Sebastian’s POV As morning stretched into midday, the courtyard filled with the sounds of training: the thunk of spear into shield, the twang of bowstring, the grunts of men as they sparred. It was a symphony of preparation, an orchestra tuned to bring down an enemy.I found a quiet spot atop a raised platform in the center of the field, a dais carved from black stone. Here, I could watch everything, my army’s heart beating as one. I gestured for a young lieutenant to join me. He offered a salute and climbed the steps, sword at his side.“Report,” I said, voice carrying over the courtyard.He bowed deeply. “My lord, the southern cavalry unit is ready. Eighty riders, all armored in leather and steel. They await your commands just beyond the paddock.”“Good,” I said, noting the troop by scanning the yard. A dozen horses stood in formation, bridles lined in silver. “They will flank Crimson Moon’s rear and cut off any who try to flee.”He nodded. “Yes, my lord.”I turned my gaze back to
Sebastian’s POVBefore the first light of dawn, I walked the length of my barracks. The air was cool, and the torches I passed burned steadily, flickering against the rough stone walls. Each warrior slept on a simple cot, their heads resting on folded cloaks. On the tables by their beds were swords, daggers, and small pouches of healing salve. The scent of iron and sweat lingered in the room, remnants of yesterday’s training.I ran a hand along the hilt of my own sword, the memory of its sharp weight grounding me. "Soon," I thought, "Crimson Moon will kneel."I moved through the narrow aisle between cots until I reached the edge of the hall where my lieutenants stood guard. Each wore the dark cloak of my army: heavy fabric cut to hide their faces, leaving only their eyes visible. They nodded respectfully as I passed.“Ensure these men are ready,” I said in a low voice to Captain Mael. His jaw tightened, and he dipped his head. “As you command.”Captain Mael was the oldest of my captai
Liam’s POVI woke before dawn, as I always did, drawing on the quiet of the camp before anyone else stirred. The air was cool, mist clinging to the grass, and my breath puffed white in the lantern light. I rose from my cot and laced my boots, muscles humming with the memory of sleep’s warmth.I stepped outside into the training yard, empty except for the old wooden dummy I used to practice my strikes. My brothers were still asleep in the main hall, trusting the night watch to hold the line. I liked it that way, alone here, the world belonged only to me and my wolf.I drew my sword, its metal cool in my hand, and began my morning routine: strike, block, strike, block. Each movement precise, measured, the rhythm rail against chaos. As the sky lightened, I heard a soft rustle behind me. I whirled, blade raised, but there was nothing, only the wind dancing through the pines.I lowered my sword, heart hammering. I frowned. Funny, I would have sensed a stranger here. But this felt different
Leila’s POVI wake each morning to Sebastian’s soft voice beside me, murmuring assurances that I am safe, beloved, and forever his. The silk sheets slip from my shoulders as I sit up, heart still pounding from dreams I refuse to remember. Here in his private chambers, beneath heavy tapestries and flickering lanterns, I weave a careful performance, one that hides the fear and hope roiling inside me.I am his Mate now, I remind myself as I brush back my hair. I must be his perfect mate.Sebastian stands at the window, silhouetted against the pale dawn. His broad shoulders fill his dark coat, and his hair glints like night itself. He turns when he hears me move, a smile lighting his pale face.“Good morning, my wolf,” he says, voice low and tender.My stomach twists. My wolf, the phrase should soothe me, but it only reminds me of the true pack waiting beyond these walls. Of Liam’s protective arms, of Henry’s gentle wisdom, of Elijah’s soft eyes. I swallow, forcing a small smile as I step
Sebastian’s POV I stood on the balcony of my high tower, watching the last light of dusk fade over the shadowed treetops. Below me, the courtyards of my stronghold lay quiet, save for the occasional flicker of torchlight as my minions went about their nightly duties. A thin smile curved my lips. At this moment, everything was as it should be, Leila was mine, the bond with her matched only by the power thrumming through my veins, and soon the entire Crimson Moon pack would bow or break before me. I drew a long breath of the cool evening air, tasting the promise of victory. In my hands, I held a folded piece of parchment: the final plan for the attack. I let it rest on the stone balustrade and closed my eyes, recalling the night I first performed the binding ritual. The runes had flared green, a cry of magic so fierce it had rocked the foundations of the chamber. I remembered Leila’s face pale, terrified, and yet quivering with awe as she sank into my arms, her mind cleaved clean of h
Leila’s POVI woke to the soft glow of lanterns, the sharp tang of candle wax in the air, and the gentle murmur of water somewhere beyond the stone walls. My eyes fluttered open to find myself lying on silken sheets in a chamber I barely recognized, but knew, too, was Sebastian’s domain. The bed was vast, its carved headboard towering above me like a silent sentinel. Pillows of down cradled my head; heavy curtains of deep burgundy draped the windows, blocking any sign of dawn.I sat up slowly, heart fluttering between relief and confusion. My arm throbbed where Liam’s dagger blade had brushed me, not enough to kill, but enough to leave its sting. I remembered the soft horror in his eyes, the way he had cradled me in the tunnels. And I remembered then where I was... with Sebastian, not with them.“Good morning, Leila,” a soft voice said. I turned to see Sebastian standing across the room, hands tucked behind his back, cloak brushing the floor. Even in the dim lamplight, his face was sm