Emily's POVI woke up feeling refreshed, surprised to see that I was in my room. The sun wasn't out fully yet, I can't believe I passed out after offering my blood to him.Sitting upright, my body and hair were back to normal. But my mind was still lingering around our conversation yesterday. Went to the bathroom and freshened up and I was done in no time.I've got a task to do today.While combing my hair, the maid came to call me out for breakfast but I asked her to bring it to my room instead with Maddy coming along.And a few minutes later munching on my breakfast, Maddy came to my room.“Hey, hi,” I welcomed her in.“Morning to you too, your highness. You look much better,” she smiled, sitting down on the bed. I nodded with my lower lip in my mouth, rubbing my hands together.“Do you wanna say something?”“Definitely. That was why I called for you,” I said in urgency.“Okay. I'm all ears,” she shifted on the bed to face me. “I actually don't know if I have to get involved in thi
Emily's POVThe message I sent to Alpha Kane was for him to choose a location where we could meet and talk. He knows that I was the one that sent the note and he asked us to meet tomorrow.“Thank goodness,” I muttered in relief before tearing the note into pieces. I feel like I was finally taking a step as Jack's mate to help the realm, if I'm not befitted to be the Queen yet.The lives of many soldiers would be lost, their mates will be miserable forever. Thinking about them, this risk is worth taking.I left my room after I was done to return to Zaza in the garden. Upon arriving, he was diligently watering the flowers and a smile curled on my lips.“Roses might later be your bestie if you water them well,” I commented, walking closer to me. He turned to me briefly before continuing what he was doing without saying anything.I stood next to him with my arms crossed, watching him doing his thing.“Can I ask you a question, Zaza?” I intentionally called his name to catch his attention.
Emily's POVI was getting ready in my room to meet Alpha Kane. Zaza would come to get me if I'm not back on time. And I'm grateful for the fact that Kiara hasn't been in my affairs for a few days now.I packed my hair into a high ponytail, before covering it up with a visor cap. If I hadn't followed Jack out the other day, I would have had issues with going out with a horse.Zaza made sure that one of the horses will be ready for me to take out. I was still dressing up when I heard a soft knock on my door. Before I could permit the person to come in, the door has creaked opened already.“Can't you….”“It's me,” it's Jack. I forced a smile before nodding, continuing dressing up. He looked down at me suspiciously as he entered, shutting the door behind him.“Are you going somewhere?”“Nope,” that response was instant. He didn't come closer, making me turn around. No like I wanted him to even come closer to me.His expression was quite calculative before he smiled.“I'll be at the counc
Emily's POV “Good day, your highness,” I bowed slightly, without meeting her gaze and entered the palace. I was still going when I heard her question behind me. “Where have you been, Emily?” I nearly rolled my eyes before heaving deep breaths. I turned around with my arms crossed.“To exercise my right as the Queen,” I responded before glancing at Mason, “Is Jack around?” “No, he went out with Zaza not quite long,” he responded. I nodded in response, finally realizing why I met her at the door. “I would like to be in my room now, Lady Elena.” I said before walking away. She wasn't pleased with me for no reason, not like I care at this moment. I wasn't really heading to my room, but to the pack house.Exercising my rights as the Queen starts with getting to know the people around me first. The pack house was deep in the south wing, it was a few minutes walk before I got there.At the entrance, kids were playing around happily and a small smile formed on my lips. They were playing h
Emily's POVWhen I woke, the soft glow of the healer’s room greeted me. My body felt weak, but my mind was racing.“She’s awake,” Kael, the pack healer, announced.Around me, the room buzzed with murmurs by a few maids present. But what caught my attention was the praise being heaped upon Kiara.“Thank goodness Kiara warned us,” someone said.“She saved us from doom,” another added.My chest tightened. Why were they thanking her? What did she do? And what are they doing inside this room? Where was Jack?I tried to sit upright, but a hand gently pushed me back to the bed.Kael leaned over me. “How are you feeling, Your highness?” he asked carefully.He stood tall and lean, his piercing eyes sharp and unyielding. Rugged features hinted at past battles, while his calm, precise demeanor exuded quiet strength and authority.“I-Is J-Jack around?” I asked instead, feeling my lower abdomen was hurting. I don't know why that was the first thing that came to my mind.“Not yet. Please I need a r
Emily’s POVThree Days Later.I clutched my knees to my chest, my breathing uneven as I rocked back and forth. The ache in my legs refused to subside, and my body felt like it weighed twice as much as it should. Every movement was a struggle, every attempt to stand a failure. A low groan escaped my lips, and I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the waves of discomfort.I woke up earlier this morning to this overwhelming pain.In the distance, I could hear the faint but distinct growling of wolves near the main entrance of the packhouse. The sound was unsettling, a reminder of how much had changed in these past few days. This was making me wary, wondering if my door will be kicked down soon, dragging me out as a traitor.It wasn’t just the growls, though. It was everything, this overwhelming sense of dread, of being watched and judged by everyone around me.If I was to be poisoned, why are my legs so weak and what's the thing in my head that is making me feel dizzy? I need ans
Author’s POV Alpha Kane had been fuming ever since he had heard about Emily’s condition. The moment he stepped into the palace and saw her limping, barely able to hold herself upright, his disappointment turned into full-blown anger. Emily was someone who had come to him with the purest intentions, seeking peace for the realm despite the complicated ties with her mate. She didn’t deserve this—being framed, shunned, and left to suffer. What he believes. “She doesn’t belong here,” Lady Elena said sharply, breaking the tense silence. Her tone was laced with venom, her words aimed directly at Emily. “She’s only brought trouble since the day she came back.” Alpha Kane clenched his fists but held his tongue, listening carefully. Emily stood off to the side, her head low and her breathing shallow. She looked like she was on the verge of collapsing, yet she kept her eyes fixed on one person: Jack. “She left the palace without anyone knowing where she went,” Lady Elena continued, her
Emily's POV “Her Majesty came to me, promising to start embracing her role as the Queen. She wanted this upcoming war to stop, she made me realize that dethroning the Alpha King is far-fetched. I even went ahead, making her understand that the King hasn't acknowledged her as his Queen, yet she wanted so much for this realm. I would so much appreciate it if his Majesty can look into this deeply and make sure those who wrong the Queen are well dealt with.” Alpha Kane continued, and I saw as Jack fisted his hands tightly. The whole situation was interpreted as if I badly wanted the throne which was why I went behind Jack's back to meet Alpha Kane. “She came to you?” Kiara feigned a gasp, “Wow. Now I understand why I saw her with Zaza speaking distinctly in the garden. They must have been talking about politics. Because there was no other way she could have known that Alpha Kane was amongst those who wanna dethrone the King,” she accused. “This isn't up for discussion, my lady,” Al
Emily’s POV“Yeah, come in,” I called out, my voice lacking its usual enthusiasm.The door creaked open, and Maddy stepped in, a warm smile on her face. I tried to return it, but it felt forced, awkward. Our last conversation had left a strange tension between us, one I wasn’t sure how to navigate.“Good day, your highness,” she said with mock seriousness, a playful lilt in her tone. I chuckled softly despite myself, shaking my head. “Don’t start.” She stayed at door, doesn't look like she was coming any closer.“So… you wanted to see me?” I affirmed with a nod. Even though I didn't trust her fully, I need her witch abilities to interpret certain things to me.“Why are you at the door? Come closer.” I urged.“Maybe it's because I feel…. guilty?” My brows furrowed in my confusion. Then she chuckled.She crossed the room quickly, and before I could react, she wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug.“I missed you so much,” she murmured against my shoulder.I froze, my arms hovering m
Emily's POVI lay on the bed, staring blankly at the wooden ceiling above me, Kiara’s harsh words still ringing faintly in my ears.“Fuck off.”But oddly enough, I didn’t take her words to heart. I was used to her bitterness by now. I could handle her hatred; it wasn’t what bothered me. What I couldn’t ignore was Jackson.His behavior had been eating away at me all day. The flashes of anger, the blood… and the way his vampire side clawed at the surface, barely restrained. I had seen him gritting his teeth as if he were fighting himself, as if being near me was both his salvation and his curse.I turned to the side, burying my face in the pillow with a frustrated sigh. Exhaustion tugged at me, but my mind was relentless. Eventually, though, the weight of my thoughts lulled me into a restless sleep.I turned my head, but found myself in a darkened hall lit only by streaks of moonlight breaking through shattered windows. I jerked up immediately, I wasn't laying on the bed but on the floo
Kiara’s POVI let my thoughts pace around before my gaze flickered to the mirror, and I stopped dead. I rushed to it to confirm what I saw.A pimple.What in the hell…My fingers moved to my face instinctively, and I pressed down on the stubborn blemish with all the force I could muster. A sharp sting burned across my skin, but I didn’t stop until it was gone—until it bled.I hissed in annoyance, grabbing a tissue to dab the spot. My reflection stared back at me, and I frowned harder.“It’s nothing,” I muttered, spinning toward my vanity. I grabbed my makeup and began to smear powder and foundation over my face in thick layers, covering every imperfection. My hand trembled slightly as I blended it out.“Y-You’re be-beautiful,” I stammered to my reflection, forcing a smile. “This is just temporary. Everything happening now is temporary. I’ll strike when the time comes.”I leaned closer, staring deep into my own eyes, my smile sharpening into something sly. “I’ll make sure they regret
Kiara’s POVThe Next Morning.The paintbrush glided across the canvas in my hand, a streak of deep crimson smearing like fresh blood. My lips curled into a bitter smile as I traced the outline of Emily’s figure, every inch of her covered in what looked like dripping blood.“Perfect,” I muttered to myself, the satisfaction short-lived as anger clawed its way back into my chest.I clenched my jaw, thinking about yesterday. I had asked her nicely—nicely, for the first time in forever. All I did was ask if she was fine. A simple, kind gesture. And what did she do? She just nodded. Nodded! Like I didn’t deserve an answer.My grip on the brush tightened until my knuckles turned white.“That b!tch,” I spat under my breath. “All high and mighty now, isn’t she?”I sat back, glaring at the image of her I had painted, rage bubbling inside me like poison. Emily. Everything went downhill the moment she came into the picture. The pack no longer cared about me, Kiara. Me, who had always been by
Emily’s POV“When the heart turns cold…”The phrase echoed in my mind as I walked back into the tent, each word settling heavily on my chest. I had been trying to understand it, but the answer seemed clearer now. To sever this bond—truly sever it—I would need to upset Jackson, to do something so unbearable that it would make him turn away.Without true love, the bond between us was meaningless. That was what the throne was trying to tell us.We were tied by fate, but he couldn’t admit how he felt without something pulling him. I entered the tent, then my eyes fell on the pearl the little girl gave me. I picked it up, running my thumb over its smooth surface, a faint smile tugging at my lips. My mind raced back to the dream, the words, and Gianna. I froze mid-thought, realization dawning like a cold wave.Gianna.My eyes narrowed, suspicion burning in my chest. I didn't remember that she introduced herself to me. I hadn’t thought much of it, but now… If not for that dream, I wouldn’
Emily’s POVI groaned as the sound of chirping birds yanked me out of sleep. My muscles ached, my back was stiff, and the scratchy blanket felt heavier than usual. The chill of the morning air seeped through the tent, and for a moment, I debated just pulling the blanket over my head.But the dream...I blinked my eyes open, staring at the tent’s fabric ceiling. Why was I dreaming about my resurrection? It had felt so real, like I was reliving that moment. I could still hear the voices, feel the weight of everything that day had meant.Events of the last few years flooded my mind, I found myself empathizing with myself for all the years of heartbreak I've endured. All because I wanted him to accept me as his mate.I shook my head, trying not to dwell deeper. I might have had the dream out of exhaustion, playing tricks on my mind. Pushing the thoughts aside, I sat up, stretching my arms. My back ached from sleeping on the makeshift bedroll Jack had insisted we use during this journey.
Emily’s POV “Thank you so much for helping,” I acknowledged, smiling at Gianna’s reflection in the mirror as she brushed my hair. She returned the smile, though her dark eyes never left my hair. “You’re welcome. But don’t mistake this for charity,” she said, her voice soft but unnerving. Our eyes met in the mirror, and I blinked in confusion. “What do you mean?” “You’ll pay for my help. Not with money, of course.” She smiled faintly, a small tilt of her head that made her look almost amused. “I’ll be taking the bead from your locket. The pearl inside is... powerful. If someone with an impure heart touches it, they go blind temporarily until they confess their crimes. And if they don’t...” She paused, her lips curling slightly. “Well, they lose their sight forever.” My mouth went dry, and I instinctively looked down at the locket resting against my chest. The thought of giving it away made my stomach twist, but I nodded. “O-Okay,” I stammered. She didn’t say anything, just
Emily’s POVMy eyes fluttered open groggily, my head was banging. What I saw was a long wooden stool in front of me. I tried to stand up but my stomach hurts. And my legs. Together with my arms.In fact, my whole body hurts.But carefully, I managed to sit upright. I brought my hair to my shoulder, it was really dirty. I couldn't understand the color. And my clothes… my eyes looked down at my dress. It looks to be a white gown, it's original color but it was soaked with a red dried liquid. My eyes widened in shock when I thought of the possibilities that it could be my blood.My lips trembled as I glanced around. ‘Am I dead? Is this afterlife?’ I thought, my eyes scanning through the surroundings.It was a building, some parts filled with growing grasses and spirogyra. The floor was cold and cemented, I stood up carefully.Why don't I have any memories of myself?All I knew was that I just woke up from a deep slumber. Given how my body was aching this badly. “H-Hello….” I stuttered,
Emily’s POVThe ride was quiet, the air thick with unspoken words. I sat behind Jack on his horse, my arms loosely wrapped around his waist. His broad back was straight, his posture as rigid as always. The rhythmic sound of the horse's hooves against the ground provided a strange kind of comfort. I rested my chin lightly on his shoulder, my gaze lingering on the back of his neck. His scent filled my nose, and I found myself in a deep comfort.My thoughts wandered to what I had pieced together so far—about Harper’s mother and the role she played in Jack’s immortality. The idea of someone willingly binding him to this endless existence both fascinated and horrified me. And I found myself wondering what kind of man he was before he became an immortal.Was he always this guarded? This distant? Or was it the centuries of loneliness and betrayal that shaped him into what he was now?I sighed softly, my breath ghosting against his neck. He didn’t turn or acknowledge it. His aloofness was