Amelia was right. Aulen couldn’t open a portal that opened inside the barrier around Longsang. She got us to the barrier and then I had to grant her entry. Chris already had it from last time though. Once inside the barrier she then opened another portal that took us directly to the palace to save us the walk. Life seems very easy for a makkari. Want to go somewhere? Wave your hand and you’re there in an instant. Imagine having the power to see the whole world whenever you wanted. What a gift that would be.As we stepped out from the portal I could see many people around us. Each stopped what they were doing and politely nodded their head in our direction, and Chris and I did the same in return.“A girl could get used to this,” Aulen mutters as she looks around with a look of wonder on her face. “So this is Longsang. Seems criminal to keep such a beautiful place locked away,” she sighs. I do agree with her, despite the horrors that have occurred here I can’t help but remember the same
For the rest of our meeting, I went over the rest of my plans for the den, which I expected Qiang and Nuo to protest but they seemed thrilled by the idea. After that was over and done with we started discussing Chris’ and my coronation. I didn’t realise we needed to do something like that since I am already the nagata Empress, but Nuo explained there is a ceremony. In the past, the previous Emperor or Empress would relinquish their title to the next generation as they take their oath to the den. It seems a lot like an Alpha ceremony when I think about it - the transferring of power and authority from one person to another. The main differences are there is no previous Emperor and Empress to relinquish their title, and Chris isn’t a nagata.We talked for a while and came to the decision that for Chris his part of the ceremony should be conducted much like a Luna ceremony. Chris will take the Oath of the Emperor – which per tradition is all in Mandarin so he’s got some work to do – and
I make my way back to the palace following my bond to Chris and it’s not long before I find him again. He walks over looking at me cautiously. “How did it go?” “All done,” I smile brightly, “He took it down.” “That’s fantastic!” He cheers as he wraps me up in his arms and swings me around making me laugh, “You’ve done something extraordinary, my love,” he gushes as he sets me back on my feet. “I haven’t done an-” Before I can finish that sentence, Chris has placed his hand over my mouth to silence me. “No more of that. One of these days you will have to look around and realise all the amazing things you have done not just for yourself but those around you, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. So no more dismissing all your accomplishments, I won’t have it,” he says sternly. I frown up at him. “I mean it, Mei. It’s okay to take credit for all you’ve done. You’re making huge changes around here, own it,” he says, lowering his hand. “Do I have to?” I pout. “Technically no, but
We had lunch with Qiang and Nuo and then they took us around showing us more of Longsang. Seeing this place as a guest instead of a prisoner helps me to appreciate it more. Longsang is a truly breathtaking place, even Chris was in awe as we walked around. It did give Chris and me a chance to see what changes need to be made. The school here looks like no one has cared about it in years, which makes me sad. It hurts to think there are children here growing up without an education just like I did. The medical centre has definitely seen better days. Everyone’s homes are in good condition because they take care of them themselves, but anything that involves community or public wellbeing has been horribly neglected. When I think I’ve learned all there is to know about Zixin’s cruelty I learn something new that devastates me. Nuo, however, told me that my mother loved the school and actually was one of the teachers. Hearing this has made me even more determined to fix this place up and turn
It’s one week till the coronation and things have been hectic as hell, although Mei seems to be thriving. She’s embracing her new role with gusto and watching it is inspirational. She’s been working closely with Nuo, who is overseeing the entire ceremony. She’s organised the decorations and what we’ll be wearing and teaching Mei and myself the words and customs of the ceremony. It’s a lot more than what I experienced for my Delta ascension and to be honest, I’m getting excited and to top it off it’s a crash course in Mandarin. I’m also anxious as hell, but I think it would be weird if I wasn’t. In between learning the words for the ceremony and the ceremony itself I’ve been juggling the fittings for what I’ll be wearing and doing a lot of finance work not just for Invictus but Longsang as well. The people of Longsang know how to be self-sustaining but so much there has been left in squaller because of their selfish prick of an Emperor. Oh sure, he had no issues with buying jets and ex
I can’t believe this is really happening. I’ve spent all day in Nuo’s bedroom as she helped me get ready for the ceremony. I’m used to the women back at Invictus helping me get ready for something, but those times took maybe an hour at the most. This, however, has been a day-long process, one I’m very grateful to have had Nuo’s help with. Looking at the final result, I no longer recognise myself.My creamy skin is glowing and luminescent from the makeup she did, shaping and accentuating the shape of my eyes while giving them a small cat eye and a dusting of gold on the lids to match the gold lipstick on my lips. My hair has been pulled up and styled into I guess what looks like several buns elegantly tied together and golden clips pinned throughout. I don’t have pierced ears so finding earrings was tricky, but she managed to find a beautiful pair of gold chandelier clip-on earrings, but all of that is nothing compared to the stunning gold embroidered hanfu I’m wearing. The inner layer
Watching Mei take her oath standing before me looking like a Goddess has me captivated. I hoped and prayed every day and night since we met that she would find her strength and become who she was meant to be. I never knew this was what the future had in store for her, but watching it happen before my eyes, it feels right and as I feel the pride radiating off her, I’m filled with pride for her.I force myself to focus back on Qiang as he begins to address the crowd one more time.“Today is a day of many firsts, for today we not only welcome our new Empress who is the first of her kind, but we welcome our new Emperor, the first mutolupus to govern over our people. To those who may disagree with this, I remind you of our most sacred beliefs. The bond between soulmates is the purest gift of love and strength ever given to us by the Goddess Zarseti. It is through our soulmate we find peace, wholeness, and a pillar for life. The Gods have chosen this man to be not only the pillar for our Em
After the ceremony, everyone gathered outside and what I saw was like I was seeing colours for the first time. More red lanterns hung from strings reaching from tree to tree and as the sun set they cast a soft red glow over everyone. There were performances, music, and plenty of food to go around. Everyone was together celebrating what just happened and if that wasn’t enough to make me happy, getting to see more of my Chinese heritage in action, was. For fourteen years I never even dared to dream I’d experience a day like this one, and yet now it kind of feels like a dream. A beautiful dream that I never want to wake up from. Logic tells me fate brought me here, it wasn’t an easy journey, and it wasn’t one I wish on anyone else, but boy does getting here feel worth it.I’m sure that sounds crazy. Who could ever feel the horrors I’ve lived through are worth it? But the truth is, those horrors allow me to appreciate all of this so much more. Joy, pleasure, love; I treasure and feel thes
Thank you to everyone who has read this book and for all the positive feedback you readers have shown me. It has been beyond heartwarming. I have enjoyed all of your comments with each passing day. Seeing you all connect with the story and characters truly touched me. I truly hope that if you are in the mood you will consider donating gems, and most importantly, leaving a review of this book on the book's main page. It would do me and my book a huge favour and will also allow me to hear your thoughts on the story. Speaking of story... Here is a breakdown of the series so far, what currently exists and what is to come! Currently Available: Book 1 - A Queen Among Alphas (completed and also available on paperback) Bite-Size Luna - A prequel spin-off to A Queen Among Alphas (completed and coming soon to paperback) Book 2 - A Queen Among Snakes (completed and coming soon to paperback) Book 3 - A Queen Among Blood (completed and coming soon to paperback) Book 4 - A Queen Among Darkn
“Mei?” I hear Eric ask. I zone back into the conversation; I really need to learn how to stop doing that. “Sorry, Eric,” I say sheepishly. “It’s okay,” he assures me with a kind smile, “Now that I have your attention again, there’s something I wanted to ask you in today’s session.” “What’s that?” I ask curiously. “In the past couple months you’ve interacted with Irshiusts on numerous occasions, but you haven’t once thought to ask them what became of the Alpha and Luna of Albus Mons.” “That’s not a question,” I point out. “You’re right,” he smiles, “I’m just wondering why.” “Because I don’t want to. It’s not something I ever think about. They were brought to justice and can’t hurt me or anyone else again, I don’t need to know more than that.” “Does that mean you’ve forgiven them?” I feel taken aback by his question. Forgiven them? How can anyone who has done such monstrous things be forgiven? “Why would I do that?” I ask warily. “Forgiveness isn’t about the other person; it’s
I take a deep breath as I eye my target. Everything is resting on what happens next. One wrong move and it’s all over for me but I’m not about to let that happen. I’ve come too far to lose now. I watch as the puck glides quickly in my direction and with a quick flick of my wrist, I hit the mallet at the puck sending it across the table where it shoots right into the gap at the end of the table. I throw my arms up in victory and dance around. “Oh, come on!” Vitali exclaims, “There’s no way you’ve never played air hockey before. You’re a devious snake and I think you’re hustling me,” he accuses, pointing a finger at me. “What does hustling mean?” I ask, stopping my dance to look at him curiously. “It means he’s a sore loser,” Amelia teases from the couch where she and Marcus are cuddling. “I am not a sore loser, I just find it hard to believe that someone who claims to have never played air hockey has beaten every single one of us,” he says, narrowing his eyes at me. “I swear I’ve n
There hasn’t been a dull moment since the coronation. Aulen returned and put up a permanent portal between Longsang and Invictus. Mei requested it be placed in a specific room in the palace so that it would be easy to find and prevent anyone from stumbling upon it by accident. My sweet, little Empress is a genius. Amelia followed her lead and requested the other side of the portal open inside the Temple of Morrtemis, again so no one would accidentally find it. Within days of the coronation, several members of the den packed up their belongings and came to live at Invictus. Their new homes aren’t ready yet so in the meantime, they’re staying in the guest house. Mei and I have been helping them to integrate into the pack. Some pack members – the troublemakers and the old-fashioned people – weren’t as welcoming to our new members, but they’re smart enough to keep their mouths shut. The rest of the pack, however, welcomed the nagata with open arms and have been helping them assimilate, es
After the ceremony, everyone gathered outside and what I saw was like I was seeing colours for the first time. More red lanterns hung from strings reaching from tree to tree and as the sun set they cast a soft red glow over everyone. There were performances, music, and plenty of food to go around. Everyone was together celebrating what just happened and if that wasn’t enough to make me happy, getting to see more of my Chinese heritage in action, was. For fourteen years I never even dared to dream I’d experience a day like this one, and yet now it kind of feels like a dream. A beautiful dream that I never want to wake up from. Logic tells me fate brought me here, it wasn’t an easy journey, and it wasn’t one I wish on anyone else, but boy does getting here feel worth it.I’m sure that sounds crazy. Who could ever feel the horrors I’ve lived through are worth it? But the truth is, those horrors allow me to appreciate all of this so much more. Joy, pleasure, love; I treasure and feel thes
Watching Mei take her oath standing before me looking like a Goddess has me captivated. I hoped and prayed every day and night since we met that she would find her strength and become who she was meant to be. I never knew this was what the future had in store for her, but watching it happen before my eyes, it feels right and as I feel the pride radiating off her, I’m filled with pride for her.I force myself to focus back on Qiang as he begins to address the crowd one more time.“Today is a day of many firsts, for today we not only welcome our new Empress who is the first of her kind, but we welcome our new Emperor, the first mutolupus to govern over our people. To those who may disagree with this, I remind you of our most sacred beliefs. The bond between soulmates is the purest gift of love and strength ever given to us by the Goddess Zarseti. It is through our soulmate we find peace, wholeness, and a pillar for life. The Gods have chosen this man to be not only the pillar for our Em
I can’t believe this is really happening. I’ve spent all day in Nuo’s bedroom as she helped me get ready for the ceremony. I’m used to the women back at Invictus helping me get ready for something, but those times took maybe an hour at the most. This, however, has been a day-long process, one I’m very grateful to have had Nuo’s help with. Looking at the final result, I no longer recognise myself.My creamy skin is glowing and luminescent from the makeup she did, shaping and accentuating the shape of my eyes while giving them a small cat eye and a dusting of gold on the lids to match the gold lipstick on my lips. My hair has been pulled up and styled into I guess what looks like several buns elegantly tied together and golden clips pinned throughout. I don’t have pierced ears so finding earrings was tricky, but she managed to find a beautiful pair of gold chandelier clip-on earrings, but all of that is nothing compared to the stunning gold embroidered hanfu I’m wearing. The inner layer
It’s one week till the coronation and things have been hectic as hell, although Mei seems to be thriving. She’s embracing her new role with gusto and watching it is inspirational. She’s been working closely with Nuo, who is overseeing the entire ceremony. She’s organised the decorations and what we’ll be wearing and teaching Mei and myself the words and customs of the ceremony. It’s a lot more than what I experienced for my Delta ascension and to be honest, I’m getting excited and to top it off it’s a crash course in Mandarin. I’m also anxious as hell, but I think it would be weird if I wasn’t. In between learning the words for the ceremony and the ceremony itself I’ve been juggling the fittings for what I’ll be wearing and doing a lot of finance work not just for Invictus but Longsang as well. The people of Longsang know how to be self-sustaining but so much there has been left in squaller because of their selfish prick of an Emperor. Oh sure, he had no issues with buying jets and ex
We had lunch with Qiang and Nuo and then they took us around showing us more of Longsang. Seeing this place as a guest instead of a prisoner helps me to appreciate it more. Longsang is a truly breathtaking place, even Chris was in awe as we walked around. It did give Chris and me a chance to see what changes need to be made. The school here looks like no one has cared about it in years, which makes me sad. It hurts to think there are children here growing up without an education just like I did. The medical centre has definitely seen better days. Everyone’s homes are in good condition because they take care of them themselves, but anything that involves community or public wellbeing has been horribly neglected. When I think I’ve learned all there is to know about Zixin’s cruelty I learn something new that devastates me. Nuo, however, told me that my mother loved the school and actually was one of the teachers. Hearing this has made me even more determined to fix this place up and turn