REJECTED BY THE ALPHA KING

stand on end. Gold and blue torches flared, their light creating spectral shadows that danced around the stone wall

the middle

as a winter storm. His intense stare made my heart race, and the brittle optimism I had been holding on to

urmurs of the assembled pack slith

outl

e leadi

ing will nev

I was no longer simply a nobody. I had to keep

red ahead. Its light beat steadily, like its own heartbeat. Every step I took in

s," he said in a commanding voice, "you have been called here as the Spirit Luna, c

umbling. To centre myself, I balled my fists and let my fingernails to dig int

e made

air felt colder, with a hint of ice and pine. With a predatory elegance that promised bo

a symbol of hope." But there was no warmth in his remarks. "A rogue may have been elevat

dangerously low. His remarks were a

sharp, unforgiving edge sparkled in the torchlight. The weight of

connect me to the power of the moonstone. However, Alexander's wo

is union i

The words didn't register for a second. As the imp

was raised, Reginald's

ned tone. "A renegade cannot lead our people. She is

. Tears threatened to escape, but I resisted letting them fall

ne of disdain. "Is this you

der said withou

ade glinted mockingly in the firelight as I lowered it, my fingers shakin

sn't bel

right-she's j

never

med soul, but I resisted giving up. A defian

h a forceful but calm voice. I refused to take my eyes off Alexan

ched, but before I could identify it, it was gone. His

of the Midnight Keep, the voices followed me. Chatter filled th

s too

ee how she

ing did the

ic voice, however, was

s is over. A renegade posing a

as my palm squeezed for support against the chilly stone wall. Using Pack

tments. I leaned against the door for support as I closed it behind me, my han

ized my heart was chased away by the warmth that permeated me. My destiny was much more signifi

my chest flare at the fire. Not yet, they didn't believe in me. H

terrupted by a stro

to steady my voi

ed as the door cracked open. Her hands were

s just arrived," and then

andwriting had my puls

me in the courtyar

I saw the signatu

nder

the ground after slip

ht with every second as the ma

s a ray of hope? A snare? I couldn't de

out into the darkness, letting d

ead, its shadows dark and ominous. I paused on the d

arly visible. Alexander's gaze met

?" With a sharper-than-in

olding something in his palm, a little vial

kness like a dagger, yet

r what's about to happen. Howe

er happened next would completely alter our rela