Ella's POVI drifted in the void between dreaming and waking, seeking connection along the fragile thread that tied my soul to Aiden's. Our mindlink had been quiescent since our last intimate conversation, his energies focused on the journey home. Or so I guess.But though his spirit was beyond my reach, images still flickered at the edge of my consciousness. Brief glimpses of unfamiliar forests, a cavern lit by firelight...flashing faces wreathed in shadow. Were these Aiden's dreams I was tapping into? Or had the twisting curse infiltrated even our bond, showing me phantoms meant to mislead?I clung desperately to the flashes of sight and sound, straining to decipher meaning in the disjointed mosaic. But just as quickly, they faded, smoke through my grasping fingers. With a gasp, I jolted fully awake, heart racing. The images had vanished like mist under the harsh sun. "What was that again?" I mumbled as I rubbed my temples, struggling to hold on to any sliver, any clue that migh

Ella's POVI entered Jayden 's office to help with the plans.I refused to crumple. My pack needed me stronger now more than ever."Jay." I smiled at him weakly."El, you don't have to push yourself." Jayden looked up from the maps he was studying as I entered. His smile of greeting slipped into concern at my wan appearance. "You need rest, El, look at you."he breathed. "You looked so pale." he chided gently. "Pushing yourself to collapse will help no one." He added.I tried to wave off his worry, but swayed on my feet. "Dear Goddess? What's happening?" I murmured.Jayden caught my arm, steadying me as I grabbed my belly bump."When did you last eat or sleep?" he asked with a knowing look. My silence answered for me. Looking anywhere but him.The last time I ate. Was it yesterday in the morning? Even when I sit down to eat I have no appetite."For The Goddess sake El." Jayden exclaimed as he shook his head, guiding me firmly to sit. "You should take care of yourself more, dir the

Aiden's POV I stalked through the forest, jaw clenched and shoulders rigid with self-loathing.Whenever I remember her voicey heart breaks even more."I'm such a fool." I mumbled.Ever since Ella had reached me through our mind link, and knowing she now saw all my treachery bare, shame and fury warred within me."Indeed I had been a fool. No, I'm worse than a fool - a pathetically gullible traitor, hung from the strings of his own ambition and pride." I punched my knuckles on the nearby tree.Ella's memories replayed in a relentless cascade, flaying me raw. Her horrified account of seeing my clandestine meeting with Alpha River, pledging their people's downfall in exchange for sole claim over her. I was selfish.The vile visions revealing Alpha River's true plans to betray and slaughter me once he was satisfied was karma on my part."Betrayed the Betrayer!" I let out a bitter laugh.I let out an angry howl trying to find some peace. But only pain and anguish tore from my throat, se

Ella's POV I paced the training ground restlessly, squinting against the setting sun.Another day gone without sign of attack from the Blood Moons. The waiting grated on everyone's nerves, keeping the pack jumping at shadows. But I welcomed the delay. It gave me more time to marshal our defenses and shore up vulnerabilities. If war was coming, we would be ready.A familiar flutter along the bond with Aiden sent strength flowing through me.He was drawing nearer every day, his unwavering support bolstering my resolve. "Hurry up Aide, we need you." I mumbled to myself.Together we would protect our people, no matter the blood spilled trying to tear us apart.Lea stirred anxiously within as I made another circuit of the walls. Patience, sister. The goddess will reveal her plan in due time. I sent the she-wolf a reassuring caress. Lea spoke truth - this stagnation tested me, but fate's course would unfold as intended. For now, we need only remain watchful.Dusk had nearly faded to nig

EllaAfter her visit to Kris, I really thought she would come around. That she would accept fault and turn back to our side. But no. She was as hard and unbreakable as a rock. Saying I should just wait for my downfall. It hurt to hear her talk like that. I mean, just weeks ago we were best friends. Sis, I would've called her. We did each other's hair, shared secrets, and cried on each other's shoulders. And now we're worse than enemies. It's like she wants me dead."I don't get it," I said aloud to my inner wolf, Lea. "How could Kris turn on me so fast? Was our friendship all just an act to her?"Lea's warm presence brushed against my mind. "Oh Ella, do not torment yourself so," she said gently. "Something has poisoned Kristy's spirit. This is not truly her."I shook my head, fighting back frustrated tears as I walked quickly through the stone corridors. "No, Lea. You didn't see the look in her eyes. That coldness, that hate...this is who Kristy really is." My hands clenched into