Xeros RomanovHe didn't have to repeat himself before I was up and on my way, sprinting through the first floor. When I reached the balcony, without thinking twice, I leapt from the height, the cool night air rushing through my skin and hair before landing securely on my feet, Cassie still clutched tightly in my grasp.I shook her desperately as I knelt on the grass, making sure to place her directly under the moonlight.Her eyes fluttered open for a second, almost empty—devoid of life. "Am I going to die?"I couldn't help the anguish that swallowed me whole at her words, at the hope that lingered in her eyes at the thought of death."I won't let you die, love," I whispered, nuzzling my skin against her cheek. "Stay with me."The pain racked through her again, her body twisting in anguish as she writhed under me. A guttural growl escaped her lips. I could almost feel her anguish, her pain as she pushed away from me, scrambling to get to her feet only to fall back down. This time her e
Cassiopeia Nyx My world was spinning and i was desperately trying to stay afloat, my hands were clawing at the surface but the currents of the water was too strong. Hera had taken control, but even she couldn't fight off whatever had just happened. I couldn't remember how long I'd been unconscious or where I was, but the cold, damp earth beneath me felt foreign. Distant. Nothing like the woods near the Alpha king's pack lands.One moment I was in the most torturous agony, it was worse than any pain I had ever felt in my life and then the next, I was flying through the air in the arms of a foreign presence.I was so tired. Of everything. Of Life.Slowly, my senses started to return back to their respective positions and immediately the stench of rotting flesh and damp dirty soil hit me wave after wave. I had push back the viscious liquid threatening to spill from guts. I tried to move, but my body wouldn't cooperate. Hera had receded, her presence barely a whisper in the back of my m
Cassiopeia Nyx."Shhhh, Love" He whispered, patting my hair lovingly. "You're okay now, we're okay now".He placed his head in between the crook of my neck, inhaling deeply as he clutched me tightly, his knees planted firmly into the ground while i was almost hovering in the air,my body pressed tightly against his.Normally, I would be so disgusted with physical touch after what happened but it was all I seemed to want right now, I wanted him to never let go. I wanted him to hold me in his arms forever and keep me there, basking in the warmth and comfort his touch brought.Ever since Hera’s appearance, my senses had almost tripled, I could feel every inch of his skin on mine, I could hear the way his heartbeat picked up, pounding against his chest forcefully. I didn't know which one of us was In control right now, as I could feel her presence balance with mine. But I knew i wanted this."I'm sorry" he whispered, pressing a small kiss to my temple. "After seeing Nox, I know you think I'
Xeros Romanov.My fist tightened in my lap as my eyes followed her every movement. It was like I was in a daze as she stood between my legs, her scent overpowering my senses as she tried to fix up my face. I wanted to tell her that it would heal in a few hours, but I couldn't bring myself to. Instead, I relished the feeling of her soft fingers caressing my face, the closeness between us. Nox howled in joy at the back of my mind, purring in love with the feeling Cassie evoked in us.I had to physically restrain myself from touching her slender figure as she worked, her breathing shallow and her fingers trembling—she couldn't dare meet my gaze. But still, I couldn't help but stare at her, even though I knew it was unnerving.She was still scared of me, but it wasn't as alarming as before—she used to look at me like I was the scum of the earth, her worst nightmare brought to life. Now, the look in her eyes was hesitant, almost as if she was contemplating whether to hate me or accept my l
Cassiopeia Nyx I sat at the edge of the bed, fingers fiddling nervously with the fabric of the blanket draped over my knees. My wolf, Hera, had been quieter today, though that didn’t mean she hadn’t made herself known. Her occasional whispers, snide remarks, and even the odd growl had become a normal part of my life—something I had no choice but to accept. It was so strange to me; everything was new, and I felt like a newborn, trying to understand the workings of my life. I had finally begun to live without the constant ache in my body, the never-ending pain. It had been 18 days since I was last tortured or felt any pain. But it wasn't the physical pain that confused me; it was the constant ache in my heart when Xeros wasn’t near me, the invisible line that kept pulling me toward him, and how I found myself slipping up, almost daring to do things I would never even think about doing. “Just stop being so scared, human,” Hera snorted in the back of my mind. “He’s our mate. What’s t
Cassiopeia Nyx "Hey... Hey," he whimpered, reaching out to touch me, but I flinched automatically. He retracted his hand immediately, letting it rest awkwardly on the edge of the table before speaking. "I won't let him hurt you, Angel." I listened to him. I knew my father was afraid of him; I also knew my father looked up to him. But still, I just couldn’t help it—the fear that rushed through my body and the tears that gathered in my eyes. My body felt hyper-aware, skin prickling as if my father were standing right behind me at this very moment, ready to pounce and rip me apart. I couldn’t reply, and my hands found their way back to my lap, the food before me suddenly losing its taste and appeal. From the corner of my eyes, I could see his hands twitch as if trying to comfort me, but he didn’t know how. I avoided his gaze. It made me feel weak, made me want to believe him—that he would protect me from my father. “He has protected you so far, hasn’t he?” Hera whispered in my ear,
Xeros Romanov. The echo of my mate's wails pierced through my thoughts, more painful than any scar or wound i had ever gotten, shattering my control without any resistance. Every tear and sob, every word she uttered was like another hit, striking me with an agony so intense i could feel it in my very soul. Nox was out of control, there was a difference between me losing control and Nox losing control. Being the last of my kind, there was a responsibility that came with having Supreme power—protection, I had to protect my kind, but how was I to protect them from myself. The last time Nox lost control, hundreds died, and numerous packs were annihilated. His decisions made me who I am today, the monster hated by all and truly I was, because I didn't fight for control then, I gladly let Nox take it. We both desired to kill them all. The only thing grounding us was Cassie. She shivered next to me, her delicate frame pushed against mine, as I held her tighter in an attempt to provide
Cassiopeia Nyx A strangled cough escaped my lips as I turned to the side slowly, the sheets shifting beneath me. My eyelids felt sore and heavy as I pried them open. A lonely and empty room stared back at me, the sheets beside me smooth and pristine as if no one had ever laid on them. I could vividly remember seeing Xeros from the corner of my eye most nights when I tossed and turned in my sleep. He would be perched awkwardly on the edge of the bed, almost as if he was dangling over the side. But now, where was he? My heart lurched as the thought passed through my head. Ever since he took me away from the Nightwolf pack, he had always been close—a dull, comforting presence. Even if he wasn't in the room, I knew he was always nearby. But today, even without checking, I could sense he wasn’t outside my door. Hera, my wolf, couldn’t feel him. I had laid myself bare before him, told him everything—the tortures, the pain, the horrors. My skin still tingled with the vulnerability of
Cassiopeia Nyx"Who could be so daring to attempt an attack on the king's private quarters" Elder Yousef asked, his dark face marred with worry lines, Whispers floated all through the large space of the meeting room. They looked apprehensive, this was the first time someone had brazenly attempted an attack on the king's private quarters.Xeros and i remained quiet as we watched them mull over the information we just shared, there was nothing more to say, Xeros was unconcerned but i seemed to drift towards the worried questions the elders seemed to throw at one another.Who could it be? What made them so fearless? Could it be an uprising?The more they spoke the more my anxiety levels spiked. Xeros's grip around my wrist was firm and comforting but he was distracted, his calloused thumb circled around the soft skin of my wrist. I didn't know what exactly had consumed his thoughts. His eyes were focused on me but they were dazed."Xeros" i whispered, shifting in my seat beside him. He b
Xeros RomanovI slipped through the door with pristine agility only to be met with Cassie’s terrified gaze. She stood right before me, her eyes widened in shock before morphing into relief. Her grip around the candle stick was fierce, as if she’d been ready to fight off whatever threat she imagined might follow me in here.A sigh left me as I took in her stance, her anxiety, and the hint of fear in her gaze. My eyes swept over her form, checking for any sign of injury even though I knew without doubt she’d been safe here. Finally, my gaze settled on the candle stick, and despite the situation, a flicker of amusement surfaced.“You were going to come after me?” I asked, my voice soft but edged with amusement.Cassie nodded, her expression shifting as she let out a breath she’d been holding. “I… you were taking so long, so I thought… something had happened to you.”Without hesitation, I crossed the room in a few quick strides, reaching out to gently ease the candle stick from her hands.
Cassiopeia Nyx The room was quiet. The kind of quiet that made even the slightest sound amplified. i was curled into Xeros’s chest, my face pressed into his bare skin and his arms wrapped tightly around me. Normally, nothing brought me as much comfort as this,but as much as I tried to relax into his embrace, sleep danced just out of reach, like a strip tease, no matter how hard I tried to reach out for it, it eluded me.Something felt… wrong.My skin prickled, the hair on my body standing on edge. A strange sensation crawled its way up my spine, making the air in the room feel heavier, pressing down on me. It was just my mind playing tricks on me, maybe it was because tonight had been emotionally exhausting. But the feeling wouldn’t leave; it only grew more intense, like invisible eyes watching from somewhere in the shadows.I shifted in Xeros’s arms, careful not to wake him. His breathing deepened, but even in sleep, his arm tightened slightly around my waist, as if some part of him
Cassiopiea Nyx"It's me, Demetria." "What is she doing here?" Hera growled, her anger pushing through.Demetria nervously poked her head through the door, her dark hair cascading around her shoulders as she spotted me. Her eyes widened when she noticed who was at the door, and she took a few steps back in surprise." uhhh, good evening, your majesty," she bowed in apprehension.Xeros scowled, his eyes flashing red before he sighed, turing around to glance at me.I didn't know what to say. I didn't know how to act around her. "The queen is very tired after having a long day. She doesn't want to see anyone," Xeros gritted, ignoring her greetings. Demetria nodded in understanding, but i couldn't help but notice that her shoulders drooped in dissapoinment, and her eyes grew clowdy. I hated this part of me, the one that just couldn't ignore."I'll come back some other time," She mumbled before bowing to Xeros and then to me."Goodnight Alpha, Goodnight Luna."She turned around to leave,
Cassiopeia Nyx My knees wobbled as Xeros led me back to the room. I could barely keep up, my body slumped against his as we walked. I had tried so hard to hold on during dinner, I tried not to cower away, I forced the food down my throat. The only thing helping me was Xeros, his grip around my hand grounded me, like he was sending surges of confidence through my skin. The problem wasn't the pack members or the food or the role itself, I was the problem. I just couldn't detach myself from the anxiety hovering around me.These past few days, I realized that whenever I was anxious , I seemed to close up my mental barriers. I shut Hera out. I couldn't help it, I didn't realize I was blocking her out until a few moments ago, when I wondered why she had been silent for so long. That was the same thing that was happening to me, the anxiety that I had pushed at bay, the uncertainty swirling around me—everything threatened to hold me down,to choke me. We finally reached the door and the
Xeros RomanovThis was the last step and the most difficult of all for Cassie. The first dinner. More like an introduction.The smell of spice, roasted meat and gravy wafted throughout the air as we made way towards the dinning hall. The pack members strictly adhered to rules i had set regarding Cassie but now that she was the Luna, i couldn't give them any excuse as to why they couldn't meet their Luna without tarnishing her image. Cassie’s hand shook softly in my grasp as we pushed through the doors and stepped into the dinning area, i knew she was doing her best to keep her head upright and her gaze levelled. I could tell she wanted nothing more than to cower behind me, hide away from their expectant gazes. Tonight would be our first real appearance together, a chance for Cassie to show herself to the pack, to become part of the world I’d grown up in. They all stood up as we approached, i spotted Anakin at the far end of the room, a small smile on his face. “Don't be scared,”
Cassiopeia Nyx"Do you, Cassiopeia Nyx," the elder began, turning to grab an ancient-looking dagger from the side table at the podium, "accept the role of Luna Queen, not only to this pack but to all shifters and werekind? Do you accept to be bound to this identity forever and to never be free from your responsibilities as the Luna Queen?"The elder’s eyes darkened at my silence as I stared at him, wondering why he was saying it like that. His posture and words carried an edge, as if he wanted me to fail, to feel scared. It seemed like he could see my fears and apprehension despite my facade.Xeros squeezed my hand softly, and my eyes flashed to his, settling in the comfort and reassurance in his gaze. I could almost hear his voice in my head."Don't let him scare you. I'm with you."I glanced back at the elder, whose gaze looked almost triumphant, before taking a deep breath. The murmurs in the crowd had stilled as if they were all waiting for me to speak, to make my decision."Go on
Cassiopeia Nyx "You look beautiful, Luna"I glanced at Rori, her long hair ruffled all over face as she smiled, the warmth exuding from her fought against the chills developing in my spine. My coronation day.Luna Queen.I ran my fingers over the soft fabric of the ceremonial robe that had been prepared for me. a deep green with intricate brown stitching and embroidery, at the sleeves and bottom of the robes, there was a small forest carefully embroidered. A gentle knock at the door startled me, pulling me from my thoughts. I turned to see Martha, her face lit with a proud smile as she entered the room.She cooed, as she stepped closer to me."You look so beautiful dear". Her smile was uplifting, like physically uplifting. She fretted over how i was still thin but not in a condescending way, in a way that spoke of volumes of concern.Rori greeted her softly and they began to converse about me, and how to sneak more proteins into my food, totally ignoring the fact that i was standing
Xeros Romanov She tensed in my arms, her entire body freezing over in shock, our lips pressed against each others. She didn't seem to realize what she had awoken in me, The feeling of her lips against my cheek had sent Nox into a frenzy, his gripping desire to claim rising to the surface. My hand reached out to cup her face before finally moving against her lips. My entire body thrummed with desire as her soft and warm lips clashed with mine, a thousand sensations bursting in the air around us.My grip around her waist tightened possessively as i moved my lips. Everything she did, her feeble attempt to keep up with my intense pace, the way she grabbed the front of my shirt only intensified my desire and i couldn't help the deafening growl that escaped my throat. Every nerve in my body responded to her. She pulled me closer, her arms wrapping around my neck as if i was the only anchor grounding her to reality. The moment her lips moved against mine sent a jolt through me, an electri