On the night of the full moon, Hillary Winston, who was framed, was regarded by everyone as an ominous witch and was sentenced to be burned at the stake. Before that, she had already suffered a lot: the ruthless treatment of her newlywed husband, the indifference of her family, and the vicious frame-up of her rival... As the flames burned around her skirt, she vowed that if she survived, she would take revenge on everyone present, leaving no one behind. As if destined, she was saved by a werewolf. He is handsome, strong, and resourceful, with admirable strength. More importantly, the werewolf Alpha looked at Hillary in the firelight, and his cold eyes seemed to have a light in them: "Do you want revenge, my Luna?
No branches lay in wait, tripping the shadow into a deep trench, crimson staining its path. Piercing twigs tore through fabric, yet the shadow, despite agonizing pain, fought to ascend, pursued relentlessly by the sparks.
Their torches aglow, a group peered into the chasm, observing the shadow's futile resistance, their gazes condescending, as though watching a jest.
"Ha, ha, ha..."
Struggling to breathe, the shadow looked back, hands soaked in blood, gripping the foliage above, fixing a gaze upon the foremost figure, voice straining,
"Firman... Didn't expect it to be you."
"You're too naive, my young master."
Firman sighed, shaking his head, "Adaptability is the mark of true wisdom. Your standing has waned."
The shadow fell silent. "How much did he offer you? I can double it."
"You still don't grasp it."
A cryptic smile crossed Firman's lips as he signaled. A crossbow bolt was passed to him. He took aim,
"Benefits are worthless without life to claim them. I've made this clear before."
"Your downfall is your own incompetence. Ultimately, you failed to see through him, allowing him to outmaneuver you."
The shadow sneered, "You understand yourself well... If I die, can your longest-serving personal servant survive?"
Firman paused. Before him stood one weak-willed, while his former master epitomized cruelty. Tonight he bore his former master's head; tomorrow, fate might claim him.
The shadow, sensing hesitation, pleaded, "Spare me. I forgive your betrayal and will reward you."
"Hmm."
Firman shook his head, unwilling to prolong this any further. Raising the crossbow, he aimed at the shadow and pulled the trigger forcefully.
Swish!
"Hmm!"
At the last moment, the shadow rolled to evade the bolt, yet it grazed his shoulder. Firman narrowed his eyes, reloading swiftly. Another bolt struck the thigh, the shadow gasping as he struggled to escape the trench. The crossbow's aim was fixed at his head.
"Goodnight, my young master."
Firman was about to fire when a voice called out,
"The moon is out!"
His gaze flickered skyward, momentarily diverted. The clouds dissipated, revealing the radiant moon, a silver beacon in the night sky.
The night of the full moon.
A sense of foreboding crept in, as a muffled, guttural sound reached Firman's ears. Realizing the impending danger, he turned to the trench. The shadow's form twisted into a beast with astounding agility.
"Hoo!"
The beast growled, its once benign features morphing into a ferocious form. Firman's expression hardened, hastily retreating.
"Retreat!"
In a moment, the roles of hunter and hunted switched abruptly.
......
In a dense forest, an eerie silence draped the surroundings. A colossal cross stood tall in the clearing, a slender woman tightly bound to it, a bed of branches and withered leaves below.
Her head hung low, her hair cascading to veil her face. Eyes half-lidded, a trickle of blood adorned her lips, her appearance disheveled.
A gathering of finely dressed individuals assembled, led by a young man wielding a black cloth ball, a look of disdain etched across his features as he appraised the woman.
"Truly unfortunate."
Her eyes slowly traversed the group until they settled on him, catching the contempt in his gaze. Subtly, she curled her lips into a sneer.
Who would have thought that the once proud Miss Winston would plummet from grace to the depths of despair within a mere half-year?
Perhaps she shouldn't have acquiesced to that marriage, orchestrated solely for her family's benefit. Ill-suited matches always tilt the balance unfavorably, leaving the vulnerable party to suffer. Despite her noble status, she became a doormat for her marital family, subjected to scorn from maids and servants alike.
Not one for competition, she would've endured if her husband treated her kindly. Little did she anticipate his affair with a so-called 'white moonlight lover,' parading the affair in front of her after she moved into the castle!
Her pride couldn't stomach her husband's infidelity, prompting an immediate demand for annulment. But her family had already reaped rewards from the engagement, rendering her unable to depart.
Post the confrontation, her situation worsened. Her fiancé imprisoned her in the dungeon, allowing his mistress to torment her. Worse, his lascivious brother made clandestine attempts on her dignity, met with desperate resistance that caught the attention of none other than her fiancé's mother – her supposed mother-in-law.
Branding her promiscuous and detrimental to the family, her mother-in-law subjected her to torture throughout the night, leading to her awakening in this bound predicament.
And now, those soon-to-be her people were eager to condemn her to death.
Absurdity mingled with sorrow in her heart, veiled by a sneer. The man overheard and scowled, hurling an object to the ground.
"Hillary, the proof is irrefutable. What say you?"
The object unfurled, revealing a black robe and an ornate wide-brimmed hat adorned with dizzying patterns-a standard witch costume, a sight to provoke mayhem, especially considering the owner's lineage among the five families.
Hillary remained silent, head bowed. A beautiful woman clad in white interjected beside the man.
"Fern, could this be a misunderstanding?"
"Stay silent, Anna," Fern sneered, his arm around Anna's delicate waist. "I've sensed something awry for a while. If you hadn't stumbled upon this filth, I'd have never known she was in league with witches!"
"A wicked creature!"
As though pronouncing a sentence, their words carried curses, echoing the collective sentiment.
"May this cross condemn her to hell! The Lord's glory shall shame her!"
"A gutter bug in the castle for three months! Unfathomable! I'll seek the priest for purification."
"To hell! Evil witch! To hell!"
"Why hide this from the town? Are we to protect her reputation even now?"
"Idiots," someone muttered. "It's to shield the Lowell family's reputation! She's still Fern's nominal fiancée, don't forget!"
Anna's body trembled involuntarily at the mention of the word "fiancée." She couldn't help but lower her head, biting her lower lip in a pitiful gesture. Fern shot a displeased glance at the speaker, disrupting the whispers that had circulated.
"Let's proceed with the trial," Fern announced, fixing his gaze upon the silent woman, his brow furrowing deeply. "Hillary, tell me, where are your remaining followers?"
"Remaining members?" Hillary's dry lips parted slightly, her voice tinged with heavy sarcasm. "I am not a witch. How could I have any remaining members?"
"Are you still not admitting it?" Fern tutted irritably. "The Winston family has abandoned you. There hasn't been a reply."
He released Anna and paced slowly toward the cross, adopting a persuasive tone. "If you disclose the whereabouts of the remaining rebels, I might spare your life."
"Save my life? Ha." The woman's laughter erupted as if she found something amusing. "Fern, Fern, what do you take me for? You might as well use this to fool the next person. I might just be the happiest soul in this situation, or perhaps it's her."
Anna's face drained of color. "Don't make baseless accusations. I never thought such a thing!"
"Do you even believe yourself?" The woman lifted her head, bloodshot eyes mocking Anna. "I'm your easiest obstacle in becoming the Lowell family's wife. Maybe you should worry about that lady... You know her tricks too well."
Anna's lashes fluttered as confusion clouded her gaze, glancing towards the man not far away. He had promised her not to deceive her, hadn't he?
Seeing Anna's unease, the woman sneered, "Are you daring to bet on him? A man judging his own fiancée."
"..." Anna scrutinized Fern, hoping for a reassuring answer, but he only coldly replied, "Let's not deflect," before revisiting the prior inquiry.
The woman's sneer echoed in Anna's ears, causing her to bow her head.
"Once more, Hillary, this is your final chance," Fern pressed on, signaling a servant to fetch a torch. Brandishing it threateningly, he demanded, "Where are your accomplices?"
Hillary, ignoring Fern's urgency, met his gaze and questioned, "Do you intend to claim credit from the interrogator with my so-called accomplices?"
"You've been raised at Lowell Castle. It's time you gave something back," Fern demanded impatiently.
"How thoughtful of you," Hillary chuckled wryly. "I could tell you where my accomplices are."
"Really?" Fern's eyes lit up in anticipation. "Where are they?"
A sardonic smile played on Hillary's pale face. "Come closer. I have something to tell you."
Fern hurried to the foot of the cross, his anticipation evident. Hillary's lips moved, and she looked at Fern with a flash of mockery. Then, to everyone's astonishment, she spat a mouthful of blood-stained saliva at Fern.
"Ugh." Fern recoiled, caught off guard by Hillary's audacity. "You deranged woman! Dream on with your grand schemes!"
"...This woman is insane!" Shock and disbelief rippled through the onlookers; nobody had expected Hillary to display such boldness, daring to spit at Fern!
"Fern!" Anna reached for a handkerchief, attempting to step forward, but Fern abruptly brushed her hand away and flung the torch into the pile of dead leaves. The flames erupted instantly as he glared menacingly at Hillary on the cross.
"Bitch! Rot in hell!"
The heap of dry leaves meticulously selected by the servant ignited instantly, flames dancing up the branches and spreading swiftly, encircling the cross. Hillary coughed violently amidst the thick smoke, her skin reddening from the intense heat.
"Bitch! Damn you!"
Fern, wiping the spittle from his face, cursed vehemently. He directed others to gather more firewood while he and Anna stood in the open space, almost eagerly anticipating Hillary's demise.
The agony of being consumed by flames was excruciating. Anna watched as the fire intensified, listening to Hillary's hoarse, stifled coughs. Suddenly, she heard a whisper, a voice seemingly echoing in her ears and resonating in her mind.
The woman on the cross fixed her gaze on Anna and spoke deliberately, "You'll be next. Soon, you'll have your place here too."
"You're going to hell."
"?! "
Startled, Anna stepped back abruptly, horrified, her gaze locked on Hillary on the cross. At that moment, Hillary had been choked unconscious by the dense smoke, but her words lingered in Anna's mind like an ominous chant.
A gust of wind rose, lifting the black robe from the ground. Anna glanced at the intricate patterns on it, her hands trembling involuntarily.
No, she thought to herself, I will become Lowell's wife and sit on that unique high seat.
Gradually easing herself, Anna attributed it to the effect of the wind. The fire hadn't reached Hillary yet. Her nails dug into her palms subconsciously, pushing herself on. Unexpectedly, something extraordinary occurred.
Roar!
A sudden, deafening roar echoed from the dense forest, resembling that of a wolf or a tiger.
The startled birds scattered in all directions. The roar seemed to draw nearer, growing more urgent. Fern's expression shifted slightly, and before he could react, a scream pierced through the crowd.
"It's a monster! A monstrous creature is approaching!"
"What monster?!"
Wide-eyed, the person continued in horror, "It's colossal, towering dozens of feet, with unbelievably powerful limbs, half-foot-long razor-sharp claws, a wolf-like head, and a trailing tail!"
Shock engulfed everyone. "Is that a werewolf?!"
The servant rushed forward, "Sir, rumors of fierce wolves prowling these woods have been circulating in town... This place is perilous. We mustn't stay."
"Yes, sir. That woman is almost done for. We can return for her when the monster's gone."
"Sir! There's no time to waste!"
"... " Fern listened to the escalating roar. Without hesitation, he gritted his teeth and made a call. "Retreat!"
They fled like fugitives, abandoning the burning cross and the unconscious Hillary. Rustling emerged from the dense forest, and a towering shadow emerged, approaching the cross.
"... I've found you."
She was a diamond covered by ashes.... King Dakota was known as the most Powerful Alpha King of all times - more powerful than any other King that had ruled from his lineage. He was cold hearted, introverted and dangerous in anger. Cursed by the Moon goddess, King Dakota had to get married to three wives all in search of a male child that would become his heir, but it was impossible as the curse would only let his wives bear she -wolves. But on a different day, the King meets a lady who offends him and as a punishment, he took her home as his fourth wife. Her name was Shilah. Shilah was a powerless wolf and as a result, was disregarded and intimidated by all. But, when she begins to do things that the King had never felt for years, he began to wonder who she really was. Slowly, she crawled her way into his icy heart and turned out to be something nobody ever expected - a storm.
Her fiance and her best friend worked together and set her up. She lost everything and died in the street. However, she was reborn. The moment she opened her eyes, her husband was trying to strangle her. Luckily, she survived that. She signed the divorce agreement without hesitation and was ready for her miserable life. To her surprise, her mother in this life left her a great deal of money. She turned the tables and avenged herself. Everything went well in her career and love when her ex-husband came to her.
"You're my wife in name only, on paper only. My heart and love will never be yours." Edward made it clear to Daisy that she was nothing to him. They were both victims of family greed -- the marriage was arranged for them. Six years passed. She remained quiet, gaining a reputation in the army as a tough-as-nails colonel. When she walked into his life again, Edward fell in love with this woman, unlike any he had known. She surprised and delighted him. But will Daisy take him back? Can their son keep them together? Can the rift between them be healed? Pick this one up and find out!
My name is Katia, and I am just trying to survive until my fated mate arrives. Which may be easier said than done. Rejectection is the last straw. Whispering my acceptance of his rejection. I run through the pack house, out across the manicured lawn into the forest. "I'm sorry, my sweet girl," I say to my wolf. I'm sorry you have been stuck with me and have had to suffer everything I have. She whispers," it's not your fault, Katia. We came to a cliff with a waterfall. The hurt keeps pounding at me. I need it to stop. My sweet girl, and I just want peace, I keep running and leap off the cliff. Spreading my arms wide, with tears streaming down my face, I fall, not making a sound, waiting for sweet oblivion where we feel nothing ever again. "I love you, my sweet girl! Until we meet again, "My wolf replied just before we hit the water, "I love you too, Katia. I have never regretted a moment with you." The Snow Moon pack is having their last barbecue of the summer next to the waterfall on their land. The adults are laughing and joking while watching the pups play. The alpha, beta, and gamma are swimming with some of the older children and playing a game of Marco Polo. Someone yells, "Oh my goddess, someone just jumped over the waterfall!" Everyone is frozen as they watch what looks to be a child falling arms spread wide, no one makes a sound. The small body hits the water like a plane crashing into the side of a mountain. The alpha, beta, and gamma, spring into action, swimming towards the area the person went under. The alpha is screaming his wolf is going crazy repeating, "Find her. Find her...find her!" They dive and the beta surfaces with a small person in his arms. Alpha takes the girl from his beta, laying her on the ground. The men are shocked by what they see. She is covered in scars and injuries. Her body is twisted and broken. The Beta asks, "Who could have done this to someone so defenseless?" Alpha drops to his knees, repeating, "MATE...MATE...MATE!"
I'm a Luna. After three years of marriage to Alpha Nathaniel Blackwood, I'm finally pregnant with his pup. But he's unclaimed me for his first love. I'm leaving the pack with this secret, praying he never finds out. Nathaniel Blackwood is a handsome, powerful Alpha. In a world where humans and werewolves coexist, he has it all: a billion-dollar empire, untold power, a massive pack, and, most importantly, the perfect Luna. But the return of his first love shattered our marriage. When he finds out the secret I've been hiding, will he regret rejecting me? Will I ever be able to forgive him? Dive into this gripping serialized novel to find out more-Enjoy the ride!
"I, Riccardo Saviano, future Alpha of the Grey Shadow Moon Pack, reject you, Artemisia Guerrieri, Daughter of Alpha Franco of the Blood Moon Pack, as my mate and future Luna." One single sentence. One stupid single sentence was all it took to disintegrate my life. And the day of my birthday, on which this sentence was audaciously uttered to me, I lost the love of my life, my future mate, and my wolf, all at once. As I'm still assembling the pieces of my shattered heart years later, there they come. Like lightning out of a crystal blue sky. My Mates. But wait... If I am mated to triplets, how come I'm about to be mated to 5 gorgeous men? *** TW: explicit and foul language; spicy content; explicit sex scenes ***