1AnnaliseIt’s today. I inhaled deeply and dragged my knees to my chest.It’s today. I looked around me, unconsciously wishing for one more day, even if it were in this cold dungeon.It’s today. My eyes settled on the charcoal markings on the stonewall opposite me for one last confirmation. Only one strike hadn’t been crossed out.I reluctantly stood up and dragged my feet towards the wall.“Stop making so much noise!” a voice bellowed from the other side of the bars that held me in.I froze and held my breath as I strained my ears, trying to make sure no footsteps were accompanying the voice. I let out a relieved sigh when I heard none.My eyes fell to my feet and I picked up the charcoal that lay there. I turned the markings on the wall and crossed out the last part.“It’s today,” I muttered as I stared at the wall. “Today is the day I die.”I took a step back and closed my eyes tightly. Maybe when I open my eyes, it’ll all be a dream. I will be laying in bed cuddling Spencer, then
2AnnaliseMy eyes abruptly snapped open and I was met with the sight of both my parents and sister looking down at me.“She’s awake!” a voice screamed, and the entire place erupted in cheers.A stabbing pain shot through my head and I closed my eyes tightly, trying to relieve it. Soon, the hall became quiet and so did the chaos in my head. My mum stretched her hand out to me and I took it. She and my dad pulled me up, before they both enveloped me in a hug.“I thought I had lost you for good,” my mum mumbled into the group hug.Lost me? What is she talking about? What happened? I had a lot of questions.We finally disentangled ourselves from the hug and my dad slowly turned me to face the podium.On the podium, Spencer stood talk with wide grin plastered on his face. Contrary to normal, butterflies didn’t begin to flutter in my stomach at the smile. Instead, I felt strangely disgusted.I looked around me, mentally noting how each seat in the fairly large hall was occupied by elegantl
3AnnaliseI inhaled deeply, then exhaled, all in an effort to catch my breath.What was that dream? I wondered although it hadn’t felt like a dream at all, but a memory, a flashback.I closed my eyes as I remembered the scene once again.“I will kill you just like I did to your parents,” I whispered into the empty room.I stared into the blank nothingness. I couldn’t ignore the fact that the voice had sounded exactly like Spencer.“What exactly is goimg on?” I wondered aloud.A knock sounded on my door, ending my flow of throats. I rolled my eyes in frustration as I answered. “Come in.”The door creaked open and a petite girl dressimg in a thigh length black dress covered with a white apron entered.“Hello, Alyssa. What’s the matter?” I asked. Alyssa was the maid permanently assigned to me for the rest of my life.“You have a visitor, Mrs,” Alyssa replied. I could see that she was trying hard to fight the blush off her face, and neither did i miss the emphasis on the last word she ut
4AnnaliseI clenched my fists tightly as I watched him say his vows.Lies, all lies, I mentally screamed.“I love you so much and I promise to continue to do so for the rest of our lives, while also supporting you. Cheers, to being my viscountess,” he had recited.“Lies,” I whispered.The guest on my right turned to look at me with a raised questioning eyebrow and I flashed her a smile I hoped appeared reassuring. I redirected my attention to the couple about to be wed.Spenver had just finished giving hid vows, and it was now Annalissa’s turn. Everyone was quiet and staring at her with expectant eyes.I watched her as she looked around. In her eyes, there were a lot of emotions that usually weren’t present on one’s wedding day. Fear, most especially. Her eyes could not hide the cluelessness I’m sure she must be feeling.Is everything okay? I wondered. She looked to hesitant for it to be a mere delay.I crossed my fingers. Is this where fate would change?She cleared her throat. “Wel
5ADRIANMy gaze darted around the cluttered consulate office, searching for a distraction, anything to tear my mind away from Amanda’s absence. A week. It had only been a week since her tear-stained face had disappeared out of my doorway, and the air still felt thick with the ghost of her jasmine perfume.Stupid, prideful Adrian. The words echoed in my head, a constant refrain. Why did I care so much about what the others thought? Amanda, with her laugh that could chase away the worst shadows and eyes that held galaxies within them, deserved to be shown off, not hidden away like a shameful secret.A sigh escaped my lips, a whoosh of hot air that did nothing to cool the embers of regret burning in my gut. The half-eaten sandwich on my desk mocked me. Food had lost its appeal, every bite a dull reminder of the life, the love, I’d let slip through my fingers.My fist clenched around the pen, the cheap plastic digging into my palm. A choked sob escaped me. I squeezed my eyes shut, the im
6ANNALISEMy head throbbed like a drum solo after a particularly raucous night. The smoky haze of the tavern clung to my clothes, and the memory of those hulking men loomed large. Yet, a sliver of amusement bubbled up through the fog. My mysterious savior, with his fancy clothes and misplaced bravado, had waltzed in and saved the day.“Who are you?” I repeated, the question echoing in the quiet night.He chuckled, a low rumble that sent a shiver down my spine. “Someone who fancies himself a knight in not-so-shining armor.”“A knight?” I scoffed, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. “More like a gambler with a lucky charm.”“Perhaps,” he conceded, a glint in his eyes that made my stomach do a nervous flip. “But a gambler who won you a fair shake, wouldn’t you say?”Fair shake. The phrase hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. This stranger, whoever he was, had rewritten my future with a single, audacious move.“Thank you,” I mumbled, the words inadequate but since
7ANNEAnnalisa, that stubborn, headstrong chit, had defied me not once, but twice! First, that brooding bore Spencer, and now, this… this stranger who appeared out of thin air and whisked her away like a prize in some ridiculous game.The gilded cage of my drawing-room felt like it was shrinking in on me. I tapped a manicured finger against the delicate porcelain teacup, the rhythmic clatter a counterpoint to the storm brewing inside me. The Earl Grey, usually a source of solace, tasted like bitter ash on my tongue.“Spencer,” I hissed, the name dripping with venom.Spencer, ever the picture of stoic control, shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “Yes, Your Grace?”“You look like a kicked puppy,” I snapped. “Is that truly the best you can do? Annalisa throws herself away on some charlatan, and you sit there like a lump?”He flinched, but his voice remained steady. “I respect Annalisa’s decision, Your Grace.”Respect? Respect be damned! This wasn’t about respect; it was about control. An
8ANNEFury vibrated through me like a poorly strummed lute. My perfectly manicured nails dug into the velvet of the armchair, leaving faint crescent moons of frustration. There he sat, my supposed father, the Duke of Wales, sipping his brandy with an air of nonchalance that would make a saint want to spit fire.“That’s it?” I hissed, barely containing the storm within. “You just hand over the Dukedom to Annalisa? No fight, no argument?”He chuckled, a dry rasp that grated on my nerves. “Fight with whom, Anne? Annalisa’s the one who actually cares about this crumbling pile of stones. You, on the other hand…”His voice trailed off, the implication clear – I only cared about the wealth and prestige the Dukedom brought. He wasn’t wrong, not entirely. But that didn’t mean I wouldn’t fight tooth and nail to keep it.“She’s reckless, impulsive!” I sputtered, leaping to my feet. “That so-called husband of hers appeared out of thin air, and she marries him within a day! Is that the kind of pe
90JANETThe night felt endless as I tossed and turned, caught in a whirlpool of nightmares. Each time I closed my eyes, Marcus’s screams echoed in my mind, piercing the dark like a knife. His face twisted in terror, eyes wide with panic. I could feel his fear wrap around me like a cold fog, suffocating and real.I jolted awake, my heart racing. The remnants of his screams clung to the edges of my consciousness. I tried to sit up, but my body felt heavy, as if I were dragging a weight behind me. The bed sheets were tangled around my legs, and I fought to free myself, but the dream lingered, making it hard to breathe.As I finally pulled myself upright, I felt a sharp heat on my shoulder, and instinctively, I pressed my fingers against the spot where Marcus had marked me. It burned. The area felt hot and red, a reminder of his twisted claim on me. I shivered, recalling his words echoing in my mind: *You will forever partake in my suffering and pain.*The bitterness of those words twist
89ANNALISEI stood in the clearing, the remnants of our victory still echoing in my ears, I turned to face Janet. The moment felt monumental, heavy with the weight of our shared past. I had witnessed her strength, her courage, and I knew she was ready to lead the pack into a new future.“Janet,” I began, my voice steady. “I am handing you the leadership of the pack. You are their alpha now. You have the strength and wisdom to guide them.”Her eyes widened in surprise, a mix of joy and disbelief flickering across her face. “Annalise, I… I don’t know what to say.”“Just accept it,” I encouraged her, a smile creeping onto my lips. “You’ve earned this. They need you, and I trust you to lead them well.”Janet stepped forward, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Annalise. I promise I will do my best.”I nodded, feeling a swell of pride. “I know you will. You have always been stronger than you think.”As I turned to leave, Janet called out to me, urgency lacing her words. “Annalise,
88ANNALISEThe air was charged with energy, and I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on us. I stood before Marcus, my heart pounding in my chest. This was it. I had to make this choice—not just for myself, but for everyone who had suffered under his cruel rule.“Marcus Blackwood,” I began, my voice steady despite the fear bubbling inside me. “You have brought chaos and destruction to this realm. Your actions have hurt so many, and now, you will face the consequences.”He sneered, his bravado still intact, but I could see the cracks in his facade. “You think you can banish me? I am stronger than you can imagine!”Ignoring his taunts, I raised the totem high above my head. The ancient symbols glowed bright, casting an ethereal light across the clearing. “By the power vested in me, I pronounce your banishment into utter darkness!”The energy crackled around me, and I could feel the pull of magic surging through my veins. The air thickened, swirling around us, and a deep,
87ANNALISEThe tension in the air was thick as Nula raised her hand. Her gesture was clear. Lemuel, the captain of the pack, stepped forward, his voice booming with authority. “We surrender! Lower your weapons!”The pack obeyed without hesitation, their eyes shifting nervously from Marcus to Nula. I could feel their fear, but it was a different kind of fear than before—this was the fear of the unknown. Would Marcus retaliate?Marcus transformed, his muscles rippling under his dark fur. He let out a furious roar that echoed through the clearing. The sound sent chills down my spine. With one swift movement, he charged at Nula, his claws extended.“No!” I shouted, but it was too late. Marcus scratched Nula with his paw and bit down hard. She went down, blood pooling beneath her, and my heart dropped.“Protect her!” I yelled, urgency racing through me. The pack quickly transformed, forming a protective ring around Marcus, but he was wild, thrashing against their hold.I clenched my fists
86SPENCERFLASHBACKThe grand hall of the Blackwood clan was filled with tension as I faced the royal family, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease. The dim light from the ornate chandeliers cast long shadows, highlighting the seriousness of our meeting. I could feel my heart racing, knowing the weight of what I was about to reveal. I took a deep breath, ready to expose the truth about Marcus.“Thank you for gathering here,” I started, trying to steady my voice. “I have urgent news about Marcus and his plans. What I’m about to share is crucial for the future of our realms.”Nula, one of the prominent leaders, leaned forward, her brow furrowed with concern. “What is it, Spencer? We can sense the gravity in your tone. Speak freely.”I nodded, gathering my thoughts. “Marcus is not just seeking power; his intentions are far more sinister. His plan is to cause chaos among all the realms. He wants to open the door to the utter dark realm to free the Blackwood alpha clan that was
85ANNALISEThe night was charged with energy, an electric tension crackling in the air as I floated above the two armies, suspended under the eerie glow of the blood-red moon. Below me, warriors lined up, their faces a mix of fear and determination. I could feel their anxiety swirling like a storm. Marcus and Spencer stood at the forefront, their expressions betraying their confidence.I took a deep breath, feeling the power surge through me, ready to speak the truth they had tried so hard to conceal. “The Blackwood clan has a secret desire. A desire to corrupt all realms, to make them bend to their will. You stand at the brink of destruction, facing a choice that could save you.”The murmur of disbelief rippled through the crowd. I could see Marcus’s eyes narrow, assessing the situation, realizing he could not ignore what I was saying. “You think you can sway us with empty threats? The Blackwood family will not yield to your whims.”I raised my voice, letting it echo through the nig
84ANNALISEI stood by the window, gazing out at the horizon. The sun dipped below the trees, casting a warm glow over the landscape. It felt like a moment frozen in time. Adrian stood beside me, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him. I didn’t want to look away, not now.“Isn’t it beautiful?” he asked, his voice soft, breaking the comfortable silence between us.I nodded, still lost in thought. “It reminds me of those days in the village when the sun would set, and everything felt perfect.”Adrian turned to me, his eyes searching mine. “Do you miss it? The village, I mean.”I took a breath, trying to find the right words. “Sometimes. But I think it’s not just the village I miss. It’s the feeling of safety, of knowing where I belong.”He shifted slightly, leaning closer. “You belong with me, you know that, right?”His words sent a rush of warmth through me. I turned to face him, our eyes locking. “I want to believe that. But everything has changed. We’ve both cha
83SPENCERI walked into Marcus’s office, and the air felt thick with anger. Marcus stood by his desk, his fists clenched, the tension between us practically crackling. I could tell something was wrong even before he turned to me.“Why did the royal family withdraw their packs into the realm?” he demanded, his voice low and dangerous.I took a breath, steadying myself. “They wanted to meet you in the realm, Marcus. They won’t fight alongside you unless you go there.”His expression darkened. “They’re betraying me at a time like this?”Before I could respond, he grabbed a wineglass from his desk and hurled it at the wall behind me. I dodged just in time to see it shatter, glass flying in all directions.“Do they think they can just abandon me when victory is so close?” Marcus’s voice dripped with fury.I had to keep my cool. “They have their reasons. They believe the earth realm limits their power. If we fight here, they won’t be able to harness their full potential. They need the bloo
82ANNALISEI needed to see Sumel. The thought consumed me as I paced the small apartment where Molu had brought us. I felt the weight of everything resting on my shoulders, and I knew that Sumel’s strength could make a difference in our fight.“Can you take me to him?” I asked Molu, my voice steady but filled with urgency.Molu nodded, his expression serious. “Of course. Follow me.”As we walked through the ancient corridors, I felt a strange mix of hope and fear. Sumel had always been a source of wisdom and strength. But the last time I saw him, he had been weakened by Marcus’s darkness. I had to believe that I could help him.When we reached the small chamber where Sumel rested, my heart sank. He lay on a simple bed, his face pale and drawn. The flickering candlelight cast shadows over him, making him look even more fragile.“Sumel,” I whispered, moving closer to his side.His eyes fluttered open, and a faint smile crossed his lips. “Annalise,” he breathed, his voice barely above a