JOHANNA.Evelyn twitched into the room and bowed to me. She was panting, and I could sense that everything wasn't alright. She came near the bed and got to her knees, gazing at my face pitifully.“If you won't utter a word, then get out of my sight…..” I screeched at her, but she didn't stop staring at me. “What is it?”She rubbed her nose. “The assistant chef….”My heart sank deeply into my belly. If it was good news, Evelyn wouldn't be fidgeting this way. Was she also dead? Did they find her and kill her already? I adjusted closer to her. “What happened to her? Don't tell me something that will…..”She burst into tears before I could even finish. “The officials are already gathered because of her.”The officials? What business do they have with the assistant chef? I rolled my eyes, trying to answer those questions on my own.“She's dead—” she voiced out, finally spilling what she had been hiding.A cold pit formed in my stomach. My heartbeat increased.Why? Why would all these be ha
JOHANNA.Finally, I was able to break up the kiss. I pulled away from him, and my breathing fastened. “Why did you do it?” Tears gathered in my eyes. I couldn't explain how I felt. “Just leave my room. I want to be alone.” I grasped my clothes, staring at the floor.He said nothing—not a single word any longer. Rather, he turned and vacated the room.My legs trembled and couldn't bear the weight of my body. I found myself on the floor, and my eyes dropped liquids on my cheeks.Why did I feel this way? Let's say it's because he didn't accept my rejection. But why will he not accept it when we no longer love ourselves?‘Who said so? Did I say that I don't love him?’ My wolf broke through between my worries. ‘You were the one who concluded that you didn't love him any longer—not me.’I sniffed and wiped my cheek. “But, is he truly our mate? We slept with him that day, and he kept saying that the lady he slept with was his mate. What if Nina came into that room before or after us? Then it
JOHANNA.My heart kept throbbing as I paced around the room. I grabbed my hair and pulled it, holding the scream that was supposed to elude from my throat. Tears rolled down my cheeks, and I wiped it off. “My father can't be sick. Not now that I found my family…" I sniffed and rubbed my nose.I wanted to go back to the Griming Manes Clan, but Evelyn was against it. She believed it was a trap and decided to go herself to know how my father was. It has been fourteen hours already, and she is yet to return.Even my father's consort never dared to reach out to me, making it feel like Evelyn was telling the truth that it was a trap. But still, who would lie with the Supreme King's health? This is something that shouldn't be joked around with.“The King is here….”I hawked and wiped my watery eyelids so King Ramsey wouldn't get to see the tears in my eyes. The door made a serene sound, and it slammed hard. “What brings you here?” I said to him, not sparing a single glance. “I wanted to be
SUPREME CONSORT KATHERINE.When I looked out through my window, the half-blue moon was already out. I shut it back and had my coat on. I took the veil, which I used all the time, and then got changed up instantly.My maid signaled me, and I walked out of the room, strolling down the hallway until I came out of the back gate. I dipped my palm into my pocket and brought out the key, which I used to unlock it and sneak out.It was dark. The moon was the only light on earth, and my wolf sights ability was leading me through. I hastened my steps until I passed the palace, and then I took to my heels, running as fast as I could with my wolf's strength. I didn't take a break until I stood before the only building that exists in the woods.Rumor has it that one living in the building is a witch, while some say she's a goddess, and some a priestess….but in all, no one has ever seen the face living in the building, and it has been the only place I visit when I leave the palace.For twenty-five
JOHANNA.A sneeze. I found myself lying on a bunk. The room was so bright, unlike my room in the palace. “Where is this?” I mumbled and wiped my eyes to see King Ramsey busy with his cell phone. “Where are we?” My voice drew his attention, and he looked at me, dropping his phone.He helped me sit up. His palms glued on mine.“You have yet to answer my question….” I snapped at him, and he put on a smile. “Did I pass out again?” he nodded to my question, making me wonder if it was quite heavier to say with his lips.He raised his brows, meeting my gaze.“My father is in the morgue—” I reminded myself and wanted to climb down from the bed, but he held me back. “Don't stop me again! I have to go back to my clan and mourn my father no matter what…..”He shook his head, acting mute.The door opened at that moment, and the doctor came in. I wanted to get out of the room with that opportunity, but he gripped me tighter.“Let's discuss, My King…” the doctor said to him, and he signaled him to
JOHANNA.Four days later!I walked gracefully into the hall chamber where all the Clan officials were gathered, in addition to Nina and Alpha Roger. Since I had assured them that I would prove my innocence, it was better that they all assemble and watch me present my proof.“Long live, the Supreme Heiress!!!”They all echoed, bowing as I walked to my seat. I met King Ramsey's gaze, and he gave a slight nod, after which I got seated.Nina was standing opposite me. Her facial expressions could tell that her heart was throbbing. The reason for the gathering was still untold, so she must be scared that I conspired against her.When the hall became silent, King Ramsey was ready to speak. At my side stood Evelyn, whom Beta Sam had taken permission to stalk. I didn't bother to know the reason he made that statement. All that clouded my mind was this day—the day I would clear my name and be able to handle my father's situation.“Today, my first rank consort and the Supreme Lycan Princess wil
JOHANNA.After an agreement was reached because of Nina, the gathering came to an end. We all exited the hall, back to our various rooms, but I looked at Nina from the back as she walked until she entered her room.“My Princess, I'm happy that you finally cleared your name. Now, you will have to focus on conceiving the child safely.” Evelyn said to me as we strolled back to my room. “What are you staring at?”I held her to a halt. “Go to the room alone. I will join you later….”Before she could try to hold me back or utter a word, I was already standing at Nina's doorpost. I glanced at her to keep going, and she lowered her head, passing me and entering my room. I didn't need to knock since I wanted to check on something. I held the door handle and pushed the door open to find her undressing.“Your Grace!!!” her servants shifted to the side.My eyes were fixated on her belly. I wanted to check if she added something to make her belly grow that way, but I was wrong. Her belly was truly
NINA.My chief maid, Aliya, hurried towards me and bowed. I was startled because she seemed like someone who had just seen a ghost. “What is the matter?” I dropped the glass of water I was holding and sat on the bed. I just hate being disturbed when I'm pondering over an important matter. I just escaped a lion's den and am trying to come up with a way I would save my ass completely. As it stands, my life lies in my hands. King Ramsey has been using me while pretending to be caring. He and Anna had a lot in store for me, but I easily escaped their wrath.If I'm not careful enough, I will end up in the abyss like they wish. I need to come up with an idea that can make Anna be filled with disappointments. I want her to feel used just like I feel now.“Your physician is here—” the maid announced to me.My brows knitted. “Physician? I didn't send for her. What is she here to do?”Aliya lifted her head. “I'm also baffled. Should I bring her in?”I gave a single nod. What would my physician
KING RAMSEY.“Evelyn is missing as well, and no one is giving hope with their words. They all claim to not know her whereabouts, whereas she returned to the palace with the other servants.” Beta Sam explained to me.It's been over a day, yet Anna was nowhere to be found. At first, I thought Evelyn would be back, but she went missing the same day as Anna, and that's alarming. How can a Princess and her maid be missing and no one was talking about them like it was a setup? They are all less concerned, making it look like it has been what they wanted. Even the Supreme Consort isn't saying anything—the officials too.I turned to Sam, “Looks like we did not search well in the woods. We should go beyond the border like the last time. Bring all your men, the whole clan would be searched this time ....we must find them." I remarked, and he bowed to me.As we entered the car to return to my clan, my cell phone buzzed. I checked, and it was a message from an unsaved contact. The message made
JOHANNA.With the last statement the man made, I knew he just didn't know that I was the Supreme Heiress, but that he knew a lot about me and my family. I glanced at the cup that had slid my palm and at the man. “I'm sorry!!”He smiled at me and picked up the cup. He washed it with the water beside him and poured another drink for me. “I expected you to be shocked. Of course, you weren't expecting it….” he stretched his hands, handing over to me the cup of liquor. “So, can my Princess share with me why he left the palace?”I snorted. “Well, I think knowing you better will be the first thing before sharing something confidential. What relationship do you have with my family to know the source of my mother's death?”He dropped his cup and rested his arms on his thighs. I was beginning to sweat already…..my mouth was drying up.“I was the Supreme Kings Beta!!”For some time, I shut my eyes and opened them again. My father's previous beta!“I resigned after the death of Supreme Luna becau
JOHANNA.While the maids were asleep, I was awake, busy watching them. I had planned with Andriana on how I would leave, and I won't miss the opportunity. She had told me the time everything would be set, and to not miss the time, that's why I am still awake.I leaned on the wall while seated on the bed, watching as the clock ticked. That merchant with a big belly and a shapeless body would be stunned when he asked me the next day and didn't see me. If he is strong enough, then he can come after me in the woods, and leaving their town will give me the strength to do what I want.My arms rested on the pillow that I had placed on my thighs. I yawned and wiped my face to get over the sleep lurking on my eyelid.The door slowly opened, and I knew it was Andriana, so I got down from my bed as well. She sneaked into the room and helped me out of the room, and we didn't say a word to each other.As we climbed down the stairs that would lead to the balcony, she glanced at me several times.“W
JOHANNA.“You're going to be claimed by a merchant that would take care of you and your child, so don't be scared.” the man said to me.My lips dropped open. Was this man okay upstairs? How can you give out a married pregnant woman to another man to claim? This should better be a dream.“Let's go!!”Before I could say a word, he continued moving. We reached a pavement road, but it didn't seem like a major road, and he boarded a cab that drove us to a mansion filled with servants of different genders and ages.I stood still for some time. “These people aren't werewolves or lycans? Are they?” I shook my head. If they were werewolves or lycans, their scent and wolf should be lingering around me as a welcome to the new place, but nothing was happening. I sensed nothing like a wolf in them, and they didn't even give a damn to me.The man climbed the veranda, and I did so as well. Then we walked into the sitting room where an elderly man was sitting on the couch with three ladies around her
JOHANNA.Evelyn sat beside me, leaning on my shoulder. I had tried my best to save her and I succeeded, now we aren't sure where to head any longer, and I'm not sure if there's a route that would lead us away from this deserted river.I was weak as well, and I wouldn't be able to carry Evelyn, so I made up my mind that we would stay on the river bank until the next morning and we would continue our journey. But after about an hour, when she felt she had recovered lots of strength, she insisted that we leave that area.Despite how I tried to make her understand that she was too weak and I could even manage more than her, she insisted, and I had no choice but to give in. She struggled with her feet as we walked ahead, and the least I could do was to support each step she took.I ordered her to wrap her arm around my neck, and she did, and then we began walking slowly until we left the shore.Back to the woods, but in a different place that seemed to be in another Clan, we walked gently,
JOHANNA.Late at night, I slept and woke up. My heart was palpitating. I expected that King Ramsey or his Beta would be here by now. Was it that they didn't get the letter or that they had yet to find me? By sunset tomorrow, this masked woman will return here to hear from me, and I wouldn't want to face her.The fact that I can't agree to assure her of handing over the Supreme Royal file because I'm sure they would still assassinate me after that is one reason I shouldn't be here till the sun sets the next day.If King Ramsey or his Beta gets that letter, they would come here with their men, and my safety would be guaranteed because I'm sure that no matter how hefty the guards here seem to be, they would never fight against the royal guards and warriors.I leaned on the cage, staring at the dark sky. “I just hope it doesn't rain. I won't have to catch a cold here. My wolf is already doing a lot to protect me from the wind.” I muttered and moistened my lips.My mind was heavy. I prayed
EVELYN.I stretched my limbs and slowly opened my eyes to the sun already setting. “My Princess!!” I mumbled, not sure if my voice was audible enough. “Did I fall asleep? Why should I? " My eyes sprang open finally. I recalled that I was on duty and wasn't supposed to fall asleep when I should be protecting Princess Johanna.To my greatest shock, the other servants were also asleep when I sat up. “What the heck is going on?” I blurted, getting to my feet. “Princess!!” I called out, looking around, but I didn't see her.I rushed to the other servants and hit them all slightly, waking them up. “How dare we sleep off when we are entitled to protect Her Grace? Now, she's not here—" I was still looking around. “Get up, let's search for her.”As they gradually stood, the woman who had attended to us came out from her store and bowed to us. I pointed my finger at her. “You! What did you add to the drink you gave us?” My jaw became tense. There was no way I would just doze off after drinking
JOHANNA.As I struggled to open my eyes, I heard the sound of chains clashing against each other. Finally, I was able to open my eyes again to see myself in a cage. “What should this be called?” My eyes bulged as I glanced at the chain used to hold me like a criminal.I could recall how I was saved from being attacked by a cougar, and then the two men came to me and forced a substance into my nose, and then I lost it. I looked around, and the surroundings were strange. “Is this still the wood?” I contemplated even still, and I couldn't give myself an answer to that question.I looked through the tiny openings of the cage. “Hey!!!” I screeched the moment I set my eyes on a man standing like a soldier at the side. “Hey, you over there. Come get me out of here.” my voice raised. How dare those men bring me here? Why will they chain me this way like a criminal as if they don't know my status?Did I invade their territory? Even if I did, that shouldn't be a reason for them to do this.My e
JOHANNA.The wood felt haunted. It was supposed to be a peaceful area for hunters, but it seemed something evil was in the air. As I walked, I glanced around to be sure of my steps. My heart skipped each time I heard a sudden sound.I knew, deep down, that I was taking a very big risk, but I had to do it. That's what it takes to be the Supreme Heiress. If indeed a building stays in this woods and is haunting my people, then I'm sure they are waiting for their rulers to take care of it for them.Until I entered the deepest part of the wood, I didn't set my eyes on a hunter or a farmer. Everywhere was serene. The only sound that could be heard was that of a singing bird.I halted to take a deep breath for once. I leaned on a huge tree, still darting my eyes around. “Why do I feel like such a building can't be in the woods? I've already gone so far, but I've not caught a glimpse of that.” I thought, but the other side of me insisted that a building like that exists. “I've spent more than