Before you can run wild, you must first find your l."
Raven – POV
"Concentrate fully. Breathe in the natural air. Feel the breeze touch the branches, hear the water flowing through the streams, the birds chirping in the woods... When you can truly feel it, call on your wolf. She will answer you."
The calming voice of her brother echoed in her ears, but Raven Lockwood sat cross-legged on the forest floor, frustration etched into every muscle.
"Arghh! I can't feel anything at all!"
Raven Lockwood groaned in frustration, her fingers digging into her knees as she sat cross-legged in the forest. "It's like... every time I reach out, something just cuts me off!"
Her mother, Rachel Lockwood, was already pacing nearby, clearly annoyed but holding it in.
It had been years—years of trying—and Raven still couldn't shift into her wolf form on her own. The only times she had ever managed it were when her twin brother, John, was there.
"Hey bro," she sighed, turning to him. "I don't think I'm gonna get it right. Let's just go back to hand-to-hand combat. I like that part better anyway." She smiled, flashing a bit of that signature confidence.
And it wasn't just talk. Raven was the strongest and most skilled fighter in the entire city of Black Angel. Almost no one dared challenge her. And yet, here she was, struggling with the most basic part of being a werewolf.
John chuckled. "You aren't a kid anymore, Rae. Our 18th birthday is tomorrow. If you can't control your wolf by then, how are you going to find your mate when I'm not around?"
"Gee, thanks for the reminder," she muttered, brushing her silvery-white hair out of her face.
She stood up and stretched, her form graceful despite her irritation. "I've got to go, bro. I need to grab a few things for the party tomorrow," Raven said casually. "Sasha and I are heading out, so don't worry—I'll be safe."
John wanted to stop her. She still wasn't getting it—she was of pure royal blood. If word got out that she couldn't control her wolf, she'd become an easy target.
Just as he took a step forward, their mother, Racheal, gently placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Let her go," she said softly. "Give her some space. She's hurting, even if she won't show it. I know my daughter... and so do you. You feel the bond too—whenever she opens it."
Her eyes turned skyward for a moment, calm and resolute.
"I believe the Moon Goddess knows what she's doing."
Together, they watched as Raven ran off to meet her best friend, her laughter echoing through the trees—blissfully unaware of the storm that was already forming.
Sasha was her best friend—more like her sister in everything but blood. The two were inseparable. Lately, Sasha had been glowing ever since finding her mate, and tonight, they were going out to celebrate.
"So, Raven," Sasha grinned as they stepped outside. "Are we really going to the club tonight?"
Raven smirked. "Hush, not so loud! You want my mom to know I'm sneaking off to a bar? Can you imagine what the royal council would say if their precious alpha princess was caught grinding to music in a human club?"
They both burst out laughing.
The air pulsed with bass, colored lights flashing over a packed dance floor. Raven sat back in the booth, sipping her drink and watching the crowd.
"You know," she said, "sitting here really isn't that fun. We came all the way out here because your mate, Philip, asked you to hang—and then he cancels last minute? What a jerk."
Sasha rolled her eyes. "Tell me about it."
One of the guys on the dance floor stumbled over, eyes glazed and breath heavy with alcohol. "Hey... you wanna dance?" he slurred, leaning too close for comfort.
Sasha and Raven ignored him, turning their backs, hoping he'd get the hint.
But he didn't.
Annoyed at being brushed off, he suddenly grabbed Sasha's arm and yanked her toward him. "I'm talking to you, pretty. Who do you think you are to ignore me?"
Raven's growl was low and dangerous. "You better let go of her—if you know what's good for you."
He didn't budge.
Without hesitation, Raven's foot shot out in a sharp, clean kick, sending the guy flying backward into the crowd. Gasps and murmurs rippled across the dance floor.
Raven turned to Sasha immediately. "Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"
Sasha forced a smile and shook her head. "I'm fine... nothing I haven't handled before.
"You know he might be drunk an all but he has a point. Since we are here we should have some fun."
Sasha glanced at her phone. "Raven, it's past 10. We should head back. You know there's a curfew outside the territory."
Raven gave her the infamous puppy eyes. "Come on, Sasha. Just a little dancing won't hurt. We're already here..."
Sasha groaned. "Ugh, fine. But we leave in one hour, no negotiations."
Raven grinned in triumph as they both headed for the dance floor. Lights, laughter, and music surrounded them as they danced, letting the world fade away for just a moment.
But an hour later, everything changed.
The lights cut out.
Screams filled the room.
"We're being attacked! Lycan rogues!"
Panic exploded.
People shoved past each other, scrambling for exits. Glass shattered, furniture overturned.
"Sasha!" Raven shouted, trying to find her through the chaos.
But the crowd surged around her like a tide, and in the stampede, she lost sight of her best friend.
"Sasha—!"
Raven turned too fast—just in time to be struck by a falling pole stand. It slammed into her side, knocking her to the floor. Her vision blurred.
She tried to move, to call out for Sasha, but her limbs were heavy... too heavy.
The noise around her began to fade—until only the sound of footsteps remained.
Then, just before the darkness fully claimed her, she heard voices.
"Great. We caught ourselves a nice one tonight."
"Look here—it's the Alpha's precious daughter."
They laughed—cold and cruel, like they already knew what they planned to do with her.
And then... everything went black.
Next time on Rogue Marked: Raven's Curse:
"Even a caged wolf remembers how to bite."