Bryson’s POV“King Desmond, Glenda, and I are here to receive your orders and ready to lead troops to the Withered Hinterland any second at your words,” I respectfully greeted as I kneeled down on one knee with Glenda doing the same beside me.We placed our right arm’s elbow on top of our bended knee and bowed our heads in respect to the King.“You may raise.”After hearing that, Glenda and I stood upright with arms on either side of us.Once the King gestured for the seats on the side, we sat down and waited for him to speak. Looking at his bothered face, a feeling of anxiety rushed through my veins.Did something happen?He let out a sigh as he grabbed the goblet beside him, gulping down its contents before looking up at me. “I need the two of you to lead troops in the Withered Hinterland as soon as possible.”“May we know what happened?” I asked.“Yes, isn’t Prince Deacon already in there? The last time I heard, everything was under control.”I gave Glenda a discreet hiss and glare
Elena’s POV“What was that?”“Did you hear that?”“Are those swords clashing?”Maisy, Saige, and I had jolted awake from our sleep almost simultaneously, throwing the blanket on top of us and getting up from bed with alertness.At first, Prince Deacan wanted to give them another tent to share, but I said they could stay with me. After all, we had a lot of things to catch up on.But what we didn’t expect was to wake up in the middle of the night from a series of screams, bombs, and sounds of clashing swords.We all looked at each other and nodded in understanding. In less than a minute, we had our combat clothes on.“Let’s give them aid. I’ll go to the front. Maise, you're in the west. Saige, you're on the east side,” I commanded while peaking from the in-between of the fabric door.But before we could step out, one of the soldiers rushed in. “Luna Elena, I’m sorry for barging in. I need to evacuate you as per Prince’s ord–”He didn’t manage to finish his words when he looked up and sa
Deacon’s POVThere it was again, that bright smile that seemingly reached the sky, those sparkling eyes like stars, and that joyful laugh that could liven up even the crying clouds.I was breathing heavily as I walked toward Elena, who had herself carelessly slammed on the ground, back leaning on a post log with one leg stretched out while the other bent with her elbow leaning on it as she drank water from the bottle so carelessly that some water spilled to her face. It seemed intentional, though, as if she was trying to refresh herself from that long, exhausting battle.“How many did you kill?” she asked excitedly and so casually, as if it were not Rogues we were talking about.Pride rose in my heart. It seemed like it was just a piece of cake for her.Caressing her cheek after I’ve wiped her face clean, I praised her for killing hundreds of Rogues, which was probably triple what my average warrior managed to do.And all that without much collateral on her part.My eyes wandered on h
Elena’s POVAfter Prince Deacon said he wanted to tell me something, I immediately gulped down the entire bottle of water and stood up to follow him back to his barracks.A jolt of excitement surged through me, making my stomach flutter as Prince Deacon's intoxicating scent filled the air. He slowed his pace to match mine after noticing I was walking behind him to show respect for his rank.I pierced my lips, and my breathing hitched as we walked in synced back to his tent; though we were filled with silence, my excited heartbeat seemingly became our background music.I didn’t know as well why he had this effect on me; probably because he treated me well or because it was just his dominating, aloof, and unpredictable behavior.When we arrived, he placed a cup of refreshing drink in front of me before he sat down opposite my seat.See, he’s a prince, and he’s doing all these. Whose woman wouldn’t have her heart fast-beating?“I’ve investigated how Glenda and Bryson’s winning on the Dea
Elena’s POVAs soon as the word came out of my mouth, I instantly regretted it.“Is there a problem?” Prince Deacon asked, completely confused, which wasn’t surprising as he wasn’t aware of my divorce from Bryson.It’s only natural for him to think that I’d be happy to see my so-called ‘husband’. Unbeknownst to him, I feel nothing but discomfort and anger at the possibility of seeing my ex-husband with his general, whom he replaced me with as his wife and Luna of his pack.Shaking my head, I stood up and gave him a forced smile while secretly feeling the scorching pain surging through my veins and into my heart. “No, I was just surprised, is all.”“If there’s nothing more, then I’ll…” I pointed outside. “I’ll have my rest first.”Bryson’s coming here, for sure Glenda would be with him…Those were my thoughts before I splashed my face with cold water from a basin to clean the dried blood around my face that Prince Deacon didn’t completely wipe off.Through the small mirror, I observed
Elena’s POVWe all turned around to meet Prince Deacon’s humorous eyes despite the sternness we had heard in his voice seconds earlier.Seeing as he was merely teasing, I smiled and raised the bottle. “Come on, Prince Deacon, it’s only a little drink.”“A little?” He raised his brows as he approached our table and grabbed the drink from my hand. He lifted it to his nose and took a quick sniff. “A little drink but of a whisky… Really?”I shrugged my shoulders and kept silent.“It’s only for a celebration, Prince Deacon. Don’t be a party pooper!” Maise uttered, once again, with a mouth out of control.Saige and I looked at her with wide eyes before we cautiously looked back at Prince Deacon, expecting him to be angry.Unexpectedly, he only shook his head and grinned. “Enough with the excuses, ladies. We can’t have you all tipsy or drunk while in a war, could we?”“But…”“No more words. Rules are rules, This…” He gestured to the bottle he was holding and put it on his back. “I’ll be keep
Elena’s POVMy heart momentarily stopped beating as his deep brown eyes lingered in me, seemingly reading my mind and soul through my eyes and searching for the truth. His stare was so deep I feared he could read through the pain I was trying so hard to hide deep inside me. But for some reason, I couldn’t look away.Swallowing, I slowly shook my head and forced a smile. “No, of course not. He wouldn’t dare.”A smile lingered on my lips, but I knew that I couldn’t force the sadness in my eyes as I felt the hollow pain in my chest that was getting heavier as Bryson’s name hung in the air.Deep down in me, I wanted to lessen the burden that was causing the clench in my chest, but I couldn’t utter a single word. Every time I parted my lips, I’d see the smiles on the faces of the warriors as they thought I had a happy marriage.I couldn’t do it. It’s not the proper time nor the proper place.“When you’re ready to speak, remember that I’d be here to listen,” he uttered as he grabbed a jag
Elena’s POVI couldn’t deny how my heart stuttered at his words of praise, but what really froze me and took my breath away was his hands lingering longer than necessary on my cheek.It started as a pinch, but it feels more like a caress right now.“I’m looking forward to you and Bryson’s chemistry in battleship. I’m sure you guys would fight side-by-side so well as husband and wife,” he suddenly uttered, making all the butterflies in my stomach die down and my frozen body rushedly thawed.What’s he doing to me? It’s like he’s bringing me on a rollercoaster ride with his words and unpredictable actions.His hands finally fell on his side while he waited for my reply, but I could only look away. Suddenly, my lap became very interesting as thousands of thoughts ran through my head.I knew he was clueless about my relationship status just as much as every warrior in here. But when I heard them congratulating me and Bryson’s name left Prince’s Deacon’s lips, I couldn’t help but debate wit
Deacon’s POVAt first, Glenda was too dumbfounded to speak, but when she recovered, she looked at me speechlessly and with disbelief before she let out a scoff of disappointment and disgust.“So, that’s it then?” she asked, looking at me from head to toe before she pointed at Elena with judgment.“How can you favor her so much, Prince Deacon? I’ve looked up to you as the god of war. I never expected that you’d succumb to a seductress like her and give her a title she hasn’t earned!” She didn’t even hesitate to voice out her accusation.The second she finished her sentence, my eyes gleamed dark, and I stared at her with a murderous glare, letting a low and threatening growl escape my lips.In a blink of an eye, I dashed through her. I grabbed her neck as I effortlessly raised her in the air, fingers tightening at every word as I spoke through gritted teeth, “Question my choices and impartiality again, Glenda, and you’ll learn just how little tolerance I have for disloyalty.”My royal a
Deacon’s POVI stood at the side of the combat area, keeping my eyes open in anticipation of Elena's plan to teach those arrogant warriors a lesson.They weren’t new warriors, so I couldn’t understand how they could be so indisciplined and reckless with their words. Was the camaraderie on the battlefield no longer existing, or was it the training of those in the South that had been molded with envy and doubts that they could easily be manipulated to judge their fellow warriors without basis?“Show me what you got.”A smirk immediately formed on my lips when I heard Elena confidently calling out Gail to attack. She didn’t even walk around to calculate her opponent’s movement; she just stood there waiting for him to make the first move.And to everyone’s surprise, as much as my own, she knocked him down in a single but expertly executed move.I couldn’t help but raise my hand and clap amidst the loud sound of cheers, gasps, and murmurs of surprise among the bystander warriors. Some of m
Elena’s POVThe crowd surrounding the area had dramatically increased, and out of the corner of my eyes, I saw a glimpse of Bryson and Glenda pushing through the crowd, smugly standing in front.With her arms defiantly crossed over her chest, Glenda shot me sharp glares that could pierce through the chaos. Her expression held a blend of disdain and confidence, as if she was absolutely certain I was about to humiliate myself in front of everyone gathered. The tension between us thickened as we locked eyes in a silent, unyielding challenge."Luna Elena, don’t think I’ll go easy on you just because you’re a woman," Gail’s arrogant voice cut through the moment, snapping my attention back to him.Entirely focusing on him, I smirked and calmly replied, "I wouldn’t expect anything less."I stood in the middle and stayed on the defense stand while keeping my eyes interlocked with Gail’s.With one of my hands raised, I extended my two fingers and gestured for him to come at me. “Show me what y
Elena’s POVAfter everyone dispersed and returned to their tents, Prince Deacon and I also turned and left.We walked by each other’s side. I could feel him giving me a side glance every now and then, so when I could no longer handle it, I halted and gave him a look. “Say it.”Sighing, he uttered in a low voice, “Rumors are already spreading around at the camp like wildfire, and it’s only been a night. We both know who started this, but don’t let it get you down. They'll be all proven wrong once we go into a battle.”I let out a small laugh and waved my hand. “Of course, I know. Who else will it be? Besides, those words won’t shake me. After all, actions speak louder than words.”He halted from his steps and gave me a knowing look before he nodded his head a couple of times, letting out a mischievous smirk. “You’re right, actions do SPEAK louder than words.”I narrowed my eyes at him and leaned a little bit closer before tilting my head, vividly seeing the glint in his eyes like geers
Elena’s POVAfter the last night of drama, Prince Deacon walked me to my tent, and I lay on my bed, letting sleep consume me. And for the first time in a long time, I felt very refreshed as the weight I was carrying was no longer as heavy as before.Feeling energetic, I woke up and changed into my combat clothes before I tied my hair into a ponytail.Since I woke up in a great mood and the weather seemed so nice outside, I planned to go for a morning run.The warriors greeted me enthusiastically; some even offered me bread and drinks, but I respectfully rejected them, telling them I’d go for an exercise.“I always thought Prince Deacon was a man of honor and discipline. I heard he had always been imperial and would give punishment and merits to those deserving despite rank. It’s very disappointing that the god of war we looked up to is not as great as we thought he was.”"Indeep, I never imagined that our kingdom would be lowered to this. How can they easily hand outranks based on fam
Glenda’s POV“This is absurd. We brought these warriors, and now I’m supposed to step back and let Elena lead them. After everything we did to get in her as fast as possible?” I complained to Bryson as soon as we got out of the main tent and got further enough to know the Prince wouldn’t hear me.How come that unworthy, overprivileged, weak she-wolf like Elena would command my troops and me? I couldn’t accept it!If it weren’t for her father and her brothers, no one would even look at her, let alone know her name!“Bryson, say something!” I demanded as I shook his arm when I noticed that he wasn’t paying attention to my words.When he finally looked up, I added, “This can’t be happening! We’ve been through so much in the South, it’s unacceptable for them to just brush us off to the side!”“Calm down, Babe,” he uttered in a calm and sweet voice as he swung his arm around my shoulder and landed a kiss on my temple. “It’s the Prince’s command. We can’t do anything about it. This is the N
Elena’s POVBefore I knew it, I already lost count of the glasses I drank. Luckily, Prince Deacon only gave me a wine, and the fact that I wasn’t drunk after all that made me realize that it only had a low alcohol level.Narrowing my eyes, I looked at him to scold him, but then I was gritted by his dimmed eyes filled with fury and his fingers with stains of blood on them.“What happened?” Panic coursed through my body. Hurriedly, I leaned forward and grabbed his hand, examining his fingers.But when I lifted up his hand, I found that the side of the armrest of the chair he was sitting on was chipped.I was so drawn into expressing my pain and burden to him that I didn’t think of how it might have affected him. He must have been angry upon hearing about all the mishaps I’ve experienced, considering how righteous he was.Feeling guilty, I grabbed my handkerchief and wiped off the blood from his fingers to find that it had already healed. Indeed, he’s a Lycan, healing way faster than wer
Deacon’s POVElena and I stayed in that position for a while. I let her cry every single tear she had been withholding back for as long as she had tried to, even at the expense of drenching my shirt.My heart clenched as I heard her cry as if I was as heartbroken as she was. If only I could share half of her pain, I’d do so in a heartbeat. No… I’d even take all of it for her.Once she felt better and loosened her hold on me, I stood up and took off my shirt, not minding that I was now shirtless. After all, it was normal for male werewolves to be shirtless, especially during training.Having six brothers with her as she grew up, I’m sure she’s very used to it already.I opened one of the boxes on the corner of the tent and dug deep for the finest wines in there, along with two wine glasses. Sitting on her opposite side, I filled the glasses and handed one to her.“Thank you… I sure needed this,” she forced a smile after letting out a small joke that was obviously a half-truth.As she s
Elena’s POVThough Bryson and Glenda had their arms linked together, Bryson managed to delay his step for half a second, just enough time for him to cast one last glance back at me.Something in my heart flickered as I saw regret in his eyes before he vanished from my sight.Don’t be stupid, Elena!I wanted to smack and scold myself for feeling a fierce pain jolting in my heart whenever I encounter Bryson.He betrayed me, and I had already rejected him, and together with that was my vow to bury every last bit of my feelings for him. I freed him and myself the second I divorced him, which was why it frustrate me inside whenever I felt pain in my heart whenever I see him.“Of course, whether you want it or not, he became a part of us, and once upon a time, we loved him,” Ava reasoned.I blocked her out without wanting to hear Ava’s logical and truthful explanation.When the doors closed, Deacon approached me, his eyes searching my face with surprising tenderness.Though Bryson and Glend