SERAFINA Zahir and I walked side by side while I now carried the little girl in my arm. He has been quiet since I declared that I wanted her to stay in the palace. I was sure that he has already realized that once I set up my mind to do something, I'm going to do it.Speaking of which, how did king Zahir wind up here anyway? Didn't he have work and other things to do than attending a festival he had previously refused to go to? Or did he just come here to mock me. Well, I had to know the reason why King Zahir decided to abandon his work and come to a festival that he had sworn he wouldn't attend. "So, how did you end up here?" I asked. He shot me a sidelong glance, "I rode here on my horse," he replied. I felt a pang of embarrassment. Of course, he had a horse—he was the King. It seemed like such a simple solution, yet my mind had been too preoccupied to even consider it. And coincidentally, we were right in front where he had stalled it. Well, realization washed over me that I
SERAFINA. As I walked down the hall, towards my room, all I could think of was how I'd mistaken Zahir for the cloaked Lycan. The similarities had been so uncanny. Height, demeanor, everything. It had to be some sort of illusion. I laughed to myself and waved it off. I was definitely overthinking things as usual. My fingers wrapped around the brass knob attached to my door. I twisted it open, reveling in the lavender scent that wafted into my nose. It was one thing I loved about my room. Its coziness and warmth. Just as I shut my door and padded my foot over the carpet, Dahlia stepped out of the small room adjoining the larger one where I usually slept. She had the little girl in her arms and I broke into a smile, crossing over to her. "Hello there," I cooed, brushing her dark lock of hair behind her ear. "Thank you for helping me, Dahlia." But Dahlia looked disturbed and her expression conveyed the emotion. She finally sighed and leaned against the arched w
SERAFINA I was awoken by the sound of a loud bang floors down. My eyes flew open and I tossed my duvet to the side as I dove out of the bed. I hurried to my window and pulled the drapes open, squinting when the saturated morning sun beams flooded into the room. I pulled my shutters open when a red fruit thumped on the window. Wet seeds splattered against the glass as it slid down and hit my window sill. It was a tomato. I was just taking in the shock when another joined in, flying into my room and hitting the ground. It created a mess on the floor. I heard the sound of something crack and I looked up to see that a quail's egg had cracked on my window, the mixture of white and yellow dripping down my window. When I looked down, I realized an angry mob was standing down below, yelling curses at me as they kept throwing eggs and fruits in anger. Soon, my room was a mess and all I could do was stand and watch as fruits flew into my room. One hit my dress and I staggered backwards, ga
SERAFINA. The next morning, I woke up feeling worse than ever. As my eyes cracked open to stare out of the window, all I could see were images of people hurling fruits into my room and saying all sorts of hurtful things to me. It was daunting. Even worse than fighting a war that was going to end up in a bloodbath. Climbing out of my bed, I sneaked towards my window, careful enough to hide my head so any one possibly standing down below wouldn't see me. When I realized that no one was waiting for me to show up so they could spread their hate heavily, I straightened and sighed in relief before resting my head on the window pane. The sound of the door clicking open had me jumping in fear. For a split moment, I imagined tens of people bursting into my room with fruits and eggs to throw at me. But it was just Dahlia who had come. "What was that? You looked like you saw a ghost." She asked as she shut the door behind her and slowly walked over to me. I controlled my
ZAHIR. I had sent one of my men ahead of us to announce my arrival and just as I got to the Alvarian fort, the bridge was opened and I crossed with my small entourage. Large metal gates were pulled open and guards lined the front of the gates, stepping forward as they searched each and everyone of my soldiers—because I let them. They probably sought to have a semblance of authority after so many years of attack on them. Finally, they stepped back, giving us passage into Alvaria. The last time I'd been here, it had been to take Serafina. Well, I was here for another reason. I didn't miss the shock on the commoner' faces as we walked through the roads. They all hurried to the side and I could see the fear in their eyes. I felt good that I had left a lasting impact on them. But I wasn't here for that. I wasn't here to start another war. The Palace wasn't so far away and soon, my horse galloped into the courtyard, neighing as it leaned back on its hind limbs. It finally hit the g
SERAFINA. For the next two days, I stayed in my room, pondering on how to get back and Hera for what she did to me in Zahir's absence. She'd suddenly taken control over the affair of the Palace as soon as he left. I was only at the mercy of the maids that had been together with me at the hut who usually reported to me whenever they came to serve me meals, all thanks to Dahlia who made sure I was served my meals. But with all of the brainstorms, I couldn't get back at Hera with Zahir absence. It was easy to use him to rile her up. I had to wait for his return so I could be able to map out a plan and execute it. I was pacing around my room when I heard a knock on the door. The knob twisted and the door was pushed open, admitting Yvonne, one of the maids I had stayed with at the hut. I rushed towards her, grabbing the door and shutting it as she walked into the room and placed the tray of food on the table. "Thank you, Yvonne," I said as I walked back into the
SERAFINAFor the next few days, I spent my time visiting the little girl every morning and night with food. It became real that I could really do nothing and I was at the mercy of Hera. My plans seemed to have all backfired against me. At first, the guards refused to let me in but seeing that I was unrelenting in my persistence, they finally let me in and warned me about Hera getting a hold of me. But I didn't care. Hera could do anything for all I cared. Nothing mattered this time. I spent time with the little girl, even trying at the same time to get her to talk. I was stopped from having direct contact with her and one of the guards promised to pass the food to her. For another two days, I came with food and handed it over to the guard but when I tried again the third day, another guard was stationed at the dungeon and this time, he stopped me from moving and shook his head. "I can't let you in, ma'am." "Why?" "Because we are not allowed to." "Of course. Then here's a p
ZAHIR. "We are one guard short, Alpha Zahir." Steven said as he walked into the special tent that had been erected up for my personal use. I looked up from the scroll I had in my hand with arched brows. "And what's that supposed to mean?" "We came with fifteen men but there are only fourteen of them now. I noticed one was absent during inspection this morning." "Then go find him," I said dismissively and went back to what I was reading. "Send someone to do that or just let it be." Nodding, Steven retreated out of my tent. We had been camped here for several days on the lookout for anything unusual happening in the human Kingdom. After we left that hall, Steven had pointed out an area where we could camp and still stay hidden from the eyes of anyone incoming. But I was exhausted and it stemmed from the fact that all of our attempts were futile. There was no movement or any sort. Pushing to my feet, I pushed past the jute material of the tent that had been set u
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