LOGINShe watches as we approach, nodding at Alexander to acknowledge his position, but then also nods to Leona, which reassures me. The simple gesture indicates the Inquisitor recognizes Starfall as an independent entity and Leona as our leader.I then spot Vincent and William standing nearby. Again, the
Layla’s POVAlexander won’t go out of my house. I’ve dropped every hint. I’ve said Benjamin needs his rest. I’ve made comments about the trial and needing to prepare. I’ve all but opened the front door and pointed outside.Actually, I would do exactly that, but Benjamin is enraptured. Everything Ale
Outside the house, the village is waking up. Voices are floated through the air, mingling with the aroma of a dozen breakfasts on the stove.Suddenly, my stomach rumbles, breaking the quiet.The boy chuckles while I smile, and it strikes me how happy I am at this moment. This instant connection I ha
Alexander’s POVI step inside Layla’s house and sniff the air, scenting this new presence. It’s sweet and calming, and it strikes me how unlike this is from how Camila’s newness in my life had been. There is no feeling here of losing myself, of becoming less, of needing something or someone else to
Alexander’s POVBefore I even see her, I sense my fated mate’s presence. It is a sharply sweet sensation—part the scent of the hunt, part the triumph of battle—all wrapped into one. I feel myself stepping closer, compelled by the idea of her. It’s as though I can see her hair and face and eyes befor
Alexander’s POVI sit alone in silence in the room they have given me to use, grand by Starfall standards, utilitarian and sturdy by my own.My own.Somehow, I must reconcile my own actions, my own self of the past five years with the wolf I have always believed myself to be, an Alpha leader who gui
“Or desperate… stupid, maybe,” I mutter, then raise my voice. “We hold the line. Do not let them into the town!”I move, my fighters and Leona with me, and we take our positions outside the town gates.The first of the rogues break through the tree line moments later, the wolf’s movements fast, aggr
3rd Person POVThe path down the mountain was not forgiving for anyone, but the further Layla walked, the more difficult it became. The cold set in early, making her stiff and half numb—the trek feeling longer as her body fought against her with every step.At first, she thought she could make it. S
Layla’s POVThe forest feels different the moment I cross through the hidden path. It’s quieter here, the cold air like a blanket that softens every sound. Even my boots thumping against the stone sounds muffled.The soft crunch of snow and the whistling of the wind are the only sounds around me. I
The glare Alexander sends my way has no semblance of mercy or pity. The fire blazing in his eyes is pure, unadulterated loathing. Is this the same man I once loved?“Are you trying to make this worse?” Alexander demands, grabbing my shoulder. I pull back, nearly tripping under the weight of Ben’s bo







