Alpha Xerxes paced restlessly within the confines of his chambers, his countenance etched with worry and fear. On the grand bed, a tray of delectable dishes remained untouched, a stark reminder of his preoccupied mind. Even the occasional rumble of thunder failed to capture his attention, for his thoughts were consumed elsewhere.His concerns centered on his son, Jade, who had embarked on a perilous journey a year ago in pursuit of the Soul Gem and to avenge Izabelle's tragic demise. Yet, since his departure, there had been no word from him, leaving Alpha Xerxes in astate of agonizing uncertainty. He could not fathom what might have befallen his son, and the absence of communication intensified his apprehension.However, as soon as the thought crossed his mind, Alpha Xerxes shook his head, admonishing himself for succumbing to needless worry. He knew the mettle of his son, having personally trained Jade from a tender age. The warrior within him was strong and resilient.But still, wh

The next morning, word had gone round the kingdom of Northville about Kalista's home. Rumours spread that a wild animal had broken into the house and attacked Maria, but Kalista had escaped luckily.People gathered around the ruined cottage, some huddled in different groups as they gossiped within themselves. Among these humans was Kyle. He stood a little distance away from the cottage, eavesdropping on the humans as they gossiped and tried to gather information.According to what he heard, Kalista hadn't been found yet. People wondered if the wild animal had chased after her and killed her also while others covered Maria's lifeless body.Kyle remained where he was for a long while, listening to the humans gossip foolishly. He knew where Kalista was. She would be with Jade, and since Jade was still at the inn, he concluded that she would be there.Without a backward glance, he turned and walked away.His mind was a flurry of thoughts. Jade must have discovered that Kalista was a half

Kalista felt her heart slam against her chest as Gregory's words registered within her. He knew? How did he know Jade wasn't human? Had he been there that night?"That can't be true," she shook her head. "Jade is human. What makes you think he's not?""It is a long story," Gregory continued, oblivious to the shocked look on Kalista's face. "I wish I can explain how I know, but it doesn't matter"He then gripped her arms and peered into her eyes. "I'm sorry Kalista, but you must stay away from him," he said worriedly. "I fear he has a hand in your mother's death. Their kind hasn't mingled with us for years, thus it is strange that he would show up here. I plan to expose him, that's why I don't want you to be associated with him when I do"Kalista's heartbeats increased with each word that emitted from Gregory's mouth. She couldn't let Jade's secret be discovered. She had to do something"Sir Gregory," she began hurriedly. "I was with Jade all through the night. He isn't what you think

Kalista rushed through the willow forest, looking behind her occasionally to make sure she wasn't being followed. The path to her home appeared lonelier than usual and it sparked a flame of fear in her mind, propelling her to move faster so she could return to Jade on time. A part of her wondered why Jade didn't come with her. Jade had proven to her that he would do everything to protect her, thus why didn't he go with her to get her late mother's trinkets? Did he have a reason for it? Pushing the thoughts away from her mind, she hurried through the grassy path and walked up the stone steps that led to her home. Pain and anguish threatened to take over her as she remembered again that her mother was gone. The villagers had come earlier to bury her mother's dead body, carrying out the final rites according to their tradition. There wasn't much to find in the cottage that now lay ruined and abandoned. Kalista quickly made her way to the secret section in the hallway where her mother

"The strange man with the white hair. He is a werewolf"Kalista felt her heart drop to the bottom of her stomach. She started at Gregory unbelievably, then at the crowd that now had their gazes pinned on Jade. She could see from their various expressions that they were contemplating whether to believe the old man's words or not. Jade calmly stared back at Gregory, his face devoid of emotions. He knew he had to thread softly. He couldn't make a wrong move that would make the humans discover what he was. Apart from himself, he was more worried for Kalista, his mate. If these bloody humans discovered she was a werewolf like him, they wouldn't hesitate to kill her. "What trash are you sprouting, Gregory?" a man finally voiced out from the crowd. "Have you been drinking again?""I'm telling you," Gregory maintained his claim, glaring at Jade with venom. "He is a werewolf, a vile beast with a thirst for blood. He is responsible for the murders that occurred...""That's not true," another