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
Emily's POVI made my way down the dimly lit hallway, my footsteps echoing softly against the stone walls. The air was cold, and it matched the chill in my chest. After leaving the dining room, I needed space—needed clarity. But most of all, I needed to see Maddy.The guards stationed outside her room gave me a quick nod, stepping aside without much fuss. I entered to find her sitting on the small cot, knees hugged tightly to her chest. Her face, though calm on the surface, betrayed the unease in her eyes. She looked up sharply when she heard the door creak.“I was wondering when you would come,” she said, her voice shaky but laced with a small smile. I went closer, gave her a tight hug.We disengaged from the hug after while, her hair and messy and her face revealed all emotions running through her body.“I’ve been sitting here, thinking the worst. Every little sound out there makes me jump.” I knelt beside her, my throat tightening at the sight of her like this. “I’m sorry it too
Emily's POV I left Maddy’s room, my thoughts spiraling in every direction. Her words had given me some strength, but they couldn’t silence the other voices in my head. The memory of Kiara’s half-burnt face in the vision I’d had when the throne room was demolished loomed over me like a shadow. I didn't want to think about it, but it kept crossing my mind. I was so lost in thought that I didn’t notice the figure walking toward me until I bumped into him. “Whoa there, Queen-to-be,” Zaza said, steadying me with a firm hand on my shoulder. His teasing grin softened the sharp jolt of surprise. “Why do you look like you’re carrying the weight of the entire pack on your head?” I blinked up at him, forcing a weak smile. “Maybe because I am?” He raised an eyebrow, studying me for a moment. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown, huh? Or, in your case, soon-to-wear it. But seriously, you look like you’ve been through a lot.” I didn’t answer immediately, just shrugged. “A lot is an
Emily's POV The Next Day.I was back in the training arena. The crisp morning air was filled with the sound of sparring and distant chatter, but all I could focus on was Zaza standing in front of me, his arms crossed and an exasperated look on his face."Emily, your stance," he instructed, pointing at my feet. "How many times do I have to tell you? If you’re not balanced, you’re an easy target."I groaned but adjusted my footing as he instructed. He was filling in for Mason today since Mason had been pulled away by pack issues alongside Jack. While he was a great trainer, his sharp tongue and relentless corrections were starting to wear on me."Good," he said, nodding as he circled me. "Now, strike."I threw a punch toward the padded target he held up, but it wasn’t as clean as it should’ve been. He lowered the target and shook his head."Again," he ordered.We went on like this for what felt like forever, with Zaza scolding, correcting, and occasionally muttering something under hi
Emily’s POVAfter wrapping up training, I spent the better part of an hour wandering around, looking for Jack. He wasn’t in his room or anywhere near the council chambers. Frustrated, I finally asked one of the guards, who pointed me toward the pack’s archive.I found Jack in one of the back corners, sitting at a wooden desk with a few old books spread out in front of him.“What are you doing here?” I asked, stepping closer. He looked up, his hazel eyes softening at the sight of me. “Research.”“Wow. You’re a man of many talents,” I teased, leaning against the desk. “King, warrior, and now… librarian.” He raised a brow at me, clearly unimpressed by my attempt at humor. “Funny.” I huffed, crossing my arms. “Tough crowd.” He closed one of the books and pushed it aside. “How’s training going?”“Great,” I said with mock enthusiasm, shrugging my shoulder. “If you consider Zaza yelling at me every five minutes great.” A small smirk tugged at his lips. “You’ll thank him later.”“Sure,”
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