Flora – POV"No, wait. I don't think they're with Elton," I said, my voice catching slightly."Are you kidding me?" Nathan retorted, his voice stern and laced with disbelief. "She helped them escape from Elton! Belle is her daughter; she's following in her mother's footsteps." He grasped my hand firmly and started walking, urgency marking his features."No! Stop, Nathan, let me speak!" I protested, struggling to free myself from his grip. Before I knew it, Nathan collapsed on the ground. It was Shirley who had used magic."I'm sorry for putting your friend to sleep. Belle, help him into a chair; I don't want to alarm the attendant." Shirley's voice was steady, but her eyes were hard, and I gulped as she instructed me to take a seat. Belle effortlessly positioned Nathan in a seat, where he remained, appearing peacefully asleep."So, it was you texting me. I hope this isn't some kind of game," I said, my voice laced with uncertainty. Nathan was still sleeping, knocked out by Shirley's m

Elton -POV "Belle isn't answering my call," I said, the worry about Eden gnawing at me. Venica tried to calm me. "Maybe she's just resting," she suggested. But waiting wasn't my style. I needed action. "Teleport to her place and bring her here," I urged. Venica vanished, and I turned to Chief Fen. "Prepare for battle. We need to be ready." Anxiety surged through me, causing my fingers to thread through my hair. Changing our plan of attack from the Full Moon day was not what I'd anticipated. Venica returned, her expression grave. "Belle wasn't home, but she left this letter," she said, handing it to me, anger evident in her eyes. The note from Belle read, "I've found a way to break free from the Magic Contract with Venica. I can't support your methods any longer. You've gone too far in harming the Pack." Anger bubbled up, and I shouted, "Traitor!" The paper in my hand ignited, turning to ash. "We need to act now, Elton," Venica said determinedly. "I can help break the barrier." I

Flora – POV "Ryker, stop!" I pleaded, tears blurring my vision. Ryker and Bryan were locked in fierce combat, trading blow after powerful blow. My heart ached, torn in two. My wolf side didn't want to see either of them injured. Summoning a surge of power from deep within, I forcefully pushed them apart, ending their fight. "I'm so sorry," I whispered, first assessing Ryker's condition—he seemed unhurt. My gaze then shifted to Bryan, relieved to find he, too, appeared unscathed. " Bryan—" I began. He raised a hand, cutting me off. "After all, I am to your mate." Ryker's eyes narrowed, a storm of anger flashing within them. "She belongs to me," Ryker declared possessively, his hand on my waist pulling me close against him. "Didn't you reject her for being wolfless? Now you want her only because you sense her true wolf and her power," Ryker snapped. His words rang true. Bryan had once coldly turned me away, leaving me in a pit of agony and despair. "I stand by Ryker. I am only

Flora - POVThe pack members were hard at work, decorating their house, while the maid at the mansion was adorning the Manor. Ivan and I busied ourselves with the Christmas tree, and I could feel a warm happiness spread in my heart from the festive spirit all around.Once the decorations were in place, Ivan left for Chelsa Manor. She had requested his help with her Christmas tree. Meanwhile, I noticed Ryker, deep in thought, seated behind his desk."Ryker!" I called out. He glanced up and managed a smile."Something on your mind?" I inquired."Not much," he replied. But before I could question him further, Nathan entered the room."We've got troubling news," Nathan began. "Venica has revived Elton with the assistance of a demon monster. Our spy relayed this information, but we lost contact soon after. I fear he might be dead." Ryker's expression darkened, and I felt a knot of dread in my stomach upon hearing the news."Should we even continue with the Christmas Festival celebration in

Ryker – POVI gazed at Melina, who was engrossed in a conversation with Ivan. I watched her closely, particularly because Flora had stepped away to change out of her stained clothes. Every time Melina's eyes met mine, and she smiled, a pang of hurt coursed through me. Her face was a constant reminder of the betrayal and anguish I'd been through. In those moments, I wished Flora was by my side. Her presence always had a calming effect on me."Ryker, this is a Christmas gift for you," Melina said, extending a beautifully wrapped package towards me. I had half a mind to toss it away right there and then just to show her my disdain. But the watchful eyes of the Pack members around us kept me in check. I begrudgingly set the gift aside. Melina's eyes dimmed, clearly hurt by my unenthusiastic response.With a shaky voice, she implored, "Ryker, I'm truly sorry for the pain I caused you. Please understand that my feelings for you haven't changed. Even if you despise me now, my love for you re