After the king summoned Arianna into his chamber, he noticed his son’s inappropriate behavior towards the slave girl.“Arianna, stand over there. We need to talk,” the king commanded, his fist clenched as he sat on his luxurious brown silk couch. Her gaze fell to the floor, consciously avoiding direct contact with him.“What do you have with my son, Arianna?” he demanded.“Nothing, my king,” she replied, her voice steady, though a hint of fear lingered beneath the surface.The atmosphere in the room crackled with tension, thick and oppressive as the king leaned forward, his piercing gaze locked onto Arianna. His fingers gripped the velvet armrests of his couch, knuckles white from the strain. Arianna stood tall, her back straight, yet her shoulders reflected the weight of his scrutiny, eyes focused on the cold stone floor beneath her.The king’s voice broke the silence, low and commanding, like thunder rolling over the horizon.“Is ‘nothing’ a satisfactory answer, Arianna?” His words
The sun had barely begun to stretch its fingers across the sky, but the chirping of the birds outside was enough to rouse me from my sleep. My eyes were heavy, reluctant to wake, but the insistent light seeped through the cracks in the curtains, and my mind began to stir. The warmth of the duvet wrapped around me felt too good to leave, so I buried my face in it, hoping the world would just go away.“What’s going on?” I muttered groggily, pulling the duvet tighter around my body. The chirping of the birds didn’t stop; it only grew louder, more insistent.Then, I felt it—a presence in the room. My eyes fluttered open, and there she was, standing beside my bed like some sort of haunting figure. Elaine. Of course. The last person I wanted to see this morning.I squinted at her, still half-dazed. “What the hell are you doing in my room?”She didn’t even flinch at my tone. Instead, she chuckled, a sound that grated against my skull, and took a step back. "Get up, Kael. We’re going for a st
The tension in the room was thick, as though the very air hummed with the weight of unspoken words and old traditions. The elders, cloaked in their ceremonial attire, had taken their seats around the long oak table, the soft light from the candles flickering across their weathered faces. The renovations had disrupted the usual order, but it didn’t matter. They were used to discomfort. Jailer’s voice broke the silence like the crack of thunder. His deep, gravelly tones echoed through the hall, demanding attention as he stood from his seat. His eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the room before landing on the king.“When will the sacrifice take place, my king?” Jailer’s words were deliberate, laced with both impatience and reverence. He stood tall, his ancient frame unbowed by the weight of his years. His gaze was piercing, as though he could see straight through the walls of the hall and into the very heart of the king.The room fell into a hushed stillness. Even the flickering flam
Alpha kael povI forced a smile, trying to appear nonchalant despite the suffocating tension that had settled over the dinner table. Elaine's gaze lingered on me, her eyes sparkling with an unsettling intensity that made my skin crawl. The sound of my spoon clicking against the ceramic plate seemed amplified, a stark reminder of my dwindling appetite. My father's voice cut through the silence, his tone laced with concern. "Son, are you okay?" I nodded hastily, my eyes darting towards him in a bid to escape Elaine's piercing stare.The visiting alpha's son, Dorian, chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he took in the scene. I suspected he had noticed Elaine's foolishness, and a part of me was grateful for the distraction. Elaine, however, seemed oblivious to the undercurrents of tension. She continued to smile at me, her lips curled upwards in a saccharine gesture that made my stomach turn.As the dinner conversation flowed around me, Elaine suddenly pushed back her ch
Arianna's POVThe night air, cool against my skin, carried a soft yet relentless breeze—as if it was determined to weave itself into my very being. With my eyes closed, I inhaled the scent of fresh earth and wood, pushing aside the distractions of the world to simply... breathe. For that fleeting moment, I felt a sense of freedom. There were no duties to fulfill, no one I had to accommodate—just me and the vast evening sky.But the calm shattered abruptly as warmth enveloped me. It was a strange, unexpected heat—an intruder behind me. Strong arms wrapped around my face, pulling me closer, and my heart thudded wildly against my ribs. My breath hitched as I fought to comprehend the intrusion.I shook off the instinctive unease and sniffed the air for a familiar scent. Nothing. Just the forest’s earthy aroma intertwined with an unfamiliar, unmistakable trace of a person.“Who’s there?” I demanded, my voice firm despite the slight tremor that betrayed my composure.A deep, rich chuckle re
Kael povI could feel the tension in the air, a palpable electric current buzzing against my skin. It wasn’t merely the late hour or the cool wind—it was something deeper, an instinct that set my nerves alight. The sight of Arianna and Dorian, standing there in the dark with his predatory smirk aimed at her, twisted my gut into tight knots.I slammed my fist against the window, the glass rattling in response to my fury. I knew exactly what this was: Dorian had his sights set on her. To him, she was not just a servant; she was a puzzle to be solved, a conquest to claim, and that was unacceptable. I wouldn’t allow it. Not when it came to Arianna.My fingers itched for the landline. The moment she entered my thoughts, everything else faded away. I grabbed the receiver, dialing the mansion's main house before hesitation could take hold. The phone rang twice before a servant picked up, and I wasted no time.“Arianna,” I commanded, my voice sharp and infused with authority. The word ignited
Kael's POVI paced the length of my quarters, the seething anger within me refusing to fade. Dorian’s words echoed in my mind—his smooth voice, calm demeanor, all aimed at something I refused to accept. Arianna was under my protection, and I wouldn’t stand by while Dorian toyed with her as if she were merely a puzzle to be solved.Clenching my fists at my sides, I fought to focus on anything other than the fury that coursed through me. How dare he presume to manipulate her?I wouldn’t let this slide. I was going to confront him, demand answers. I needed to know what he had told Arianna and why he thought it was acceptable to get so close to her without facing the consequences.I grabbed my coat, throwing it on without care for the sharpness of the fabric against my skin. Before I knew it, my feet were carrying me down the long corridors of the mansion.The biting wind met my face as I approached the guest quarters where Dorian was staying. I could hear the soft murmur of voices within
Arianna povThe laughter echoed, like a hundred wind chimes clashing in the breeze. The sound cut through the air, and it wasn’t until I was nearly past the group of pack workers that I heard the stammered words from one of them."Thank goodness she will be executed soon."The words stuck in my throat, the weight of them hanging in the air, thicker than the suffocating smell of earth and sweat. My footsteps faltered for a moment, the impulse to turn back overwhelming, but the fire inside me refused to let it show. I had heard whispers of my fate—whispers that turned my stomach with fear, whispers that now seemed to ring true in their cruel mockery.I spun on my heel, my eyes narrowing, and marched back toward them."Who are you talking about?" I demanded, my voice sharp and unyielding, betraying none of the dread churning within me. I refused to be weak in front of them.The pack workers looked at each other, their gazes flicking nervously between one another, but then one of the girl
I stormed out of the castle, the cool night air hitting me like a slap in the face. The darkness seemed to match my mood, and I felt a sense of liberation as I walked away from the oppressive walls. I didn't know where I was going, but I needed to get away from the castle, from Kael, and from the suffocating expectations.As I walked through the quiet streets, I felt a sense of clarity wash over me. I realized that I had been living in a state of denial, pretending that everything was fine when it wasn't. Kael's infidelity was just a symptom of a larger problem - our relationship was a sham, a duty-bound obligation rather than a love match.I thought about my conversation with my father, and the sacrifice that was to come. Was I truly doing it for the kingdom's sake, or was it a desperate attempt to hurt Kael and Arianna? The more I thought about it, the more I realized that my motivations were mixed. But one thing was certain - I would see this through, no matter the cost.As I turne
Arianna povI stood before the king, my heart heavy with the weight of my decision. I had come to offer myself as the key to Alpha Kael's survival, but also to ensure his departure from our lives. The king's piercing gaze met mine, and I steeled myself for the conversation ahead."Your Majesty," I began, my voice steady. "I've come to tell you that I'm willing to proceed with the ritual. Let's begin the preparations."The king's expression turned calculating, and he nodded thoughtfully. "Very well, Arianna. I'll summon the elder and the necessary materials. But are you certain you're prepared for what's to come?"I nodded resolutely, pushing aside the doubts that threatened to creep in. "I'm ready, Your Majesty. For Alpha Kael's sake, and for mine."The king's gaze lingered on me, and for a moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of curiosity. "Very well, Arianna. We'll begin the preparations immediately. The ritual will take place at sundown."I nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over
Kael pov As I leaned against the wall, a weight pressed down on my shoulder, and I swallowed hard against the pain. It felt like a thousand needles were piercing my skin, and something was crawling under my flesh. My heart ached as I tried to rise from the couch, but my legs buckled beneath me. I fell hard onto the floor, the impact jolting through my body. Powers long dormant began to stir within me, like a beast awakening from a deep slumber. I could feel it coursing through my veins, burning like wildfire. My alpha instincts were rising to the surface, and I was powerless to stop it. The room around me began to blur, and I felt like I was being consumed by a force beyond my control. The pain was intense, like my body was being torn apart and put back together again. I gritted my teeth, trying to ride out the wave of agony, but it only seemed to intensify. Sweat dripped from my brow, and my vision began to tunnel. I was losing myself to the power, and I knew I had to fight back.
Elaine’s POV I clenched my fist so hard I felt the sting of my nails biting into my palm. The room was cold—silent—but inside, I was burning. They were doing this in the open now. Flaunting it. Kael, the Alpha—the one I was meant to stand beside—choosing a rogue-blooded stray over me? Over everything we’d built? The alliance. The power. The future. And her—that girl, walking around with his scent, wrapped around her like a trophy, like she belonged here? She didn’t. Arianna didn’t understand what it meant to be part of this pack, this legacy. She wasn’t raised for it. She wasn’t trained. She was chaos wrapped in temptation, with eyes that made even the strongest men forget their purpose. But not me. I didn’t forget. I remembered everything. The years spent preparing. The sacrifices. The smile Kael used to wear when we were younger—carefree, before duty sharpened him into steel. Before she came along and made him soft. And now? Now, the council was slipping through
Kael’s POV The rain was still whispering against the windows when I stepped back into my quarters, the scent of her still hanging in the air—wild rain, warm skin, and something else. Something of mine. She was sitting by the fire, wrapped in a blanket, legs tucked beneath her. Her head turned at the sound of the door, and for a moment, the world just... stopped. Arianna. Goddess, I didn’t know how she did it. How she made me feel like the ground beneath my feet was shaking and solid all at once. One look from her could settle my wolf or drive him into a frenzy. The patrol had been dealt with—quick and clean. A couple of rogues testing the borders, nothing serious. But the entire time I’d been out there, all I could think about was her. The fire in her eyes. The vulnerability in her voice. The way she had looked at me before I left, as if handing me a piece of her and daring me not to drop it. I hadn’t. I wouldn’t. “Did you win?” she asked, eyes glinting with tired amusement.
Arianna’s POVThe sky wore a veil of thick gray clouds, the kind that whispered secrets of a coming storm. The air buzzed with anticipation, a low hum only a wolf could hear. I could feel it in my bones—the first rain in months. The land had dried to a brittle crisp, and the trees stood still like they too were holding their breath.With one look up, I peeled the shirt from my skin, casting it aside with little ceremony. My skin tingled with every gust of wind, every shiver racing across my spine. My heart drummed with something more than excitement. It was freedom. Finally.I stepped outside barefoot, letting the cool earth kiss my soles. The first drop landed on my collarbone, slow and sweet, then another, and another until the heavens cracked open. Rain. Real, cold, blessed rain.I laughed—loud and shameless—as I tilted my head back and let it pour over me. It was cleansing, wild, like the Goddess herself was pouring life down onto us again. My skin was slick, my hair curling and c
Kael’s POVThe shrill clang of the pack bell shattered the night like glass under boot.Kael jerked upright in bed, heart thrumming so hard it echoed in his ears. For a heartbeat, he thought it was a dream—his room still cloaked in darkness, the silence before broken sleep hanging thick in the air. But then the bell tolled again, three sharp strikes that vibrated through bone and soul.Not a drill.It's not a training exercise.Not in the last six years.The bell was only rung when the pack was under siege. When something real came crawling through the shadows with blood on its teeth.“Shit.”Kael threw off the covers, bare feet hitting the cold floor as instinct took over. He didn’t even think to reach for a shirt, grabbing only the shorts he wore to sleep. His chest was bare, marred with faded scars, and the fresh lines of muscle earned through years of training—yet in that moment. He felt more naked than he ever had before.Half running, half leaping down the stone hallway, Kael’s
Arianna’s POV Water. Ice cold. A shockwave slicing through my dreamless sleep. It splashed across my face like a slap from the gods themselves, soaking into my matted hair and the threadbare fabric of the slave pallet beneath me. I gasped, sputtering as I jolted awake, heart racing, fists already clenched. My body stiffened, every muscle on edge. For one blinding second, I thought we were under attack—another punishment, another training gone wrong. My survival instincts screamed fight. But when my vision cleared and the haze of sleep faded… There she was. Elaine. Standing above me with the smugness of a she-devil dressed in silk. The silver pitcher still dangled from her perfectly manicured hand, droplets sliding down its side like the poison she spit from her mouth every time she spoke. “What the hell, Elaine?” I snapped, wiping my soaked face, shivering in the cold morning air that clawed at my bones like a ghost. “Oh, I’m sorry,” she said with a syrupy smile that di
Kael POv “I love you.” “Stop kissing me, Kael! My goodness, you’re hurting my lips.” Arianna squirmed beneath me, her voice sharp and full of heat, but I couldn’t stop. My hands tightened around her waist as if letting go would mean drowning. I held her like she was the only anchor keeping me sane, and maybe she was. “Arianna,” I whispered against her lips, “stop trying to break free. I love you.” She gasped. Not the delicate kind. It was ragged, raw—like my confession tore something loose inside her. Her palms pushed at my chest, but her eyes… gods, her eyes trembled. Still, her mouth parted, softening, until— SLAP! Pain exploded across my cheek, and I reeled back, blinking. The world cracked like shattered glass and spun around me, bright and disorienting. Suddenly, it was gone. Darkness. And then— My eyes shot open to the dull glow of moonlight bleeding through my bedroom curtains. My face throbbed. What the—? I groaned and turned my head toward the nightstand, rubbing