ELIJAHI huff. “My social and romantic calender isn’t any of the King’s concern, General,” I reply. A cruel smile twists the corner of Cyrus’s lips, the amusement in his eyes devoid of warmth. "Oh, it most certainly is,” he purrs, his voice sending a shiver down my spine despite the heat simmering beneath my veins. "The King needs to know who his precious pet plays with, what secrets he keeps. After all, a disobedient pet needs a firm hand, wouldn't you agree?"His words make my jaw clench. A sense of unease ripples through me. “What are you insinuating?” His gaze sharpens, the amber light from the window turning his eyes into molten gold. He leans forward and his face is half-shrouded in shadow. "We've heard rumors," he says, his voice being low and measured. "of an alliance you've been forging. An alliance with… Verena Valentino. Done without the permission of the king.” He states, emphasizing the last words. My eyes narrow, meeting his gaze with a challenge. “Alliance,” I rep
ELIJAHMy body stiffens, a cold dread pooling in my gut. An attack! No. I push his hand from my shoulder, a growl erupting from my throat that echoes in the room. “Attack? The King thinks he can bully his way into another pack's territory without repercussions? Does he think I'm blind to his pathetic games? A full-blown attack without cause? The High Council would have his head on a silver platter for such a blatant violation!" Cyrus shrugs, the casual movement sending a shiver down my spine. “The High Council?” he repeats, a sardonic smile twisting his lips. "We'll deal with them when the time comes. The King has a way of… persuading people to see things his way. Haven't you noticed?" My eyes go wide in horror. The King has been skirting the laws? And the Council has turned a blind eye? A cold dread settles in my stomach. Fury surges through me. My hand clamps around his collar, yanking him up and slamming him against the wall. Cyrus doesn't even flinch at my outburst, b
ELIJAHCyrus’s lips stretch into a humorless smile, devoid of warmth or amusement. “See it how you want,” he says, his voice dripping with cruel indifference. “But the truth remains—disobey the King’s orders, and the consequences will be swift and brutal. Your precious Verena, your son, the entire Moonlight Pack… collateral damage in a game you can't hope to win. I hope you can live with that burden, Elijah, when the screams of the people you love echo in your ears." His warning hangs heavy in the air. “To be honest, I don’t want this either. But what can I do here? The King is sick but his men have already been given orders. I’m just communicating it to you. So think carefully, Elijah,” his voice softens a little, something flickering in his eyes. “I’m giving you advice as someone who’s worried about you as well as Verena. Obey the King’s orders. Be a good pet. ” "I'm not going to be his puppet any longer," I snarl, my words firm with rebellion. I slam my fist against the desk
ELIJAHJoshua’s eyes turn wide, his jaw dropping slack for a moment. Then, a grin splits his face wide. “Really?” he bonds, his voice filled with disbelief and delight. "You're not pulling my leg here, are you?” he asks. “No, I’m serious, I admit, a touch of desperation creeping into my voice. "I know it's a crazy time to even think about this, but Verena… She's important to me. And right now, she needs me. Her pack, everything she holds dear… it's all in danger." I explain everything Cyrus had said, the weight of his threats pressing down on me. As I explain, Joshua’s frown deepens, his face etching with a mixture of concern and anger. “That tyrannical pig!” Joshua roars, slamming his fist on the desk with a force that makes the papers jump. "Now they're going to dictate who you can love as well?"“I won’t let them control me. That’s why I need your help.” I say and he looks at me. I sigh, “Facing Rowan head-on is a suicide mission. I need the pack's help. I’d need the entire
ELIJAH “Rowan will find other ways to separate us, but once I get married to Rena, we can plan how to break the pact together. For now, this is the best way to prevent Rowan from attacking her.” I say. It isn’t the ideal plan, but it's the only way I can protect them without breaking any contact with her. Though, I’d be the happiest if Rena becomes my wife again and Ezra stays with us. I’ll have my family back with me“That’s a great idea!” Irene squeals. “Oh my Goddess! I can’t wait for you two to get married again.Just propose to her already!” I frown. “I can’t do that on text. It will sound so…” “Unromantic?” Josh asks. “Yeah.” “Then go to her pack right now and propose to her. Don’t waste time,” Irene says and grabs my hand. “Hey! I don’t have a ring yet,” I say as she pushes me towards the door. “Argh! You are such a disappointment. Then we need to go shopping tomorrow and buy a ring for her. No, wait. Let's go right now!” She yells and pushes me out of the office door. “
VERENAA dark shape materializes in the doorway, momentarily blocking the moonlit path that stretches across my bed. My heart skips a beat as I recognize Elijah’s silhouette. As he steps closer, the moonlight baths his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw and the worry etching in the lines around his eyes. Despite the tension that clings to him, a warmth spreads through me at the sight of him. “You’re here,” I say, feeling excited. I missed him so much. I instinctively push myself off the bed, but a strange sensation washes over me. My limbs feel heavy, an invisible weight pinning me to the mattress. Panic claws at my throat as I struggle to move. Why can’t I move? “Hush, calm down,” he whispers, his husky voice soothing my tense nerves. He takes the chair beside the bed and looks at me, his eyes glinting with sadness. Why is he sad? His eyes slide to my leg and he watches it for a few minutes before he utters. “I’m so sorry.” I frown. “Sorry for what?” I ask, wanting t
VERENAHis gaze follows mine to the bandage, a flicker of worry crosses his features. "The doctors said your muscle tissues and tendons were damaged," he explains, his voice soft but firm. "The wolf's bite punctured pretty deeply. They stitched the wound closed, and it's healing, but it'll take time." I purse my lips before I ask. “How many hours has it been?” “An entire day.” He says and the news hits me like a physical blow. “A whole day. I was out for that long?" Dad drags the chair kept beside the bed to the front and sits on it. “The doctors found some substance inside your body that slowed down your healing. You shouldn’t have been feeling this much pain and it should have healed. But it isn't, because of that substance.” His jaw clenches, a flicker of worry igniting in his eyes. I remember seeing Nixie before I passed out. I can bet that it was her who had injected some kind of herb or concoction in me to slow down my healing. But why was she there? What relation did she
VERENAI clearly remember how strong those wolves were. They can’t be of any normal Shadow Den gang. They can’t be ordinary wolves. If Serena hadn’t used her powers at the last moment, we would have been dead meat. I look at my arms. Those powers that came out of me…it wasn’t in my control. I wish I could control those powers. I would need to train Serena to learn using those powers whenever we need. “What happened to the girls, dad? Are they safe?” I ask and there’s a knock at the door. The door opens and Kyla walks in. Her arm is encased in a bright pink cast. A cheerful smile stretches across her face as she sees me. Relief floods me on seeing her. She looks fine. Except the arm-injury though. The wolf must have attacked her hand. “Luna,” she bows and I shake my head. “No need for these formalities. Is your arm healing well, Kyla?” I ask and look at her arm. “Yes, Luna. I’m sure I won’t need this cast by tonight,” she replies with a bright smile. Thank the Goddess. Her eyes