CATHERINE I couldn’t believe what I had done.The moment our lips touched, it was like I had been swept away by some unseen force. Damon’s warmth, his steady presence—it all felt so consuming. But just as quickly as I was drawn in, I felt a bit of shame.I pushed him away, harder than I intended, and stumbled back a step.The vendor, oblivious to my inner turmoil, clapped her hands together, grinning ear to ear. “Ah, such passion! What a beautiful couple you make.”My face burned, and I raised my hand, shaking my head vehemently. “No, no! We’re not a couple.”Damon stood silent beside me, his expression unreadable as he rubbed the back of his neck.The vendor tilted her head, unconvinced. “Not a couple? Well, my dear, perhaps it’s fate then. There’s clearly an attraction between you two, stronger than you realize.”I could feel the heat rising in my chest. “It’s not like that!”But the woman wasn’t listening. She prattled on with a dreamy look on her face. “Ah, young love. You ca
CATHERINE As the door shut, I was left standing there, stunned and shaken. What unnerved me most wasn’t Kane’s angry outburst but the split-second eye contact we shared before the door closed. His piercing gaze locked onto mine, and in that moment, I felt anger, pain, and something I couldn’t quite place. My hands trembled as I clutched the basket of food I had so painstakingly prepared.It felt like the purpose of my visit was completely destroyed. The confidence I had mustered earlier had vanished. Swallowing hard, I turned and started walking back toward my chambers with unease.On the way, I ran into Zelda. She was always graceful as usual. Her sharp eyes immediately focused on me as if she could see the turmoil I was trying so desperately to hide.“Catherine,” she uttered. “Are you alright?”I forced a smile and nodded, tightening my grip on the basket. “Yes, I’m fine, Zelda.”She raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “You look pale. Where are you coming from?”My heart skippe
CATHERINE The first sensation that registered as I woke was a tender caress on my cheek. My skin tingled under the gentle pressure, and soon I felt soft kisses peppering my face, starting from my temple, my forehead, my nose. A low moan escaped me as my eyes fluttered open.“Kane?” I whispered groggily, blinking several times to adjust.There he was, sitting beside me. “Good morning, sleepyhead,” he greeted me warmly.At first, I thought it was a dream, a figment of my imagination that would dissolve as soon as I reached out. But when I rubbed my eyes and found him still there, my heart skipped a beat. This wasn’t a dream.I shot up, startled. “What are you doing here? You should be resting!”Kane smirked, leaning back against the bedpost with an air of nonchalance. “Obviously, I’m feeling well enough to come see you,” he replied, all smiles.His presence should have filled me with relief, but instead, I felt a bit uneasy. My shoulders sagged, and I cast my gaze downward.Kane frowne
CATHERINE “Kane... why are you asking me that?”Kane’s eyes darkened as he leaned back slightly. His sudden frustration seemed to pull the air from the room, and I held my breath, waiting for him to answer my question. When he finally spoke, his voice carried an undercurrent of simmering anger.“One of my underlings,” he began, “messed up a critical business deal. A top one at that.”I blinked, confused by his response. Of all the things he could have said, I hadn’t expected it to be about business. Well, with Kane one could never tell. I still had a lot to know about him.“A business deal?” I repeated, trying to understand why it had him so agitated.Kane nodded. “Not just any deal. This was one of our most significant ventures, something I’d been working on for years. He was supposed to finalize it, and instead, he ruined everything.”His words were clipped, enough to cut. I shifted nervously on the bed, unsure how to respond. “What did he do exactly?”Kane’s lips pressed into a t
KANEIt was a day to the scheduled mating ceremony and celebration filled the castle. The distant sounds of laughter and clinking glasses filtered through the walls as preparations for tomorrow’s mating ceremony continued at full speed. Normally, I’d find the chaos of such festivities a nuisance, but today, for some inexplicable reason, it felt... good.Perhaps it was the steady healing of my wounds. The previous relentless pain was now a dull throb, and the worst of it seemed to be behind me. The doctor and Durmas were determined to ensure the scars wouldn’t be too noticeable as it healed—a task that appeared to consume them far more than it did me. A scar or two was the least of my worries, but I wasn’t going to argue with their enthusiasm. Durmas had to intervene in the treatment be ause of how I got the wound. At first, normal methods seemed to fail. But after he lent his hands, the healing no doubt got better.Durmas stood at the foot of the room, sifting through a collection
BOOK CATHYCHAPTER 52CATHERINE The sunlight streamed through the tall windows of the fitting room. I stood in front of a gilded mirror, trying on yet another dress as Zelda and one of her friend, Lady Amara, scrutinized me like hawks. Zelda had chosen Lady Amara to come with us because she knows a lot about fashion and an extra eye wouldn't be bad to check the cloths, just as Zelda said.“This one has potential,” Zelda said, circling me slowly. Her sharp eyes scanned every seam of the champagne-colored gown. “The cut flatters your figure, but the color doesn’t really fit.”Lady Amara nodded in agreement. “Something richer, perhaps? Red or emerald. She needs to stand out tomorrow, not blend into the background.”I sighed, glancing at my reflection. “I feel like a mannequin being dressed for display,” I muttered under my breath.Zelda’s ears caught the remark, and she fixed me with a stern look. “This is no time for such complaints, Catherine. Tomorrow is your mating ceremony, and
CATHERINE The clock struck close to midnight, and my heart pounded with anticipation as I stood before the mirror in my chambers. The shimmering black gown I wore hugged my figure perfectly. My hair had been styled intricately, cascading in soft waves down my back, and the ceremonial pendant rested against my collarbone, a symbol of the union I was about to embark upon.Mia entered, her eyes widening as she took me in. “You look stunning, my lady,” she said with awe.I offered her a small smile, though my nerves threatened to take over. “Do you think it’s too much?” I asked, turning slightly to inspect the dress again.“Too much?” she echoed, shaking her head. “It’s perfect. The King won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”The mention of his name made my stomach flutter. Taking a deep breath, I stepped away from the mirror. “Let’s go.”The walk to the arena felt like an eternity. The air was crisp, the night sky clear and studded with stars. As we approached, I could hear the dis
CATHERINE The soft knock on my chamber door came far too early, pulling me from the depths of my restless sleep. Before I could even fully comprehend what was happening, a group of maids bustled in, their excited chatter filling the room.“It’s time, my Lady,” one of them said, her voice as light as the morning sun streaming through the windows.My heart sank and rose simultaneously. Today was the day. The mating ceremony.“Already?” I croaked, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. My voice betrayed my nerves, but the maids seemed oblivious as they began preparing the room.“You’ll be the most beautiful Luna this realm has ever seen,” another maid gushed, setting down a tray of fruit and tea by my bedside.I managed a weak smile as my stomach twisted into knots. “I appreciate that,” I murmured, though my mind was elsewhere.The realization that I wouldn’t see Kane until the ceremony sent a wave of unease washing over me. I needed him. His presence, his reassuring words—it was the only thin
CATHERINE The night had been restless. Sleep was a distant memory, chased away by the lingering ache of Kane’s absence. Every rustle of the wind, every crackling of the fire outside the tent, made me wonder where he was and if he was safe.I sat on the edge of the cot, staring at my hands when Camille suddenly rushed in, looking all antsy like something terrible had just happened. In her hand was the small, battered phone Kane had left behind, the phone which was used to communicate with us. It chimed again and I noticed a faint glow of the screen illuminating her fingers.“Catherine,” she called out to me, looking so serious. “There’s a message.”My heart leaped into my throat. “From Kane?”She nodded and handed me the phone. My fingers trembled as I swiped at the screen, revealing a simple yet piercing message:“Meet me at the quiet garden just outside the town’s border. I miss you so much. Kane.”My stomach twisted. K
CATHERINE When I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the silence. The camp, usually humming with activity, felt oddly subdued. Stretching out on the bed, I instinctively reached for Kane, but the space beside me was cold. My heart sank.I sat up, scanning the room. His cloak was gone, as were his boots. Panic surged through me.“Camille!” I called out in a bit of a yell.The door creaked open, and Camille appeared, looking all cautious. “You’re awake.”“Where is Kane?” I demanded, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. “Don’t tell me he left.”Camille hesitated, her hands fidgeting. That was all the confirmation I needed.“He did, didn’t he?” My voice cracked. Anger bubbled in my chest, together with a sense of betrayal. “And he didn’t even have the decency to tell me? To say goodbye?”“Catherine—”I cut her off, pacing the small room. “How could he do this? After everything, he just leaves? What if something happens to him?”Camille stepped forward, raising g her hand
KANEThe silence in the dungeon stretched, broken only by the occasional drip of water echoing from somewhere in the darkness. I leaned back against the cold, damp wall, thinking about methods and strategies as well as the possibilities that came with them. Zelda might think she’d won, but she underestimated me.The burglary creaked slightly, catching my attention. I sat up, my senses sharpening. Footsteps echoed down the corridor. The guards wouldn’t be walking down here for no good reason, and Zelda never treaded anywhere without making an announcement of her presence.I focused my ear to listen to whose footstep it was but before I could, the shadow that appeared before my cell brought a faint smirk to my lips.“Durmas,” I said quietly. “Took you long enough.”Durmas glanced over his shoulder before stepping closer, his face serious. “Kane,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the burning torches. “I thought they might have beaten the fight out of you, but you look... surp
KANEIt didn't take long after I stepped out of Durmas’s chambers when I saw her—Zelda. She was standing in the center of the corridor, flanked by her entourage of loyalists. Her posture was regal, but I could see the malice dancing in her eyes. She walked toward me with a disarming smile, her hands folded delicately in front of her.“Ah, my son,” she said in a honey coated voice. “You’ve finally returned home. I was starting to worry about you.”I stopped in my tracks, fixing her with a hard stare. “Cut the act, Zelda.”Her smile faltered, the saccharine sweetness fading just slightly. “Act? What do you mean?”I stepped closer, closing the gap between us. “Spare me the pretense. I’d rather deal with the real you—the scheming, conniving woman I know you to be. At least then, I know what I’m up against.”A bit of irritation crossed her face, but she quickly masked it with a soft laugh. Behind her were the people she had brought with her, guards, attendants, and advisors. They bowed th
KANEThe journey to the castle was grueling. Night had fallen, and the cold wind howled through the space as I drove past. I kept my senses sharp and my ears tuned to every sound around me. It was dark, no doubt creatures lurked around, some more dangerous than others.After a while, I paused my journey when I was about to get to the border. I can't just get in blindly. Suddenly, a snap echoed to my right and I would down the car window. My hand instinctively reached for my dagger, holding it tightly in my palm."Come out," I growled into the darkness.For a moment, there was silence. Then, from the shadows, a man stumbled forward, his clothes torn and his face pale with fear. His hands were raised in surrender."Please," he croaked, collapsing to his knees. "Don’t kill me. I mean no harm."I alighted cautiously, keeping my weapon ready. "Who are you? What are you doing here? It's fucking cold and dry out here.""My name’s Garret," he said, trembling. "I’m from the city. I was traveli
KANECatherine had finally fallen asleep, her chest heaving as she breathed in slumber. I could feel her worry radiating off her even as she slept with the way she clung so tightly to me. Gently, I shifted her in my arms and laid her down on the couch. I smoothed a strand of hair from her face, leaned down, and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.She might not know it, but I understood her well enough even if she tried her best not to show her worry deeply. She tried masking it not wanting to burden me. I knew her that well at least."Sleep well," I whispered. She stirred for a moment but didn’t wake.Straightening up, I made my way to the door, pausing only briefly to glance back at her peaceful, albeit tear-streaked face. The sight made my chest tighten, but I forced myself to step outside, closing the door quietly behind me. Camille was already waiting. I had nudged her earlier informing her to let us talk outside before laying Catherine off my chest."What’s the plan?" she asked
CATHERINE Back in the house, Kane paced back and forth, his heavy footsteps echoing against the hardwood floors. His brows were furrowed, as he was thinking. Each time he turned, frustration radiated off him in waves. We had made sure nobody left the camp after the incident, not even Davina and her team."Damn it," Kane muttered under his breath, filled with anguish. "I can’t just stand here while those kids... while more people suffer because of me."I sat at the edge of the couch, thinking too. Camille perched beside me, her gaze bouncing between Kane and me. I knew she was struggling to piece together what she’d just learned since she had no idea how Kane's relationship with Zelda was or who Esme really was.Finally, Camille broke the silence cautiously. "Catherine, explain this to me again. From the beginning. I need to understand what’s really happening here."I drew in a deep breath before diving into details. "Esme isn’t who we thought she was. She’s one of Zelda’s pawns, sen
CATHERINE “Esme,” I muttered. I didn't even know when the word left my lips. She was one of Zelda’s closest allies, a woman Kane and I both knew too well. Well, Kane knew her more than I did. I only got the chance to know her because of the mating ceremony which was of course, ruined.Seeing Davina’s face change into Esme’s was like being struck by lightning. My legs felt weak, and for a moment, I thought I’d collapse. The world spun as I struggled to reconcile the two faces. How could this have happened?Camille’s voice broke through my haze of disbelief. “Catherine, what’s going on? Do you know her?”I turned to my sister, my voice shaky. “She’s… she’s Esme. Zelda’s friend. I saw her when I was preparing for the mating ceremony with Kane. She was there. I… I can’t believe this.”Esme’s sly smile only added to the knot of unease in my chest. I pointed a trembling finger at her. “What are you doing here? What is the meaning of this?”Esme’s lips curled into a sly smile. “Delivering
KANEThe scent my beast picked up wasn't just a normal odouror something. It was a feeling. But I didn't have the chance to decipher what it was. Fear? Intimidation? I wasn't sure. But it was a very good feat for me nevertheless. It led me to someone because as soon as it disappeared, it returned. My wolf prowled close to the surface, growling with anticipation, urging me to act, to find the truth buried in the fear-stricken crowd. I could feel the lies hanging in the air, the deceit woven among these so-called helpers. And I so much would tear it out, root and stem, no matter the cost.“Bring them forward,” I barked thunderously, pointing to some of the people ahead. If they weren't going to talk willingly, I might as well try another method.The men I gave the orders to dragged the first suspect into the center of the clearing. It was a young medic, pale and trembling, his glasses askew on his nose. I paced in front of him like a predator.“Name,” I demanded.“D-David, sir,” the ma