It's been two weeks since the ball and I still can't shake off the memory of dancing with the Prince. Every time I close my eyes, I see his face and feel his arms around me. It's like a dream I never want to wake up from.But today, all of that changed in an instant. I was in my room, daydreaming as usual, when I heard a car stop outside my house. I ran outside to see a guard waiting by the gate. I had never seen a guard like him before. He was tall and muscular, with a stern expression on his face. He wore a black uniform with a red sash across his chest and carried a sword by his side.I approached him cautiously, unsure of what to expect. "Good day, miss. I am here to see your parents," he said in a deep voice. I was taken aback by his formal tone and immediately ran inside to call my parents. I found them in the living room and told them about the guard. They quickly got up and followed me outside.The guard introduced himself to me as Captain of the Royal Guard and handed over a l
"As you know, the Alpha is searching for a bride," my mother explained. "And he wants to get to know each of you better. He has chosen you to be one of his potential brides.""This is a great honor, Arayah, but the circumstances. We should be happy but at the same time, you can't afford to get noticed by him if you love yourself and you love us." my father said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You must go to the palace and do your best to make a good impression but make sure nothing happens between the both of you. Who knows? You might just be the one the Alpha chooses."As I sat there, I felt a hand gently squeeze mine. I looked over to see my mother giving me a reassuring smile, trying to comfort me. I could see the fear in her eyes though, a fear for me and for what could happen."Don't worry, my love," she whispered, "we will be praying for you every step of the way."I smiled weakly at her, grateful for her comfort but still scared. I knew my parents would do everything in their
The guard led me inside the room and as soon as I walked in, I was greeted by a very strange sight. There was a man sitting there, with a big round belly, bald head, and big bulging eyes. He was munching on a doughnut and when he saw us, he stopped mid-bite and looked at us in surprise.The office was a mess. Papers were scattered everywhere, and there was an overwhelming smell of stale doughnuts in the air. It was clear that this man was not the most organised person in the palace.I couldn't help but giggle at the sight of this man, with crumbs all over his face and his round belly jiggling as he breathed. He looked up at us with a mixture of confusion and annoyance, clearly not used to being interrupted while he was eating.The guard stepped forward and said, "She is among the girls chosen by the Prince and her name needs to be registered."The man looked at me with disgust and said, "Are you sure? She looks like a peasant."The guard raised his voice and barked, "Of course, I'm su
I was escorted into the ballroom by the same guard who had helped me throughout my journey. He has earlier explained to me that he was my personal guard and that he would be around me throughout the course of events.Stepping into the grand ballroom once again was as breathtaking as it felt the first time, the shiny chandeliers hanging down in all their glory. I suddenly felt once again like I wasn't meant to be here."Come right this way please" the guard said as he escorted me towards a group of girls I hadn't noticed were there. They were the same girls I had seen at the ball two week ago, atleast some of them. Seeing as not every girl got accepted."Now that you've arrived, would you all please introduce yourself to you fellow competitors" someone else said, he was wearing a black and white butler's outfit that made him look like a flamingo with his lanky build. It took all my will power for me not to burst out into laughter."Hello everyone" one of the girls said in what I would
"Come out, we needn't leave immediately. The other contestants have already left" My guard said, gently pushing the door open and walking me down the hallway.As I walked down the halls of the palace, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread in my stomach. I knew that I had been late for my scheduled meeting with the Prince, and I feared the consequences of my tardiness.Suddenly, another guard appeared in front of me, blocking my path. He looked stern and unyielding, his expression making it clear that he was not pleased."Arayah, is that her?" He asked, glaring hard at me.I nodded."We've been looking for you for the last two hours," he said in a voice that was both stern and firm. "The Prince is already waiting for you. I bet the meeting goes was already begun"Sh*t!I felt a pang of guilt in my chest as I looked at the guard's stern expression. "I'm so sorry," I said, bowing my head in apology. "Please forgive me."The guard's expression softened slightly, but he still looked s
The Prince turned to me and said, "May I ask you to introduce yourself to everyone at the table?"I felt my heart skip a beat. I was nervous and unsure of what to say. I smiled uneasily, clearing my throat before I began. But then, I saw the guard in the doorway, glaring hard at me. He was there to protect me, and his presence gave me the confidence I needed.I stood up, took a deep breath, and began my introduction. "Good evening, everyone. My name is Araya, and it is a pleasure to meet all of you. I come from a small village, where I have lived my entire life. I am passionate about learning and growing, and I believe that education is the key to a better future. I am here today to compete for the heart of the Prince, and I hope to show him what I have to offer."As I spoke, I could see the Prince's eyes light up with interest. He was entranced by my words, and I could tell that I had made an impact. The other girls at the table were listening intently, and I felt a sense of pride in
As I hear the knock on my door, I groggily open my eyes and try to shake off the last remnants of sleep. I get up from my bed, feeling the softness of the sheets against my skin, and make my way to the door.I open it to find a group of maids, all with smiles on their faces. They greet me, and then they tell me that it's time for my ice bath before I go to exercise with my personal guard.My heart skips a beat. I knew that the competition was going to be tough, but I didn't expect it to start so early in the morning. I nod my head, trying to put on a brave face, as the maids lead me to the bathroom.The bathroom is beautiful, with white marble tiles and golden fixtures. The room is lit by candlelight, giving the room an ethereal glow. The maids enter the room with a bucket of ice packs and they tell me to get in.I hesitantly step into the bath, feeling the cold water against my skin. At first, the cold feels harsh and it takes my breath away. But as I settle into the bath, I begin to
As Mark led me towards the amphitheatre, my heart started racing with both excitement and fear. I had never been to such an event before and the thought of what was about to happen made me uneasy. I could hear the roar of the crowd as we got closer and I could feel the energy of the place. It was electrifying.When we finally arrived, I was in awe of the massive size of the amphitheatre. It was an enormous structure made of stone and marble, with towering columns and intricate carvings. The seats were arranged in a circular manner, allowing every spectator to have a clear view of the center. The center was an arena, where the games would take place.Mark led me to the part beside the Prince, where we would be watching the games. As I sat down, I noticed that the other contestants were already seated, with their personal guards standing behind them. Some of them looked serious, while others were chatting amongst themselves, trying to ease their nerves.The amphitheatre was filled with
Arayah returned to the Werewolf kingdom, her heart heavy with the weight of her decisions. The once fierce rivalry between werewolves and vampires had been replaced by an uneasy coexistence. The vampires, now a part of the kingdom, were provided with all the necessities for their survival, their presence a constant reminder of the fragile peace they sought.As she stepped foot into the familiar grounds of her home, Arayah's gaze searched for her foster mother, Lady Elara. They embraced tightly, tears streaming down Arayah's face as she poured out her conflicted emotions. "I never wanted this life of blood and death," she confessed, her voice choked with sorrow. "But I am grateful to you, Mother, for taking me in and showing me kindness when I was lost."Lady Elara held Arayah tenderly, her own eyes filled with empathy. "You are stronger than you realize, my dear," she whispered, her voice a soothing balm. "You have the power to shape your own destiny and bring about change. I believe
The decision was made, and the Alpha King's command echoed through the halls of the werewolf pack. The warriors were called off, their swords sheathed, and their battle cries silenced. It was a moment of respite, a brief pause in the storm of conflict that had ravaged their lands for far too long. The Beta, a trusted advisor and strategist, saw this as an opportunity to seize a chance for lasting peace between the werewolves and vampires.In the council chamber, tensions ran high as the members debated the proposed peace treaty. The councilors argued passionately, each presenting their own perspectives and concerns. Some were skeptical, their memories haunted by past betrayals and bloodshed. Others believed that the time had come to end the cycle of violence and forge a new path for their races.Amidst the heated exchanges, the Beta stood tall, his voice steady and commanding. He eloquently laid out his vision for a future where werewolves and vampires coexisted in harmony. He appeale
The sun rose on a new day, casting its golden hues across the land, but within the realm of the supernatural, darkness loomed. The tension between the vampire clan and the werewolf pack had reached a boiling point, and the fate of Amareux's sister hung in the balance.Amareux, determined to negotiate his sister's freedom, strode with purpose towards the heart of the vampire clan. The council awaited him, their cold gazes revealing their uncompromising stance. As he entered the council chamber, a hush fell over the room, the weight of their intentions suffocating the air."I demand my sister's release," Amareux declared firmly, his voice carrying the weight of his authority as the prince.The council members exchanged knowing glances, a silent communication passing between them. Finally, their leader spoke, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Your sister is our only leverage over your pack. We will not release her until the werewolf kingdom is conquered and under our control."Amareux'
Deep within the shadowed halls of the vampire clan, Arayah found herself consumed by a burning desire for answers. The accusations of being a spy weighed heavily on her heart, and she could no longer bear the weight of suspicion. Determined to uncover the truth, she resolved to take matters into her own hands.With a resolute gaze and an unwavering determination, Arayah set out on a quest to expose the true spy. She delved into the depths of the castle's archives, poring over ancient tomes and hidden scrolls, searching for any clues that might lead her to the traitor within their midst. Each night, she stayed awake, tirelessly piecing together the puzzle, her mind ablaze with thoughts of justice and redemption.Finally, after days of tireless investigation, Arayah's efforts bore fruit. She stumbled upon a revelation that sent shivers down her spine—a name that resonated with both familiarity and betrayal. Naomi Cobalt, the handmaiden to the princess, the very same woman who had tended
AMAREUX. As I sat in the quiet solitude of my study, surrounded by books and the faint scent of parchment, my mind was consumed by the weight of the decision that loomed before me. Choosing a bride, a partner to stand beside me in the realm of royalty, was no simple task. It required a discerning eye, a keen intellect, and a heart untainted by bias.I had vowed to approach this decision with fairness and impartiality, to let the qualities of each woman speak for themselves, untainted by my own preferences or desires. Arayah, with her grace and enigmatic allure, had captured my attention from the moment I first laid eyes upon her. And yet, Meredith, with her confidence and assertiveness, held a different kind of appeal, a fire that burned bright in her eyes.But as the days wore on, and the tension between the two women grew palpable, I found myself increasingly disheartened by the turn of events. The accusations, the whispers of deception and betrayal, had clouded the atmosphere, cas
ARAYAH. In the hallowed corridors of the palace, I couldn't help but notice the shifting demeanor of Meredith, like a dark cloud casting its shadow over her once vibrant spirit. Her actions grew increasingly erratic, her words laced with venomous undertones that cut through the air like a poisoned blade. But as I bore witness to her descent into bitterness, an unexpected transformation took place within me.I found myself no longer invested in the nuances of her behavior. The petty games she played, the words she spat in futile attempts to tarnish my name, they no longer held any sway over my emotions. A sense of detachment settled upon me, like a protective armor shielding me from the arrows of her spite. The venom she exuded bounced off me, leaving me untouched and unaffected.It wasn't apathy that consumed me, but rather a newfound strength that rose from the depths of my being. The realization dawned upon me that I held power over my own reactions, that I had the ability to rise
AMAREUX.As the morning sun cast its gentle glow upon the land, I found myself awakening with a weariness that seemed to permeate every fiber of my being. It was as if the weight of the world had settled upon my shoulders, leaving me feeling drained and devoid of energy. I contemplated the day ahead, a day that was typically filled with endless meetings, negotiations, and administrative tasks. But today, I decided to deviate from the norm and grant myself a reprieve from the rigors of princely duties.With a heavy sigh, I made the conscious decision to forgo my usual routine and indulge in a much-needed respite. The affairs of the kingdom could wait, for today, I needed to tend to the weariness within my own soul. I sought solace in the simple pleasures of life, the ones that often eluded me amidst the demands of my royal obligations.Instead of venturing forth into the realm of politics and governance, I found myself guided by an insatiable hunger that was not easily sated. I made my
AMAREUX.As I allowed myself to sink deeper into the realm of slumber, a fragment of consciousness lingered, drawing my thoughts back to the pressing matter at hand. The delicate balance between Meredith and Arayah, two individuals whose lives had become intertwined in a web of accusation and mistrust, weighed heavily on my mind. It was imperative that I find a resolution, a way to bridge the chasm that threatened to engulf their relationship and prevent the seeds of hatred from taking root.The tendrils of concern wrapped around my thoughts, pulling me away from the peaceful embrace of sleep. I pondered the intricate tapestry of human emotions and the fragility of trust, understanding that the delicate threads holding Meredith and Arayah together were at risk of unraveling. It was my duty, as the arbiter of justice and harmony, to navigate this treacherous terrain and guide them towards reconciliation.With each passing moment, the magnitude of the task at hand became increasingly ap
AMAREUX.As I sat in my office, surrounded by a sea of paperwork, my mind wandered to the events unfolding within the council chambers. The Council, a group of supposed wise individuals, had taken it upon themselves to investigate Arayah, an act that had left a sour taste in my mouth. But I had long learned to navigate the treacherous waters of politics, to feign indifference when necessary, and so I buried myself in the task at hand.The documents sprawled across my desk, their contents a blur of words and numbers that demanded my attention. Yet, beneath the veneer of bureaucratic duties, a smoldering anger burned within me. How dare they cast doubt upon Arayah's integrity? How dare they question her loyalty and accuse her of being a vampire without a shred of evidence?I knew in my heart that Arayah was innocent, that the allegations were baseless and driven by nothing more than jealousy and fear. But in the realm of politics, truth often took a backseat to personal agendas and the