Chapter: Chapter fourth five Edward: The days had a peculiar way of stretching and condensing, leaving me caught somewhere between my duties as Alpha King and this strange sense of distraction that Lianna had recently become. It wasn’t intentional—at least, that’s what I told myself. Watching her grow into her role as Luna, seeing her ease into the people’s lives with each passing day, was oddly satisfying. She was finding her footing, though in the most unorthodox ways. It started with horse riding. It seemed like every day now, she was at the stables. I’d hear her laugh echo across the meadow or see her returning with Alistair and Ingrid, her cheeks flushed with exhilaration. I’d watch from my study window, the way her energy seemed infectious. Even the stable hands were more cheerful since her daily visits had become a routine. And she seemed to revel in the attention she was getting. She would show them tricks on the horse, then ride off with pride. Sometimes, she would jump into it with such daun
Last Updated: 2025-01-20
Chapter: Chapter fourty fourLianna: The feeling of freedom and joy coursing through me as I rode the horse today was something I hadn’t felt in ages. It was like I’d reconnected with a part of myself I’d forgotten existed. The wind in my hair, the rhythmic gallop beneath me, and the sheer exhilaration of it all had lifted my spirits in a way nothing else could. Alistair had been unexpectedly good company too, his knowledge of the trails and lighthearted banter making the ride all the more enjoyable. He’d gone out of his way to ensure Ingrid and I were comfortable, and I couldn’t help but notice his attentiveness—his eyes lingering just a second too long, his smile a bit too warm. As we rode back, Ingrid leaned toward me, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. “He likes you, you know.” I shot her a sideways glance, feigning indifference. “Don’t be ridiculous.” She smirked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, come on, Lianna. The man practically lit up every time you looked his way. You must have no
Last Updated: 2025-01-20
Chapter: Chapter fourty threeEdward: The elders had left hours ago, and I sat in the grand meeting hall, watching as the firelight cast shadows against the walls. My mind rallied around with everything we had discussed—the war, Ethan's refusal, the impossible choices ahead. Each thought was like a heavy stone pressing against my chest. I leaned back in the chair, running a hand through my hair. Thinking won’t solve anything, I told myself. The answers wouldn’t magically appear no matter how long I sat here and brooded. What I needed was clarity, and perhaps… a distraction. Lianna’s face came to mind almost instantly, the memory of her tears and avoidance from last night made me feel bad. I’d given her space, knowing it was what she needed, but now I wondered if it had been the right thing to do. Decision made, I stood, adjusting my jacket as I strode purposefully out of the hall. The palace corridors were quiet, save for the occasional echo of my boots against the marble floors. When I reached her cha
Last Updated: 2025-01-19
Chapter: Chapter fourty two Lianna: I sat at the small table by the window, nursing a cup of tea as the soft aroma of the leaves filled the air. Ingrid was seated across from me, her lively chatter cutting through the silence. I could feel the remnants of last night's emotions still tugging at my heart. I couldn't shake off how I had acted at the restaurant. I hated that I had lost control. Edward had been nothing but patient and I hadn't even cared. “I feel so guilty, Ingrid,” I said, pushing my tea cup away and resting my chin in my hands. “I shouldn’t have acted that way to Edward. I was out of line. He’s got so much on his plate, and I added it.” Ingrid, ever the practical one, gave a dismissive wave. “Lianna, you’re overthinking. Edward knows what’s going on. He’ll understand when the time is right for you to apologize. Right now, you’ve got to let him deal with his pack matters. He’s been buried in that stuff ever since last night, so you’re better off letting him be.” I let out a long sigh,
Last Updated: 2025-01-18
Chapter: Chapter fourty oneEdward: I couldn’t keep the thoughts from swirling in my head as I sat there in my chambers, staring at the fire crackling in the hearth. The weight of it all pressed down on me—Ethan’s refusal to marry the Vampire Princess, the looming war, and the uncertainty that gnawed at my very soul. Ethan had always been stubborn, but this… this was something else entirely. I’d done everything to try and make him see reason. We had no choice, I kept telling myself. There was too much at stake. But Ethan didn’t seem to care. All he cared about was the throne, and that was something I wasn’t willing to relinquish. He may have been the first to take the throne, but I had worked for this. I had earned this place. I was the first born Alpha King, and nothing, not even Ethan’s refusal to honor his responsibilities, would take that from me. But the people… they feared a war. They would not tolerate it. Every day felt like a countdown to something catastrophic. I could feel it in my bones—t
Last Updated: 2025-01-17
Chapter: Chapter fourtyLianna: The silence in the car was suffocating, but I couldn’t bring myself to break it. My hands were clenched in my lap, fingers trembling as the drunken man’s words replayed in my mind. His voice echoed over and over, each vile accusation slicing through me like a jagged blade. Why would anyone think such? While msrried to Ethan, I barely saw the light of the day. I barely went out. My presence was barely shown outside enough for people to know who I really was. Was it Freya? Or had the maids who hated me even while I was treated awfully spread the news? Because that seemed to be the only reason that made sense to me because the hate was becoming too much for me to bear. Edward’s voice broke through my thoughts, calm and steady. “Lianna, don’t let that fool get to you. He was drunk, and his words meant nothing.” I didn’t respond. I couldn’t. The weight in my chest was too heavy, pressing down until it felt like I couldn’t breathe. I looked down at my lap and fought b
Last Updated: 2025-01-16