Denera “Good morning,” I muttered as we both started to have a hot cup of coffee. Almost a perfect fairytale. It was all calm and peaceful for a while until my eyes snapped open from the sudden commotion. The castle was in a state of frenzied activity, maids and workers scurrying about, the air thick with an anxious energy. Rockan and I exchanged a puzzled glance, unsure of what was really happening until a sudden realization dawned on him as his eyes grew wider. "Shit, shit, shit!" he exclaimed, abruptly rising from his seat in the kitchen and grasping my hand, pulling me along. “I totally forgot!”I stumbled after him, confusion and worry etching across my features. "What is going on? Are we under attack?" I asked, my voice laced with nervous curiosity.Rockan seemed laser-focused, his pace quickening as he led me back to our room. Rachel, the ever-faithful maid, trailed behind us, her expression, one of understanding. She too knew what was happening. "Get her dressed. It must b
DeneraWho was Lena and why did this woman believe I looked like her? The question repeatedly tugged my mind. Rockan and his grandfather had disregarded her speculations, concluding that I looked nothing like the woman I was referring to. So with this, I chose to shrug the thought out of mind. It had been over thirty minutes since they arrived and we were finally at the dining room, ready for our meal. Being the traditional woman I assumed she’d be, Granny Yeneva blessed the meal. “Pause,” she blurted out before we could dig in. “I almost forgot. Where is my other grandson?”I froze in my spot, realizing that they probably had no idea of the dilemma going on within the castle walls. “I don’t know. He chose to be absent these few days,” Rockan shrugged nonchalantly but I noticed he didn’t dare put the food in his mouth after Granny Yeneva’s decree. “What?” Both grandparents chorused, I could see the anger begin to arouse from their expression and reaction to the answer Rockan gave.
Denera "Grandma!" The shouts echoed through the dining room, immediately drawing everyone's attention. Granny Yeneva's face lit up with a joyous smile as she recognized the young boy and girl rushing toward her. "Oh, Daniel and Daniella!" she exclaimed, practically leaping out of her chair to embrace the children.The boy, whom I recognized as Daniel, and the girl, Daniella who has a striking resemblance to him, making her his apparent twin sister, were breathless from their hasty entrance. Granny Yeneva enveloped them both in a warm hug, her eyes shining with love and relief."My darling grandchildren, I've missed you so!" she cooed, smoothing their hair and inspecting them with a doting gaze. "Look at how much you've grown!"Grandpa Jordan, seated at the head of the table, rose from his chair and strode over to the joyful reunion. A broad smile spread across his weathered face as he joined in the family embrace."There you are, my little rascals!" he chuckled, ruffling the childre
Denera It was another day spent in this castle, time was moving fast.I turned on my bed, excitedly hoping to meet with Rockan, as I remembered clearly that he fell asleep beside me last night. However, as I scanned the empty space next to me, a pang of disappointment washed over me. Memories of the previous day's events came flooding back. Prince Tyris and Rockan had engaged in another aggressive conversation, and it was all because of me. They had clashed over Rockan's decision to claim and mark me as his own, despite the fact that I was also mated to prince Tyris. The intensity of their argument had left me feeling caught in the middle, torn between the two men who cared for me.I believed Prince Tyris' plight was because I was not given a chance to choose from one of them. Anyone would have chosen prince Tyris at first glance over alpha Rockan. As I reflected on the situation, I couldn't help but wonder how my life would have been if I had chosen prince Tyris over Rockan. Princ
Denera “Rise and shine Denera!”My eyes snapped open and I jerked up awake from the abrupt sound. The door to my room had flung open and I stared cluelessly as Granny Yeneva waltzed in. Granny Yeneva swept into the room, her long skirts swishing behind her. "My dear! Today is a big day for you."I blinked sleepily, still trying to adjust to the sudden intrusion. "Granny Yeneva? Good morning… What's going on?"She clucked her tongue. "Well, it's time for your first lesson in royal etiquette, of course! You didn't think you could just waltz around the castle in your nightgown, did you?" She eyed my simple cotton shift with a disapproving frown.I remembered Rockan telling me about her lessons earlier this morning. I didn't know I fell back asleep. He left the room and I took a bath to clear my head but eventually slept again. I wondered what time it was. Just then, Rachal hurried in, a bundle of fabric in her arms. "Forgive me, my lady, I should have been here sooner," she fretted,
DeneraI slumped on the bed, Rachel quietly stood beside the bed as she watched. She had the most relaxed smile on her face and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.For one old enough to birth me, she acted like a child sometimes."You did well today Lady Denera," she chuckled and I groaned aloud."You're enjoying this, aren't you?" I sighed and she nodded as her chuckles got louder."I know you must be starving so I placed your food on the work table," she announced and I had to look at her in awe."Thank you so much," I said genuinely as I hurried off to the table. It was toast and a cup of hot cocoa.I started to munch on the food hungrily, remembering how I had to mind how much I consumed because of the corset I would have to wear.My belly almost did a flip, knowing I had to repeat the same process again tomorrow."My Lady, slow down," Rachel was almost laughing but I could hear composure in her voice."I'll be fine," I shrugged."I need to ask for a favor," she added, making me pau
DeneraMy head banged heavily as I stared blankly at the ceiling. I felt so weak last night that I slept off and did not even notice Rockan’s arrival. It was a new day again and like it was a routine, Rockan was already in the shower before the sun even rose. He explained he had to meet with the alpha of the Blue Moon pack to negotiate on how to atone for the attacker’s actions. I was still sleepy when he mentioned it to me this morning but I understood what he was talking about. How and why I felt so weak even after a long night of sleep was still a mystery. However, I couldn’t afford to let Rockan know about it. I had an idea of things he could do if he figured I fell sick. “Maybe it’s the stress from yesterday,” I muttered to myself. As Rockan stepped out of the shower, his muscular frame glistening with water droplets, I found myself stealing glances, despite the pounding headache that had been plaguing me since I woke up. His actions seemed almost deliberate, the way he move
RockanI didn’t like the suggestion of bringing in a healer. We still had zero idea of what was wrong with Denera, and things had taken a drastic turn in a matter of minutes. She lay unconscious, her breath shallow, her face pale. I couldn't bear seeing her like this. My mind raced with worst-case scenarios, and I felt utterly powerless.Impatiently, I paced back and forth in the hallway outside her room. Every few steps, I would glance at the door, hoping for some miracle. Then minutes stretched into what felt like hours, each one a reminder of how helpless I was. The problem wasn't just that I didn't trust healers. I had a history with them, a history that had left me scarred in more ways than one. My face bore a mark that numerous healers had tried and failed to remove. Each failure had only deepened my resentment. Even my mother had lost her life trying to heal me completely. Her death had been the final straw, and I had given up on the hope of ever being whole again.And then t
TYRIS’ POVThe sun peeked through the curtains, casting slanted rays of light across the room. I woke up early, the weight of yesterday pressing down on my chest like a heavy stone. Determination surged through me as I pushed the sheets aside and swung my legs over the side of the bed. Today was the day. I could feel it in my bones. I would find Serena and our unborn child.I had already lost Serena once, consumed by my pursuit of Denera, my first mate. The memories of that time haunted me; the choices I made had led to heartbreak and regret. Now, standing on the precipice of another chance, I couldn’t afford to be distracted by the unexpected appearance of Eva. She was a distraction I didn’t need, and her presence here made it all the more complicated. I had to push those foolish urges aside. As I dressed, I reminded myself of my purpose. Serena was out there somewhere, and I would find her. I had no room for anything else—not now. Once I was ready, I stepped outside into the cri
EVA’S POV Oh my God!“No, no, no, no, no!” I screamed at myself, gripping the curtain in front of me as if it could somehow shield me from the whirlwind of emotions swirling in my mind. My heart raced, pounding against my chest like a drum, while I tried to process what had just happened. “Is there a problem here?” Amanda walked in, her eyes narrowing with suspicion as they flicked over me. I stood upright, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. “No, no ma’am,” I replied, nodding abruptly before turning away, desperate to escape her probing gaze. Mate…He was my mate.The realization struck me like a lightning bolt, and my breath caught in my throat. How could this be? Just moments ago, I was going about my mundane life, managing the inn and taking care of my responsibilities, but now this? I could still see him clearly in my mind—the man with the chiseled jaw and broad shoulders, his hair dark and tousled frame, a face that seemed carved from stone. His eyes, a striking
TYRIS’ POV I gritted my teeth and clenched my fists, fighting the overwhelming urge to inhale deeply and drown in her essence. My heart raced, a mix of excitement and fear coursing through my veins. I had never expected to encounter my mate here, in this bustling inn filled with strangers and stories. “Hi?” Eva asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. She seemed to have noticed my turmoil but maintained a very composed demeanor. “Is this your first time here?”I looked up, struggling to find my voice amidst the chaos in my mind. “Yes, just passing through.”“Ah, a traveler then. You picked a lively spot. The Silver Moon Inn has its share of stories,” she said, her smile infectious. “Yeah, I can see that,” I replied, my mind racing. How was I supposed to go along with this? I had come in search of Serena, and here I stood, confronted by the very essence of fate itself. My mate was standing before me, a distraction I had never anticipated. “Are you okay? You look a bit pale,” she s
DENARA’S POV “Rockan…” I called as I sluggishly pulled my eyes open and saw him sitting right next to me on the bed holding my hands in the most assuring way ever.“I’m here little mate. I’m here for you.” He assured me and sealed it up with a forehead kiss.I closed my eyes and smiled. “Thank you babe.”“You shouldn’t do that. I live for you.” He kissed the back of my hand and I smiled, opening my eyes to touch his face, and that was when I saw them…“Luna Danielle! Adrianna?” I looked at Rockan searching his eyes for answers but was too impatient to wait for the answers. “What are you doing here? Am I dreaming?”“You think you are a super-shewolf right?” Adrianna rolled her eyes at me as she hugged me.“Denara, you scared us.” Luna Danielle complained.“I’m sorry… I’ll be careful next time.“Why did you bother to bring them back?” I mouthed to Rockan.“Would you have preferred he let you die instead?” Luna Danielle, whom I didn’t know was reading my lips, replied.“I wouldn’t have
ROCKAN’S POV I rushed outside to see my people being injured and hurt, probably killed by some hoodlums from the goddess knows where.The attack was so secretly arranged that my guards and sentinels were caught unaware and some of them also suffered from the attack.As soon as I got to the scene, my first instinct was to morph and remove all the attackers' heads from their bodies but there were younger kids and women here, some who might be pregnant and seeing a gory sight might be harmful to them.And most of all, I could feel and smell her… Denara, my mate, was here too. She didn’t wait inside like I instructed her to and I wasn’t surprised. It wasn’t like I expected her to stay inside in a situation like this. She was a Luna, a strong one at that.The only way to salvage the situation without making it overly dramatic was letting out my alpha aura to overpower them and that was exactly what I did.I closed my eyes and let my alpha aura flow through me and out in anger. The ground
ROCKAN’S POV “You killed my son.” The crying woman pointed at me accusingly.The guards rushed over with the intention of dragging her out but I signaled them to let her be.“But alpha, they are disrespecting you.” Someone from the crowd shouted.“They’re grieving.” I simply replied. The people didn’t bother to hide their shock at what I said and they started murmuring among themselves.They were probably surprised at my sudden change and how I was now caring and being understanding, which wasn’t very typical of me.Somehow I understood what it felt like to lose a child after Denara miscarried our baby. It wasn’t even a child yet, we hadn’t seen or felt the child or even knew it’s gender yet we felt this much devastated how much more a parent that lost a full grown adult.I felt bad for them but that was it, the mother would have prevented it from happening but she didn’t, rather she left the house in the middle of crisis and chaos for the goddess knows what and I did my best to not
ROCKAN’S POV The elders and the people stood up and bowed as soon as I entered with my mate and remained that way until we had our seats. I made sure Denara sat down first before joining her.“You may now sit.” I said and the people obeyed. Though the seats were not enough for the crowd.“Why are they so many? It feels like all the pack members are here.” I mindlinked Denara and she smiled at me.“They’re worried about their alpha.” She simply replied.After waiting for the goddess knows how long for someone to say something and no one did, I cleared my throat and started, “thank you all for coming and for your support when I was having a hard time.”The people started whispering and murmuring among themselves. That was when I realized they were still in shock of seeing me without my mask.I was already tired of the stares and the expressions I got. I didn’t know the people were so eager to see my face. What for? I wouldn’t be bothered if I were in their shoes though.“Yeah right.” M
DENARA’S POV After staying to monitor our healing process for one week, Luna Danielle and Adrianna were finally going back home today. It was really beautiful having them care for me, making me see the bright side of things and now they were leaving. I felt like begging them to stay a little longer but they had tried.“Come here my girl.” Luna Danielle said and grabbed me into her warm embrace once more. “I’ll miss you so much Denara.” She patted my head as she talked.“I’ll miss you too, great aunt.” I replied and she smiled, wiping a stray tear off my face.“Please masked alpha…” Luna Danielle started and paused momentarily to laugh when she saw there was no mask on his face. “Make sure you take care of my baby girl.” She warned.“You don’t have to say that. It’s all I live for.” Rockan replied.“If you ever stop or make her sad I’ll come back here and take her from you.” Luna Danielle sounded both playful and rigid.“You won’t have a reason to.” He affirmed.“Denara…” Adrianna cri
TYRIS’ POV Days had passed, yet it felt like months since I embarked on this relentless search. Each hour dragged on, a heavy chain of dread around my neck, as I combed through towns and packs in search of Serena. Who would have thought finding someone could be so impossibly difficult? With every mile traveled, my sense of urgency grew; my thoughts spiraled into a dark abyss of worry and regret.“Sir, are you sure we shouldn't stop somewhere? You seem really exhausted,” the driver said, glancing up at me through the rearview mirror. Concern etched across his face, a reflection of my own inner turmoil. “Your eyes on the road,” I curtly responded, irritation creeping into my voice. I didn’t want to entertain his concern, though a part of me appreciated it. He was the only soul I had with me, a simple man enlisted to help with my search. We had spent the last several days moving from one neighboring town to another, each stopping at a dead end. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wa