DustinI am clueless.I, Dustin Landric, the man who knows about everything that goes on inside the Four Kingdoms of Wolves, am clueless.One day has passed—one whole night and day—and she is nowhere to be found.Redley’s people didn’t take her. Maverick’s friends didn’t take her. Levian didn’t come anywhere near her.She has disappeared into thin air. Even the voices in the water refuse to tell me where she has gone.It’s the first time in my life—like all first times with her—that I find myself helpless. It’s like my power has reduced to nothing, like I have reduced to nothing but a desperate man who is looking for his lost mate.What loser thoughts!I will find that little trouble, and I am going to make her regret getting on my nerves this time. She has pushed me to my limits, and I am so done playing nice and staying low.“ The divers didn’t find anything but a floating piece of her dress, Your Highness. The body must have been carried away by the sea. ” Ronac enters the sitting a
ElitaI knew knowledge about the future was my power. Yet, I didn’t use it properly.When Maverick came to slander Lana, and Redley was hellbent on sending her—me to the vampires, I realized that staying as Lana in this world was a mistake.No matter how cautious I tried to be, Lana’s enemies, or so-called family, or the vampires would never let her be. She was too important to be overlooked.I knew that Lana needed to go—or precisely, her face and body needed to go so I could stay by Dustin’s side without anyone getting on my nerves every day.But how? I wondered at first. It was not like I could go back inside my body or wear a veil. I was thinking about it when Maverick ran his mouth in the Throne room.And then suddenly, Princess Avery’s words rang in my ears. She thought I was using a witch’s potion to take on Lana’s appearance. What sounded absurd to me before became my lifeline.That’s why I staged Lana’s death, turned Redley into a murderer, and then disappeared without saying
Elita“ Dustin…what are you…doing? ” I whisper in the space between us and realize how small it is.I am molded into him. I can lean up and kiss him. I tilt my head and meet his gaze, swallowing the rising tension in my chest. His eyes are locked on me, dark and intense, and I swear I see a flicker of something primal pass through them—a need that matches the one curling low in my stomach. It’s raw, barely controlled, and I know it’s not just anger I am dealing with anymore.He is dangerous right now, more dangerous than I have ever seen him.And I don’t understand why he is so angry. Is it because I did things without telling him? My heart hammers in my chest, both out of fear and a maddening, undeniable desire.I have lost my mind.“ Congratulations…” His voice is low, rough, sending a shiver through me. “ You have managed to push me right to the edge, and now, I don’t know if I want to punish you…or take you apart piece by piece. ”That's the same thing, I want to say to him...B
ElitaDustin pulls away as soon as our lips meet, as soon as my eyes flutter shut. My body turns cold while confusion takes hold of me.I open my eyes again, and he is still there. My breath catches in my throat. He is staring at me with an intensity that makes my heart tremble. His chest rises and falls heavily, his eyes flashing between black and that dangerous electric blue as if he is fighting to hold himself back.At this moment, I hate that he is trying to pull himself away. If he has already started this, why is he beginning to think about it now?“ Don’t you want to show me what you are like when you are really fuming, or are you too scared to do that, Dustin? ” I ask, trying to sound steady, but my voice trembles, betraying the storm brewing inside me.Anger, embarrassment, and that raging desire turn into one explosive emotion inside me. I want to run away and hide, or else I won’t be able to stop myself. Before I can do either, Dustin’s hands squeeze my waist, rough and d
ElitaOne moment, it feels like…I am about to be wrecked.But then, another moment, a harsh knock sounds on the door. The tense air between us thickens as Dustin keeps his eyes on me, just watching me, holding my breath from close.Annoyance surges through my head, but that knock brings me back to my senses. Suddenly, I can think again, and what I am thinking is not good at all.Were we going to end up having sex if no one knocked on the door? I swallow my saliva, my breath hitching in my throat.Another knock follows, louder and harder than before. It’s like whoever is on the other side of the door needs us to step out immediately.Dustin’s grip on my arms loosen. A frown etches between his brows, his haze losing its heat and turning unfocused.“ I didn’t…notice. ” He mumbles, more to himself than to me.My heartbeat picks its pace again. I exhale a sharp breath, scanning his conflicted expressions. That’s when my gaze lands on his ruffled hair and open collar. He looks so disheveled
ElitaShortly after Dustin leaves, Felicity comes to get me. Her eyes scream confusion at my disheveled state, but she doesn’t say a word. She leads me to Lana’s room—my old room and helps me change into a different dress.I stare at her as she zips up the plain, blue gown that falls to my ankles and is made of silk. She must be thinking that I am Dustin’s side piece or something. I want to tell her that it’s not like this, but…why do I even care? She can think of anything she wants. But…for some reason, my mind is unable to accept that rational thought. More annoyance fills my mind, and I pull away.“ I am tired. I want to rest so you should go. ” Felicity’s eyes lift to my gaze in the mirror for a second. I narrow my eyes, letting her know that I am dead serious.She nods and, without saying a word, rushes out of the room. When the sound of the door closing reaches my ears, my shoulders stiffen.She is acting so hostile. Did she like Lana so much already? I walk towards the win
Elita“ What do you mean, Dustin? Will you at least tell me? ” I whip around and follow in his steps. Did Levian go to the South again? Is Princess Avery’s life in danger? But if that’s the case, why is Dustin so calm? My brows furrow in confusion as he keeps walking, and I jog to keep up with his long strides.“ You do not need to be like this with me. ” I say when he doesn’t talk. “ if you just tell me what’s wrong, I can find a way out of it. I know the enemy more than you ever will, Dustin. ”This has him stopping in his tracks. I pause beside him, my heart missing a beat.“ I know everything that he thinks, everything he can and can not do. I have spent so much time with him, learning everything he knows. ” I whisper, thinking it’s the best way to convince him.But to my surprise, my words bring a smirk on his lips. Dustin glances my way, his eyes shining with something I can’t understand.“ No one in this world knows everything. You are no exception. And if you think you are
ElitaSilence becomes the only refuge as we move in the darkness of the night. I don’t ask him any questions, just glance behind to notice a few horses following.We are not…on that kind of secret mission where we have to leave the warriors behind, I guess.“ I had relocated them to the Pack that was nearest to the Wolveshire Citadel. ” Dustin breaks the uncomfortable silence. His lips brush against the shell of my ear with each word. I shudder and instinctively curl my hands into fists. “ You said it was not about my family… ”“ That’s right. It’s because he doesn’t know what I am hiding yet. ” Dustin leans closer and breathes into my ear.I swallow and stop myself from trembling. He is so close—too close, and it reminds me of what we were about to do just a little time ago.The heat of his mouth is still fresh on my skin. And I can feel my lips tingling with his minty taste. “ What…are you…hiding? ” I murmur in a trance.“ I am hiding a lot. If I tell you about everything I am hid
The air is still cold when Dustin and I walk back toward the Kings. I don’t miss the silence that hangs heavy between us, thick enough to choke me. Something is wrong with him. I have known it since I saw him by the lake. There is a shift in him, something subtle but unsettling, like a ripple just beneath the surface.But, I don’t ask what it is that is bothering him. Not because I don’t care, but because I know better. Dustin’s mind is a fortress, impenetrable when he is preparing for what is to come. He needs his focus, his composure—and I need to trust him to handle whatever’s weighing on him. Still, it’s hard to shake the unease gnawing at me.What happened after I fell asleep? I don't know but I have a hunch that it has to do something with King Aleister. As we step back into the clearing, I notice that the Kings are already awake. Aleister rises first, his sharp gaze finding us immediately, while Tyson and Striker stretch and yawn like they have slept on clouds instead of t
ElitaRestlessness makes it hard for me to sleep for long. The journey is coming to an end soon. I have led them here, but I don’t know if I will be able to return with them to the North again. I open my eyes and stare at the sky. The space between the tall trees is turning light. The sun will rise soon, and we will cross the lake to go to the other side.Unconsciously, I look to my left. The three Kings are asleep. King Aleister is resting agaisnt a tree, refusing to lie down and be vulnerable while King Striker and King Tyson are laying close, fast asleep.My lips curl into a smile. If I was told I would see the proud Kings spending days in forests, traveling alone, and tending to their needs without any help, I would have laughed hard. But they don’t mind. It’s surprising—but they really don’t care what they have to do to ensure that their people remain alive and well.I sigh and shift to my right side. My brows lift as I find the spot empty. Instantly, I sit up and look around.
Dustin“ What are you trying to say? Be more clear. ” Aleister mumbles, his sharp gaze fixed at her. “ So…the…end thought is…they have powers—different, unknown powers. We need to be careful when engaging with them. And don’t mention anything insulting about Levian Seisti when we come across them. They won’t like it. That’s it. We have to convince them by telling what is in it for them, and also by telling them how their contribution will save uncountable lives. ” She sighs, and rises from her spot between Striker and Tyson.“ Have they got any tricks up their sleeves like Elves? Do you know about it? ” Striker questions as she walks towards me.She stops when she is a step away from me, and turns to face them. “ Your Highness, I have told you all I know. This time, it’s really everything I know. The rest now…depends on you and your ability to influence people. You four have to secure an alliance. And you have to do it on your own. ”They stare at her, but don’t question her. If the
DustinRight now, I dislike the fact that Goddess didn’t give me the power to teleport more than anything.But no!What is really so special about disappearing from one place and appearing in another? He can not even do that without having seen the place he is going to appear to. It’s not that great!Then why does she keep making heart eyes at that brainless, tactless, everything-less man? It’s catastrophic that my sister has him as his mate and is forced to love him when there is nothing to love. Or even if there is, I don’t see it. And if I don’t see it, then there must not be anything worth seeing.Yes! It is truly catastrophic, but Elita Folke doesn’t understand even the ‘C’ of that. What is wrong with her?Is she going blind with her nearing demise? Or does she simply have a bad taste in men? Bad taste sounds like the better option. She was staring at that ugly Elf too when I couldn’t find anything worthwhile to see in him either.With his silver hair and silver eyes, he coul
ElitaThe dining hall is buzzing when we step back inside. Elf girls, radiant and graceful, fill the space like a picture of shimmering light. As soon as Dustin and I cross the threshold, their attention shifts to him. They rush forward, voices chiming like wind chimes, their slender hands tugging at his arms, leading him toward one side of the long table. I barely have a chance to react when a hand settles on the small of my back.I stiffen, glancing over my shoulder. It’s the same elf man from earlier, his touch light but assertive. “ This way… ” He murmurs. He guides me to the opposite side of the table, his hand remaining far longer than necessary. My eyes dart to Dustin, who is already surrounded, his jaw tight, but he is not resisting. Not yet.“ I would like to know you. ” The elf whispers, pulling out a chair for me as though he is some kind of gentleman. I force myself to sit, my movements stiff, my gaze flickering towards Dustin. His eyes are on me, and there is somethi
ElitaThe footsteps draw closer, deliberate and unhurried, and the sound echoes through the cave. My pulse quickens as I glance toward the entrance. Before I can move, Dustin’s grip on my arm tightens, his calloused fingers pressing firmly into my skin.“Stay put.” He orders in a voice so low it’s almost a growl. His eyes glint like sharpened steel as they cut into mine. “Don’t poke your nose into this.”I stiffen, my jaw clenching at his tone, but I stay silent. Dustin doesn’t look away. It’s as if he is silently daring me to disobey him.The Elf appears at the mouth of the cave, stepping into the dim light. He is tall, unnaturally graceful, his silver hair falling like liquid silk over his shoulders. It takes me a moment, but I realize he is the same Elf I stumbled upon in the woods. The color of his hair and eyes has changed. The faint glow of his eyes—pale and predatory—sends a chill down my spine. He stands there, studying us with a cruel smile tugging at his lips.“ Well.
ElitaAll eyes turn to him after my speech is over. Dustin’s brows lift as he looks at his friends and then back at me.“ Come on. You must have something on your mind. ” I narrow my eyes on him.“ The plan is to cooperate with the Elves for now, so they take us out of this cave where we can’t use our powers or strength. ” He shrugs nonchalantly. “ and…for everything else, I am relying on you just as you asked. ”My jaw hangs low. I am sure the jaws of others can’t resist either. Dustin just closes his eyes and rests his head against the wall. “ Go on, Elita. Get us out of the trouble you caused. ”His detached demeanor makes everyone fall silent. It’s like he is deliberately refusing to do anything.I slip closer and press my lips to his ear to whisper. “ are you mad at me? Is that why you refuse to help? ”I clench the sleeve of his shirt, cautiously pulling at it to grab his attention. Dustin’s eyes snap open, and his head turns in my direction before our gazes meet.“ I understan
Elita“ She told you not to look the Elves in the eyes. Why did you have to do that, Striker? ” I hear a familiar, dark voice hiss. It has to be Alpha King Aleister, and he sounds angry. “ No supernatural powers work directly on the Lycans. ” Striker snaps back. “ I just looked up before setting everything on fire, and then…just…stopped. The surroundings changed, and I couldn’t see him anymore. It’s not my fault. I didn’t know the magic won’t work on me but will work on the surroundings instead. ”I shudder, pressing myself agaisnt the hard surface under me. It’s warm and so…electrically soothing.My muscles stiffen when I register my thoughts. Instinctively, I touch the surface with my cold fingers and sigh under my breath.Dustin.My eyes crack open, and I crane my neck back to look at his face. He lowers his gaze to mine and blinks calmly.Aleister and Striker are still bickering in the background. But their voices sound muffled in my ears now.I am lying on Dustin’s chest, the si
ElitaThe man’s footsteps are silent as he leads me deeper into the woods. He moves with a kind of grace that makes my skin crawl, each step so fluid it’s as though he is floating. I follow, even though every instinct in me screams to turn back. There is no sound except the faint whisper of leaves under our feet and my own uneven breaths.I keep glancing over my shoulder. The shadows stretch long and twisted behind me, but nothing is there. At least, nothing I can see. They are making sure to hide well. Just like I instructed. “ We are almost there. ” The man says, his voice soft and melodic, like a lullaby drifting through a darkened room. I hesitate, shooting another look over my shoulder. Now, I really do need a sign that they are around. Hiding so well doesn’t seem that great of an idea to me. The man’s words send a cold prickle down my spine. “ Will more of your friends be coming? ”My heart leaps painfully into my throat. I force myself to swallow, to steady my voice. “ Ma