Alright... let’s make this fun for all of us. 😌

Here’s how I’m rewarding you, my special readers, and the ink to my pen.

1. Hit a top ranking for a week straight → mass release of 3 Chapters.

2. Send a super gift → mass release of 5 Chapters.

Now for the real mischief, these are the rewards. Also, this is where the real chaos lies.

1. Top interactive reader in a week → gets a shoutout

2. One-time super gift → gets a Chapter dedicated to you.

3. Repeated super gifts → you start getting little spoilers + future hints.

4. Highest Golden Ticket sender of the month (20–30 range) → you get a permanent role in the book

Yes, an actual role. 😅🥹 Immortality secured.

Let’s build this story together 🤍

....

They stepped out into the west corridor.

The air felt different here. Cooler, and touched with the faint scent of earth and evening flowers drifting in from the open arches ahead.

Beyond them, the gardens stretched into the fading light.

Lanterns had not yet been lit, leaving the paths bathed in the last silver glow of sunset.

Mabel slowed slightly.

"See?" she said softly. "The gardens are even prettier at dusk."

Aire stepped forward toward the archway.

The moment she crossed the threshold, something strange stirred in her chest.

A sound rose in the distance. It was a wolf’s howl, low and haunting. Another, then another.

The sound rolled across the hills surrounding the castle like a ripple in the night.

Aire froze.

The air seemed to thicken around her.

Her fingers twitched at her sides as something deep inside her chest tightened painfully.

Another howl echoed. This one was closer.

Aire sucked in a sharp breath.

"Aire?" Mabel asked.

However, Aire barely heard her. The sound vibrated through her bones. Her pulse quickened.

Heat suddenly spread through her body, rushing from her chest down her spine.

"Aire?" Mabel repeated, louder this time.

Aire staggered slightly.

Her hand flew to her chest. Something was wrong.

The howls continued, rising and falling like a call meant only for her.

Her breathing turned uneven.

The world tilted.

And then, a voice cut through the garden. "What’s going on here?"

Both girls turned.

Alaric stood at the far end of the stone path.

The fading light carved sharp shadows across his face, making his expression impossible to read.

His dark eyes settled on Aire immediately, and narrowed.

She looked pale and unsteady.

"Aire," he said, already striding toward them.

Another howl echoed across the valley.

The moment it did, Aire gasped. Her knees buckled. The strange heat surged violently through her body.

"Agh...."

She swayed.

Alaric moved faster.

By the time her legs gave out completely, he was already there. His arms caught her before she could hit the ground.

Aire collapsed against his chest with a soft groan.

Her fingers instinctively clutched at the front of his shirt.

Her body twisted slightly, as if trying to escape something burning beneath her skin.

"Easy," Alaric muttered, gripping her shoulders.

Aire barely seemed aware of him. Another low sound escaped her throat. Her breathing came in uneven bursts as she shifted restlessly in his arms.

Alaric’s jaw tightened.

His wolf stirred violently beneath his skin.

Something about the way she reacted to the howls sent a sharp, instinctive tension through him.

His eyes flicked briefly toward the darkening hills.

Then back to the girl clinging to him.

"What did you do to her?" he asked coldly.

Mabel stiffened slightly.

"I didn’t do anything," she said quickly.

Alaric’s gaze remained hard, and suspicious.

Meanwhile, Aire’s fingers tightened weakly against his shirt as another shudder ran through her body.

The howls continued in the distance. Something deep within her seemed to answer them.

Her breathing came in uneven bursts, her body shifting restlessly in his hold as if something beneath her skin was trying to move.

Then his wolf surged forward.

’Her.’

The word slammed into his mind like a growl.

Alaric’s brows furrowed sharply.

’What are you talking about?’ he snapped inwardly.

His wolf did not answer with words this time.

Instead, a low possessive instinct curled through his chest.

’Claim her now.’

The reaction and order was so sudden it made Alaric stiffen. He looked down at the girl clinging weakly to his shirt.

Her silver hair had slipped loose around her face. Her skin felt warm. Too warm for a wolfless girl.

Another howl rolled through the valley.

The moment it did, Aire gasped softly and twisted again in his arms.

Alaric’s wolf snarled.

’Mine.’

Alaric’s jaw tightened.

"Control yourself," he muttered under his breath.

But his wolf only pushed harder against the back of his mind.

Alaric’s eyes darkened as he stared down at Aire, her body trembling in his arms.

Another low, desperate groan slipped from her lips.

He whirled toward Mabel.

"Stay back!" he growled, his voice sharp and impossible to ignore. "Do not touch her!"

Mabel froze instantly, her easy smile vanishing, replaced by a flicker of surprise.

Alaric didn’t wait. He bent and lifted Aire fully into his arms. She felt almost weightless, but her body shivered violently against his chest, twisting weakly as if trying to escape some invisible fire.

Her breathing was uneven, ragged, each gasp making him tighten his hold.

"Hold still," he muttered, low and harsh, his jaw set.

In one motion, he moved. Faster than any human could, he rushed down the corridor, his wolf’s urgency propelling him. The stone walls blurred past with servants scrambled out of the way.

Aire groaned softly, twisting uncomfortably in his arms. Her hands clawed weakly at his shirt. Her skin felt scorching beneath his hands.

By the time he reached her wing, the warmth of her body had turned oppressive. He kicked the door open without ceremony.

Madam looked up in shock. "Alpha Alaric—"

"Out," he said sharply, his eyes never leaving Aire. She was shivering, tense, and pale, her body trembling against him.

He crossed the room in two strides and set her gently on her bed.

Aire twisted again with a soft, pained groan, clutching the sheets as if trying to anchor herself.

Alaric’s gaze dropped. Her back was wet.

The ointment had been disturbed. Fresh streaks of blood marked the thin, angry lines of the whip wounds.

"Damn it," he muttered, his voice low and tight.

He leaned closer, tilting her slightly so he could see the worst of it. Her skin was flushed, burning under his hands.

He didn’t hesitate. His teeth sank into his own wrist, drawing a small, steady line of blood. Without a word, he held it to her lips. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

Aire parted them weakly, taking in the warmth of his blood. She groaned again, twisting slightly, every movement half-conscious, and half-uncontrollable.

Alaric’s hand steadied her jaw gently but firmly, making sure she drank enough.

When she finally relaxed, with her trembling slowing down, and her body heavy against the mattress, he pulled his wrist away.

Her eyes fluttered once, then closed. Exhaustion claimed her fully, and she sank into sleep, her chest rising and falling unevenly.

Alaric stayed for a moment, watching her, his jaw tight, fists clenched.

Finally, he straightened, giving Mabel who just walked in one last glare.

"Do not interfere," he growled. "Now, get out."

Mabel flinched. "Y-yes, Alpha Alaric," she whispered, stepping back, and immediately leaving the room.

Without another word, he turned towards the couch, and took a seat with his whole attention on her.