Ella - POV I dressed in a stunning red gown that shimmered like a gown from the Met Gala. Mr. Taylor's team insisted on doing my makeup and hairstyling, which I initially wanted to decline, finding it excessive. However, after two hours of preparation, I found myself exhausted yet ready for the event. As I stepped out of the room, my eyes fell upon Darcus, dressed impeccably in an expensive tuxedo. His black suit and perfectly styled black hair left me momentarily breathless. He glanced at me, and I instinctively looked away. When I dared to steal another glance, I saw him standing there, momentarily speechless, with a slight parting of his lips. A smile tugged at my own lips, witnessing his reaction. As I walked towards him, he swiftly regained his composure. "I despise gatherings," Darcus chuckled, teasing me as he took my hand. The weight of my gown required me to seek balance, and holding Darcus's hand provided the necessary support. "Why did you agree to come when I suggested
James - POV Darcus led us to a secluded room away from the bustling party. I saw Ella cast a perplexed glance at him. "What's on your mind, Darcus?" Ella asked as we stepped inside. "It's time we acknowledged what transpired between us. I accept that I'm at fault here, not Ella." Darcus confessed, his tone heavy. I turned to Ella, whose face had turned ashen at his words. I shot Darcus a stern look. "James," Darcus began, "I don't want Ella to shoulder the burden alone when I tell you the truth." "I share the blame, too," Ella admitted, her voice laden with sadness. "You don't need to intervene, Mr. Miller. I'm capable of speaking for myself." "I've had enough," I grumbled, "Ella, enlighten me." Ella's eyes welled up at my harsh tone. She clenched her fists, trying to muster courage. "Darcus and I kissed at Avery's farewell party, and not only then, but Darcus also kissed me in the office," Ella admitted, her voice barely a whisper. I was at a loss, my gaze shifting between Ella
Darcus - POV As I sat in the corner of the waiting room, I noticed Mr. Hart and Hana rushing in, their eyes darting around the room in search of Ella. They stopped abruptly as they reached a door in Ella's ICU room. Before they could enter, the doctors emerged, blocking their way. "Please, stay back. The patient is still in critical condition. No visitors are allowed at the moment," the doctor said in a calming tone. At his words, Hana burst into tears. James, observing the scene, moved forward to console her. He then motioned for Mr. Hart and Hana to sit down. Sitting in the corner, I observed the scene unfold, my guilt escalating at the sight of Mr. Hart's fury and Hana's tears. Beside me, Taylor maintained a solemn expression, his eyes fixed on the distraught family. Suddenly, Dargo's voice echoed in my head, "Our own kind has attacked our mate, Ziya spoke." Fear gripped me at the revelation. The identity of the pendant's owner eluded me, even though the pendant James had given
Darcus - POV My dragon, Dargo, had revealed to me that an unknown dragon was responsible, but finding this mysterious stranger who seemed intent on harming me proved to be a conundrum. I slumped down in a chair, frustrated. The clue led nowhere. Angered and seeking revenge, my mother could be the one behind this. Yet, I doubted she'd take such a drastic step. "What happened?" James inquired, taking a sip from a water cup and handing another to me. "My dragon suspects someone from our Dragon shifter caused Ella's accident," I said with a heavy sigh, wracking my brain for possible suspects among my royal court who bore me any grudges. "Also, there were three different blood scents at the accident scene. It's peculiar, considering there were only two victims - Ella and her driver. Even the officers couldn't explain how the car veered off the road." "You are the reason Ella is in this state, yet you still want to claim her as your mate. Bastard!" James exploded, his hands clutching my
Ella - POV {Ella witnessed the past Fragment } The encroaching darkness gradually lifted, and I found myself viewing the world through the eyes of a small toddler. I was cradled, and a nurse handed me to a breathtakingly beautiful woman who appeared to be in pain. She kissed my forehead gently, tears cascading down her cheeks. "I hope you grow up to be strong and selfless, using your power to help those in need," my mother whispered. Her embrace was comforting, but she was evidently struggling to breathe. The nurse then passed me to my father, who looked young and handsome, but his eyes were tinged with sadness. The sight was heartbreaking. "I'm sorry we couldn't save the mother," the nurse said. I started to cry uncontrollably, and my father looked at me with deep sadness. He did his best to soothe me. "I know, Ella, we've lost someone important today, but she wouldn't want us to mourn like this. Don't worry, Ella, your dad will be with you every step of the way," my father's voi
Darcus - POV "You called me. What's the situation?" James sprinted down the hospital corridor towards me. After casting a defensive spell on her, I had just left Ella's room and headed out to get a coffee. "What's happened to Ella?" He panted as he skidded to a halt near the coffee machine. "Just give me a moment to get some coffee," I replied gruffly. James responded with a scowl as I took a moment to sip my coffee. Now, the question was, how do I tell James about the assassination attempt on Ella? I dread his reaction; he'll undoubtedly point fingers at me again. It may be wiser to keep this information to myself, rushing to the Dragon realm to consult with Henry and reinforce Ella's security before sharing anything with James. "I summoned you because I need you to stay by Ella's side while I visit the Dragon realm." James paused as he stepped into Ella's room, staring at me silently. I could tell he sensed the protective spell I had cast on Ella. "How are Mr. Hart and Hana farin
Ella - POV I woke up to find my father, Hana, and James all smiling at the doctors as they checked my vitals and monitored my health. "Ms. Hart, your recovery rate is quite impressive. We should be able to discharge you from the hospital today," one of the doctors informed. The news brought relief; I never did enjoy staying in medical facilities. "Dad, Hana, I'm sorry you both had to worry because of me," I apologized. Hana had been anxious for me, and I could see the concern etched in my father's eyes as he squeezed my hand. "You have nothing to feel sorry about, Princess," Dad whispered. "It's not your fault, Ella. Don't speak as if it is," Hana said, comforting me. My eyes then fell on James, who looked at me with a hint of sadness. The guilt of having cheated on him made my stomach churn. "I'm okay now, according to the doctor. I can go home," I suggested, to which my father sternly disagreed. "You must take a few days off before returning to work." Upon hearing my father's
Darcus - POV After leaving the Wolf realm, I felt a slight sense of peace, thanks to the kindness of the Alpha and Luna, who had provided some much-needed rest upon my return. However, as soon as I set foot in my domain, Henry approached me, immediately sensing the aura surrounding me. "Your Majesty, you have returned. Is there a problem?" Henry followed me to my office, and I remained silent until we reached the room. "Yes, I need a squad of highly skilled troops. I want to assign them to ensure Ella's security," I finally spoke, sinking into my seat and exhaling. Taking a swig of scotch did little to ease my anxiety. "Didn't you hear me, Henry? Why are you still standing there? Find me an elite soldier. I will personally test them to see if they can protect Ella," I stated, the creases on Henry's forehead revealing his concern as he froze upon hearing animalistic growls. "What happened to Ms. Hart?" My dragon nature was beginning to emerge as anger towards myself consumed me. Ye