Ella - POV It was already dark, and supper was being served in the castle. The servants were busy preparing for the forthcoming celebration. As I entered the dining hall, I noticed Archer, James, and Darcus eagerly awaiting my arrival. After finishing our meal in an uneasy silence, I excused myself from the dining table. Making my way to the training field, I found it empty and stood there, gazing at the night sky in tranquility. Archer approached me, and I averted my eyes, looking up at the stars as he joined me. "What do you want?" I asked as Mr.Archer Taylor stood beside me, my gaze fixed on the sky. "Don't be unkind, Ella. I came here to relax and unwind, but I saw that you were already here," Mr.Archer Taylor replied, sighing. I turned my gaze towards him. "Then I'll leave you alone in this place," I said, taking a few steps from the training field. "Did you remember me visiting your house when you were a kid?" Archer's question caught me off guard, and I whirled around to fa
Darcus - POV Many Dragon Aristocrats in the royal court appreciated my presence, while others were enraged. I received hostile gazes from my mother's followers, who despised my power. Though I considered eradicating them, I needed more proof to take action. However, I found another way to undermine them by imposing strict laws and taxes on the products they dealt in, leading to the downfall of their businesses. As I ascended the throne, Ella's surprised expression met my gaze. I could imagine how strange it must have been for her to see such a different world from the human realm. "Thank you all for being here. Today, we gather to celebrate our Kingdom's alliance with the Hope and Wolf families," I addressed the crowd. "However, some members of my own family have committed treason. Former King Ladon, former Queen Arya, and my stepbrother Blair is considered crown criminals. Any support given to them will result in imprisonment and the stripping of titles." The dragon aristocrats mur
Darcus - POV "Do not be concerned about the Wolf Realm. I have already infiltrated rogues pretending to be members of the pack, and they are bringing the wolf clan to its knees," Blair said with a smirk. Ladon and Arya mirrored his expression as they sipped from their glasses. James had Archer restrained, his beast subdued. "Why couldn't you get rid of James' new tribe?" Ladon inquired, setting down his drink. "I followed the spy that day, intending to eliminate James' new clan. I did not know James would be there, so I had to escape. My gut told me that these alliances might form because of the protective contract Ella's father made, the pact he had with James and the wolves. Old Hart devised a strategy as if he knew what the future held," Blair explained, while Ladon was deep in thought and Ruke drank. "I will murder you since you assassinated my father, and now you're badmouthing him," Ella declared in a vehement voice. I was surprised by Ella's strength rising to the surface, m
Ella - POV Darcus had lost consciousness, and his breathing became shallow. James, Archer, and Henry carefully transported Darcus back to the castle while Henry hurried to summon the physicians. I stood by, watching as they laid Darcus on the bed, feeling a heavy weight of grief and anguish in my chest at the sight of him in such a condition. "He'll be just fine, Ella. I called Dave, and he will heal," James reassured me. I listened attentively to James's words and nodded in agreement, never taking my eyes off Darcus's figure. "James, the pain of losing him is too much for me to bear," I sobbed uncontrollably, and James enveloped me in his arms, offering comfort. "You will not lose him," Archer stated firmly, causing me to release my grip on James. Dave arrived at the scene, and James approached him, explaining the situation. Henry burst into the chamber, followed by the castle doctor and Zac, who hurriedly stepped forward to console me. "I'm sorry, Ella. So much has happened in t
Ella - POV One year later The threat of war has passed. Ladon, Blair, and Arya have all passed away, and the contract made with the dark world has been broken. So, after our mate connection, Darcus and I resumed our relationship. Darcus wanted to date me because he believed I had rushed into mating with him. He wanted to break the mating bond to ensure my happiness, even if I changed my mind within a year. I tried to convey the sincerity of my emotions, but he insisted on dating me, so I gave in. When Hana gave birth to her twins, I provided a helping hand, and even Darcus was there to lend a hand. I informed Hana about Darcus and me dating, assuring her that Darcus had not cheated and was a misunderstanding. When Hana saw me happy with Darcus, she stopped arguing about it. Darcus wanted Hana to take care of her children and be around, so he encouraged his HR team to let Hana work from home. This choice genuinely pleased me, and Hana was happy with Darcus's idea. James traveled
My name is Alice Brooks, and I am a dragon shifter. Today, I stand inside a cave known as the Mating Rejection Chamber. The trial results will be announced; the accused is my abusive mate, Jeffrey Claire. The monarch of the dragon kingdom, Darcus, and his mate, Queen Ella, sit on the judgment seat together. I anxiously await the hearing on the proceedings to reject the fated mate who abused and betrayed me. I pray to the gods for a harsh punishment for the wicked mate. "I, King Darcus of the Dragon Kingdom, have gone over every piece of evidence and statement made by Alice Brooks and Jeffrey Claire. The trial verdicts will be revealed by the queen," King Darcus stated, gazing at his queen, who had risen from her throne. My pulse pounds anxiously in anticipation of her words. "Alice Brooks, the court rules in your favor, and you will reject your mate with the help of the witches' ritual. I will condemn Jeffrey Claire to three years in a dungeon for the crimes he committed." The words
Alice - POV I had to get home as soon as possible because it was getting late, and I needed to prepare a meal for Jeffrey before he got home. "Hey, easy there; why are you rushing?" Isha, my caring neighbor friend, asked as she walked beside me. "I have to hustle to cook dinner on time. If I saw Jeffery late, you know how upset I would be..." I paused, not adding any further. Isha's expression conveyed her feeling of pity as she gazed at me. "Why don't you leave such an abusive mate, Alice? I can assist..." "No, Isha. You know he is simply quick-tempered, but he is faithful to me," I said. Isha grumbled at me, tired of justifying Jeffery's wrongdoing. However, I care deeply about my husband, and ending our relationship would be a struggle for both of us. I pushed my thoughts aside. I am putting up with Jeffery's anger issues because I love him. "Thank you for offering to help, Isha. I'll see you around," I said. In contrast to my other neighbors, who couldn't care less abou
Alice - POV As Jeffery's eyes scanned the paper on the desk, Isha's voice cut through the air with a venomous hiss. "Get out of my house, Jeffery." My heart raced as I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I turned to see Isha standing beside me, her persistent presence giving me the strength to face my monstrous mate. Jeffery's eyes flicked at her, and anger rippled through his features. "Let us go home now," he commanded, his voice cold and controlled. I shivered, feeling the weight of his dominance pressing down on me. "She won't go anywhere," Isha shot back sternly. I gripped her hand, silently urging her to stay calm. "Stay out of this, Isha," Jeffery growled, his gaze fixed on me. "She is my mate and wife. She will stay with me." I knew better than to argue with him. If Isha continued to challenge him, it wouldn't be long before Jeffery's violence erupted again. I couldn't risk putting her in danger. "Isha, please let me go," I whispered, hoping she would understand. "No, he wi