Zeph’s POV
I have never felt more satisfaction as I walked down the corridor. The image of Ryker bowing to me will be engraved in my memory. Is this how superior beings feel?
I will savor this moment for a long time. Those years of being treated like I had no identity, no value, no purpose. I was always reminded of how useless I was because I had no wolf and didn’t have any abilities. But that shouldn’t justify it. Ever.
As I turned a corner, some whispering voices pulled me from my thoughts.
“I heard the prophesied raven has been seen around a territory close to ours and even our territory.” one servant whispered, scrubbing at the marble floors with deliberate strokes.
“Not just that,” another chimed in, glancing around cautiously. “Word is, whoever they are, they’re after power—power strong enough to rule the world. "They don’t just want to control it… they want to enslave everyone beneath them.”
I slowed my steps, my sharp ears catching every word.
“That’s not all I heard,” a third voice joined in. “Apparently, this person’s identity is still unknown, but…” The servant hesitated, lowering their voice. “Some believe they’re right in this pack. That’s the reason for the frequent attacks.”
My brows furrowed slightly, “Are they talking about the prophecy?”
Who on earth would want to enslave the world? Why is the person referred to as a raven?
I then noticed that the servants became silent and focused on their work. I felt someone’s presence behind me. A sharp prickle ran down my neck, and instinct took over as I turned quickly.
Terran. How come I didn’t notice his presence? I was always aware of my surroundings, yet he stood behind without a sound.
“How long have you been behind me?” I asked.
“Not long.” He turned his gaze to the servants, his presence alone enough to make them freeze mid-motion.
“Do you all want to enlighten us on this…rumor?”
None of the servants raised their heads to speak.
“It’s fine. "It just rumors,” I stood in for them.
“These rumors that are spreading,” he said, his tone becoming more serious, “are the reason for the frequent attacks.”
“You can’t be so sure,”
I noticed the way his fingers twitched slightly before curling into loose fists, as if resisting the urge to react.
He’s bothered.
And I knew why. The rumors about him being one of the likely people to fulfill the prophecy, which aren’t true.
“I met Ryker,”
“Not surprised. "After the way he acted yesterday, I figured he would want to see you again.” Terran chuckled, and I could feel the stiffness in him loose.
We started strolling away. “Guess what he demanded from me?”
“To come back to him?”
“Yeah”
“Did you agree?” his voice became low.
I rolled my eyes. "Like I’d never go to that arrogant, self-absorbed—"
"Greedy wolf who thinks the world revolves around him?"
"Exactly!" I exclaimed, throwing my hands up. "And he had the nerve to ask me if I was seeing you."
He chuckled. "So? What did he do after that?"
I grinned. "Threatened me."
His amusement vanished. "He what?"
"Relax, it wasn’t much of a threat. Just his usual ‘you’ll regret this’ nonsense." I waved it off. "So, naturally, I made him kneel."
Terran blinked. Then, slowly, a wide grin spread across his face. "You made an Alpha kneel?"
“Not just kneel. Bow. Forehead to the dirt.” I couldn't help but smile, remembering it. Terran rubbed his face, shaking his head with a quiet laugh. "I can’t believe I missed seeing it.”
“The look on his face? Absolutely priceless.”
We both laughed as he turned to face me. He stared at me for a moment, making my stomach do this weird little flip. Before I could react, he leaned in and kissed me. As soon as his lips touched mine, I expected the same pull I’d felt before.
But… nothing.
We were interrupted by a scream. We turned to see Karex storming towards us, her eyes burning with rage, her fists were clenched so tightly that her nails seemed to be digging into her palms.
Oh, great.
“You dare stand here kissing her?!” she shrieked, glaring daggers at me before turning her fury on Terran. “What is wrong with you? Are you blind, or just stupid?”
Terran's playful mood disappeared.
“Karex.” His voice was dangerously low. “Watch who you are talking to.”
She ignored him and turned to me, her lips curling into a sneer. “So this was your plan? To try and have him all to yourself as his mate?”
“What-”
Karex lunged at me before I could speak.
I barely had time to react before Terran moved.
Fast.
In one swift motion, he stepped in front of me, catching Karex mid-attack. He grabbed Karex, twisted her arms, and pushed her to the ground.
Terran remained motionless while she screamed and struggled against him.
“Enough.” His voice was cold, final. “I don’t tolerate disrespect—especially not toward Zephyrine.”
Her eyes blazed with fury. “She’s—”
“Guards.”
The command was barely above a growl, but it was enough.
The guards appeared in an instant; their expressions unreadable as they awaited his order.
“Take her away.”
“No—NO! "You can’t do this to me!” Karex thrashed, her eyes wild as the guards grabbed her arms and yanked her up. “You’ll regret this, Zephyrine! Your time in this pack is up. I will tell my father!”
The guards pulled Karex away, her screams fading down the hall. I exhaled slowly, relaxing my shoulders as I turned to Terran.
“What even makes her think telling her father would do anything?” Terran said. Little does he know that isn’t what Karex meant. If this reaches her father’s ears, my identity will be exposed.
“You know she’s a child close to a parent,” I replied, evading his question.
He shrugs. “Let’s just hope she doesn’t cause more problems than she already has.I should be going right now,” he rubbed his finger on my cheek.
“No problem.”
He gave a small smile before walking away, his figure disappearing into the corridors. I exhaled slowly, heading to my room.
Later at night.
I was standing in the middle of the blazing territory. The air was filled with smoke and the nauseating stench of blood. There were too many bodies to count, some still burning from the flames. The insignia of Terran's pack was torn, stained with blood, and barely hanging from a broken post.