The disjointed voice of Augus laughed, a gravely, almost ancient noise that sent a shiver down Sylvia’s spine.“I’m too old to remember those details,” he remarked. “How are you, Syl? Have the years been treating you well?”“I could be better,” Sylvia spoke, her sharp tongue as sharp as ever as she addressed her uncle. Despite the threat, she remained unfaltering and strong. “The years haven’t always been easy thanks to your constant attempts to hunt me down, Uncle.”She observed the dark room, seeking his familiar tall yet thin form. When she didn’t find him, she suspected that he wasn’t actually anywhere near.He must have placed an enchanted sapphire here to keep an eye on everything, Syliva thought, her mind steady as she continued to study the area. Still, she didn’t expect that he could communicate with me through the jewel… his power must have significantly improved over the years.Augus laughed again, the sound sending a chill down Sylvia’s spine.“You misuse that word, my pre
Sylvia’s heart raced in her chest as she acted quickly. She grabbed Skyla Fox by the arms, turned her around so her back faced the door, and smoothed her hair to make it appear as though she wasn’t unconscious at all.Before she could do anything further, the trio of guards barged into the room.“Lady Sky-” They froze mid-sentence, shocked at the sight of Skyla.Skyla had been in a state of undress and wore little above her waist. Much of her bare back was exposed in front of the guards.“Begging your pardon!” Sylvia gasped, disgust evident on her face as she stepped in front of Skyla to shield her from their view. “Do not look at the lady while she is vulnerable! Barging in unannounced—”.“We announced ourselves,” one of the guards tried to explain, but Sylvia cut him off sharply.“Not adequately,” she snapped, then pretended to address Skyla. “Remain silent and covered, my lady. I will ensure they leave immediately.”The guards looked flustered, quickly lowering their eyes out of em
JASMINEI fidgeted in the meeting room as I waited to see him. A maid brought water and tea to ease the exhaustion from my journey while I waited, though my nerves made it impossible to feel refreshed.I had just returned to the palace and wasted no time requesting an audience with him. But doubts began to creep in as I leaned back in the chair. I longed to see him, but I was nervous to speak with him about the King. I didn't want to add to his worries and see him hurting. Maybe I should have given myself more time to think about how to organize my words. I felt stupid acting like a love-struck fool.The door clicked open, and I was jolted upright.I quickly stood and saw Flynn. He paused at the door, staring at me. My breath caught in my chest as I met his intense gaze. I didn't know what he was thinking of. The moment seemed suspended in timeI swallowed and called him gently. "Flynn, I..."But before I could finish my sentence, he strode across the room and pulled me into his arm
EVELYNI felt myself floating like a ghost, untethered to my body, as if I’d never had a true form before. My surroundings were both familiar and strange. I could tell I was in the palace, but not the palace where I had once stayed. I didn’t recognize any of the maids or servants, and their uniforms were old-fashioned, different from the gray dresses I used to wear when I worked there.As I drifted, I overheard a small group of maids gossiping in the corner, just as Melanie and her friends had once done about me. But instead of the maids teasing, joking, and spouting cruelties about my position in the King’s bed, they were gossiping about someone else this time, though only marginally.They were gossiping about Cole Elrod.Though they referred to him as Prince Cole, it was clear that these women had no respect for him.“The Prince was left alone again,” one of them said, leaning in closely to let the whispers spill out. “King Theodore only brought Prince Jack with him on their huntin
EVELYNNot long after I woke up, Crystal knocked on the door and walked in. She opened the curtain and window, letting fresh air in. The room was well-lit, and combined with the scenery outside, I was reminded that I had left the old palace- the Gods Peak, several days prior.We had been traveling nonstop for the past few days when Jack decided he wanted to stop and take a rest.I had no idea where we were now since I wasn’t allowed to get out, but I could see that Jack was very cautious.The cottage we stayed in was far from villages or cities, so far that I could see no strangers around. Jack had only taken two guards and Crystal with us. Our entourage was light, more so than I was used to.Aiden had wanted to follow. He had a fierce fight with Jack about it that ended poorly. It was a painful event I didn’t want to recall. I didn’t want anyone to get hurt for me anymore.Still, I didn’t know if what I was doing now was correct. I felt uneasy, not only because of my dreams but also
EVELYNI knocked firmly on the door of Jack’s room while Crystal tried to hold me back.“Lady, please, the Master would be deeply displeased.” She begged me to stop.“Out of my way,” I growled, shoving her aside. “Open the door! I need to talk to you!” I slammed my fist against the wooden plank as if it were a sparring dummy.The door was finally opened before I had the chance to break it.Jack stood on the other side and looked at me lazily. He was wearing a loose shirt that exposed his chest.Crystal dropped her head at once, her cheeks and ears flushing. She stammered. “M-m-master. I-I’m sorry that I can’t stop Lady Evelyn.”“It’s not your fault, Crystal.” Jack said as he glanced at her and smiled softly. “Could you bring us some tea?”“S-sure, Master.” Crystal nodded. She glanced up at Jack and blushed again before skittering away.Jack yawned lightly as his gaze locked with mine.“Morning, Eva. Did you have a good sleep last night?” he asked.I ignored his question. “I need to ta
ADDISONAddison looked into the distance as she felt a chill run through her. She tightened her coat.The Gods Peak loomed ahead.The summit of the steep mountain was veiled by thick clouds. Surrounding it were virgin forests—plush, thick, and unmarred by anything else. The wind blew strongly, making eerie noises through the trees.Addison wondered if anyone could even survive under such harsh conditions up there.She glanced behind her, one arched blonde brow rising as she noticed the soldiers all looked exhausted. She couldn’t blame them though. They had traveled non-stop from Halian to the most remote land of Hescor.“Is everyone ready to climb?” she asked.“Yes,” the soldiers answered in unison.However, Addison noticed one voice missing from the collective response:Lord Albert Hart.Turning to face him, she saw his frown as he stared at the mountain. Addison’s lips curled in faint, cruel amusement. “Are you afraid, Lord Hart?” she asked, her brow arching even further. Her disda
ADDISONAddison froze.The soldier screamed as he stumbled closer, pointing a trembling finger at the rabbit’s corpse on the ground.“It’s definitely the same rabbit,” he cried, his voice cracking. “The mountain must be cursed! Haunted!”His jaw clenched, and a whisper escaped from his lips.“We’re going to die here…”Addison’s lips pressed into a thin line, the grimness in her gray eyes sharper than ever. This strange, creepy mountain was eating away at their nerves, it unsettling mysterious pushing the group to the edge.Several soldiers whispered anxiously, their panic growing contagious as the distressed soldier continued to unravel.Addison knew she had to squash this before it spiraled out of control. Fear and panic would only make things worse.“That’s enough,” she barked, her voice firm and demanding. “Ghosts don’t exist. The rabbit is just a coincidence – nothing more.”“It couldn’t be a coincidence!” the soldier shouted back, shaking his head vehemently. “There’s no way this
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