HELIOS’ POV SOMETIME BEFORE HIS ‘DEATH’ “Alpha, we’re lost,” Ares reports as he cuts down the branches of trees and wild bushes that block our path. A frown fleets across my face and I stare down at the pendant that hangs off a golden chain around my neck. “We’re getting closer.” Ares comes to an abrupt stop in front of me and turns around, pouting. “I don’t think so.” I cock my head to look past him. “No, we’re not...ohh….” I stare ahead to see the broken branches ahead of us. Ares is right, we are going around in circles. My grip on the pendant becomes tighter and a look of pure disgust fills my face. “Then why is it shining so brightly? She has to be near.” The pendant pulsates a dull red, I can even feel it’s phantom hum. Once, as a child, before mother met her mate, I had asked to play with her pendant to which father said no. And when I started to cry, he had picked me up, sat me on his lap and began to tell me a story, “Son, this pendant that I gave your mother is very sp

HELIOS’ POV The sun burns bright on our journey home; a stark contrast to the torrent of rain from the night before. I let out a howl that echoes all around the forest as I tear through the woods and trees. I do not know whether it is out of frustration or discontent, but one thing I do know; it feels liberating to let everything out, as if I am letting go of the past and running towards my future. Ares’ wolf follows closely from behind. He asks through our mind link, “So…um..how are you feeling?” He is trying to cheer me up but I would rather he keep his mouth shut. Giving him a side glance, I shoot daggers out of my eyes and Ares quickly shrinks back a few paces. We continue running through the forest, wild and free, back to the way we had come from. We are going home. “Alpha, should we shift back? We’re almost at the border. It’ll be awkward if we shift right at the gates of the pack. Everyone will stare at our assets,” Ares begins again and I have to roll my eyes to which Are

HELIOS’ POV When I was young, my father taught me many things. But the one thing that I embody the most is this; Until you are home, leave no man behind. Father's teaching was simple and clear, it is the basic principle that I have engraved in both my heart and soul. In battle and on foreign soil, I, the Alpha of Morningstar am to take care of my pack. I am not to be concerned with my own welfare, but only on the welfare of my fellow warriors. “We are a pack that looks after its own in every way. Those who stand by you are your family and it is my hope that you, my son will never leave your men’s side when the time comes.” Those were the very words father told me the day before he died. I still remember them. It is easier said than done though. Especially with Ares. He is heavy. And he is drooling all over my chest. “We should just dump him here,” Apollo suggests. I grunt. “It's not funny.” “I'm serious, I've never met anyone who drools as much as he does,” my wolf points out.

HELIOS’ POV The land of Crimsonhill is filled with filth. The midnight stars labour through thick smoke and tortured screams can be heard from the holding pens even from a mile away.I kneel by the bushes not far from the entrance of Crimsonhill’s gate and raise a closed fist. My warriors, the chosen eight crouch silently behind me, all waiting for my order to attack. I have chosen eight of my best fighters; their stealth, speed and strength combine should be able to take out an entire army of Crimsonhill.Marty was never one to train his warriors, and neither is he one who looks out for the wellbeing of his pack. As I look out from underneath a hood that covers my face, I see bodies; dead bodies piled one on top of the other right outside his pack gate, all rotting and filling the night air with the stench of death. Some were torture victims, others were pack members who tried to rise up against Marty’s inhumane

LAUREL’s POV   There is pain. At first, it is everywhere, heavy and unbearable and I struggle to return to consciousness. But when I finally managed to open my eyes, I am greeted by a magnificent dark blue skyline outside the window. It was breaking dawn. This is Helios’ chamber. Odd, how did I end up here? I frown, trying to jog my memory but for some reason, everything feels muddled. I do not remember closing my eyes, neither do I know how I ended up in this room. My last conscious thought is of… Is of… I do not remember.  Why can I not remember? The chamber door opens and light pours into the room from the hallway out side. I blink at the sudden onslaught of brightness. “Laurel?” The silhouette standing at the doorway calls out and my breath hitches. Slowly, but surely, my eyes adjust to the brightness. My mouth opens to a soundless gasp for I am staring at someone impossible.