|| Lilac's POV ||
The events of the previous night came rushing back. The dream, the Moon Goddess, the weight of her words it all felt like a heavy blanket draped over my chest.But reality came crashing in when my phone buzzed loudly on the nightstand. I groaned, reaching for it, and saw Elara’s name flashing on the screen. My heart sank. I had completely forgotten to check in with my family last night.“Hey,” I said, my voice still thick with sleep as I answered the call.“Don’t ‘hey’ me,” Elara’s voice came through the phone, sharp and exasperated. “Where are you? Do you have any idea how many lies I’ve told your parents? And Ezra almost showed up at my doorstep!”I sat up abruptly, the sheets pooling around my waist. “What happened?” I asked, my voice tinged with guilt.“Your mom and Ezra thought you were out on a date, and when you didn’t come home, they|| Lilac's POV ||As we stepped outside, the crisp morning air hit me, filling my lungs and clearing my head. The cabin was even more beautiful in the daylight, surrounded by towering trees and the soft hum of nature. But what caught my attention were the other houses scattered in the distance. I hadn’t noticed them last night. Was this a pack territory? I wanted to ask, but the words stuck in my throat.We got into the car, and Alaric started the engine, the low rumble filling the silence. As we drove, I couldn’t help but admire the scenery. The road was lined with vibrant wildflowers, their colors a stark contrast to the deep greens of the forest. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. It was like driving through a painting, every detail perfect and serene.But the beauty of the landscape did little to ease the tension in the car. My mind was racing, torn between the guilt of worrying my family and the weight
|| Alaric’s POV ||Something felt off about Lilac. The moment she woke up, I could sense it, a shift in her energy, a distance in her eyes that hadn’t been there last night. She had been so open, so vulnerable with me just a few hours ago, but now she seemed guarded, almost hesitant. Was she unhappy with me? Had I done something wrong? The questions gnawed at me, but I couldn’t bring myself to ask. Not yet.I watched her as she moved around the house, her movements stiff and hurried. She was avoiding my gaze, her mind clearly elsewhere. And then there was the name she had called out in her sleep— Runa. Her wolf. Why had she been calling for her wolf? Was something wrong with Runa? The thought sent a chill down my spine.To think about it, I had never seen Lilac shift. She never talked about her wolf, never mentioned her in passing. Even when my wolf, Hunter, tried to reach out to hers, there was no response. Just silence. It was unsettling, like a shadow lingeri
|| Alaric’s POV ||I glanced at Lilac again, my gaze softening as I took in the curve of her cheek, the way her lashes brushed against her skin when she blinked. She was so beautiful, so strong in ways that had nothing to do with her wolf. She had survived so much, endured so much, and yet she was still here, still fighting. I wouldn’t let her face anything alone. Not now, not ever.Reaching over, I gently took her hand in mine, my thumb brushing over her knuckles. She turned to look at me, her eyes wide and questioning, and I gave her a small smile. “Everything okay?” she asked, her voice soft, like a melody I never wanted to end.“Yeah,” I said, squeezing her hand. “Everything’s perfect.”She smiled back, her eyes lighting up in a way that made my heart skip a beat. But beneath the warmth of her smile, I could see the faintest hint of something else— something fragile, something she was trying to hide. It only made me more determined to protect her, to
|| Lilac's POV ||"Please," I whispered, my voice shaking as I turned to Kael. "Let them go."The words felt foreign, bitter, like ashes on my tongue. I had never begged before, never thought I would have to. But for them-for my parents-I would swallow my pride.I had begged before Kaek. I had pleaded with Kael to remember the vows we made, the promises he had whispered in the dark when the world felt safe."You will always come first," he had told me, his voice a balm to my fears.That was before Coco. Before she swept into the palace like a storm, leaving ruin in her way. He swore nothing would change, that I would still be his queen, his love. It was all a lie. A beautiful, cruel lie.Kael's golden eyes flickered with something unreadable, gone before I could grasp it. His silence cut deeper than a blade. My hands clenched into fists, nails digging into my palms, but the pain was nothing compared to the ache inside me.The air reeked of blood and betrayal, thick and suffocating. The
|| Lilac's POV ||“You witch!” I snarled, my voice a mixture of pain and fury. My wolf howled within me, her grief echoing my own. But Kael’s expression remained impassive, his loyalty firmly with Coco. The woman who had destroyed my life, who had taken everything from me, stood behind him, her smirk a cruel reminder of my powerlessness.Tears streamed down my face as I looked at the bodies of my parents, their lives extinguished so callously, so cruelly. The chains that had bound them now seemed symbolic of the chains that had bound me—chains of duty, of love, of hope. But no more. The girl who had once believed in fairy tales, in happily ever afters, was gone. In her place stood a woman forged in fire and blood, her heart a battlefield of sorrow and rage."Tell me, Kael, was she worth slaughtering the entire Royal Beta lineage?" I yelled.The throne room was a cavern of memories, each stone etched with the echoes of my past. The high vaulted ceilings, adorned with banners of our pack
|| Lilac's POV ||The world around me was a blur of color and sound, a cacophony of laughter, music, and applause that seemed to echo from every corner of the grand hall. The golden chandeliers overhead bathed the room in a warm, flickering glow, casting dancing shadows across the polished marble floors. Velvet banners adorned the towering walls, embroidered with the crest of our pack, the symbol of unity and strength, things I no longer believed in.My head spun, my thoughts tangled in a web of confusion and disbelief. One moment, I had been on the cold, unforgiving floor of the throne room, a dagger pressed to my stomach, my heart shattered into a thousand irreparable pieces. The next, I was here, standing in the midst of a celebration I had lived through once before, a celebration that had marked the beginning of my downfall.A tight, warm hug jolted me back to the present. The familiar scent of lavender and honey enveloped me, a scent that once meant home, comfort, safety. My breat
“Forgive me, my queen,” my mother’s voice broke through the silence, soft and apologetic. I turned to see her bowing slightly, her hands clasped in front of her. “She is a bit overwhelmed, it seems.” Her smile was strained, her eyes darting to me with a mixture of pride and concern. I wanted to tell her the truth, to explain that this was not overwhelming but a deep, seething resistance bubbling beneath the surface. But I couldn’t. Not here. Not now. “It is normal indeed,” Luna Cassandra replied, her voice smooth and reassuring. “Lilac is only eighteen, and we are bestowing a great responsibility upon her shoulders.” Her words were kind, but they did little to ease the turmoil within me. In my past life, this woman had been a pillar of strength, a figure I had admired and respected. But I knew the truth now. She had done everything for her son, Kael, even when it meant siding with him as he brought Coco into our lives. She had called it normal, a necessary part of life for an Alpha
|| Lilac’s POV ||"May I?" Kael asked, extending his hand. I forced a smile.The crowd cheered as Kael led me to the dance floor. His grip on my hand was tight, like he already owned me. The music was soft, but I felt nothing but anger.I hated this. I hated his fake smile, his hand on my waist, his pretend love. Every step felt like I was betraying myself.How did I end up here again? I had a second chance to change things, but here I was, dancing with the man who ruined me. Memories of my past life came rushing back— Kael’s betrayal, his cold words as he left me to die.“You dance well,” Kael whispered, his breath hot on my ear. I shivered, disgusted.“Practice makes everything perfect," I said, keeping my voice steady. In my past life, I’d learned to pretend to enjoy your company.The music dragged on, each note a reminder of what I’d lost. When it ended, I walked away, leaving the cheers behind.In my past life, I’d been naive. That version of me died betrayed and broken. This time
|| Alaric’s POV ||I glanced at Lilac again, my gaze softening as I took in the curve of her cheek, the way her lashes brushed against her skin when she blinked. She was so beautiful, so strong in ways that had nothing to do with her wolf. She had survived so much, endured so much, and yet she was still here, still fighting. I wouldn’t let her face anything alone. Not now, not ever.Reaching over, I gently took her hand in mine, my thumb brushing over her knuckles. She turned to look at me, her eyes wide and questioning, and I gave her a small smile. “Everything okay?” she asked, her voice soft, like a melody I never wanted to end.“Yeah,” I said, squeezing her hand. “Everything’s perfect.”She smiled back, her eyes lighting up in a way that made my heart skip a beat. But beneath the warmth of her smile, I could see the faintest hint of something else— something fragile, something she was trying to hide. It only made me more determined to protect her, to
|| Alaric’s POV ||Something felt off about Lilac. The moment she woke up, I could sense it, a shift in her energy, a distance in her eyes that hadn’t been there last night. She had been so open, so vulnerable with me just a few hours ago, but now she seemed guarded, almost hesitant. Was she unhappy with me? Had I done something wrong? The questions gnawed at me, but I couldn’t bring myself to ask. Not yet.I watched her as she moved around the house, her movements stiff and hurried. She was avoiding my gaze, her mind clearly elsewhere. And then there was the name she had called out in her sleep— Runa. Her wolf. Why had she been calling for her wolf? Was something wrong with Runa? The thought sent a chill down my spine.To think about it, I had never seen Lilac shift. She never talked about her wolf, never mentioned her in passing. Even when my wolf, Hunter, tried to reach out to hers, there was no response. Just silence. It was unsettling, like a shadow lingeri
|| Lilac's POV ||As we stepped outside, the crisp morning air hit me, filling my lungs and clearing my head. The cabin was even more beautiful in the daylight, surrounded by towering trees and the soft hum of nature. But what caught my attention were the other houses scattered in the distance. I hadn’t noticed them last night. Was this a pack territory? I wanted to ask, but the words stuck in my throat.We got into the car, and Alaric started the engine, the low rumble filling the silence. As we drove, I couldn’t help but admire the scenery. The road was lined with vibrant wildflowers, their colors a stark contrast to the deep greens of the forest. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the ground. It was like driving through a painting, every detail perfect and serene.But the beauty of the landscape did little to ease the tension in the car. My mind was racing, torn between the guilt of worrying my family and the weight
|| Lilac's POV ||The events of the previous night came rushing back. The dream, the Moon Goddess, the weight of her words it all felt like a heavy blanket draped over my chest.But reality came crashing in when my phone buzzed loudly on the nightstand. I groaned, reaching for it, and saw Elara’s name flashing on the screen. My heart sank. I had completely forgotten to check in with my family last night.“Hey,” I said, my voice still thick with sleep as I answered the call.“Don’t ‘hey’ me,” Elara’s voice came through the phone, sharp and exasperated. “Where are you? Do you have any idea how many lies I’ve told your parents? And Ezra almost showed up at my doorstep!”I sat up abruptly, the sheets pooling around my waist. “What happened?” I asked, my voice tinged with guilt.“Your mom and Ezra thought you were out on a date, and when you didn’t come home, they
|| Lilac's POV ||I moved a little. His arm was draped over me, his fingers lightly tracing patterns on my back. The steady rise and fall of his breathing was soothing, and for a moment, I allowed myself to bask in the warmth of his presence.But then it hit me I was wearing his t-shirt. The realization made my cheeks flush with embarrassment. How had I ended up in his clothes? My mind raced, trying to piece together the events of the night before. Had we…? No, surely not. I would have remembered something like that. But the thought lingered, making my heart race.I shifted slightly, my eyes drifting over Alaric’s half-naked form. His jawline was sharp, his stubble giving him a rugged, almost dangerous look. His chest was bare, the muscles defined and smooth, and I couldn’t help but admire the way the morning light played across his skin. He looked like a sculpture, perfectly carved and impossibly beautiful.“Good morning, Dove,” Alaric’s voice broke the
|| Lilac’s POV ||I found myself standing in a place that defied all logic, a realm so breathtakingly beautiful that it felt like a dream. The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers, their petals shimmering in hues of gold and silver. The sky above was a canvas of swirling colors, that seemed to pulse with life. Beneath my feet, the ground was covered in soft, glowing moss that sparkled like stardust. Trees with golden leaves swayed gently in a breeze that carried the faint sound of distant chimes. It was a place of pure serenity, a sanctuary untouched by the chaos of the world.In the center of this divine landscape stood a woman. She was ethereal, her presence radiating a warmth that enveloped me like a comforting embrace. Her hair cascaded down her back in waves of silver, each strand glowing faintly as if kissed by moonlight. Her eyes were pools of endless depth, filled with wisdom and kindness. She wore a flowing gown that seemed to be made of the night
|| Alaric’s POV ||She pulled away just enough to look up at me, her tear-filled eyes shining with something that made my chest ache. Anguish. Hope. Desperation."I can’t find Runa… I’m trying, and trying, but still no sign. Will you help me?" Her voice trembled, breaking slightly at the end.I stilled.Runa?The name was unfamiliar, but the way she said it like it meant everything sent a prickle of unease down my spine. Was it the alcohol talking? Some buried fear surfacing in her vulnerability? Or was there something deeper, something she hadn’t told me yet?I didn’t know. But right now, I didn’t care.All I knew was that Lilac was breaking in my arms, and I would do anything to hold her together.I cupped her face gently, wiping a stray tear from her cheek with my thumb.Her breath hitched, something unreadable flashing across her expression. She seemed lost, caught between past and present, between hope and despair.
|| Alaric’s POV || I never thought I would feel this way for someone. Every little thing about her made my heart race. Her smile, the way her loose curls framed her face, the mischievous glint in her eyes when she teased me. But there were moments, fleeting and rare, when the warmth in her eyes would vanish, replaced by a hollow emptiness that made her seem like a completely different person. It was as if she carried a weight too heavy for her shoulders, a pain she refused to share. And then there was her scent lavender, soft and intoxicating, driving me and my wolf to the edge of madness. What kind of spell had she cast on me? I didn’t know, but I was utterly and irrevocably under it. This cabin had always been my sanctuary, my solitude. It was the one place where I could escape the chaos of the world and just be myself. I had never brought anyone here before. It was too personal, too sacred. But here she was, lying on my lap as if she had always belonged here, as if this
|| Lilac’s POV ||The cabin was bathed in the soft glow of the firelight, the warmth of the flames casting flickering shadows across the room. The scent of herbs and spices filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the wood and the faint sweetness of the wine we had been sipping. Alaric moved around the kitchen with practiced ease, his muscles flexing as he chopped vegetables and stirred sauces. I couldn’t help but watch him, my eyes tracing the lines of his broad shoulders and the way his hands moved with precision and grace.There was something mesmerizing about the way he worked, the rhythm of his movements almost hypnotic. He was completely in his element, his focus entirely on the task at hand. But every now and then, he would glance over at me, his eyes meeting mine, and a small smile would tug at his lips. It was a smile that made my heart skip a beat, a smile that made me feel like I was the only person in the world.“Enjoying the vie