Chapter 47

Authoress's POV

The cold night air clung to the ancient ruins of the Eastern Kingdom, but within the Elder's home, the heat of silent tension simmered like an untamed flame. Alpha Orion returned to the house after sparring with Twila, his skin still tingling from her touch, his body thrumming with an ache only she could awaken. He said nothing to the others as he passed them, only nodding to the guards at the door before disappearing into the room he'd been given.

Twila walked in minutes later, cheeks flushed, hair a little tousled, and lips slightly parted from exertion—or excitement. Her eyes caught Zackfronth’s briefly, and she faltered. He was standing near the hearth, staring into the flames with a stiff jaw and clenched fists.

“Zackfronth,” she murmured.

He looked up, his blue eyes stormy. "Had fun?"

She flinched at the accusation in his tone. "It was just a spar."

"Looked more like foreplay."

Her eyes widened, but she quickly recovered, her voice a whisper, yet firm. "Why are you being like this? You knew Orion and I had a connection before I ever knew about any bond."

"I also know what I felt the moment I saw you," he snapped.

Twila looked away, pain crawling into her chest. "I never wanted to hurt any of you."

"You don’t have to choose now," Zackfronth said, voice quieter. "But don’t push me out before you even let me in."

Before she could respond, Azrael stepped into the room. His dark eyes immediately assessed the tension.

"Everything okay here?" he asked, but his gaze stayed fixed on Twila.

"Yeah," she said, brushing past both alphas and retreating into her own space.

That night, while others slept, Orion found her again. This time, she was seated on a large cushion near a broken window, gazing out at the moon.

He approached without a word, sitting beside her, their shoulders barely touching.

"Can't sleep?" he asked.

She shook her head. "My thoughts won't let me."

Orion turned toward her. "You’re thinking about us. About them."

She didn’t deny it.

"You know they both want you. Azrael, Zackfronth. I can see it in the way they look at you. But you always come to me."

Her voice was barely audible. "Because you feel like home."

That did something to him.

He turned fully, lifting her chin so their eyes locked. "Twila, I’ve wanted you since the first moment I laid eyes on you. But I won’t force you. Even if it tears me apart."

She leaned in, brushing her lips against his. "You don’t have to force me."

Their mouths collided like fire and wind, feeding off each other. Orion pulled her into his lap, her thighs straddling him. Their hands roamed, desperate and needy. She moaned against his mouth as his hand slid beneath her shirt, exploring every inch of skin as if memorizing her.

He paused only to whisper, "Tell me to stop."

She whispered back, "Don’t you dare."

The room filled with soft gasps and low groans, the sounds of hearts finally allowed to speak. Their bodies moved in rhythm, clothes a forgotten nuisance, only skin and heat and soul remained. Then, they stopped.

“Not yet.” They both said at once, then let out a little laughter. She lay against his chest, breath steadying, heart racing still.

"What happens now?" she asked.

"Now," he said, brushing hair from her face, "we deal with the chaos... together."

The next morning, the Eastern Kingdom stirred with unexpected energy. Thane and his warriors had arrived, bringing reinforcements. The sound of boots and orders filled the streets as people were being moved from vulnerable huts to the old fortress deep in the inner part of the ruined city.

"Move in orderly groups! Children and elders first!" Thane shouted.

Azrael and Zackfronth assisted, commanding small units to secure pathways and provide aid. From the Southern and Northern Kingdoms, carts of food, medicinal herbs, weapons, and blankets arrived—blessings in a time of war.

The fortress, though ancient, still held strong. Walls of stone withstood the ages, and now, it would become a new haven.

Twila spent the day helping mothers and elderly wolves settle in. She laughed with children, applied ointments on the injured, and in every moment, she felt the weight of leadership slowly settle on her shoulders.

Later, as the sun dipped low, Zackfronth approached her, holding a small bundle.

"Brought you something," he said.

She looked up, taking the item from him—it was a soft cloak lined with fur.

"I noticed you shivered last night. Thought this might help."

She gave him a small smile. "Thank you, Zack."

"I’m not trying to compete with Orion. I just want you to know I’m here for you, in whatever way you’ll let me be."

Twila reached out, touching his hand. "That means a lot."

Behind them, Azrael watched again. His expression unreadable, but inside, a storm brewed.

Later that night, he found Twila alone again. She sat on the fortress wall, overlooking the horizon.

"You always seek silence," he said.

She smiled. "Silence speaks more than words."

He sat beside her. "You’re growing into a Queen."

She scoffed lightly. "I feel like a scarred girl trying to survive."

"But you wear it well."

They sat in silence, until Azrael reached out, gently cupping her cheek.

"If this world was kinder, you’d be mine already. But I know your heart’s still torn. Just know, I’m not going anywhere. Even if I have to love you from afar."

Twila swallowed the lump in her throat. "You’re too good to me."

He leaned in, pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, then disappeared into the shadows.

Far from their gaze, Ryker watched.

Cloaked in shadows, he perched atop a fallen tower like a ghost. His wolf form blended with the ruins. His eyes tracked Twila's every move.

She smiled.

She cried.

All of it pierced him.

She was the light he had lost and the redemption he now craved.

He laid low, watching. Waiting.

He would make his move soon.

But not yet.

Not until the stars whispered it was time.

Twila's POV

That evening, as we got back to the Elder's house, we found him standing outside like he was waiting for us.

“You know you should move to the fortress like every other person.” Zackfronth suggested. The elder shrugged.

“What you all are doing is pointless. There is no fortress. Nothing can stop them. Your weapons cannot kill them.” He said.

“That's why we have Twila, the other elders prophesied about her.” Zackfronth explained.

“I hope so. But you need to know that this is no ordinary fight.” He replied. “I was there, the last time. I remember it just like yesterday. It begins with the Appearance. The first day when the shadow slayers and their warriors appear over the horizon, watching us. It is accompanied by a famine. Our food and water dry up, leaving nothing for consumption.” He began. I felt chills run down my body.

“Then the second day is the Marking. The three slayers stretch forth their hands above the town, marking people. Anyone who receives the mark of the damned is condemned to death.”

“Wait.. what?!!” Zackfronth was confused and so was the rest of us.

“And the third is the Reaping. They sweep through the Kingdom, taking everyone who has been marked with them. No matter where you hide, you die!” He finished.

“How come you're just telling us this now?” Orion frowned.

“I'm just letting you know how it goes, so you don't get high hopes.” He replied before going inside his house.

“Hey alpha. Don't mind grandpa, I know you'll save us all.” Tara, the Elder's five years old granddaughter said to Zackfronth before going in after her grandfather.