The grand hall of the Blackwood Pack brimmed with uneasy tension. Sunlight filtered through the tall stained-glass windows, painting restless colors across the polished marble floor. The numerous sounds of shock and the hushed murmurs of onlookers mixed into a steady hum that seemed to press down on the gathering like a heavy storm cloud.At the center of it all, Alpha Eugene stood tall, his face a storm of fury. The last remnants of the calming potion in his system had already disappeared, and now his eyes burned with unrestrained rage."What is the meaning of this, explain yourself" Eugene demanded.โHow dare you utter such a thing in my presence!โ Desmondโs voice exploded through the hall, making the chandeliers tremble. โGuards! Seize her!โAt once, two heavily muscular guards advanced on Mira, their boots echoing ominously against the marble floor. Other servants in the dining hall gasped collectively, several hands flying to their mouths as they watched the scene unfold.โWa
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. โSpeak, Mira,โ Eugene growled, his voice rough, a deadly storm brewing beneath the surface. โYou 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.โMira swallowed, though her throat felt raw. Her limbs trembled under the guardsโ hold, but her voice rose clear and firm, fueled
The cold, damp air of the dungeon clung to Miraโs 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.โYou will get whatโs coming to you, Omega trash,โ one of the guards sneered, leaning against the bars. His lips curled into a mocking smile as the others chuckled behind him.โYeah,โ another chimed in. โThinking you could open your mouth against Luna Seraphina like that? What a joke.โMira straightened her shoulders, defiance burning in her chest despite the terror gnawing at her heart. โI spoke the truth,โ she shot back, her voice shaking but fierce. โAnd youโll regret mocking Luna Becca. Sheโs also your Luna now. She deserves your respect.โThe guards burst into cruel laughter.โR
The late afternoon sun bathed the grand estate of the Blackwood Pack in warm gold, though inside Beccaโs 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 couldnโt wake from โ Mira being dragged away, accusations flying, Luna Seraphinaโs smug defiance, and Eugeneโs 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 Seraphinaโs 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 Seraphinaโs devilish smile still lingered in Beccaโs 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.โBecca, are you sure about this?โ Maxโs voice broke the silence, low and filled with concern.Beccaโs 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.โI donโt see another way,โ she said quietly, her voice firm with conviction. โIf giving up my title means helping Mira, then thatโs what Iโll do.โMax let out a low breath, his eyes searching hers for any sign of doubt. โBut you are the Luna, Becca. Youโre our
The heavy oak doors of Desmondโs 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 โ a smile that only grew wider at the sight of Desmondโs preoccupied expression.Desmond didnโt look up at first, but he noticed the shift in atmosphere. The air practically vibrated with Seraphinaโs 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.โBecca,โ he said, his voice low, but carrying a warning edge. โThis better be good.โBecca didnโt flinch. She stopped in front of him, her hands clenched at her sides.She drew a deep breath, then spoke.โIโve found a way to save Mira,โ she began.
Servants walked past Becca with lowered gazes, and warriors pretended to patrol, all while whispering about what had just happened โ 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 womanโs dignity in front of witnesses. It was a sweet, intoxicating victory.And what surprised Becca even more โ though she tried to push the thought away โ 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
Luna Seraphina, Alpha Desmond, and Jack moved through the crowd with a shared sense of triumph, their faces adorned with smiles.Desmond's broad shoulders held the weight of authority. His walk was confident, almost predatory, as if he had just claimed something precious. Luna Seraphina walked beside him, her regal aura matching her composure.Jack, on the other hand, felt the creeping tendrils of guilt wrap around him. His face was expressionless, a mask he had perfected, but inside, his heart churned. Jack swallowed, wishing desperately to be anywhere but here.Luna Seraphina leaned toward Desmond, her voice barely audible above the soft hum of the crowd. โDo you think heโll come tonight?โ she asked, her tone dripping with amusement.Desmondโs smile widened, a cruel edge to it. โEugene?โ he asked, his voice mocking. โHeโs too scared to show his face, Seraphina. He knows whatโs coming. By the time the full moon reaches its peak, he wonโt be able to control himself. Heโll be a mo
The ballroom was alive with music, the sounds of violins and piano strings mingling with the soft chatter of the guests below. Becca stood at the top of the staircase, hands trembling slightly as she smoothed the fabric of her gown. It was beautifulโtoo beautiful for someone like her, she thought.Her face was composed, yet inside, her heart hammered like a war drum. She hated this feeling, the overwhelming sensation that everyone was judging her. Her eyes moved to Mira, who was adjusting her own gown.โYou look amazing,โ Becca said quietly, a nervous smile on her lips as she attempted to ease the tension in her own chest. โI still canโt believe this is happening.โMira turned to her, a bright but nervous smile on her face. โYou too, Becca. You look like you belong here. Donโt worry, weโve got this. Together.โBecca squeezed Miraโs hand as they walked toward the top of the staircase. She could feel Miraโs palm sweating in hers, the anxiety almost palpable in the air between them
The late afternoon sun spilled golden light across the floor of Beccaโs room, painting soft patterns through the white curtains that danced in the gentle breeze. A quiet energy filled the room as Mira fastened the final pin into her hair, looking at her reflection in the mirror with a soft smile. She looked beautiful in her moon-silver gown, a color that shimmered when she moved, adding to the glow in her skin. The faint sounds of violins being tuned floated in from the distant ballroom, carried up the stairs by open windows and echoing laughter.Becca stood by the wardrobe, carefully slipping into a deep emerald dress with gold designs at the sleeves and neckline. Her fingers worked quickly, but her eyes held a trace of apprehension. The dress clung to her form with just the right amount of grace, and her long hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, the last bits still damp from her earlier bath.โYouโre awfully quiet,โ Mira said, turning and giving her friend a look. โNot h
Luna Seraphina, Alpha Desmond, and Jack hurried down the long, dimly lit hallways. Their footsteps echoed sharply off the floors as they approached Eugeneโs study. Desmond and Seraphina led the way, their eyes flickering with determination, while Jack followed reluctantly behind.โJack,โ Seraphinaโs voice cut through the silence, her tone laced with irritation, โyou really think itโs acceptable to waste time like this? Weโre on a tight schedule, and you didnโt even check the study for the elixir after you were supposed to.โJack glanced at her, his eyes narrowing, but he kept his voice calm and polite. โI understand your frustration, Luna Seraphina, but Iโve been handling preparations for the Moon Festival. You know how important it is. Itโs a lot of work.โDesmond, walking beside Seraphina, grunted dismissively. โThe festival? You think that matters right now, Jack? Eugeneโs elixir is more important. You shouldโve checked the study first, not gotten distracted with petty celebrat
Miraโs eyes sparkled with admiration as she looked at Becca and Eugene dancing together, their bodies intertwined like they were one.โThey look... perfect together,โ Mira whispered, almost to herself.Max turned his head to look at her. The way her lips curled in a small, genuine smile made something warm and aching move inside his chest.For a moment, Maxโs fingers twitched at his sides. He wanted to reach out, to tell her somethingโanythingโjust to hear her voice.He opened his mouth, about to speak, whenโA sharp, loud laugh shattered the moment.They all turned in unison, their heads snapping toward the grand staircase.At the top, like a queen descending to oversee her court, stood Luna Seraphina. Trailing behind her were Desmond and Jack, both in dark ceremonial attire, their faces fixed into perfect, impassive masks. Except Jackโhis eyes flickered briefly when they landed on Mira, but his expression quickly smoothed over.โOh, what a precious sight,โ she said mockingly. โA
The grand ballroom had never felt so vast, so daunting.Becca tightened her hands nervously around the fabric of her dress as she and Mira stepped through the towering double doors.Beside her, Mira fidgeted, smoothing her skirt unnecessarily."I don't like this," Mira muttered under her breath. "This wholeโฆ rehearsal stuff."Becca nodded, equally uneasy. But they had been toldโno, summonedโto come for a "special preparation" for the upcoming Moon Festival. And no one said no to Alpha Eugene.Across the ballroom, standing near the orchestra setup, were two familiar figures:Alpha Eugene, handsome and commanding in a fitted black shirt that hugged his broad shoulders; and Max, stoic as ever, standing slightly behind him.Mira's steps faltered when she saw Max, but she pressed her lips together and kept walking.Becca noticed the tension between them. They didn't speak, didn't look directly at each other โ but the awareness between them was almost palpable.Becca swallowed hard and pu
The corridor was deathly silent, broken only by the occasional sound of the wooden beams overhead as the mansion settled into the cool embrace of evening. Jackโs heart thudded violently against his ribs, his palms clammy as he hovered in front of Alpha Eugeneโs door.He knew what he was about to do was wrong.Grievously wrong.But desperate situations demanded desperate actions.Steeling himself, Jack exhaled slowly through his nose and pushed the door open, slipping inside as silently as smoke.The Alphaโs room was a testament to restrained luxury. Dark mahogany furniture, a towering bookshelf against one wall, heavy curtains that dimmed the twilight into an amber glow, and a four-poster bed with silken sheets tucked meticulously. A faint scent of sandalwood and pine โ Eugeneโs natural scent โ hung heavily in the air, prickling Jackโs senses."Stay calm, stay focused," he whispered to himself.He moved carefully, almost on tiptoe, toward the ornate chest by the bedside.If his sus
Becca strolled slowly down the paths, her hands folded behind her back, watching as Mira and a few other maids bustled about, hanging colorful ribbons and glowing paper lanterns from the arching trees.The Moon Festival was approaching quickly, and excitement buzzed in the air like a living thing.Mira caught sight of her and waved. Her face was flushed from work, loose strands of her dark hair clinging to her cheeks."Becca!" Mira called out brightly. "Come see! Weโre almost finished with this side!"Becca smiled and made her way over. She stopped next to Mira, tilting her head back to admire the swaying lanterns."They look beautiful," Becca said sincerely.Mira wiped her hands on her apron and grinned. "Wait until you see them all lit up at night. Itโll be like walking through the stars themselves."Becca laughed softly, the image taking root easily in her mind.They stood in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the others work."Are you excited?" Mira asked suddenly, glanc
The heavy silence inside Desmondโs study was broken only by the soft crackle of the fireplace. Jack stood stiffly near the door, feeling like the walls themselves were closing in around him. Across the room, Luna Seraphina rose slowly from her chair, her slender figure stiff with disdain. Her sharp eyes locked onto Jack with a look of such deep disgust that it felt like a slap to his face."Is it truly so difficult, Jack," Seraphina hissed, her voice cold as ice, "to follow a simple order?"Jack lowered his gaze, biting down the instinct to respond too harshly. He knew better. Here, every word could be twisted into a weapon."If I could, I would do it myself," she said, beginning to pace slowly across the room. "But unfortunately," her mouth twisted into a sneer, "Mira, Eugene, and their little pet Becca trust me far too much. It would be suspicious."She stopped right in front of him, so close he could smell her sharp, floral perfume, and lifted her hand as if to touch his face