RAFAEL POVMy eyes wandered to my wristwatch. I couldn't tell how long I had been staring at it. All I knew was that I had been counting the minutes and hours while waiting for Winter to pop in from the large entrance where the Etas and deltas were standing with me.She hadn't come. I guess she had indeed left. But should that bother me? I didn't think so.Naomi wanted me to feel otherwise, to issue an apology I was sure would never come forth, even if Winter was near me. I hadn't wronged her, and I never asked for her presence in the first place. Yet, deep down, I couldn't help but feel a tiny bit of throbbing in her absence."Alpha," James said, snapping me out of my thoughts about Winter.I turned to stare at him, and he pointed to the receding water."I believe this was orchestrated," he said."How so?" I asked, a frown forming on my face.James stepped forward, but I held him back before he could step into the water."If this was orchestrated, don't you think it's unwise for you

WINTER POVThe ballroom had been stripped down, devoid of the usual sashes embroideries and organza fabric that adorned its walls. Even the draperies were absent. I had witnessed this transformation on several occasions, usually preceding a new event. But this time, it was different. This event held immense significance, as it determined the fate of many young werewolves making their debut.Maidservants and manservants hurried around, engaging in hushed conversations. Despite their low tones, I overheard every word. Excitement filled their voices as they anticipated tomorrow, knowing that as maids and omegas, the lowest-ranked werewolves, they would all be mated. Unlike them, I couldn't share in their enthusiasm. Not only was I pregnant and a widow, but I also had to feign happiness while watching everyone else.I longed for Slade to be by my side, but reality reminded me that I couldn't have everything I desired. Perhaps it was time to heed my mother's advice and let go, but every at

WINTER POVI felt a strange sensation, as if I were intoxicated on water, although I knew it wasn't possible. But there he was, James, standing in the hall before me. I gasped, waving my hand across my face to dispel the sudden heat that enveloped me, allowing my mind to wander aimlessly.The event was in full swing, with werewolves from various packs and the town filling the hall. However, I never would have imagined encountering James, an Eta in the Eclipse Pack, in this place. Perhaps it was a trick of the mind. I pinched myself, closed my eyes tightly, and reopened them, only to let out a startled yelp as I found myself face-to-face with Rafael."No," I mumbled, shaking my head in disbelief. I closed my eyes again, taking a deep breath. "This must be a dream. There's no way he's here."Waving my hands in front of my face as if trying to ward off the image of Rafael in case he was an apparition, I let out a slow breath and attempted to close my eyes. However, Rafael's grip on my ha

WINTER'S POV"The Vordrak Lycan, or aren't they the hunters that were spoken about by the Bwegbonyu, or whatever they're called, hunters mentioned?"Nodding, I said. "They are. They're the purest Lycans, and communicating through letters and possessing it is one of the things they do best.""And now the people at the party are possessed?" Rafael tilted his brows."Possibly," I mumbled. "I sensed power flowing out of the letter and out of the room." Waving the paper with me, I shook my head. Despite the content written on it, it felt empty, almost like I was holding an ordinary paper rather than something that was once coated with black magic."Then how do we know since you're not so sure?" He asked."The only way to know for sure is to have a peek at what's going on in the party." I stepped towards the door, and Rafael clutched my hand, halting me."Won't that be dangerous?" He questioned.For a few seconds, I saw concern in his eyes until it vanished, and he let his hand fall from mi

WINTER'S POVAs if slamming me into the wall wasn't enough, he gripped me by the throat."Let go of me; I command you!" I yelled. My eyes locked onto Rafael's, and he smirked, "Oh, you expect me to obey that, don't you?""Too bad I answer to no one. Even if I did, not to a weakling!" He snarled.Refusing to back down, I said through gritted teeth, "Let go of me.""I refuse!" He barked, shoving me into the wall again.Rafael growled, and his eyes narrowed at me. "I'm going to kill you. I've wanted to do that for a long time, ever since I set my eyes on you, and I'm glad I'll have the opportunity to do so now."He wasn't bluffing. I knew that. He gave me a murderous glare, and I did my best not to shudder as fear wrapped its hands tightly around my heart.The fury radiating off him was unlike anything I had felt before, and it made me tremble slightly, even though I tried my best to hide the fright within me from him."Are you saying your last prayer yet? I'm kind enough to let you have