Hunted by fate and bound by a curse, Selene Draven lives in hiding, avoiding the truth of her identity as the last heir to the Duskwind Pack. When her quiet life is disrupted by Alaric Veylor, the fierce alpha of the Ebonridge Pack, her world is upended. Alaric, seeking vengeance for his brother's mysterious death, captures Selene, believing she holds the answers to the curse plaguing his pack. But as their fates entwine, an undeniable bond forms, challenging everything they know about loyalty, love, and destiny. As ancient forces awaken and secrets unravel, Alaric and Selene must face a choice: break the curse and risk losing each other, or let love conquer the darkness threatening to consume their packs.
Selene Draven gripped the leather strap of her satchel, her knuckles white with tension. The scent of pine and damp earth filled the air, but the usual solace of the forest felt distant tonight. Shadows seemed to stretch longer, and every rustle of leaves carried a weight that pressed against her chest. She adjusted the hood of her cloak, ensuring it covered her silver-streaked hair, a mark of her lineage that she could never fully hide.
The village of Graybrook lay silent behind her, its flickering lanterns a distant glow. Few dared to wander the outskirts at this hour, especially with the rumors of rogue wolves prowling nearby. For Selene, however, the darkness was a familiar companion. It was easier to blend into the night, to avoid the prying eyes that might recognize her for what she truly was: the last heir of the Duskwind Pack.
A sharp snap of a twig drew her attention. Her head turned swiftly, and her fingers curled instinctively around the hilt of the dagger hidden beneath her cloak. The forest around her was alive with whispers, but this sound was different-deliberate. She scanned the trees, her heightened senses searching for the source.
A low growl echoed through the air, and her heart sank. Wolves. Not the kind she could reason with, but feral ones-mindless beasts driven by hunger and the scent of prey. She dropped her satchel to the ground, freeing herself for movement.
The first wolf emerged from the shadows, its eyes glowing an unnatural yellow. Its fur was matted, its form unnaturally thin. Selene stepped back, keeping her movements slow and deliberate. Wolves rarely attacked without provocation, but these creatures weren't acting out of instinct.
Another growl, deeper this time, made her glance over her shoulder. A second wolf appeared, its body slinking through the underbrush. She was surrounded.
"You don't want to do this," she murmured, her voice calm but firm. Her hand tightened around the dagger. "I'm not an easy meal."
The wolves didn't falter. They lunged.
Selene moved like water, her body twisting to avoid the snapping jaws of the first wolf. Her blade flashed in the moonlight, slicing through the air and grazing its flank. The beast yelped but didn't retreat. The second wolf circled, its movements more calculated.
Her feet found purchase on the uneven forest floor, years of training kicking in despite the panic clawing at her mind. The first wolf charged again, and this time she met it head-on, driving her dagger into its shoulder. The creature howled, its body convulsing before it collapsed.
A sudden weight hit her from behind, knocking the air from her lungs. The second wolf had pounced, its claws raking across her back. She rolled, the pain searing but not debilitating. Her dagger was gone, lost in the chaos.
She reached for the wolf's neck, her fingers finding its matted fur. With a surge of strength, she twisted, throwing the beast off her. It landed with a thud but was on its feet again in seconds, snarling.
Selene staggered to her knees, her breathing ragged. The wolf's eyes locked onto hers, and for a brief moment, she saw something beyond hunger-recognition.
The sound of heavy footsteps broke the standoff. The wolf turned its head, and Selene followed its gaze. A figure stepped into the clearing, tall and commanding. His dark cloak billowed slightly in the breeze, and the moonlight caught the sharp angles of his face.
"Stand down," the man ordered, his voice low but resonant.
The wolf hesitated, its growl fading. Slowly, it backed away, retreating into the shadows until it disappeared entirely.
Selene remained frozen, her chest rising and falling with each labored breath. The man's piercing gaze settled on her, and she felt the weight of his scrutiny.
"You shouldn't be out here alone," he said, his tone more observant than concerned.
"I can take care of myself," she replied, her voice sharper than intended.
He arched a brow, stepping closer. "Clearly." His eyes drifted to the injured wolf lying motionless nearby. "Not bad, for someone unarmed."
Selene pushed herself to her feet, ignoring the sting of her wounds. "Who are you, and why are you here?"
The man tilted his head, studying her. "You don't know?"
"Should I?"
His lips curved into a faint smirk, but there was no humor in it. "I'm Alaric Veylor, Alpha of the Ebonridge Pack. And you, Selene Draven, are trespassing on my territory."
Her heart skipped a beat, the weight of his words crashing over her. She had been careful, staying clear of the Ebonridge borders. But his presence here was no coincidence.
"I didn't mean to cross into your lands," she said carefully, her eyes never leaving his.
"Didn't you?" His voice held a challenge, daring her to lie.
Before she could respond, he took another step forward, closing the distance between them. "You've been very good at hiding, Selene. But the past has a way of catching up to us."
Her stomach churned. He knew. Somehow, he knew who she was, and that knowledge made him dangerous.
"What do you want from me?" she demanded, forcing steel into her voice.
Alaric's smirk faded, replaced by a seriousness that sent a chill down her spine. "Answers. Starting with the truth about what happened to my brother."
Selene's breath caught in her throat. She had no idea what he was talking about, but the intensity in his gaze left no room for doubt. He believed she was involved in something far bigger than she understood.
"I don't know anything about your brother," she said, her voice quieter now.
"That's the wrong answer," he replied, his tone cold. "But don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to think about it."
Before she could react, he moved faster than she thought possible. His hand shot out, gripping her wrist with a strength that made escape impossible.
The world spun as he pulled her toward him, his presence overwhelming. "Welcome to Ebonridge, Selene. You're not leaving until I get what I need."
Chapter 1 1
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Chapter 2 2
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Chapter 3 3
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Chapter 4 4
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Chapter 5 5
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Chapter 6 6
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Chapter 7 7
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Chapter 8 8
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Chapter 9 9
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Chapter 10 10
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Chapter 11 11
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Chapter 12 12
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Chapter 13 13
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Chapter 14 14
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Chapter 15 15
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Chapter 16 16
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