My fingers brushed the cool wall for balance as I navigated away from the council chamber, every muscle in my body crying out for release from tension's unyielding grip. Elroy stood close at my side, helping guide me. I could tell his protective instincts were flaring as he saw my tiredness setting
In spite of the exhilaration of our victory, they day had to go on. The duties were never-ending, and after going out for a celebratory late lunch, Elroy and I had to return to our separate tasks.I wanted to do something nice for myself, after that stressful experience, and I realized there was som
Her reassurance was a gentle wave that smoothed the jagged edges of my doubts. I smiled at her.“I know,” I reassured her. “But I’m coming off of a manipulative relationship where I was always to blame, of course those thoughts are going to come to my head. I know it’s not my fault, and it’s not his
Elroy’s POVToday had been exhausting. Fighting the council always was, but it had been worth it. We’d shown them the ugly truth, the one they’d denied far too long, and hopefully got some of them to rethink their roles a little.And there was Olivia.Goddess, she was incredible in there. Seeing her
Elroy’s POVThe effect of those words was immediate and indescribable. More than guilt, or shame, or horror—it was something that howled through me like a hurricane, ripping me apart and leaving ragged, bloody holes. My body could feel it, and it was as real as any cracking bone.My ears rang. My vi
I wanted to pull until the hook ripped out, taking whatever traitorous chunk of me it wanted as long as it was gone. It was like an infected limb, but nothing I did seemed to force the amputation.What was wrong with me? Why couldn’t I just let this go? She was just a healer, someone I’d never even
The incense stick sparked to life with a hiss, its aroma weaving through the air of the Ruby Room. I settled onto my knees, the rough carpet biting into my skin, and closed my eyes. Smoke curled like ethereal tendrils, carrying my silent prayer upwards."Great Moon Goddess," I murmured, choking on a
Olivia’s POVI smoothed my dress, silently appreciating the way the purple fabric hugged my hips, accentuating my small baby bump. This would be the first time I’d be outside the manor since my pregnancy became visible, and the knowledge that everyone would see that there was life growing inside of
Elroy POVHer room was empty, but that didn’t alarm me at first. There were many places throughout the palace where she could be reading or napping or hosting a return visit from one of the pack leaders.But even as I walked the halls, I knew she was doing none of these things. I could feel her miss
Olivia POVIt had been months since my last visit to my mother’s side, but I could tell that Iris was right. Before, she always seemed to be sleeping. Her skin glowed, and her muscles remained taut from the ‘round-the-clock care she received.Now, there was a yellow, almost jaundiced look to her ski
Olivia POVElroy was knocking on my door when I woke up. It was early in the morning, just after dawn, and even as I sat up in bed I remained half-asleep. Still, I knew that knock.“Come in,” I called.Elroy came inside wearing dirty battle gear, and there was dried blood on his chin.“Are you all r
“Now, what is it I can do for you, Luna?” she asked.“Actually, you can accept my sincere apologies.”She frowned just slightly. “Luna?”“You were made to witness a most distressing scene in my household. Obviously, I had no idea the so-called Rogue King would crash my banquet, but that’s no excuse
Olivia POVWith Elroy gone, I needed to concentrate on my duties as Luna, which meant I had to deal ASAP with the fallout from my pretty much disastrous banquet. I mean, Denis might be trying to stage some sort of revolution and destroy my reputation, but did he have to crash my party so fatally?I
Olivia POVElroy left with a thousand soldiers the next morning, half on horseback and half in their wolf forms. I supposed I should be curious about the battle strategy, but I wasn’t. I couldn’t bring myself to care.A part of me knew I wasn’t defeated, that I would still fight for wolves’ rights a
She held up a hand. “I said I had to ask. I didn’t say I give him any credit. Officially, I am asking if you’re denying his claims.”“Of course I am!” I threw up my hands. “It’s all just some lie he’s made up to cause trouble.”I put my hands down. “Think about it, if I had someone from my past I lo
Olivia POVRefusing to follow behind Elroy like a naughty child, I swept out of the room ahead of him, though I took care to dismiss Jordan gently. She, like most of the wolves in the room who didn’t fight, looked shaken but still present in the moment. I trusted they could all take care of themselv
He looked at me and then bowed deeply, making several people gasp.“Come with me, Lady Olivia,” he urged, looking up with his hand stretched toward me. “I have gathered an army of Rogue werewolves who call me their king. Come with me and rule them by my side.”I was about to demand just what sort of