It was always about Hazel, about her. I wasn't even noticed unless it was to be compared to her. My wolf, just an ordinary Alpha wolf, the priestess had prophesied. Hers? The ancient wolf.

As I stared at Hazel's serene face, the weight of it hit me. They were all preparing her for her big moment, the day when she'd shine. Her wolf would be the one to transform everything.

"The ceremony is tomorrow, Hazel," Father said, his tone dismissive, yet there was an unmistakable edge of excitement.

"Eat up, so you can get some rest."

"My baby will turn 18 tomorrow," Mother added, her voice almost trembling with pride,

"And fully manifest your strength."

I clenched my jaw, forcing back the jealousy that threatened to choke me. My hands, balled into fists, rested on my lap.

"And after that, we'll arrange you with the Lycans. The ancient wolf needs a strong wolf by her side."

Father's words felt like a weight pressing down on my chest.

"But, Dad, what if I don't want to mate with the Lycans? What if I find my fated mate?" Hazel's voice trembled slightly, betraying her uncertainty.

"Are you already seeing someone, Hazel?" Mother's eyes widened in surprise.

"No, mum," Hazel replied quickly, but her words were barely a whisper.

"Good! The Lycans are the pack deserving of us. We can't afford to not build an alliance with them,"

Father insisted, his gaze hard and unyielding.

I swallowed hard, my stomach sinking.

"What about me, Father? Why don't I mate with the Lycans instead?" My voice was quieter than I intended, a sense of desperation creeping in as I looked at him.

Please, see me, just once.

"No, Nyx," Father brushed me off without a second thought, his tone final.

"Hazel's wolf is strong, and the Lycans want a strong wolf by their side."

The words cut deeper than I expected. The finality of it, the sting of being overlooked.

After dinner, I watched Hazel disappear into her room, probably to sleep, and for that moment, I thought I would just go back to bed, to drown in my own resentment.

But no, that would be too easy.

I climbed down from my bed and crept to her door. Pushing it open, I stepped inside. Hazel's eyes flicked open, the faintest hint of confusion flickering in them as she saw me.

"Did I wake you up?" I asked, my voice quieter than I expected.

"No, Nyx," she replied, sitting up slowly, rubbing her eyes.

"What are you doing here?"

"I just wanted to check on you, Hazel," I said, my gaze softening despite everything. It wasn't her fault, but sometimes it felt like it was.

"You can't sleep either?" She asked, a slight frown on her face, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Don't you feel nervous about tomorrow?" I asked, moving to sit on the edge of her bed, my body leaning forward with anticipation.

"You're going to turn. It's your moment."

Hazel shifted, curling her legs under her, biting her lips.

"I feel somehow nervous. I haven't done it before."

"Do you want to go out?" I offered, the words almost slipping out before I could stop myself.

"It'll help clear my mind."

She met my gaze, her expression unreadable for a moment. But then, slowly, she nodded.

"Alright."

I smirked, standing up.

"C'mon. Be quiet, don't wake Mum and Dad up," I whispered, gesturing for her to follow me.

We sneaked out, and the air outside was crisp, cool against my skin. The scent of pine and earth filled the night as we made our way toward the mountains. We reached the valley near the forbidden side of the pack, the place where witches were said to have hidden. Witches who could trap wolves, make them lose their powers, or worse.

I kept my eyes on Hazel, watching her as she looked up at the stars. The moon shone full and bright, bathing the valley in silver light.

"By this time tomorrow, you'll turn." I said, the words slipping from my lips.

Hazel turned to face me, a small laugh escaping her.

"Why don't you try transforming?" I urged just to distract her.

"I don't think I can. The moon's power won't work on me till tomorrow's night."

"You never know unless you try, right?" I urged, stepping closer. My voice was sweet, coaxing, laced with a hint of mockery that only I could understand.

She, smiled, that trusting, open smile, and then stepped to the center of the valley. She raised her arms towards the sky, as if inviting the moon itself to witness her transformation.

"Why not?" She asked, her voice light and carefree, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I couldn't help but watch, a sour taste in my mouth. She was so... gullible. So sure that she could do this. I felt something sharp twist in my gut as I saw her standing there, trusting in the moon's light. Trusting that it would be enough but I knew better.

I stepped away, blending into the shadows, my heart pounding with frustration and envy.fellThe wind kicked up suddenly, and I could feel it - the energy building around Hazel, the power starting to swell.

She glowed faintly, the moonlight catching the edges of her form. She was so beautiful, so pure. And so completely unaware of the danger I was about to bring.

I had overheard the maids whispering about the forbidden place in the valley. No wolf was supposed to go there. The last wolf who did had lost her power, and I was going to make sure Hazel didn't get hers. Not tonight.

I waited, watching her as she stood there, lost in the moment. Her eyes closed, her voice low as she recited the sacred vow. She looked so fragile, so ready to be everything that I could never be.

"I saw my wolf...I saw her...we spoke! Her name is..." Hazel beamed with excitement, but to her realization I wasn't there.

"Nyx?" She called out but I didn't respond.

"Nyx!"

I stepped closer, moving through the shadows like a predator. With one swift motion, I pushed Hazel, sending her tumbling toward the forbidden part of the valley. The ground cracked beneath her as she fell, and a sharp gasp escaped her lips. Her voice, filled with terror, echoed through the still night air.

"H-Hazel?" I called, my voice far too casual.

"Nyx? Please pull me out, it's dark here!" Her voice was shaking now, frantic.

"What happened?" I asked, though I knew exactly what was happening. I could hear the pain in her voice.

"I don't know...ahhhh! It hurts!" Her cry pierced the silence, and I felt a rush of satisfaction.

"Don't worry. I'll find help," I said, my voice laced with a cold smirk as I turned away, leaving her there to suffer.

I waited long before I called for a guard. I needed to make sure Hazel's wounds didn't heal - no, they couldn't heal.

When they finally dragged Hazel back to her room, I made sure to keep up the illusion that she slipped and fell, Mum and Dad won't find out about this.

The maids applied ointment to her wounds, but they couldn't hide the truth. Her wounds weren't healing.

The ceremony arrived, and everyone was waiting to see Hazel transform. I watch Father's face glow with pride, but it faltered when he saw how battered Hazel looked. Mother grew suspicious, but I made sure she never knew the truth. Not yet.

Father was already staring at Hazel, eager to see her manifest. The air around us was thick with expectation, but I could sense Hazel's panic. Her lips trembled as she recited the sacred vow, again and again, but nothing happened. Not like it had the night before.

"What's going on?" An elder whispered.

"She's not transforming, Alpha Galen," another elder murmured.

The murmurs of disappointment filled the air as everyone began to notice. Hazel's body trembled, but her eyes were wild with fear as she tried again.

"I thought you said she had an ancient wolf?" The elder's voice was low, full of judgement.

"The night is still long, Alpha Hubert. Let's give Hazel some time." Father stepped in quickly, but even he couldn't mask the uncertainty in his voice.

Father had sent some guards to attack her, to put her wolf on flight, that she'd forcefully defend herself.

The guards transformed and attacked Hazel, but she didn't defend herself. She didn't transform.

It worked, the witches curse had suppressed her wolf.

And I felt a surge of satisfaction. That was it, Hazel's moment had passed, and mine was just beginning.

"Enough!" Murmurs rippled through the crowd as the priestess approached Hazel, her eyes narrow and calculating.

She took Hazel's hand, her gaze piercing, scanning every inch of her as if reading her very soul. The crowd fell silent, the weight of anticipation pressing down like a heavy fog. Every heartbeat felt deafening.

Finally, the priestess's voice rang out, sharp and unwavering.

"She doesn't have a wolf!"

Gasps echoed through the field. Parents, elders, and pack members alike froze, shock painted across their faces.

"What?" Mother and Father exclaimed in unison, their voices trembling with disbelief.

"How's that possible?" Father demanded, stepping forward, his hands curling into fists.

"That I don't know..." The priestess replied, her tone calm but heavy with finality.

"But you said she has an ancient wolf," Father pressed, voice tight with anger.

"I must have been mistaken, Alpha Galen," the priestess said, her eyes flicking briefly to me, almost imperceptibly.

The whispers erupted like wildfire among the pack members.

'Alpha Galen has a wolfless daughter'

The words stung, reverberating across the pack like a curse.

I felt a rush of vindication, a sweet pulse of triumph heating my chest. Hazel's body shook slightly, her lips quivering, eyes wide in panic. The air seemed colder around her, almost as if the moon itself had recoiled.

I stepped back slightly, letting the moment sink in. The Shadowfell pack - once a symbol of proud - was now a spectacle of shame. Father's proud expression twisted into one of seething fury, his jaw rigid as the other Alphas whispered, exchanged looks, and muttered behind their hands.

Hazel, the heir, the supposed ancient wolf... wolfless.

I saw the hatred on Father's face, he won't forgive this. He had always wanted power and alliance with the Lycans and now Hazel is wolfless, he had lost it.

Father's resentment for Hazel grew from that day forward, he hated seeing her face and had tagged her as weak pathetic Omega who doesn't deserve to be among the Shadowfell pack.

And now she's pregnant? If Hazel doesn't have a wolf, she can't be pregnant. Or is she tricking us into believing she is pregnant?

If Hazel is pregnant, that means that she might regain her wolf and steal the spotlight from me again.

I can't let this happen! But what can I do? Sylus doesn't want the pup.

The moon goddess must be on my side.

"Nyx!" Father's voice cut through my thoughts, sharp and booming, as I turned back to look at him.

"What are you doing? We might be late for the courtroom!" He roared, his hand gripping my shoulder briefly before letting go.

The vibrations of his anger felt like a punch through the room. I hadn't realized I'd been staring at myself in the mirror for so long. My reflection stared back - poised, daring, hungry - and yes, tonight, I was going to claim Bradley.

"Don't tell me you're scared now," father's voice softened just slightly, a flicker of concern beneath the edge of command.

"No, Dad. I'm not," I said, lifting my chin, letting a faint, almost imperceptible smile curl at the corners of my lips.

"You better not be..."

I smiled faintly as he turned and left. Since Hazel wouldn't mate with the Lycans King, then I would. My pulse thrummed with anticipation, my fingers brushing the delicate fabric of my dress as I readjusted it.

One last glance in the middle, tracing the curve of my jaw, the glint of determination in my eyes, before I left my room.

----

The courtroom sprawled before me in the human world, its grandeur still awe-inducing. Tall, arched halls loomed above, and the scent of polished wood, wax, and faint traces of expensive perfumes filled the air. Shadows of the tall columns stretched across the marble floors like silent sentinels, whispering of power and history.

I scanned the room, my gaze slicing through the crowd, noting every Alpha and prominent human present. My stomach fluttered with a mix of nerves and excitement. Bradley was nowhere in sight yet, and the anticipation made my pulse spike.

A waiter passed by, and I took a cool drink from him, the ice brushing against my fingers, before joining the other Alphas in discussion.

"Alpha Hubert!" I called out, projecting warmth in my tone, though my heart thrummed with competitive fire.

He turned, brows furrowing as he tried to remember me. The other Alphas followed his gaze.

"Ohh, I think I know you," he said, pausing.

"Nyx! From the Shadowfell pack."

I laughed lightly, letting the sound roll like silk.

"Who would have thought I'd find you here..."

"Yes, why not? This occasion isn't only for your pack," I smirked, letting my eyes flash with playful dominance.

"Oh, I see. Your father...?"

"He's..." I turned to see Father striding toward us, his presence magnetic, commanding.

"Alpha Hubert," he called out, voice like gravel and silk at once.

"Alpha Galen, what a pleasant surprise. Guess I'm not the only one competing for the throne," Alpha Hubert said, masking disdain with forced civility.

Father laughed, deep and confident. The tension between them was palpable, heat radiating from their auras.

"Who's your successor this time? Last I checked, you bragged about your daughter having an ancient wolf. So what happened?" The other Alphas laughed.

"That was a long time ago, Hubert. And now you know Nyx will be replacing Hazel," Father said, his tone sharp, eyes gleaming.

"Only the strongest she-wolf gets the throne," Alpha Hubert replied.

"And your daughter's wolf is stronger than mine?" Father chuckled mockingly, shoulders relaxing in feigned amusement.

"We won't have to deceive anyone or brag about having an ancient wolf. Tell me, Galen, what other lies are you going to come up with to make this Lycans King notice you and your little pone?" Alpha Hubert spat, the words slicing the air.

"How dare you?" I felt heat rise in my chest, muscles tensing, but Father's hand gripped my arm, holding me back.

"Like you said, Hubert, the strongest she-wolf gets the throne, and she gets to rule with Bradley," Father said, letting his voice drip with icy certainty.

"But I heard the Lycans King was cursed by the moon goddess, so why on earth do you want your daughter to mate with him?" An Alpha asked, looking directly at Father.

"He is that hungry to take over my pack" Alpha Hubert's gaze sharpened.

Father sipped back his drink, laughter vibrating through the air, sending ripples of unease among the crowd.

"It's only a matter of time, Alpha Hubert, before you come running," he said, voice low and dangerous.

"You've already made a fool out of yourself, Galen. Just go home," Hubert sneered.

"Not tonight, Hubert," Father said, stepping closer. I felt tension in the room spike as I could sense their wolves stirring beneath their skin, muscles coiling like springs.

"Why are you scared? My pack destroyed you once. We can do it again," Hubert threatened, voice like steel.

"Listen, Alpha Hubert. Once I become the Queen, I definitely won't spare you!" I declared, letting my stance radiate power.

"Empty threat, Nyx!" Jacinta, Alpha's Hubert's daughter, spoke behind me, her tone acidic.

"And what makes you think you'll become the Queen?"

The room seemed to shift, heat and energy pulsing like a heartbeat. Every eye flicked on me, sensing the challenge radiating off my skin.

"Because I am his...mate," I said, letting the words fall like fire.

Laughter erupted behind Alpha Hubert, Jacinta, and the other wolves.

"Who does she think she is to be the Lycans King's mate?" A voice hissed behind me.

"And all of a sudden, this she-wolf is his mate?"

"She's just desperate for the throne"

"I bet she won't even stand his thrust."

"Can you hear yourself, Nyx?" Jacinta strode towards me, nostrils flaring, her eyes like daggers.

"We don't need a betrayal to stand beside Bradley. Oh, you forgot how you betrayed your own sister?"

"Shut up, Jacinta!" I snapped.

Jacinta and I had been friends since childhood, she had given me the idea to push Hazel down the valley. Ever since we both wanted the throne, our rivalry had been set in stone.

"Oh, why? You don't want everyone to know what you did to Hazel?" She sneered, stepping closer.

"What is she talking about, Nyx?" Father's voice cut through.

"You're just a jealous, pathetic bitch, Jacinta. I always knew you envied me. But guess what? I am the one Bradley will choose in the end," I said, my chest rising and falling with controlled fury.

"What if he doesn't? Will your father give you away as he did with Hazel?" Jacinta taunted.

"Watch your tone, young lady," Father threatened, his claws elongating.

"Oh, c'mon, Galen. This is a courtroom for the King. Let's not fight here," Alpha Hubert intervened, stepping between Father and Jacinta.

"This isn't over yet. We'll see who comes begging for mercy," I said, straightening, chest heaving as I turned to leave.

I collided with a waitress, the tray toppling, the drink soaking my dress.

"Ohhh my!-" I gasped, clutching the fabric, heat and rage blooming in my chest. Jacinta's laughter rang behind me, sharp and cruel.

"Bitch! Are you blind? Always watch where you're going!" I snapped, brushing off the stain as best I could.

"I'm so sorry," the waitress stammered, reaching toward my dress.

"Don't touch me, you pathetic human!" I shoved her back, she fell hard onto the marble floor, the sound echoing.

"Do you know how expensive this dress is? It can literally pay for your life!"

"It's okay, Nyx," Father murmured, but I shook my head.

"No, Dad, it's not. My dress is ruined!" I hissed, dragging the waitress to her feet.

"I'll teach you a lesson!"

"The King is here!" The escort announced, and my stomach dropped; my muscles tensed.

I paused, the room spinning slightly from the adrenaline and anger coursing through me. The waitress was pushed aside, and my ruined dress clung to me like a second skin. I prayed Bradley hadn't seen this scandal.

"All hail the King!" Everyone bowed, and the air thickened as the aura of power hit me, reverberating through my chest. He stood above the crowd, shielded, untouchable. My heartbeat drummed in my ears.

The ceremony started, and dancers were called upon to entertain the guests, but I dismissed them.

"I have a special gift for the King," I said, voice steady though my stomach churned. I stared straight at his throne, eyes daring the unseen King to notice me. I might be killed by just his gaze, but I stood bravely.

Bradley hated cowards.

I took the stage, feeling the slick pole under my hands, my muscles coiling, energy surging with each spin. The crowd's attention latched onto me, drawn to my dance, my confidence.

I could feel their eyes on my every curve, every motion. By the end of the dance, my chest heaved, breath quick and uneven. The crowd cheered but Bradley hadn't moved. Still, I felt his gaze on me, heavy and electric.

The ceremony began to drift to a close, and I spotted Bradley leaving. My pulse spiked, legs tense as I excused myself and followed him.

But before I could reach the stairs, a hand gripped my wrist with a force that made me gasp, twisting my arm painfully.