AEGONAs I stood across the room, my eyes locked onto the vision in red. Annora. Sin. I couldn't believe my eyes. She looked... stunning. The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, and her white-blond hair shone like gold in the dim light. She radiated confidence, her head held high as she scanned the room.I didn’t expect that Kairel would be bold enough to have her there, despite Wendeline’s apprehension. There were a lot of things I didn’t expect.Apparently, I wasn’t the only one taken aback by the woman on the mask. Everyone was, but not many of them could recognize her. I did without trying.I felt a pang of surprise, followed by a twinge of jealousy that picked me up. Who was this woman, and why was she with Kairel? I didn't like it—not one bit.I made my way through the crowd, my eyes never leaving Annora’s face. As I approached, I could see the fear lurking in her eyes. She averted her gaze, her cheeks flushing.“Kairel, Annora,” I said, my voice low and smooth. “Y
ANNORAImmediately, I snapped my head and watched Kairel laughing with Wendeline, my anger simmered just below the surface. How could he not tell me the truth about where he was going? Didn't he trust me? The real question was, why would he be doing this much for? The anger mixed with guilt caused me to ball my hands into fist as I advanced in their direction.I took a deep breath and approached them, my eyes fixed on Kairel's back. Wendeline's voice was raised, her words dripping with venom.“...stupid for giving everything up for a woman you barely even know. She's not worth it, Kairel.”My heart twisted in my chest. Worth it? Was that what Kairel thought? That I was worth risking everything for?Wendeline's eyes flicked to mine, and her expression smoothed out. “Excuse me,” she mentioned, anger inking every word. “Ithink I'll go get some fresh air.”As she walked away, Kairel turned to me, his eyes narrowing. “Annora, what's wrong?”I took a deep breath, my anger boiling over. “We
ANNORA“Can you even believe this?” Sora asked for the hundredth time as she ran around the room, throwing her arms happily in the air.Her childlike excitement always increased the buzz, and for a moment, I was able to drift my mind away from the impending doom. All sorts of bad things were about to happen.I could just feel it. My eyes roamed the walls of the room and a sigh ripped from my throat. “Tell me about it. It’s beautiful,” I responded truthfully, faking a smile.Sora was just recovering. I wouldn't want her to have something else to worry about so early. “You must have charmed him so much to have him go this length for you,” Sora said as she settled next to me on the bed. “I feel bad for the poor thing, he must think he’s found the love of his life, but how wrong is he? They deserve everything coming for them!” Despite the knot in my stomach, I had to agree. Everyone in Devil’sDen deserved what was coming for them. What was wrong with a little lie or a little deception?
AEGONThe stench was killing, but the message wouldn’t. Too bad this family dinner couldn’t involve Wendeline— she’d rather die than sit in a room, before an array of dead animals.But I waited until Annora was here. This was my gift to her. Her scent was the first to hit my nose, way before the doors even opened, and I repositioned myself in my seat. A small part of me wondered why this was even necessary.I needed to break her. As much as I didn’t want Kairel to leave, I couldn’t help but think his leaving was the best thing that could have happened in this situation. I had two months to turn the entire thing around, and I wouldn’t take any chances.I caught a whiff of her scent, mixed with a faint strawberry perfume that took hold of the room despite the acrid, disgusting smell I’d sat in. This small woman did have qualities a man would die for— perhaps she’d charmed Kairel that way too.Good thing I was no man.I was a beast and I wanted to keep that etched deeply into her memory.
ANNORAMy hand crashed against his cheek before I could tell what was happening. The realization of what I’d done wrapped around my neck and I reluctantly collected my hand, clasping it as I took in his expression.First, it was shock , then it was deliberation, his brow giving the faintest movement as though he had asked himself if I’d just done that.I had the same question. Did I just…do that? I staggered back as my heart burst into a frenzy. The images of what he would and could to me spread in my mindspace faster than venom.Fear enveloped me, and I could barely look into his darkened eyes, orbs holding so much malice I feared I’d disappear. Maintaining a sweet line between running away and being brave, I headed out of the room, my heart almost tearing itself out of my chest.I slapped the Alpha, and he’d killed people for less. The way he looked at me, he would never let that slide. The judgemental looks I got from maids and guards alike had become routine, it didn’t faze me any
AEGONReality check, Aegon? What the fuck are you doing? It was too late to question that, as I now had a lady silently walking behind me as I headed to my chamber. Everything was wrong with this situation.This was the pain I’d wanted to see her in, to revel in the joy of watching tears run down her face as I’d naturally done with others. For some reason, I felt a tightening in my chest each time I saw her expression clouded in sadness, almost like I took a share of it, but that was unlike me.I was never sad, never happy. I just…existed. Maybe because I cared about Kairel so much, I was also compelled to protect his mate. That had to be it. Reaching the manor, I turned to Annora, and caught the skeptical look on her face, mixed with traces of fear.She’d be stupid not to be afraid. “Come on,” I said, “I won’t bite. At least not tonight.” Annora’s eyes widened, and the corner of my lips tugged into a smile. “I’m kidding.”Heck. I didn’t have to explain that to her. I led her in, and
ANNORALeft Wing, Fourth room, I recited as I ate though it already felt like my throat was clogged yet my stomach wanted food. The emotions started to crash hard after I was done, sitting limply on the chair and thinking of how I never would have thought my life would change for any reason. Even the change I had always imagined was nothing like this.Now, I was an orphan, slaving away in a stranger’s pack with my one and only friend lying unconscious on the healer’s bed. My stomach flipped, and beads of sweat formed on my forehead.This wasn’t life. I needed to get even and get out of here. Get even? Even killing Aegon would never be able to make up for how much of a bastard he’d been, how many lives he’d wasted. This evening was a test. He seemed normal, so human with feelings and wrinkled smiles and jokes, all of that rubbed me off in the wrongest way. Why was he suddenly acting so different?I rose to my feet, feeling my eyes spin and my head start to ache like I was hit with a
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
ANNORAI woke up to an empty bed, my heart skipping a beat as I reached out to feel the cold sheets beside me. Aegon was nowhere to be found. I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes, wondering if I had dreamed the entire night. But the memories of our passionate kiss, the way he had held me, and the way he had made me feel were still etched vividly in my mind.I threw off the covers and got out of bed, my bare feet padding softly on the cold stone floor. I went to Aegon's office, hoping to find him there, but the room was empty, and the chair behind the desk was vacant. My heart skipped a beat, and I gulped hard, terror setting in waves. What if he had regretted what had happened between us? What if he didn't feel the same way?I didn’t know if I regretted it yet, but I needed him not to regret it. Making my way out, I walked back to the hallway, I noticed the maids whispering among themselves, their eyes darting towards me.A warm flush rose my cheeks as I remembered that I wasn’t
AegonIt took all of my willpower not to keep thrusting. Her eyes widened when I pulled out, watching the dread spread across her face.Her plea sent jolts of pleasure up my back. “Aegon,” she squealed with desperation from my continuous teasing. Her skin had been cool, and she immediately let out a breathy sigh. Her fingernails dug into my shoulders.As I continued to rub my cock against her wet entrance, she moaned loudly, and I cupped her breast, rolling and pinching her nipple. I tugged on it at the same time that I nipped at the one in my mouth. Her knees came up on either side of me, her legs crossing behind my ass and pressing me into her.I gave her what she wanted, grinding my erection into the apex of her thighs. The feeling was strong without any layers of fabric. She shoved her hand down between us, stroking my erection. And she gripped it a moment later. “Just fuck me!”It twitched in her hand, and I groaned. I dragged my mouth off her nipple and up her chest, leaving
ANNORA I moaned lowly against his lips. I could feel his length pressing against my stomach. The way our tongues fought for dominance sent a shiver down my spine. I was soaking wet, and all he had done was kiss and caress me. I wanted more. I needed more.I shoved the guilt that was eating at me so far behind. I knew this was wrong. But it felt too good to stop now. The way our bodies melted into each other left no room for guilt.“God, you're delectable,” he growled against my neck after each kiss he placed while his hand caressed my breast. He paused, slowly releasing my nipple and watching my breast bounce in my sweater. “Wait, I need to taste you.” He looked at me, slightly hesitant, so I quickly added, “Please?”“You sure? You don't have to….” Before I could stop him, he snatched a fistful of my hair and pushed me to my knees. My eyes widened slightly, a rush of heat going to my core as I stared up at him. The ache between my legs wasn’t going away; it was just intensifying
ANNORAI followed Wendeline into the garden, my eyes fixed on her as she wandered through the paths, her cane tapping against the stone floor. But as I watched, I realized that she wasn't using her cane to navigate - she was walking with a confidence that I couldn’t wrap my head around.I trailed behind her, keeping a safe distance to avoid detection. Wendeline seemed lost in thought, her eyes fixed on some point in the distance. And then, she stopped in front of a large stone bench, her head tilted back as she gazed up at the stars.I frowned, my mind racing with questions. How could Wendeline be looking at the stars? She was blind, and couldn't see a thing. And yet, she seemed to be drinking in the sight of the night sky, her face tilted up in rapt attention.I watched, mesmerized, as Wendeline stood there, her eyes fixed on the stars. She seemed so peaceful, so serene. But I knew that I couldn't trust her - not after what I had seen.Just as I was starting to wonder what Wendeline
ANNORA “You!”I spat, my voice venomous. “How could you do something so evil? You almost killed her! What did I ever do to you?”Her face was battered and bruised, proof of the beating she must have received at the hands of the guards.Without hesitation, I rushed towards her, my anger and hurt boiling over. Emily didn't respond, didn't even flinch. She just kept staring at the floor, her expression blank.I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I turned to see Aegon standing beside me. “I just wanted you to see her. I didn’t bring her here to be torn apart.”But I shook him off, my emotions too raw to be calmed. “No. I deserve to know why she did this! What did I ever do to her? What would you do in my shoes?!”Aegon’s eyes lingered on mine, the judgment obvious in his expression. I almost forgot how much of a bitch he could be.“The guards found her in the woods today as they went for routine checks in the pack. She tried to escape, but they caught her.She was right under my nose all the
ANNORAThe sight of a fleet of carriages waiting for us as we emerged from the woods took me by surprise. Aegon nodded to Magnus, who helped Sora into one of the carriages.“I'll ride with Annora,” Aegon said, eyes locking onto mine.I felt a flutter in my chest as I entered the carriage with him. As the door closed behind us, Aegon turned to me, his eyes searching.“Why did you leave, Annora?” he asked again, as if he didn’t know who Wendeline was and what she was capable of.Did he think I left just because I wanted to? I shrugged, trying to play it cool. “Wendeline doesn't like me. Why are you acting like you don't know how obstinate she can get?”Aegon's smile was wry. “You're already part of the family now, Annora. Kairel would never want anything to happen to you. What if Ryker had gotten to you? What would Kairel be thinking, feeling?”His words, as tender as they seemed, bruised me. He'd only come to save me because of Kairel?“So you came to save me just because of Kairel?
AEGONI slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. I was met with a wave of pain that threatened to engulf me, and I gritted my teeth to keep from crying out. Where was I? What had happened?As I struggled to sit up, a voice announced, “He's awake! Get Magnus!” I winced, my head spinning, as footsteps rushed out of the room. I looked around, trying to take in everything at once. I was surrounded by familiar furnishings in my chamber, but something felt off.Memories began to trickle back, fragmented and disjointed. I remembered the hunting trip, the woods, and...Annora. I remembered pushing her out of the way, feeling the arrow pierce my flesh.I tried to sit up again, but a wave of dizziness washed over me, forcing me back onto the bed. What was wrong with me?The pain wasn’t numbed, but it was bearable, sinking into my back and slowly eating away at it. It wasn’t ignorable.Just as I was starting to feel like I was going to pass out, Magnus rushed into the room, a l
ANNORAI sat beside Aegon's bed, my eyes fixed on his pale face. The events of the previous day replayed in my mind like a nightmare - the arrow flying towards me, Aegon pushing me out of the way, the sound of the arrow piercing his flesh. I shuddered at the memory, a wave of guilt washing over me.Magnus had treated Aegon's wound, but the arrow had been poisoned, and it would take time for the poison to be flushed out of his system. I had stayed by his side all night, watching as Magnus tended to him, changing his bandages and administering medicine.As the first light of dawn crept into the room, I finally felt my eyelids drooping. I leaned back in my chair, trying to rest, but my eyes refused to stay closed. I looked up to see Magnus standing over me, a gentle smile on his face.“How is he?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.Magnus nodded reassuringly. “He's fighting it. He'll be fine, very soon.”I nodded, relief washing over me. Magnus turned to me, his eyes narrowing sli
ANNORAAnd there was blood everywhere. On my hands, on the floor, all over him. “Aegon! Please!” I shouted, feeling myself hit a limit in my throat. It felt clogged— a huge bile sitting on it, blocking out words and my cries.I was still discombobulated by how fast he had yanked me out of the way. He took the arrow. That could have hit me. It could have hit me. There wasn’t anyone else in sight, not even a rustle to hear. I didn’t even know where the arrow had come from. Confusion dawned on me like a fog, clouding my vision, and I just crashed on the floor next to him, my hands all over him as though touching him would do a thing to change what had happened,“Anyone out there?!” I yelled, “Anyone! Someone is hurt!” Aegon had fallen on his back now, his face flat on the floor. My gaze was glued to the arrow protruding in his back, my hands shaking uncontrollably.It felt like my brain had been wiped clean, yet simultaneously thrown into a fight or flight response, but my body wouldn'