"The Lost Heart of Ice Across the Realms".

If you enjoy mystery and supernatural powers, you might also like my other novel."

(Shackles of shadow)

Albert's furious snarl shattered the air. A brilliant blue glow engulfed him as he shifted, his transformation swift and breathtaking. White and blue fur rippled across his massive frame, his wolf standing tall like a god of winter storms.

The sheer force of his presence made the air heavy, nearly suffocating.

Jacob took a step back—but he didn't back down.

Instead, his own transformation began.

And when it was over, a massive black wolf stood before me, fiery eyes gleaming with challenge.

A low, menacing growl rumbled from his chest—but I barely heard it.

Because in that instant, everything else faded.

That wolf... that color... that presence!

"Black?!"

Memories crashed into me like a tidal wave. A small, involuntary smile flickered on my lips.

I knew this wolf.

Jacob's wolf crouched, ready to lunge at Albert.

Before I could think, my body moved on its own.

"Stop!" My voice rang with desperation. "I won't let you fight because of me!"

Albert hesitated slightly, his glowing eyes still burning with intensity.

But when my gaze landed on Jacob's wolf... my breath caught.

"Black...? Is... is that you?"

I took a cautious step forward, my voice trembling between shock and hope.

A moment of silence stretched between us before I heard it—that deep, familiar purr. His tail wagged excitedly, and in a blink, he licked my face—just like he always had!

A laugh bubbled from my lips, raw and unrestrained. "Black... it's really you!"

Now it all made sense. The strange familiarity I felt around Jacob—it was because Black had always been by my side.

"I missed you so much, Black!"

I wrapped my arms around him, relief flooding my chest.

"But... how? You were in the cave. How did you get here?"

But my joy was short-lived.

A sudden force yanked me away, strong and unyielding.

I barely had time to process before I found myself staring at Albert.

His grip was like iron, his eyes burning with something unreadable as he pulled me further away.

When he finally stopped, his fingers were clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.

I swallowed. On the surface, he looked composed—but I knew better.

He was angry.

Without thinking, I reached out, my fingers brushing against his trembling hand. The tension in his grip eased slightly.

His gaze locked onto mine—an emotion flickering beneath the fury. Relief? Happiness? But he didn't know...

He didn't know that I—

I swallowed hard. If he finds out I don't have a shifter... it's over.

I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened.

Then, with deliberate slowness, he lifted his other hand and gently turned my face back to him.

"Don't ever look away from me... no matter what."

His voice was deep, unwavering—like a melody that resonated through my chest, making my heart stutter.

I opened my mouth, but my voice barely came out. "I... I haven't found my shifter yet. That means I'm weak. I don't deserve to be with you. Your pack will never accept me."

Silence stretched between us.

I braced myself for rejection—for disappointment.

But instead, his fingers brushed against my face, his touch so gentle it made me tremble.

"Even if you're human... I will never reject you. No matter what."

A shiver ran through me as he closed the distance, pressing his forehead against mine, his eyes fluttering shut.

"You are mine. Mine alone. My mate." His voice was barely a whisper, but it carried the weight of something unbreakable. "And you need to understand this—werewolves accept their Luna, no matter her species."

A sharp breath escaped me.

I wasn't prepared for this... for this much emotion.

"Won't you ever get tired of me?" My voice was barely audible.

His eyes opened, and when he smiled—genuine, unwavering—my entire world melted away.

"It will never happen. Can I live without a soul? Without air? You are my other half—without you, I am incomplete. Without you... I can't live."

His words wove themselves into my heart like an enchantment, their weight pressing against my very core. I felt myself melting beneath the force of his sincerity, his strength. But then—abruptly—he pulled away.

His expression shifted. Darkness crept into his eyes, unsettling and sharp.

"Don't go near that wolf again."

I blinked, confusion knitting my brows. "What wolf?"

His voice dropped, firm and edged with something dangerous. "Jacob. Stay away from him."

"But... I didn't go near Jacob?"

A dry, humorless chuckle left his lips, one that sent an uneasy shiver down my spine. "Really? Then who were you hugging earlier?"

Realization struck me like a bolt. "Wait... you mean Black? But he's my friend! I took care of him when he was injured!"

Albert remained silent, but his eyes told me enough. He wasn't convinced. He was weighing my words, deciding whether to push further. But one thing was clear—he didn't like it.

And then, the realization hit me.

Albert wasn't just angry.

He was jealous.

The air between us thickened, crackling with restrained energy. His gaze burned with an intensity that sent my pulse racing. And then, he stepped forward.

Slowly.

Deliberately.

Like a predator closing in.

A biting chill crept into the air, prickling against my skin. My breath turned to mist, yet I stood my ground. I refused to back down.

Albert's hand reached for mine, his grip firm—too firm. His fingers pressed into my skin as if trying to carve his warning into my very being.

"You will do as I say. Jacob is my enemy. And I will not allow my mate to go near him. Do you understand?"

Pain flared in my hand, but it was nothing compared to the ache in my chest. I met his gaze, defiant despite the sting, refusing to yield.

With quiet resolve, I lifted my chin.

A silent refusal to submit.

My voice was steady, unwavering. "No. Black was my only friend when I had no one. I won't turn my back on him just because you hate him. You need to separate your grudge from my friendship."

"

1. Do you think Albert is justified in his jealousy, or should he trust his mate more?

2. If you were in the protagonist's place, how would you handle the conflict between Albert and Jacob?

Don't forget to share your thoughts on this scene! Do you think the protagonist will be able to maintain her friendship with Black, or will Albert's anger escalate things further? Let me know in the comments!

If you enjoyed this chapter, add it to your library so you won't miss the upcoming events!