EVELYNAs I had expected, Skyla was extremely unhappy the morning we were set to leave for the House of Fox.The beautiful redhead looked positively enraged when she saw me following Cole from the King’s wing.“What in the hell are you doing here?” she hissed, just low enough for me to hear. At her sides, her hands were balled into fists, and from the way she winced, I knew her claws were extended within. I wondered if she would swipe at me with them if I gave her a vague answer. And part of me questioned what I would do if she did.Even considering how little I practiced fighting these days, I knew I could handle the lovely she-wolf. Skyla had been bred to be a bride, not a soldier.Since I was behind the King, I opted not to respond and instead tilted my head slightly, egging on. It was petty, especially when it meant so little to me, but I swept my hair over my shoulder so that she could see the hickeys Cole had left on my neck.I had discovered them in the mirror this morning, and
JASMINEAfter what felt like a million-year-long journey, the coachman stopped the carriage outside of a small inn. Startled by the sudden halt, I jumped and then raised my eyes to look at Elsa.My former maid seemed distant, like her mind was utterly occupied with something else, which was a welcome change. Throughout this ride, I’d wondered if Elsa ever slept, because every time I moved even a centimeter, she would shoot me a sharp glare. It sent a chill down my spine every single time and I began to watch myself to make sure I didn’t anger her further.In one swift motion, Elsa rose to her feet and narrowed her eyes at me, her hands flying to the dagger holstered at her side. Her jaw clenched and then she leaned closer.“We’re stopping for the night,” she said sharply. “The coachman needs some sleep and so do I. But don’t get any ideas about anything. There are some rules that you must follow if you want to stay alive.”I swallowed heavily and then nodded, my hands shaking at my si
JASMINEThe coachman didn’t speak. His jaw clenched for the briefest of moments but then he rolled his eyes dismissively. Before they glazed over as Elsa’s had not long before, I extended my already long, sharp claws, and then dug them deep into his belly.The coachman shrieked as blood splattered out and my voice hardened.“Don’t play tricks or attempt anything stupid,” I warned him. “Next time, it’ll be your neck. I don’t want to repeat myself again. Answer my question. Who is your Master?”A whimper escaped him. “I don’t know. I’ve never seen the Master’s face. He’s always wearing a mask. We receive orders and then we obey, no questions asked.”“That seems convenient,” I remarked annoyedly, and just as I started to raise my claws, he continued to speak.“I m-m-met the Master when I was begging for f-food on the street,” he stammered. “I was kicked aside by a group of well-dressed wolves… they hurt me and then laughed as they walked away. It was humiliating. The Master saved and tr
EVELYNWhat the hell was Cole talking about?Elsa, an attacker?“That’s impossible,” I blurted out, shaking my head firmly as I stared back at him. I didn’t believe a word of what he was saying. There was no way. My kind, caring friend was not capable of such a thing and she would never hurt me. She was too young, too innocent.“Impossible?” Cole repeated back, and then he scoffed. “How can you be so sure? You say you trust her but where does your trust come from? You’ve known her for barely a month, haven’t you? I was informed that she only arrived at the palace recently. Doesn’t seem like enough time to really get to know someone.”I fought the urge to glare at him and instead opted to narrow my eyes.“Have you found any evidence?” I questioned him, ignoring his comments about our friendship. “How could Elsa do such a thing? What would her motive be to attack Lady Anna? To attack me?”But Cole ignored my questions as well and pressed on. “Answer this for me, Evelyn. Where does your
EVELYNI would never forget that day—the day of my trial, when my life fell apart. The man I loved sat on the throne, declaring my doom. Pain shot through me like lightning as I was forced to kneel, bowing my head before him. His familiar dark eyes stared into my soul with contempt and hatred.Tears welled up in my eyes.“Evelyn Caddel, as the Alpha King of Hescor, I hereby pronounce you and your family guilty of treason. Your noble titles shall be revoked, your lands confiscated, and your honor erased. You shall endure the harshest punishments under the law of Hescor.”Then, he reached out, cupping my chin, and lowered his voice into a chilling whisper. “I told you—you’d regret choosing the wrong man, Evelyn.”***"It's a lovely day," Elsa said, spreading her arms out and facing the sun streaming in through the window. "A shame we have to spend in the palace."I laughed at that, pulling the cart down the hallway."There are worse things.""Like what?"Humiliation. Hopelessness. Tortur
EVELYNNo one in the entire courtyard dared speak on the subject, but no one could ever forget Jack or the fierce, brutal struggle between the two princes.The violence, heartbreak, and bloodshed.No one wanted to relive it.After a long, tense silence, Anastasia finally spoke.“You must be exhausted. I’ve prepared a welcoming banquet for you this evening. Perhaps you should get some rest after your long journey.”The Alpha King did not respond, but I saw his boots move forward as he presumably walked toward the palace.As his footsteps grew distant, I raised my eyes.He continued up the steps of the marble staircase leading to the palace. As he ascended, he waved a hand and called Mr. Barrett over. The head servant moved swiftly, and after a quiet exchange, Cole turned toward us, his gaze meeting mine.My heart raced.Mr. Barrett glanced at me as well and then nodded.Cole tensed his jaw, then walked into the palace, followed by the Beta and the King’s Guard. After they disappeared th
EVELYNI stopped. I knew I should have simply walked out the room. Normally, I tolerated remarks like that without pause, but today… I just couldn’t accept it. Agitation flooded through me.I walked straight toward Melanie, and her rosy cheeks went pale as she gulped in surprise. Panic painted her expression as I stopped in front of her and stared into her eyes coldly.“What—what are you—” she began to say, but I cut her off before she could finish her statement.“Mr. Barrett is outside of this room,” I said harshly. “What do you think he would do if he heard you all gossiping about the King and his private affairs? Do you think he would be pleased to hear your insults?”All around me, the others stiffened at once.As Melanie’s lower lip quivered, I leaned in closer and spoke just low enough for her to hear.“You should mind your tongue if you don’t want to lose it,” I threatened.The maid grew even paler, surprised by my growl. Her eyes glanced at the door, as if checking to see if Mr
EVELYNMy heart flinched when Aiden called me “Eve”, my old nickname. My expression softened for a brief second and I nearly gave in to a smile.But I couldn’t allow him to speak to me like that, especially not here in the Alpha King’s domain. It was too risky, too familiar.Even if I wanted to be, I wasn’t that girl anymore.“I’m a maid of the royal palace,” I reminded him, carefully slipping from his gaze as I spoke. “And it’s only proper for a maid to greet the King’s Guard with respect.”Aiden’s brow furrowed.“You shouldn’t call me by a nickname.” I glanced around. “Especially not here. Speaking to a lowly maid like that would threaten and demean your reputation, Sir.”He ran a hand through his thick copper hair and then uttered a small sigh. “I don’t care about my reputation.”I wasn’t sure if his words were true. I straightened my posture and made my expression as neutral as possible.“I must leave,” I managed. “The King isn’t fond of waiting in his chamber alone. It was a pleas