Chapter Seventy-Eight: Why Would You Do This? Kiara POV: I slowly stirred to consciousness, momentarily caught between the comforting tendrils of sleep and the harsh clarity of reality. For a brief, blissful second, I felt the soft embrace of my familiar bed beneath me. But as the haze of sleep lifted, a sense of unease crept over me. My eyes fluttered open, taking in the extravagant space around me. The ceiling was a vast expanse painted with meticulous golden frescoes that told stories of ancient legends and myths. Their sheer detail almost made them seem alive; the characters were depicted dancing in the light of the magnificent crystal chandelier that hung centrally, its glow bathing the room in a gentle luminance. The walls were clad in a rich cerulean velvet, adding depth and luxury. An opulent, four-poster bed, which I lay on, was draped with silken sheets and plush pillows, though they offered no comfort to my restless mind. Yet, despite all the luxury, a chill ran down m
Chapter Seventy-Nine: We Screwed Up! Kayden POV: The room was a whirlwind of chaos as Jayden, Tim, our Beta, and Chris, our Gamma, scoured over every shred of information. Maps were strewn across the table, various locations circled and crossed out. Screens filled with data flickered as we searched for any clue, any hint that might lead us to Kiara.I felt lost, adrift in a sea of uncertainty and fear. Our bond with Kiara was there, but distant. I could feel her, but I couldn't reach out to her. I couldn't hear her thoughts or soothe her fears. That emptiness was unbearable."Why would she disappear like this? And where's the Black Fang pack?" Tim's voice was laced with confusion and concern. "We've searched their territory and found nothing, not even a trace. It's as if they've vanished.""I don't understand any of this," Jayden added, his face pale with worry. "Kiara wouldn't just leave without telling us. Something's wrong. Something's happened to her."Chris was busy hacking int
Chapter Eighty: I Need To Get Out Of Here Kiara POV: The cold, unyielding room stretches out around me, the glamorous decor a stark contrast to the emptiness I feel inside. Chandeliers glint above, the light catching the jewels, but their sparkle only seems to mock my bleak situation. The rich drapes, lush carpets, and exquisite furniture all feel like a cruel joke, a trap set to lure me into a nightmare.A full day has passed since Aiden took me hostage, each minute dragging on, the silence of the room weighing heavily on my soul. Food and water appear every few hours, silently delivered by unseen hands. I pick at the meals, my appetite gone, the taste of betrayal lingering in my mouth.Betrayal. That word has been haunting me, taunting me with the reality of my situation. How could Aiden, someone I thought I knew, turn out to be like this? And Riley, my friend... How could she have done this to me? It's a wound that cuts deep, the pain of it lingering long after the shock has wor
Chapter Eighty-One: I Need To Get Out Of Here Part TwoKiara POV: I'm staring at the drab walls, lost in thought, when the door creaks open. I turn, expecting to see Aiden's smug face, but my blood freezes when I see Riley instead. The very sight of her fills me with a cocktail of emotions - anger, betrayal, confusion, disbelief."Riley?" I choke out, my voice barely above a whisper. "What... what are you doing here? How could you do this to me?"She looks away, unable to meet my eyes. "You wouldn't understand, Kiara. You have everything. Your mates love you; they'd do anything for you. You'll never know what it's like to be in my place."My mind reels, trying to process her words. Yes, my mates love me, and I would do anything for them, but what she's done is incomprehensible."I'd do anything for my mates," I say, my voice firm but tinged with confusion, "but not this. I'd never kidnap someone else's mate for them. How could you, Riley? How could you do this to me, to us?"Riley's
Chapter Eighty-Two: Can You Help MeKiara POV: The room's oppressive air weighs heavily on me, a tangible reminder of my captivity. The walls are bare, with no adornments, just like my life now — devoid of joy and freedom. I've been trying to formulate a plan to escape, playing out different scenarios in my mind, but every thought only spirals into despair.A creak of the door interrupts my restless contemplation, and Aiden strides in, holding a tray of breakfast. I study his face, trying to discern any hint of emotion, but his eyes are inscrutable, a mask hiding his thoughts."Good morning, Kiara, my sunshine," he says, his voice smooth, betraying nothing of his true intentions. "I hope you're hungry."I force a smile, determined to play my part. "Thank you, Aiden. But, you know," I begin, feigning a nonchalant tone, "I was thinking maybe we could eat downstairs. In the dining room?"He freezes, eyes narrowing. "Why?" A single word hangs heavily in the air, a challenge.I swallow
Chapter Eighty-Three: Can You Help Me Part TwoKiara POV: The long and winding corridors of the Lycan packhouse were filled with an eerie silence as Seraphina led me back to my room. Each step we took seemed to echo through the empty halls, a stark reminder of my isolation. The meek and subdued demeanour of the she-wolves I'd seen earlier weighed heavily on my mind.Seraphina, the she-wolf escorting me, was a picture of stoic obedience. Her eyes were downcast, her posture rigid. Despite my attempts to engage her in conversation, she remained resolutely silent."Seraphina, please," I finally pleaded, my voice tinged with frustration. "I need to know what's going on here. Why are the women treated this way? What's the history between Alpha Francis and my mother? How did the whole pack move into lycan terrorism despite the two species not fond of one another."She continued walking, her face devoid of emotion. It was like talking to a statue. Her refusal to answer only fueled my determi
Chapter Eighty-Four: Ceremony Part One Kiara POV: My heart was pounding as I sat on the edge of the bed, minutes stretching into eternity as I awaited the dreaded ceremony. Today had marked nine days since I had last seen my mates. Aiden had left to prepare, leaving me with my thoughts and the unyielding walls of the room that had become my prison. The scent of wolfsbane wafted from hidden corners, a poisonous deterrent for any wolf thinking of shifting. I took out the small, crudely carved wooden figure from under the mattress. It was a wolf, whittled by shaky hands in stolen moments—Seraphina had given it to me just this morning. "It's a guardian," she'd said, her voice almost a whisper, "to watch over you." I clenched it in my hand now, drawing strength from its form. Seraphina had begun to trust me, to believe in the sliver of hope we were both clinging to. In return, I'd promised her that I would find a way to escape, to bring help, and to expose Alpha Francis for the tyra
Chapter Eighty-Five: Ceremony Part TwoKiara POV: A new chapter begins in my life, but not one I've chosen. Aiden leads me through the sprawling backyard, his arm around my waist, gripping just a little too tightly. I can tell he's showing off, proud of the elaborate decorations and arrangements made for this evening's ceremony. Fairy lights are woven between the trees, casting an ethereal glow over the proceedings. Beautiful floral arrangements rest on white-clothed tables, and the altar ahead is adorned with an array of flowers and vines. To anyone else, it might look like a scene from a dream, but to me, it's nothing short of a nightmare."As you can see, everything is perfect, Kiara," Aiden says, squeezing my waist for emphasis."It's beautiful," I reply. Though the word leaves a bitter taste in my mouth, the harder he tries to impress me, the angrier I get. The beauty of the setting only fuels my resentment.I can't help but think of Kayden and Jayden. Goddess, how I miss them.