SERAFINA“Get out. Right now." King Zahir's command came through, not even giving me time to recover from the intensity of the torture he had just put me through. I didn't give a chance to repeat himself however, and within that second I was already hopping off the bed and going to get my clothes that were on the floor. I picked them up and scrambled to the door, but remembered that I couldn't go out to the hallway naked and then I paused. I could feel his cold gaze etched to my form as I put on my dress—i did not bother to turn back and see if the scowl on his face matched the one I had already conjured up in my mind. Once I was done putting on the dress, I reached for the door handle, opened it and left. I had staggered out, unable to feel anything from my leg down, my head ached and I was sore, most likely bleeding and injured. Tears welled up in my eyes and my vision was blurred, but immediately I stepped out, I saw Dahlia. She was standing there, like she had been waiting for
ZAHIRIn the darkened corridors of the palace, as I retraced my steps to my own chambers, I couldn't help but feel a gnawing resentment towards myself as well.The anger inside me was a raging tempest. It was directed at Serafina, for her insolence, for daring to threaten me with her defiance, for her just… for her just being Serqfina.What was I even thinking? Why had I decided to even help her? It made me seem…weak. How on earth would I go back to pet her wounds after I was the one who had inflicted them on her?That was just stupid. Plane stupid of me and I regret it.Because, if I had not gone there to offer her the potion, she wouldn't have insulted me in that manner. I saw it all clear in her eyes, an immense hatred, like one she had never shown before.It had always been in her eyes, loathe for me. But today, today it was just worse.Why should I, a king, a ruler, feel any guilt, any remorse for my actions? Why should I have offered her the potion? It was my prerogative to do a
SERAFINA As soon as Zahir had stormed out of my chamber, a burning anger swelled within me. The very nerve of him to offer me that potion after what he had subjected me to, was he trying to move me?I had watched him leave, the potion still clutched in my trembling hand. But, I wasn't going to take it. Never.I refused to bend to his will or to rely on him for anything, especially my well-being. He had taken something precious from me, my Virginity, and I wouldn't let him think that he could control every aspect of my life.I tossed the potion aside, watching it hit the cold stone floor and roll away. I would get better on my own, without his help or anything he was going to offer. The hours had turned into a full day, and I lay in my bed, shivering with fever and nausea. My body was wracked with pain, and the thought of death crossed my mind more than once.But I couldn't give in, not to him. I was determined to show Zahir that I could nurse myself back to health, that I wouldn
SERAFINA Dahlia was willing to talk today and even if it was about the man I loathed the most, I was willing to listen to what eve she had to say to and I might as well ask more questions. Ones that I had been asking for so long without an answer. "So uh, how did the relationship between you and Zahir begin?" A small smile lifted the corner of her lips upon hearing the question and then she spoke, "Back then, when Zahir was just a child, and I was imprisoned in the dungeons," she began, "it was a time of darkness and despair. I had been accused of adultery by my own husband, and my fate was marked for execution. However, the conquest of the Lycan Kingdom brought with it a delay in my execution."I listened intently, my curiosity piqued, as she unraveled the story. "His cell was next to mine, iron bars had been the only thing that separated the both of us. He rarely spoke, but he showed kindness in the most unexpected ways." she added. "Zahir shared a cell with the ailing king of th
SERAFINA How on earth was I Zahir's trigger? None of it was making any sense to me no matter how hard I thought about it. I turned to face Dahlia again, asking, "How…how come I'm his trigger?" I began, "I didn't even know Zahir. I have never met him prior to when he had come to my father's palace to take me." I tried to wrack my brain for any memory of back then but I couldn't get anything. Nothing at all. "You see, Dahlia, after the accident they never allowed me to leave the room. Talk less of going to the dungeons where the Lycans where. So where had the King seen me?" A small smile hinted on Dahlia's lips, "Okay, I'll tell you how." she said, edging closer to me on the bed. "You see, one evening, the King and overheard the guards talking about going to take turns guarding your room." she started, "Well, upon hearing that, King Zahir seemed intrigued. The most giddy I had ever seen him." she added and my brows lifted in surpsise. Zahir…was intrigued by me? My brows lowere
SERAFINA I woke up the next morning, yawning as I sat atop the bed. I had stretched my arms as I yawned, but I hadn't felt any strain nor pain. My brows furrowed in shock, I moved my legs on the bed and stretched my arms again yet no pain as well.The potion worked that fast?I took off the blanket from my body and hopped off the bed. I was surprised to see that I actually could get down from the bed without help or without feeling my muscles cramp.I walked over to the mirror, looking at my reflection and seeing how my face was no longer paled but was now rejuvenated with life. I lifted my night dress and was even more surprised to see that the scars on my body had also healed, leaving behind only faint scars.My eyes widened as I traced my fingers around the scarred skin—they were truly healed and I felt no pain at all. My widened eyes squinted as I narrowed my brows in bewilderment. The strength of the potion was quite unusual.Just then, I heard a knock on the door and the creak o
HERA My eyes widened in horror as I couldn't believe what—or rather, who I was looking at right now. I watched as Serafina sauntered before me with haughty steps. How dare she? How dare she waltz into my territory, my kitchen, and disrupt everything I've worked so hard to control?Well, apart from the newfound audacity she now had to tear off my rooster and walk up to me and tell me to my face, another shocker was the fact that she was dressed in fancy, regal clothes. Like the ones I wore. Her hair, usually a tangled mess, now cascaded in glossy waves down her back. It just seemed so…perfect—just enough perfection for me to hate how annoying it was that each strand was seemingly in perfect place.Her gown…that was simply the most infuriating in all of this. , It was a gown that clung to her every curve, her shoulders adorned with an elegant shawl that practically screamed 'I'm in charge.' She looked like she belonged on a throne. And oh how much it pained me to admit that. I gr
SERAFINAI had to see it for myself and I couldn't turn down the offer of a good gossip. So, I followed Hera to the king's throne room, keeping to the shadows, making sure I was unseen as I eavesdropped.I listened as their voices floated through the slightly ajar door. Hera's attempts to gain the king's attention, his indifference, and their heated exchange. And then, the question that caught my attention: "Did you sleep with Serafina?"A shiver of satisfaction ran down my spine as I heard Zahir's silence, the unspoken confirmation. It was a small victory, but one that meant the world to me.Well, before Hera could leave the throne room, I had to go back to my room so she wouldn't see me. I couldn't even contain the laughter that to up within me as I walked down the hallway. I felt fulfilled and more determined than ever.Hera's vulnerability when it came to matters concerning the king was crystal clear. It was her weakness, her Achilles' heel, and I was ready to exploit it to the fu
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