[Layla’s POV]I stirred in my sleep, mumbling some words I couldn’t remember later on. The bed was so comfy, and I thought as I laid with my eyes closed still feeling a little faint that I was probably imagining things. I should be lying on the cold hard floor of the prison cell and not a soft mattress like this one.“Poor child. Having to lose a child at such a tender age could not have been easy,” I heard the shaky voice of an old lady say in pity.“She should be awake anytime from now,” a thick voice belonging to a man said.Those voices were unfamiliar, and that was when it struck me that I was also in an unfamiliar environment. I couldn’t catch any scent of a single familiar soul and the environment smelled differently from the one I was used to. Could it be that I was dreaming? Well, there was only one way to find out.With fluttering lashes, I opened my eyes slowly and weakly, then shut it close immediately as the harsh rays of the sun nearly blinded me.“Oh, poor dear. Close t
[Layla’s POV]The Palace was made of brick stones and had a dull colour to it, like it was the den of chaos. As I walked with Dexter leading the way in front and two other guards behind, I averted the curious glances that were being thrown in my way by maids and servants alike.Some guards were mercilessly beating a slender young girl, and I stopped for a while, looking at her with pity as tears began to slowly form in my eyes.The penetrative look Dexter shot me brought me back to reality and I hurried immediately after him, careful not to fall. I still remembered everything that had happened like it was only yesterday. People said that time healed all wounds, but what if mine never got healed?We arrived at the throne room – a large building, but not as big as the one in the Shadow Pack, with great pillars and strong walls which were painted in deep grey colour; making the Palace appear even more dimmer and dark.“You may go in,” Dexter said to me.“You’re not coming with me?” I inq
[Xavier’s POV]I sat on Layla’s bed in her bedroom, not saying anything. Forty-eight long hours had passed since I had opened my eyes, and all that had been on my mind was her. I missed everything about her so much, but what could I do when doubts wouldn’t stop lingering on in my mind?Roman walked in. Whether he knocked or not, I didn’t know. All I knew was that he stopped in front of me and began to shake his head, expressing his distaste.“Are you going to keep on acting this way? You’re not a child, you know. Your people are out there and you’ve not even addressed them since the war. Rather, you’re here looking all gloomy because of a good-for-nothing who betrayed you,” he said.I heaved a deep sigh, deciding against speaking to him. My guilt hadn’t erased since I had let my emotions control me and made me treat Layla unfairly because of her so-called betrayal, and I was afraid of making the same mistake again. What if she hadn’t run away and was on the brink of death? What if she
[Xavier’s POV]“The candles were made from hydrangea,” the Pack’s doctor said, pushing away the tray.“I don’t understand. Is that supposed to mean something?” I inquired, eyeing the tray.“Yes. Hydrangea is a deadly plant, and it gets worse when it has been powdered and is burning. It can cause dizziness, choking and an increase in the heart rate of a person,” he explained.“I was right, then,” I muttered to myself, shaking my head.“What did you say?” he asked.“Forget it. Tell me something, how long does it take for the effects to begin if it is formed into a candle of this sort?” I asked.“Well, I can’t say. Hydrangea is harmful even for those who just touch it. It’s the first time I’m seeing anyone make it into scented candles. The person must have a death wish or something,” he said.“What if the people who inhaled it didn’t die but just slept off?” I inquired.He thought about my question for a while. “Then, it means the fire was put out after they had slept off, don’t you thin
[Layla’s POV]I weaved my way through the silk fabric with a needle skilfully, making an embroidery design for Alpha Raven. Two days had already passed, and when I had told him I was good at knitting and embroidery, he had asked me to make an embroidery design of a tiger on a robe of his.I was already done, and was just affixing his initials at the end of the embroidery which stopped just at the top of the space meant for his belt.“You’re really gifted,” Samantha said, admiring my work.A small smile appeared on my face. “Thank you very much,” I said to her.Samantha had revealed to me that she was originally from the Shadow Pack, but had been captured when she had missed her way in the woods about two decades ago, and had been made a slave. She had nursed Alpha Raven since he was a child, and had lived as though the Dark Moon Pack was her home, but she never once forgot her roots. That’s exactly why she was being so sweet and helpful to me.“Dear, what is that?” she inquired, point
[Xavier’s POV]“Do you think it was wise for us to come alone?” Kyle asked, pulling the reins of his horse.“If we had come with more people, they’ll believe we came here to make trouble. I just wanted them to know that I am not here for any kind of trouble. All I want is just to take Layla and leave,” I said.He heaved a sigh. “I understand. I just have a bad feeling. No one has stopped us, and we were given the directions to the Palace without hesitation. I’ve heard that the members of the Dark Moon Pack aren’t hospitable towards strangers, and always look for a way to cause trouble,” Kyle said.“It does seem suspicious, but not everything we hear is always the truth,” I told him.It was quiet for a while as we continued on our journey to the Palace of the Dark Moon Pack. Our territories weren’t all that far off from each other, so even while riding our horses, we had gotten to the territory in less than a day after beginning our journey last evening.Everyone we had come across was
[Xavier’s POV]I blinked my eyes severally, wondering if what I was seeing was a figment of my imagination. It looked like something that came out of a novel, and I couldn’t imagine that Layla was actually there, standing with a smirk fixed firmly on her face. Had she truly betrayed me, or was I mistaken?“L... Layla,” I called, finally able to bring myself to say something.She left the Alpha’s side and sauntered towards me, arms crossed with a maid following her closely behind.She stopped once she had gotten to where I was... bound in chains and forced to kneel, and crouched before me.“Yes, Xavier, you called my name,” she said, with a voice that sent shivers down my spine.“You’re truly her,” I said, and a smile suddenly crept up to my face.She appeared taken aback. “Why are you smiling? Do I seem funny to you? Are you trying to make fun of me?” she snapped.I shook my head immediately. “Of course, not. I’m just so happy to see you, and I’m also glad that you look very good. I w
[Layla’s POV]I had barely eaten anything that night, and as I stared at the leftover dishes in front of me, a drop of tear fell from my eyes. I stood up, and began to pace around the room... thinking, worrying.Was Xavier okay? Had he eaten anything yet? How was he going to cope in the prison? He had known comfort all his life, so how was he ever going to survive in prison? I knew I shouldn’t be thinking or caring about whether he was okay or not, but I couldn’t stop myself and I hated myself for being so worried about him despite all he had put me through.I leaned against the door with my whole back, tears rolling down my cheeks slowly as the sound of the whip kept resounding in my ears. I hadn’t expected him to show up just because of me, and my feelings were already wavering. I didn’t think I had the strength to go on with the plan I had in mind concerning him, and my heart ached because of what he had to go through.Wiping my tears with the back of my hand, I decided to not let
[Author’s POV]After unlocking the door, Alpha Xavier stepped into the chamber. It was his father’s, and since he died, he had not for once entered inside for any reason whatsoever, mostly because he was ashamed to face him after being unable to find out the person who had caused his untimely death.Everything looked the same, except that dust now made it almost impossible to breathe while in there. He reminisced about a whole lot of things as he ran his eyes over all his possessions which still remained in the chamber. He should have moved in there, but he hadn’t had the heart to.Alpha Xavier took a long look at the picture frame hanging on the wall. It was of him and his father the very day he had transformed for the first time. His father looked so proud of him, and he had been extremely happy because he made his father proud.He drew out the seat next to the table, and sat there staring into the mirror and seeing his father’s reflection staring back at him. His bows and arrows hu
“Almost a year ago, I overheard a conversation between my late uncle and the former Beta here. My uncle had found out that he had been stealing and coveting the people’s wealth, precious stones and our natural resources. Before his trip to the Dark Moon Pack, he said that if the Beta doesn’t relinquish all that he had stolen and make a public apology, as well as step down from his position, he was going to expose him in the most disgraceful manner when he came back, unknown to me that the Beta was aware that I had been eavesdropping on their conversation.“He then called me privately and twisted my mind by telling me he would make me the next Alpha King if only I kept quiet. I was stupid and greedy, so I agreed, not knowing that the price for my silence was my uncle’s life. When he died, I confronted him but he manipulated me into keeping quiet and doing all other dirty jobs for him. I stand here today to apologise for all that I did, ranging from not exposing the truth earlier on, bu
[Xavier’s POV]“Your... your highness, it is not what you think,” Veronica said, falling on her knees as she shook her head in negativity.The whole world had seen her shame.“It is exactly what I think it is, you good-for-nothing deceiver. I should have known better than to trust you. You were never pregnant after all,” I roared at her angrily.“I’m sorry. I never meant to do something like this. It was my father that...”“May the goddess strike you down if my name comes out of your miserable mouth again,” her father said, as he stood up and marched to where we were, which brought about more surprised looks from the audience.“Dad!” she exclaimed, as though she had been betrayed.“Veronica!” he yelled back. “All this is your fault, and you know it. If only you had slept with him like I commanded you to, you would have truly gotten pregnant for him since you were in your fertility period, but instead, you chickened out and I had to come up with another solution,” he revealed.“Wait. H
[Layla’s POV]I clipped the diamond earrings to my ears and stared at my reflection in the mirror. I looked really elegant, dressed in a long white dress which shone with precious stones that had been affixed onto it, with silver heels embracing my feet.I rubbed my wedding band with a smile on my face as I stood up, then began to walk out of the bedroom. Michaela, who had been trying to finish up her fries looked up, and her mouth was instantly agape as soon as she saw me.“You look so beautiful, your highness,” she said, not hiding the admiration she had for me.“Thank you, Michaela. I should look beautiful, don’t you think? Today is the day that all my enemies will be brought to their knees,” I said, then gave a small chuckle.“Yes, your highness. I am so glad this is finally drawing to an end, and you and the Alpha can be happy forever without anyone ruining your joy,” she stated.I gave a small smile. “You’re right. Peace and happiness are the two things I have always desired in
[Layla’s POV]I stepped into the room where Jeffrey was being treated as that was where the guard I had seen positioned at Xavier’s bedroom door said he was.He was sitting on a stool next to Jeffrey’s bed. Jeffrey still hadn’t opened his eyes, and he hadn’t even moved a single finger. Xavier looked deep in thoughts and he hadn’t even noticed my presence yet.“Hey, baby,” I said, giving him a kiss on the cheek, to notify him of my presence.He jolted from his thoughts and looked surprised on seeing me. He yawned tiredly and rubbed his eyes with his fingers.“My love, I didn’t realise you came in,” he said.“I noticed. Tell me, what’s on your mind?” I asked, drawing a seat to sit beside him.“I’m just lost in thoughts. I can’t help but wonder why someone like him would do such a thing,” he said.“Who are you talking about?” I inquired.“It’s not something you should be worried about, my love,” he said, forcing a smile on.“Well, I want to know what it is that has kept you away from me
“What’s that supposed to mean? Answer me, come on, answer me!” I yelled at him.“Easy, dear cousin. Shouting isn’t going to change the fact that what’s done is done. In fact, if you yell at me one more time, I may choose to withhold all the information I have to give,” Roman said, sitting up on the ground which he had just been sprawled on a few minutes ago.“Leave us alone,” I said to the onlookers which consisted of the guards and the other prisoners in Roman’s cell.They all began to leave, including Kyle. “Not you, Kyle,” I said, and he stayed back while the rest left. Apparently, the prison guards were going to keep the inmates in another cell.“Want a little private chitchat with your cousin?” Roman asked, with a wink.I crouched, then taking him by surprise, grabbed him by the neck and began to strangle him while he tried to resist as he almost choked to death.“Listen to me, and listen real good. It will cost me nothing to end your life right here and now. The only one who is
[Xavier’s POV]I placed the box which Layla had given me carefully in the safe which always stayed hidden in my closet and looked like just a mere suitcase. No one would guess that some of my important stuff were actually there, and once I closed the door to my closet, I took out the button which had been in my pocket all day and examined it carefully once again.“Kyle. Kyle is back,” I said to myself, hearing the “welcome” greetings which they were saying to him as he hadn’t been in the Palace for a few weeks due to the special mission I had sent him on.I hurried out of my bedroom immediately and slammed the door behind me. The two guards positioned at the door started to follow me, but I told them to stop immediately.“I have a private matter to attend to. Wait for me here,” I said, and hastily left where they were.I was still walking with long strides when I bumped into Lady Millicent who was coming from the opposite direction.“Greetings, Alpha King Xavier. I’m sorry for bumping
[Layla’s POV]I kissed him back.It was the first time since we had fought, and kissing him now made me realise how much I missed him, how much I loved him... how much I craved his touch.The kiss deepened as his tongue slipped into my mouth, hands gripping me like I was the last piece of oxygen in the world... My body reacted to it before my mind did. His grip tightened on me as I pulled him closer, feeling him grind against me from behind.Our kiss continued until we were both out of breath, panting for more. My hand roamed over his chest, slowly working its way lower. He groaned, leaning down so our foreheads met. He stared into my eyes, his own full of want and need. I moved forward again, my lips brushing against his once, twice, three times before he leaned his head down so our lips met once more, his hand still on my back.This time, it was different. It was soft at first, but quickly turned hard as a moan left his lips when I pressed down further. My lips moved against his, an
[Xavier’s POV]I had been humiliated before everyone, and although I knew I could never feel the pain Layla had felt while losing our child, this was way out of bounds. I was angry, furious and never in my life had I felt so insulted.What exactly had I said that was wrong for her to hit me in the presence of my own people? That had automatically reduced the respect they possibly had for me.“She believes she has you wrapped around her fingers, that’s why she does whatever she likes these days. She knows you love her and you don’t see her wrongs,” Veronica said, while the women and servants present still looked shocked with their eyes and mouths wide open.“Everyone, calm down. Things like this happen. You can all go back to your respective homes and businesses,” I told them, brushing off what Veronica had said.“Yes, your highness,” they chorused.I turned my back around and began to leave hastily to avoid facing further embarrassment, while Veronica hurried after me, trying to pick