Chapter Four: Fate
I felt a jolt of electricity run through me, my heart racing with excitement and trepidation. Mate? What does it mean? The handsome stranger’s eyes locked onto mine, a knowing glint in their depths. “It seems our wolves have already figured it out,” he said, a sly smile spreading across his face. But instead of excitement or joy, he let out a scoff. “Mate? Ha! I don’t believe in such superstitions. The moon goddess wouldn’t pair me with a mate, especially not after… everything.” What was he on about? Why did he have that sadness in his eyes just now? I was more lost than ever. “Well, I am Lyr—” His words were cut short by a rough voice. “Well, well, well. Look what we have here. Lyraeus’ favorite lap dog, and a pretty little girl to boot. Is this the reason why you’ve been out of reach for days now?” A short man probably in his thirties with a goatee sauntered into the room, a sly grin spreading across his face. He stood beside Lyraeus, grinning down at me like I was some kind of mystic birthday present. Lyraeus let out a sarcastic snort. “You know my type, she certainly doesn’t fit it.” The short man chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Last time I checked, you didn’t have a type, Lyraeus. This is the closest to a lady you’d ever been.” Lyraeus rolled his eyes, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Ryker, shut up.” He turned to me, his expression serious. “I am Lyraeus Storm, the Lycan King and ruler of the Shadow Fang Pack. And this… annoying individual is Ryker Stormbringer, a friend.” Ryker gave a mocking bow, his grin still plastered on his face. “A friend that owes his life to you, At your service, my King.” I took a deep breath, trying to process the introductions and the dynamics between these two men. Lyraeus, the Lycan king, the most feared wolf in the territory. Why was I paired with him as my mate? My eyes narrowed, my voice laced with accusation. “So, you’re the Lycan King of the Shadow Fang Pack that’s been plotting an attack on my pack? Why would the moon goddess pair us up as mates?” Ryker’s eyes widened in surprise, his gaze darting to Lyraeus. “Wait, mate? You mean Aria here is your mate, Lyraeus? And Zephyr acknowledges it too?” Lyraeus snorted, his expression dismissive. “Don’t be ridiculous, Ryker. It’s just a prank by the moon goddess. A cruel joke. My eyes flashed with anger. “A prank? You think being mated to me is a prank?” Lyraeus turned to me, his voice cold. “Listen, Aria, the Shadow Fang Pack has never plotted against the Blood Moon Pack. We’ve never sent a spy to your territories. It’s the other way around. Your pack started this war against mine, against the Moonlight Pack. They killed my family, made me a rogue.” His eyes blazed with fury, flames dancing in their depths. “I wonder why the moon goddess would trouble me to save the daughter of my sworn enemy. What game is she playing?” Ryker stepped forward, his hands raised in a calming gesture. “Lyraeus, easy, brother. Don’t unleash.” But Lyraeus was beyond reason. With a snarl, his claws protruded and his face contorted like he was about to shift, but then he didn't. He walked out of the room and from the window, I could see him run towards the woods. I sat still, my mind reeling with questions. What did Lyraeus mean by my pack starting a war against his pack, the Moonlight Pack? The name sounded familiar, and I recalled my father mentioning it during a meeting. What were his dealings with the Moonlight Pack? And what did Lyraeus mean by the impossibility of him having a mate? What did he mean by a cruel joke? My thoughts swirled, trying to make sense of Lyraeus’ words. But they were like a puzzle, and I couldn’t quite fit the pieces together. I was so lost in the thought that I didn’t even notice Ryker walking towards me. “Aria, I know you’re confused. But let me tell you, Lyraeus really didn’t mean to say any of that. He was just angry.” “He sure meant everything he said. Why did he save me if he hated me and my pack?” I asked, feeling exhausted from my thoughts. Ryker looked at me as his lips curved into a smile. “He’s in the best position to answer that question, Aria Blackwood. And please don’t piss him off any further, I don’t know what he might do to you when you piss him off when I’m not around.” Ryker’s expression turned serious. “Aria, keep this between us for now, okay? Don’t mention the mate thing to anyone, especially not Lyraeus. He’s… complicated.” I nodded, still feeling exhausted from my thoughts. “I won’t say anything.” Ryker’s smile returned. “Good. Now, take a rest. You’ll be attended to soon. Someone will bring you food and water.” I shook my head, my curiosity getting the better of me. “Ryker, please don’t get mad at me, but I really want to know… where am I? What really happened?” Ryker chuckled. “You’re at Lyraeus’ hideout, Aria. And trust me, you’re in the middle of nowhere. No one knows the location except for us two.” He winked. “And don’t worry too much, you’re the only lady Lyraeus has brought here. You’re special.” I rolled my eyes, but his joke didn’t distract me from my questions. “Ryker, seriously… What happened? I don’t remember anything from that night.” Ryker’s expression turned somber. “Don’t worry, Aria. You’ll remember when the time is right. But for now… just rest.” ****** I drifted off to sleep, my mind began to wander, transporting me back to the forest. I stood on the same clearing where Kael and Eliana ambushed me, but this time, Lyraeus was by my side. His eyes blaze with a fierce intensity, and his muscles ripple beneath his skin as he faces off against my attackers. Kael and Eliana snarled and snapped, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. But Lyraeus didn’t flinch. With a swift and deadly precision, he took down Kael and Eliana, his movements a blur of power and grace. I watched in awe, my heart racing with excitement and fear. Lyraeus turned to me, his eyes burning with a possessive intensity. “You’re mine, Aria,” he growled, his voice low and husky. “No one touches what’s mine.” I felt a shiver run down my spine as he approached me, his eyes never leaving mine. He reached out and cupped my face, his touch sending sparks through my body. Suddenly, I woke up and realized that I was in my room. But the memory of Lyraeus’ touch lingered, leaving me feeling restless and unsatisfied. I tossed and turned, my mind racing with thoughts of Lyraeus and the strange, primal connection we shared. I stood up, gazing out of the window, I watched the moon and its beauty. The night wind played with my hair and I let my eyes dance around the surroundings hoping to catch a glimpse of Lyraeus or a movement but I saw nothing. Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that he was there in the woods watching me, waiting for me to surrender to the primal call of the mate bond. I turned around and climbed back to bed with only one thought, "Will I be able to resist the pull of the powerful Lycan King?"Chapter Five: He Owns MeI stretched my arms and yawned, feeling a sense of freedom as I left the room I’d been cooped up in for two days. The sunlight streaming through the windows illuminated the beautiful, natural surroundings, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me as I walked down the halls. The soft rustle of my clothes and the creaking of the wooden floorboards beneath my feet were the only sounds breaking the silence.As I walked, I couldn’t help but admire the intricate carvings on the walls, depicting scenes of wolves and forests. The air was fresh and clean, filled with the scent of pine and earth. I breathed deeply, feeling invigorated and refreshed. My playful spirit took over, and I swung my hands and body as I walked, my long hair bouncing behind me. I twirled around, taking in the grandeur of the high ceilings and the sparkling chandeliers. The paintings on the walls seemed to come alive, telling stories of ancient battles and mythical creatures. As I approached a
Chapter Six: Reflections Lyraeus POVI sat in my study, surrounded by paperworks that I needed to get to quickly. My mind however, was distant, lost in thought. As I drummed my fingers on the armrest, my mind wandered back to the events that had led me to this point. “Aria Blackwood,” I whispered, stroking my chin with my fingers.I thought of the day she fled into the woods in her wolf form. She looked majestic with her piercing yellow eyes. Her wolf form dripped of power and grace, an evidence she's of an alpha's bloodline. That very day, I was in the woods, enjoying the serenity of nature, when I heard a rustling. My sensitive ears picked up the sound, and I prepared myself for a potential threat. But then, a scent wafted through the air, intoxicating my wolf, Zephyr. The scent was unlike anything I had ever smelled before—a heady mix of wildflowers and moonlight. Zephyr, usually a calm and collected wolf, had growled a single word: “Mate!”My eyes narrowed as I reca
Chapter Seven: Plans Lyraeus’ POVI summoned Ryker to my study, my expression grave. “Ryker, I need you to undertake a crucial mission. Aria’s revenge depends on it.”Ryker nodded, his eyes locked on Lyraeus. “What do you need me to do, Lyraeus?”“I want you to spy on the Blood Moon Pack for me,” I said, my voice low and calculated. “Gather every piece of information you can. I need to know their numbers, their strengths, their weaknesses… everything.”Ryker’s eyes narrowed. “And what about Aria? She’s still unsure about her revenge.”My smile was cold. “Leave Aria to me, Ryker. I’ll handle her. You focus on getting me the intel we need to take down the Blood Moon Pack once and for all.”Ryker nodded, his mind already racing with strategies. “I’ll leave immediately, Lyraeus. But what about the pack’s current state? How weak have they become without Aria?”My expression turned thoughtful. “That’s precisely what I want you to find out, Ryker. I have a feeling they’re more vulner
Chapter Eight: Fear and FateAria’s POV:I watched in horror as Lyraeus’ body began to contort in agony, blood flames dancing across his skin. His eyes locked onto mine, filled with a desperate plea. “Lyraeus! Oh no, what’s happening?” I rushed towards him, my heart racing. He tried to speak, but his voice was barely audible. “Aria…help….it's consuming me….”I felt a surge of fear watching me. I didn’t know what he meant and what was wrong with him, but one thing I knew was that I couldn’t let him die, not now, not when we had just started to…to what? I didn’t know, but I couldn’t lose him.I grasped his hand, and a jolt of electricity ran through both of us. The blood flames faltered, and Lyraeus’ body relaxed slightly. “Keep holding on,” I urged, my voice firm. “I won’t let go.”As I held his hand, I felt a strange connection, like our bond was the only thing keeping him tethered to life. The darkness in his eyes receded, replaced by a glimmer of hope. “Lyraeus, stay with me,”
Chapter Nine: Care Amidst HateAria’s POV: As we turned to face the newcomer, our hearts still racing from the intense argument, I saw a tall, imposing figure emerging from the shadows. His piercing eyes locked onto Kaida, then shifted to me, and finally rested on Lyraeus’ motionless form. “Ryker,” Kaida spat, her voice venomous. “Perfect timing, as always.”Ryker’s gaze never wavered. “Kaida, Aria, what’s going on here?”I took a step forward, my voice firm. “Kaida was just leaving, Ryker. She was concerned about Lyraeus’ well-being, but I assured her he’s in good hands.”Ryker’s eyes narrowed, his gaze flicking between us. “I see.Aria, how’s his condition?”Kaida’s face twisted in anger as she spun on her heel and stormed out of the room, leaving Ryker and me alone with Lyraeus. I took a deep breath and approached Ryker, my voice shaking. “Ryker, I was so scared. I didn’t know what to do. He just collapsed and started convulsing…I thought I was going to lose him.”Ryker’s expres
Chapter Ten: The Tyrant’s ReignKael’s POV: I sat on my throne, a sly smile spreading across my face as I laughed wickedly. My eyes gleamed with malevolence, and my sharp teeth seemed to glint in the dim light of the room. I was now the alpha of the Blood Moon Pack, and I reveled in the fear and suffering I inspired in my subjects. As I laughed, the door to my throne room creaked open, and Eliana walked in. Her hips swayed seductively as she approached me, her eyes fixed on mine with a knowing glint. She was my accomplice, my partner in crime, my wife and Luna of the pack. “Ah, my dear Eliana,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Come join me in my merriment?”Eliana smiled, her lips curling upwards as she reached my throne. “I couldn’t help but hear your laughter, my love,” she said, her voice husky. “What’s amusing you so?”I beckoned her to come closer, my eyes gleaming with excitement. Eliana obliged, her movements graceful as she climbed onto my lap. She wrapped her arms
Chapter Eleven: The TruthAria’s POV: I sat beside Lyraeus, his chest rising and falling with labored breaths. Ryker stood nearby, his eyes watchful. I reached out, taking Lyraeus’ hand in mine. “Ryker, I’m so sorry… I never meant to put Lyraeus in danger. I was so stupid to run off like that.”Ryker’s expression softened. “Aria, it’s not your fault. Lyraeus’ condition has nothing to do with you. He’s been struggling with a curse, and his mind is playing tricks on him.”I frowned, confusion etched on my face. “What curse?” Ryker’s lips pressed into a tight line, his silence telling me he wouldn’t elaborate. I turned my attention to Lyraeus, his words still echoing in my mind. “What did Lyraeus mean, Ryker? What did he mean by my pack causing the rift between our packs?”Ryker’s eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing. “Are you sure you’re ready for the truth, Aria?”I steeled myself, my heart pounding. “Yes, I’m ready, I need to know.”Ryker’s expression turned grave, and he nodded, his e
Chapter 12: Thawing IceAria’s POV:Lyraeus sat up, his eyes lingering on mine, his expression unreadable. I gazed back at him, tears still welling up in my eyes. “I’m sorry, Lyraeus,” I whispered, my voice cracking. “I’m so sorry for causing you pain, for being a part of the pack that destroyed your family.”Lyraeus rolled his eyes, a sarcastic smile twisting his lips. “Oh, spare me the tears, Aria. You’re not responsible for the sins of your pack.”But then his gaze softened, his voice taking on a hint of care. “But if you want to fight back for what’s rightfully yours, stop crying about it and do something. You’re not a victim, Aria. You’re a survivor.”I sniffled, feeling a surge of determination. “But I don’t know how to defend myself against Kael, Eliana, and the traitors in the court.”Lyraeus stood up, his movements fluid and graceful. He walked over to the couch and turned to Ryker. “What do you think we should do, Ryker? Sit around and twiddle our thumbs or gather some allia