Mag-log inI wished I shared her confidence. The meal progressed through multiple courses – roast venison with winter vegetables, poached fish in a delicate sauce, a selection of cheeses from every territory in the kingdom. I ate sparingly of each, using conversation to distract from my unusually modest appetite.At precisely ten o'clock, the orchestra positioned in the corner began to play, the lilting notes of a traditional wolf dance filling the hall. Oscar was on his feet immediately, extending his hand to me with a theatrical bow."My Queen," he said, eyes sparkling with mischief, "would you do me the honour?"I allowed him to lead me to the center of the floor, where other couples were already forming for the dance. His hand rested lightly at my waist, the other clasping mine as we began the familiar steps."You've been quiet tonight," he observed, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "Are you still feeling unwell?""Just missing Theo
In our chambers, I surveyed the dresses laid out across the bed, trying to determine which would best conceal my condition. Not that there was anything to show yet – my stomach remained flat, my body outwardly unchanged – but paranoia had made me hypersensitive to anything that might cling too closely to my midsection.I selected a deep burgundy gown with an empire waist, the fabric flowing loosely from just beneath my breasts. Festive enough for Christmas Eve, but not so dramatic as to draw undue attention. As I slipped it on, I caught sight of myself in the full-length mirror – cheeks flushed, eyes bright with secret knowledge, the silver crown of my position glinting in the lamplight as I settled it atop my curls.Queen Avelina Wroblewski, ruler of wolves and Lycans, uniter of ancient enemies, and now, finally, mother-to-be.The thought brought fresh tears, which I hastily blinked away as I heard footsteps approaching. Oscar's distinctive stride, quick
I pressed my hand to my stomach for the hundredth time that day, marvelling at the secret life growing beneath my palm. The office around me was still, a pocket of quiet in a palace overflowing with Christmas Eve preparations. Artemis stirred contentedly within me, a warm presence wrapped protectively around the tiny spark we both cherished. Six weeks. Six weeks of miraculous change happening within my body, unnoticed by the kings who shared my bed, my throne, my life. I withdrew my hand quickly as footsteps approached my door, guilt flashing through me at the deception. Just a little longer. Just until we were all together.The footsteps passed, and I exhaled slowly, returning to the small boxes arranged on my desk. Four identical mahogany containers, each lined with velvet and awaiting the pieces of the puzzle I'd spent the morning crafting. The secret felt like a living thing inside me, separate from the actual life growing in my womb – a wild, joyful beast clawing to br
"Oh," I whispered, the single syllable containing a universe of emotion. My free hand moved instinctively to my stomach, pressing against the flat plane where life now grew. "Oh, my god."*I told you!* Artemis was practically dancing with joy. *Pups! Our pup! We did it!*Tears spilled onto my cheeks as I sank to the floor, back against the cool marble of the bathtub, test still clutched in my hand like a talisman. Pregnant. After five years, after countless negative tests, after specialists and treatments and rituals, after fighting the shadow of a curse that had hung over us like a malevolent cloud—pregnant."I need to tell them," I whispered, picturing my kings' faces. "They've waited so long, hoped so long..."Christmas. I would tell them on Christmas morning. What better gift could I possibly give them? I could already imagine it—the five of us (please, all five, I prayed silently) gathered around the tree, exchanging presents. I would save mi
I woke to silence and empty spaces. My arm stretched across the cool sheets where Oscar should have been, my leg extended into the void Callum had left. The morning light filtered through the curtains, painting the abandoned half of our enormous bed in soft gold. They must have risen early, eager to tackle the day's festival preparations, leaving me to sleep in after last night's opening ceremonies. I should have been grateful for the respite, but the absence of their bodies—and the continued void where Theo and Noah should have been—made the bed feel less like a sanctuary and more like an island adrift in a too-large ocean."Good morning to you too," I murmured to the emptiness, pushing myself up against the headboard.*They let us sleep,* Artemis observed, her presence stretching lazily within me like a cat in a patch of sunlight. *Oscar left his scent on your pillow deliberately.*I smiled despite myself, bringing Oscar's pillow to my face and inhaling
The ballroom had been transformed under my careful direction—though I'd been banned from handling the actual tinsel, my vision had guided the decorating committee. Crystal chandeliers dripped with silver icicles, tables laden with festive foods lined the walls, and a massive tree reached toward the vaulted ceiling, adorned with ornaments representing each territory of the kingdom.Musicians played traditional wolf songs intermixed with human Christmas carols, the melodies weaving together as seamlessly as our two species had under Ava's rule. Dancers already spun across the polished floor, their movements creating patterns as intricate as the lights outside."It's beautiful, Oscar," Ava said, her eyes taking in the scene. "You've outdone yourself this year."I preened slightly at the compliment. "Well, I had to compensate for being outnumbered in the 'no, Oscar, we don't need actual live reindeer in the ballroom' debate."Her laugh, though soft, w







