LOGINThe kiss changed everything. It wasn't because it magically erased the lingering pain of the past, nor because it restored the five long years they had lost. It was because, for the very first time since Seraphina had returned to Blackthorn, neither of them lay awake wondering if there would be a tomorrow together.There would be. And they would build it patiently, one day at a time.The morning after the Moonlight Ball, the palace buzzed with a lighter kind of excitement. Servants smiled knowingly whenever Killian and Seraphina crossed paths in the corridors, and the musicians who had performed at the ball were still gossiping about how the Alpha King had completely forgotten his final ceremonial bow because he simply couldn't stop looking at his mate.Even Commander Roland wasn't spared from the good-natured teasing.Kael leaned heavily against a marble pillar in the courtyard, grinning broadly. "So..."Roland let out a long, defeated sigh. "So?""I believe you owe me five silver co
The palace glittered beneath a canopy of stars. Thousands of crystal lanterns hung from the balconies, their soft silver light dancing across polished marble floors. The grand ballroom had been transformed into a moonlit paradise; white roses, moon lilies, and silver ribbons decorated every pillar, while musicians tuned their instruments at the far end of the hall.Tonight was the Moonlight Ball. It was an ancient Blackthorn tradition where every member of the royal pack celebrated the blessing of the Moon Goddess. For many, it was simply another celebration.For Killian... it was the anniversary of the night he had first asked Seraphina to dance.Killian stood outside the ballroom, adjusting the cuffs of his black ceremonial jacket for what felt like the tenth time."You look terrified." Kael leaned against the doorway with a grin."I'm not terrified.""No?""No."Kael folded his arms. "You're wearing two different gloves."Killian looked down. Sure enough, one glove was black and th
The morning after the Royal Hunt, Blackthorn Palace awakened beneath a blanket of silver mist. The forest surrounding the kingdom was unusually quiet, and even the birds seemed to be waiting for something.Deep within the palace gardens, Seraphina knelt beside a bed of moon lilies, carefully trimming away the withered blossoms. She had always found peace among growing things. Plants never lied—they simply flourished when loved and withered when neglected.Sometimes, she wished human hearts were just as simple.As she reached for another flower, a strange warmth spread across the mark hidden beneath her collarbone. She froze. Her hand instinctively covered the place where Killian had marked her years ago.The faded mate mark was glowing. It lasted only for a heartbeat, and then it disappeared."What was that?" she whispered to herself.Across the palace grounds, Killian was training with Commander Roland. Steel clashed against steel again, again, and again.Roland lunged. Killian block
The first frost of autumn settled over the forests of Blackthorn. Golden leaves drifted from towering oaks, carpeting the woodland paths in shades of amber and crimson. The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine, earth, and the distant howl of wolves greeting the dawn.Today was the Royal Hunt. Unlike ordinary hunts, this tradition had never been about trophies. It was a sacred gathering where the Alpha King hunted alongside his pack, ensuring the forests remained balanced while teaching younger wolves the ancient laws of respect—for nature, for prey, and for one another.Killian had participated in the Royal Hunt since he was twelve. This year... for the first time in five years... Seraphina and Aiden would be beside him.The palace courtyard buzzed with excitement before sunrise. Warriors saddled horses, hunters checked their bows and spears, and young wolves whispered excitedly, hoping to witness the legendary skills of their Alpha King.Aiden bounced impatiently beside Killia
The palace had finally grown quiet. After weeks of celebrations, council meetings, and welcoming visiting Alphas, Blackthorn had settled into a peaceful rhythm. For the first time in years, Killian woke without reports of attacks waiting on his desk.Instead... Commander Roland handed him something entirely unexpected: a small woven basket.Killian frowned. "What is this?"Roland folded his arms with an amused smile. "A suggestion."Killian looked inside to find fresh bread, cheese, wild berries, and a flask of berry tea. He looked back at Roland. "I'm an Alpha King.""You are.""I don't carry picnic baskets.""No," Roland nodded seriously. "But a man courting the woman he loves does."Kael, who had walked into the room just in time to hear the conversation, burst into laughter. "I never thought I'd live long enough to see Roland giving romantic advice."Roland ignored him, keeping his focus on the King. "You've fought wars. You've defeated enemies. But if you're asking me... the hard
The morning after the Rogue delegation departed, the palace was once again filled with visiting Alphas preparing to return to their territories. Before they left, King Aldric had called for one final gathering. Every Alpha, every Beta, every Elder, and every member of the Royal Council was summoned. The Great Hall was filled to capacity, yet no one knew why they had been called together.Only Killian did.Killian stepped toward the throne. He wore no ceremonial cloak and no jeweled crown—only the black attire of an Alpha King. He wanted his words, not his title, to carry weight.King Aldric rose, his voice commanding attention. "The floor belongs to the Alpha King."Killian nodded gratefully before facing the massive assembly. "There was a time when I believed strength meant never questioning my decisions," his voice echoed through the silent hall. "I was wrong. My greatest failure was not losing my wolf. It was losing my family."He looked toward Seraphina, who was standing quietly b
The Devourer moved first.The silver mist screamed as the entity tore through the Void, reality itself bending and warping around its catastrophic presence. Even here—in a realm where nothing should exist—it brought nothing but pure destruction.Lyanna didn’t hesitate. Silver light exploded from he
Silence. A suffocating, unbearable, soul-crushing silence.The portal was gone. No shadows remained, no dark energy lingered, and no trace of Aiden existed. There was only empty air, as if the boy had never been there at all.Seraphina stood frozen in the center of the ruined chamber. Her hands tre
Killian had never been afraid of death. He had faced assassins, wars, rebellions, poison, and betrayal. He had watched men die in his arms and buried soldiers whose names no one else remembered.But nothing—*nothing*—compared to the fear clawing through his chest now. Because this time, it wasn't a
Seraphina did not sleep.After Aiden's strange words, sleep became impossible.He isn't dead.The boy had spoken with such certainty.Such conviction.As though he hadn't guessed.As though he somehow knew.The moonlight streamed through the chamber windows, casting silver patterns across the floor







