Emily's POV“Excuse me?” I furrowed my brows in confusion. It just crossed my mind that I still hadn’t asked her why she lied to me.Jack groaned behind me, and I immediately turned around. He was struggling to get up, his movements slow and shaky. He looked weak, staggering slightly before finally managing to stand upright.“Are you okay?” I asked him softly, concern evident in my voice. He didn’t respond with words, only grunted as if that was all the strength he could muster.Gianna’s voice cut through the silence like a blade, drawing my attention back to her.“Yes, I did it. But not for the reasons you think,” she spoke slowly, her tone eerily calm.“You b*tch!” Kiara snarled, her anger exploding like a storm. Before anyone could stop her, she lunged forward and grabbed Gianna by her hair, yanking her hard. To my surprise, Gianna didn’t cry out or resist; she stood there unflinching, her face void of any reaction.“How dare you still talk after all you’ve done?!” Kiara screamed,
Emily’s POVThe warm water glided over my hands as I wrung the cloth, steam curling in the air. Jack sat at the edge of his bed, his posture tense but his expression unreadable. I knelt in front of him, gently dabbing at the dried blood on his hands. The room was silent except for the sound of the water sloshing in the basin.“Jack,” I started, my voice trembling slightly. “I’m sorry for earlier. I should have listened to you. I know I can be...impatient.”It's better to apologize than for him to dwell deeper into what happened.For a moment, he didn’t respond, his hazel eyes fixed on some distant point beyond me. Then, the corner of his mouth twitched upward in what might’ve been a smirk—or maybe even a smile.It was fleeting, but it was there.“It’s fine,” he said, his voice low but calm, then his eyes fell on me.“You’re stubborn, but it’s not entirely a bad thing.”I blinked in surprise, my hand pausing midair. That was the closest thing to a compliment I had gotten from him in d
Kiara’s POVThe sound of the door slamming echoed through my chambers, rattling the walls as I stormed inside. My chest heaved with ragged breaths, and my fists clenched tightly at my sides.I hissed, pacing back and forth like a caged animal. My nails dug into my palms, the pain grounding me. "How could she do this to me?"The betrayal tasted bitter, twisting in my gut like a knife. I trusted her—or at least, I thought I could control her. That spineless little girl had always been so eager to please, always so... pathetic. And now, she had the nerve to turn on me?I stopped in front of the mirror, catching a glimpse of my reflection. My usually composed expression was gone, replaced by one of fury and desperation. My cheeks were flushed, my eyes wild. I slammed my palms on the vanity, the sharp sound ringing out."She wouldn't dare," I muttered, trying to convince myself. But the nagging doubt wouldn't leave me. If she decided to talk, everything l had worked for would crumble.I
Jackson’s POV The door closed behind me with a soft click, and I leaned back against it, exhaling deeply. The weight of everything that had happened tonight felt like it was crushing me, but one thought lingered above all else. I had been poisoned. Not just my body, but my mind, my emotions—tainted for gods know how long. It all made sense now. The sudden swings in my feelings, the way I would lose control around Emily, the way her presence affected me so deeply. Before, I could control my emotions, keep them in check. But lately, it was like the walls I had built had been slowly crumbling. I rubbed my hands over my face, trying to process everything. Madison’s betrayal, the maid's cryptic words, the chaos of tonight—it all swirled in my head, but one memory shone brighter than the rest. The kiss. A sly smile tugged at my lips despite everything. That kiss… I closed my eyes, letting the memory wash over me. The way her lips trembled against mine, the desperation i
Emily’s POVThe Next Day.The courtroom was heavy with tension, the kind that made my palms sweat and my chest tighten. Jack was seated on his throne, his posture rigid yet calm, while Madison stood in front of him. I wasn't seated beside him, the Queen’s seat was gone, its absence a stark reminder of where I stood now.Instead, I was placed beside Kiara and Lady Elena. The former sat with an exaggerated air of self-importance, while Lady Elena watched everything with her usual sharp, calculating gaze. I shifted uncomfortably, feeling their presence looming over me like shadows.Madison's voice broke through the uneasy silence. “Your Majesty, I admit to my wrongdoing,” she said, her tone steady but laced with guilt. “It was not my place to meddle, and I understand that what I did was wrong.”The murmurs started almost immediately, whispers of judgment and disapproval rippling through the crowd. I bit my lip, silently hoping Jack would understand.“For your actions,” He began, his v
Emily’s POV“Why are we not entering?” I whispered to Jack, glancing at him. We were in a hidden room within the council chamber, concealed from the Alphas who sat in the main hall. He hadn't said a word for the past few minutes, his sharp gaze fixed on the Alphas as if waiting for something.“Just watch, and listen,” he said, his tone calm but firm, never taking his eyes off the scene before us. I let out a frustrated sigh, crossing my arms. “You’re not saying anything. I could give you a suggestion for Maddy’s case if you’re struggling to figure it out…” He cut me off with a small smirk, leaning back slightly. “Sometimes silence gives you more answers than words ever could. The more they think, the more they reveal their true colors.”I tilted my head, “Is that why we’re hiding here? For their true colors?”He glanced at me, his hazel eyes softening briefly before turning stern again. “Partly. But also because I needed you to see this. To understand why I made the decision I did
Emily's POVThe council chamber was empty now, the tension from earlier slowly dissipating into the cold silence of the room. Only Jack and I remained. He sat in his chair, calm and composed, while I stood a few feet away, my arms crossed tightly over my chest. I stared at him, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. “Why did you do that?” His eyes flickered to me, his expression unreadable. “Because it was the right thing to do.” I scoffed, disbelief coloring my tone. “Without consulting me first? You decided something that involves me without even asking if I wanted it.” His lips curved into a faint smirk, one that barely reached his eyes. “Emily, the Blood Moon Ceremony is in a week’s time. I don’t have the luxury of waiting anymore. The pack needs a Luna Queen, and I need to do what’s necessary.” I froze, the weight of his words sinking in. “The necessity?” I echoed, bitterness lacing my voice. “You mean tying me to a throne I never asked for?” His gaze softened, b
Kiara’s POVAt Lunch.The dining hall was quiet, with the clinking of cutlery the only sound breaking the silence. My eyes kept darting between Jack and Emily. There was a tension in the air between them, subtle but impossible to miss. It was as though they were avoiding each other’s gaze deliberately.I smirked to myself. Good. Let there be awkwardness between them. Let their bond remain incomplete. Maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance to salvage what was supposed to be mine.But my small moment of satisfaction was shattered when Jack suddenly cleared his throat, his deep voice cutting through the quiet like a knife. “I have an announcement,” he said, his tone calm but firm, instantly commanding attention.I froze, my heart skipping a beat as I turned to look at him. His hazel eyes were steady as he spoke, his voice steady as a mountain.“The throne room will be rebuilt,” Hs said simply.My heart sank. What does that mean?Before I could make sense of it, he continued, “And
Annabelle’s POV I stirred in my sleep, feeling strange as if a weight had lifted off my chest, yet my heart ached with something I couldn’t fully grasp. Then, in an instant, memories came flooding back—everything I had forgotten, everything I had done. The past ten years crashed into me like a violent wave, stealing my breath as I fluttered my eyes opened. I sat upright, clutched the sheets, my hands trembling as the realization sank in. Oh, God. What have I done? I thought tears welling in my eyes already before a soft knock pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. My throat tightened. “Come in,” I whispered, barely recognizing my own voice. The door creaked open, and Adams stepped inside, his eyes downcast, as if he were afraid to look at me. My chest clenched at the sight of him—so much thinner, his once-proud stance now slumped, his hair slightly disheveled as if sleep had long abandoned him. He held a tray of food in his hands, gripping it so tightly his knuckles turne
Author's POV“She doesn’t remember you at all?” Jack shook his head. Madison frowned deeply, arms crossed as she listened to Jackson after he explained to her that Emily had woken up but doesn't remember him. “She looked at me… it was like I was nothing.” His voice cracked slightly, but he pushed through. “Why? Why doesn't she remember me?” He asked, his tone pleading. She had looked him in the eye, completely blank, as if he were a stranger.Madison sighed, rubbing her temples. “It could be the aftereffects of Harper’s mark. We don’t know exactly what it did to her mind.” She paused before adding, “We need to test this. Bring Mason and Zaza. Let’s see if she really remembers them together with me.”Jackson hesitated. He wasn’t sure what he was hoping for. If she recognized them, it meant she was still herself—just without him. But if she didn’t remember them either, then he had to face the terrifying possibility that Harper had changed her forever.Regardless, he nodded. “Alright
Jackson's POV It had been two long, agonizing months. Every day since Emily fell into that coma, I felt as if I was drowning in my own guilt. Sitting beside her motionless body, I dabbed her forehead with a wet cloth, my hands trembling. Her pale face made my chest ache in ways I couldn’t put into words. Tears streamed down my cheeks freely. I didn’t bother wiping them anymore. What was the point? Every moment replayed in my head, the way she had sacrificed herself for me again without a second thought. That image of her collapsing haunted me. I reached for her hand, clasping it tightly in mine. “Please, Ann,” I whispered, my voice breaking. “Please wake up. I miss you so much.” My lips brushed against her knuckles as I choked back a sob. “You promised to give me a response to my apology once everything is over. But you're not here with me to see it, my love. I need you... please.” The weight of my mistakes crushed me every second of every day. If I could trade places with he
The moment Emily smashed the crystal ball against the ground, the yard erupted in chaos. A blinding light consumed everything, its intensity forcing everyone to shield their eyes. She staggered backward as an overwhelming surge of energy left her body, her knees giving way beneath her. She collapsed to the ground, her vision blurring as she fought to stay conscious. “Ann!” Adams’ voice cracked as he saw her fall. His heart pounded in panic, but his body refused to cooperate. Bound to the tree and weakened by the poisoned blade, he could only watch helplessly. Harper let out a blood-curdling scream, her hands clawing at the air as she fell to her knees. A thick, black substance oozed from her mouth, her once confident smirk replaced by pure agony. Beside her, Alan mirrored her pain, convulsing violently as the same dark energy poured out of him. Adams clenched his teeth, forcing his gaze away from Harper and Alan to focus on Emily. His instincts screamed at him to get to her, but
Jackson’s POV The sight of Alan standing before me was like a blow to the chest. I could barely believe my eyes. Someone I thought I had lost forever was here, alive, breathing, and yet... there was something wrong. His eyes were dark, hollow, and devoid of the warmth I remembered. "Alan," I managed to say, my voice thick with disbelief. "Is it really you?" He didn't answer. Instead, he smiled-a cruel, empty grin that sent chills down my spine-and before I could react, he dragged a sharp knife across my chest. "Goddess!" I hissed in pain, stumbling back. My hand instinctively went to the wound as warmth spread across my skin. “Alan, stop! What are you doing?" He didn't stop. His movements were quick and deliberate, like a predator closing in on its prey. I dodged as he lunged at me again, the knife narrowly missing my side. “Alan, listen to me!" I pleaded, trying to catch his wrist. "We need to talk. This isn't you-” But he wasn't listening. His entire focus was on one t
Emily's POV I stood inside the tent, pacing back and forth. My heart was restless, and my mind kept wandering to Adams. I had tried to focus on the little things around me, but nothing helped. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his face, heard his voice, and imagined the mess he was walking into. I paused by the entrance, listening carefully. His retreating footsteps reached my ears, and I couldn’t help but whisper a prayer. Moon Goddess, keep him safe for me. Help him fight his battles and come back unharmed. But a part of me kept nagging: was I really doing the right thing by staying behind? Should I have pushed harder to go with him? The tent was too quiet, and my thoughts were too loud. I flopped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling, but my mind wouldn’t stop racing. Where was he now? Was he okay? Suddenly, I heard footsteps outside. My heart jumped, and I immediately sat up. The sound was faint, almost careful, like someone was trying not to be heard. My chest tightened, an
Jackson’s POV I stood outside the tent, staring at the flap as it fell shut behind Emily. She glanced back at me one last time before going in, and my chest tightened at the thought of leaving her here. But I didn’t have a choice. Releasing a shaky breath, I turned on my heels, pulled out my phone, and dialed Zaza. His voice came through almost immediately. “She’s there,” I said, glancing back at the tent. “Make sure she’s safe. Nothing happens to her, Zaza. You hear me?” “Understood,” he replied calmly. “I’ll make sure of it.” I exhaled, relieved, but my mind was already racing to the next problem. “And Kiara?” “She hasn’t left the location,” Zaza confirmed. “Same place as before.” “Good,” I muttered, hanging up without another word. I headed back to where I had parked my car. I dialed Mason this time, and he picked up after the first ring. “Meet me at the location I'll sending the address you to you.” I got his affirmation before disconnecting the car. As I slid the phone
Emily's POVI sat quietly in the passenger seat as he drove us along a winding road surrounded by towering trees. The further we went, the quieter it became, like we were leaving the world behind. The silence in the car was heavy, and it gnawed at me. I turned to him, breaking the quiet.“Adams, where are we going exactly?”He didn’t answer, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. I frowned. “Adams, you’re not seriously going to ignore me, are you?”He glanced at me briefly, “A few minutes more. Are you scared that I was going to kidnap you?”“Very funny.” I turned my head outside the window, slouched in my seat, crossing my arms. Whatever he was planning, I hope he does it well.It wasn’t long before the car slowed down and came to a stop in front of what looked like an old, abandoned graveyard. The air was eerily still, and the overcast sky gave the place a gloomy feel. My stomach knotted.“Why are we here?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Adams stepped out of the car, and I he
Emily's POVI woke up late in the afternoon, feeling sluggish. For a moment, I stayed curled under the duvet, trying to make sense of my surroundings. But something felt off—something warm and familiar was missing. My eyes blinked open, and sure enough, Adams wasn’t beside me anymore.Sitting up, a sharp pain shot through my neck, making me wince. My fingers brushed over the sore spot instinctively, and that’s when it hit me. A sheepish smile crept onto my lips.I slipped out of bed, not even caring that I was completely naked. There was only one thing on my mind as I stumbled toward the mirror.When I saw the mark on my neck, my heart swelled with joy. His mark. My fingertips traced the slightly raised edges of it, glowing faintly under the dim light. It felt surreal, almost like a dream. I let out a shaky breath and told myself, Soon, everything will fall into place. Jack and I... no, Adams and I will finally have our happily ever after.With that thought keeping me grounded, I h