ANNORAHow does it feel to wake up to a murderer watching you while you sleep? All the blood drained out of me when I opened my eyes and found Alpha Aegon staring right back at me with those endlessly dark orbs of his.I was startled but choked on the cold, plunging fear. The look on his face when he slit the guard’s throat still churned relentlessly in my brain. It didn’t matter how much I tried to shove it off or how much I thought the guard had it coming— it just stuck like a bad dream.“Alpha Aegon…” I sat up slowly, my entire body weak from the shelves he’d upheaved. My mind thumped in my chest like it struggled to claw its way out of my chest.Sweat broke on my forehead, and I couldn’t hold his gaze. How dare I stare into such an abyss that threatened to swallow me whole? I found my voice after seconds sprinted by. “What are you doing?”He looked absolutely normal, like he hadn’t just slit a man’s throat open in front of everyone. It was almost hard to tell how much evil lived w
ANNORACuriosity killed the cat, which was exactly why I was a wolf instead. That death had nothing on me.Lady Wendeline walked faster than she normally would. And that wasn’t the weirdest part of this situation: She had a torch with her. Why would a blind woman need light without a maid in the night?Literally, everything about this pack requires questioning. I was in the middle of accepting the truth about her being Alpha Aegon’s sister, not his Luna. I carried a pang of guilt that wasn’t mine in my chest, which pressed against it hard— without pity. It was unfair that with each moment passing by, the truth, like an eel, slipped out of my fingers. What was wrong, and what was right?My curiosity led me to walk in the opposite direction of the maid’s chamber. I tightened my toes on the rubber slippers they’d provided so they wouldn’t keep slapping the tiles and making the loudest noise as always. I followed Lady Wendeline, sneaking up behind walls every time she looked back.Her in
AEGONI leaned back in my chair, scanning the room. Annora was nowhere to be seen. Usually, she'd be lurking, awaiting tasks. Her absence nagged at me for some reason. “Gregory,” I called.He entered, bowing. “Alpha?”“The Alpha from Raven's Peak arrives soon. Prepare the guards and ensure our grounds are impeccable. We must impress our potential partner.”After me, Alpha Israel was the next man who led the most prosperous pack. I wouldn’t want to make an enemy of him— except necessary. He’d accepted my invitation to talk about business, trading in particular, and how we can join resources equally for the good of both packs.Gregory nodded and departed.Next, I needed to inform Wendeline. I rose from my chair, my boots echoing off the stone floor.As I approached Wendeline's chamber, the maid curtsied in a scared tone. “Good day, Alpha Aegon. Lady Wendeline is busy and doesn't wish to see anyone.”She didn’t dare to look me in the eyes as she spoke. I frowned. “I'll decide that.”I
AEGONWendeline’s gaze was like lasers poised to destroy when I turned. Her eyes were so expressive that I almost thought she saw me and everything. I started walking without a word or an explanation. “What was that?” She demanded as she strode behind me. “You agreed to that term?”“A small price to pay for the prosperity of our pack. If the Omega weren’t physically useful, then maybe her absence would be.”But that wasn’t the only reason I’d agreed to give her away. If sin weren’t here, she’d lose her allure, and Kairel could return to his senses. This whole mate game needed eradication as swiftly as possible.As a matter of fact, that was the only reason that drove my decision— Kairel.“Do you even hear yourself?” Wendeline’s expression twisted like she’d bitten into a lemon. “You just agreed to sell a person! You have never crossed that line. And this is no ordinary slave. She’s your Beta’s mate. Do you even care what Kairel would think?”“What are lines for if not crossing?” The
ANNORAWas he dying just yet? My reaction wasn’t nearly as brave as I’d hoped to be. How would I stab a dagger into his chest if I couldn’t even control my reaction?“Oh…look,” Alpha Aegon drawled. “It’s the slave.”I charged towards him and almost toppled over. It was a gory sight, to say the least— like he was bleeding in all the wrong places. Not that there were right places to bleed.It wasn't until I was before him, almost knocked out by the stench of alcohol, that I realized that the crimson stains around his torso were mere stains. His hand was what needed attention.I looked up at diluted eyes, not a single thought behind them. There were bottles and ashtrays scattered around. Alpha Aegon looked rather comfortable in his own filth. Still, I couldn’t help but be worried. It was an inclination.Besides, the only death that would be befitting for this demon must come from my arms.“You are bleeding excessively and drinking yourself to death.” I tried snatching away the bottle, but
ANNORAThe kiss.Yes, that. I felt my stomach flip from merely reliving the moment again. My emotions directly contrasted with what I should have felt and only angered me more. Oh goodness. I climbed out of the bed as quietly as I could. There was no sight of Alpha Aegon, and I couldn’t have preferred it more. A gnawing feeling blossomed within me, as though I was forgetting something important.Sitting at the edge of the King Sized bed, I buried my face in my palms and sighed. “Calm down, Annora. Remember everything that happened!” I snapped my fingers.Nothing more happened. The kiss was all that we shared, and even that was a mistake. Then I fell asleep in his arms, my head on his heaving chest, listening to the faint beating of his heart.I bit on my bottom lips hard, like it helped calm the storm brewing inside of me. I was sinking in a heap of disgust, and it wasn’t about Alpha Aegon at all.It was me. I was the problem. What the hell went wrong? The urge to tear my hair out an
KAIRELA sigh spilled from my lips as I stood before Aegon's door, my heart heavy with regret. Yesterday's explosive fight still lingered, and I needed to make amends. I mean, I should. I’d always been one to concede during times like this, so it had become a habit.Besides, I knew Aegon well. He’d never make the first move. Always so obstinate and unyielding. We'd been like brothers for years, sharing battles and victories, but now our bond seemed to be fraying and fast. It was hard to tell where it went wrong, but something had gone seriously wrong.I knocked once and twice, but I didn’t get a response until I took the initiative and opened the door. As I stepped inside, I was taken aback by Annora's sudden departure. She was leaving in a hurry, her arms raised to turn the knob at the exact time I’d opened the door. My brows pulled together when her eyes lingered on mine.She swept past me, oblivious to my presence, her elegant form vanishing into the hallway. My chest tightened;
ANNORAI paced the corridors, restlessness consuming me. Sora? Could it truly be? My heart raced at the possibility. Her image haunted me – the same bright eyes and wild hair.As night fell, I slipped out, seeking answers. The kitchen was warm, filled with the scent of roasting meat and lively chatter. Lady Agnes, as usual, oversees the evening meal preparations. She never rested.It almost felt like she was involved in every single thing.“Lady Agnes,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant. “The guards in the dungeon are asking for dinner, aren't they?”Lady Agnes turned from the stove, her expression curious. “Not yet, child. They usually collect it themselves. What makes you offer?”Did I mention that she’d become less of a wolf and more of a sheep to me? I didn’t know why or what made her soften, but she had. She could now hold conversations with me without her eyes, almost mauling me to death. I shrugged, attempting a casual smile. “Just thought I'd help. Been cooped up all day. I
AEGONI stormed into the guard's chamber, my anger and frustration boiling over. I couldn't shake off the feeling of confusion and uncertainty that had been plaguing me since my conversation with Annora.“Get five of your best guards,” I barked at Darius, the commander. “I want them to spar with me in the fighting ring.”He raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by my request. “Sir, if I may ask, what's the purpose of this sparring session?”I didn't bother to answer. I just glared at him, my eyes daring him to question me further.The commander nodded hastily and summoned five of his best guards. They followed me to the fighting ring, their faces set with a mixture of curiosity and wariness. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d stepped foot into the ring.Even when we prepared for war with Annora's pack— I didn’t train her. This made absolutely no sense. I was the one who…took everything from her, without remorse. I didn’t understand what these feelings were. Wanting to see her, to
ANNORAI lay in bed, my mind racing with thoughts of Aegon and the kiss we shared. But as the minutes ticked by, my thoughts turned to Sora and Wendeline. Who was awake? Was it Wendeline, or was it Sora? I couldn't just sit here and do nothing. I needed to know.I threw off the covers and got out of bed, my legs feeling a bit shaky as I made my way to the healer's tent. But when I arrived, I found that it was empty. The fire was out, and the beds were vacant. I frowned, wondering where everyone could be.And then I remembered the snowstorm that had been raging outside. Maybe the healer had moved the patients to a different location to keep them safe.I decided to ask one of the maids for directions, but as I approached them, they seemed reluctant to talk to me. They whispered to each other, their eyes darting towards me before quickly looking away.I felt a surge of frustration and hurt. Why were they treating me like this? Didn't they know that I was worried sick about Sora and Wend
AEGONBarely having a chance to process all that had happened with Annora in such a short period, another bombshell had just been dropped. Why would Magnus send such information? That sadist bastard. One of them? Just one of them? I couldn’t help but pray it was Wendeline. I needed it to be her. “Just stay here,” I said gently. It was almost as though my actions were already so out of my control. I didn't understand why I acted this way around her. “It’s still cold out. I’ll see what’s going on and come back to you.”I kissed her. I woke up to cook for her— my brother’s mate. My head felt heavy, my mind scrambled like the writing project of a toddler. But this wasn’t my priority right now. Despite recognizing that, my mind still wouldn't shut down. Annora tried to get out of bed as I picked up my coat at the speed of light, “Let me come, too. Please. I want to know who it is.”“I can’t let you do that,” I responded, eyeing her. All I could see was a weak woman who needed all the re
ANNORAAegon's lips touched mine, and I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think. All I could do was sit there, frozen in shock, as he deepened the kiss.But as the seconds ticked by, something inside me shifted. It was like a dam had burst, releasing a flood of emotions I'd been trying to keep locked away. I felt myself melting into the kiss, my lips parting to allow Aegon deeper access.It was like the entire world had come alive. Every sensation was heightened, every feeling intensified. I could feel Aegon's heart pounding against mine, his chest rising and falling with each ragged breath. I could taste the desperation in his kiss, the hunger and the need.And I responded to it, my own desire rising up to meet his. We kissed as our lives depended on it like we were trying to devour each other whole.But eventually, Aegon pulled away, his chest heaving with exertion. I looked up at him, my eyes wide with confusion and desire. I didn’t want him to sto
AEGONHow do I deal with my conscience?Wrong question. When did I even develop a conscience? My attention was fixated on the pile of documents I had to work on, but I couldn’t barely see a word of it clearly. It had all blurred terribly before my eyes, and my mind was filled with thoughts of Annora and where she was. The worst of all dungeons. It was a war in my head— clashing between what I should have done and what I did, but where was the line? This should be easier for me.It was a mere maid, the daughter of the same man who’d ruined everything I needed. My actions were justified, but my heart could barely rest. Heat seemed to blossom in the low of my stomach, alongside a disturbing swirl that ached.This physical dilemma had never been something I’ve had to deal with. It was a new feeling, ever so nauseating and excessively frustrating. Sitting up with the pen in my grip, I tried to shift my concentration, but my mind reeled.I stood up and began to prance the room. I’d been
ANNORAI sat outside the healer's tent, my eyes fixed on the entrance as if willing Sora and Wendeline to wake up and tell me everything was going to be okay. But the tent remained still, the only sound coming from Magnus's humming as he tended to his patients.I felt a lump form in my throat as I thought about everything that had happened. Aegon's anger, Wendeline's slap, the maids' accusations... it all swirled together in my mind like a toxic storm.And Aegon... why hadn't he even listened to me? Why had he assumed the worst and turned against me? I felt a sting of hurt and betrayal, and before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face.I wiped them away, feeling a sense of determination dawn on me, or maybe it was foolishness. But I needed to talk to Aegon, to make him understand what had really happened. I stood up, my heart pounding in my chest, and began to make my way to his chamber.But before I could take more than a few steps, three guards appeared before me, their faces
AEGONFuck! Fuck!“Wendeline!” I bellowed as I pummeled down the hallway with my heart in my throat, set ablaze with fury. With worry.What happened!? What happened to her?? All I heard from the maid was that she was passed unconscious and I lost it all— every single tinge of sanity left in me vanished and I was left a mere shell of what I was supposed to be.I’d become less of an Alpha. More of a brother. A mere, powerful brother. I took the turn that led me outside, to the healers tent and the crowd pointed where I needed to look.“Leave! All of you!” I panted, sweat dripping from my head. My visual was clouded and my head pounded. Not Wendeline. Not her. I had done everything and would anything to ensure she never got hurt, ever. All of this was for her! Every single thing. “Where is she!? What happened?!” There was no one to question, I’d just sent them all away. The closer I got to the healer’s doorstep, the harder walking seemed. There was a clog in my chest– a sharp, shapele
ANNORAI made my way through the winding corridors, my feet carrying me on autopilot as my mind replayed the events of the past hour. Wendeline's words still stung, and I couldn't help but wonder why she hated me so much. My heart still raced fast from managing all that tension.Eventually, I found myself standing outside the healer's hut, my hand reaching out to knock on the door. But before I could, the door swung open, and a stern-looking healer blocked my path.“Can I help you?” she asked gruffly, eyeing me up and down that I felt like the smallest thing to ever exist.“I'm here to see Sora,” I replied, trying to keep my tone neutral.The healer raised an eyebrow. “I'm afraid that's not possible. Magnus is attending to her, and he's given strict instructions that no one is to disturb her.”Fiery anger gushed in my veins, but I knew better than to argue with the healer. Instead, I nodded curtly and turned to leave.But as I walked away, I caught sight of Magnus sitting in the cor
AEGON“Wendeline?” Annora whispered, biting into the word like it was the most distasteful thing she’d ever named. “Is that Wendeline?”I shook my head, shifting my attention back to the the door, “Come–” “Are you insane?!” Annora yelled at me, wide-eyed like I had taken a knife to her neck. “You can’t let her in! She will know I am here. In the same room as you, Oh my god. She can’t find me here.”My brow pulled together because I didn’t understand what the problem with that situation was supposed to be. “And?”“And??” She repeated, then got cut short by Wendeline’s persistent knocking. “How else can I get out?”“You’re thinking about yourself way too much, woman.” I stood up and headed for the door, “Just sit still and look pretty. You being here is almost as insignificant as–”I heard a puffing sound and turned on my heels, then the scent hit me. Annora was way busy and determined to spray my perfume all over the room to cover her scent. What? And that wasn’t all, she dashed int