Novel-novel oleh Barbara Margaret

Ingrid's PovThe silence in the throne room was deafening and Aegon’s piercing golden eyes glaring at me didn't make it any better. My heart pounded violently, but I held my ground, refusing to look away.The accusation still echoed in my ears. Thief. He had called me a thief. who does he think he is??Aegon scoffed, stepping closer, his scent—earthy pine and something darker—filling the space between us. His voice was low, dangerous. “I asked you a question, Ingrid. Where is the Jewel of Light?”A bitter laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it. “You are so quick to believe the worst of me.”“Can you blame me?” He countered. “You vanished for years, only to return when the pack was already in chaos. You sneak around in the dead of night, and now the most powerful artifact in our possession disappears? Tell me, Ingrid, how is that a coincidence?”My nails dug into my palms. “I didn’t take the jewel.”“Then who did?” Aegon’s jaw tightened. “Are you protecting someone?”My breath ca

Aegon’s POV continuedI clenched my fists, jaw tightening as Nico’s words hung in the air between us. The silence was suffocating and the air was thick with unspoken truths.I ran a hand through my hair, inhaling deeply before exhaling through my nose. “You don’t understand, Nico,” I muttered, my voice laced with frustration. “She’s always been under my skin. No matter how far I push her away, she finds a way back in. And it makes me… reckless.”Nico studied me for a long moment, his golden eyes assessing. “Reckless is one thing, but what you did was cruel and crazy, do you have any idea of what you just did to her?? Accusing her of theft in front of the pack that was very low even fro you.” you could hear the anger in his voice but it remained calmI flinched, hating the honesty in his words. I had humiliated Ingrid in front of my parents, accusing her of a crime that has nothing to do with her,yes she had tried to mind linked last night but I wasn't in the best shape to answer anyon

Pots and Kettles. Ingrid's point of viewVimon opened her mouth to speak, but I beat her to it.I was fed up with Aegon's accusations and insults, and I let him know it, before his mother could do it for me.“ENOUGH AEGON, ENOUGH!!!!!” I bellowed, getting to my feet and going toe to toe with him.“ For the past nine months, you've done nothing but insult at every opportunity you get, and not only am I sick and tired of it, I'm also fed up.” He was so shocked at my vehemence that he took a step back and looked like a fly could knock him over.Not wanting to give him any space to retreat, I took a step forward and covered the space he had gained, I was almost standing on his feet.“ You call me a slut and a whore every chance you get, but we both know who deserves that title, you're the one who goes around sticking your penis in every vagina you can find, even under your so-called girlfriend's nose.”“ Yes, I see it all,” I answered the question that came into his eyes as the last sent

The IntruderIngrid's point of viewI listened carefully, wondering whether I had mis-heard and the house was just settling down like old houses do or even the wind.When the sound came again, more distinct than it had been, I knew without a doubt that its originator was a werewolf and not old house boards or the winds.I carefully stepped out of my shoes so they wouldn't make a sound and alert whoever it was to my presence and immediately tried to mind link with Aegon.If I had taken a moment to think,I would have tried to mind link with either Kane or Vimon, but I wasn't thinking so I went for the first person that popped into my head.... Aegon.He and I used to spend hours talking about everything and nothing when we were younger, so although I hadn't done so in years, it was quite easy to mind link with him.What? He demanded as soon as I was able to reach him.Aegon, please Aegon you have to come to the south wing, there's an intruder,” I cried.Swiftly and without a word, he shu

The CelebrationIngrid's point of view“ What do you mean you're not coming?” Vimon thundered from where she stood in front of my closet, glaring at me as I put finishing touches on Theo's outfit. It was a good thing she couldn't shoot beams out of her eyes, because with the glares she had been sending my way for the past quarter of an hour, I would be as charred as the outside of a medium rare steak by now.“Just like I've told you already, I'm not coming down for the celebration or party, whichever it is,” I repeated for the third time in fifteen hours.“But why???” She cried.Finally finished with getting Theo dressed, I pressed my lips to his head in a soft kiss, picked him up and turned to face his grandmother, saying;“ I already told you Vimon.”“ Humor me, tell me again,” she declared, plucking Theo from my arms and smiling at him as he gurgled and kicked his legs in the air.“ First off,” I said in reply, counting off my fingers.“ Theo's the one who's being honored,he doesn

He's My FriendAegon's point of viewFrom the bucket window in my study,I watched Nico and Ingrid walk out of the back door and head to the baobab orchard behind the palace. Nico held a big wicker basket and Ingrid held a folded blanket.They were obviously heading out for a picnic, and sure enough they settled under one of the trees with Ingrid spreading out the blanket, and Nico setting down and unpacking the basket to reveal an array of food.It was the third time this week, they did this every other day, they would come out here with more food than two people could possibly eat, sit there talking and eating until it was dark before packing up and going back in.And somehow I always found myself here watching them, of course I told myself I was only keeping an eye on Nico, he had just people he called family and was vulnerable, someone had to keep an eye on him and protect him from Ingrid, she wasn't to be trusted after all and was only trying to get her claws into him in his vulne

Vera's POVI couldn't feel my body. My hands were numb and I was feeling so much pain all over my body. I couldn't think straight and worst of all the only time I got water was when my insane sister put my head inside a bowl of water.She only fed me dry bread everyday once. I can't believe Diana would treat me like that even though I disliked her, I would have never done what she did.Just when I thought I would pass out from all the torture, I saw him.Reymond, I knew he would come for me. I also saw Francis behind me even when my vision was blurring. Few seconds after he came, I lost consciousness.I blacked out. I had no idea what happened after but when I woke up, I saw myself on a hospital bed with a drip attached to my hand.I turned and saw Reymond.“Vera.” He said, his eyes examining my face.“'Re..y..mo…n..d…” I called out.“It's okay, You don't have to say anything. Just rest.”I could barely talk well without my mouth hurting me. It hurt so much, so I didn't talk after th

Reymond's POVThat was mind blowing. I have been having feelings for Vera ever since but I didn't know how to tell her so I didn't drive her away so I kept it to myself.After she kissed me, I knew that she liked me too. That was all I needed. I couldn't control myself after that and we became intimate.After all this time. Just then, Vera stirred on the bed and opened her eyes. Her eyes still sleepy, she greeted. “Good morning.”She looked so beautiful. Divine.“Good morning, Vera.” I said, giving her a light peck on her cheeks.“Hope you slept well.” I asked her.“Yes.” “Hope your body is not sore.”“No, You were gentle.” She smiled.Good. I didn't want to hurt her. “What would you like for breakfast?”“Someone is in a mood today.” I chuckled. We were closer than before now after yesterday night.I was happy. I ordered the maid to make breakfast and then after a while, we were at the table eating together.We talked while eating, laughing, just talking about anything.For the

Reymond's POVThat was mind blowing. I have been having feelings for Vera ever since but I didn't know how to tell her so I didn't drive her away so I kept it to myself.After she kissed me, I knew that she liked me too. That was all I needed. I couldn't control myself after that and we became intimate.After all this time. Just then, Vera stirred on the bed and opened her eyes. Her eyes still sleepy, she greeted. “Good morning.”She looked so beautiful. Divine.“Good morning, Vera.” I said, giving her a light peck on her cheeks.“Hope you slept well.” I asked her.“Yes.” “Hope your body is not sore.”“No, You were gentle.” She smiled.Good. I didn't want to hurt her. “What would you like for breakfast?”“Someone is in a mood today.” I chuckled. We were closer than before now after yesterday night.I was happy. I ordered the maid to make breakfast and then after a while, we were at the table eating together.We talked while eating, laughing, just talking about anything.For the

VERA'S POV.After work, I and Raymond drove home in separate cars but we got home at the same time. Simultaneously we shut the car door. Before ei could get to him, he hurriedly walked into the house, avoiding every form of eye contact whatsoever.Unluckily for him, we were heading to the same bedroom. By the time I got upstairs to meet him, he was always in the shower. "Hmm, tha was fast." I scoffed as I unbuttoned my shirt and unzipped my skirt.I was still in the wardrobe when I heard the shower stop and the bathroom door was unlocked. Still in my inner wears, I revealed myself to him. As I stepped out of the closet, I was welcome by his broad, muscular back, his waistline was wrapped in a white towel although his v-line was very obvious not hidden or exposed."Raymond, I want to talk to you." I said to him, afraid I wouldn't get a response."What do you have to say? I have limited time with plenty of work to do." He responded still arranging his clothes. He didn't even give me one

VERA'S POV"What are you doing here?!" The shock in my voice when he saw me caused him to instantly lift his head."I came to see you.""I darted my eyes at the gate as my two hands were already rolled in tightly clenched fist. I inhaled deeply trying to calm myself down especially since I just had one of the worse days ever and now Fransisco came to make me feel even worse."How are you?""What does that even mean? Fransisco do you realized you are not welcomed here? And if not that I haven't infirmed the men at the gate about you, you should not be let in in the first place ?" I scoffed. " Please, to avoid creating more troubles for yourself just leave." I gestures towards the gates." Vera, I actually came here for you, please you can at least just hear me out."" Fransisco, the truth is that you have no reasonable thing to tell me, I just really think you should give yourself a break, now take yourself and leave the same way you brought yourself."Fransisco came closer to me, " v

VERA'S POVAs the door fell open, it revealed Diane's mother, and Diane too. They both looked frightened. Diane looked like she had just seen a ghost, she had her phone at her ear and when she saw us, she slowly let it down."What ...what are you doing here, who are you looking for?" Her voice broke as she spoke." What is wrong with you Diane?!" I questioned, my veins fuming with anger."Who do you think you are to come and barge into our house, break down our door and start asking my daughter questions." Diane's mother Dorothy got up and started asking questions. I glared at her, from head to toe. She was still the same. She still hadn't changed. She was still the same person she has been, the sake old wicked old lady I've known. "Raymond held my shoulders and pulled me back gently to stop me from speaking, " Relax." He grumbled.He walked closer to her " What is wrong with you Diane, you know what you did."" I don't know what you're talking about! You had better leave here. This

Sandra's povMy whole world spun in an instant as a wave of emotions washed over me. It was as if I was running a marathon, my airways clogged, making it hard to breathe.I opened my mouth to speak, but the words died inside me as I stared at him. Every day, I reminded myself that Eric wasn’t worth it, that it was better to forget than drown in this endless cycle of emotions. Yet here I was, still affected by his words, even though he was the man who hurt me so badly.“Sandra, I know what I did wasn’t fair to you, but please… can you find it in your heart to—”Panic soared through me, and I gritted my teeth.“I don’t want to hear it from you,” I exhaled sharply.I tried to steady my voice, but the more I forced the words out, the more it felt like my chest was splitting open. It was just too much.All these years—aside from my kids—one of the only reasons I had made it this far in life was because I spent the last five years trying to hate him. I used his rejection as fuel for my ambi

Sandra's POV"Mummy," Hayley muttered as she stood up from the bed."Sweetheart."I went over to cuddle her in my arms as she held me close."I'm sorry, did I wake you?" I asked calmly.Now that the attention had been shifted, I wouldn't have to answer Hayden’s question.I held both of them in my arms."I'm sorry, pumpkins. Why don't you go to sleep, and tomorrow we can talk?" I said, and Hayden nodded.The next morning, Claire took them to school, and I knew it was time to face my fear.I got to the office and took out the file containing all of Eric’s information. My hands hovered with hesitation as I stared at the keyboard. I had to speak to him, but that meant I would have to see him.With an exasperated sigh, I dialed his number and waited. I paced around the room, but the line went silent."Oh great, he's not picking up my calls," I hissed and decided to focus on work.I buried myself in work, and it actually helped quite a lot to take my mind off things.My phone buzzed inside

Hayden was not saying anything, and it only made me realize that my son was lying. But I didn’t want to make him feel bad.Whatever he was hiding, I had my ways to find out—and I would.“Mom, can we go now? I’m starving,” Hayley groaned from inside the car.She was already seated inside with Clarie.“Come on, Hayden, let’s go.” I smiled, stretching out my palm to my son, and he took it gladly.“Okay, Mummy,” Hayden mumbled.After we got home, the day ran by really fast, and when I checked the clock, it was already past eight. Now, it was time to put my little plan into action.Thankfully, the kids were already asleep. My feet met the earth as I stood up, snatching my black robe from the corner, and I slipped out of my room.“No, I shouldn’t be invading my son’s privacy,” I halted halfway, my hand curling into a fist.Then I shook my head with determination.“He’s just five. What does he know about privacy?” I clicked my tongue in disapproval and marched out.I didn’t know why I starte

Sandra's POVI noticed the woman by his side was Susan, and I couldn't help but frown. The moment she caught sight of me, her smile faltered for a moment.I couldn't tell if it was shock or something else."My goodness, Sandra, is that you?" she mumbled, her eyes filled with a stern gaze as if she was unwilling to believe what was already standing in front of her eyes."Good day, Miss," I greeted warmly, trying not to sound too formal.When I ran away, I left that life behind, so what was the point of reminiscing about the past?Clarie noticed something was off as we both dropped to her side. She leaned in closely, her voice coming in a soft whisper."What's up? Are you okay?"I nodded, taking a deep breath. I let Clarie handle the discussion with Eric. I didn't want to get involved, and I made sure to keep our conversation as brief as possible."Thank you so much for your time," Clarie said as we both stood up.The meeting had been finalized, and he offered to give us the contract. I

Sandra's POV"He didn’t tell me exactly, but I knew he was. No matter how many times I tried to set him up with another lady, he would always come up with excuses," Mrs. Axel clicked her tongue.For some reason, my heart dropped. "You tried to set him up with other ladies?" I asked curiously."That was because I was testing him, but he wouldn't dare admit he was missing you," Mrs. Axel shook her head."Honestly, we both thought something must have happened to you and you died because after searching for so long, there was no news."My heart ached just thinking about how she must have felt, but that didn't stop me from wondering if what she said was true or if she was just bluffing. If there was something I knew about Mrs. Axel, it was that she had a very creative imagination.I didn't want to get my hopes up.Then I slapped myself inwardly. Why would I be getting my hopes up? There was no future between Eric and me then, or even now."I'm really sorry, Mother, but with everything that

SANDRA'S POVI couldn't believe Mrs. Axel, my former mother-in-law, was here.How did she find me? It was obvious that Eric had run his mouth, and now she was here."My child, how have you been all these years?" she asked, the emotions dripping from her voice.I thought she was going to scold me for running away all these years, but she didn't. Rather, she looked really happy to see me."I've... I've been fine..." I stuttered as I felt tears filling up my eyes.Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think that I would see her because when I left, I swore I was never coming back."You unfilial child, won't you hug your mother?" Mrs. Axel broke into tears, and I quickly hugged her.Being with her made me a little bit at ease because a lot of things were not making sense to me. But the moment her hand wrapped around my body, I felt like a heavy burden had been lifted from my shoulders."I missed you so much," I said softly, not even knowing when the words slipped out."If you missed