Cynthia’s POVAll I can do is watch as two ruthless Eclipse warriors drag the boy away.I want to help. I really do. But I’m so weak, and it happens so fast. I stare, mouth agape, the Alpha’s command still rattling through my skull. ‘Take him away,’ the Alpha had said without a hint of mercy, and the warriors had just obeyed. The boy goes kicking and screaming off to who knows where. The Alpha follows behind them, and even from my position twenty yards away, I swear I can see the steel in his eyes.Once they’ve left, I approach the spot where they’ve just argued. My heart sinks when I spot a small patch of orange fur nestled in the grass.The fox’s body.Limp.Lifeless.And the way he killed it–knowing how to kill is a skill any Alpha needs, surely, but that’s a measure reserved for enemies. Beings that could actually hurt you. A fox? A small injured fox? Killing something like that is sheer cruelty. Tears start to fall from my eyes as the heartbreak and shock ricochet through me. My

Cynthia’s POVThe moment Alpha Maverick leaves the clearing, I collapse into Vikrov’s arms.“You were right,” I cry as he wraps his arms around me. “He–it happened just like you said it would, I made things worse…” I can’t believe it was all true. Just like Vikrov had predicted, the Alpha made Galen’s punishment worse, just because of my interference. My rash actions have only brought more suffering upon the poor boy. I find myself wracked with guilt, helpless in Vikrov’s secure embrace. I bite my lip and try to swallow back the sobs, unsure of what to do next. “I know. I know. It’s okay,” Vikrov whispers in my ear, patting my shoulder gently. “Let me take you back to your room.” I shake my head, still pressed against him. I know he just wants to comfort me, but I can’t just walk away now.After what I’ve made him go through, what he’s about to go through…“I owe it to both him and myself to see him,” I explained quietly. “I have to see Galen before I leave. I need to know if there

Cynthia’s POV“You’ve been beaten by Alpha Maverick?”I ask the question before I can debate whether it’s something I should ask or not. I look up at Vikrov in shock, unable to believe that he could’ve gone through something like that.I mean, he’s strong, smart, always victorious, a vicious fighter for his pack–he’s his enemy’s worst nightmare, and his pack’s greatest hero. Everyone in the Eclipse pack fears him as much as they love him. Alpha Maverick respects him. So how could he have possibly been…Vikrov looks at me quietly with sad, solemn eyes.He doesn’t answer.But his silence feels like an admission. “Oh, Vikrov,” I say quietly, taking his large hand in both of mine and holding him close. “When you’re ready to talk about it, I’m here.”Something in Vikrov’s expression relaxes, softening ever so slightly. His endlessly piercing ocean eyes, once probing, turn warm. My face starts to flush. I realize that we’re standing awfully close together–he’s standing in front of me, and

Vikrov’s POVThe moment I sense my father’s Alpha aura approaching, I mind-link Galen.‘Get Cynthia out of there,’ I urged. I can’t help but worry for Cynthia. I can see my father in the distance, and Cynthia, now, climbing out one of the cabin’s windows. She’s not going to make it, I think to myself.She’s climbing slowly and awkwardly–it must be her old injuries acting up again. By the time Cynthia manages to jump out of the window, I can see that my father has spotted her too. I sprint towards them. I have to protect Cynthia.“Alpha,” I say, stepping between the two of them to separate her from my father.My father’s eagle-like eyes bore into me angrily. I can feel his skepticism. “You seem exceptionally concerned about your brother, Vikrov.”I purse my lips. “I’m only here to ensure that the warriors carry out the punishment as ordered, without showing any leniency just because Galen is the Alpha’s son,” I explained smoothly. Cynthia’s eyes flash with confusion for a second, but

Cynthia’s POVWhen Vikrov finally returns from Alpha Maverick’s office, there’s something undeniably off about him. I’ve been pacing around Vikrov’s office for at least an hour waiting for him to come back, and I’ve spent every second of it wracked with nerves.“Did Alpha Maverick suspect anything?” I ask nervously, walking up to him. Vikrov doesn’t speak. He just shakes his head lightly, sitting down on the couch and pouring himself a glass of water. He doesn’t drink it, though. His gaze is far away and glassy. “Can we bring Galen more food tomorrow?” I ask tentatively. Vikrov stares at me for a long moment, then nods slowly. “If you want to.”I’ve never seen him like this before.My stomach sinks. Is it me? Did I do something wrong? Or has something much worse than I could ever do happened?I hesitate a moment before asking the question. “Vikrov, what happened?”“Nothing.” His answer is quick this time.I pause, looking him up and down for a moment. Since Vikrov is saying it’s