Chapter 10~Steph~“Morning sis,” I mumbled, styling my hair backwards as I stared at Emily dashing to the bathroom. “How are you always up before me?” She shouted, making me chuckle. After about a minute, I was done styling my hair. “What next?” I muttered, my eyes darting back and forth.“Yes, my sketch pad,” I squealed as I dashed to my wardrobe in search of it.Today threatened to be challenging, one more day with Crystal in the normal kitchen was surely more frustrating than dining with a serpent.“You're a lowly excuse for a human,” her voice echoed in my head. Weeks ago, her words were surely bound to get me curled up behind the castle, crying my eyes out.But since I met him, her words have had no impact on me anymore. I guess I grew up to be stronger just like he advised.Flashback “How dare you?” Crystal barked, her eyes blazing like primal fire. “I'm sorry ma’am,” I begged, my eyes downcast as I wriggled my fingers nervously.“Sorry for your pitiful human self,” she spa
Chapter 11~Emily~“Am I not talking to you? Are you deaf?” Reta barked, her voice filled with venom.“Fuck, I hate this bitch,” I muttered underneath my breath as I turned, a small smile on my face.She walked closer, her long dark hair dangling back and forth. Crystal was behind her as usual, her face twisted in a frown.“I'm sorry, my lady, I didn't quite hea……”Her hand landed on my face sharply, cutting me off before I could finish. “You swine, how dare you?” She barked, her eyes blazing like primal fire.I held my cheeks tightly, tears welled up in my eyes. Her palm left a red mark on my face and it hurt as much as a bee sting.“I need you to watch your back in this castle, cause I will make it a living hell for you,” she threatened, pointing her finger at me.Crystal remained silent, eyeing me maliciously. I bet she was the peddler of whatever gossip Reta heard.I tried to speak but I couldn't, it was as though my tongue was stuck to the roof of my mouth.Reta was still the kin
Chapter 12~Zayne~“I-i'm sorry,” I muttered but she didn't wait, she was gone before I could blink. I immediately touched my lips, a small smile on my face.“She's cute,” I muttered, smiling sheepishly as the thought of her running flashed through my mind.Her lips tasted like a mixture of grapes and strawberries. I loved the way she melted in my arms, like something I could break.“Gosh, focus Zayne, focus,” I muttered, scattering my hair out of frustration. Suddenly the door burst open as Reta barged in with a guard trying to restrain her.“I'm sorry my lord, I tried to stop but she didn't listen,” the guard said, bowing his head slightly. “You scumbag,” Reta yelled as she landed a slap on his cheeks. “Next time you will pay respect to your future queen,” she growled.The guard immediately scurried away, holding his cheeks in the process. Poor thing, he got slapped for doing his job.“You didn't have to do that, he was just doing his job,” I muttered, pouring vodka in a glass.“D
Chapter 13~Emily~My heart felt a deep ache at the sight of them. I knew Reta was Zayne’s fiance but I couldn't help but feel a certain resentment towards their relationship. She had every right to kiss him, but as I watched them all I could feel was my heart shattering.She sat on Zayne’s lap, placing both her hands behind his head pulling him closer to her, her lips crushing against his. Their kiss was slap and lingering at first, a gentle exploration. I watched as Reta melted into him, feeling his body as his hands found their way to her waist, pulling her evr closer to him, their kiss deepening She pulled herself away from him, as she turned her head in my direction. Her piercing eyes staring through me almost as though she was mocking me, she had a sickening grin on her face. “Kkkkranggg”The thudding noise of the tray echoed through Zayne’s room. “Fuck!! “What is wrong with me, how could I drop the tray! “What is wrong with you, you lowly maid!” Reta barked at me, her
Chapter 14~Reta~“We need to handle this bitch!! “ I said my voice very firmly as I sat across Crystal. I take Crystal to be my best friend because she's the closest companion I have in the castle. We share similar ideas, beliefs and goals. We also share our problems and think of ways to handle them.“Yes I agree! Who does she think she is to walk into your castle and try to steal your fiance”Crystal said with disgust in her voice. She despised Emily just as much as I did. In fact most of us here at the Castle despise her and her sister, and if not for Zayne, they would die in an instant or be locked away for good. “We need to show her that I'm still Zayne’s lover, maybe then she can keep away from him”I suggested to Crystal as she paid keen attention, her lemon green eyes fixed at me and her gaze unwavering. “I have an idea!” Crystal said as a smile appeared on her face, I couldn't help but smile as well. Crystal is a very smart lady, the main reason I run to her for help, so
Chapter 15~Emily~Luther on hearing the voice stopped at once causing me a huge sigh of relief. He scrambled to sit up, his cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment. He dressed himself hurriedly. “Fuck you sis!” Steph’s voice came again this time with anger and ferocity. I turned my head in her direction, she stood at our door, her brows furrowed, she was raging inside. A pinch of guilt creeped inside me, although I didn't sleep with him, neither did I ever wish to, but on seeing her teary eyes I could not but pity for her.I had a bit of mix feelings, I was happy and relieved that Steph came, who knows what Luther would have done but I also hated it that Steph had to see this. “Steph! It's not what it looks like!” I said in hope, I had little faith that Steph would believe that. She was so sure before now that we were sleeping, seeing this would only strengthen her belief. “I hate you!” Steph screamed before dashing out again. “Steph! Wait!”I followed her at a distance le
Chapter 16~Zayne~Scrrrrrrrrr“Ah…Fuck!” I moaned so hard. My hands were able to navigate the alarm next to me and then I turned it off. “Ahhh” As I became more aware, an unwelcome surge of pain flooded my senses. An insistent headache chipped away behind my skull. Each movement I made sent jolts of pain and discomfort through my muscles.I tried very hard to remember yesterday's events, but my mind seemed to blur. I groaned a pitiful sound as I forced myself to sit up right. My tongue had a bitter taste of an expired wine, a wine I couldn't recall drinking. KNOCKKNOCKThe soft knuckles of Reta crashed against my door. “Come in!”Reta came in with a grin on her face. What's making her smile so hard?“How are you feeling? Your face looks pale”Reta said her voice was gentle and soft as she joined me on my bed. “My body hurts and I don't even know why”“You should eat some food and you will be okay” She leant her body closer to mine and gave me a soft perk. She jumped off
Chapter 17~Steph~The scent of antiseptic reached my nostrils, my eyelids where heavy as if they where being held down by a weight. My eyes gently opened to the flickering lights of a room. I struggled to grasp my environment, I blinked slowly. The room was poorly lit. On turning my head, I caught the sight of a window, the sun streaming through the room in a soft golden light. “Where am I?” A soft rustle caught my attention, I turned to see a nurse entering the room, her face glowing as she wore a soft and welcoming smile. “Good day, Steph you're awake!” the woman said her voice gentle. “We also lost you, you know?” “What? But how?” my mind was struggling to recall the memories. “You almost drowned but for our king, and your sister”And an unwelcome tide, the memories surged back gradually. “I was pushed down from the corrider of my room” I said to the nurse, my hands firmly placed on my head.“You should just rest, don't worry about that for now”The nurse said with genu
Chapter 59~Emily~I woke up to a bright morning. The morning had a different feel than normal. There was a warm breeze in the air, urging me to cover myself with the blanket and sleep more. But as I shut my eyes yet again, a stream of thoughts came rushing back to my mind. The conversation I had last night with Zayne became clearer in my mind. Zayne wants me to go with him to the sacred temple.To retrieve the sword to kill Vadka. I really hope the sword is as powerful as mom says, otherwise Zayne might not make it through Vadka. “Oh shit!” I cursed out loud taking a small glance at my clock. It read 9 am. I was supposed to be at the grounds an hour ago. . I got dressed into my light training outfit and walked to the training grounds, my steps quickened. I'm sure Rowan will be standing there waiting for me He will cross his arms, furrowed his brows and give him that stern look of his. Running from my room, I finally reached Zayne’s personal training ground. I spotted Rowan
Chapter 58~Emily~“Why are you here Zayne?” I asked again, my voice more stern than before. “Can I come in please?” Zayne requested, his voice very calm and gentle. And after a brief while to think, I reluctantly allowed him. Maybe he's ready to tell md the truth. Or maybe he's here cook up another lie. I really hope not. Zayne walked into my room and stood by the corner, the looming shadows covered part of his body, he was almost engulped by the darkness. “So, why are you here Zayne?” Zayne seemed to be avoiding the obvious question of his reason for being here. “Emily, I know your angry at me, but I need your help”I should have known she just needed my help, he isn't ready to say the truth. “Get out, Zayne!” I kissed my teeth in annoyance. “Please Emily, it's important. I really need your help”Zayne’s pitiful voice came again, seeming even more desperate. “For what?” I decided to give him an ear, I didn't really have any intention of going with it though.Okay, don't fr
Chapter 57~Zayne~I stood at the balcony of my window admiring the beauty of my kingdom. A feeling of gratefulness gripped me. I was really lucky to rule over this majestic kingdom. KNOCK KNOCK Soon, I heard a firm knock on my door. “About time, he came”I muttered to myself before walking up to the door to open it. “Hello Rowan you're a bit late” “Sorry training went a bit late” Rowan gave a genuine reason and it was enough for me. I never joke around with Emily's training. “Come in!” I showed Rowan inside, before taking a seat on my couch. I did my rountine check on Emily's training progress, asking Rowan several questions on her training today with my pet lion. I was the one who insisted in Emily training with my lion. It might prove to be a significant challenge for her, but if she can be able to stand her ground with him then she'll be ready for anything that comes in her way. “So, why did you call me?” Rowan asked as we got down to the main business at hand. I lowe
Chapter 56~Emily~“Where are you going, huh?” the stern voice came again. I slowly turned my head back to see who it was. Reta! “You were the one who kidnapped her right?” I asked, my voice laced with anger. Anger at Reta for putting so much fear in the minds and hearts of people at the castle. And for Flora’s family, putting sorrow. “How can you be so cruel?” “I can do anything to anyone, as Long as I get what I want!” Reta said, her tone mischievous. The corners of her lips curled up a evil smile. “I'm going to the castle right now ! And everyone will know what you did” I turned to leave, when another figure appeared just in front of me. His figure was large, he had an incredible physique. I looked up to his face, trying to identify him. “Thorn?”I asked, a bit surprised to see him. If Thorn and Reta are here, that means it must be Luther behind this. The night two days ago flashed back to my memory. Was this what they were upto? Taking Flora to the forest? If that
Chapter 55~Emily~The lion's huge paws pressed me down to the floor. I could feel the lion power stronger than any of the Lycan warriors I train with. I turned my head slightly and I saw that the lion had lowered his head, his mouth was like a bowl full of blood near my neck. His pupils were staring motionlessly at me, seemingly with some curiosity, and his huge teeth were almost in front of my eyes. I could feel the blood and heat inside the lion's mouth, as if I was going to be torn apart the next moment. Fear made my body tremble, watching a lion up close and watching it from outside the cage were two completely different experiences. I lifted my head to look at Rowan, and I found him standing at the edge of the cage, looking at me and the lion with cold eyes, not coming to my aid. No! I can't die here! Steph needs me. If Rowan won't help me I'll help myself. Suddenly a wave of conviction gripped my heart. I struggled frantically, but even though I used all my strength, th
Chapter 53~Emily~Staying by my window, I watched as Steph and Reta returned from wherever they left.But this time, they came back with Thorn and Luther. They walked to the castle, their steps very discrete as though they stole something. My heart twitched on sight of Luther, he wore a sickening grin across his face. But I couldn't help but ask, what are they doing outside their rooms? And where did they go? I am deeply worried for Steph. She was in the midst of very bad people. People who could ruin her life for her. I wish I could talk some sense into her, but she won't even talk to me. I peeped through my window as they arrived at the castle before splitting up at the courtyard. I carefully watched Steph, as she gently walked upstairs and towards the maid quarters. I need to know where she went to and why they were so discrete. I dashed out of my room and taking a turn, I found myself behind Steph, she remained unaware of my presence. I followed behind her, my steps s
Chapter 52~Luther~“Sir Luther? What are you doing here?” The stranger finally took the torch light off of my face. Looking carefully at him, he was dressed in a security uniform, so, piecing out the puzzle, he was just a guard, maybe the one on night shift today. Fuck! I should have planned for that. How could I not? “None of your business, now just go back to your work and pretend I was never there” I said in a stern voice to the guard.“Okay sir!” The guard was about to turn to leave when his eyes caught a sight that left him dumbfounded. “What? No way Sir…that is Flora”He pointed at the body of Flora. “I have to inform the castle, now” His voice was shaking. “NO you won't!”He froze in his tracks as my stern voice reached his ears. I shifted into a wolf in a flash, my size doubled as I looked down on him like a mother would look at her baby. “Sir, please I'm just doing my job. Please!” the guard was pleading as loudly as he could, taking a few steps back.“Sir I promis
Chapter 51~Luther~This is not good for us. We must act now, if we leave Flora for one more second, they'll definitely see her. I looked down from my window at the rowdy scene in the castle. Everyone was panicking on hearing the news of the disappearance of Flora. And now, Rowan just announced that no one is permitted to leave the castle. Leaving Flora in the castle is a bad idea. Eventually the search team will find about the tunnels and then Flora. And then she will confess against us, I can't afford to have such a liability here. We must either kill her or take her out of the castle, one of the others we don't have a choice. KNOCK KNOCK A loud knock rang through my room. “Yes?”” Sir, it's Cedric. Zayne sends for you to the conference hall, right now!” Cedric opened my door and stood just by it. Ahhhh… What could Zayne possibly have to say? There is always a meeting. “How many people will be there?” I asked, my back still turned against him. “Just you and Zayne, act
Chapter 50~Zayne~“Cedric!Deploy the search teams to check around the castle, NOW!”I ordered Cedric, my voice stern. “Okay I'm on it sir. But what about you?” Cedric asked me. “Me and Rowan will check the forest for her. If someone kidnapped her. He will probably foolish not to take get away from the castle”I said to Cedric, my back turned against him.“Okay, I can come,” Cedric suggested. Taking Cedric with us, won't be a bad idea. But I need him to head the search team in the castle, if Flora is indeed here. “No, we're okay, I need you here”“Zayne, I'm ready!” A distant voice reached my ears. Rowan marched in my direction. “OK, I will use your horse, right?” I said walking up to a white and brown and gently placing my hand on its fur. I gently stroked its fur, my movement silk. “Okay, after all Milkshake is the fastest” Rowan named his horse Milkshake. It's been the longest serving horse at the castle. Rowan and myself included take it very dear to us. “Okay come on l