Tous les chapitres de : Chapitre 31 - Chapitre 40

Zara’s P.O.VThe journey back to the fortress felt different. Not because the road had changed, but because I had. The mark beneath my collarbone pulsed faintly, hidden beneath the fabric of my cloak. Though invisible to others, its warmth lingered like a quiet flame against my skin, reminding me of what I had become. Or perhaps, what I had always been destined to be.Beside me, Ryker rode in silence, his presence steady and reassuring. Our hands brushed occasionally as our horses moved side by side, and each touch sent a ripple through the mate bond.It was no longer subtle. It was alive.I could feel his awareness, his strength, his vigilance, and the quiet storm of emotion he tried so hard to conceal.“You’re thinking again,” he said softly.I smiled faintly. “You make it sound like a crime.”“Only when you do it alone,” he replied. “Do you ever doubt it? The prophecy, I mean.” I asked, sparing him a glance.Ryker’s golden eyes met mine “No.”“Not even a little?”“I doubt fate. I

Zara’s P.O.V The fortress woke before the sun. Steel clashed in the training yard as warriors honed their blades, the rhythm of combat echoing against ancient stone. The scent of sweat and iron hung in the air, sharp and unrelenting. I stood at the center of it all. Barefoot. Unarmed. Unyielding. My cloak lay discarded on the sidelines, replaced by a fitted training tunic. Bruises blossomed along my arms, silent proof of the trials I had already endured. And the ones yet to come. “Again,” Caden commanded. I exhaled slowly, tightening my fists. “Again.” The Beta lunged without hesitation. I pivoted, narrowly avoiding his strike before sweeping my leg toward his ankles. Caden jumped back, his lips curving in approval. “Better,” he said. “But you’re still hesitating.” “I’m thinking,” I replied between breaths. “In a real battle, thinking gets you killed,” he countered. “Instinct saves you.” “Then I’ll trust my instincts.” I said, with hardened expression. Caden attac

Zara’s P.O.VThe night of the Rite arrived cloaked in silver. Moonlight spilled across the fortress courtyard, illuminating the sacred arena carved into the heart of the Bloodmoon stronghold. Ancient runes shimmered faintly beneath the full moon, their glow pulsing with quiet, divine power.This was where destinies were forged, or destroyed.I stood at the edge of the Moonlit Gauntlet, my cloak stirring in the cool night air. My heart pounded—not with fear, but with anticipation.Tonight would decide my fate.I reached for the pendant at my throat, steadying myself.“Are you ready?” came Ryker’s voice, deep and reassuring, drifting through the stillness.I turned to face him. He stood behind me in ceremonial black, his presence both commanding and comforting. The silver embroidery along his armor gleamed beneath the moonlight, marking him unmistakably as Alpha.“As ready as I’ll ever be,” I replied softly.“You don’t have to do this.” He said, his golden eyes searching through mine.“

Zara’s P.O.VDawn broke over the Bloodmoon Fortress in shades of ash and gold. Smoke curled lazily into the morning sky, rising from scorched stone and shattered battlements. The courtyard, once radiant with celebration, now bore the scars of battle. Broken arrows littered the ground, mingling with blood that had yet to be washed away.Victory had come at a cost.I stood at the balcony overlooking the ruins, the wind tugging gently at my dark hair. My fingers brushed the bandaged wound at my side, tracing the faint sting beneath the linen.The cursed dagger had not killed me. But it had changed me.The scar beneath the dressing pulsed faintly, as if whispering secrets I had yet to understand.“You should be resting.” came Ryker’s voice, low and warm behind me.“Rest feels undeserved when others cannot,” I replied softly, without making an attempt to turn.He stepped beside me, his presence solid and grounding. “You saved lives last night. You have nothing to atone for.”I exhaled slo

Zara P.O.V War does not always begin with a blade. Sometimes, it begins with a whisper. And tonight, I intend to listen. The fortress sleeps or at least pretends to. Torches flicker along the stone corridors, their golden glow stretching at least pretends to. Torches flicker along the stone corridors, their golden glow stretching shadows into long, trembling specters. The silence is deceptive, heavy with secrets and anticipation.Somewhere within these walls, a traitor breathes unceasingly. And by dawn, I will know their name.The silver crescent at my collarbone hums faintly, its warmth grounding me as I glide through the corridor. My steps are silent, my breath steady. The cursed scar at my side pulses in response to the night air, serving as a constant reminder that the Covenant has already marked me once. Which they won’t do again.I pause near the council chamber, pressing myself into the shadows. Beneath the door, candlelight flickers. Voices murmur within; low, cautious, and d