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 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
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
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
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
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
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 couldn’t get my eyes off Sora all through the night. A part of me felt like something could go wrong, and for the slightest second, I wasn't looking at her.Apparently, I wasn’t nearly as much as I thought. The sight of her on the floor of our room roamed into mind at intervals and the feeling of helplessness set in again, ever so vividly. I could have lost her.I knew I should focus on the fact that I had her now, but the fear had been ingrained in my brain. I was still on the same bed, resting against my elbow while my other hand carressed her hair. Her eyes were slipped shut in sleep, yet she remained innocent and oblivious of the world around her.Who would want to hurt a harmless girl like this one? I’d rather they threw all of their stones at me. I had been forced to toughen up, so it was nothing I couldn’t handle. But not Sora. She was ever so pure, heart as clean as snow as it fell.Who did this? Both the maids and guards Kairel had left to protect us had defected and
100 - The TruthANNORAWh—what was she doing at the door of my chamber? “Do you know what you're talking about, Sora?” Maybe she had too much to drink the night before. “I'm more than sure, my lady.” These words were not enough and I was left with no choice but to catch up with the door so that I could take a look. She was the one right there. “Lady Wendeline—” myself and Sora echoed at the same time. “Open the door.” I added when the Alpha's sister knocked once again. “We can't keep her waiting.” The door was pushed and she walked in. Her fragrance filled my nose but why should I care? All I wanted was for Wendeline to be done with whatever it is she has come to do, and then be gone from my chamber. Sora was the only company I needed. “Lady Annora—” she was smiling. “Maid Annora.” She corrected with the wicked smile that I could see on her countenance. “It is nice to see you again.”Indeed. It was nice to see her too. No, it wasn't. “Good day to you, Lady Wendeline—” I bow
ANNORAKairel was gone from the Pack. The right way to react to it was something I didn't know and could not figure out at the same time. What was I going to do? The strength to live was gone from me. All I wished to do was die and not be reborn at the same time - but be gone from the face of the earth for a long time. Kairel—Thoughts of this man overwhelmed me every time. Now that I thought about it, I realized I wished to have been gone with him from the very onset. Maybe from the life of Aegon who didn't deserve me, after all. And his child? They could always meet each other in the future. Could they not? A painful smile came on my countenance as I thought about my life and how it turned out of late. Many more thoughts ran around in my head, but I became startled, left with no choice but to sit up on the bed when a hand knocked on the door. Who else? Who else if not Sora? Who else if not her? “Who is it?” I jumped to my feet as I walked to the door to unlock it. “Who
WENDELINE Catching up with the door of my chamber, I walked into the space with the same tears that welled up in my eyes, running down my face. A loud shout ran out of my mouth as I fell on the bed. Many more tears ran down my face as I wondered about what came over me. It was unbelievable that I would speak to Ian like this and in this manner. More shouts ran out of my mouth. “My lady—” I heard a woman call from the door where she was. “Are you doing okay?” She knocked on the door and asked. “Would you need me to bring you something?” “Shut up!” I shouted at her. “And get out of my chamber!” Adding to it, I found myself on the ground and pacing the space - mouthing words I could not even hear. Anger welled up in my bones and I let out another cry. Standing back on my feet after pacing the space and sitting down on the couch a while ago, I walked to the window, leaning on it so that I could take a lookout. The wolves of the Pack, as usual, went ahead with their activities. Tod
AEGONFor a moment, I choked on my saliva. A smile came on my countenance. “I smile because I believe you to be joking, sister. Why do you play with my emotions in this way?” I turned around to be certain it was her I spoke to and no other person. “What can you see?” “I am in your chamber, of course—” she let out. “You're wearing a jacket over a black shirt and pants. Your hair is rough and you have your hand in a fist like you're going to punch me but I'll advise you not to.” “Wendeline!” I shouted. “Oh no.” Mouthing these words, I turned and walked to the other end of the room, while watching her eyes follow me even when I turned back to look at her. “I don't know you to be so wicked, Wendeline. How could you?” “How could I?” She walked to the other end just like I did, touching the walls before turning around to face me again. “You don't know you've tortured me all my life, do you? Do you think I blab when I talk about how much ruin you have caused me, Aegon?” She chuckled
WENDELINE Late in the afternoon on this day, I spent a whole hour getting ready to meet the love of my life - Kairel. He was staying back in the Pack and this was right after I pleaded with him to not leave. How could he not stay back when he realized I would be a lonely person if he left? Especially after professing my love to him. A smile came on my countenance. I heaved a sigh this time around, hungry - realizing also that there was a need to eat something before I would leave for the chamber where the love of my life existed. “Will that be all, my lady?” Startled, I snapped out of my thoughts, recalling that there existed a maid with me in the chamber. “No. That should be all, or maybe not. I believe I am hungry and in need of food to eat before I leave this chamber.” “What shall I bring?” “Food. Anything at all. All I know is that I am hungry.” The door made a sound. I knew I was the only one in the chamber, so I walked to the couch with aid from my stick, taking a seat
AEGON I knew in my heart that I should have reacted to the talks of Kairel that day by making a move on Annora just as he was doing. But there was no way I could do that. Or maybe I could have. Maybe I could make a move, but I didn't want to. Not now. Not ever. Even though I was angry at Kairel for trying such nonsense, I could not do anything but let him try his luck, at least. The last time I checked, Annora was old enough to make certain decisions and that was what I wanted her to do. Choose who she wanted to be with. And what was going to happen if she chose Kairel? What the fuck would become my fate? A sigh ran out of my mouth as I sat up on the bed, nodding in satisfaction but with a wonder of what would happen to me if she chose him. Nothing would happen. What was supposed to happen if not a woman left with a man she loved even though she was leaving with a child that belonged to me? A smile came on my countenance and I got on my feet, pacing the chamber for some tim
KAIREL Another morning - another day to try again. What else was I willing to try if not convince Annora to leave with me by dawn? Aegon's words from the other day at the diner made me think all through the week, right from the moment Annora could not provide me with a ‘yes’.Maybe Aegon was right. Maybe he meant it when he said she would choose him over me - even though I hadn't completely confirmed that. But I was willing to try again for the second time. And the last time, of course. Waking up this morning, I felt good. Maybe more than good because this day would decide what my fate with Annora would become. That was all I wanted. I wanted to know - just as Aegon had made me suggest. Standing on my feet, I snatched a towel from the closet and caught up with the bathroom - more than ready for a bath as I planned to be at Annora's chamber before the next hour ended. That was what my day would be about. It didn't take long for me to be done with my bath, and I was hurrying
WENDELINE In the space of my chamber, I was alone as usual. But on this day, I wasn't alone. The thoughts in my head had come to keep me company and I was shocked by my actions recently - wondering also if I did the right thing. Stopping in my tracks, I looked at nothing in particular. What if I had done the wrong thing? What if I didn't have to tell Kairel of my feelings? A sigh ran out of my mouth for the umpteenth time as I turned around, leading my way back to the bedside with the stick in my hand. By now, he must have left the Pack, or has he not? According to what he said the other day, he would be leaving as soon as the next morning and for all that I knew, the next morning of that very day had come and gone. Was he gone already? I didn't want to ask to be told yes because it would break my heart - I took a seat on the bed and fell on my back, wondering what to do because the man in question was the man I loved with all of my heart. How could he leave? Because of a wom
ANNORA Wh—what did I hear him say? I moped at Lord Kairel. My mouth opened in shock as I moped at the man who moped back at me. “Say something, Annora.”Say what exactly? What was he trying to say? A sigh only myself could hear ran out of my mouth. Another sigh ran out, and I caught up with the same couch I asked him to sit on - more than grateful he did not sit. I didn't know what to say. What was I supposed to say to such a request? “I—” I moped at him. “I don't know, Lord Kairel. Are you even sure about what you speak of?” “I'm more than sure—” He walked to the front of the couch, kneeling so that our faces could meet. “I'm more than sure of what I say, Annora. All I need you to do or say is agree to come with me, and that would be all.” That would be all? What happens to my child? A child that belongs to Aegon, who I knew would do anything to keep me under his roof? Under his watch also. Another sigh ran out of my mouth, and I looked up to meet his gaze again - Lord Ka