~.NOVA.~Everything hurts.I scrunch my nose at the sight of the so-called breakfast that Yolanda had brought up to The Supreme Beta's bedchamber where I mostly resided."Is this for the horses or what?" I snapped, Yolanda staring at me baffled."Your Highness, it's your breakfast."I scoffed gazing at the food and then at Yolanda. "You're kidding, take that away."Yolanda hurriedly whisked the unappetizing breakfast away, her eyes wide with concern. I had been feeling more than just physical pain lately; the weight of my responsibilities as The Supreme Beta Female was becoming unbearable.I swung my legs over the edge of the ornate bed, letting out a weary sigh. "Yolanda?." But instead, Dwayne walked in with his hands in his pockets."Nova." I smiled at him and he placed a kiss on my forehead, brushing my hair off her face."I saw your breakfast was untouched, why?" I rolled my eyes. "You don't expect me to eat horse food.""That's not a nice thing to say, baby. You seem off this mor
~.KAERLIA.~"It's weird. ""What's that?" "You talking to me normally, you're not glaring or telling me to know my plac-""Do you want me to continue?" His eyes fixed on mine as he signed off some papers handing them to me."No, I n-""Then stop complaining." His eyes drifted back to the documents he held while I stood in front of him waiting to sign."I wasn-""I believe that's the last of the documents, you can leave now." I gasped, surprised at his rudeness.I exited the office, irritation bubbling within me. Mobali's behavior had been perplexing lately. While his usual sternness and dominance had its place, this newfound rudeness was a puzzle I couldn't quite solve.Lost in my thoughts, I walked briskly down the corridor, not paying much attention to my surroundings. That was when I collided with Horia, who was coming from the opposite direction."Whoa, there, Kaerlia!" Horia exclaimed, her hand steadying me. "Are you okay? You look like you've just seen a ghost."I let out a fru
~.MOBALI.~The rain keeps beating me, it hurts.Every pitter screams in my head of how I couldn't rescue her, My Mother. She sacrificed everything for me.And I couldn't save her, she gave up her freedom just so I could become the next Supreme King.My Mother.The rain keeps reminding me, it tortures me,and taunts me of my failures and mistakes."You should have saved me, Mo!!""Mo!!" I jolted, staring at my surroundings. The sound of my name echoed in my ears, and I blinked, momentarily disoriented. The rain had stopped, and I was no longer in the forest. Instead, I found myself in a dimly lit room. The air felt heavy, and a faint scent of vanilla and strawberries with a hint of honey hung in the air.Kaerlia.This was my room but her presence had overpowered my scent because I rarely stayed in my room."Mo, are you alright?" a familiar voice asked, filled with concern. I turned to see Kaerlia standing beside me, her icy blue eyes filled with worry.I took a moment to regain my be
~. .~"Ah, Finally, you've arrived at last,"Kaerlia, her thoughts a tempestuous sea, responded with a soft inquiry, "Were you expecting me?""Something akin to that," Mayan-Odette replied, her grip firm on her staff. She extended a reassuring smile to the young, white-haired Aryik.Although Kaerlia couldn't muster a smile in return, Mayan-Odette harbored no offense. She sensed the girl's turmoil and hoped to bring her solace."Here, lend a hand in stirring this concoction," Mayan-Odette invited, nodding towards the bubbling cauldron, its contents a swirling enigma of ingredients.Curious, Kaerlia leaned in, her senses drawn to the mystical brew. "Is this for her?""Paranoid much? It's for you. The rate at which your thoughts churn, it's as if a storm rages within your mind," Mayan-Odette replied, her lips curling into a knowing smile as she continued to stir."What do you wish to know, child?" Mayan-Odette inquired, feeling the powdery substance in her hand, which she sprinkled into t
~. .~The room was quiet, tension thick in the air as Farah and Mobali locked eyes.She bit her lip, unsure of where to begin. "We can talk about it later, you've been standing here for a while."Mobali dragged a chair from the corner and sat down, his intense gaze never leaving Farah's face. "I'm not going anywhere until you tell me why you're still alive."Farah scoffed, her frustration evident. "Don't you want me to be alive? Why are you acting like my return is a bad thing?"Mobali's eyes darkened, his wolf instincts close to the surface. "Don't change the subject, Farah."Taking a deep breath, she began, "During the war, some of the rival warriors attacked me brutally. I had no choice but to flee for my life, but I was cornered. It was either die at their hands or risk drowning. Fate had other plans, though, because an arrow struck my chest, sending me plummeting off a cliff and into the water.""What about your necklace? How did our warriors find it?""It must have s
~. .~Laurel, Kaerlia's elder sister, rushed to help Nova sit down as she arrived at the Lady Lorraine's House of Fashion store. Nova came with her maid Yolanda, who stood beside her, helping arrange her dress that looked too tight on her."Wow, how many months, and you're already this big!" Laurel commented, making Nova chuckle. Her skin glowed, and she looked more beautiful with her swollen belly protruding through her grey dress."Aunt May says royal pregnancies are a lot different. The baby's only eight weeks old, and I'm this big. I am due to give birth in twelve weeks anyway.""You don't look too comfortable in your outfit," Laurel observed.Nova sipped from her water glass that she had Yolanda carry around. "That's exactly why I'm here. I came to get some maternity dresses and outfits."Laurel nodded and said, "Wait here, I have some inside." With that, she went inside the store to retrieve maternity clothes for Nova.Laurel returned a few minutes later, holding a selec
~. .~"I couldn't believe it when I heard of your return, welcome back, Your Highness," a council member said to Farah as she gave him a small smile."Thank you.""Now back to the meeting agenda," another council member continued, attempting to steer the discussion away from the tension that had arisen earlier. The council members focused on the matters at hand, discussing various issues related to the pack and the kingdom."Congrats, Supreme Beta Dwayne on your mate's pregnancy," one council member announced, and applause followed as Dwayne acknowledged their well-wishes.Then, the proposal regarding Farah's role was raised. "And, now that Farah is back, it is only fair to give her her rightful position as the Luna and Supreme Luna Queen," a council member stated.Immediately, Velia voiced her objection, her anger growing. She knew she didn't have the authority to influence the council's decision, but she couldn't remain silent in the face of what she considered an injust
~.MOBALI.~"I graciously accept the verdict," Kaerlia said, her head bowed as she received the scroll that decreed her new title.My fists clenched involuntarily as I watched her exit the hall. This wasn't the outcome I had wished for, and a sense of frustration swelled within me. I couldn't shake the feeling that this situation had spiraled out of control, leaving everyone hurt and divided.With a sigh, I decided to retire to my chambers, hoping to find solace in the solitude of the night.But before I could take more than a few steps, a voice called out to me, cutting through the sea of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. "Mo!"I turned to see Farah, her eyes earnest and filled with concern. Her presence was a stark contrast to the turmoil that had unfolded during the council meeting."Mobali!" she called out again, this time with more urgency, her steps quickening as she approached me."Mobali!" Farah's voice held a mix of relief and longing as she approached me.I turned to
~. THREE YEARS LATER.~The grand celebration of the twin pups' third birthday filled the palace with joy and laughter. The twins stood together, side by side, staring at the birthday cake in front of them, adorned with three flickering candles.As the room echoed with cheerful voices wishing them a happy birthday, Mobali stepped up to a podium, his proud gaze fixed on the twins. "It's been three years since the great battle," he began, his voice strong and full of pride. "It's been three years since Queen Kaerlia, my mate, brought these two amazing pups into the world. I am proud to be their father. A toast to the prince and princess!"With a raise of his glass, everyone in the room followed suit, their glasses clinking together in a heartfelt toast. "A toast!" they chorused, and the celebration continued in earnest.The twins, Alarik and Alora, looked at each other and then shared a grin. Alarik Xevekiah King, with his pure white hair and ocean blue eyes, was the firstborn. He was kno
~.KAERLIA .~I kept breathing into the paper bag as I could feel my insides churning. I was already nauseous and the day hadn't even begun.“I need another paper bag,” I mutter to Diana who ignores me and keeps massaging my shoulders. “Just take deep breaths, and calm down.” It was easier said than done.“The outfit is here!” I gasped, standing up from my seat as Laurel walked in with my dress in her hand. I smiled as I walked into the closet and Velia and Diana helped me put it on.The base of the gown was a rich, deep shade of royal blue, akin to the vast, starry night sky. It shimmered with a subtle luminescence as if tiny stars were embedded within the fabric itself. The gown was designed to flow gracefully around my figure, accentuating my natural elegance and poise. The bodice was adorned with intricate embroidery, resembling delicate lacework that mirrored the intricate patterns of frost on a winter morning. It sparkled with tiny crystal beads that caught the light, creating
~. .~With her new wings and reinvigorated determination, Kaerlia swiftly materialized to Crescent Hills. Hovering over Mobali's lifeless body, she channeled her newfound power and the grace of the Moon Goddess to bring him back from the brink of death."Kaerlia," Mobali whispered as life coursed back into him, his eyes filled with a mix of relief and devotion.With a warm smile, Kaerlia brushed her fingers across his cheek. "I need you and the guys to help me out."Mobali nodded, realizing the gravity of the situation. With renewed strength and resolve, Kaerlia soared toward Liliana, who was standing on top of a cliff staring boredly at the destruction she created. She confronted the demon queen, her fiery sword blazing with determination."Liliana!" Kaerlia's voice rang out through the chaos, echoing across the battlefield. Liliana turned to face her, a wicked smile on her lips."Ahh, little freak, you're still alive, and you got new wings," Liliana taunted, her
~. .~“Kaerlia.”“Kaerlia.”“Wake up.”As Kaerlia's eyes fluttered open, she found herself in a serene, otherworldly place. White flowers adorned the landscape, and ethereal trees stood with creatures soaring among them. The moon hung large and close in the sky, casting a gentle glow over everything. Kaerlia felt an overwhelming sense of peace, and her body was no longer stained with blood. She was dressed in a beautiful white gown adorned with delicate lace, her white hair flowing freely around her.A soft, familiar voice called her name, and she turned to find the source. Her eyes locked onto another pair of eyes, eyes she thought she would never see again."Mom?" Kaerlia asked with tears in her eyes, her voice quivering with emotion as she ran to embrace Khione, her mother."Oh, my baby, stop crying. You've been crying a lot lately," Khione comforted her, patting Kaerlia's back as she held her close."Mom, but I thought you were dead," Kaerlia said, her voice filled with
~. .~In the dark and eerie throne room of Liliana, the wails of tormented souls echoed ominously, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Mobali and the others, including Aidan, materialized in this sinister place, surrounded by the malevolent presence of demons.Liliana, seated upon her throne of skulls, greeted them with a chilling smile. Mobali's eyes blazed with anger as he looked at Aidan, who stood beside Liliana, his head bowed in submission.“Aidan, you side with her?”"He has no choice, Mobali," Liliana taunted, her voice dripping with wicked satisfaction.Mobali's gaze turned back to Liliana. "I wasn't talking to you, demon," he spat, his voice laced with a mix of rage and frustration. Liliana, being a demon herself, remained unfazed by his alpha authority, which would have affected a werewolf.As Mobali frantically scanned the room for Kaerlia, Liliana harnessed her dark powers. The ground rumbled, and Kaerlia emerged from a fissure in the floor. She was bound in si
~. MOBALI.~As I wake up, the bright light from the window hits my eyes. I run my hand through Kaerlia's side of the bed, but it's cold. I jolt, sniffing the room. Her scent has faded, which means she has been gone for hours, possibly days.How long have I been asleep?I look at the bedside table, and there lies a piece of paper. I pick it up and read its contents, "Dear Mobali, by the time you're reading this letter, it could have been days since I left for hell. I'm sorry, but I can't sit back and watch the werewolf race crumble. Please don't come after me, and I love you." I grip hard onto the piece of paper.Rising from the bed, I took a quick shower and dressed in my armor. Anger and determination coursed through my veins. I had to find her, I had to bring her back. How could she? How couldn't she see through Liliana’s plots? My heart clenched at the thought of her being dead already. "Guards! Open this door!" I roared, pounding on the unyielding brass doors. But the guards on th
~. .~Kaerlia managed to sneak out of the palace without anyone spotting her. The demons she encountered outside didn't attack her, rather they guided her to the path of the portal.Screeches echoed as she walked down the path, the horrid sounds of the demons and the undead ringing. The portal to Hell stood as a formidable, eerie gateway, a tear in the fabric of reality itself. It exuded an ominous and foreboding aura as if it were a maw to a world of unimaginable darkness and torment.The portal's frame was jagged and uneven, like fractured obsidian, emitting a faint, malevolent crimson glow. Within the opening, darkness extended infinitely, and an eerie, suffocating heat radiated from the abyss beyond. Distorted, ghostly silhouettes writhed and shifted within the portal, casting unsettling shadows and contributing to its sinister ambiance.As Kaerlia stood before the portal, it pulsed with otherworldly energy, beckoning her to enter. The air around it seemed to warp and
~. .~Liliana's sinister smile widened as Kaerlia rushed to attack her. But before Kaerlia could reach her, Liliana swiftly wielded her dark powers. With a wave of her hand, she conjured silver chains laced with potent wolfsbane, which wrapped around Kaerlia's legs. The moment the silver touched her skin, Kaerlia whimpered in excruciating pain, her limbs growing weak."You forget you're half-werewolf, and silver is one of your weaknesses," Liliana taunted, her voice dripping with cruelty. Kaerlia could barely manage to speak or cry out as she tumbled to the ground, completely immobilized and suffering from the agony of the silver and wolfsbane.Even though she wasn't fully a werewolf, she couldn't help but be immobilized by the silver.“What do you want? Why are you doing this? The whole werewolf race is in chaos because of you.”In response to Kaerlia's pleading questions, Liliana remained callous. "I'm making it feel like home. Why am I doing this? Because of you, you a
~. .~The scene in the grand hall was one of chaos and shock. The Supreme wolves, who had gathered to celebrate the coronation, stood in stunned disbelief as they witnessed the sky turn bloody and portals to hell open, unleashing an army of demons. The once-resplendent event had devolved into a nightmarish spectacle.Mobali, his eyes wide with disbelief, finally found his voice. "Farah, what have you done?" he demanded, his voice a mixture of anger, horror, and disbelief. He couldn't comprehend the scale of devastation unfolding before him.Farah, or rather, the entity that had possessed her body, groaned angrily. Her true nature was now revealed, she raised the scepter high, releasing an eerie transformation. Her raven-dark hair cascaded down, and her eyes turned a haunting shade of crimson. Her red warrior dress symbolized her newfound identity, and she let out a malevolent cackle that sent shivers down the spines of those present."I am tired of hearing that wimpy name!" she declare