AvaThe guards showed us little mercy as they shoved us roughly through the massive doors of the throne room, their spears pointed at our backs. I stumbled, the point of one spear pressing through my jacket, but I couldn’t slow down; something told me that these guards wouldn’t care if they injured
“Enough!” Winston’s sharp voice cracked like a whip covered in ice. “Moonstone is no friend of Crescent Moon. I specifically forbade you from visiting. I do not take kindly to uninvited guests.”I could feel Chris tensing beside me. “I apologize for coming against your wishes, but it’s a matter of u
ChrisThe harsh clang of metal against metal jolted me awake. I blinked, disoriented, as one of those godforsaken guards who looked like they were hewn out of the very rock that made up these castle walls roughly yanked me to my feet. The cold of the stone floor seeped through my thin shoes, a stark
“Let my Alpha return home. I will stay as your servant for two months and serve out both of our sentences.”My eyes widened. “Ava, you don’t—” I hissed, but Winston held up a hand, silencing me. My words died in my throat, my frustration building at being so easily silenced by a man who I had never
AvaThe kitchen was a flurry of activity as we prepared for the evening’s feast. I found myself assigned to the cooking staff, which was a relief. At least here, I could put my skills to good use.The head cook, a plump woman named Martha, barked orders as we chopped, stirred, and seasoned. It seeme
Reluctantly, I handed the baby back to the maid. “Thank you for letting me hold her. She’s precious.”As the maid hurried away, I turned back to my cooking, my mind whirling with this new information. The rest of the day passed in a blur, and before I knew it, it was time for the feast to begin.I f
AvaChris’s eyes were wide as he looked down at the tiny bundle in my arms. I couldn’t help but beam, thrusting little Estella toward him.“Isn’t she beautiful?” I asked. “Her name is Estella.”Pursing his lips, Chris stepped forward and peered at the baby, who was sound asleep in my arms. He took o
“Alpha Winston,” I began with a polite curtsy, but he cut me off with a snarl.“Don’t patronize me. Give me my child,” he demanded. The maid quickly took the baby from my arms, whisking her away. I saw the maid’s eyes meet mine, full of apology. I offered her a reassuring nod.But then, before eithe