로그인Freda’s P.O.VI stared longingly at the place that had kept me sheltered for a while. It was strange, how a place that wasn’t truly home could still feel safe. Maybe because for the first time in a long while, I hadn’t needed to look over my shoulder. At least here, I knew no one would betray me.Aela stood at the door, waving until her frail arm trembled. Behind her, the mist from the early morning dew still lingered above the rooftops, wrapping the packhouse in a soft glow. My throat tightened. Part of me wanted to turn back and hug her one last time, but I knew if I did, I might not leave again.At the end, I had to remove some of the things from my bag to make it lighter. Having something was better than having nothing at all. My gaze swept around the courtyard in search of Emmy, but she was nowhere to be found. I sighed softly. Maybe saying goodbye was hard for her too.Orion didn’t look back either. His steps were steady, eyes fixed on the winding road ahead as though the past ha
Freda’s P.O.V.The corridor leading to Craig’s room was strangely quiet, too quiet for a pack house filled with warriors. The morning sun spilled through the open windows, painting golden lines across the floor. My fingers brushed along the cold wall as I walked, trying to steady my breath.All I wanted was to talk to him about Orion’s decision—but why did my heart pound like I was about to confess something else entirely?I stopped at his door. My hand hovered in midair before I finally knocked.“Come in,” his deep voice came, calm but distant.The sight that met my eyes was… unexpected.Craig’s room wasn’t as intimidating as I had imagined. The walls were made of dark polished wood, decorated with silver carvings that shimmered faintly in the sunlight. A large window stood open, letting in the breeze that carried the scent of pine. There was a map spread across the table, a dagger laid over it, and beside it—a cup of steaming tea left untouched.He wasn’t seated like I thought he’d
Freda’s P.O.VGranny had packed too much for me. That was what I decided to call the old woman. Her real name was Aela, but I couldn’t bring myself to call her that, no matter how many times she insisted. “You make me sound older than I am,” she’d laugh softly, her frail hands trembling as she folded my clothes. But to me, she would always be Granny—the warmth I never had growing up.Now, as I tried to fit everything she’d given me into my bag, I realized just how much she’d packed. Two pairs of thick boots, dried herbs for the road, a silver comb, and more bread than I could eat in a week. I smiled faintly. She must have been worried I’d starve before finding my way home.My hand brushed over the light blue dress I had worn earlier that morning. It was beautiful—too beautiful. The fabric shimmered faintly, still carrying the faint scent of wild lavender from Emmy’s wash. I sighed. If we were returning to the forest, to a life of constant running, this wasn’t the kind of dress that wo
Freda’s P.O.VMy body felt light—almost weightless. The first full night of peace had wrapped itself around me like a tender blanket. For the first time in so long, I slept without hearing the howls of predators or feeling the tremor of fear in my bones. When I finally opened my eyes to the soft morning light filtering through the small, dust-coated window, I realized how long it had been since I’d felt this rested—free, even.A gentle knock echoed at the door. I sat up immediately, brushing sleep from my eyes.“Good morning, Princess.”Emmy’s soft voice came from the half-open door as she peeked in.Two small dots of warmth rose to my cheeks. “Princess.” The word still felt strange—like a cloak too heavy for me to wear.She stepped inside fully, holding folded clothes in her hands. “Breakfast is served. Everyone is waiting for you at the dining table. I also brought a change of clothes.”I smiled, touched by her thoughtfulness. Back at my adoptive parents’ home, I’d been treated with
Adrian’s P.O.VThe Blood Moon warriors stood in a perfect line before me—broad-shouldered, brutal-looking men, each one carved by battle. Their armor glistened faintly in the dim torchlight, smeared with traces of dried blood and dust. Their eyes were sharp, feral even, reflecting the kind of ruthlessness that came from years of conquest. No wonder it was easy for them to abduct weak Omegas; even a Beta would stand no chance against that kind of power.The air smelled of iron and sweat, thick and choking. Around us, the walls of the Blood Moon camp stretched with dark tents and wooden fences patched from fallen trees. The place felt restless, dangerous—like every shadow could bare fangs at any moment.I hadn’t eaten since we arrived. Every second spent here was another moment of losing Freda. I could almost feel her slipping away from me—her scent, her soft gaze, the way she looked at me before Craig came into the picture.I clenched my fists. I only needed to separate her from him. O
Freda’s P.O.VIf we can find the royal family—if the bloodline is truly restored.Those words replayed in my head like a broken cassette, over and over.“Do you mean there are royals even more royal than me?” I asked quietly.Orion nodded, his expression thoughtful. “You’ll need to settle down to hear the full story. Emmy, please help the princess’s friends get comfortable.”A young woman with pale scars along her neck stepped forward. Her movements were careful, almost graceful, despite the faint tremor in her hands. She led Ava and the rest of Craig’s pack into the adjoining rooms, speaking in a gentle voice that made me trust her instantly.Craig, however, refused to move from my side. He sat close—silent, watchful, his arm brushing mine just enough to remind me I wasn’t alone. I could feel his unease pulsing quietly through our proximity.When Emmy disappeared down the hall, I looked back at Orion. “Can you tell me more now?”He chuckled softly, the sound dry and cracked. Then cam







