EVELYNI’m glad my brother didn’t force his mark on you. Otherwise, I would have to chop off his head.My breath hitched and a shudder ran through me. I had heard plenty of empty threats before, enough to know that Jack’s words weren’t a lie. He meant every single one of them and I knew whole-heartedly that if Cole had left so much as a nip on me, Jack would have followed through on his promise.When the elder Elrod brother suddenly traced his cold finger along the curve of my neck, I finally realized how dangerous it was to be with Jack alone in his room. I gulped heavily as fear ran through me.While I didn’t think he would hold me down and force me, sinking his canines into the tender skin of my throat, my heart still clenched. He was taller and stronger than me. More powerful. If he truly wanted to hurt me, he could.I wanted to recoil from his touch.I wanted to cry and run.I wanted to return to my parents as soon as possible. I didn’t want to think about anything else. But I c
JASMINETo our disappointment and annoyance, there were very few records about Sylvia, Cole’s mother, in Hescor, even in the Royal Archives.I had heard once that the late King Theodore ordered everything related to Sylvia to be burned, as if he wanted to erase her existence entirely and pretend that she had never been his romantic partner in any capacity. Her very name was forbidden in the presence of the old king.Anyone who even casually mentioned Sylvia could be punished brutally, depending on why her name was being evoked. Sometimes, if Theodore was even in just a slightly poor mood, he would snap and order the devastating torture or execution of the person who dared utter a word about her.If the strange and beautiful sapphire bracelet I found in the river belonged to Sylvia… it could explain why something so precious had been thrown into the river. It would make sense that any physical reminders of her existence would be removed from the palace and cast aside.Though I had to w
JASMINEIt took me a moment to realize it, but my sister was utterly soaked with blood, her face, identical to mine, was nearly as grim as Flynn’s.Her steely gray eyes were serious and calculated as they met mine and I rushed to her at once as my stomach twisted into knots.The metallic smell of blood blew through the quiet room. I hadn’t seen my sister in such a mess in a long time, not since those bloody fights in the arena.“What’s going on?” I asked as fear rose from my belly. I glanced around at everyone before settling on Addison. “Are you okay?”“I’m fine,” Addison assured me. “I promise, Jaz.”“Addison, you’re covered in blood,” I pointed out with a raised brow, remaining composed externally while internally, I was worried about my twin.“This isn’t the first time you’ve seen me bloody, Jasmine,” she rolled her eyes, and the moment she did, I knew that she was okay. Had she been kind, something would have been completely wrong. But no, she was her usual blunt self, which mea
EVELYNA week.There was a week for me to decide my fate.Mine and Cole’s.Or a week to find a way out of this place and save my mate, the Alpha King suspended in a deep slumber that could span for the rest of his life, ending only from his death.But how?How could I save him? How could I save us? This situation felt impossible and the overwhelming pain of it all threatened to cave my chest in.How could I do this?I had no clue. I supposed the only solution was to kill Jack Elrod, but how would I be able to do that? He was stronger, and faster, not to mention possessed powers that I still didn’t understand. He was able to freeze people, and communicate without words… what else was he capable of?Thinking of how difficult everything was, how impossible and how seemingly hopeless my existence felt, I clenched my fists and winced in frustration.Emma suddenly protested with a small yelp, pulling me back to reality.“Evelyn, you’re holding my hand too tightly,” she remarked, her big haz
EVELYNI remained quiet, guilt filling my entire body with every passing second. I hadn’t meant to blurt everything out, hadn’t meant to speak to him so harshly on the day of our reunion. I didn’t mean to hurt my father’s feelings, but his stubbornness and unwillingness to even try to make our situation better made me release all the grievances I’d held in for years.Mother brought Emma close to her and stepped away from us. My little sister seemed confused about what was happening, not that I could blame her. This sort of moment should have been saved for a more private time, but it was too late now. I had laid down all of my problems and complaints.It was up to him to navigate the situation.“You’re right, Evelyn,” he admitted with a sigh, running a hand through his gray-streaked hair. “You’re right about everything. I made a mistake and it’s my fault that our family is in this situation. It’s all my fault.”He wiped his face and closed his eyes, and I felt a pang of sadness in my
EVELYN“What deal?” I asked, my brows furrowing as I stared at my father in surprise. I wasn’t certain what he meant but the mere notion that he’d struck a deal with Jack Elrod was concerning to say the least, especially given this new revelation about Cole’s mother and her identity as a human wizard. .What had been arranged? Father hesitated for a moment and glanced away, breaking our eye contact. He ran his hand through his silvering hair and then released a heavy sigh, his eyes weary as they met mine again.“Jack wanted House Caddel to show our absolute loyalty to him,” he explained, his hand rubbing the back of his neck as he spoke.I blinked in response, trying to understand what such a thing could mean.“Absolutely loyalty,” I repeat back to him. “What does that mean, Father?”Father gazed out past the terrace, his eyes absently searching for anything, likely some sort of point to focus on rather than me.“The closeness between you and Cole was a threat to him,” he continued a
EVELYNFather looked at me with a look of resignation and sighed. He ran his hand through his hair and his mouth tensed as he studied me.“I know you’re unstoppable,” he began reluctantly, his tone gentle in the way that only a parent’s could be toward their child. “But I want you to be extra careful, Eva. Jack Elrod is a dangerous person.”“I’m not afraid of him,” I assured him, only a half-truth given Jack’s capabilities. If he was able to suspend Cole in some sort of sleep, enchant people into doing his bidding without so much as uttering a word and turning ordinary people into killing machines… there was no telling what else he could do. Father was right to warn me to be careful, but I knew that when it came to Cole and his safety, there was nothing I wouldn’t do.“I know, Eva,” Father sighed. “I know you’re not. You’re every inch your brother’s sister. More strong than I ever could have imagined you’d be.”He took a step closer, his expression softening as he placed his hand on m
EVELYNI jumped, startled, and closed the book at once. I was immediately glad that I had locked the door and stashed the book under my pillow before crossing the room.“Who is it?” I asked, trying to hide any alarm in my voice.“It’s Crystal, my Lady. May I enter?”A small sense of relief ran through me, thrilled that it wasn’t Jack.“Enter,” I said once I unlocked the door and stepped away.The door opened and to my surprise, she wasn’t alone. The red-haired girl was followed by a few men who carried two large wooden chests.“Place them on the floor,” Crystal ordered firmly but not impolitely.The men did as instructed and then retreated.“What are these?” I asked as my eyes trailed over the chests.“They’re presents from the Master,” she answered. As she opened them, I saw loads of dresses and fancy jewelry. I studied them closely and found some were very familiar.I frowned as I realized that they were replicas of some of my old dresses which were either confiscated or burnt after
EVELYN“Madam, please show your pass,” the guard said. His tone was clipped as he stepped into our path. His dark eyes studied us, sharp and unyielding. Beneath his professionalism, there was a flicker of annoyance and impatience, but it was clear he was just doing his job.Still, my heart quickened.I held Sylvia’s arm and lifted my veil, letting the sheer fabric slide back with a deliberate grace. I smiled softly as my gaze met the guard’s, my expression carefully crafted to appear harmless and innocent, even vulnerable – and, in a way, appealing, as Sylvia had suggested. She said that males were predicable, especially the male wolves, and that a well-timed smile by a beautiful lady could work wonders in situations like this, though I doubted it.But I still did.I’d do anything she said.Anything to get into the House of Fox and help Cole.While I played the role of a tender lady, Sylvia took a different strategy. She exhaled sharply as her features twisted into an irritated frown.
Marcel nodded dutifully, though part of him wanted to widen his eyes and shake his head.Two days. Two days until the King of Tiryn arrived. Everything was progressing so quickly, and it seemed that he was struggling to keep up. Between managing his household, his men, and his troublesome daughter… he was overwhelmed. His mind was on the verge of breaking, but he dared not to show it, not to Jack Elrod. No, he had to keep a level head if he was to succeed.“I’ll do my best,” he promised. “I’ve ordered the guards to search the entire city. I believe the girl won’t have anywhere to hide. They’ll surely catch her before dawn. Beside…” Marcel lowered his voice so only the two of them could hear. “The troops are all ready, Your Highness.”Jack nodded, his dark eyes studying Marcel with an intensity that made him uneasy. After a long pause, Jack tilted his head, narrowing his eyes slightly. “You’re holding something back, Lord Fox. What is it?”Marcel hesitated, but only for a moment. There
SKYLA“Are you out of your fucking mind?!” Marcel Fox growled at his daughter, his eyes flashing with anger as he slammed a cup against the wall. The fine porcelain shattered into pieces, and the sound filled the room.Skyla lowered her head and pouted. She didn’t understand why her father was so angry, but she chose not to argue. Nothing good would come of retort to her father’s scolding. Historically, when this had happened in the past, Skyla always emerged from the situation without her dignity intact.“Look at yourself, Skyla,” he snarled, his hands gesturing at her as his lip curled back in disgust. “You’re dressed like a whore. What kind of King would like a whore?”Skyla winced at the comment, her cheeks heating in embarrassment at the insult. Still, she remained silent.“How many times have I told you to behave properly?” Marcel continued, his nostrils flaring. “Have you ever given a fuck about what I’ve said at all? I told you not to act on your own. Not only is it dangerous,
SKYLACole frowned, a crease forming between his lips as he stared at Skyla in confusion.“Evelyn?” he repeated, his dark gold brows furrowing further. “What does this have to do with her? She… she was sent to Windsburn Island long ago. Why bring her up now?”Skyla’s eyes widened.What was Cole talking about? Evelyn being sent to Windsburn?She was confused because Cole didn’t seem to be joking or trying to change the subject. It seemed as if his memory had been fragmented -just like when Cole woke up and believed she had been diligently taking care of him during his illness, while she had done nothing of the sort.Was that why her father had warned her never to bring up the past in front of Cole?Panic flooded Skyla. She realized she had just made a critical mistake. She wished she could take back the words she’d let slip.Skyla pressed her lips tightly together as she watched Cole’s reaction.Cole brought his hand up, rubbing at his temples as if trying to ward off an oncoming heada
SKYLASkyla Fox and Melanie quietly walked through the corridors before they arrived at the King’s room.Stationed outside of the room was Max, the diligent guard, standing proudly in his post, ready to prevent any unauthorized entry. None had bothered yet this evening, so when he noticed Skyla and her maid, he frowned. A strong instinct in his gut urged him to keep them away – he was certain they were up to no good.As they approached, he raised a hand and stopped them. The ladies appeared irritated by the interruption.“The King is very tired,” Max said firmly, his tone carrying an authoritative edge. “What are you here for, Lady Skyla?”Melanie spoke up, shooting him an annoyed expression. Her blue eyes flashed as she scolded him, her jaw clenched. “What an idiot you are! It’s their engagement night! What could the lady possibly want? Don’t be a fool. Just open the door and let her in!”Max’s cheeks flushed as he realized the meaning behind her words. He glanced at Skyla, who wore
MELANIEThe House of Fox had never been as glamorous and cheerful as it had been tonight.The party celebrating the engagement between the Alpha King and Lady Skyla lasted late into the night, and as the moon rose high in the sky, the guests reluctantly began to leave, satisfied with the countless glasses they had drunk and the many dances they had shared.In the privacy of her bedchamber, Skyla rubbed fragrant lotion into her shin, massaging the sore muscle while her maid Melanie removed her corset.“It was so tiring to dance with so many gentlemen tonight,” she complained with a small sigh. “It felt as though the line of them would never end.”Melanie, ever the dutiful maid, fawned over her as always.“You were stunning this evening, Lady Skyla,” she complimented. “All the men were so captivated by your beauty and grace.”Skyla raised her chin, a chuckled escaping her lips. “They were, weren’t they? Not that it matters, of course. It’s a pity I didn’t get to dance more with Cole. I
OAKLEYSilence hung in the air as Oakley and Elsa stared back at Frank Crawford.Kill them both. Had they heard him correctly? He’d been so casual, so unbothered when he’d uttered the sentence that it was almost laughable.Oakley spoke first, his eyes regarding the older man with caution. “What?”Frank glared at Oakley. “You heard me. Kill them both. It seems you need to work on your hearing, lad, and your composure. I can see that look on your face, and I’m not too pleased by it.”“Do we need to consult with Master before we execute the prisoners?” Oakley asked.Frank lifted a brow. The older man found it downright unpleasant that Oakley, of all people, seemed to object to his decision. Normally, this young man was more than obedient – sometimes even easier to manipulate than Elsa. Yet today, he dared to question him. Frank found this defiance deeply irksome. He fought the urge to grimace; he refused to give Oakley the satisfaction. To Frank, this low-born man was far too insignific
ADDISONOakley walked over, an eyebrow raised as he squatted down to examine Addison. His eyes trailed over her with an air of detached assessment before his lips curled into an amused smirk.“This poor lady is going to die if you don’t remove your claws,” he remarked, glancing at Elsa.Elsa shot him a glare. “This isn’t any of your business, Oakley. Back up and stay the fuck away.”“I can’t,” Oakley said with mock regret. “The lady’s an important hostage to Mr. Crawford. If she dies, we’d both be in trouble.”Elsa rolled her eyes and scoffed. “She’s not important at all. Frank just keeps her for fun. You know it better than I do.”She turned back to Addison, but before she could make another move, Oakley grabbed her wrist. His grip was iron-strong, startlingly so for someone with a limping gait and a body marred by scars.Addison’s eyes widened as she felt the power in his hand—a strength that seemed unnatural for a man with his appearance.Elsa, too, was acutely aware of his hold. S
ADDISONThe blade of the sharp dagger gleamed under the moonlight streaming through the half window above Addison. Elsa’s teeth were gritted, and gone was the doe-eyed, innocent-looking girl who had once worked as a maid in the palace.In her place stood the face of a fierce fighter and killer.“You should die,” Elsa spat out with hatred, her brown eyes flashing with the utterance. “Every Madden deserves to die for what they’ve done.”Addison didn’t move – not out of fear but out of survival. She looked at Elsa while her hand cautiously searched behind her, trying to find anything that might be useful.Unfortunately, there was nothing to be found. The silver-lined cell was bare. All that lay behind her was sand.There was nothing in the silver-lined cell that would help her escape, not a single little thing. All that was behind her was sand. She supposed she could use her claws, but she needed to bide her time—any wrong move, and Elsa could slit her throat in an instant.It could all