The long-forgotten darkness awakens within the concealed shifter refuge located in Moon City. The uneasy peace between the Greyhound and Crimson Eye packs has lasted for decades until the unexplained disappearance of humans and livestock sparks fear that leads to a potential war between the two packs. The packs' strongest warriors, Vaelrick Dain and Sylara Voss, become unwilling allies to prevent bloodshed. But their history is steeped in pain. Vaelrick's rejection of Sylara as his destined partner broke her heart and condemned him to his cursed destiny. Under the ominous threat of death spreading through their city, they must unite to discover the truth. Their investigation reveals an ancient legend of a vengeful creature tied to Vaelrick's lineage along with a curse destined to destroy him and a traitor hiding among their ranks. When Sylara is taken, Vaelrick is faced with an impossible choice: The abduction of Sylara presents Vaelrick with a harrowing decision: remain loyal to his Alpha responsibilities or acknowledge the bond he previously rejected. As time dwindles, fate compels them to re-evaluate their beliefs and face the question of whether two damaged souls can save each other or if their past wounds will destroy them both.
The air carried a sharp and strong blood who Calledarp. Metallic. Who Called
Sylara Voss pressed herself to the ground amid the foliage with her muscles rigid as she examined the surrounding terrain. A trio of deer sprawled across the clearing with gaping wounds that exposed their spilt innards upon the moist ground. The deer's throats had been torn out and their ribcages had been shattered from internal crushing. But there were no tracks. No signs of struggle.
Her stomach twisted. This wasn't a rottack.AnothererShouts, hu meters. Above, do lm, oon loomed as a massive red orb signalled the approach of a danger worse than anything she had experienced.
A sudden breeze brought a familiar scent which she instantly identified through the trees. Vaelrick Dain.
Sylara's lips curled in irritation. The Greyhound Pack selected him to estigate despite the availability of better options.
From behind her position emerged a low rumbling growl as though the ground spoke. Come out."
She took a slow breath before standing completely upright and moving toward the moonlit area.
Vaelrick occupied a posispiltross the clearing while his intense golden eyes maintained direct contact with hers. He retained her memories-towering height and broad shoulders gave the impression of a contained alpha power. Time worked to sharpen his face's edges while hardening his boyish feature,s into a more sinister appearance.
Too bad she didn't ,care.
She crossed her arms. "Vaelrick."
He angled his head towards her while maintaining a cool tone and stated that they were outside the Crimson Eye domain.
She smirked. "So are you."
His eyes flicked toward the remains before asking, "You found them in this condition?"
She nodded. "No tracks. No scent trail. Just... this."
Vaelrick approached and studied the bodies without revealing any emotion on his face. His jaw tightened as he assessed the situation. "They didn't die naturally."
He clenched his jaw tightly while examining the bodies. "This kill doesn't look ordinary."
"No kidding."
The gleam in his golden eyes intensified when he raised his gaze to her. "Any signs of human involvement?"
She shook her head. "No bullets. No arrows. She searched the area but found nothing that resembled the work of human hands. It was a message."
His jaw showed a small muscle motion while he remained silent.
Their shared history remained unsaid as the silence between them expanded to an oppressive weight.
She had believed that they were destined to be together in the past. Fated mates. The Moon Goddess herself had blessed their destined partnership. Vaelrick shattered her heart with his rejection breaking the illusion of their fated bond.
Their relationship had deteriorated into a tense truce between two adversaries.
Sylara refocused her attention on the d,eer and said, "The disappearances are becoming increasingly severe."
Vaelrick's gaze darkened. "I kno,w."
She observed him with inten,se focus before speaking.
His body tensed while his golden eyes displayed an unreadable emotion.
Her voicdripbodywwastideasas violently prefer to watch this city burn rather than accept our need for each other?"
His silence was answer enough.
A wave of intense frustration boiled within Sylara as her chest heated, but before she could respond, a new sound emerged to slice through the night.
could take action. His Hishersound took on a twisted, warped shape that seemed both ancient and deeply unsettling.
A shiver ran along the back of her neck as hairs stood up sharply.
Vaelrick's entire body went rigid.
"That came from the ruins," he muttered.
Her heart pounded. The ruins. The place no wolf dared to go. The ruins stood as the battleground where initial pack conflicts resulted in bloodshed and served as the site where curses were murmured into the wind as if they were sacred chants.
Sylara swallowed hard. "You don't think-"
Vaelrick responded with a grave tone in his deep voice. "It's awakening."
She understood the nature of the threat without having to inquire.
The Shadow Beast.
A legend. A nightmare. A curse.
The beast had returned after remaining silent for centuries.
Sylara and Vaelrick exchanged a look.
They had reached a point where their longstanding animosity was no longer present.
They were prey.
And the hunt had begun.
For seven years Papat Elvon endured poverty as part of an intense training program to prepare him for his future role as heir to the prestigious Embrace family. Papat has regained his wealth and is now prepared to reclaim his status in high society. But wealth doesn't guarantee happiness. Upon returning to his previous environment he discovers that the extravagant lifestyle he once chased now strikes him as strange. His entry into the billionaire world exposes him to secret political threats and unforeseen emotional trials while he develops an unexpected love. After her strong opposition to the elite Ayomie Basdew finds herself trapped in Papat's influential world. She plans to avoid him but his struggles make it harder to maintain her resistance. Papat must navigate a web of deceit and power battles as he searches for genuine love which cannot be bought with money.
Life was perfect until she met her boyfriend's big brother. There was a forbidden law in the Night Shade Pack that if the head Alpha rejected his mate, he would be stripped of his position. Sophia's life would get connected with the law. She was an Omega who was dating the head Alpha's younger brother. Bryan Morrison, the head Alpha, was not only a cold-blooded man but also a charming business tycoon. His name was enough to cause other packs to tremble. He was known as a ruthless man. What if, by some twist of destiny, Sophia's path were to intertwine with his?
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
After being kicked out of her home, Harlee learned she wasn't the biological daughter of her family. Rumors had it that her impoverished biological family favored sons and planned to profit from her return. Unexpectedly, her real father was a zillionaire, catapulting her into immense wealth and making her the most cherished member of the family. While they anticipated her disgrace, Harlee secretly held design patents worth billions. Celebrated for her brilliance, she was invited to mentor in a national astronomy group, drew interest from wealthy suitors, and caught the eye of a mysterious figure, ascending to legendary status.
Madisyn was stunned to discover that she was not her parents' biological child. Due to the real daughter's scheming, she was kicked out and became a laughingstock. Thought to be born to peasants, Madisyn was shocked to find that her real father was the richest man in the city, and her brothers were renowned figures in their respective fields. They showered her with love, only to learn that Madisyn had a thriving business of her own. "Stop pestering me!" said her ex-boyfriend. "My heart only belongs to Jenna." "How dare you think that my woman has feelings for you?" claimed a mysterious bigwig.
Elena, once a pampered heiress, suddenly lost everything when the real daughter framed her, her fiancé ridiculed her, and her adoptive parents threw her out. They all wanted to see her fall. But Elena unveiled her true identity: the heiress of a massive fortune, famed hacker, top jewelry designer, secret author, and gifted doctor. Horrified by her glorious comeback, her adoptive parents demanded half her newfound wealth. Elena exposed their cruelty and refused. Her ex pleaded for a second chance, but she scoffed, “Do you think you deserve it?” Then a powerful magnate gently proposed, “Marry me?”
Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her family, pouring her heart into winning their hearts. Yet, she had to relinquish her very identity, her academic credentials, and her creative works to her foster sister. In return for her sacrifices, she found no warmth, only deeper neglect. Resolute, Janice vowed to cut off all emotional bonds. Transformed, she now stood as a master of martial arts, adept in eight languages, an esteemed medical expert, and a celebrated designer. With newfound resolve, she declared, "From this day forward, no one in this family shall cross me."