Mag-log inLiora’s POV The knife remained pressed against Rio's throat and my hand didn't shake, my eyes never left his.For the first time since I had met him, I wasn't confused by him, I wasn't intimidated by him nor was I grateful to him.I was very angry.Rio looked genuinely shocked, not by the knife, by me, as if he couldn't believe I was capable of holding a blade to someone's throat.Maybe he was right.A few weeks ago, I wouldn't have been. A few weeks ago, I probably would have cried first.But now I was tired.Tired of secrets, tired of lies, tired of people making decisions about my life without telling me the truth."Tell me everything," I said.Rio carefully swallowed. The movement caused the blade to press slightly harder against his skin."Liora—""No more excuses."My voice came out colder than I expected."I am not making excuses" he said."Then start talking."His eyes narrowed."I already told you the truth" he said.I laughed bitterly. The sound surprised even me."The tru
Alpha Kael's POV The engine was already running by the time I stepped out of the mansion. Cold evening air brushed against my face.Logan stood beside the vehicle waiting for me and the moment he saw me, he straightened."Everything is ready, Alpha" he said.I nodded. My gaze immediately swept over the black car parked nearby.Logan had clearly anticipated exactly what I would need.Good. I didn't want delays, not when Rio's scent was still fresh.I closed my eyes briefly. Immediately, I could still detect it. It was faint but present.The scent lingered on the air like an invisible trail waiting to be followed.A raised voice suddenly cut through my thoughts and I frowned. The argument was coming from the courtyard entrance.Several wolves nearby had already started pretending not to listen, which usually meant someone was saying something they shouldn't.I recognized Tristan's voice first then Elena's and I immediately groaned.Of course.What else could possibly go wrong tonight?
Rio’s POV For what felt like the hundredth time, I paced across the small holding room.The room wasn't technically a prison cell. There were no bars, no chains, no iron restraints, but the locked door might as well have been all three.I couldn't leave. That was all that mattered.My frustration grew with every passing second."Damn it."I raked a hand through my hair. Everything had gone wrong.The plan had been simple. Find Liora, get her away from the guards, get her back to the estate, avoid unnecessary attention, and most importantly, make sure Amarok never found out.Simple, or at least it should have been. Instead, Liora had decided to make everything ten times harder.I groaned."Stubborn woman."I resumed pacing. The memory of our argument replayed in my mind.I couldn't understand it. I had literally risked my neck for her and I got resistance in return."Unbelievable."I kicked lightly at the leg of the chair as I passed and it wobbled.I immediately regretted it. Now th
Elena's POV I had never appreciated peace more than I did that afternoon.The spa pavilion sat on the eastern side of the estate, hidden behind flowering hedges and tall trees that shielded it from the rest of the grounds. Warm sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, painting golden patterns across the polished floors.A gentle breeze carried the scent of lavender and jasmine through the air and soft music played somewhere in the background.For once, I felt relaxed. I felt like I could breathe.I reclined comfortably on a cushioned lounge while several maids attended to me. One was massaging fragrant oils into my shoulders while another worked on my hands.A third stood nearby with a tray of refreshments and I took a sip of chilled fruit juice and sighed happily."This is wonderful."The maids smiled politely then I stretched lazily."You know what makes it even better?"No one answered but I smirked."Liora isn't here" I said.The maids exchanged uncomfortable glances and I notic
Amarok's POV The three guards knelt on the cold floor of my study..The atmosphere in the room was suffocating and no one dared speak. The only sounds came from the crackling fireplace and the occasional groan from the guard Rio had beaten nearly to death. I sat behind my desk, staring at them. My patience was completely gone. The events of the day had created chaos throughout the safe house, and now I intended to discover exactly why. To my right stood Cassian. His arms were crossed over his chest while his expression remained as unimpressed as ever. He looked annoyed, but then again, Cassian always looked annoyed, especially when Liora was involved. "Let's start with something simple," I said calmly. The three guards immediately lowered their heads as I leaned back in my chair. "Why did you take Liora hostage?" I asked. One of the guards swallowed while another visibly trembled. The third, the one Rio had nearly crippled, could barely lift his head. His face was s
Liora's POVI was exhausted.By the time Fay and I arrived at the room given to us, I felt like I could barely keep my eyes open.The room was surprisingly comfortable. The windows were reinforced and guards patrolled just outside.A large bed occupied one side, a fireplace crackled softly near the corner and warm light filled the space.Under normal circumstances, I might have found it cozy, but tonight, I just felt very tired."I think I could sleep for a week," Fay muttered.I laughed weakly."Only a week?" I asked jokingly. The door opened before either of us could sit down. I looked up and immediately groaned.Sabrina leaned casually against the doorway. Her eyes swept over me then she laughed."Oh, look. You've done it again" she said.I narrowed my eyes."What?"She folded her arms then grinned."Managed to attract chaos" she replied. I frowned. Sabrina laughed again then pointed at me."I swear, everywhere you go something explodes" she said.Sabrina raised an eyebrow then
Fay's First Person POV"No!"The word ripped out of my throat before I could stop it. The moment the guards started moving toward me again, pure panic exploded inside my chest.I took several hurried steps backward as my eyes darted around the room desperately.There had to be a way out to escape b
Alpha Kael's POVThe fire’s warmth did nothing to chase the chill that had settled into my chest. She knelt there, slick with oil, the faint scent of jasmine clinging to her skin. The linen she wore was thin, clinging to her body, leaving nothing to the imagination. Every curve, every swell, ever
Liora's POVMy skin tingled as the maids’ hands glided over me, spreading oil down my shoulders, across the slope of my collarbone, over the curve of my breasts, down my ribs and over my waist. Their touch was careful, almost timid, as if I were a fragile artifact rather than a living woman.The s
I still remember the smell of smoke, thick and chocking, curling into my lungs, and the sound of my mother’s screams echoing through the house as she was slaughtered along with my father for trusting the wrong people.Though it has been a long time since that night, it is burned into me as if it ha







