The golden sunlight engulfed the small village on the northern side of Rojo La Luna like a raging fire. In the midst of the solitude, the pack's leader of leaders arrived with his compeer. Each head bows in reverence, including their dreaded pack leader, Milan."What was my instruction, Milan?"Milan remained silent. He is well aware of what will happen if he responds. The chief has granted him the authority to administer the northern homestead, an extending pack of Rojo La Luna, with strict instructions not to go beyond the agreement. And he disobeyed the plan by hurting that woman. "Where's the woman?"Everyone began to shake with fear and anxiety, causing them to remain silent. The head asks again, this time with greater power, giving no one a chance to resist and merely answer."In the cell, my liege," Milan said quietly.The lord went straight to the cell while the rest of his cronies remained outside. The cell was filthy, dark, and suffocating. And it was where Aria had been se
Aria's POVI've been contemplating matters on the terrace for half an hour while looking over the place. The beauty on the horizon, engulfed by the orange color of the sun, fascinates me. And it somehow lightens the burden on my chest."Are you coming with my brother?"For a brief period, I cast a glimpse toward Matthew, who had just arrived. He sat next to me and glanced at the view I was admiring. When I didn't respond to his inquiry, he glanced at me again, waiting for an answer."I'm not sure, Matthew."Growing up, I never went to a werewolf anniversary party because my parents only had Mysha with them, and I grew to despise the concept over time. Now, I particularly don't want to go with Nicholas for fear of running into Mysha and Luke."Why not?" he asked again.I shrugged my shoulder. "I hate crowded places." It wasn't really the reason. But I don't want to tell them the truth yet. While they're still a stranger to me, I have to keep half of my identity to myself. It's the safe
Aria's POV Paxon Royal is indeed a luxurious place. Over two decades, this is the first time I have attended such a grand feast. The hall was embellished with a forest-like motif, including gigantic wolf sculptures at the entrance. The ambiance was exquisite, but because every face was unfamiliar, I felt neurotic. I clung on to Nicholas, not minding our current relationship status. He carefully ushered me to a particular table with two empty seats available, enough for the two of us. The chatter and background music, together with the sound of heels clicking on the floor, destroy any sense of tranquility. "Are you okay here?" I agreed by nodding. We had scarcely gotten into our chairs when someone approached us. The man was unfamiliar, but based on his aura, he had to be an Alpha too. Nicholas, who had just seated, rose again. He shook hands with the man and glanced at me for a second as if he was asking for permission to leave. My gut wanted him to stay, but it would be embarrass
Aria's POV"Who's your mate again?" Mysha's recycled query started to irritate me. She had asked this question for a hundredth time already. And until now, she did not seem to remember my responses. She's worse than a human with Alzheimer's. I'm not sure if it's because she's tense or because she's preoccupied with something."Nicholas Sainthood," I replied.The night is getting older. It's been two hours since we discussed particular issues that concern us. Somehow we managed to bridge the chasm and fill the gap caused by our separation."His name sound familiar," Mysha noted after a minute of silence. I'd mentioned his name a few times earlier, but she hadn't recognized it until now. Mysha seems to be in a dream, physically present but mentally absent. And she's never been more absent-minded than she is right now, which is strange.My conversation with Kairo from a few weeks ago eventually comes to mind. I was ready to question Mysha about their case when I realized I still didn't
Aria's POVThey are sex buddies.Instead of quelling my curiosity, Matthew's response bothered me even more. I rolled over on my bed, trying to forget everything, but every word he uttered echoed in the back of my mind like a broken cassette. I buried my face into the pillow and clenched my teeth in irritation.A hundred visions of Nicholas and Natasha doing the deed flood my mind, some nasty, others fueling my rage on the highest level. I've been preserving my dignity for the past two decades while he's humping and sprouting his libido to another woman. He didn't even keep himself clean. It disgusts me. 'He's a man, Aria,' Kaia commented. 'Don't be so petty.'I growled and tossed the pillow up to the ceiling. It should be fair. If I keep myself holy, he should too.I wanted to go for a run.My wolf became thrilled after reading my thoughts. She hasn't shifted in a long time. I can't even remember the last time I let her take control of my body. Kaia deserves to embrace freedom once
Aria's POV Natasha and Nicholas lost a baby. I'm not sure what hurts me more: them being a sex buddy or nearly having a child. I am his mate but will never be his first in everything. It's a painful fact that I must acknowledge. All of my childhood fantasies were nothing more than a delusion. Mating bonds are but a curse. It's only a suggestion, not an obligation, because, in the end, the decision is yours to make. Tears unconsciously fell from my eyes as my heart splintered into a million pieces. I devour my words. I fell for him despite my vow not to. Nicholas is like a thorn in a rose; the more I hold to him, the more wounded I become. "Hey!" I kept my head low despite the poke on my shoulder. I know it was Matthew. He was always the one who came whenever I was down. Sometimes the one who makes me down. "Are you crying?" I could sense the concern in his voice, but I didn't respond. He and his brother are just the same. They are deceitful. In their kindness lies their malici
Aria's POV "What are you doing?" Nicholas placed handcuffs on both of my hands. Then he hauled me out of my room, clueless about where he was taking me. His grip on my wrist was so firm that I thought my bones would snap. He was a beast. We entered an unfamiliar building and walked along a dark corridor until we came to a room. Nicholas stopped, so I stopped walking as well. He pushed the key to the knob, and after successfully opening the door, he shoved me in shortly. The room was gloomy, there was no light, and the ceiling was covered with cobwebs. This place must be a warehouse. "You're not going anywhere," he asserted emphatically. "You'll be staying here from now on." Nicholas shut the door before I could respond. "NOOOOO!" I cried, screaming at the top of my lungs. "Open the door! Nicholas, open the door!" My voice resonates in all four corners, but it's useless. It doesn't matter how loud I yell since this room is soundproof: even if my vocal cords give out and stop m
Aria's POV"I'll bend my rules for you..." his eyes fixed on mine, "...just stay." Nicholas had been saying the same thing for the past couple of hours. It wasn't his nature to plead, but oddly he does. However, I have already fixed my decision. I've never been this sure of leaving...of rejecting him. "Whatever you say! I'm leaving!" I had already prepared my things. Mysha was likewise outside waiting for me. I won't back down from my word. Not now, not ever. "Aria, please," Nicholas hold my hand lightly. I shrugged it off. "I won't do it again." Begging doesn't suit him. I know behind his gentle facade lies the danger, like what happened last time. And I doubt he won't repeat the action. He put handcuffs on my hand so effortlessly; I'm sure it will happen again. "I was wrong, Aria," he said meekly. "I was blinded by rage because you always wanted to leave me when you had the chance." His reason is too shallow. You can't just handcuff your mate and lock her in a room filled wit
Nicholas I was peering out the window, clutching the cigarette I had just lighted, waiting for an update. I sent Kairo to spy on Crescentius, but the fool was caught, so I despatched Milan to spy. I was in the midst of my thought when the door to my office opened, and the wounded Kairo appeared. Angry, I delivered a powerful punch to his face, causing him to fly against the wall. He groaned in pain before falling to his knees. "You careless fool!" I growled. Kairo coughed up blood before struggling to rise. He was tortured so much because of the number of wounds on his body. Well, Luke does not easily let go of rogues. They kill them after torturing them. So how did Kairo get away? I puffed on my cigarettes, thinking about something. "How did you escape?" "Trek's youngest daughter released me," he admitted. I throw my cigarettes away while hearing Kairo's pathetic report. He was saved by a woman and not just any ordinary she-wolf, for she is the enemy's daughter. Look at how fa
Aria's POVNatasha's rage puts the baby she's carrying in danger. Fortunately, Doctor Green intervened quickly to prevent a possible miscarriage. So, instead of coming in the hospital for a check-up, Natasha ended up being confined. Her pregnancy wasn't quite healthy; a little stress would have stripped the pups she was carrying away."Let her take this medicine on a daily basis; it will help the baby grow healthy inside her," Doctor Green stated as she handed us a pill.She spoke softly, moved smoothly, and was very professional. Earlier, when Natasha attempted to scratch her face and cause havoc in the hospital, she calmly dodged her attack and injected her with a calming antidote.Rejecting her was probably Matthew's biggest regret. She is the epitome of grace and elegance. Not to mention how respectable her profession is. If I were in her shoes, I would never assist the woman my mate prefers over me. Nonetheless, she put her personal life aside and remain professional. She handl
Aria's POVLast night's conversation with Nicholas took us nowhere. He became irritated, so instead of staying outside for a few hours, we returned home earlier than planned. But, to be fair, despite his irritation, he didn't left me there. He's truly improved; perhaps he learned his lesson from the past."Luna Aria, there's a letter for you," Elora said as she handed me an envelope.I accepted it while combing my hair. The texture and fragrance of the envelope felt familiar. Only Crescentius sent letters on ivory paper, and the logo on the front of the envelope proved my claim. When I opened it, there was a small piece of paper stick inside. "M.S." I read the writing at the bottom.After reading the letter's contents, my breath caught in my throat and I had to stop combing my hair. I went back and read what had been said to make sure it wasn't just a delusion, but it wasn't. It was real. Mysha send me a letter. She wished for us to speak.My heart swelled with excitement. I have be
Aria's POVWe returned home as dusk approached. I knew Nicholas had made us stay in the village for a half-day so I could spend time with my new found family. That man frequently works behind my back, not to hurt me, but to make me happy."I wish I'd get to reconcile with, Mysha," I blurted out as we approached the gate.The previous conflict had been resolved. Nicholas and I are also steadily establishing our relationship, and my human family has accepted me. Only my relationship with Mysha remains unresolved. "You'll reconcile sooner, love. Let time heal the wounds of the past or....how about you reach out for her?" he advised as he parked the car.My goal had always been to mend our shattered connection. I want to reach out to her, but every time our previous encounter comes to mind, fear stops me. She wanted me dead. So I'm worried that if I go to Crescentius, I won't make it out alive. Aside from my issue with Mysha, Alpha Luke had also disgusted me. I knew he was rational, but
Aria's POVI was drifting off into space, recalling what had just transpired. Things had quickly gotten out of hand. I'm not sure how to respond to all of the thoughts racing through my mind. It's commendable that the Elder acted fast and dispatched someone to address the disagreement. They also clarified what transpired in the past and cleared up any confusion. And Mysha was mistaken; our parents duped her into believing their lies, which she did.Our parents' previous attack on Rojo La Luna was laced with jealousy and threat. The reason they claimed Nicholas's parents were hiding in the rogue, even though they weren't."Are you okay?" Nicholas asked, sliding his hand on my stomach, hugging me from behind.I sighed before nodding. The trace of blood from Mysha earlier haunts me with worries. She is pregnant, yet she is willing to jeopardize her health for the sake of vengeance. Mysha is a fool for making that decision. She endangers not just her people, but also herself and the baby
Aria's POVAngered by the discourse she had with Nicholas, Mysha launched an attack. Our defense line was the first to meet Mysha's army of wolves, followed by the attacker, and they did the same. I looked at the sister I once admired, and I can't seem to find the familiarity in her anymore. She's totally different."Is there no other way to end this war?" I asked Nicholas.I don't want us to get to the point where blood is spilt and there is nothing left in the land because of my and Nicholas' parents, who are the basis of all of this. They're gone, therefore this meaningless fight must come to an end. We'll never know who uttered the truth on both sides because they're all dead. They are no longer present to testify about what occurred in the past. So, why are you still hanging on to that sad phase of life? We should all go on and forget about it. We will never progress if we remain rooted in the past. "If the Elders find out about this, both packs will suffer greatly," Natasha sa
Aria's POVI was so taken aback by Natasha's words early in the morning that I didn't have time to shower, brush my teeth, or even get dressed. I followed her in my pajamas to the packhouse, where all of the officials were already dressed in war gear. They look like royal armies ready for battle, whilst I am completely unprepared. My form right now was so out of place."How did you know my sister was coming?" I asked Nicholas, who was perched on his seat.Despite the fact that Mysha and I do not get along as siblings. Maybe she thought of me as a stranger by now. Hurting her feels like a second regret that I'll have to live with for the rest of my life. My parents' demise made me realize how important family is. I can't face the idea that something horrible will happen to her."Our Crescentius spy delivered us a message," he explained.He had planted a spy in Crescentius? How could I have missed that? "Why do you have a spy there?"A gust of doubt hustled through my nascent trust in
Aria's POVNicholas' feverish kisses resumed once we entered his car. I was a little sober from the inebriated sensation, but a slight touch from him put me on my knees. I surrendered myself to him, ignoring my rationality. I couldn't stand the heat. Nicholas' kisses literally steal my sanity."You taste like honey, my sweet," he said in my ear as his hand began to make advances on my body.Our movement is restricted, though, due to the limited space within Nicholas's automobile. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine making out inside a car. It made me feel both scared and excited. Fear of being caught. Thrill at the prospect of new experiences."Nicholas, can't we be seen here?" I told him. He planted soft kisses on my neck. "It's tinted, baby. Don't worry." I know it's tinted, but we're in the werewolf realm. Their vision is more developed than that of humans, and they could presumably see what's within even if it was tinted. Nicholas must have forgotten it because he was so co
Aria's POVThe meeting was cut short due to Luna Beatrice's temper tantrums. Nicholas can't forced Alpha Dony to return so that they can continue what they're talking about."Should we go see the cityscape?" he inquired.We were heading back to Red Moon around five o'clock. I'm not sure what Nicholas' plan is, but he mentioned the cityscape. Perhaps because it's almost night and the light there is excellent."It all depends on you; what are your plans?"I'm game for anything he wanted to do. Aside from the fact that we only go out from the pack on rare occasions, this could be a nice time to decompress."Let's unwind there for awhile," he said.True enough, we went directly to the city and reserved a table at one of the city's tallest restaurants. We are presently on the rooftop, from which we can overlook the entire neighborhood. This place reminds me of Antohollan; I've never been there at night, but I imagine it looks exactly like this at night. The magnificent streetlight embelli