"Alpha Prince has arrived!"

Everyone bowed as a man with a mischievous smile walked forward. The guard by the pack house saluted and said, "Alpha Prince, the slave has been captured as you ordered. She's inside and waiting—"

Kael didn't even let him finish before striding inside.

The room filled immediately with his alpha presence. Kael's eyes locked onto a specific spot in the room – the bed, where a woman was seated.

She was chained to the bedframe, limiting her movement to just a few steps. She heard the door and looked up, her eyes filling with coldness as they met Kael's gaze.

"Do you have any new greetings for your master?" Kael asked playfully.

Naya glared at him, her eyes seething with anger, but she remained silent. The way she stared at Kael made it seem like no words could ever shake her, whether in fear, surprise, or pain.

Kael grinned, excitement coursing through him. Unable to restrain himself, he walked closer and grabbed her chin firmly.

Naya kept her gaze icy and distant.

"That look of yours, do you know how much it annoys me?" Kael exclaimed, his voice tinged with a mix of annoyance and fascination. "But it also stirs something else inside me. Do you know what that is?"

The coldness in Naya's eyes intensified. With the strength she could muster, she moved and headbutted Kael's hand, pushing him back a step.

Kael was taken aback, but he quickly recovered and regarded Naya with even more amusement. However, this time, a touch of agitation tinged his heart. He pulled her hair, forcing her to face him, and kissed her passionately, as if marking her as his own.

Naya resisted, attempting to push Kael away, but her hands and feet were bound, and Kael was much stronger.

Breathing heavily, Kael pulled away briefly, though his hand remained tangled in Naya's hair. He yanked it harder, making sure she still faced him, and stared deep into her eyes. "Keep looking at me like that. You know I won't hold back, right?"

Naya didn't avert her gaze. Her eyes remained cold and resentful, as if no words could ever reach and penetrate her, never making her afraid.

Kael's blood surged, and the fire in his heart burned brighter. With a huff, he pushed Naya down onto the bed, pinning her beneath him. "I have to remind you constantly, don't I? You'll never escape from here. Run, and you'll be captured again. You belong to me now, so it's your choice: surrender, or I won't stop until you beg for my mercy."

Naya's eyes wavered slightly.

She couldn't help but wonder what she had gotten herself into.

And of all the people she could have encountered, it had to be this infamous, wild prince.

. . .

A few years ago  

Thud.

Naya leaped into the air, striking the person in front of her before swiftly landing on the ground. Another attack came from behind, but Naya's sharp eyes noticed it, and she leaned forward to dodge it. Turning around, she kneed the man in the stomach and delivered an elbow to his head. He groaned in pain and fell.

Several more men approached, wielding various weapons, but Naya skillfully evaded their attacks, twisting their arms and cracking their necks. They whimpered in pain as they hit the ground.

One of them, sweating profusely, slowly got up and readied himself. "One more try..."

Naya looked at him without emotion.

"Here I go!" the man roared and attacked Naya again.

Sweat trickled down Naya's face as she swiftly dodged the man's attack, making him stagger before landing on the ground once more.

Breathing heavily, he wiped sweat from his face and grinned at Naya. "Just as I expected from the beta's daughter. How about another round? Your looks distracted me there."

Naya's eyes remained distant and cold.

"Forget it, Jeffrey," another man from the group sitting under a tree chimed in. "Stop bothering her with nonsense. Remember, Naya is not your childhood friend anymore. She's our leader."

Jeffrey laughed, looking at Naya, about to tease her again when a series of footsteps approached.

In an instant, the people sitting under the tree and those fighting with Naya stopped and gathered in a line.

Five men appeared, and one of them stepped forward, facing Naya, who stood in the center.

"It seems everyone is here," the tall man said, his chin held high. His rough beard and a crescent moon tattoo on his shoulder silenced everyone. He glanced at them before focusing on Naya. With a serious expression and a deep voice, he said, "I've come with a message from the alpha. Naya, come with me."

Naya looked at the tall, sturdy man and replied quickly and respectfully, "Yes, Beta Alfredo."

Inside a hut, a temporary shelter for Naya's group, she stood before the pack beta.

Beta Alfredo stepped forward and handed a paper to Naya.

Confused, Naya accepted the paper and examined it.

Before she could ask any questions, the tall man spoke again. "The alpha and his children have observed your intelligence and skills in recent years. They've decided to promote you to a higher-ranking beta warrior. When you turn twenty-five, you'll have your own pack house in the main village."

Top of FormNaya's heart raced as she stared at the man, searching his expression.

His face remained unreadable, leaving Naya to wonder about his true feelings.

After the announcement, Beta Alfredo sat down with Naya to discuss matters concerning their pack. Naya and the other beta warriors had been away from home for a year, guarding the borders and undergoing training. They relied on Beta Alfredo to bring news from the main village, where the rest of the pack, including the Alpha and his family, resided.

"I suppose that covers everything. If you have no further questions, I'll head to the other borders to check their situation," Beta Alfredo said, rising from his seat.

"Are you proud of me?" Naya asked.

The imposing man, radiating strength and pride, stood before Naya. He gazed at her for a long moment before releasing a sigh and saying, "Of course. Your accomplishments are mine as well." He paused and quickly added, "But there are things that would make me even prouder."

"The mainland's royal heir," Naya said, looking up.

Her father, Alfredo, the beta of the Light Shadow Pack, fell silent. Then a small, meaningful, and weighty smile appeared on his face as he nodded.

Naya swallowed hard, her heart pounding at the mention of those two words – royal heir. It was the only thing that could evoke such a smile from her father, if he ever smiled at all. Naya had never witnessed it before, not even once, so she couldn't be certain.

What she did know was that her father, Beta Alfredo, had been training her and the other warriors of her age group for one specific purpose: to defeat the royal heir of the Crimson Stone Pack, their rival pack.

For centuries, the Light Shadow Pack had managed to remain isolated amidst the turmoil among the packs in the world. They had always strived to avoid conflicts, a task made easier by their territory, which was separated from other packs by a vast lake. However, everything changed with the arrival of the Blue Moon.

With their power at its peak, the world’s biggest pack residing at the center of the mainland – the Crimson Stone Pack – invaded the territory of the Light Shadow Pack, resulting in numerous casualties. During one ambush, their Luna, the queen, was killed. This event left the Alpha gravely ill, on the brink of losing his wolf, and unable to shift, leading to further deaths and the decline of their once-prosperous land. Thankfully, his children stepped up, caring for him and working tirelessly to rebuild and develop what remained of the pack.

At that time, Naya was only six years old, but she learned from her father's stories that their enemies came from one specific pack – the Crimson Stone Pack.

"They murdered our Luna and our pack members," Beta Alfredo stated, his gaze averted. Anguish and fury flickered in his eyes as he clenched his teeth, his hands trembling slightly. "Including your mother and your sister..."

Naya rose to her feet, pain etched across her face.

A heavy, sorrowful sigh escaped her father's lips as he walked toward her, gripping both her shoulders. "You're now twenty-one. In a few more years, you'll officially become a warrior of our pack. Your life will be dedicated to protecting the Alpha and his children, just like mine. But before that, there's one task you must complete."

Beta Alfredo locked his gaze with Naya's. "You will lead this mission, Naya. You cannot fail your father, your mother, your sister, or our entire pack. Remember, the only path to restoring peace to our pack is through death."

Naya remained steadfast, meeting her father's unwavering gaze, her eyes devoid of fear. "Yes, Father."

Beta Alfredo held her gaze for a long moment before nodding.

Naya's heart raced. She had to embark on this mission swiftly. She didn't want to be away from her pack for too long, and, above all, she yearned to make her father proud. She knew his pride could only be earned by successfully completing this mission.

"The time for your mission is drawing near," Beta Alfredo said. "From now on, you must not address me as your father. You must also conceal your identity from others. If you encounter anyone outside our pack, even if they learn your name, you must introduce yourself as a rogue."

Naya lowered her head, her father's words ingrained deeply in her mind and heart. "I understand."

Alfredo smiled briefly. "Good."

His smile turned frigid as he released Naya.

With her head still bowed, Naya clenched her fists, her mind filled with her father's teachings and instructions. She was determined never to fail this mission, to secure the royal heir's head and present it to her father. She yearned to witness his reaction when it happened.

The next time she raised her head, Naya found herself walking beyond the pack's borders. Three years had passed since they had trained. Now she was 24, leading the six warriors she had trained, all of whom would accompany her on her mission she promised her father she would finish.

They boarded a boat together, the lake's crystal-clear waters glistening in the warm afternoon sunlight, embracing them. The cold air brushed against Naya's face, but her expression remained unwavering as she looked ahead, her eyes reflecting only a steely resolve.

She had been raised and trained for this one purpose – to assassinate the royal heir of the Crimson Stone Pack and shatter their hopes and dreams, just as they had done to her own pack.

Even if it meant sacrificing her own life, Naya was determined never to waver until she had fulfilled her mission. 

"Run!"

Naya's heart sank as her companions shouted, scattering in accordance with their training.

A chill ran down Naya's spine as she glimpsed the source of the attack. It emanated from the Southern border's tower, confirming her suspicions. Their map had proven outdated, and the landscape had undergone significant changes. According to the map, they should have encountered only one tower, but in reality, another had been erected. Each tower boasted around fifteen guards or so. Now, they had spotted Naya and her group trespassing on their turf.

Swearing under her breath, Naya sprinted and rolled, seeking refuge behind a towering, thick tree.

"Hurry! Locate those intruders! Chief Martin's arrival is imminent! Don't let the rogues slip away!!"

Naya's blood ran cold, remembering her father's warnings.

"The Main Land is vastly different from our home. It's twenty times larger in size. While the warriors guarding these borders may hold lower ranks, considering their distance from major pack territories, they still outnumber your group. The first border you cross will determine whether you and your team can execute this mission as we've hoped. Remember, if you sustain injuries that render you immobile or are captured by these people, it's over."

Naya clenched her teeth.

An arrow whizzed towards her hiding spot. Reacting swiftly, Naya ducked, narrowly avoiding the sharp blade that struck the tree trunk above her.

"Captain," a man stationed by the adjacent tree called out.

Naya glanced at him and recognized him instantly, despite his face being concealed. It was Billy.

He panted heavily as he conveyed a message using quick hand signals, relaying information from the others.

Naya comprehended the message, and in hurried steps, they retreated deeper into the forest, navigating through dense underbrush and thorny paths until they reached a spot near the lake.

"Captain!"

Naya arrived at the designated spot with Billy. She caught her breath while scanning the area, her brows furrowing. "Where are Kevin and Sage?" All of them were beta warriors, a group of two females and five males in total. Naya and Sage were the only women who had successfully completed the rigorous training to become members of the Midnight Seven, their elite team.

Wide-eyed, they exchanged anxious glances.

Naya bit her lower lip, sighed, and turned around, preparing to retrace their steps.

"W-Wait, captain! It's too risky!" One of them exclaimed.

Naya fixed a cold gaze on him. It was Orvyn, their group's most skilled archer. Her voice was icy. "That's what we all signed up for."

Dangerous circumstances weren't sufficient to deter them. They couldn't afford it.

Orvyn hurriedly followed and gripped her shoulder. "I mean, it's too dangerous for you to go alone. We'll go with you, Captain. Let's find them."

Naya surveyed her team and sighed. Simultaneously, a thunderous, bellowing voice echoed from the distance. "Find them!"

Naya furrowed her brow and cast a chilly glance in that direction. "Let's go."

Everything unfolded at a lightning pace. Fortunately, they located Kevin and Sage before nightfall. The group didn't pause for rest, pushing forward until they reached the next border. It was still a good distance from the main territory of the Crimson Stone Pack, but it was the path leading them there.

Their mission was clear: they needed to cross it.

However, Naya had underestimated the strength of these packs—or, to be precise, the people assigned to guard the borders.

With wide, alarmed eyes, she watched as Kevin, the youngest member of their team, faced an assault from two guards simultaneously. They hadn't transformed into their wolf forms, but they wielded weapons: a knife and a spear.

They forced Kevin to kneel on the ground, removed his mask, and demanded angrily, "Talk! Where did you come from? Why did you trespass onto West Wood Pack's territory? Who sent you here?! Tell the truth!"

West Wood Pack. Naya had heard of it before; it was undoubtedly one of the major packs on the mainland.

A cold sweat coated her back as she witnessed the guard kicking Kevin in the back, shoving him to the ground.

"Are you a rogue? Answer me!" The guard stepped on Kevin repeatedly, causing him to groan. But Kevin clenched his teeth and glared into the distance, refusing to reveal anything.

"We need to help him," Sage said, her eyes filled with worry and pain.

The members of the Midnight Seven hid from a distance.

"But if we intervene now, those other folks might summon reinforcements," Jeffrey remarked with a deep frown.

"If we leave him be, they'll kill him," Billy commented, echoing Jeffrey's expression. He turned to Naya. "Captain, what should we do?"

Naya's heart raced, and the blood in her veins ran colder and colder. She clenched her fists and said sternly, "Wait for nightfall to deepen. We'll rescue him once the guards thin out."

Everyone understood her directive and nodded in agreement.

The sun faded, and the bright, full moon emerged in the starry sky.

Naya and her team sprang into action. Using the knowledge and skills acquired during their training, they incapacitated the guards surrounding the small hut.

"That's where they took him," Billy pointed out.

Naya gazed coldly at the hut. "I'll retrieve him. Everyone, meet me at the border."

Billy and Sage wore puzzled frowns. "Captain—"

"Go!" Naya interrupted and turned towards the hut. She had counted the guards earlier, and there was only one unaccounted for, the man who had acted as their leader.

Making sure the other team members had departed, Naya kicked open the door.

Inside, she immediately spotted Kevin on the floor.

Kevin, his eyes half swollen from the beating, spotted Naya and almost broke into tears.

As anticipated, another man awaited her by the side. He looked at Naya and spat angrily, "How did you—"

Quick as lightning, Naya kicked him, sending him crashing into a pile of chairs with a loud vibrating thud The man staggered and groaned as he wiped sweat from his brow and glared at Naya. "You damn rogues!"

Compared to the other guards, he appeared more formidable, Naya noted. During their battle, he managed to wrest her mask off. Naya furrowed her brow and fixed her icy gaze on the man, delivering another kick and twisting his neck until he slumped to the floor.

Naya stood there panting, then quickly moved to untie Kevin's ropes.

"Captain, I overheard the guards earlier. They mentioned something about the Crimson Stone Pack," Kevin shared.

Naya's hands froze, and she widened her eyes, her brow knitting. "They know about...Crimson Stone?"

Kevin nodded. "...I think so. I believe they're collaborating into something. There’s a cargo. I think they are sending it to Crimson Stone Pack..." He winced in pain.

"Return to the border," Naya instructed.

"Captain, what's your plan?" Kevin asked, his surprise and fear evident.

Naya looked ahead. "I have something to confirm first. I'll be back shortly. Go."

With that, she pushed Kevin towards the woods while ensuring the head guard, attempting to rise from the floor, remained subdued. Eventually, Naya produced a knife from her pocket and pressed it against one of the guards, the blade almost touching his neck.

"Answer my question. Where's the cargo you're sending to the Crimson Stone Pack?" she demanded.

The guard trembled in Naya's headlock. "I-I don't know!"

Naya's gaze grew colder. She pressed the knife further against the man's neck. "You'll tell me, or I'll slit your throat before you can transform."

The guard clenched his teeth and let out a shaky laugh. "You're a true rogue... I'm a beta. I can't shift without an alpha's order! And even if I knew where the cargo is, do you think I'd tell you? Hah, go ahead and kill me. I'd rather die than betray my pack!!!"

Naya's cold glare persisted.

Simultaneously, Naya heard approaching footsteps.

"Ha, my comrades are here! You're done for, rogue!" the guard taunted with a mocking, fearful laugh.

Naya delivered another blow, cracking the man's neck once more, rendering him unconscious.

As she glared outside, Naya prepared to flee into the woods when she halted. Around ten men wearing warrior attire similar to the guards she had subdued earlier surrounded her.

Naya readied herself for a fight.

The newly arrived warriors looked around, their gaze shifting between the unconscious bodies on the ground and Naya, their astonishment palpable. One of them squinted and asked, "What are you?"

Naya responded only with a cold stare.

In the next moment, she was fighting again. She brought down five, six, seven... until only three men remained standing in front of her.

They each let out rough, subdued breaths.

"Damn, you sure can handle yourself," one of them murmured.

Naya ignored his comment and swiftly dodged another attack, launching her own. However, she felt her heart skip a beat, her knees weakening as she tumbled to the ground.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Her heart pounded loudly in her ears, making her wince. Her heightened senses overwhelmed her, clouding her mind and numbing her body.

Naya bit her lower lip, struggling to move. What was this feeling? Why did it suddenly feel like her body wasn't her own? Her heart was beating too fast and wild, too. Nevertheless, she knew she couldn't stop here.

Refocusing her mind, Naya forced her body to move. With a low, staggering breath, she pushed off the ground with all her remaining strength and slowly looked up.

The three men who had gathered around her stood before her in silence. Then, in an instant, they moved aside, making way for another figure. 

They all bowed and greeted in unison, "Alpha Prince."

Naya’s blurred vision cleared up. 

Under the radiant, full moon, she saw a man. He stood tall wearing clothes slightly different than the rest, his build rougher but more refined than the men Naya fought. Thick, dominant pheromones spread around his stature as he walked forward. 

Naya couldn’t help but freeze as she looked at the man, seeing his eyes – green, dark, cold, and carrying a peculiar depth that made anyone feel powerless at one glance. 

Time seemed to stop as those green eyes glinted and landed on Naya. 

Naya’s heartbeat turned faster and faster. Deep inside her soul, she heard her wolf making a sound. It wanted out. For some mysterious reason, it wanted to meet this person… 

The tall, handsome man crouched down. Slowly, his lips that had been shut tugged up into a wicked smile. 

Naya froze. 

“Well, well, what do we have here?” he asked mischievously while staring at Naya. “I heard rumors of a rogue causing a ruckus at this border. They described a formidable fighter, tough to bring down. Yet all I see is a new, lovely plaything.” 

Naya snapped out of her trance, her heart turning cold as she listened to the man's words and observed his approach. But before she could react, he firmly grasped her chin.

He pinched her cheeks and forcefully tilted her face upward to meet his gaze. "What's your name, rogue?"

Naya pushed her wolf down to the corner until she could no longer hear her. Then she glared at the man before her, the anger in her heart growing as she felt the pain from his grasp. She would rather die than reveal anything about herself. 

“Hmm, could it be you can’t speak?” he asked with narrowed, curious eyes. 

One of the men behind him stepped forward. “That’s impossible, she must be playing innocent.” He glared at Naya, “You there, speak the truth! You’re facing Alpha Prince Kael of the West Wood Pack! Speak now or you’ll be punished!!” 

But Naya remained silent, her thoughts running. So this man was the alpha prince of this pack? That explains the dominance and why her wolf acted strangely. 

Does it matter though? Who cares if he’s more powerful than the warriors around him? Naya could still take him down. Not with her strength but with the small medicine inside her pocket. It would numb anyone’s senses and poison their blood, sending them to their graves instantly. Naya clenched her hands and continued to glare at Kael. Any minute now and she could—

“I’ll take her.” 

“Alpha Prince?” The warrior who spoke then was stunned. 

Naya’s thoughts froze. 

“You heard me, Jed,” Kael said as he tilted his head and stared down at Naya, meeting her cold eyes with his own glinting, wicked ones. He stood up and ordered, “Bring her to the tower. I’ll give her her punishment myself.” 

. . . 

Jed, Kael's personal guard, went pale. “But her identity is still unknown! She might attack—” 

“Attack who? Me?” Kael asked while raising an eyebrow, then he scoffed and glanced back at Naya, sizing her up. “Are you saying that woman might still have something to use against me once we’re alone?” 

Jed glanced at Naya and then around them. “It’s better to be careful. She did manage to do this to the guards after all.” 

Naya dug her fingers inside her palm. There were two people behind her and two in front, including Kael and his personal guard, Jed. The man called Jed appeared to be really quick-witted which was a bit troublesome. In any case, the person closest to her right now was Kael. If she stood up, she could still use the poison on him and make a run for it. 

“If you’re that worried then just strip her.” 

Naya’s thoughts halted, her heartbeat froze. 

She looked up and in horror, saw Kael’s serious expression. 

“Alpha Prince!” a man wearing warrior clothes suddenly came running and shouting. “A campfire is seen miles away. It’s just as you said. There are more of them! Alpha Prince, what do we do?!” 

Kael’s eyes glowed. They swept over to Naya’s direction, his smile sending shivers down her already cold back. “It seems you’ve come prepared. It’s going to be a long night of discussion between us, huh?” He turned to the guards and ordered, “Capture the trespassers. Don’t let anyone escape and bring them all to the Dark Hall!” 

Naya went stiff. The coldness of the night wind seeped through her bones. Just trying to imagine her teammates captured by these people around her made her shudder in anger and fear. 

No, that couldn’t happen. 

There was no way she would allow them to capture the rest of her people! 

With a swift movement and with anger rising from the depths of her heart, Naya clenched her hands and stood up, and sprinted toward Kael, pushing him to the ground. Everything happened fast. Kael fell and with Naya jabbing his stomach and twisting his arm, she took the poisoned knife and pointed it on his throat while looking at the men around her. 

“You--!!” Jed’s expression worsened. 

The guards went livid and bared their teeth. “How dare you try to harm Alpha Prince Kael!? Do you want to die?!” 

Naya glared back at them and pushed the poisoned knife to Kael’s neck. “Nobody moves or I’ll slit your prince’s throat.” 

Kael remained silent. 

It was too odd that it made Naya frown and glance down at him. It was a wrong move, however, as she caught sight of a smile plastered on his face. 

Caught off guard, Kael swiftly turned around and twisted Naya’s arm to remove the knife. The knife fell to the ground and Naya was pulled to a sturdy, wide chest. She gasped, her eyes widening at the sudden contact. 

“So you do talk,” Kael exclaimed while staring at Naya with a teasing, wicked smile. Naya snapped out of her reverie, moving quickly to her feet as she reached the knife. But Kael kicked her and made her fall, his foot stepping on her hand, making her hiss and groan at the sudden pain. 

All the guards were stunned and silent as they just watched the two fight. So when Kael signaled them to move, they were quite startled. They all quickly went to grab Naya’s arms, subduing her to the ground. 

Jed took the knife and took a whiff of it. He frowned and turned to Kael, “This one’s coated with poison.”

The guards all were stunned and glanced at Naya darkly. “That rogue really wants to die! Let’s end her right now!” 

Standing up, Kael glanced down at Naya. “No.” 

“Sir?” The guards looked at Kael in surprise and confusion. 

Kael tilted his head to the side. “I’ve changed my mind. Don’t bring her to the tower.” 

Naya breathed hard and fast, the two arms holding her down beginning to feel stronger and stronger that it hurt her flesh. But it wasn’t enough to crush the emotions inside her. Knees on the ground and with intense hatred filling her eyes, she looked up at Kael and met his cold, wicked gaze. 

Kael’s voice sounded like the cold waters in that lake. It was too cold enough to make Naya’s steel heart tremble. 

“Just strip her and bring her to my chambers.”