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[ELARA] Everytime I close my eyes, the unblinking eyes and still face of Kayla haunts me. So I keep myself awake, despite the exhaustion I feel. I woke up earlier — still in the arms of Magnus — but we weren’t in the tent where he had tried to get me to sleep. We were in the carriage I was traveling, surrounded by the same feather-filled pillows, lined by golden embroidery. I curled up the moment my eyes opened, finding my neck and face covered in sweat. He held me closer for a moment, providing me with a strange sense of comfort I wasn’t expecting from him. His golden eyes stared at my face as he moved the slick strands of my hair obstructing my gaze. I wondered if it was pity he felt for me. Maybe he was capable of that. For a moment I thought he was not the cold, cruel man he tried to portray himself as with his sharp words at me. Perhaps I could find something soft in him after all. But then his gaze turned distant and he moved me from his lap, his finger digging into my sho
[ELARA] There’s no wedding night, of course. I never held my breath for it. Magnus doesn’t even bother to come back into the room that is supposedly his for the rest of the night. I toss and turn on the soft bed all night, instead, watching the netted fabric hanging from the bedposts flutter along with the wind. I see the sky turn darker and quieter until the sun takes over, casting a warm glow inside the chamber. Kayla’s face never leaves my mind. And my last words to Alec haunt me. ‘Go, Alec. Get out of here! You’re a guard. You should know your place,’ I had yelled at him. While the human maids helped me around during the day to adjust to this new, strange place, I didn’t have it in me to strike any indulging conversation. The only question that has been plaguing me is: what happened there, after I left, that turned Alec into a rogue werewolf? Rogueness is complicated but it can be as easily triggered. We werewolves are supernatural creatures, our abilities and senses heigh
[ELARA] In order to get to Alec, I have to first get through breakfast with the royal family. The King is absent since he’s off at war. It makes me realize that Caelondor is not exactly in a comfortable position and that the warriors from my pack could be summoned at any time to provide military assistance. I find it strange that King Eldric chose an independent pack, rather than any of the neutral werewolf kingdoms to marry Magnus into. It would support their cause and provide them with more benefits than could be gained from the Lunar Crest pack — although it is the largest and most powerful pack among the independent packs in the continent. Or maybe, I’m overestimating Caelondor’s friendly status as a kingdom. Perhaps they’re desperate to form any alliances they can and given the rumors surrounding Magnus’ reputation, I’m the best they could find. While the dining table is long and narrow, spanning the entire dome shaped hallway overlooking the Cursed Gulf, most of the chai
[ELARA]“Please, don’t eat that,” I manage to choke out, my stomach turning in revolt as my gaze shifts from the plate to Alec's frail form. "I’m so sorry," I murmur, my remorse evident though none of this is my doing.A surge of anger courses through me, directed at Alina. Every fiber of my being despises her. I clench my teeth, restraining curses. She orchestrated this, fully aware of the consequences. If only Alec had still been in Mistral Hollow, none of this tragedy would unfold. But she manipulated Alpha Zander into assigning him as my personal guard.Not only am I being punished for never doing anything wrong, so is Alec.He still keeps his head bowed between folded knees. I cautiously approach, avoiding the cold touch of silver bars, and notice eerie black swirls on his bare back It’s not something I’ve seen before on him and I’ve seen him more naked than this several times. “What is that?” I ask out loud without intending to do so. “Oh, here you are,” a voice interrupts my
[MAGNUS] Morgana’s words still grasp much of my attention as I make my way through the hallways of the palace to get to the council room. Curing a rogue is an impossible concept — something never thought of before. Something that hasn’t been done successfully before. Several mages have tried, going any lengths — as far as to sacrifice a hundred druids, only to watch helplessly as the rogue werewolf perished in front of their eyes. But if Morgana believes she can do it using some magical herbs, an artifact and a spell, I’m not going to stop her. There’s nothing for me to lose here. The only pain that can come from this is not finding Morgana earlier. Precisely three years ago, a time when I would’ve given up my own life just so I could cure a rogue. But there’s also the causal condition. A hydralith bite inducing rogueness can be cured if done before the werewolf has completely lost control of their consciousness. At least that’s what the scarlet-eyed witch tells me. And I can d
[ELARA] Ruelle finds me just as I’m about to leave my quarters to visit Alec and put an end to his suffering. “Elara,” she greets me cheerfully, extending her arms. For a moment I hesitate — the silver dagger is still in my hand but she hasn’t noticed it yet. I discreetly slide it up my sleeve and wrap the other arm around her. “I’m sorry for my brother’s behavior.” She’s now changed into a sheer beige gown held at the shoulders with pins shaped in the form of werewolves. I don’t know what metal it is, but it looks like silver. “Has he always been like that?” I ask her as she guides me back into the quarters. “I’m sure he was dropped on his head as a baby. Or a mage cursed him to always only say stupid shit. But he's always been charming I suppose, considering the number of woman that practically fall on his feet. He won his first battle against a rebel pack in Tassel at fourteen after all,” she answers, shrugging. Her blue eyes twinkle in the scant light that lights the chamber.
[ELARA] Morgana squats down, levelling her eyes to my face but she still towers over me, figuratively. I feel intimidated by her and I have no clue what she’s going to do next. But what she does do, surprises me. She tosses the daggers at my feet. “Go ahead, kill him. That way you won’t even give him a chance of coming back,” she declares, sighing. “What do you mean?” I hiss, glaring at her. “He’s never going to be himself again.” She snickers. “If I had a coin for every time someone underestimated me and then learnt otherwise, I’d be richer than the fucking king of Caelondor.” “How will you cure him?” I ask foolishly. But then I know it. She’s a witch. A mage. Now the sensation I feel around him makes sense. I shake my head, refusing to get distracted. “There’s no cure to rogueness. You’re a liar.” Morgana raises an eyebrow at him as if she can’t comprehend what I’m saying. “What good would lying about this do to me? No, seriously. Don’t trust me. Put this dagger through his hea
[ELARA] As I enter the grand courtroom, the air is thick with the stench of wealth and arrogance. The room is adorned with intricate tapestries depicting scenes of valor and conquest, and the polished marble floor reflects the golden light emanating from the crystal chandeliers above. They’re the colour of Magnus’ eyes. The ones that I hate now, more than anything in the world. Courtiers and advisors in their finest attire fill the space, engaged in hushed conversations and exchanging formal greetings. Ruelle’s grip on my arm tightens. It’s meant to reassure me but all it does is push me further in a state of restlessness. As I make my way through the crowd, I catch glimpses of familiar faces, people I met at my wedding. Some of them presented me with gifts while they complimented the hospitality of my pack. These were the same people that mocked me later at the banquet by the riverside. Their eyes betray their smiles, revealing their true feelings as they observe the mysterious out
[RUELLE]The coldness of the water is the first thing I feel, a biting chill that seeps into my bones, numbing every part of me. The weight of it presses down, making it impossible to tell which way is up. My limbs thrash, but the water drags me down, its icy grip tightening around my chest. For a long time, it’s just the water—an endless, suffocating struggle against the darkness.Then, a force stirs within me. Kara. My wolf. Her spirit rises, lending me the strength I desperately need. With her urging, I push through the heavy currents, my lungs burning as I break the surface.Gasping for air, I blink rapidly, my eyes stinging with salt. The world is chaos. Lightning cracks across the sky, illuminating the tumultuous waves, and the ship I was on—once a vessel of hope—tilts precariously, the Cursed Gulf hungrily pulling it under. The air vibrates with thunder, each clap shaking the very water around me.I struggle to stay afloat, coughing and spluttering, trying to make sense of the
[RUELLE]Perhaps Alec somehow tenses the fear in me, because one moment he’s nowhere to be seen, and the next he’s in front of me, shielding me from them. They’re Uncle Eldric’s men. About a dozen or so. And they don’t seem interested in me, or anyone. They’re just taking passage to the next harbour, clambering onto the deck like it is their birthright. The captain of the ship curses under his breath, not pleased to be hosting this uninvited unit who won’t pay a fare, but treat his ship as their own. And yet, my heart refuses to rest. It paces furiously, and I believe it will continue to do so until they’ve gotten off the ship. Alec turns to face me, his tall stature hiding the afternoon sun so it can’t hurt my eyes. “Why do you look so worried?” he asks softly. “They’re just the King’s soldiers. They mean no harm to you.”But even as those words leave his lips, there’s an air of uncertainty to them. He seems to be thinking: why would she be sweating her senses out if they meant no
[RUELLE]My lips release a gasp, my cheeks burning as if set on fire. Share a hammock with a stranger? A man? He lets out a laugh then only to cut himself short. His face turns serious. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—” he pauses, looking away. “I was only jesting.”If we were back in the palace, I’d have laughed and joined in the fun. But no—any sense of joy has abandoned me. I’m in survival mode. He may have promised to protect me, but what reason does he have to keep his word? His intentions could sway any minute, even though he may be truly genuine right now. I have never been gullible, but I certainly do have my feet firmly planted on this dusty floor, within his chamber. I’m a fool, I think. Before I know it, I’m brushing past his shoulder, running to the wide wooden plank that serves as a door. But his hand is quicker, gripping my wrist like a vice. I turn to glance at his face, my jaw clenching, partly in fear and partly in anger for stopping me. “Let me go.”He loosens his g
[RUELLE]A flicker of recognition strikes those eyes, and then just as quickly it is replaced by cold indifference. He continues walking across the deck, his steps now less certain than before, his stance almost cautious. I’m not sure whether to be relieved or disappointed. His reaction tells me he wasn’t sent by Eldric or he would’ve already dragged me off the ship, right? But then I don’t recall seeing him at the palace after that. My brain is muddling slowly due to the hunger in my growling stomach. I can’t remember much. A huff of air from my lungs forms a misty cloud in front of my face. The morning will be cold, colder when we’re deeper into the sea, but at least the frosty night has passed us. The stolen cloak has kept me alive, but it has done nothing to ease the pain of hunger, which amplifies with every passing second. I close my eyes only to see the man once again in my mind, reminding me of the undoubtable recognition, the slight parting of his lips in shock. Was it my
[RUELLE]The harbour looks different tonight. It feels different. The air smells unfamiliar, filling me with more terror than I already feel deep in my bones, making me shiver from more than just the cold. The ships bob in the dark water, their tall masts slicing into the moonlit sky. Lanterns flicker along the docks, casting faint light on the rippling waves. The sharp tang of salt, mingled with the stench of fish, damp wood, and the sweat of sailors hauling crates and barrels.I’ve been here countless times during my life, but all those other times, my heart raced for a completely different reason — out of excitement for the new place I’d explore when the ship anchored on the other side. Tonight, there’s only room for fear. I have to survive.‘No time to waste,’ my wolf, Kara, mutters. ‘Let’s go.’Tugging the hood of my cloak tighter around my face, I let out a shaky breath. I stole the cloak from a caravan halted along the forest road on my way here. It wasn’t taken from someone
Days turn into weeks. The journey to Tassel stretches on endlessly, a procession of dust, silence, and heavy skies. We take stops at manors, and the great halls of Lord and Ladies who host us, entertain us, and offer us their finest wines and elaborate meals.Magnus surprises me. I had not thought he would agree to be anyone’s guest, least of all on this journey. Yet, each time we halt at one of these estates, he assumes his role as though he was born for it.It is at the third manor, the estate of Lord Carin, that I finally see why.The great hall is awash in golden light from the hearth, the warm air mingling with the scent of roasted meats and spiced wine. Magnus stands at the head of the table, his presence demanding as he speaks. His voice carries across the room.“You underestimate the resilience of the southern provinces, my lord,” Magnus remarks with a curt nod. “A drought may cripple their harvests, but their ingenuity will see them through. Did you not hear of the irrigation
We’ve been exiled.The words play over and over in my mind. Exiled. Not banished, not ousted, but a carefully chosen word designed to cloak humiliation with civility. Perhaps the phrase 'we’ve been kicked out of the palace' would have been more honest. Magnus would never utter it aloud, though. Pride runs through him like marrow through bone.Everything happens in a rush after the announcement — a frantic blur of bustling servants, hastily packed trunks, and clipped whispers that dart through the corridors like rats. I barely recall how I was swept into the palanquin, a gilded cage draped in deep velvet curtains and stuffed with feathered pillows meant to soften the blow of our fall from grace. It fails. No amount of luxury can soothe the sting of what this means — what this is.Lady Celia refuses to appear. She locks herself in her chambers and does not even bid us farewell. Whether her silence is born of anger over Ruelle’s escape or of grief over our collective disgrace, I cannot s
[ELARA]When I blink my eyes open, a cold, sharp pain greets me like an unwelcome guest that has overstayed its visit. It’s the kind of ache that feels as though it’s always been there, settling deep in the marrow of my bones. A phantom sensation of suffering, both distant and immediate.This is rebirth, is the first coherent thought in my fractured mind. I was dead. But now, I’m not.The second thought strikes harder, cutting through the haze: Magnus is my mate.I try to rise, but the room spins violently, and a hiss escapes my lips. The pain is cold and numbing, seeping under my skin like ice. It’s there but not there, agonizing yet strangely soothing. My body feels foreign, as if I’m inhabiting a vessel I don’t entirely recognize.A soft hand presses down on my forehead, gentle but firm. “Oh, you’re awake.”The voice is familiar, and yet it feels like hearing it from underwater. Daphne?Caelondor. I’m in Caelondor.Confusion rolls in waves, mixing with the relentless dizziness. How
[MAGNUS]Zander’s fear is obvious as I step closer. Even here, in Morgana’s lair with its strange, flickering candlelight despite the absence of wind, his wide eyes and stiff shoulders give him away. He knows I’m not a friend. We’ve never pretended otherwise. Betrayal, rivalry, disdain — we’ve shared all these openly, and now, as he sits on the bench looking healthier than he has in days, I can see the question in his eyes. Why would I save him? Why a friendly smile?I don’t think he even considers that him being brought here has anything to do with Elara. To him, she is nothing. Just someone he can discard and torment to his pleasure. Someone he can threaten to poison another just so her father could be safe. “Alpha Zander,” I call out again, forcing my voice to sound calm, friendly. “Or should I call you former Alpha?”His shoulders twitch, a reflex he can’t hide. Good. I need him on edge, need him angry and distracted. That’s when people are easiest to control.He doesn’t reply, hi