Ella's POVWarm spring sunshine streamed through the expansive windows of the great hall, bathing the lively scene in a golden glow. Long trestle tables practically groaned beneath the weight of sumptuous foods and libations laid out in overflowing bounty for our anniversary feast. The scents alone were intoxicating - roasted game, sweet cakes and fruity wines mingling with music, flowers and perfumes. Silver Fang spared no expense honoring traditions.I paused in an alcove to simply take in the joyful sight, heart full to bursting with profound gratitude. Even after everything, we had survived against the odds to gather once more in celebration of binding and new beginnings. Some sacred pact yet held between us, stewarding this family throughFire and shadow. We were still blessed beyond deserving.Gazing out over the sea of faces illuminated by smiles and flickering candles, I glimpsed so many who had walked beside me into the crucible and emerged together marching toward the light
Ella's POV In the following moons, life carried on its familiar rhythms - hunts and harvests, births and naming days, petty dramas and festivals to punctuate the seasons' steady turn. Slowly Silver Fang territory healed, scars fading along with grief's bitter sting as gentle time worked her graceful magic. The trials had changed us, deepened insight and empathy for those yet struggling to overcome trauma's lingering shadow. But we found new confidence with each difficult page turned, wounds closing stronger for the necessary lancing. My mates stood as pillars supporting our people through aftershocks. But the desperate edge to their bond softened, jealousy and mistrust slowly leached away by shared purpose. Together they planned, strategized, gave counsel and judgement with the effortless synchronicity of two bodies sharing one spirit. None could deny they were Alphas in truth. The curse withered in such unity's light.Watching Aiden and Jayden walk the same measured path cheered
Ella's POV Tears welled up in my eyes as I cowered before Luna Scarlett, the cruel and sadistic wife of Alpha River. My heart pounded in my chest, fear pulsating through every fibre of my being. I fought to hold back the sobs that threatened to escape my lips. I couldn't let them see my weakness."You worthless Omega!" Luna Scarlett's voice sliced through the air, filled with venomous rage. "How dare you keep me waiting? Do you think your pitiful duties to that sickly Freye are more important than attending to me?"Trembling uncontrollably, my weak and fragile body aching from the countless beatings, I mustered the courage to meet Luna Scarlett's icy gaze. "I-I'm sorry, Luna, it won't happen again," I managed to stutter, my voice barely audible. "Freye was in dire need of my help at that time. She... she is very ill and based on her condition..she might die if I left her alone." I explained stuttering.A cruel smile curved Luna Scarlett's lips, her eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure
Ella's POVI dragged my sore legs and left the room with my clothes soaked with blood and my body was dripping with blood, my head was pounding, but I chose to stay strong. I walked back to our room, the pain from my wounds still throbbing through every fibre of my being. Luna Scarlett's cruelty and Alpha River's chilling presence lingered in my mind, fueling my determination to escape their clutches. I knew that staying in this pack would only lead to more suffering.As I entered the room Amelia was waiting for me in the dimly lit room. Her aged face was filled with a mixture of worry and concern as she took in my battered state. "Oh my! Ella, my dear, come here let me see that." She grabbed me and sat me by the bed, bringing all the necessary things she needed to treat me. She stopped for a while looking at me for a while with a concern yet determined look on her face. "We're doing it today!" She whispered, making me look at her surprised, is she serious?."What today? I mean why
Ella's POVI ventured deeper into the unfamiliar forest for hours, every step became a struggle. The pain in my ankle intensified with each hobbling movement, a constant reminder of my wounded state. The darkness surrounded me, and the night air carried a chill that seeped into my bones, causing me to shiver uncontrollably.Alone, I desperately sought any signs of familiarity, any landmarks that could guide me to where Amelia explained. But I only became confused, foreign terrain offered no solace, no familiar landmarks to anchor my hope. I was a wanderer in a vast wilderness, with no sense of direction or purpose.My mind raced with worry, as I felt some sound and conversation of the Alpha River's warriors, they must be on my trail, and I began to fear. Their menacing presence loomed behind me, driving me to push beyond the limits of my physical endurance. But with each agonising step, my ankle protested, sending waves of pain shooting through my body.I shivered in pain and decided
Aiden's POV As I sprinted through the dense forest, my wolf, Black, taking the lead, a surge of anticipation coursed through my veins. The mate bond guided my every step, drawing me closer to the one who would complete me.Black's instincts honed in on her presence, the faint scent of her unique smell of lavender and chamomile mingling with the forest air filled every bit of me, leaving Black Restless as ever. And then, I saw her while long hair shimmered in the moonlight and her fragile body about to fall on the ground, her delicate form shrouded in pain and vulnerability. My heart clenched, a mixture of protectiveness and relief flooding my being.Within the blink of an eye, black was beside her grabbing her in his arms, she blinked twice, her beautiful electric green eyes met mine before she closed them. I took over my wolf, kneeling and kept her gently on the ground and examined her.I plucked a few leaves from nearby plants, crushed them and applied it on Ella's feet as a scorpi
Ella POV It's been days after my escape and finding my mate, who knew life would take a drastic turn, from the constant pain I get to never-ending love from my mate and childhood friend. It is one of the best times to travel out of the pack. We switch to our wolf and run in the woods for some time and find a place to sleep for sometime. I went bathing in the refreshing cold water in the nearby waterfall, and returned to where we camp for the night, my damp long hair cascading in loose waves down my shoulders. I can feel Aiden's mesmerising eyes fixed on me, pausing his task of grilling the deer he caught for our breakfast, he smiles warmly at me, making my heart flutter."Feeling refreshed, my love?" Aiden's voice was laced with affection as he took in my glistening body in the sun as I wore my clothes.I nodded, the cool droplets of water still clinging to my skin. "The waterfall is truly magical. It cleansed both my body and soul."He reached out to me, his touch gentle yet elect
Chapter Six – HomeElla's POVAs we approached the familiar borders of our pack, a mix of excitement and trepidation coursed through my veins. I clung tightly to Aiden's arm, seeking comfort in his presence as we prepared to face the pack that had been our home, and yet, a distant memory for so many years.The scent of pine and earth filled the air, enveloping us in a warm embrace as we stepped foot onto familiar grounds. It's been thirteen good years. I've always dreamt about walking through these gates, and here I am. The sight of familiar faces and bustling activity brought a smile to my lips, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.We shifted from our wolves upon entering the Alpha's mansion, and we were welcomed by familiar faces, though older than the one I once knew and were taken to him.Alpha Brian, Aiden and Jayden's father, stood tall and regal, his eyes filled with pride and joy as he caught sight of us. The strong and tall man I knew back then had some lines