The crystal droplets felt like ice on my skin and a soft exhale escaped through my lips. I dipped my fingers back into the cool water, mesmerised by the way it made my skin luminescent. It had been a week since the incident and Clara was evicted from the house, her family was also taxed for delivering ten per cent of stocks in addition to her pack being banned from ever crossing foot into the Capital. In truth, I still couldn't fathom why she would do that. What did Jessica offer that was more valuable than her dignity? I deeply inhaled, retracted my hand from the water and tipped my head back. The sky was unusually dark tonight and bleak of stars, the moon looked like a big round ball of white and it reminded me how hollow I felt. The next round was tomorrow and I had no idea what to expect and for some strange reason, I was missing him.My fingers went up to my neck, clutching the small gem that rested below my collarbone. He'd said the stone reminded him of my eyes, ironically, i
I was barely concentrating on what Paige was saying, her lips were rapidly moving and her hands flying around but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn't get rid of the image in my head. Although my body still burned from his touch, I was unable to clear away the memory.I was certain that his eyes had turned gold but that was impossible. He was just an imperial soldier, a Kingsguard. It didn't make sense that he had that eye colour.Maybe it was the lighting or I had been imagining things in the haze of the passion."Dahlia!" Paige shook me by the shoulders, effectively bringing me back to reality, "Did you even listen to anything I said?"I gave her a sheepish look and she rolled her eyes, linking her arms with mine. We trudged out of the room where Cora was busy talking to a leggy redhead, when her companion saw us, she offered us a friendly wave before sauntering off. "Who was that?" Paige asked before I did and Cora smirked mischievously. When Paige offered her a free arm, Cora wrinkl
The entire court was thrown into pandemonium after they'd heard the news. Calloway had left, leaving only Carissa to care for the panicky girls. I was confused, not understanding why everyone was so pale with fear. The doors to the court were closed shut, the windows locked and guards stationed around the building. Everyone was on high alert and no one wanted to go back into their rooms."What are shadow wolves?" I turned to face Cora who had a pensive expression on his face, "Cora?" She blew out a shaky breath, threading a finger through her dark curls. Paige was no better, she kept chewing into her nails, and an arm was wrapped around her middle. "Only the most fearsome wolves in the underworld," She whispered eerily, "Nobody knows where they are located, rumours have it that they live deep in the bottom of the earth and they're are descendants of the original Lycans." Now, I was even more confused. I had never heard of this legend before more so imagined that they truly existed.
"What?" A broken whisper left my parted lips, ears buzzing from the words she'd just spoken. Sol wrapped her arms around Miranda who sobbed into her neck. "Shit," Cora cursed, jumping to her feet. She looked like she was struggling to come to terms with the news. I shook my head, eyes scanning the room. Although nobody had heard what Miranda had just said, they were sure to find out soon enough. The court ladies were closer now and the rest of the girls were peering at us with keen interest. I had to do something,So I stood up, simultaneously clapping my hands together. "Oh, Miranda! Come I'll take you to my room where you can get some meds for your aching tummy," I made my voice loud enough for it to echo in the vast space.I hurried over to Miranda, ignoring the look the other girls shot me. "Just go along with it," I whispered into Sol's ear and her bright eyes widened. "Yeah, you should follow us and get those meds!" She yelled loudly, urging Miranda to get on her feet. "W
My blurry eyes tried to focus on the screen of my phone. My mind was racing with different thoughts and the space between my fingers was beginning to get sweaty.Twenty missed calls.Ten unread messages, the recent one sent three minutes. I blew out a breath and threw the phone on the bed. I raked my fingers through my hair and shut my eyes tightly. My brain felt like it would combust any moment from now,I couldn't get what happened last night out of my head. I could still feel his hot breath fanning my face, the tiny claw marks on my face had managed to heal a bit.'Lefkós Lýkos.'The words filtered into my ear, making my eyes fly open. I quickly grabbed my phone, tapping on the Google icon,When I typed out the words, it took a little while but the answers popped right up. My eyes widened a fraction and my lips parted slightly,"Dahlia!"I jumped from my spot, frightened eyes falling on Paige. She arched a brow at my skittish attitude but I brushed it off with a shaky smile,"Come
The march to the main castle was quiet and brooding, Lady Calloway refused to look at me and the guard's grip was nearly digging into my flesh. The amount of turns and corners we took was dizzying and by the time we made it to the walkway leading to the main gates, I was exhausted. The interior of the grand building was brighter than I would have imagined.If the West Court was decorated with gold, the main castle was bathed with it. From the tapestries to the arched ceilings and even the floors. I still couldn't grasp why it was called Castle Black, there was nothing gloomy about the magnanimous edifice. "Wow," A small whisper slipped past my parted lips, my eyes raking over every structure in the open hallway. I was utterly astounded, now I understood why they were referred to as the 'Golden Lycans'"We're approaching the throne room." That single statement was enough to make me snap out of my thoughts. My widened gaze met the side of Calloway's face, "What?"It was then I noticed
A loud noise interrupted the eerie silence that had taken place after Theo's declaration. I was too stunned to see who'd come in but the relieved look on the Dowager's face told me that it was someone expected.So I turned my head behind me to see two men dressed in elegant robes rushing towards us. I recognized the first man as Mason, the poker-faced man who was always trailing behind Theo. The other man was strange to me, he had long straight white hair that fell over his shoulders, and although he had a youthful countenance, his eyes held an ancient look in them plus had also walked with a fancy cane."Mason! Thank Goddess you're here!" The dowager rushed forward, her large gown billowing around her, "Tell Theo to stop this madness," She cried out, clutching the bald man's arm,Mason's hard gaze flickered to Theo who was still locked in an intense stare with Ryker. Then those eyes fell on me and I stiffened,The corner of his mouth twitched and I broke away from his stare. Ryker ch
I expected Theo's cries of pain or Ryker's victorious shout but none of it happened because Theo suddenly jumped back to his feet, throwing a fist at Ryker's chest and sending the latter flying through the air.He landed roughly against the sand, rolling and tumbling until he smashed against the wooden plaque causing it to shatter into many pieces. I held back a smile as Theo howled into the air, revelling in the cheers and whoops that came from his pack members.Theo lunged at Ryker, punching him mercilessly in the face. I winced as the sound of bones cracking filled the air, he was half-shift now and even from where I stood, there was no mistaking the golden glow in his eyes.Ryker was limp and Theo had him in a choke-hold, raising him in the air as if he weighed nothing."Do you yield!?" His voice rumbled, loud enough for everyone to hear.Ryker was unresponsive causing Theo to smash him into the ground and lift him again,"I said, do you yield!?" His voice boomed and thundered, se
|SIX YEARS LATER|Castle Black, Pack Black Haven(Capital city).Another chapter. Another day, combined with hours of waiting and anticipating his return. It is cold, dreadfully so and it seems like no matter the amount of layers I put on, I will still remain frozen. Maybe it is because I am pregnant but Paige says I should keep warm, so the child wouldn't end up a white wolf as his mother. But I am doubtful, the doctor already said that one of the children will take on my gene, I only wonder who."Your highness!"Today, I had nothing important to do, asides settling a dispute between two neighbours who claimed ownership over a goat. Unlike what I'd expected, a Queen didn't have much duties asides making sure that the capital was in order. It took months to help the beggars on the streets and even longer to put an end to alleyway bag thiefs. I had to persuade the council to fund an open house for the poor and needy plus two orphanages as well."Your Highness!!"At first, they were skep
Gorgeous.The girl staring back at me was so unbelievably gorgeous, it shocked me to the core. Her snow blonde hair was thrown over a shoulder in beautiful waves, golden flowers were pinned in different angles of her head. Her ruby red lips would put the colour of blood to shame and kohl-rimmed eyes blinked back at me."You are truly stunning, Luna Emma," The voice from behind me was almost starling and I tore my eyes away from my reflection to stare at Lady Calloway who had an expression of awe etched on her features.I smiled grimly, looking back at the mirror. The gown I wore was a shimmering blue, the same shade as her eyes. Although she truly looked stunning, her lips were pulled down into a small frown.I blew out a heavy breath, twisting around to face the woman in front of me, "Do you really think I would be a good Queen?" I asked hesitantly, chewing on the inside of my cheek.Lady Calloway smiled gently, crouching and placing a palm above my hand, "I think you will make a gr
I stirred on the bed, stretching my limbs with a pop. My eyelids fluttered open, lips parting to release a drawn out yawn,I winced softly, rubbing my exposed tummy. My vision was a bit blurry and I squinted when I turned towards the window, the bright morning light shining in my direction."You're awake," I whipped in the direction of the voice, my lips pulling into a lazy smile. Theo walked around the bed towards my end and leaned to press a soft kiss on my head. He was still shirtless but had donned on a different pair of pants that looked a little bit oversized. His hair was messy on top of his head and there was a twinkle in his eyes, one I hadn't seen before. "Sleep good?" I shook my head, pointing between my legs, "I feel sore," My voice came out as a small whine causing him to huff out a short laugh."I knew you would say that, hence I prepared a warm bath for you,."I frowned at his statement. Warm bath?My question was brought to a cease when he moved his hands beneath my
The hem of my robe dragged across the floor as I walked, the candle was resting perfectly on the inside of my palm and I had to keep from wincing every time the hot wax dropped on my skin. It was dark, the moon hadn't fully risen yet all we had as illumination was the dim light of the bulbs overhead and the large rose-scented candles in our grip.The lady in front stopped suddenly, causing all of us to grind to a halt. She turned to look at me and for a moment, the corner of her lips curled upwards. Lad Calloway nudged her head towards the close door,"This is his chamber, wait inside until he comes." I inhaled deeply before expelling the air. In one swift motion, I turned towards the door and tipped my chin in a confident manner,"Open it," I said, my determined gaze set on the embellishments on the wooden entrance.Tonight was the night everyone had been anticipating, including me. The mating ceremony was a revered ritual among us, it was when two people either chosen or fated mate
I took in a deep breath after explaining, watching warily for his reaction. His face was gloom and drawn tight, there was a little furrow between his brows which meant that he was still digesting everything.Finally, he exhaled before shifting to properly look at me, "Why didn't you tell me? I would've ripped the bastard's head right off."I smiled wryly, tightening our conjoined fingers together, "Trust me, I wanted to do that too. I debated if killing was the best idea and then choose not to do it.""Why?" He asked curiously and I chuckled softly, bumping my shoulders against his."Because," I started, drawling in a tired manner, "For people like Hansen, their lives matter less to them but their prestige on the other hand?" I shook my head, "That's what their entire world is built upon." Theo hummed thoughtfully, his eyes glazing over. Suddenly he smiled brightly, throwing an arm over my shoulder, "I'm glad I have such a smart mate."I rolled my eyes, stifling the giggle that was t
I stared at my reflection in the large mirror, my fingers playing with the silk robe tied around my waist. After the whole contest yesterday, I was brought into the Queen's quarters and was given strict instructions not to leave there until instructed. Apparently, I had to be cleansed and purified before the mating process began.The dowager had asked me to phone my family and order them to be on their way so they would make it in time for the coronation. That was this morning and I haven't picked up my phone yet,"Black looks good on you,"I flinched, whipping around to face the intruder. Theo was casually leaning against the wall, arms crossed against his chest and a serious look in his eyes,I frowned, puzzled by his appearance, "How-when did you get here?"He shrugged, pushing himself from the wall and stalking towards me, "A while back,"I sighed and turned to face the morrow away, my fingers still fiddling with the knot in front. When he wrapped his large arms around my waist, I
"Should I be scared or nervous?"I gave the man a grim smile, pushing the small cup of tea towards him before grabbing my own. I gingerly took a sip, savoring in the warm sweetness that invaded my tongue instantly,"Which one of the two do you think is more appropriate?" I asked, arching a brow when he pushed his cup away, a small gesture but one I caught nonetheless.I gave him a look, one he not-so-politely ignored, clearing his throat loudly, "I don't quite know, you're no longer a contestant anymore but the mate of the Alpha and future Queen of the entire werekind. It would be stupid not to feel some amount of petrification." My lips curled and I slowly placed the cup back on the table, smacking my lips together, "I'll be straight with you, Lord Hansen," That piqued his attention causing him to lean nearer, "I called you here for one specific reason,"Something akin to uneasiness flashed in his eyes but he quickly concealed it with a cocky smile, "Do tell," "Jessica." I said si
When I was younger, I always wished that I would get like my sister's colour of wolf. Dahlia was my role model, everything she did, I copied and she loved it too so it was only natural that I got her colour. But sometimes, in the secret I would wish for my mother's colour too, hers was a beautiful grey and I loved the way the fur looked underneath the moonlight. Never in my life would I imagine being a white wolf. A wolf so powerful, they were regarded as too much for the werekind. A wolf so special, they were rare to find.So why, why did the moon goodness find me fit to become one?My eyes flew open, burning so bright and powerful. It felt like the sun was scorching me from inside and I couldn't help it. A piercing scream ripped its way from my chest and I curled into myself,My wolf emerged like lightning, spearing through my entire system. My eyes flew open and I shook my head but I realized that I wasn't in my human form anymore.Jessica looked stunned, her jaw was hanging open
The arena was filled to the brim, I was very much certain of that. They had used the same place as the first round where we had to go through different obstacle courses, the same place where I had purposefully broken my leg in a bid to avoid what I was presently doing.I looked around me, at the wild crowd cheering and crying. Their sentences almost inaudible since they were all yelling at once, excitement and tension pooled in my stomach,My eyes met my opponent's but she wasn't focused on me, her gaze was on the crowd. She was smiling and waving at them as though they were chanting for her, probably they were I couldn't hear anything either ways. I wondered if Lord Hansen had told her that his plan had flopped and there was nothing holding me back now. I wondered if she knew just how dangerous I could be once I shifted."Werewolves and shewolves," Lady Calloway spoke through the loud microphone that carried her voice round the entire auditorium. "The moment we have finally been wai