Chapter 41

I stumbled down the hall, my mind spinning as shock crashed over me in waves. My breaths came out in shallow gasps, the air feeling too thick, and my lungs too tight. My heart thundered against my chest, my throat aching as if a scream was lodged into it or sobs. “Zeus…” I called, but no sound came. I didn't know what was happening, too lost in the whirlwind of emotions tearing through me. Could it be true? Could he really…?My vision obscured around the edges, my legs trembling. Just when I thought I was losing control, Zeus appeared at the end of the hall, his urgent gaze fixing on me as he swiftly moved, closing the distance between us. “Anastasia.” “Z-Zeus,” I finally managed to voice. Pushing myself forward, I stumbled into his arms, and he caught me with ease. “Anastasia, what is it?” “Zeus,” I whispered, clinging to his shirt as if it was the only thing keeping me together. “Zeus, he—” I choked out, my breath hitching. “M-my father… my father's alive.” The thick worry o

Chapter 42

“Beta Mason,” I called out, striding into the pack office building urgently. “Where is he?” “Luna!” Caught off-guard, he dismissed the other employee hastily and faced me, trying to conceal his unease with a polite smile. “Who are you talking about?” “You know exactly who. Zeus. Where has he gone?”He opened his mouth, clearly about to spew some half-truths in order to placate me. “Don't dare lie to me,” I warned him before he could.His mouth snapped shut, tension radiating through every inch of his tall frame. Then he straightened, getting all serious. “Luna, I can't tell you.”“You have to. You don't understand—”“It's the Alpha's order. I can't go against him.”I took a deep, trembling breath, trying to keep the immense desperation wanting out in check. “I need to know. The man he's facing… he is a trickster. He can go to any length to win. Please, tell me.”“The match will be held officially with council wardens and guards monitoring everything. He can't pull anything funny. B

Chapter 43

A soft, melodious hum faintly drifted through the air when I blinked my eyes open, almost lulling me back to sleep. But the unfamiliarity of the high, vaulted ceiling reflected by a light glimmer of sunlight streaming in through the large, arched windows, brought me out of the trance. Outside, a vast forest stood tall, the trees dark and ancient. To my left, a sleek, holographic monitor floated mid-air, displaying my vitals in glowing texts. I frowned, jerking upright so fast, my head swam. “You're awake.” The sudden male voice jolted me, my gaze darting around the room. A figure moved in the corner, his back to me. Long, golden hair cascaded over his shoulders, brushing the collar of his deep emerald scrubs. Even though he was right in front of me, it was as if he didn't exist—no energy, no presence, nothing to sense him in the air. “Who are you?” My voice wavered as the danger radar inside me kicked in, my eyes flicking to the pale gray walls as if they were about to attack. “W

Chapter 44

Did Mrs. Valerious's hatred for me truly outweigh her love for her own son? Had she become so blind? Gerald had undoubtedly tried killing Zeus, yet she helped him escape. Why? How could she?The questions kept spiraling in my mind without interval. I just couldn't wrap my head around them, no matter how hard I tried. Zeus sat beside me, calm and collected as he silently sipped on coffee, but there was no mistaking the cold, icy undercurrent of rage simmering right beneath the surface of his skin. He hadn't said much, but he had been firmly holding my hand since our plane ride started an hour ago. It was as though I was the only thing keeping him anchored, preventing the storm of emotions smoldering inside him from erupting. It pained me to see him this way. As far I knew Mrs. Valerious had always played favorites between her children, and after her daughter died, she had indirectly blamed Zeus even though it was never his fault. I had seen him yearn for his mother's love on so many

Chapter 45

“I’ll kill myself!” Before her words could sink in, she turned her powers on herself, both hands pressing against her chest, right over her heart, her face twisting in agony. “Edlynne! What are you doing?” Mr. Valerious rushed toward her. “Stay back, Tyrion,” she choked out, staggering away.Pure shock froze Zeus for that brief moment. But then he moved. In the next blink of an eye, he was right before her, trying to rip her hands away.“Stop!” she resisted. “Let me. Let me end myself!”It only made Zeus furious. He forcefully pulled her hands away and pinned them above her head. “Enough!” Zeus roared, snapping her out of the madness.She sagged in his hold, her body trembling with defeated sobs. “I don't deserve to be your mother. I can't—I can't live with myself after everything I put you through,” she choked out, her voice thick with remorse.It was no act but real, raw remorse.Zeus stayed silent, his firm hold around her keeping her from crumbling. Her sobs echoed through th

Chapter 46

A swirling vortex of green energy cracked open the air before us as the witch lifted her hands, her eyes glowing the same eerie green. The portal stretched, shifting like liquid smoke, showing no hint of what lay on the other side. My heart pounded faster in my chest as several thoughts crossed through my mind. Finally I was going to see my father. Would Gerald be there too? What had he planned? Zeus's hand slid into mine and gently squeezed, making me take a deep breath. He wanted to gather his men and take the next flight there, but I couldn't risk losing another second. So, when Mrs. Valerious offered to help, I jumped at the opportunity. Since she couldn't teleport many people at a time, it was just the three of us. We stepped on the edge of the portal, and I felt its pull like an invisible force trying to suck me in. A shiver ran down my spine, and an unsettling mix of anticipation and unease twisted in my gut. Zeus's fingers tightened around mine. “Stay close to me.” I nodd