Ryker’s POV

The Darkwood Pack had long since recovered from the strange illness that had struck us, but Priestess Cross; the healer I had saved that fateful day was still unconscious, battling the aftermath of saving our people. I glanced once more at her fragile form lying on the hospital bed before turning away.

I made my way to the study near my room and locked the door behind me. Almost immediately, the weight of my hidden depression crashed down as I sat alone. Outwardly, I was the Alpha, strong and present for my pack, but inside, I felt hollow, as if I wasn’t truly living.

How could I? The woman I loved lay unconscious, and the healer I’d fought to protect was in the same state. I had lost on every front. I recalled instructing Beta Andrew, “Activate all defenses the moment she appears. It will help her evade every attack from the Fireflies.”

I wished I’d entrusted that task to someone else or done it myself. The Moon Goddess knew I did everything to save her. I refused to risk Priestess Cross’s life and made sure Kaida was protected. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have dared leave her side. Yet, everything I arranged with Andrew seemed to have fallen on deaf ears.

Now, I had no idea how to face her. She wasn’t even awake yet, where would I even begin?

I rubbed my forehead, the ache in my chest returning with a vengeance. I looked in the mirror, I was handsome, broader but it was all surface. Six years had passed, and I’d been nothing but lonely and miserable. The Shadow Pack wouldn’t even let me see her. I didn’t understand why they thought I betrayed Kaida. The Moon Goddess knew I never intended that. Andrew knew too. What had I done to deserve this endless punishment?

“Kaida, please wake up. You can’t keep sleeping. I miss you. It’s been six years,” I whispered, wiping tears from my face. My walls were covered with pictures of her childhood and her presence filled every corner of my world.

I reached out to touch one photo when a knock startled me.

I retreated to my seat, wiping my tears. “Come in,” I called. The door opened, and Beta Ryan stepped in, his face etched with shock. “Alpha Ryker! There’s good news,” he said urgently.

I ignored him. In six years, no news felt good unless it was about Kaida.

“Alpha, trust me, you’ll want to hear this.”

“The pack will be pleased,” I replied, turning back to my computer.

“Kaida is awake. She woke up today.” His joy was infectious.

My fingers froze above the keyboard as I looked up at him, disbelief and hope mingling in my chest.

Did I hear that right?

My Kaida is awake?

“I won’t tolerate false news,” I said firmly. He bowed.

“I would never lie to you, Alpha. It’s true. My most trusted source confirmed it.”

My eyes lit up, then dimmed.

“But Alpha, there’s bad news. Kaida is… different now. She’s declared war against us.”

Shock rooted me to the floor. “Kaida declared war? She must have been brainwashed. Beta Andrew should have told her the truth.”

I clenched my fists and decided to see her.

Adjusting my clothes, I left the office.

“Alpha, I don’t think we’ll get in,” Ryan warned.

“Anyone who tries to stop us will have to get through me first,” I said.

We got to the garage and Ryan drove us straight to Shadow Pack. At the border, guards blocked our way. I stepped out and approached them.

“I’m here to see Kaida. And trust me, my patience is thin today,” I warned, grabbing one man’s collar and lifting him effortlessly.

He kicked wildly before I set him down. The others stepped aside, and Ryan drove me to the palace.

They must have alerted Beta Andrew, because as I tried to enter, cars blocked my path. Removing my shades, I stepped down, only to be met by Andrew himself.

Seeing him brought a feeling of relief.

Had he really avoided me for six years? Or was it coincidence? I extended my hand for a handshake. The palace buzzed with celebration, but I wondered what was truly happening in Kaida’s world.

“Hello, Beta Andrew. I’m here to see Kaida. Please inform her…”

“I’m sorry, but she doesn’t want to see you. She’s instructed me to keep you, her traitor and betrayer far away so her life won’t be paused again,” he said coldly.

I froze, staring into his eyes.

Was he really saying this? Of all people, he should be defending me.

“Andrew, am I missing something? Why didn’t you activate…”

“Let’s not discuss this. Everyone saw you abandon Kaida in her darkest hour. That’s all she knows. She will never be with you, not under my watch. She and everything she holds dear belong to me,” he spat in my ear.

I froze.

Andrew?

“It’s her coronation so she needs me now. Go back to your pack, you’re not welcome here. This pack and all within it are mine, not yours.” He then warned the guards and walked inside.

I could have forced my way in, but at what cost?

Now I understood the war she had declared on us.

She’d been poisoned by the wrong people.

“I bet Kaida doesn’t know this side of him,” Ryan said, frustration thick in his voice.

My heart pounded. If Kaida stays near men like Andrew, her life is in danger.

Andrew isn’t who she thinks he is. That truth hit me hard.

“I need to find a way to expose him.”