Chapter Two: Left to Die
Kael’s rejection echoed through the grand hall, leaving me stunned and humiliated. But before I could even process what was happening, he continued, his voice dripping with malice. “However, I do have a mate and Luna in mind. One who is worthy of the position.” He turns to Eliana Moon, who was watching the scene unfold with a mixture of shock and excitement. Kael’s eyes locked onto hers, and he smiled, his voice dripping with possessiveness. “Eliana Moon, from this day forward, you will be my mate and luna. Elder Oakley, crown her as such in the presence of this pack.” Elder Oakley looked taken aback, but he quickly recovered, his face expressionless. “As alpha, Kael Darkhaven, it is your right to choose your mate and luna. I will perform the ritual as commanded.” I watched in horror as Elder Oakley approached Eliana, who was beaming with joy. He placed the crown on her head, and Kael pulled her into a possessive embrace. “By the power vested in me, I declare Eliana Moon the luna of the Blood Moon Pack,” Elder Oakley declared. The pack erupted into murmurs, applause and confusion, but there I was frozen in shock. How could Kael do this to me? How could he reject me only to choose Eliana, my very own best friend, as his mate and Luna instead? Elder Oakley’s declaration sparked a flurry of questions from the other elders, their faces stern and disapproving. Elder Oakley’s declaration sparked a flurry of questions from the other elders, their faces stern and disapproving. “Kael Darkhaven, what is the meaning of this?” Elder Thorne demanded. “You reject Aria Blackwood, the rightful alpha, and choose Eliana Moon instead?” Kael’s smile grew wider, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. “Ah, esteemed elders, I’m glad you asked. You see, I’ve been playing a long game here. I’ve been using Aria Blackwood here to further my own ambitions, just as my father always wanted.” I felt like I’d been punched in the gut for the second time, my mind reeling from Kael’s betrayal. “You… you used me?” I stammered. Kael’s laughter was cold and calculating. “Of course, Aria. I felt nothing for you. You were just a means to an end. And now that I’ve achieved my goal, I have no further use for you.” The pack gasped in shock, their whispers and murmurs filling the grand hall. The elders’ faces turned red with anger and disbelief. Elder Lyra stepped forward, her voice stern. “Kael Darkhaven, you have betrayed the trust of this pack and the Blackwood family. You are not fit to be our alpha.” Karl sneered, his true self revealed. “You seem to have forgotten that I am the alpha of this pack. And no one can stand against my judgments besides I will do whatever it takes to make sure all of you bow and obey me.” Eliana Moon, now standing beside Kael, turned to me with a sneer. “Aria Blackwood, you were so blind to our true intentions. You were too gullible, too trusting.” I felt a surge of anger and hurt, but Eliana continued, her words dripping with venom. “You had everything handed to you on a silver platter. A loving father, a better life with no struggle, and a mate. Her eyes gleamed with resentment and jealousy. “So, no, Aria, I won’t apologize for taking what’s mine. You had your chance, and you blew it. Now it’s my turn.” The pack gasped at Eliana’s harsh words, but Kael just smiled, his eyes gleaming with approval. “Well said, my mate. Aria had her chance, and she failed. Now we’ll rule this pack together, and no one will stand in our way.” My eyes widened in shock, my voice barely above a whisper. “What did I do to deserve this from you, Eliana? I thought we were friends…..” Eliana’s expression was cold, her voice dripping with disdain. “You were always so blind, Aria. You thought everyone was your friend, but really, we were all just waiting for our chance to strike.” I took a step back, my eyes welling up with tears. “But why? What did I ever do to you?” Eliana laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. “You had everything, Aria. The pack’s respect, Kael’s love… and I had nothing. So, I took matters into my own hands.” My face crumpled, my body shaking with sobs. “What did I ever do to deserve this? I thought we were a pack, a family…” Kael’s voice was cold and detached as he gave the order. “Take her away. She’s no longer worthy of being a part of this pack. I’ve just the perfect place for her.” The guards moved forward, their eyes gleaming with a mix of excitement and fear. They grabbed me, dragging me away as I struggled and kicked. “No! This can’t be happening! You can’t do this to me!” But Kael just watched, his expression unyielding. “You should have thought of that before trusting me blindly.” As I was dragged away, the elders tried to intervene. “Kael, stop this! You can’t humiliate Aria like this!” But Kael’s response was swift and brutal. “You dare to question me? I am the alpha now, and I will not be challenged!” He lashed out, striking Elder Thorne with a blow that sent him crashing to the ground. The other elders tried to rush forward, but they were met with a wall of guards, who beat them back with cruel efficiency. The pack members watched in horror, but they dared not intervene. They were too scared of Kael's wrath, too intimidated by his display of power. Kael and Eliana approached me, their eyes gleaming with disdain. “You’re pathetic, Aria, a weak and pathetic person like you is not worthy of being called an Alpha,” Karl sneered. Eliana stepped forward, a syringe glinting in her hand. “This is a special serum, designed to kill werewolves with alpha blood. You’re the last remnant of the alpha’s lineage, Aria. And with this, you’ll be gone forever.” Kael grabbed me, holding me down as Eliana injected the poison into my neck. I felt a searing pain, my body burning from the inside out. I sat there on the floor, my hands bound, tears streaming down my face and the poison burning me from inside. I over my shoulders to see my aunt Elder Lyra, Elder Thorne, and Elder Oakley being held down, their faces somber. I burst into sobs, knowing I was the cause of their pain. Kael’s gaze fixed on the high cliff behind us. I followed his gaze, my heart racing as I realized where we were. Eliana stood close to him, a malevolent grin spreading across her face. She waved goodbye, her eyes gleaming with triumph. Kael grabbed me, his grip like a vice. “Goodbye, Aria,” he hissed, before pushing me off the cliff. I fell, my life flashing before my eyes like a dream. I landed hard, my body broken and bleeding. The poison taking its full course as I felt my entire body numb and I gasped for breath. Tears mixed with blood as I slipped into unconsciousness, everything going dark.Chapter Three: The Lycan’s ArrivalI 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 n
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