LOGINElla POVThe night we had been working towards for so long was finally here. It didn’t seem real, but it was finally happening.It was election night.All day Alexander and I had been answering questions from reporters and making phonecalls to voters, hoping to get as many people as possible to show
He glanced at me, a knowing look passing between us. We would face whatever came next together.After dinner, Sabrina and Alexander took Lexie up to get ready for bed. She wanted a bedtime story from Alexander and he seemed happy to do it.Once we were alone in the living room, my mother pulled me t
Ella POVAlexander and I spent the day in my family’s packlands with Lexie, a rare moment of peace before the election.The official statement revealing Lexie’s identity had been carefully crafted—Alexander had asked for privacy for her sake.The response had been mixed, but most people saw it as a
“It does,” Elizabeth said. “But people also fear what they don’t understand. Alexander has spent years in the shadows. Half of what he’s done is still a secret. People don’t know that he’s…” she hesitated, looking away for a moment. “Now, they’re being asked to trust him with the kingdom.” She sighe
Ella POVI sat across from Elizabeth at a quiet restaurant, a half-empty glass of wine in front of me. The air between us was lighter than it had been in months, but there was still an unspoken tension—a lingering wound that was still healing.Elizabeth had taken the revelations about Alexander, Dav
Ella POVThe news of Ironfang’s arrest tore through the kingdom like wildfire. Fear gripped the people as they learned the horrifying truth—powerful figures within their own government had been working with the North.For years, the enemy had been closer than anyone had realized, pulling strings in
"I suppose that’s true," I admitted. "But it’s exactly because of our contract that I felt the need to find some way to show my appreciation. You’ve done far more for me than I’ve done for you." "I’m not so sure about that," Alexander said, pouring the wine and handing me a glass. His eyes met min
Ella POV The rest of the evening with Alexander was quiet. We were both tired from the long day, and each seemed lost in our own thoughts. The next morning wasn’t much different. Alexander, to my surprise, seemed more hungover than either of us had anticipated and decided to sleep in—a rarity fo
The next morning, Alexander behaved as if nothing had happened. By the time I exited the bedroom, he was already up and dressed, standing by the counter as the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. His phone was in his hand, and he seemed intently focused on whatever was on the screen.
A small, irrational part of me wanted to turn around and walk out, but that would be ridiculous. Instead, I stepped up to the counter and focused on placing my order: the usual drinks for James and me. I’d hoped Fiona wouldn’t notice me. No such luck. “Ella!” she called out, her voice bright with







