KristoffAfter Ari and Ulric left, the Ironwolf turned to me, his expression softened in a way I hadn't seen before. It unsettled me, so I turned to leave the council room. But he followed, calling after me with a tone I couldn't ignore."My son..."I quickened my pace, hoping to escape his reach, but he caught up, his words chasing after me."Forgive me for everything, my son."I ignored him, my anger simmering as I walked faster. But he persisted, grabbing my arms to halt my retreat."Kristoff! Wait..."Reluctantly, I stopped and turned to face him, my frustration bubbling to the surface."For what reason, Father?! Have you suddenly realized you have a son who needs you? It's too late for that now."I tried to break free from his grip, but he held firm, his voice pleading with sincerity."I'm sorry... It took me too long to understand. I'm sorry for interfering in your love for Ari."His words ignited a fiery rage within me. Without hesitation, I raised my fist, my anger overpowerin
KristoffFinding myself in such a dire situation was beyond anything I could have imagined. Though my feelings toward my father were complex, I never once entertained the thought of taking his life. Despite our differences, I loved and respected the Ironwolf, just as I did the rest of the Ironflame. Now, as I gazed upon his lifeless form, a profound sense of pain gripped my heart. If only I had accepted his apology before his untimely demise—that was my sole regret as I faced this trial of death."TRAITOR!" "MURDERER!" “HOW COULD YOU KILL YOUR OWN FATHER?”These accusations echoed through the crowd, I felt a wave of despair wash over me. This was once a place where cheers for my name resounded, but now it brimmed with rage and condemnation for a crime I did not commit."Kill him now!" the crowd clamored eagerly, their eyes filled with contempt and disgust.But amidst the cacophony of accusations, there were voices of reason and support."Jarl Kristoff could never do that, you fools!
KristoffAfter that escape, Ulric led me to a place not far from the capital. It was a land called Stelar, which used to be a hiding place of rogues in the past. When we arrived, I saw some of the warriors from Skagi. I recognized some of them who had accompanied us when we went to fetch a cure for Anika in the Canary District.They all nodded at us as we approached. Ulric turned to me, urging me to eat first. Then, he thanked each of his men. At that point, there was no denying that my brother inherited our father’s bravery and charisma. Ulric was one capable leader, no doubt. He was every bit of Ironwolf that wasn’t present in me. I also couldn’t help but remember how he had stepped up to protect Ari on multiple occasions. In his presence, I felt useless and insecure.I ate my soup unenthusiastically, lost in my thoughts. Then, I felt Ulric’s hand on my shoulder. He was also carrying a bowl of soup and ate beside me. I couldn’t help but ask.“Why did you save me? If you let me die,
AriThe sky was cloudy, mirroring the melancholic vibe we all shared. With the late Alpha's family, my hands and feet were tied. We faced the crowd of Ironflame, who did nothing but throw us their pitiful stares. I couldn’t blame them for not acting. After all, what could they do to help us against the usurper?We never saw it coming. We never expected that the calm, collected, and timid Beta harbored such extreme resentment for his older brother, enough to kill him and blame his nephew for the crime. It was beyond his character, or perhaps we were just blinded by his pretentious facade. His betrayal was unexpected, and it was the most painful for the Alpha family. Being from the same blood made the deception the most bitter pill to swallow.I turned my gaze to Beta Sigurd. Beside him stood Seraphina, the temptress who might have orchestrated everything. I didn’t know how their alliance started, but one thing was for sure: their alliance was a force to reckon with. I smirked, seeing m
AriThe battle was over, and Sigurd and Seraphina had lost. It’s strange how hunger for power can lead to such downfall. No one expected Sigurd to betray us like this; his loyalty to his brother was always unquestionable. But jealousy is a powerful force. Beta Sigurd chose power over family, and he paid the ultimate price. Now, with his death, peace has returned, though not without the sacrifice of brave souls during the battle.After the civil war, the high council wasted no time in delivering justice. I watched as they sentenced one of the main instigators of chaos among us.“Your treachery and treason are beyond punishable,” one of the council members declared, addressing Seraphina. “In the name of the great Ironflame, and in honor of the late Alpha, the great Ironwolf, I hereby declare your fate.”They readied Seraphina’s sentence, taking into account the child she carried.“You, Seraphina Rosenberg, will be pardoned for 9 months due to the baby you carry. However, until you give
Ari"Well, how do you like it?" Maddie looked at herself in the mirror. Her face lit up after seeing the braided hair crown sitting on top of her head. She was very pleased with the way I did her hair. Indeed, the elegant hairstyle made her look regal and queenly. She looked like a modern-day princess."It was awesome! The Queen of hairstyling, indeed!" Maddie exclaimed. She showed her utmost appreciation by cuddling me. "I bet the Jarl of Ironflame Pack would find it difficult to resist me with this hairstyle," she added afterward."I'm sure he would," I commented as I finished her look with a pink blush on her cheeks."You really are the best, sis! Thank you for doing this for me."I smiled widely upon hearing her praise. My younger half-sister, Maddie, had a huge crush on Jarl Kristoff, the crown alpha of Ironflame Pack, despite having only heard about him through stories circulating on the continent. Ironflame was the largest and most powerful pack in the Northern continent, and
AriSensing my discomfort, Kristoff continued with his speech, trying to clear out any confusion. I wanted to comfort Maddie, but Kristoff's hand didn't let me go."Father...Alpha Eirik...people of Moonshadow pack..." Kristoff started to address the crowd. "I am here to announce that I have found my mate." He then turned to me and smiled. "Ari Rosenberg."“No,” Maddie whispered, refusing to believe everything she heard. “Ari is your mate?”“Yes,” Kristoff smiled, confirming. “Ari is the other half of my soul and the woman am planning to marry soon,” Kristoff said firmly gazing in my direction with a smile on his face. "No! It can’t be! I was supposed to be your wife, not her! She doesn't deserve to be your mate because she doesn't love you!" Maddie was hysterical. Our father tried to pacify her but to no avail. I saw some of Kristoff's men alert themselves, yet Kristoff motioned them to stop.My heart ached as I saw my stepsister cry in despair. She looked at me with hate and uttered
AriLike any other she-wolf in the world, I looked forward to the day of my union with my mate. And finally, after years of waiting, my dream was fulfilled.As I looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but tear up as I saw myself in my white wedding gown. It was hard to believe that the hope I had clung to for so long, the hope of finding someone who would love me just as I had always dreamed, was now a reality. Kristoff was more than a dream; after today, he would be my new reality.I recalled the way Kristoff had found me, in my pitiable state where my parent's bloodline had already defined me long before I was born. I had thought I would never bring honor to my father, who cherished me more than I could have asked for. Kristoff made me believe in the existence of fairy tales, that he was the prince destined to love me for who I was, not for what my genes dictated. I couldn't wait to begin my eternity with him, the wolf to whom I would willingly surrender my heart, my life, and my sou