Reyna and Aluxious trekked through the slopes of the mountain. The darkness and constant change in weather messed with her senses and send them in the wrong direction thrice. But she was able to find her way through the night again. It felt like they were trekking forever. After holing up for days or probably weeks, Aluxious insisted they keep moving before nature forced them to take cover.
They had left the cave as soon as the weather cleared. Hunger gnawed at her stomach. They’ll soon have to find something to eat, which was a challenge given the weather. The animals went into hibernation during these months or hid in a deep hole to hide from the predators that roamed the lands only in winter.
Exhaustion slowed her. Aluxious fell beside her, matching her pace. She could tell the Lycan king was hungry too. Luckily, she knew where some critters chose to hide. “A few miles north there is a dwelling place where you can find food,” she said, panting for breath.
Aluxious stood at the shallow entrance of the cave. His broad frame hid the inside from the onlooker's view. Amber gaze scanned the surroundings and his ears twitched, listening for sounds that didn't belong. Several days had passed and fortunately they faced no resistance on their climb up. He assumed they were discouraged by the worse conditions in the woods. He was efficient to protect both of them from a few predators that attacked them. They paused a few times to rest and took shelter in hideouts when needed. But when the weather was favorable, they moved. He rubbed his forehead. Aluxious missed chunks of memory. What’s happening to me? Reyna appeared to glow in the past days. She looked extremely pleased and happy about something. Is it because she thought they were heading to Selene? Their conversation was limited with him determined to keep moving. He wanted to reach higher ground before the snow started falling. But nature ha
Aluxious bit back the pain as he punched the rock. The silence of the surrounding was in contrast to the rage in his mind. Pain shot through his knuckles and the rock had splintered his bones. But that didn't stop him from taking out his anger on the god forbidden rock. The beast within was silent and Aluxious couldn't forgive them both. Because despite the blame he put on his beast, he was equally guilty. He kissed her first. And his human side was in control when it happened. As the fog lifted, he clearly remembered drinking her blood the first time. His human side was in control then. Aluxious had no explanation. He only saw her as a means to his escape then. Goddess, what have I done? Freya would never forgive him. As for Reyna, he knew she didn't deserve his anger either. All the young vampiress did, was to show him a bit of kindness that he did not deserve. Even now, he knew she was watching from a distance. He sensed her conflict. Alux
“So, tell me, little minx,” he said, “Who is the man of the house?” His fingers pushed her wet folds apart, teasing her as he continued his gentle rhythm. In and out he pumped his hips as his thumb played with her clit. Reyna could only moan in response. This side of Aluxious was new. The man was in control. While the beast loved to fuck rough and dirty, the man was talkative. Oh, did he loved to tease? She whimpered when his hand suddenly left her womanhood. Reyna panted. That euphoria was so close to her reach. This was the second time he did this. He would tease her to the brink only to stop and start all over again. She clung to the polish rock, feeling completely at his mercy. “I can keep this going all winter, princess.” He pulled out of her and turned her around so she faced him. Aluxious looked wild with his canines peeking under his firm lips. Claws digging in her sides, not deep enough to draw blood. He sat her on the rock, her body tremblin
Aluxious rolled the broken arrowhead between his thumb and index finger. His brows almost touched with a permanent frown on his face. He sniffed the poisoned tip that now contained his dried blood. It was the pattern of the handmade arrowhead that drew his attention. That design so intricate, it stroke a sense of nostalgia. He couldn’t put his finger on that particular memory. He had seen it before. The elegant petals of the flower he didn’t know the name of stood out like an emblem. He spun the arrowhead again and leaned against the tree he was perched on. In the distance, Reyna rolled on the animal fur spread on the snow bed. Her body tremored slightly. She curled further, hugging her knees to her chest. Her emotions were in turmoil when she wasn’t asleep. Did I take her choice away? Aluxious ground his jaws. Stubborn female. She thought only about him, but not her. Even now he could feel her hunger gnawing at her insides. She refus
Reyna flinched when Lionel's scream tore through the dark forest. She sharpened her blade after washing away the traces of blood and death. Water sloshed around. The chillness drew a shiver from her. Her plan had worked earlier. Her incorporeal form had taken down the assassins and the vampires. Aluxious had stayed put with her mortal body with a mixture of concern and pride. When she slipped back into her body, he had kissed her. Reyna touched her lips remembering the hot touch of his mouth. The kiss was so gentle yet scorching. If it wasn't for Lionel's painful groan she'd have enjoyed it a bit longer. Aluxious settled to torture the once badass vampire for information. However, she knew the Lycan King wouldn't find anything. Because Lionel knew nothing. She took a sip of his blood before returning to her body earlier. She didn't bother to say that to Aluxious because, then he'd know her little secret. An exhausted sigh slipped out as she settled in
The heaviness in her heart grew as Selene drew closer. Aluxious strode to the border, his excitement washed over their mate bond.When they approached the border Aluxious howled, his beast surfacing for a moment. Reyna watched as the man and the beast ran in the circle as he howled. He stood at the edge of the cliff and rose to his full height. The howl ripped out of his chest this time was a call to his kith and kin. The joy radiated off of him. She was sure his people would have heard his call.It's time. Sorrow settled in her heart. Unfortunately for her, their journey must end here. When he turned to face her, she pasted a smile on her face. With a happy nod, he began the trek down.Tears filled her eyes as she watched his back. Don't look back. Don't look back. Don't--He turned. Reyna's back stiffened as his brows knotted. "Why are you just standing there?" Aluxious cocked his head to the side. "We can reach the town before the sun goes down."
Aluxious threw a concerned look at his mate, who insisted on walking by his side despite his demand to carry her. He slowed his pace, but she marched forward with an enthusiasm he felt inside. At least they found something to eat first. On the way, they found a herd of wild buffaloes. He made sure to cook it well with the herbs so she could eat. Reyna slipped over a log, but steadied herself before he reached out. "Let me carry you," he insisted again. "I like walking." She did not slow down. Her wandering eyes took in their surroundings and the broad smile on her face told him she loved his kingdom. "Your kingdom is full of life. And it is bright. So bright," she said in a dreamy voice that warmed his heart. "It's our kingdom," he corrected her and watched her expression brighten further. It surprised him that she appeared normal and showed no signs of distress. That morning he woke to a soft tickling sensation to see her covered in feathers.
Aluxious couldn't take his eyes off the confident little warrior marching toward his castle. If he thought it was her kindness that drew him toward her, now he knew she packed a lot of surprises. His fierce vampire princess knew no fear. A smile breached his lips, surprising him. He didn't remember the last time he smiled. Her once elegant gown was now tattered and drenched in blood. But that didn't lessen her appeal. Freya's face surfaced in his mind and an invisible weight settled in his heart. They can't avoid the meeting. He didn't want to see the pain he caused her, but the pain was inevitable. With a clench of his jaw, he fell in stride with Reyna. "Reyna, I..." "I understand," she said before he finished the sentence. "Just...just don't let us down, okay?" Aluxious sighed. "I won't." Reyna nodded and threaded her fingers with him. He smiled, some of his tension leaving him. The castle came into view and he tensed again.
Aluxious found Healer Moon in the clearing by the invisible border that connected Selene and Stobia. He stood tall with his troops behind him, most of them hidden from the view. But the alpha could sense them, hear their heartbeats and smell their different scents that molded with nature. The dark cloak he usually wore framed his broad frame and the hood covered his face. “Ah, here you are. Right on time, Brother. I thought you’d make me wait,” the alpha’s voice stressed on the word brother as he advanced. He was alone. Daryn and his trusted warriors lurked around. His blood boiled with fury and the beast within raised its hackles at the sight of his enemy. “Aluxious…” Orien growled, his voice deep and gravelly, unlike the usual voice he used as a healer. “I want to say it’s a pleasure, but it’s not. I’ve been waiting for this moment for too long.” “No, you’re not,” Aluxious scoffed. “You tried to discard me without getting your hands dirty. And I’m not even
They came at night, just like they came for his uncle and the others. Moonlight filtered through soft white curtains in the corridors, drowning everything in a silver glow. Three silhouettes advanced swiftly, their movements only a blur to mortal eyes. Their poisoned blades slit the throats of unsuspecting guards, leaving lifeless bodies in their wake. When they approached the royal chambers, one of them paused and lifted a hand before approaching the door. To their surprise, the door was slightly ajar no movements coming from the inside. The assassin in the front motioned his hands in a positive gesture as he pushed the door wide with little to no noise. His eyes found his target sound asleep on the bed. The alpha’s chest barely moved, his steady beat of heart the only sound in the entire chamber as they approached. His dark hair fanned out on the white pillows and silk sheets pooled around his waist. The assassin lifted his blade, getting ready to deliver t
“Let me guess, the old goats would rather let the bloodshed happen than doing anything to stop it.” Selene huffed, folding her hands across her chest as she glared at the fellow goddess of nature, Gaia, her only friend and confidante. “It’s worse. They want the war to happen.” Gaia cursed under her breath. Another war like that would wipe the races. And who knows how many years it would last. The lycans were outnumbered and at its weakest phase with majority of their females pregnant. The vampires might join the war now that Reyna was the queen, but they never got along with the lycans enough to fight together. So it would only lead to more bloodshed and force them to turn against each other. As for the elves, they currently held the upper hand in numbers, but they were no match to the lycans in strength. No matter how much she tried, the outcome wasn’t in their favor. The lycans will lose. Even if Aluxious managed to defeat Orien, the war would consume
Reyna couldn’t have been happier than she was as she sunk into her mother’s embrace. “I missed you,” Reyna sniffled. She hadn’t realized how much she missed her mother until she saw her in person. The last time they met wasn’t under good circumstances and she was busy fighting her father. The moment her mother walked into the room, she had attached herself to her like a koala. “I’m glad you’re here.” “Me too, sweetie.” Her mother rubbed her back fondly. Reyna relaxed more, the pent-up tension and worries ebbing away at the tender touch. A mother’s touch had the power of healing like no other. “I know you wanted me in Barrmount, but Saber told me to trust him and come to you. I’m glad I listened.” Reyna nuzzled her mother’s neck, inhaling the calming scent. “I owe him,” she mumbled. “It’s good to have someone I can trust when I’m most vulnerable.” She released her mother and led her to the bed, making her sit before occupying the spot beside her. “I was starti
“Once more.” Aluxious flexed his arms as he beckoned Daryn. They spared with each other just like the old times. His beta avoided his punches with a smirk. “You’ve gotten stronger.” Daryn barely avoided his fist aimed for his jaw. “Your reflexes are on next level.” He beamed as he blocked his kick. “You’ve gotten slower,” the alpha teased. Daryn scoffed. “That’s unfair, my friend. You’ve always been at advantage as an alpha.” “Guilty.” Aluxious shrugged with a smile now stretching his lips. The bright sky lightened his mood and the fresh breeze refreshed his beast. He enjoyed teasing his best friend since childhood. Sweat coated Daryn’s dark skin, but the beta matched his stamina even though they were at it for the past hour. He stopped after a few more minutes and dropped to the ground. The peak had always been their favorite place. A safety haven away from all the politics. It offered a beautiful view of Selene and it was also a plac
“Useless Nymph!” Freya simmered with fury. “You can’t even bring yourself to finish a simple task.” Flora’s thin lips trembled. Her rosy eyes, wide and full of tears stared at the furious lycan as she huddled in the corner where she was thrown earlier. She dared not to avert the gaze to check her aching shoulder. Her breath came out in pants as she curled her five-inch frame appearing smaller. “Please… Appease your anger, Your Majesty.” Her shaky voice was barely audible above the growls resonating across the room. She squeaked when Freya lifted her and carelessly tossed her across the room. “I want to kill you,” she hissed. “But killing a little thing like you would bruise my ego. You worthless piece of shit!” Flora covered her mouth, afraid her sobs would attract more beatings. She tried to get up, but fell down. Someone pulled her away. Cradled in a warm embrace, she let her tears fall. The hands that carried her dropped her softly on a flowerbed.
Selene has changed a lot over the past couple of weeks. The land once was so dry now grew greener and became more fertile. He was no fool. Micah might be young, but his mother taught him well. The books he borrowed from the library had given him enough insight to sight the changes of this land. He limped to the garden. Flora usually came early in the morning when the flowers bloomed. He saw the pink streaks in the sky, grinning to himself. She should be here. Did she realize that she missed the most important thing? Soon, he found her in the very spot she missed the parchment. Seeing her, lifted his spirits considerably. “Are you looking for this?” Micah waved the tiny parchment in the air, noticing the flower nymph who flew frantically all over the garden. She crashed into a plant at the sound of his radiant voice and sat with a groan. Her eyes rolled to the back before she shook her head and stood, gently swaying to her sides. “Where did you find that?”
The lycan castle of Selene stood tall with the Selene peak in the background. The afternoon sun scorched his skin. Moon pulled the hood over his face, his calculative gaze accessing every citizen that walked past him. Some acknowledged him with a curt nod and moved away from his path, the others didn’t bother. The village bustled with everyday activities. Women chattered eagerly with their neighbors. The words queen, curse, and pregnancy resonated in his ears. A group of men gathered to play some stupid board game with a drink in their hand. The castle had no fortress-like Stobia or Barrmount. Villages and farms surrounded the castle. They had a village square, where people accumulated to sell their goods. He expected Aluxious to erect a wall around Selene when he ascended the throne, however, the lycan showed no interest in it. Perhaps, it was because they were wild beasts themselves. They needed no protection from the ones that lived the forest like the oth
“Healer Moon, where have you been all week?” The healer’s lips lifted forming a half-smile as he gazed at his trainee, the young omega who turned seventeen this summer. The juvenile male, Leo was full of energy and too wise for someone at his age. “Do you know every mated female in the kingdom went into heat all of a sudden?” Leo continued as Moon dropped the satchel on the floor beside his workstation. Without further word, he continued to spill the contents of the satchel that was filled with rare herbs. He knew Leo won’t stop until he finished what he wanted to say. “Healer Enna worked all night to concoct the potion that helps the juveniles to stay level headed. It was chaos. Even the alpha was out here, guarding the village with the unmated males.” Moon continued to categorize the herbs. Leo chattered excitedly as he brought over the appropriate empty bottles and storage containers. He sat cross-legged on the floor and leaned closer. “Do