Chapter Three: The Lycan’s Arrival
I laid there motionless, my body broken and bleeding. The tears in my eyes seemed to be the only thing still alive, glistening in the faint moonlight filtering through the trees. I was trapped in a limbo between life and death, unable to move or escape the agony consuming me. Suddenly, a rustling in the underbrush sent my heart racing. I was barely conscious but I could feel the presence around me. The sound grew louder, and I braced myself for the worst. A wild beast, perhaps, drawn by the scent of blood? But as the creature emerged from the shadows, I could hear the growl and snare from the creature. I knew it was no ordinary beast, it was a wolf, its fur a shimmering silver-gray, its eyes gleaming with an otherworldly intelligence. This was no ordinary wolf, but a Lycan, a dangerous species of wolves. The Lycan wolf padded around me, its snout twitching as it sniffed my body. I felt a strange sense of calm wash over me, as if this creature meant no harm. And then, in a blur of motion, it transformed into a human. I couldn’t make out what he looked like as I suddenly felt my entire body give way to darkness completely. He stood there, his eyes locked on me, his face etched with concern. “Aria,” he whispered, his voice low and urgent. “Can you hear me?” I could hear him but I couldn’t respond, I just wondered how he knew my name and what he wanted to do with me in this state. “Oh, perfect. Just what I needed. A half-dead, bleeding alpha female who can’t even muster up a decent response. I mean, I’ve seen more enthusiasm in a corpse. ‘Aria, can you hear me?’ Ha! Don’t bother answering. I’ll just take it as a given that you’re as useless as a wet noodle right now. Great, just great. I risk my neck to save you, and you repay me by being a limp, bloody rag doll. Just peachy. Let’s get out of here before I decide to leave you as a snack for the real predators.” He blurted in one breath. With that, he scooped me up in his arms, and I felt a surge of strength flow through me. Who was this mysterious Lycan, and how did he know my name? I had no answers, but I knew I had to trust him if I wanted to survive. As I tried to process everything, it still felt like a nightmare. I remembered the day Kael approached me, his eyes gleaming with ambition. He had always been charismatic, but there was something unsettling about his smile. “Aria, we need to talk,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “The pack is in shambles. We need a strong leader, and I’m the only one who can provide that.” I was taken aback. “What are you talking about, Kael? I’m the next alpha, and my ordination will be coming up soon in a few days.” Kael’s smile grew wider.”Ah, but that’s just it. You are only but a young pretty lady my love, you can’t shoulder the much responsibilities that comes with becoming alpha, but I can do that for you, but I need your title to do it. We can actually rule side by side together, me as the alpha and you my love as my luna.” I hesitated, unsure of what to do. Kael’s words struck a chord, and I began to doubt my own leadership skill. And then Eliana appeared, her eyes shining with a false light. “Aria, I’m with Kael on this. I can’t have you leading the warriors of our pack to war, it’s dangerous and he’s the only one who can do that.” My heart sank. I felt like they were only looking out for me but that was not the case. They were only looking out for the opportunity to take what was mine. I was trapped in my own hell, unable to escape the memories that haunt me. I can’t believe I was so naive, so trusting. Kael and Eliana, they played me like a fool. And now, I’m here paying the price. The signs were all there, the constant eye contact between them, the sneaky stunts they pulled right in my presence, the late night conversation between them, all of this and I was blind to see their true intentions towards me. It was now over. Trapped here in this unending darkness, my mind wandered back to my father. Oh, how I miss him. I remember the promise I made to him, to always protect our pack and our title. But now, I feel like I’ve betrayed that promise. I feel like I’ve betrayed his love and respect. I remembered the moment we spent together, just before he died. He was so proud of me, so proud of the strong lady I had become. He told me to never give up, to always fight for what’s right. But now, I feel like I’ve failed him. I thought about how he always believed in me, how he always trusted me to do what’s best for our pack. But now, I’ve let a rogue take over our title. I’ve let our pack fall into chaos. I feel like I’ve broken my promise to him, like I’ve let him down. I wish he was here with me, I wish I could just see him again for the last time to apologize for betraying him and breaking my promise. I wish he could hold my hands once more and tell me that he would protect me and love me more than any man in this world. But he’s gone, and I’m left with the weight of my failure. ***** Slowly, I opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. I felt lost, disoriented. Where am I? How did I get here? As my eyelids fully open, I’m met with a sight that makes my heart skip a beat. A handsome man, with features that could only be described as otherworldly, sits in the armchair beside my bed. His piercing golden eyes, chiseled jawline, and tousled dark hair make him look like a demi-god. I’m taken aback, unsure of what to say or do. He smiles warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Welcome back, Aria,” he said, his deep voice soothing. “Are you done staring?” “Am I dead?” I asked out of curiosity He leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eye. “If you were dead, you wouldn’t be able to gaze upon this handsome face,” he said with a smirk. “You’d be stuck in the Shadowlands, forever cursed to roam the darkest corners of the lunar realm.” I tried to speak, but my voice was barely above a whisper. “How long I’ve I been out for?” He chuckled, his eyes sparkling. “You’ve been asleep for three days.” I took a deep breath, trying to process everything. “Who are you?” I asked. But before he could respond, our wolves suddenly erupted in unison, their voices echoing through the room. “MATE!” they screamed, the word reverberating through every cell in my body.Chapter Four: FateI 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
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