|| Lilac's POV ||
The crowd erupted into cheers once more, but I barely heard them. The moment stretched endlessly, my thoughts a whirlwind of emotion. Duty. Legacy. Fate. Love. Was this truly my destiny? Or was I merely playing the role assigned to me?
Kael squeezed my hand, and I turned to him. His golden eyes, filled with certainty, searched mine.
Then he turned to me, his eyes filled with a warmth that made my skin crawl.
“Lilac,” he began, his voice steady and confident.
“From the moment I met you, I knew you were special. You are strong, intelligent, and beautiful, and I am honored to have you by my side as my future Luna. I promise to cherish you, to protect you, and to love you for the rest of my days.”
The crowd erupted into applause, their cheers and whistles filling the air. I forced another smile, my heart pounding in my chest. This was it. The moment of truth.
Kael reached into his pocket, pulling
|| Lilac's POV ||The room was in chaos.Kael hesitated for just a second—his jaw clenched, eyes flickering with something like guilt—before he rushed to Coco’s side. He tore off his fancy coat, the kind that probably cost more than most people made in a year, and draped it over her shaking body like she was something fragile, something precious. "Coco," he said, voice rough with panic. "What happened? Are you hurt?"Before she could answer, the doors slammed open. A group of rough-looking men barged in, scanning the room like hunters. One of them pointed straight at Coco."There she is!" he barked. "Grab her!"Gasps rippled through the crowd. Kael moved instantly, stepping between her and them, his whole body tense."What the hell is this?" he demanded, voice sharp with authority. The leader, a scarred brute with a sneer, didn’t even flinch, "that little thief stole from us. We
|| Lilac’s POV ||The grand hall, once a symbol of unity and celebration, had become a battlefield of emotions. The air was thick with tension, the murmurs of the crowd rising like a storm as they tried to make sense of the scene unfolding before them. Kael stood at the center of it all, Coco cradled in his arms.Luna Cassandra stepped forward, her voice trembling as she addressed her son. “Kael, this is not the time or place for this,” she said, her tone filled with desperation. Her usually composed demeanor was shattered, her hands trembling as she reached out to him. “Think about what you’re doing. Think about the consequences.”Kael’s expression hardened, his grip on Coco tightening as if he were afraid she might slip away. “I’ve thought about it,” he said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “And I can’t deny what I feel. Coco is my mate. My true mate. I won’t abandon her.”The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over everyone li
|| Lilac’s POV ||The crowd’s reaction was immediate and visceral. Whispers of admiration and pity filled the air, their voices rising in a cacophony of emotion.“Look at her!” someone exclaimed.“She has spoken like a true Luna.” Another voice chimed in, “Kael is so unfortunate.”The words washed over me, their impact fueling my resolve.I turned to Alpha King Darius and Luna Cassandra, my expression one of quiet grace. “My King, Luna, please bless them on their reunion. Fate has brought them together after all,” I said, my voice polite but filled with emotion. Tears welled in my eyes, though they were more from relief than sadness. I bowed slightly, my movements graceful and deliberate.The crowd erupted again, their voices filled with admiration and respect. I could feel their eyes on me, their whispers of praise and sympathy fueling my resolve. I had played my part perfectly, and now it was time to make my exit.“I wish you and ou
|| Lilac’s POV ||The silence of my room was a welcome reprieve after the chaos of the evening. The engagement was off. But as I sat on the edge of my bed, staring out the window at the moonlit garden, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The engagement might be over, but my fight was far from finished. Kael was still the future Alpha King, and his influence over the kingdom was undeniable.I had bought myself some time, but I needed a plan, a way to ensure that my fate was truly in my hands.I sighed, running a hand through my hair as I tried to organize my thoughts. The events of the evening played over in my mind like a broken record, Kael’s defiance, Coco’s dramatic entrance, the crowd’s murmurs of shock and pity. I had played my part perfectly, but I couldn’t afford to rest on my laurels. Not when Kael was still out there, still a threat.A knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts, and before I could respond, Elara burst
|| Lilac’s POV ||The bar was a lively spot on the edge of pack territory, its neon sign casting a colorful glow over the street. The sound of music and laughter spilled out into the night as we approached, the energy of the place immediately lifting my spirits. Elara linked her arm with mine, her excitement palpable as she led me inside.The interior was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and the sound of clinking glasses. The bar was crowded, the patrons a mix of pack members and humans, their voices rising in a cacophony of conversation and laughter. Elara found us a table near the back, her movements confident and assured as she flagged down a waiter.“Two shots of tequila,” she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. “And keep them coming.”I laughed, shaking my head as I sat down. “You’re going to get us kicked out,” I said, my tone teasing.Elara grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Not if we tip well,” she said,
The castle of the Werewolf Kingdom was eerily quiet, the usual hum of activity replaced by a tense silence that seemed to press down on everyone within its walls. The grand hall, with its towering ceilings and intricate tapestries, felt more like a prison than a place of power. The air was heavy with unspoken words and simmering anger, the kind that could erupt at any moment.Alpha King Darius stood at the center of the room, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over the polished marble floor. His golden eyes, usually so commanding and regal, were dark with fury as they bore into Kael. His jaw was clenched, his hands balled into fists at his sides, the tension in his body palpable. Beside him, Luna Cassandra stood with her hands clasped in front of her, her expression a mask of calm, though the tightness around her eyes betrayed her inner turmoil.“Do you have any idea what you’ve done?” Darius’s voice was low, b
|| Lilac's POV ||“You’re having quite a night, aren’t you, sister-in-law?” Alaric’s voice rang in my ear, his tone low and teasing, laced with a dangerous edge that made my pulse quicken. His breath brushed against my neck, warm and minty, sending a shiver cascading down my spine.I turned to face him, my heart pounding in my chest as I met his piercing grey eyes. They were like storm clouds, swirling with intensity and something darker, something that made my stomach twist in anticipation.“I’m not your sister-in-law anymore,” I said, my voice steady despite the sudden rush of nerves. A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips, my confidence bolstered by the alcohol coursing through my veins and the way his gaze lingered on me, hungry and unapologetic.Alaric’s smile widened, his eyes glinting with amusement as he leaned in closer, his body cowering mine. His hand slid to my back, pulling me against him, and I could feel the hard planes of his chest, the
|| Lilac's POV ||Alaric’s eyes flashed with something primal, his grip on my hips tightening as he leaned in closer. His breath brushed against my ear, warm and minty, as he whispered, “Careful what you wish for, little Dove.”I shivered, the heat of his body against mine making it hard to think. Was it the alcohol, or was it him? I didn’t know, and at that moment, I didn’t care. All I knew was that I wanted him, wanted to feel his hands on me, his lips on mine, his body pressed against me in a way that left no space between us.The music was still thrumming in my veins as I stepped off the dance floor, my body humming with the residual energy of the night. The bar was alive with laughter and chatter, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and sweat, but I needed a moment to breathe. My heart was racing, my skin still tingling from the heat of Alaric’s touch. I could feel his eyes on me as I walked away, his gaze burning into my back like a brand. I didn’t have to turn around to know
|| Lilac's POV ||The capital was alive with energy, the streets bustling with people and the air filled with the hum of conversation and laughter. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the city as Elara and I made our way to the most exclusive mall in the heart of the capital. The building itself was a marvel of modern architecture, its glass façade reflecting the sunlight like a jewel. Inside, the mall was a labyrinth of luxury, with high-end boutiques and designer stores lining the polished floors.I wasn’t unfamiliar with luxury, my family’s status as the Blackwoods meant I’d grown up surrounded by opulence, but today felt different. The weight of the upcoming alpha council meeting pressed on my shoulders, and the thought of dressing for it made me feel oddly out of place. Elara, on the other hand, seemed right at home, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she linked her arm through mine.“Okay, we need to find something formal but not bo
|| Lilac’s POV ||The days blurred together in a haze of ink-stained fingers and late-night study sessions. Dad’s office had become my refuge—the scent of old books and coffee grounding me as I poured over pack ledgers and border reports. Numbers, treaties, supply routes—things I’d never cared about in my past life now consumed me.Dad watched me with quiet pride, his usual stern expression softening whenever I asked a question."You're going cross-eyed, sweetpea," Dad murmured, nudging a steaming mug of cocoa toward me. The rich scent of chocolate cut through the musty smell of old parchment.I blinked, rubbing my temples. "Just trying to memorize the southern patrol routes." My voice came out hoarse from hours of silence.Dad's chair creaked as he leaned back, studying me with that quiet pride that made my throat tighten. "When did my little girl become so serious?"A smile tugged at my lips. "When I realized how much I didn't know."
|| Lilac’s POV ||I woke up feeling surprisingly refreshed, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains and casting a warm glow over the room. For a moment, I just lay there, savoring the peacefulness of the moment. But then it hit me… how did I end up here? The last thing I remembered was being in the woods, by the river, with Alaric. The night had been magical, filled with laughter, stolen kisses, and a sense of belonging I hadn’t felt in a long time. But now, he was gone.I sat up, running a hand through my hair as I glanced around the room. His faint scent of pinewoods lingered in the air, a subtle reminder of his presence. My heart ached a little at his absence, but I pushed the feeling aside. Alaric had his own life, I barely knew him, and I couldn’t expect him to stay by my side all the time. Still, I couldn’t help but wish he were here.I freshened up quickly, the cool water from the sink helping to clear my mind. As I dragged my legs downstair
|| Lilac's POV ||The night wore on quicker than I had realised. The fairy lights above us twinkled like stars, casting a soft, golden glow over the clearing. The air was filled with the scent of food, shrimp pasta and tiramisu, my absolute favorites. I had no idea how Alaric had found out about my preferences, but the moment he opened the picnic basket and the aroma wafted out, my stomach growled in anticipation.“Hungry, dove?” Alaric teased, his voice low and smooth as he handed me a plate. His eyes sparkled with mischief, and I couldn’t help but blush as I took it from him.“Starving,” I admitted, my cheeks heating up as I dug into the pasta. The first bite was heavenly, the flavors exploding on my tongue. I couldn’t help but let out a small moan of satisfaction, which only made Alaric’s smirk widen.“You’re adorable when you eat,” he said, his tone playful but his gaze intense. He leaned closer, his eyes dropping to my lips. “You’ve got a little some
|| Lilac's POV ||The rest of the ride home was the kind of quiet that presses against your eardrums. The sort where nobody wants to be the first to speak because then we'd have to admit how badly tonight went. I pressed my forehead against the cool window, watching streetlights blur past like fading stars.Kael's fake sincerity. Cassandra's razor-sharp smiles. And now the Nightshades playing fairy godmother? My fingers twisted in my dress fabric. None of this made sense.Our house looked different when we pulled up - the porch light too bright, the familiar red door suddenly foreign. Like coming home after a long trip to find all your furniture rearranged.Mom moved first, her keys jangling too loud in the silence. "I'll make sandwiches," she announced, already heading for the kitchen. That's Mom - when the world falls apart, she makes turkey on rye.Ezra collapsed onto the couch like his bones had dissolved. "I'm starving," he declared to the cei
|| Lilac’s POV ||The evening air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming night jasmine as we stepped out of the restaurant. The soft hum of the city buzzed around us, but my mind was far from the present. My thoughts were tangled in the web of the Nightshades, their name echoing in my head like a haunting melody. The girl at the counter had said it so casually, as if it were nothing, but her words had struck a chord deep within me. “Your table will always be taken care of by the Nightshades.” Why? Why would anyone like them pay for us?Dad strode ahead, his broad shoulders cutting through the cool night air as he made his way to the car.I slid into the backseat, the leather cool against my skin, and waited for the others to join. Ezra, my strong-willed, almost-eighteen-year-old brother, hopped in beside me, his youthful face set in a scowl. He had been seething throughout the dinner, his fists clenched under the table as Kael spewed his nonsense. Ezra
|| Lilac’s POV ||The room was silent, the weight of his words pressing down on me. I could feel the eyes of every alpha, luna, and noble in the restaurant on me, their whispers filling the air like a low hum. So this was their plan, I thought, my mind racing. To turn the tables in public, to force me into a corner."I will do anything you ask me of. I will even reject her, right now, right here," He slowly stood up.Kael’s eyes fell on Coco, who looked more frightened than ever. Her lips parted as if she wanted to speak, but no words came out.“Besides, once you are marked and mated, the bond with her will fade since they are not mated yet,” Alpha King Darius said, his tone matter-of-fact.I almost laughed. In my past life, the bond between Kael and Coco had never faded, even after I mated with him. They had already been together, their connection stronger than anyone realized. But this time, I wouldn’t make the same mistake."You have grow
|| Lilac’s POV || The air was thick with the mingling scents of expensive perfumes and gourmet food, the atmosphere both luxurious and suffocating. We sat at the table, the tension palpable, our fake smiles plastered on like masks. The server had just poured us one of the most expensive wines on the menu, the deep red liquid swirling in the crystal glasses like liquid fire. I took a sip, the taste rich and bold, but it did little to ease the knot of unease in my stomach. “Thank you, Benson, for obliging the request,” Alpha King Darius said, his voice smooth and composed as he addressed my father. His golden eyes were sharp, his expression unreadable, but there was a flicker of something, guilt, perhaps, or regret, that I couldn’t quite place. “Not a problem,” Dad replied, his tone polite but clipped. He leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. “So, what did you want to talk about?” Luna Cassandra smiled, her warm eyes turning to me. “
|| Lilac's POV ||The Moon Garden didn't just hum with energy— it thrummed with it, like a living creature breathing down my neck. Perfumes too expensive to name mixed with the scent of seared steak and truffles, creating a heady cocktail that made my wolf's nose twitch. Glass walls reflected a thousand points of light—moonlight, chandelier glow, the cold glitter of diamonds around too many throats.Ezra's elbow nudged mine as we followed the waiter. "This place is crawling with alphas," he muttered under his breath.I didn't need to look to know he was right. The weight of stares pressed against my skin like physical hands."Of course it is," Dad said, too calmly. "We're in Nightshade territory now."A shiver crawled down my spine.The Nightshades.Every wolf child grew up hearing the stories. Not the sanitized ones about brave warriors— no, the other stories. The ones whispered after lights-out, where the monsters weren't mindless b