Sunny Leah의 작품

12YEARS LATER JASMINE—-.The kitchen bustles with activity as servants scurry about, their hands moving swiftly to prepare for the evening's festivities. The clock ticks closer to dusk, and the pressure mounts to complete the decorations before our party guests arrive.I lend a hand where I can, expertly arranging a centerpiece of fresh flowers. Hades burst into the room, Jason perched on his broad shoulders, giggling uncontrollably."You'll make him throw up again," I warn, eyeing Hades's energetic swinging."Aw, he likes it," Hades replies, grinning mischievously, as he makes another sweeping arc."Mommy, I love it!" Jason squeals, his tiny hands grasping Hades's hair.I shake my head, concealing a smile. "If you throw up, don't expect me to come to your aid."Jason's face sets in determination. "I'm four. I can help myself."I chuckle inwardly, recognizing the stubborn streak he inherited from Hades. Jason's words echo his father's confident tone, a miniature replica of the man w

—JASMINE-Stepping foot in Silvermist feels surreal, like a dream I've longed to awaken to. The word "home" echoes through my soul, resonating with a depth I never knew I craved. Every step carries me closer to a sense of belonging.As I wander through the pack's grounds, a somber atmosphere envelops me. The usual bustle seems muted, with fewer pack members in sight. Some may be busy with their daily routines, but the scarcity of familiar faces weighs heavily.My heart quickens, anticipation building as I approach the main pack house. I've yearned to hold my children close, to see the spark in their eyes. And Hades...my mate, my rock.The pack house comes into view, its wooden facade weathered to a warm, golden brown. Smoke drifts lazily from the chimney, carrying the scent of warmth and comfort.I push open the door, and a sense of peace washes over me. I'm home.After weeks of navigating the unfamiliar city, I'd finally found my footing. The initial disorientation and panic had g

—HADES.-I trudge back to the Silvermist pack's main house, weighed down by the crushing burden of defeat. The familiar scent of home and family offers little comfort, as the ache within me grows with each step.Until now, I hadn't grasped the depth of great sadness. The hunt, once fueled by determination and hope, has yielded nothing. No sign of Jasmine, no hint of Denzel's whereabouts. The abyss of uncertainty gapes wider, threatening to consume me.As I enter the pack house, my gaze falls upon Enora and Ezra, their hushed conversation halted by my arrival. Their eyes, attuned to my emotions, widen in concern.Ezra, one of our pack's strongest members and a trusted ally had opted to remain behind, watching over Enora and our children while I pursued the hunt. His presence provides a sense of security, allowing me to focus on the search.Now, as Enora and Ezra take in my worn, defeated appearance, they sense the outcome without needing words. Their expressions mirror my despair."

JASMINE.-I'm so cold, my body numb and trembling. Hunger pangs gnaw at my stomach, and my throat feels parched, desperate for a drop of water. The night is wearing on, and I've lost all sense of direction.The convenience store manager's words echo in my mind: "You're miles away from Maple." The reality hits me like a ton of bricks. I'm stranded, alone, and scared.This place is unfamiliar, its streets twisting and turning in ways that make no sense. I don't know how to navigate these dark alleys and deserted roads.Fear creeps in as the streetlights cast long, ominous shadows. Every sound makes me jump – the rustling of leaves, the distant hum of a car, the creaking of trees.Denzel's face flashes in my mind, his cruel smile etched in my memory. He's a monster for bringing me here, for tearing me away from Maple and everyone I love.My hand instinctively goes to the cut on my chest, the pain still throbbing. Infection is a constant fear, and without Lira's healing touch, recovery w

—HADES.-Denzel's minion leads us to the outskirts, just as he promised. But I should've known better. The guy's a total liar. This is a setup, a trap.Denzel's goons are waiting in the warehouse, ready to pounce the moment we step foot inside.But I'm on it. I brought my pack here to track down Jasmine, not to get caught up in Denzel's twisted game.As their alpha, I prioritize their safety. "Fall back!" I yell.My wolves obey instantly, falling back as I unleash the full fury of my inner beast. Adrenaline surges through my veins, fueling my fight response. I become a whirlwind of teeth and claws, taking down Denzel's wolves with swift and deadly precision.With each swift kick, I send opponents crashing to the ground. My bites are targeted and merciless, crushing bone and sinew. My claws slice through fur and flesh, leaving ravaged bodies in my wake.These amateur wolves, thinking they could take me down? It's almost laughable. My strength surpasses theirs by a landslide, honed fro

—JASMINE-“You’ve fucked me up” Denzel begins.“Now come closer”I move closer to Denzel, my body betraying my will. His hand reaches out to claim me, his touch looming like a dark specter. The night air thickens, cold and oppressive, as if conspiring against me.Alison seethes behind me, her rage palpable. "Stop this madness, Denzel!"Denzel's smirk twists into a snarl. "Shut up, you filthy traitor. I'll deal with you when I'm done with her.""Traitor, says the traitor himself!" Alison spits, her voice venomous.Hunter joins the chorus of outrage. "You deceived us!"Denzel's laughter sends shivers down my spine. "I didn't deceive you. You're both just blind fools. It would've been nicer to claim one of your bodies."His words drip with malevolence, and I feel a surge of revulsion.I turn to face Alison, our eyes locking in a silent understanding. She wore the cursed necklace around my neck; she could free me.Alison's gaze flashes with recognition, and I turn back to Denzel."Now le

ELEANOR’s POV-—I shouldn’t have let myself slip again.The realization settles like a heavy stone in my stomach, cold and unforgiving. Arthur had abandoned me long ago, and tonight’s fleeting intimacy was nothing more than a product of his desire—a moment of weakness on my part, a mistake. I shouldn’t have let myself be fooled by this false sweetness, shouldn’t have let my heart tangle itself in the illusion that it meant something.The kisses, the touches— I drown them I bite the inside of my cheek as I pull out the photo from his wallet again, my fingers trembling slightly. The wedding picture of us stares back at me, mocking me with the innocence we once had. I bury my hope, finally.I exhale sharply and slide the wallet back into his coat. I stare at the coat, with bitterness, like it’s a person and it has done me wrong.I don’t care. I don’t care if he comes home tonight or not. I’ll enjoy the tomato soup I prepared and have a good night's sleep.And Tomorrow, I’ll return

–ELEANOR-I can’t ignore the sadness gnawing at my gut or the tinge of self-loathing for giving in to Arthur’s kiss.At the mere mention of Brianna, he’s already leaving.It's not the first but it feels worse this time because we were in the middle of something intimate, something we didn't let ourselves fully explore in our marital years. It hurts and it sucks so bad."I'll be back soon." Arthur's voice is softer than usual, almost hesitant. The words linger in the air between us, and despite my efforts to ignore them, I'm forced to look at him."Wait for me." His eyes search mine, the plea in them unmistakable, but his tone carries the weight of an order.I don’t reply. Instead, I slip on my mask of nonchalance, the same one I always wear. It’s easier that way. If I let my guard down now, I might say something I’ll regret later.“Brianna has been admitted to the hospital. It’s an emergency,” he starts to explain himself “I’ll be back before you know it. I’ll wrap it up as soon as

CHAPTER 13—ELEANORArthur stares at me, his eyes deep and unreadable, a silent plea lingering between us. I don’t know what he wants me to say, but I feel the weight of it, pressing against my ribs. There’s a warmth in his gaze, something almost desperate, but there’s also an iciness, a hesitation that makes my stomach twist.I step forward. Brave, maybe foolish. But I want this—I want to see if the heat between us is real or just another fleeting illusion.He meets me halfway.Our lips collide, rough, searching, like we’ve both been starving for something we don’t know how to name. His fingers tangle in my hair, gripping, pulling me closer until I feel the heat of his breath mix with mine. A small gasp escapes me when his teeth graze my bottom lip, and he takes the sound as permission. His hands find my waist, pressing me against him, his body warm and solid against mine.It’s intoxicating. He’s intoxicating.Arthur shifts, his grip firm but not forceful as he presses me back agains

—ELEANOR-I don’t want to kiss Arthur. I have no intention to.We are getting a divorce and this kiss— this moment will only push us and hurt us in an unbridled way.My head is saying no but my body is submitting to his lips on mine, creating an apocalypse that I cannot fathom.I open my mouth and welcome him in, and our bodies collide, sending electric shocks through my nerves.The kiss leaves me breathless, my mind spinning, my body betraying me in ways I refuse to acknowledge.Just the two of us, inside this elevator, this limited space that only us can feel. My fingers still tremble from where they had clung to Arthur’s shirt, as if anchoring myself to reality, to something tangible. But reality is a cruel thing.Arthur pulls away slightly, his breath warm against my lips. His sharp eyes, always unreadable, soften just enough to make my stomach twist. As he catches his breath, he asks the question that makes my heart stumble.“Do you regret marrying me?”The words hit me harder

—ELEANOR. -The air feels thick as I step out of Justin’s car, my pulse quickening. Arthur stands in front of Cindy’s apartment building, his presence impossible to ignore. His sharp gaze flicks to me, then shifts to Justin as we approach.His tired hazel eyes don't fail to show how obnoxious he finds the duo in front of him.He proceeds to glare at Justin.Justin, ever composed, greets him politely. “Mr. Newton, CEO of HT Global Enterprise, it’s an honor to meet you.” His voice is smooth, respectful—but firm. It’s no surprise he recognizes Arthur.Arthur is a big shot. Justin reaches into his pocket with practiced ease, retrieving a sleek business card between his fingers. With a smooth motion, he hands it over, his lips curving into a confident smile.“I’m Justin Cent, director of Melodias Music School,” he announces, his voice carrying the crisp professionalism of a man who knows his name holds weight. “I didn’t expect to run into you tonight, not in a city this vast. Meeting A

—ELEANORThe night is still young, but exhaustion weighs on my limbs as I watch my colleagues gather their things. The company dinner we just had, had been nothing short of indulgent, and I can still feel the satisfying heaviness in my stomach from the rich food.Despite the lingering warmth of laughter and conversation, I have no desire to linger. The urge to slip away unnoticed pulls at me.I reach for my bag, pulling it close as I lower my head, ready to disappear into the night before anyone notices.But a familiar voice calling out my name makes me freeze.“Eleanor”I turn slightly, finding Justin, the school’s music director— my boss— standing a few feet away, hands tucked casually into his pockets. He’s watching me with that easy, confident smile of his.“Justin” I say awkwardly, He approaches me. “Let me drive you home.”I immediately start to shake my head. “Ah… you don’t have to,” I say, keeping my voice light but firm. “I can manage.”“It’s okay, it’s nothing,