ZAHIR Lord Timothee. Hmm. What did Hera and this man have to do with each other? Just to be sure, I scanned through the rest of the letters and saw that they were all addressed from Lord Timothee. Meaning, the two have been in constant communication for a long time.I was about to open the letter to read when I heard the rustling of the sheets and I turned back to see that Hera had rolled over on the bed. I dropped the letters quickly, just as I had found them so she wouldn't suspect, and then I left her quarters and went back to mine. Immediately I entered into my quarters, I shut the door behind me and sat down at the edge of my bed. I couldn't believe that Hera was working with Lord Timothee. I had still not been able to digest the fact that she had brought the plague into the palace, but not only that, she had also been working with Lord Timottee all these while?The extent of the betrayal was grievous. Way too grievous. And I could not overlook it, not at all. Hera had to b
ZAHIRI had suspected this on multiple occasions, but I chose not to believe it. There were some words Lord Timothee had said, some actions that he had taken as well, that made me suspect he had an inner eye in the palace. What I had not envisioned in my wildest dreams was that it would be Hera. The person who could be said I was the most free with in this palace. She was actively working with Lord Timottee to betray me? Just because she let stupid jealousy get into her head and mess it up.And I had suspected Hera herself of being involved in something sketchy, since the day I had seen her leave the palace in a cloak. I knew she was up to something, what I didn't know was that she was conniving with Timothee. To the extent that the two of them had been selfish enough to risk both their lives to bring the plague into the palace. My fists clenched at my sides at the thought—Hera's actions were unforgivable. She would be punished accordingly, as well as Lord Timothee. My attention
ZAHIR The maid bowed and immediately turned around to leave. Now that it was settled, I turned around and returned back to my chambers. I shut the door behind me and immediately went to the window pane and leaned against the frame, starting out into the bright afternoon sky. And then, the thoughts in my head started to wander free again. I began to ask myself what I was doing, because truly, I didn't know what the hell I was putting myself into. Did I just ask a maid to get foodstuffs for Serafina, and that I would be going to see her tonight? Yes, unfortunately, I did. And sadly, those words could not be taken back. If one would ask me what my reason would be for doing that, I would most likely fall back to my answer of saying I wanted Serafina back in the palace so I can torture her as planned. But how did giving foodstuffs to her correlate with bringing her back here?What exactly was I doing? And why wouldn't I stop myself from doing them even though I knew it was very out o
ZAHIR I could talk about her smile for days. Her lips curved in a way that seemed to light up the entire clearing. It was a stark contrast to the shadows that had veiled our surrounding. "Serafina," I greeted, my voice a low rumble that matched the timbre of the night. I extended the bag towards her, my fingers brushing against hers for the briefest of moments. "I thought you might appreciate these," I said, my words tinged with a hint of uncertainty.Her eyes widened as she peered into the bag, her fingers delicately grasping the contents. I watched as her expression transformed into one of genuine surprise and gratitude. "So much food," she murmured, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Thank you."As she looked up at me, her gaze lingering on my obscured features, I found myself momentarily at a loss for words. I was not accustomed to this – to being the source of someone's happiness."I am glad you like them," I finally managed to say, my tone gruff yet sincere.She nodded, her sm
SERAFINA I watched as the cloaked Lycan mounted his horse and rode away. As I witnessed him disappear into the darkness, a strange feeling settled inside of me— this was something I had never felt before, something foreign had enveloped my heart. It hurt that he was leaving. My heart was aching to have him stay, even if it was just for a little bit longer. I was missing a man that I didn't even know his name, a man that I didn't even know his real intentions towards me, a man that I never knew his face; what was hidden behind that cloak and what was hidden in his heart. All I knew was that he was a Lycan, and I couldn't understand why I was so drawn to a man that was capable of killing me. A man that was supposed to hate and loathe my kind, a man I was supposed to feel unsafe around. Yet, I was missing his presence. Yet, I wanted him deeply. Few minutes ago, my heart had pounded faster than it had ever done. He was close to me, and I could feel the tension emanating from him. It
SERAFINAThe days seem to go by in a haze and it has already been two weeks. In three days, I would be going to the palace to confront Hera. A part of me had wished the cloaked Lycan would show up, but he hadn't come over since the day he left here. I waited every day and night for him to show up. But he never did. I missed him so dearly and I've tried to hide my feelings away from the girls, but my downcast mood was too obvious to keep hidden. They had already picked up on it, seeing that I was sad about his absence. Sometimes, after everyone had retired to bed, I would sit outside and wait for hours, in anticipation that he may decide to show up. But he never did, and I waited for hours unending until one of the girls would urge me to come into the hut. Yet, I hoped that he would somehow show up. Even despite being into the hut, I always watched from inside through the window. Maybe, he would come. But he didn't. And it has been so for two weeks now. Once, the girls asked me
SERAFINA I was stunned and shocked to hear the words of the cloaked Lycan. It was as though my whole body froze and time seemed to come to a halt as I digested his words The least I had ever expected was for the cloaked lycan to confess his feelings to me. I knew he cared about me, but I had never heard expected that what he felt was far greater than care. It was love. The shock coursed through me, mingling with a rush of excitement that sent my heart racing.I was happy to hear those words and I had to fight back te the to burst into a wide smile. I couldn't believe that he loved me. If was surreal to hear. How can a Lycan fall in love with a human? A warmth spread through my chest. It was a feeling I had been denying, a truth I had been suppressing – the undeniable awareness that I, too, was falling for him. Despite the circumstances, despite the impossibility of it all, I couldn't help the pull, the magnetic attraction that seemed to draw us together.My heart hammered agains
SERAFINA I felt his fingers against my cheek. It was gentle, yet firm and it sent a shiver down my spine. It was soft and tender at first. But then, his hand slid to the nape of my neck, pulling me slightly closer, and the kiss deepened. His lips moved against mine with a hunger that sent a jolt of electricity through my veins. It was as if he couldn't get enough, as if he had been waiting for this moment as desperately as I had.Our lips synced in a passionate rhythm, each movement igniting a fire that blazed brighter with every passing second. I could feel the intensity of his emotions through the way his kiss grew more fervent, his fingers tangling in my hair as he pulled me impossibly closer.The sensation was overwhelming, a whirlwind of emotions that left me breathless and wanting more. There was a rawness to his kiss, a primal desire that I had never encountered before. It was a stark contrast to the refined, controlled kisses of Prince Aries, and in that moment, I realized
Yes, the book has come to and end! God, it fills me with so much joy to have finally give. This book a befitting ending☺️ I would like to say a big thank you to my readers for putting up with me and still sticking around to read my book. Special shout outs readers with the names Pab, Debra LeBaron Mixer and Chanlin Davies! Y’all are the real MVPs who also almost made me cry whenever I didn’t update and I read your comments, lol. Although I understand that it all came from a place of love for my book and I am so grateful! Thank you so much for coming on this journey with Zahir and Serafina! Now, I know some commonly asked questions. Will there be bonus chapters? Well, I’m thinking about but chances are…I won’t, lol because it will be a huge spoiler for the next book. Yes, the heard right, the next book!☺️In case you haven’t noticed, our dearest human and Lycan couple are having the first hybrid! You did not also forget the prophecy too, did you? Haha😅Well, writing the next book s
ZAHIR It was still dusk and the first morning light was yet to appear. The silence was deafening and I was sure that if I screamed, my voice was going to ring around the whole of Lycaronia. I was relieved. So relieved that everyone was able to escape. I had watched Serafina leave with King Zach and Dahlia in the carriage, not calming down until I got information that they were out of the boundaries. It was just me. Even Steven had left with the others. I had ridden him with the duty of taking care of everything until my return, if it ever happened. But I knew I had to end this once and for all so I stayed back and waited for the Prince to arrive. He was going to meet the shock of his life. I mounted my horse and rode to the eastern part of the boundary as King Zach instructed. According to him, he was going to be coming in through that direction. So I waited on my horse, rage boiling through me when I heard the sound of heavy hooves beating and drawing close to the b
ZAHIR. Several men were stationed in different parts of the border. In less than an hour, the human army had filled the whole place, coming with horses, chariots and carriages. They all helped in informing people. They went from house to house, warning the people about an impending attack while the others helped in the evacuation. Some families left with their vehicles while some were helped into carriages and transported to different Kingdoms. It was safer that way. This went on for several hours nonstop but this didn't eradicate the panic that filled my soul. I remained restless, making enquiries on how things were going on functional posts. I was assured not to worry by Steven. "Where are they being evacuated to though?" Steven asked when he returned from his inspector to give me details of what was happening. "They would have to stay in the Kingdoms for the main time. It's the only option we have because Aries is probably on his way here. We can't risk him finding
ZAHIR. It had to be a dream of some sorts because I didn't believe it was King Zach standing before us. A bigger dream that Serafina was carrying my child. If anyone told me two surprises couldn't coexist, I could easily debunk their statement with these scenarios happening before me. As soon as he set eyes on Serafina, his lips trembled as tears filled his eyes. He moved towards her, his arms spread out to wrap her in a hug but I stretched out my hand, stopping him as he made a move. "How dare you?" I asked, my voice in a low rumble. "What are you doing here? How did you get into my Kingdom?" My eyes narrowed on him. He raised both of his hands in surrender, his expression giving nothing away. "I mean no harm. I am here with good intentions." "Then state it." I gritted out, ignoring Serafina who stood beside me, moving from one side to the other. "I am here to warn you about something," He continued, then his eyes darted towards Serafina. "I am sure she know
SERAFINA. A gust of wind blew my hair forwards and I forced it back behind my ear before taking in my environment. I was standing on a pier. I recognised this immediately. Turning, I began to walk out of the pier towards the sandy beaches. I was finally back to my mother and this time, I wanted to remain here for good. I wanted to be with my mother. I was done going through all the pain and suffering and didn't want to go back anymore. Being here, right where my mother was, mattered the most to me and I was glad to finally make my way back here. I caught sight of her. She was still dressed in the same clothing. She was gathering sticks to make a fire and when she caught sight of me coming towards her, they dropped to the ground and she straightened. I stopped before her with a teary smile on my face and she pulled me into a hug. We remained in silence until she pulled away and wiped the tears off my cheek. "I want to remain here with you, mother. I don't want to go bac
ZAHIR. For days, I stayed locked up in my room, drinking my life away and inflicting pain on her when I had the chance to. It was equivalent to inflicting pain on myself but I was unable to stop myself, unable to stop this pain in my chest. Hell, I was far more miserable than she was, beating myself up each time I inflicted pain on her. But there was nothing I could do about it. I was long gone. Things had gone awry in a space of a few days since finding her rummaging my things. I had sent her out in anger and so much hurt. Hell, I had expected her to say something to pacify me at least. Something she really meant and not some stupid fucking apology. Then I thought she had escaped from the palace, unable to take more from me. It had put me through so much panic. I knew how I had searched for her while beating myself up for putting her through a lot only for her to coke running back to me herself. My anger had returned, only intensifying when I caught a whiff of an all too famili
HERA. Thunk! Sweat dropped from my brows as I kept cutting wood with a heavy ax. Well, it wasn't so heavy but with how I had moved from a position where maids were at my beck and call, this was a fucking downgrade. But that didn't really matter right now. Not even the splinter that pierced through the other surface of my skin. I pulled it out and continued to split wood, sweat pouring down my back. Once I was done, I gathered the wood in my arm and took it to the furnace where I usually cooked, dropping them all to the floor and looking down at my palm. With every passing day, it was a countdown to the tone Zahir would tire of Serafina and come back to me. Very soon, I was going to be out of this terrible place and in his arms once again. Hours ago, I'd been returning from the river after going to fetch water for my hut. It was really far away and I was so exhausted and had been on the verge of breaking down and bursting into tears. I had cursed Serafina in my mind, wish
SERAFINA. "Remain still and I'll let you go. I mean no harm." A distinct familiar voice said from behind me. I nodded and the hold was released. Turning, it was Prince Aries standing before me. My eyes widened in surprise and I blinked to be sure I wasn't seeing an apparition. I had seen a lot of that recently and I wasn't sure what to believe anymore. He smiled. "Yes, it's me. I know you don't believe but it's me, Sera, it’s Aries." "I know who you are," I blinked, taking a few steps back and wondering if I should be happy about this development or if I should feel uncomfortable. However, I couldn’t hide my shock. It’s the second time Aries has found his way into Lycaronia somehow. “How are you here?” In one move, he was standing before me, his eyes light with cheer. Then he pulled me into a tight hug, wrapping his arms around me and filling me with his warmth. I was just taking all of this in when he pulled slightly away and cupped my cheeks. His lips brushed mine in a so
SERAFINA. In a space of one day, things had fallen apart. So bad that I couldn't even pick up the pieces. I'd be thrown out of his chambers thereby, reducing me from the post of his mistress to a mere slave once again. I had returned to my room in a teary mess, trying not to think of how he had looked at me with utter disdain, like he couldn't stand me. How had he gone from being all over me to barely wanting me to be in his presence? As much as I tried not to think too much about it, I was greatly hurt by it. I couldn't stand the gossip from the maids either. Whenever I passed by a group, all they did was glance at each other, their gazes telling tales I didn't need to hear verbally. A few of them were bold enough to whisper when I passed by. I couldn't even snap at them to stop. That respect had been stripped off like it was never even there. I had lost favor in the sight of the king, they said. He must have gotten tired of me because I couldn't satisfy his needs, all