It was as if the entire members of the Blackwood Pack had completely gone still. The once warm, inviting glow of sunlight now cast cruel shadows over every corner, reflecting the unease rippling through the gathered wolves. The scent of hatred and mockery lingered in the air, clashing with the sharp tang of tension and impending conflict.Alpha Eugene stood tall, the veins on his neck visible due to anger, his jaw clenched so hard it could have cracked stone. His icy glare swept over Mira, who struggled in the iron grip of the guards at either side of her. She tried to free herself but it was nearly impossible. “Speak, Mira,” Eugene growled, his voice rough, a deadly storm brewing beneath the surface. “You accused Luna Seraphina of poisoning me and my Becca. But when she ate from the said poisoned food, she was completely fine. Explain yourself. Now.”Mira swallowed, though her throat felt raw. Her limbs trembled under the guards’ hold, but her voice rose clear and firm, fueled
The cold, damp air of the dungeon clung to Mira’s skin, bringing back bitter memories of her time here the first time.The heavy iron door clanged shut behind the guards, leaving her in suffocating darkness except for a flickering torch on the far wall. The stone walls were rough and unwelcoming, the floor uneven beneath her. She swallowed hard, trying to will back the rising fear clawing at her chest.“You will get what’s coming to you, Omega trash,” one of the guards sneered, leaning against the bars. His lips curled into a mocking smile as the others chuckled behind him.“Yeah,” another chimed in. “Thinking you could open your mouth against Luna Seraphina like that? What a joke.”Mira straightened her shoulders, defiance burning in her chest despite the terror gnawing at her heart. “I spoke the truth,” she shot back, her voice shaking but fierce. “And you’ll regret mocking Luna Becca. She’s also your Luna now. She deserves your respect.”The guards burst into cruel laughter.“R
The late afternoon sun bathed the grand estate of the Blackwood Pack in warm gold, though inside Becca’s heart, a cold, gnawing dread settled in. It was practically impossible for her to sit tight and enjoy the beautiful colours that were plastered in the sky.She had so much more than she wanted fixed in her mind.The events of the chaotic breakfast replayed in her mind like a nightmare she couldn’t wake from — Mira being dragged away, accusations flying, Luna Seraphina’s smug defiance, and Eugene’s torn expression. Every step she took down the long corridor toward the garden felt heavier than the last.It felt like she was on a walk of shame, but without the theull of knowing you had dine a lot of nasty things a few minutes earlier with someone you loved.Her conversation with Eugene had given her an idea of a plan she could use to prevent Mira from being banished from the pack.She knew she had no choice. She would never grovel before Desmond, not after the venom he had spat in
The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the garden. Becca's thoughts were heavy as she watched Luna Seraphina’s retreating form. The promise she had made to the devilish woman to give up her title was a weight that felt heavier than any crown.Luna Seraphina’s devilish smile still lingered in Becca’s mind as she walked back to where Max stood, his brow furrowed in concern. Max was watching her intently, the uncertainty clear in his eyes.“Becca, are you sure about this?” Max’s voice broke the silence, low and filled with concern.Becca’s gaze was focused on the distant horizon, the soft hues of the setting sun barely catching her attention. Her lips tightened into a line, and she turned slowly to face Max.“I don’t see another way,” she said quietly, her voice firm with conviction. “If giving up my title means helping Mira, then that’s what I’ll do.”Max let out a low breath, his eyes searching hers for any sign of doubt. “But you are the Luna, Becca. You’re our
The heavy oak doors of Desmond’s study creaked open, spilling warm golden light from the crystal chandelier across the lavish room. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, and a grand mahogany desk sat at the center, filled with scrolls and papers sealed with blood-red wax.Behind it sat Desmond himself, his broad frame hunched as his sharp eyes scanned over an open document. His dark hair was slicked back today, and his lips curled faintly in satisfaction as he made a final note with the quill.The heavy scent of cigars and alcohol hung in the air, wrapping around the room like a suffocating cloak.Luna Seraphina stepped in with a noticeable sway in her hips, her green silk gown hugging her figure as she walked toward the desk. A smile tugged at the corner of her ruby-painted lips — a smile that only grew wider at the sight of Desmond’s preoccupied expression.Desmond didn’t look up at first, but he noticed the shift in atmosphere. The air practically vibrated with Seraphina’s smug ex
The sun was beginning to sink lower in the sky, casting a soft glow over the Blackwood Estate.Alpha Eugene sat in the meditation area on a wide stone slab, his eyes closed in meditation.But no matter how hard he tried, his mind would not quiet. The storm inside him had been brewing for days and it ate at his control like a feral beast. His wolf was restless, pacing at the edges of his sanity, demanding blood and justice.The rustle of leaves announced a presence, and he opened his eyes to find Becca walking toward him. She looked tired, her face pale but set with determined resolve. Her eyes were bright with something raw and unyielding. Eugene sighed, sensing that whatever peace he had tried to claim here was about to be shattered.“Becca,” he said, his voice low, but carrying a warning edge. “This better be good.”Becca didn’t flinch. She stopped in front of him, her hands clenched at her sides.She drew a deep breath, then spoke.“I’ve found a way to save Mira,” she began.
Servants walked past Becca with lowered gazes, and warriors pretended to patrol, all while whispering about what had just happened — about the proud and scheming Luna Seraphina finally tasting her own medicine.Becca stood by the tall marble fountain in the center of the garden, a small, satisfied smile playing on her lips. The reflection of the moonlight on the water mirrored the faint glint of triumph in her eyes. For once, she had turned the tables. She had made Seraphina squirm, had stripped away the cruel woman’s dignity in front of witnesses. It was a sweet, intoxicating victory.And what surprised Becca even more — though she tried to push the thought away — was how Alpha Eugene had looked at her afterward. Proud. There had been something fierce and approving in his gaze as their eyes met, like for a fleeting moment, he truly saw her, not as a pawn or a liability, but as a Luna worthy of her place."Stop it, Becca," she scolded herself silently, shaking her head. This isn
The night air hung heavy, thick with tension inside the darkened chamber where Luna Seraphina sat, crumpled on the luxurious fur-lined chair. Her hair, usually immaculate, was tangled and falling around her tear-streaked face. Her delicate hands trembled as she clutched a silk handkerchief to her chest, her breaths obvious with fury and humiliation.Thus had been the most embarrassing day for her since she had been born into her prominent family, and as such, it hurt like hell.Her mind kept on torturing her by replaying that moment Becca ripped her dress in front of everyone. “I… I can’t believe she did this to me,” Seraphina choked out, her voice raw from crying. “In front of the entire pack… in front of mere servants and guards… she stripped me of my dignity!”Desmond, pacing the richly carpeted floor like a caged predator, his jaw clenched so tightly it could have cracked bone, stopped abruptly and turned to face her. His face was a storm of unfiltered rage. The flickering fi
The air was sharp with tension and moonlight, heavy with the energy of celebration just beyond the grand ballroom doors. Jack stood near the edge of a wide archway, half-shrouded in darkness, his fists clenched at his sides. His gaze was not on the festivities but fixed on the quiet corridor leading to the east wing. His breath came in shallow bursts, his chest tight with anxiety. Desmond’s fury gnawed at his senses through their link, a constant, oppressive force. The Alpha's rage had been simmering all evening, but now it raged like an inferno, threatening to burn everything in its path.Jack pressed a hand to the cold marble wall, grounding himself. Desmond was far from here, outside with the elders, putting on the facade of calm leadership for the Moon Festival. But Jack could feel his discontent, and it mirrored Jack’s own inner turmoil.A flicker of movement caught his eye.Mira.She moved swiftly.Her footsteps were light, her path certain. Jack didn’t need to guess wher
Eugene’s eyes lingered for a moment longer on Desmond and Seraphina’s rigid expressions, absorbing the fury that simmered just beneath their carefully masked faces. Then, with quiet defiance, he turned away, lowering the hand that was still linked with Becca’s. The ballroom was filled with anticipation. Hundreds of eyes were focused him, their faces glowing with curiosity and admiration.He stepped forward, letting his voice rise with confidence.“My fellow wolves,” he began, projecting to every corner of the ballroom with a firm voice, “tonight is not just a celebration of tradition, but of resilience, of unity, and of the undying spirit that binds the Blackwood Pack together.”There was a murmur of agreement, soft but growing.“In the wake of darkness, we have found light. We’ve seen hardship, betrayal, and division. But despite everything, here we are—together, stronger than ever. And I want you to know… I will fight every day to ensure that the legacy of this pack not only survi
Jack stopped running when the ache in his bones and the guilt in his chest both throbbed in perfect sync. The hallway was dimly lit, the distant glow from the ballroom flickering on the polished floors behind him. He rested his back against the wall, dragging his palm across his sweaty forehead. He had done it. He had slipped the note through the door of the room where Eugene, Max, and Becca were holed up. It felt like splitting his loyalty in half, betraying Alpha Desmond after all he had done for him—after all he had made him.But he had to. He had to give Alpha Eugene a fighting chance.If Alpha Desmond and Luna Seraphina followed through with their plan, it wouldn't just be Alpha Eugene who suffered. Innocent wolves—children, elders, people who had nothing to do with this feud—would be caught in the destruction. He had seen what power and desperation could do. He had lived it.He couldn’t let the same thing happen here."Jack?"The sound of his name made him flinch. He look
The warmth of Eugene’s palm lingered against Becca's as their hands remained clasped, their foreheads touching gently. The low hum of the distant music from the ballroom was muffled behind thick oak doors, wrapping the moment in a fragile silence. Becca could feel his breath on her face—steady, confident, and far too intoxicating. She had told herself this meant nothing. She was a healer. She was helping a man in need. That was all.It was normal for her, as a healer, to help someone who needed her so he can be well and that was exactly what she was doing. She told herself more times than she could remember.She also convinced herself she wasn't just helping Eugene but also keeping the other pack members safe because if things went out of control, it would be disastrous.She told herself she was pretty much a hero and that was all it was. Nothing more, nothing less.But her heart beat betrayed her.Eugene pulled back slightly and tilted his head, a mischievous smirk playing at the
The muffled hum of violins and polite laughter from the grand ballroom faded into the background as Mira and Max walked deeper into the marble-floored hallway. The soft tap of Mira's heels echoed against the walls, her mind whirling not with thoughts of Eugene or Becca, but with the image of Jack.Jack with Ava.Ava holding onto his arm as if she owned him, smiling up at him like she had known him for years. The memory of it burned behind her eyes.Max walked beside her, his strides quick and alert. He kept looking around, clearly agitated."We need to find Alpha Eugene before Alpha Desmond does something he can't undo," Max muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning the corridor ahead. "He’s been too quiet tonight. That worries me."Mira didn’t respond. Her gaze had dropped to the velvet carpet beneath their feet. Her heart was in her throat, her thoughts tangled in emotion.There was something about Ava that didn't sit right with her and she couldn't help but feel that Jack was
Luna Seraphina led Desmond through the crowd of dancers and guests, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. Her movements were poised and elegant, but there was an undercurrent of tension in the way she walked, as though she knew tonight would mark the turning point in their plans.She brought him to a quiet corner of the ballroom, hidden from prying eyes. The heavy curtains shielded them from the chaos of the night, offering them the privacy they needed.Desmond exhaled sharply, letting the weight of the conversation hang in the air. "I’m making progress with Eugene. He’s close to snapping. The cracks are showing. But Becca... she’s in the way," He muttered, his voice a low growl.Seraphina's gaze flickered to his, her lips curling slightly at the edges, her eyes narrowing with purpose. "I’ve been thinking the same thing," she replied softly, her voice almost a whisper. "She's a threat to everything we've worked for. If we don’t remove her tonight, Eugene will remain
Becca led Eugene through the murmuring crowd, her hand still in his, guiding him toward one of the private rooms tucked away from the bright lights and curious eyes of the ballroom. The heavy door clicked shut behind them, sealing them in a hush of velvet shadows and quiet tension. As soon as Becca let go of his hand, Eugene took a step back, his chest rising and falling sharply.Then he exploded.“I should have ripped his head off,” Eugene growled, his voice low and guttural—less man and more beast. His fists clenched and unclenched as he paced the room like a caged predator. “I stood there, Becca, watching him smirk like he owns the godsdamned world. The way he looked at you, the way he talked down at me in front of everyone… if I hadn’t held myself back—”“Eugene—”“I wanted to kill him.”Becca froze. She had never heard Eugene talk like this. The calm, composed Alpha who always seemed to be in control now radiated pure, unfiltered rage. His voice carried the kind of fury that
The music of the ballroom had begun to rise in pace, a graceful but commanding melody moving through the air. Lights flickered softly against the high golden ceilings, and the scent of expensive cologne, perfume, and sweet wine saturated the space. Amidst it all, Jack moved like a man with a mission.He scanned the crowd, eyes sharp, his lips thinned. Alpha Desmond had vanished. One moment, he was at the stairs, watching Eugene and Becca with that sinister smile curling at his lips. The next, he was gone. Slipped into the crowd like a serpent through grass. Jack’s instincts were prickling. Something wasn’t right. He pushed past a group of laughing elders, muttering polite apologies, but his mind was already turning.That was when it happened.Jack turned a corner a little too quickly and collided into someone."Oh!"A gasp escaped the woman as red wine splashed down the front of her pink satin gown. She blinked, stunned. Jack’s eyes widened, horrified."I’m—I’m so sorry," Jack s
The ballroom glowed in warm candlelight and the radiant shimmer of magical orbs that hovered delicately in the air. It was a scene of splendor and elegance, wolves in finely tailored garments moving with grace across the polished marble floor, the sound of soft violins painting an air of civility over the tension that buzzed underneath. Becca walked beside Eugene, her arm securely linked with his, and both wore soft smiles as they mingled with the crowd.Eugene’s expression was calm, almost serene, but Becca could feel the tension in his muscles. Every step he took was calculated. Every breath measured. Yet she kept herself close to him, their linked arms serving not just as a show of affection but as an anchor. An assurance.Behind them, Max followed a few feet away, his posture stiff and his face furrowed in deep worry. Mira walked beside him, her gaze movinv from couple to couple before landing on Max. The concern etched into his features wasn’t subtle."Max," she said softly