Denera The library was really quiet like it usually is in a library. But this time, there was no one else there at all. It even felt a little bit dusty.I remember feeling amazed when I first came in here. There were so many books, it was like a dream come true. I even felt like the character Belle from the story Beauty and the Beast.But now, three hours have passed, and I've already read two books. The first one was about the history of the pack, but it got kind of boring, so now I'm reading a fanfiction story about werewolves and vampires that someone wrote.Even though the werewolf and vampire story has some things in it that aren't true, I didn’t mind because I could tell it was written by a human."Rachel," I said quietly, knowing that she was sitting behind me while I kept reading through all these papers."Yes, Lady Denera?" Rachel answered, speaking softly and calmly.I let my thoughts linger for a moment, wondering if I should ask about what was on my mind. After carefully
Chapter 28Denera“It’s just that there is something oddly familiar about her that I know. I could’ve sworn to have seen her somewhere.” I subconsciously said out loud.“Is that so?” Rachel questioned as we both stared earnestly at the portrait of the woman. “Yeah,” I muttered, picking on my nails as I tried harder and harder to pinpoint where I had seen this person or portrait from. The more I thought about it, the further away the realization was from me. Leaning in slightly, Rachel studied the portrait more intently. "Hmm, that is serious. As far as I know, this is the only existing portrait of the previous Luna. Perhaps you've come across some historical records or accounts that featured her likeness?" I shrugged, picking at my nails as I racked my brain trying to uncover the source of this nagging sense of familiarity. "I'm not sure. The more I try to think about it, the more confusing it seems to become."Placing a reassuring hand on my arm, Rachel offered a small, sympathet
DeneraI stared at my reflection in the mirror and I couldn't help the smile on my face."You look absolutely stunning," Rachel mused from behind me as two other maids helped in adjust my dress and hair into its proper position."Thanks to all of you," I breathed out heavily, finding it slightly difficult to hold back tears.The maid on my left paused for a moment, then leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper. "You know, we had to use an extra bolt of fabric to get this dress to fit your...generous figure." She punctuated the comment with a playful wink.Rachel burst out laughing, quickly covering her mouth to stifle the sound. "Hush, you!" she chided the maid, though her eyes were twinkling with mirth.I couldn't help but join in the laughter, the tension of the moment melting away. "Well, I suppose I should be grateful you didn't have to resort to sewing me into it!" I quipped, earning a round of giggles from the maids.The light-hearted exchange helped ease my nerves, and I felt th
DeneraAs Rockan and I entered the grand hall, I felt a surge of anxiety wash over me. The room was filled with dozens of unfamiliar faces - all of them seeming very important and powerful, which left me feeling deeply out of place. And the way they kept staring at us as we made our way to our seats only added to my unease.I couldn't help but start fidgeting nervously, my fingers twisting the delicate fabric of my dress as Rockan guided me through the crowded room toward our seats. I glanced around, my eyes darting from one influential person to the next, each one appearing more imposing than the last.Sensing my unease, Rockan gently reached over and took my hands in his, giving them a reassuring squeeze. "Denera," he murmured, leaning in close so only I could hear. "Relax, little mate. You've got this."I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. "I...I don't know any of these people, Rockan," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "They all look so important and
RockanI gripped the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles almost turning white as the memories of Adriana came flooding back. "Adriana is my ex," I finally admitted, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.Denera shifted in the passenger seat, turning to face me with a puzzled expression. "Your ex?" she echoed, her brow furrowing.I took a deep breath, knowing I owed her the truth. "Yes, Denera. Adriana and I... we have a history," I explained, my gaze fixed on the road ahead.Denera remained silent, waiting patiently for me to continue. I knew she deserved to know the whole story."You see, Adriana was supposed to be the next Luna many years ago," I began, my voice low and heavy with regret. "But before she could take on that role, I discovered that she had been lying to me – about her intentions, her feelings, everything."I paused, swallowing hard as the emotions threatened to overwhelm me. "She didn't want me, Denera," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. "She just
Denera As soon as we pulled into the pack, I hurriedly jumped out of the car, barely waiting for Rockan to put it in the park. My mind was racing, laser-focused on one objective - getting that piece of clothing I had gotten from my attacker. I practically ran through the grand entryway, ignoring the curious stares of the pack members milling about. “Denera!” Rockan called out behind me, but I couldn't be bothered to slow down or respond. I had to get to my room, to that evidence.Finally, I burst through the doors of the room, going straight to the small chest at the foot of the bed. Trembling, I threw open the lid and reached inside, pulling out the tattered scrap of fabric I had hidden there. Holding it up to my nose, I breathed in deeply, reveling in the familiar scent."I knew it!" I exclaimed, a triumphant grin spreading across my face. Rockan came rushing in, his brow furrowed with concern. "Denera, what's going on? Tell me what's happening."I turned to face him, gripping t
Denera I sat in stunned silence as my revelation about the attacker caused an uproar in the council meeting. The air was thick with tension as the elders all began to voice their opinions, each one more impassioned than the last. It was easy to learn their names because of how their tables had engraved tabs of who they were. All these people were old enough to be my parents and grandparents. I could not possibly even speak up even if my life depended on it. Rockan stood at the head of the table, his eyes burning with a ferocity I had rarely seen. "The Blue Moon pack has crossed a line," he growled, slamming his fist down on the table. "They attacked one of our own, and we cannot let that stand. We must retaliate with the full might of our pack."Elder Tharivol, an old wolf who looked like a lifetime of experience, shook his head gravely. "Violence will only beget more violence, alpha Rockan. We must consider a diplomatic solution, one that does not involve bloodshed. There may be a
Denera I emerged from the shower, the steam curling around me like a protective blanket. The day was long and gruelling. We had spent hours addressing the attack issues and pack concerns, and the subsequent party was a blur of faces and voices. The council concluded that the decision to send a messenger to inform Blue Moon about the attack was a step towards transparency, but it left a lingering tension in the air.I wrapped a towel around myself and stepped into the room, expecting to find it empty. Instead, I was stunned to see Rockan standing by the window, his silhouette bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight. Rachel must have already left, leaving us alone."Rockan," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.He turned, his eyes softening as they met mine. "Denera," he said, his tone warm. "You did well today. Standing up for yourself and the pack."I felt a flush of pride at his words. "Thank you," I replied. "I didn’t have much of a choice."He nodded, a faint smile playing o
DENARA’S POV I had nowhere else to go now. The darkness enveloped me like a heavy blanket, and I could feel the chill of the night seeping into my bones. It was probably past midnight, a dangerous hour for anyone to be wandering alone, especially a woman. My heart raced with the thought of what could happen if I encountered the wrong person.But then a thought struck me like a beacon of hope. “The Smith’s bar,” I gasped, a wave of relief washing over me. It was always open through the night, a sanctuary amidst the chaos of my life.Mr. Smith had always been kind to me, a rare warmth in a world that often felt cold and unforgiving. He had given me shelter whenever my home became unbearable, always treating me like family. The memory of his reassuring smile filled me with a sense of safety as I quickened my pace, eager to reach the familiar haven.Each step felt both urgent and heavy, a mixture of gratitude and determination swirling within me. I could still hear Freya’s words echoin
DENARA’S POV “Denera,” I froze in my tracks, my breath catching in the back of my throat. My eyes widened as the reality of the situation hit me.Someone saw me.“Oh my goodness, it is you.” The voice was unmistakable, sending a chill down my spine. I turned slowly, hoping against hope that I was imagining things.“Freya,” I breathed, my heart racing as dread washed over me. A long pause stretched between us, her frown deepening as she struggled to comprehend my presence. At that moment, I felt exposed and vulnerable. The fear of being recognized and outed gripped me like a vice. “What’re you doing here?” she asked, suspicion lacing her words as her eyes roamed over me, assessing, searching for any sign of wrongdoing.She probably thought I had come to steal from them. The thought of that made my pulse quicken, and I stood frozen, my mind racing with the potential consequences. She might end up calling out to her parents, if Aunt Rosa and Uncle Austin found me here, I knew exactly
DENARA’S POV It was dark and cold. I should’ve worn thicker clothing. The chill seeped through the layers I had on, biting at my skin and making my teeth chatter as I navigated the familiar but haunting terrain toward my old pack. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight of memories pressing down on me like a dense fog.“Why did I think this was a good idea?” I muttered to myself, trying to break the silence that surrounded me. The only response was the rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl, a reminder that I was alone in this endeavor.After about an hour of walking, I finally spotted the outline of the cottage behind Aunt Rosa and Uncle Austin’s house. The place where I had spent so many years felt like a ghost now, a shadow of the life I once lived. I crouched low, moving quietly to avoid drawing attention to myself. “Just get in, grab your things, and get out,” I whispered, forcing myself to stay focused. I didn’t want to linger, didn’t want to remember the pa
ROCKAN’S POVI overreacted. I felt the weight of that realization pressing down on me like a heavy burden. Things spiraled out of control in my mind, and I lashed out. I didn’t mean what I said to her; deep down, I knew she loved me. Yet the anger simmered just beneath the surface, fueled by the unsettling thought that she could be using me. But who wouldn’t?Denera was maltreated by her own family, and when she finally found herself in a position of power, of course, she would seek revenge. It was only natural.“I messed up,” I groaned, running my hands through my hair, gripping it tightly as if I could physically pull myself back from the edge of despair. In an attempt to clear my mind, I took a walk out of the castle, but the night had already settled in, wrapping the world in a cloak of darkness. The cool breeze brushed against my skin, its crispness helping to ease the tension coiling within me. I took a deep breath, inhaling the fresh air, but it did little to calm the storm
Denera’s POVHe hated me.They both hate me now. I wouldn’t blame Rockan for his anger; I used him. He loved me, but I deceived both him and myself. The weight of that realization crushed me, pressing down with an unbearable force. My world spiraled around me, a chaotic whirlpool of regret and despair. Tyris was right. I believed my world here with them would be rainbows and sunshine, a fairytale in real life but now, I was trapped in a nightmare of my own making.The truth struck me like a physical blow: I was a burden to them, to everyone. The walls of the castle felt like they were closing in, the air thick and suffocating. Each breath became a struggle as Tyris’s words replayed in my mind, echoing like a relentless drumbeat. “You’re nothing but a burden.” The anxiety twisted in my stomach, a knot of fear tightening with every thought. I could almost feel the stone walls pressing closer, as if they were conspiring to suffocate me. I needed to find Rockan, to apologize, to expla
TYRIS’ POVI heard it all—the dispute between my brother and Denera. At first, I was furious to know they were still together after he revealed that side of him. But as the reality sank in, I found myself lost in thought. It disgusted me to acknowledge that they were both in love with each other. This was the perfect opportunity to get a hold of her. Maybe this time, she would finally see that I was the only one who could handle her with care and understanding.“Denera,” I called out, and she immediately turned on her heels. Her mind seemed occupied, like a storm brewing behind her eyes, but when she caught sight of me, I noticed the shift in her demeanor—her posture stiffened, her expression closed off.It was annoying how she looked at me, like I was the last person she wanted to see.“Prince TYRIS,” she replied, her voice lacking warmth. She didn’t even bother to take a step closer.“What’s going on?” I questioned, feigning ignorance. “You seem troubled.”“I’m looking for Rockan,”
DENARA’S POVWe didn’t talk after the library incident. Rockan and I could barely even meet eye to eye. The weight of his earlier question hung heavily between us, an unspoken barrier that seemed to grow thicker with every second that passed. I felt the distance between us, an ache in my chest that I couldn’t shake off.The ceremony came to a close sooner than I anticipated, and the room began to empty as Alphas and their Lunas departed to their respective territories and packs. I watched them go, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion. All I wanted was to retreat into the comfort of my room, away from the world and the weight of expectations. I stood in front of the mirror, practically glaring at my reflection. The day’s events played over in my mind, and I felt the frustration simmering just beneath the surface. Rachel was undoing the pins holding my hair up, letting the strands fall freely around my shoulders. The thought of a hot bath after a long day filled me with a sense of
DENARA’S POV“Denera,” Bruno insisted, pulling me back but I felt Rockan’s protective presence looming in the back of my mind as I glared at him almost immediately. Before I could react further, I felt Rockan’s hand gently brush against my shoulder, grounding me. “Is there a problem here?” he asked, his voice low and steady.Bruno straightened, his demeanor shifting as he met Rockan’s intense gaze. “No problem at all, Alpha,” he said quickly, stepping aside. “Just catching up with your Luna.”Rockan’s grip tightened slightly around my waist, and I could feel the tension in his body. “Let’s keep it civil, shall we?” he said, his tone firm.I stepped past Bruno, grateful for Rockan’s presence. As we moved back into the crowd, I felt a rush of relief wash over me, knowing I wouldn’t have to deal with Bruno’s antics for the time being. “Are you okay?” Rockan asked, concern etched on his face as we navigated back into the festivities. His brow furrowed slightly, and I could see the tensi
Denera“It’s an honor to be here, Alpha Rockan,” Bruno said, that infuriating smirk still plastered on his face. I held back the instinct to hiss at him. Instead, I focused on the floor, feeling the tension in the air rise. “Thank you,” Rockan replied curtly, nudging my side gently. I felt his urge for me to respond, forcing me to give both of them a curt bow of apprehension. It was the last thing I wanted to do, but I followed his lead, knowing that I had to maintain calmness.My anger towards them knew no bounds. Heaven knew I wanted them to rot in suffering. They were the exact offspring of the wickedness their parents bore in their hearts, and now they were in my pack, pretending to be at peace with me. I could feel the resentment boiling beneath the surface, but I promised myself I would show my best behavior in front of the other Alphas. These two would not ruin that for me.They turned away from us to mingle with the rest of the crowd, and Rockan’s hand snuck its way around