I stepped out onto the balcony, cradling a warm cup of tea in my hands. Skagi spread out before me, vast and serene, yet my mind was anything but calm. Thoughts swirled, memories of recent events flooding my consciousness. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm within.Ulric’s words echoed in my mind—recovery first. I knew he was right, but it was hard to rest when my thoughts were in turmoil. The sudden shift in my life’s course still felt unreal, like a hazy dream I couldn’t quite grasp. I set down my tea, my fingers lingering on the warm ceramic as I closed my eyes, seeking solace.“Are you really there, my child?” I whispered, my hand instinctively resting on my belly. Silence surrounded me, but I strained my senses, longing for a sign. And then, there it was—the faint, rhythmic beat of a tiny heart."My child!" The words burst from me, tears streaming down my cheeks unchecked. Joy and disbelief flooded my being, mingled with gratitude for this unexpected blessing."I neve
Seraphina I closed the door behind me, my chest heaving with every breath as I held my head in my hands. I couldn't believe the way Maddie had behaved, right in front of me. She used to cower at the mere sight of me, trembling with fear from just one glare. But now, she seemed like a completely different she-wolf. Her defiance and her threat to me, her own mother, was unfathomable. "HOW DARE YOU, MADDIE! I AM YOUR MOTHER! HOW COULD YOU ABANDON ME LIKE THIS!" My voice echoed through the room, laced with a mix of disbelief and fury. I felt the rage bubbling within me, threatening to spill over. My eyes flickered, their color shifting as the primal instincts of my wolf surged forward. I fought to contain it, to keep myself from fully shifting. Instead, I directed my anger toward the nearest object, to which I saw a small desk in the corner of the room. With a wild scream, I threw myself at the desk, pounding it with all my might. Papers flew around as I swept everything off its surfa
SeraphinaA smirk spread across my lips, a mix of amusement and superiority. "You're lucky I easily forgive, Maddie. I'll spare you with some punishments." With a deep sigh, I let a smile play on my lips."Why did Mama need her useless baby if she could handle everything on her own?!" The question sparked a revelation within me, igniting a bright plan that had previously eluded my thoughts. "Oh, how naive I was to not notice."I shouted at the top of my lungs, summoning my personal servants. The omegas swiftly arrived, heads bowed in fear, awaiting my wrath or the possibility of punishment. Amidst their trepidation, one of the omegas dared to speak, her words stuttered with fear. "La-lady Seraphina… D-do you ne-need any-th-thing?"Approaching the brave omega, she bowed her head even more. But suddenly, I smiled and gently tapped her shoulders. "Relax, young lady. I just wanted to ask for something. No need to be afraid."I also approached the other omegas. They were shaking and couldn
KristoffAs I made my way to the council room, my heart pounded with unease and nerves. I could feel it beating in an irregular rhythm, a troubling sign of the uncertainty that lay ahead. I talked to my wolf looking for assurance. “Ivar, do you think Maddie will—”"It's worth a try, Kristoff," he interjected. "Let’s wait for Maddie to honor her words."Steeling myself, I finally reached the entrance of the room. With a deep breath, I entered, greeted by the assembled council members rising to show their respect."Greetings, Jarl," they chorused. I nodded at them in agreement. As soon as I entered, my eyes scanned to check on my wife. But Maddie was noticeably absent, and my worry deepened. I couldn’t help but voice out my concern to the council members."Where's my wife?"A council member offered a response, “Lady Maddie is still not here. Perhaps something came up and she wouldn’t make it.”The youngest wolf from the council members raised his hand.“May I suggest that we start the
IronwolfI was utterly exhausted. The past month had been relentless, journeying across the continent, and addressing the myriad concerns and troubles plaguing my empire.“Endless conflicts and issues… I’m starting to grow weary of it all,” I muttered to myself, sinking into my seat as we made camp for the night. The day's travel had been long, and darkness encroached upon us.As I sat, thoughts turned to the recent proposition of alliance from a new pack, seeking to join forces with the Ironflame. Yet, complications abounded. Rebellions and strife continued to grip our vassal packs, much of it stemming from the aftermath of Alpha Eirik's demise.“Oh, my old friend Eirik… What curse you left upon me since the day you departed…”I deeply sighed, closing my eyes briefly. Despite the satisfaction of witnessing the growth of my empire, a profound sense of weariness and solitude weighed heavily upon me. With each expansion, the burden of leadership grew, straining my spirit. My duties cons
AriAs I watched everyone bustling about, it was clear that anticipation filled the air. Ulric’s family had received an invitation to the capital, marking the imminent return of the Ironwolf after a prolonged absence traveling across the continent. In just three days, the much-awaited event would unfold, stirring excitement throughout Skagi. I, too, eagerly awaited the chance to return to the capital, for it had been far too long since I last saw my pack, and I was certain they were as eager to see me as I was to see them."Ari, make sure to double-check your things before leaving. We’ll be at the capital for a while," Lady Aleria reminded me, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency.I nodded in acknowledgment. As part of the Alpha family, there were numerous responsibilities to tend to, especially in preparation for the Ironwolf's return. And as Lady in Waiting, accompanying Lady Aleria was a given. Moreover, after saving Anika and earning favor from the Ironwolf himself, I had gain
Ari “Oh look who’s here. The slave of the year.”Jackie hid me on her back, trying to shield me from any confrontation because I wasn't feeling good. We ignored the insult and hurried to the other side of the hallway, but Seraphina wouldn't let us escape. He grabbed my weakened arms, and Jackie, getting furious, pulled me away. Still, Seraphina persisted, refusing to let go. I couldn't bear it anymore and pushed him away, finally losing control and fighting back.“What the hell is your problem, Seraphina?! Why do you always seek violence and mockery? Aren’t you tired of living this way?!” I snapped at her.Seraphina scoffed and stepped closer, his face contorted with arrogance. “Violence? I just wanted to say hi, but you chose to be rude and ignored me. Respect is given to those who are worthy of it. The whole Ironflame knew who I was, and they always offered respect and humility in my presence. So who do you think you are to treat me like nothing, you half-rank!”I glared at Seraphi
AriThe day everyone was waiting for finally arrived. After the successful campaign of the Ironwolf, it's time for him to go home."It is time," Ulric announced, leading the way up to the stage. Lady Aleria walked behind him, and I followed close behind. The whole Ironflame was in festivity and celebration. Everyone lined up outside, eagerly awaiting the Ironwolf's entourage. The streets and every corner of the Ironflame were filled with joy. It had been months since they last saw the Ironwolf and his presence was dearly appreciated and loved by the Ironflame pack. It was an honor to be in his presence, and the entire place was in a great mood, celebrating his arrival.I observed the wolves scattered across the street, lining up for the Ironwolf's arrival. And somehow, a thought came into my mind. "Perhaps you aren't a bad leader."Ulric heard me say something. "Did you say anything, Ari?" he asked.I shook my head, turning my attention back to the wolves of Ironflame. They all loved