Iris's POV “I promise you it isn't what you’re thinking.” I groaned, nearly pulling my hair in frustration. “He just helped me with a change of clothes, that's all.“Hmm, I see. Why did he change your clothes if you weren't already doing something…” Samantha trailed while Eloise giggled.I paused, wondering if I should tell them what really happened last night. How I tried to escape and the events that followed. They were kind, nice and funny and they seemed trustworthy. I bit my lips hard. No, not yet. I wouldn't tell them now, I’ll watch to see how trustworthy they really are. “I just went to check up on him, and he asked me to stay the night. I guess I kind of sweated a lot, so he helped me take off the clothes.” I explained, half lies and half truths.“What? If your words are true, it means the alpha spent the whole night with a beautiful woman like you and didn't touch you? Unbelievable.” Samantha said dramatically.“If that's so, it could only mean two things. Either the king
Lucian's POV “What does this mean Cecile?” Azariel asked with a frown.“I don't know but you don't need to worry, she's still dead. No pulse, not heartbeat, no brainwork. Her organs have begun rotting as a dead person should.” She listed.“Is there a possibility that she might be in a coma?” I asked.“No, she isn't. She's dead. It's the grass that's keeping her body clean.” She stroked her jaw.“Something is wrong, be more careful Cecile.” Azariel uttered.“Aww, Azariel cares for me. I'm so touched.” She placed a hand on her chest dramatically and Azariel rolled his eyes.“We’d be leaving now, stay safe.” Azariel muttered.“I’ll drive.” I said when we reached outside.“Whatever suits you.” Azariel mumbled.We got in the car and Azariel sat beside me. I could see he had something to say. He glanced at me from time to time as I drove.“You better say out whatever you’re hiding, it wouldn't be funny when I find out myself.” I threw him a glance.“Busted.” He whistled. “Well…I’m not hidi
Iris's POV“Why is the floor forbidden?” I asked.“Well, the floors from this side upwards are restricted. Maids are not allowed to cross it, only the butler is. That's what we were told when we first arrived here.” Samantha explained.“But I should be immune to it, shouldn't I?” I queried.“You should. I just panicked because we were severely warned not to cross to this floor. We had been so engaged in our chats that we lost our way.” Samantha giggled.“Would you like to see the servant’s wing?” She asked.“I’d like to.”As she led the way, my mind kept on wandering to the forbidden floor. What was there that they didn't want others to see? I hadn't really taken much notice of the place except that it was dimly lit, and there were a few paintings on the wall. Could Lucian's study be there? The normal and best thing to do was to stop being curious and avoid the place, but there was something about it that drew me. It made me want to explore it, I don't know why I was always drawn to
Lucian’s POV The scents didn't linger long which meant that they didn't stay long. The maids must have mistakenly crossed over and hurriedly pulled her away after discovering that this place was restricted.This place was off limits to literally everybody. Only those who entered were those whom I allowed such as Ivan as he helped with the cleaning. Knowing the little mouse, I was sure she would definitely try to snoop around here again. Her green eyes were always filled with curiosity, stubbornness, determination and defiance which she never seemed to hide.My lips curled in remembrance of her cautiousness when she was around me. Her expression when she saw she wasn't in her clothes was something else.I walked towards my study door and placed my thumb on the door to unlock it. There was loads of work to be done. I had piles of papers on the table, waiting to be signed. I would have been done with this, but Nikolai and his stupid schemes were taking much of my time.My eyes shut as
Iris's POV I yelped as I shifted back shifted back immediately. I rubbed my eyes to see it was playing pranks with me, but it wasn't. The creature still stood, looking at me with curious eyes.“You don't look human.” It tilted his head and stroked its jaws.“Milady what’s wrong?” Eloise asked.“There…there…there's something on the ground here.” I pointed to the thing.“Let me take a look.” She said as she stepped forward, looking at the direction I was pointing to. She darted her eyes about, looking past the creature.“I see nothing milady. What exactly did you see? A bug?” She asked.I paused, my brows raised. Is she not seeing the thing in front of her?“It's…it's right there before you.” I stuttered.“Wait let me take a look.” Samantha stepped forward, squatting and peering her eyes.“There's nothing here milady.” She rose to her face.I opened my mouth to say something but clamped it back. It dawned on me, they couldn't see the dwarf boy.“I swear something is really here…” I tr
Lucian’s POV “You should have seen Nikolai, he could barely even walk. The elders nearly beat him to death. You pushed him directly into the trap.” Azariel laughed.“Be careful child, you might choke on your meal. Table manners.” Ivana scolded him.“Nmm, I don't think I want to ever leave. The food here is simply delicious or I should take one of the maids who cooks these dishes along with me.” Michael said in between mouthfuls of food.“Keep quiet Michael and eat.” Ivana warned.“Ughh. You're so obsessed with being quie—” A fork flung at him stopped his words.“Hey! What did you do that for? You're as brutal as ever, Ivana.” He complained.“Any news from Landonsville?” Gaius who had been quiet asked.“Nm, it is as Lucian speculated. Some of the higher-ups knew about your imprisonment and some might even have a hand in it.” Azariel commented and the dining room went silent except for the clinking of forks against the plate.It was as I had expected, they would certainly feel betraye
Iris's POV “Kael.” I called but got no response. “If you're hiding show yourself immediately, I don't play kids games.” I taunted but still no response.I guess he was gone. I looked up at the book and sighed, I really wanted to read it. Maybe when I see him next time, he’ll get it for me.“The guardian’s name is Kael? Coolll.” Eloise chuckled.After giving the book one last look, I walked away from the shelf deciding to pick another book.I felt a whoosh above my head. I looked up and a book landed on my head before hitting the ground.“Aww.” I yelped, rubbing my head.“Are you alright milady?” Sntha asked with concern.“Yeah, it's just some book.” I said as I bent to pick up the book.I turned to its front cover, lo and behold, it was the same book that I was yearning to read. My instinct tells me that Kael had a hand in this.Swiftly, I ducked to the other shelf and peer led at the back but found nothing. Maybe the earth knew how much I wanted to read it and here it was.“I’ll tak
Lucian’s POV I watched Azariel fall to the ground with a thud with no emotions.“Quite dead, as a doornail.” I muttered.“Azarielll!.” Beom cried as he bent, holding Azariel's heartless body.With a yell, he sliced up the rogue that had pulled out Azariel's heart before looking at me with many emotions flickering in his eyes; confusion, fear, sadness, and a hint of rage.“You seem so unbothered…” He muttered.I sighed, before bending. “You are more flustered and sad about this than me, despite the fact that we are closer. Is there something you're not telling me?” My lips curled.“I can't believe you, Lucian. Your friend is dead and you're so…” He shook his head.“Now, I won't watch you call him dead. We have kids to save, leave him, he’d be fine.” I patted his shoulder.Beom darted his eyes from the lifeless Azariel to me. Then he rose to his feet, during his knees.“You bastards.” His lips trembled as he glared at me.“Let's go now. There's no time to waste, lead the way.” I smirk
Lucian’s POVAfter I was done with breakfast, I went to my study. Through my father's portrait, I went through the secret void and down to the secret dungeon. “Milord.” One of the dungeon guards walked towards me, bowing.“Where's the head guard?”“He is inspecting the prisoners. Do you want me to go get him?”“Yes.” Few seconds later, he arrived with the head guard.“Milord.” He bowed.“Get me Raj.” I ordered.He bowed and left while I waited. A moment later, he arrived dragging a chained Raj whose expression turned to the one of fear immediately he saw me.“Let me go! Ahhh, somebody, help me!” He yelled.“Aren't you tired of this Raj? Screaming for help when you know clearly that no one would come to save you. Pathetic.” I said, my teeth clicking.“Guess what Raj? You’d be seeing the sunset today. I'm taking you out, and it's going to be fun.” I flashed him a grin.“Please stop. I think the torture you’ve made me pass through is enough for my crimes. Just kill me already.” He sobb
Iris's POV When she mentioned that she couldn't remember her family, I suggested we take a break and talk about the issue at hand. I was sure it had something to do with the book.“When did you notice that you couldn't remember anything about your family?” I asked.“Let's say…some years after I was sucked into the book. It's like after each day of torture, a part of my memories gets wiped away. But I do know that I have a family. Who they are, I can't seem to remember. Who I was, I don't know.” She punched the neatly trimmed grass frustratingly.“I hate to be a burden to anyone. I followed you, thinking that if I got to the real world, I might remember something but it seemed it only got worse.” She rose up, dusting her trousers.“It isn't your fault, it's not like you did it on purpose. I'm sure your family would be looking for you. We can put up poster or something, then your family can come find you. But until then, you can stay here.” I offered her a smile which she returned.I d
Iris's POVI rolled on my bed, groaning for the umpteenth time as I was bored. I had taken my bath earlier, got dressed and eaten breakfast. I also spoke with my mum to make sure she was alright.She said my father had been calm these days, and had never beaten her in a long time. This was very unusual, but I was glad that she was fine. At least I wouldn't worry much about her.Thoughts of last night flowed in, and I covered my face with my pillow, groaning and kicking my legs up. It was so embarrassing the more I thought of it. Samantha and Eloise had gone to eat their breakfast, and I was alone and extremely bored. I was getting tired of this routine, waking, freshening up, eating breakfast and scrolling away on my phone. Come to think of it, I was more like a prisoner. I had never stepped out of this mansion since I arrived. I was the so-called Luna yet I didn't even know what the pack looked like. But…I hadn't asked if I could go out.Going out meant he’d have to know, which mea
Lucian’s POV Iris looked so scared as she backed away slowly. Her eyes widened that she looked like a little mouse caught stealing or doing something wrong; and that she was.I watched every single expression that passed through her face. She was all over the place, too scared of me. Strangely, I couldn't explain what I felt now. I should be happy that she was scared of me, after all, I couldn't let her get too close or think I was a bit kind.She was having a good time, poking my face with the end of a feather and it was obviously an act of revenge. Then she began stuttering that she was sorry. But we both knew she didn't mean it one bit. I said nothing but instead kept my gaze on her which only worsened things on her part.And I intentionally stood close to her, knowing how much fear it would put in her. Then she began stuttering again, about how she was pissed because I spoke to her like she was a kid.I see. I thought in my head and felt amused. So this was what all these was a
Iris's POV I took a step backwards, as my heart pounded so rapidly that I felt it might burst out of its rib cage. I was done for, his cold, icy blue eyes stared straight at me that I felt he could see my thoughts.What should I do? Should I run? “Yes, run!” A voice whispered.I took another step backwards, gulping. I opened my mouth to say something, but no word came out. Then he slowly stood, and I could see how tall he was. “Damn it.” I muttered as I backed away. Lucian took one step forward, covering all the steps I had taken. Was he trying to show off the fact that he had long legs?The more he got closer, I took a step backwards till my back hit the table. He stood right in front of me, that we were barely an inch apart. I panicked, my heart beat increasing. At this rate, I feared I might have a heart attack.“I’m…I’m sorry. I…I..I didn't mean to do that.” I apologised, my last resort.He said nothing, still staring at me intently and I was tempted to ask if there was someth
Lucian’s POV After I left Iris’s room, I received the book of illusions from Ivan. It was to be returned to the council for it to be kept holy ground; its rightful place.I walked to the general library, with the intent of seeing Kael. There was more to Iris, and it was slowly becoming more evident. It would be bad if news of her upcoming ability gets to the wrong ears.Not everyone could see Kael, even some of the powerful beings couldn't see him, yet Iris who was wolf-less, saw him. “Show yourself, idiot.” I said, as I hopped onto a table, tilting my head to the side.“You haven't changed, disrespectful brat.” A child’s voice echoed in the library.“You speak a lot for someone so small. Don't forget I could easily stomp on you, and you’d be forgotten, kid.” I smirked.“Don't call me that!” He snapped. “You remind me of a girl I met earlier. She saw me as a kid and spoke to me like I was her little brother or something. Urggh.” He groaned.My lips curled, I knew who he was referrin
Iris's POV I bit my lips hard, watching him leave the room. Because if I didn't, I might say something that could put me in trouble. And right now, it was best to avoid pissing him off. He just saved me, and a stranger we both didn't know.Lucian spoke like it was my fault that the book dragged me in. He spoke to me like I was some curious kid that touches everything she sees. I was in the library, I picked a book to read without knowing how dangerous it was. Maybe I should have just ignored the book, then all these wouldn't happen. But then, I was grateful that I was alive thanks to him, and I was able to save someone else from a horrible fate.My heart was saddened by the thought of the mister I had met. If the queen of the floweries kept to her words, then the man would be safe. I couldn't believe I just went through such an ordeal, and meeting psychopaths who had twisted ideas of happiness. But according to the mister, it was to break the realm so that they could go to the outsid
“You’re interesting.” A feminine voice said.I turned to see the queen of the floweries sitting on her throne, decked with numerous flowers.I simply ignored and faced Iris, with the intent to leave with her.“Please let's save them too.” She begged, her eyes filled with worry as she stared back at the tattered man and the young woman.She watched me, waiting for a response but I said nothing.“I’ll take that as a yes.” She mumbled as she rushed to loosen them both.The guards only watched with frowns on their faces, and gritted teeth. The corpse of their subordinates was enough warning to keep away from me.She loosened them before they began whispering something amongst themselves. Then with sad eyes, she held the hands of the young woman and looked back at the man who had an assuring smile on.“Now that you’ve riled them up, how do we leave here alive?” She whispered.“Don't worry, little mouse.” I said, patting her hair and the expression on her face was priceless.“We might be ca
Lucian's POV I jumped into the hole in the book, ignoring Ariel's scream. The only thing on my mind was seeing Iris safe. After falling for a long time, I landed on flowers. I hadn't been to this realm before, but the seer at the council had been able to peel into what it looked like. A place filled with flowers, trees and colourful butterflies which was the perfect illusion in contrast to what was actually going on here.I looked around, but there was no sign of anybody. The mansion where the prisoners were kept should be nearby. Iris must have been taken by the floweries.I hopped from tree to tree, advancing forward but I found no mansion. There was no route and that made it harder. Everywhere was just covered by silly, annoying flowers that irked me. The place was too bright to my liking.As I hopped on another tree, I felt something pierced me from my back. I reached out for it and pulled it out, it was an arrow. I guess my presence has been noticed.I continued hopping from tr