Ella POVAt some point, I managed to fall asleep, though far too late. When my mother knocked on the door to wake me for the rehearsal dinner, I was beyond exhausted. It took several attempts for me to stir, let alone keep my eyes open long enough to respond.Somehow, I forced myself out of bed and
The voice of the man that had commanded our release was low, measured, and simmering with restrained fury. Even now, it sent a chill down my spine. At the time, the authority in those words had been inexplicable.But now, I knew.The realization struck me like a sudden bolt, leaving me momentarily b
Ella POV Alexander’s kiss was unlike any we had shared before. There was a heat, a sense of urgency in the way he held me, pulling me impossibly close against him as if letting go wasn’t an option. Somewhere near the door, I vaguely registered Michael’s startled voice, an exclamation of surprise
The rehearsal dinner wasn’t a grand event—just an intimate gathering of those directly involved in the ceremony. Our families were here, along with August, Elizabeth, Andrew, and the priestess who would officiate the wedding. “It’s good of you to join us,” Diana said with a teasing smile. “I’m s
Ella POV The next morning at the Castle, doubt still clung to me like a heavy fog. The last time I’d gone through with a wedding, I’d known in my heart it would end in disaster. This time, it wasn’t certainty that haunted me—it was uncertainty. Last night, I was convinced that I had placed the
“When you say strange things, what exactly do you mean?” Elizabeth’s expression darkened. “They seem to have ties to some very questionable people. In fact, I believe I may have found some correspondence between them and Dr. McIntyre.” My stomach dropped. “Are you saying David isn’t the one behi
Ella POV I stood in the dimly lit hallway, waiting for my moment to walk down the aisle. My nerves were strung so tightly that I felt as though they might snap. I had just watched Elizabeth depart, arm in arm with Michael who was Alexander’s best man. She looked absolutely stunning in her baby-b
Third Person POV "This can't possibly be all there is," David spat angrily, gripping the balcony railing as he glared down at the meager crowd of guests gathered below. The small assembly consisted solely of members of his own pack and Amanda's, and the sight made his blood boil. "We were suppos
He had to know that if he exposed my ties to the Roguelands I would do the same to him. Was that the plan? If he was going down anyway, did he intend to take me with him?But he had been released from custody. The king didn’t have anything on him that could stick. It would be self destructive of him
Alexander POVThe headlines the next morning were dominated by Archer’s announcement. Any attention or goodwill we had hoped to gain from the party was completely overshadowed—exactly as he had intended.It was a calculated move, and I couldn’t deny its brilliance.Ella was shaken. Of course, she wa
And if she was careless enough to speak openly about it—where a servant could overhear—My head spun, nausea creeping up my throat.Michael stepped toward me, concern etched into his features, but before he could say anything, a knock sounded at the door.It opened without waiting for a response.Au
Alexander POVI reached the lobby and was nearly out the door when a familiar voice called my name.I froze, turning in confusion to find Michael rushing toward me.“What are you doing here?” I asked as my younger brother practically barreled into me.I grabbed him by the elbows, scanning his face.
“Can I ask why not?” I asked, causing Alexander to glance at me in surprise.“It’s just that we don’t know who else may run,” the Luna of Pine Forest replied. “At this point, Alexander is unopposed, and while he is, of course, a fantastic option, I’m not willing to make a decision until I know all o
Ella POVIn all the chaos and confusion of the last few days, I had completely forgotten that Alexander and I were supposed to be hosting a party to celebrate the beginning of construction on the solar farm.It was an unnecessary PR move—an opportunity for people to speak with Alexander and be remin
“Talk to your father,” I pleaded. “Ask him. Ask the servants if anyone new has been frequenting the house, if he’s been meeting with anyone. Someone is swaying his decisions.”Elizabeth hesitated before responding. “Okay. I’ll do what I can.”“Thank you,” I said, hoping she could hear the sincerity
Ella POVI woke up with my head pressed against Alexander’s chest, his arms wrapped securely around me. The warmth of his embrace should have been comforting, but it did nothing to calm the chaos of my waking.Both our phones were ringing, and someone was pounding on the apartment door.Alexander pr
Ella POV“If someone is targeting me to get to you,” I said softly, “then could Michael and Diana be in danger too?”Alexander shrugged half-heartedly. “I don’t know,” he admitted. “But it’s probably best if I let them know the situation—just in case.”“They don’t know anything about…” I hesitated,