Alpha King Orizon.Each sip of the whiskey burns down my throat, it does not even provide a temporary relief from the aching in my heart. The room is silent except for the clinking of the glass as I pour myself another drink. As I lift the glass to my lips, I close my eyes, trying to drown and numb my senses. Why did I catch her scent again? Was it her or am I mad? First, it was at the stables. She haunts my dreams. She haunts my reality. I will be marrying Mehera in two days but tonight, I must let go of everything that pulls the string between Yeri and I. The mate bond. I have to reject her tonight.I have to cut it off. If I do not, she will continue to hold me back. Her scent will continue to find me even if I were to walk into the valley of the shadows of death.“Agnes!” I yell.Quickly, she comes into the room and stares at me.“Where is she?” I ask, without mentioning her name.“Y—eri?” Agnes stammers.I do not answer. I simply look at her.“If there is something you want to te
Princess Yeri.I close the door to the small room as fast as I can. My heart is beating fast, hands are quivering and I step away from it for a second, trying to strain my sense to see if I’m still being followed. Why was Ozar at the oil and pipe quarters? Did he go searching for me? He wanted to see me? As soon as midnight struck, I left the castle to pass a letter to the servant boy who would get it to Magnus. I didn’t think I would ever run to Ozar, and worse, him chasing me down. I caught his scent, so, he must have caught mine too. At least, he didn’t catch me. I cannot afford to be caught by him.I wonder if Damsey stopped him from meeting me. Or does he already know that I am no longer in the oil and pipe quarters. I am this close. I am this close to owning my fate. Nothing must go wrong.The days slip away like sand through an hourglass. They melt away and as the sun rose on the third day, I know it is the day that I have been waiting for. I look at the corners of the room whe
Alpha King Orizon.I am draped in crimson, ceremonial robes—they pool around my armoured boots. I am nothing short of a statue forged from impatience. I am not impatient because I cannot wait for the bride to walk in. Instead, I am impatient because I cannot wait for this to end. The air is thick with incense and anticipation, stretched taut as a bowstring. Light filters through stained glass depicting flagstones in a kaleidoscope of colours. I shift on the alter, and the clinks of my greaves echoes in the cathedral's silence. My gloved hands, usually wielding a legendary blade is empty in this very moment.The royal wedding hall is a colossal expanse, a cavernous space echoing with the murmur of a thousand voices. It was as if a mountain had been hollowed out and transformed into a palace. The ceiling, lost in the shadows, seem to touch the heavens. They are adorned with frescoes that depicts legendary heroes and history of Orizon.The guests are a kaleidoscope of cultures, a living
Princess Yeri.My heart pounds like a war drum. Successfully, I have traded places— a desperate gamble for survival. Now, I am standing as an imposter but I don’t regret it. I have never let go of something that belonged to me. What are those in his eyes? Usually, they are pools of fathomless depths but today, they act as a tempestuous sea. Is it anger? Disbelief? Or perhaps…hate? A cold sweat breaks out on my brow at the meaning behind his eyes. I thought I did not care. I thought his gaze would not have an effect on the me, at least, not today.A collective gasp ripples through the hall as the realization dawns upon the assembled court. Whispers turn into murmurs, then into outright accusations. In seconds, I can feel the weight of their scrutiny pressing down on me like an invisible force. Regardless, I hold contact with Ozar. The tumult around us becomes a distant echo, a meaningless cacophony. It is a thick tension yet, it feels as if only us existed, two figures caught in a sile
ContdPrincess Yeri.The entire gathering is left in a state of shock. The guests from various corners of the world exchanging bewildered glances. The once-celebratory atmosphere is now uncertain, with murmurs of disbelief rippling through the thousand crowd. The guards file in, moving quickly to restore order, guiding the guests back to their seats and assuring them that all would be well. Despite their efforts, the eyes of the assembly has been overturned. I lunge forward, rushing after the king.As I follow, the war gammas in gleaming armours move to intercept her. Their large forms fill the space, enlarging the difference between the king and I. I push forward, glancing over my shoulders. Heavens. My blood runs cold as I watch a format of elite guards, they are giant gammas—ones that I remember to be merciless and ruthless. They have bodies that are augmented by radiation, radioactive glowing eyes…Unlike warriors who carry swords, these men of King Ozar are armed with axes. The
Alpha King Ozar.Three hundred.I put three hundred men and women in Elanor. They constituted of ministers, warriors and those who were extending my policies as it is concerned. And now, they lives are in the hands of an enemy, Magnus. What was my blind spot? Who am I asking? My blind spot was Yeri. Her presence here cornered my vision, and somehow…I didn’t think like I used to. I didn’t prepare and foresee like a king would.Mistwalker wolves. I could have never thought of it. I could have never thought that a legendary tale, ones that only exist in books would follow Magnus to reclaim this throne. If I wasn’t expecting that, imagine the shock on my face when I saw Yeri—married to me. There hasn’t been enough time to process anything. Right now, I am seething with anger. My hands are twitching, my wolf is commanding me to bare out claws, to plunge lungs but I have to keep it at bay.“Ozar!” The dowager shrieks.She has been shrieking. However, it has gotten to the point where my ear
Princess Yeri.“This is not a marriage.”“This is not a marriage.” Magnus repeats to me and I exhale, loud enough for him to hear.“We are mates.” I whisper, raising my eyes to look at him.“Yes, I read that in your letter.” Magnus notes.“Good. So, it is a bond.” I claim.“A bond? I stand to be corrected but that man hates you. I felt it in his voice, I saw it in his eyes…tell me, has he forced himself on you?—”“If he did, he would be dead.” I hiss, rising on my feet while he stays seated.“So, what did he do?” Magnus asks and I stare back at him in shock.“Are you mad? What sort of a question are you asking me? He made me submit under him! He took me away from our kingdom.” I spit.“I know but neither you nor him discussed any of that in my presence. The only thing I heard was him being a dog and you being a—”“I can’t even utter it, mercy!” Magnus cautions. “It was a lovers quarrel in there—”“Ozar and I are not lovers.” I say, raising a finger in the air.“Then, what are you?” Ma
Queen Yeri.I stand in the quiet aftermath of my brother’s departure, feeling the weight of the moment. The Gardenia Mistwalker wolves stand in disciplined rows before me are a thousand warriors—it is not even a quarter of the inheritance that my mother left to me but it is a start. As of this moment, I have two right hands. Kiesta, a warrior and lady-in-waiting that my brother trusts himself and Katal, her brother. Alice and Beth, my faithful companions have chosen to stay by my side. Though, I have made Diana leave with Magnus.We are in an open field where sand and dust are rolling like a ghostly shroud around the gathered warriors. The Mistwalker wolves are fierce and silent. They stand at attention and their eyes are fixed on me. Katal, a formidable wolf, steps forward. His voice is deep and it cuts through the thick air like a blade."Listen well," he began, echoing with the weight of centuries of tradition."We are the Gardenia army, bound by blood and honor to serve the Queen
Alpha King Ozar.As I pass through the courtyard, I sense the chill of the night. It clings to the castle walls like rain on leaves. My mind, though weighed with thoughts, is pierced by the sound of laughter—her laughter. Yeri's voice floats through the shadows like a melody, unrestrained and untouched by the bitterness between us. I pause and my eyes settles on her figure just beyond the archway.Oh, has her date with Theodric come to an end already?However, this is different.She is walking a small puppy. Her laughter is soft, with one hand resting on her stomach as though to steady herself from the joy spilling out. What could be joyful with everything that has been happened between us? I scoff and my chest tightens at the sight. That must be another gift from Theodric? Of course, it must be. He showers her with trinkets, and this puppy is no different.The puppy, a clumsy thing, tips the rope in her hand and dashes off on its own, its tiny paws clatters against the stone path. I
Alpha King Dimitrio.After announcing her arrival, the dowager strides into my study with a gown that rustles against the stone floor. I lift my eyes from the paperwork before me for I am slightly surprised by her presence. Ever since the wedding, she’s kept her distance, not even so much as a glance in my direction or the castle. And yet, here she is. There must be a reason. The dowager never does anything without reason."Since you haven’t dethroned her, I’m guessing you have your reasons. King Magnus has our people, and therefore, Yeri has to hold the seat for now they have the upper hand." she begins, calculating as she takes a seat across from me. She lowers herself gracefully to sit, back straight with hands folded in her lap.I find myself admiring, grudgingly, how well she understands the situation. "You know it all," I say."Is that all there is to it, Ozar?" Her eyes pierce through me, and I can already sense she’s digging deeper. "What did Collins tell you that made you b
Queen Yeri.King Ozar storms into my chambers with a force that makes my hands freeze mid-stitch. My maidservants immediately scatter, eyes wide with fear, sensing the fury that has just entered. Only Kiesta remains, standing still like a sentinel beside me.I glance at her briefly.“Leave us,” I say, despite the feel of my heart thudding against my ribcage.Kiesta hesitates for a moment, flickering between Ozar and me, but then nods and steps out, closing the door behind her.A scoff escapes his lips before he even speaks, his anger radiating off him like heat from a forge. I stop what I’m doing, setting the fabric aside, and slowly rise to my feet, but before I can steady myself, he strides forward and shoves me back down onto the couch. I gasp, my breath caught in my throat as I look up at him.Ozar towers over me like the man that he is and his shadow casts me in darkness.“Explain yourself…” he growls, thick with annoyance.I press my lips together, drawing a slow breath to calm
Queen Yeri.“Her attendants are processing her for a night with the king.” Camille says and I huff, looking at her with an emotion I cannot give a name yet. I accused Ozar of being jealous but right now, the expression of my emotions is more than jealousy.“He kept me in the castle because he is jealous of my relationship with Theodric. Yet, he wants to completely wither me by spending a night with Mehera.” I lament, pacing back and forth in Camille’s room. Camille, ever composed, is pouring herself a drink as if my world isn’t on the verge of crumbling.“Do you think he’ll do it?” I ask, betraying the fear that’s tightening around my chest.Camille barely glances at me and her lips curls into a wry smile. "Fuck his consort? Yeri, before you came, the king was swimming in a harem filled with women of all shapes and sizes. Of course, he’ll do it."I freeze, my hand flying to my forehead, my skin is hot to the touch. I’m sweating, and my heart is pounding so violently I fear it might b
Alpha king Ozar.“What do you want me to do?” Clipper asks.I don’t know what to say. I scratch my forehead in a worried manner.“I am worried.” I confess.“So, what? You want to find a way to stop her. If she cannot go today, she will go another day. Plus, Theodric is a married man. You shouldn’t have to worry about him.” Clipper ensues.“But have you seen Yeri? The council officers who are all married men were gawking at her the other day. She is mischievous and is capable of wielding her hand.” I say to Clipper but he may never understand. I know what prompted me to push Yeri to consort, then leave her as queen. Was it when she stroked my manhood at the time where she was a consort? Or was it how she sojourned me in the tents? Yeri just has to make a smoke, and the rest will result in fire.“Okay, I will leave now.”“No—let there be a spy that has been found in the capital. Send gammas to the capital to search for the spy and because of that, no royal is to step out.” I say.Clipp
Alpha King Orizon.I enter the dining hall for breakfast at the grand table. To my surprise, Camille is the only one around the table. So, my eyes have no choice but to instinctively find her. Her gaze lifts to meet mine as I approach. The memory of last night hangs between us like a thick, unspoken cloud.Yesterday, she came into my bedroom, half-dressed and bold in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Her request was clear, her intent was undeniable. She asked—no, she practically begged—for me to take her. I wasn't expecting it. The surprise, the sheer audacity of it all, left me momentarily speechless. I didn't know what to make of it.In truth, I am still grappling with it now. How did it come to this? Where once I was sure of myself, confident in my desires, I now find myself adrift. The ordeal ended with me escorting her out—a conversation that I have no desire to revisit. But the question gnaws at me, persistent and unyielding: What is wrong with me? I have shared my bed with women befo
Queen Yeri.I glide into my private bedroom, feeling the soft embrace of the space as the door closes behind me. I kick off my shoes, letting them fall unceremoniously to the floor. The sensation of freedom spreads through my toes, and I waste no time in collapsing onto the couch, reclining in a manner that would scandalize the court—a manner entirely unbecoming of a lady.But I don't care. Not tonight.A smile tugs at the corners of my lips, slow and wicked, as I replay the events of the day in my mind. Satisfaction curls within me like a contented cat. The image of Ozar, his eyes locked onto me in anger, is a delicious memory. While I spoke with Theodric, I could almost feel Ozar’s far breath.There is something intoxicating about knowing I commanded his attention so completely, despite all his gruffness and reserve. How could I forget? I have done it so well against him in the past. I stretch out on the couch and I can’t help but chuckle softly to myself. The day has gone in my fav
Alpha King Ozar.I watch as she laughs softly with King Theodric. Her fingers lightly tap his shoulder, and the man respond with a playful tilt of his head. I don’t know what is funny but the both of them are seemingly lost in a private jest. I was quite surprised when he decided to get up and choose her side. It is a true fact that Lord Theodric is known well for his intelligence. Most of the council officers are quick to stand with him—it his influence and the quickness of his actions. By taking Yeri’s side, he has bought her a lot of followers in court already. However, I cannot help but be annoyed. Before I can dwell further on the scene, Clipper discreetly clears his throat, a subtle reminder to refocus. I blink, tearing my eyes away from the pair“Lord Daniel is approaching,” Clipper murmurs.Heaven only knows how long I have been staring at Yeri.I shift back to the stoic expression that I wear like an armor. Lord Daniel stops before me and bows. "Your Majesty," But before
Queen Yeri.I lay still on the bed, face buried in the pillows. I have been like this since last night—my despair pulls me deeper into the sheets, refusing to release me. I saw when the morning light crept into the room as Alice opened the windows, letting in a soft breeze that stirs the curtains but did nothing to stir me. Kiesta stands at the foot of the bed."Your Majesty, there is a court meeting. You need to get up and dress. It is the first time you will appear as queen to the officials of Orizon."Alice moves to the side; her voice is gentle but with a sense of urgency. "I’ll start boiling water.""I will pick out her dress," Beth adds, as if the right gown might somehow revive the queen's spirit.I do not move. And my voice, when it finally emerges is faint. "I don’t feel well.""No, you just feel hate. Don’t beat yourself, Your Majesty. He is dragon wolf blood; he’s quite powerful." Kiesta says, it is a subtle encouragement but I do not want to see Ozar’s face.Kiesta sits on