Asher I knew she was there. Why wouldn't I? Her stare burned towards me. Rather than a deep flame, it felt scorching. Not the accusatory eyes Ambrose silently gave after I had revealed to him Serena's arrival. This felt more painful than anything, weighing deeper on me than any other stare.It only made me burrow in deeper, burying myself in blonde hair and a too different scent. I held Serena tighter.The pack's eyes were all on us and this was the most evident claim I could have given.Soon I felt the pain through the mate bond, and her faint footsteps amongst the crowd sang clearly to me.Within me my wolf rebelled, it wanted to draw away from the too- thin frame and go after her, hold her close. The thought made me pull Serena even closer.‘No.’ I told myself as I had done for the past several days. I reigned him into silence, suppressing my instincts despite the difficulty it caused. It was never really over, but after laying the constant barrier, I could have pretended like it

AmbroseEven after her footsteps echoed, drowned by the noises of the crowd, I remained standing there right where she left me. The shadow of her scent and presence remained in front of me like a ghost.“Why didn't you warn any of us if you knew?" She had asked.How could I have warned anyone, when I wasn't aware until the last moment?Although one thing could have been argued. I did know that there was something wrong, that cracks that came out if nowhere began. I was even more sure of it during my encounter with Asher in the office days ago.FlashbackI stepped into Asher's office.“Ambrose." He addressed me not as a question.At his cue, I began talking about pack matters, keeping him noted in every affair he wasn't aware of.“Alpha Blackwell, aside from that there have been no new updates.” I finished.He nodded silently in turn. Usually his schedule had been more lighthearted, one minded whilst at work, yet when it was evening he bolted out faster than lightning. Although I neve

AriezelI gasped as I let myself slump to the ground.My attempts to take in deep breaths were betrayed by the ache in my lungs and the will for more air, keeping my breathing fast.The exhaustion leaked through my bones, seeping into every part of me. My legs ached dully from all the steps I had taken. My head hurt from all the strains and my arms hurt from everything I had to do with them. Yet nothing felt any heavier than my eyelids.I looked up into the darkness, only illuminated by a dim candlelight and wished for nothing but the darkness. My body seemed to grow heavier.Maybe I could take a short rest. Just for a while…‘No.’In an instant I opened my eyes, all heavy feeling slipping away. Despite the strain on my body I slowly sat up, raising my body slowly. I winced as my tender feet pressed against the cold ground, but it didn't matter.I was still standing.Slowly I took the washcloth I had left before, and continued on with my work. The task that Serena had given me.After

AriezelMy eyes cracked open against the darkness, shivering against the cold I was exposed to.The room, though small, had such a cold temperature that it was difficult to bear at night. Serena had taken away all sources of warmth leaving me to improvise.I had found a way to make do with a thin fabric to keep me warm at night. Whilst it wasn't enough to keep away the naturally cold breeze, the little warmth it offered was better than nothing.Now, I realized lethargically the cloth was gone.Shutting my eyes, I tried searching for it with my body, yet there was no feeling of fabric, as though it had completely disappeared.I knew something was wrong.I opened my eyes again, adjusting to the darkness of my room.They were figures in my room. The figures I initially believed were two grew into more.I looked around. What in the goddess's name was going on?Before I could speak, a large hand gripped one of my ankles as I looked down. I was suddenly dragged across the bed until I read

Chapter 60: Asher I took a step forward . She was asking for the truth? I would give it to her.I noticed her shuffle at my change and energy. I had expected it, and yet the troublesome instincts still reared through, disrupting me. I tamped it down, quickly, suppressing it before I spoke.“My parents died in the winter.” I said.She stopped short and I saw the confusion arse on her face. She would understand, once I continued“It was a cold morning, the day that they played with me. My father had a snowball fight with me whilst my mother brought in food before teaching me how to build with the snow.The memory stood bittersweet at the forefront of my mind. I remembered how cold the snow fell on my hands, and how much warmer the hot cocoa they had prepared for me felt in contrast. I remember how they played heartily with me then to celebrate in time for the Fete, only to be called out by that damned beta. I remembered how I greeted them goodbye that day, being kept company by the