Elena’s POVGlenda was now more visibly enraged as her eyes were bloodshot, menacingly glaring at me with her chest rising and falling heavily that synced with her flaring nostril.She bent down and grabbed her fallen dagger with her hands tightening around its handle so hard that her knuckles had turned white.The crowd that had been momentarily silent had come back to life, the ground being divided between those who were now cheering for me and others who remained in Glenda’s support.“Come on, General Glenda, you can do this! Don’t go easy on her!”“She just got lucky, General Glenda. Don’t mind her!”Hearing their cheers, Glenda swiveled the dagger around her hand, gaining another wave of confidence.Meanwhile, another warrior shouted in the background, “Luck? Come on, are you blind? Didn’t you see the control Luna Elena has?”“Yeah! That control is outstanding; must have taken a lot of training.”“She’s making General Glenda look like a rookie!”The chatters continued, and every
Elena’s POVI stood beside Prince Deacon with my head held high and my hand still on the stick, waiting for more things to unfold. Knowing Glenda and her stubbornness, I knew she wouldn’t accept her defeat so easily.My eyes narrowed when Glenda’s breathing became heavier. Her jaws clenched, and her hands balled into a fist on her side as if she were trying to control herself, but… she ended up still losing it.“I don’t believe this!” Her voice shook a little bit as she looked at Prince Deacon, but the hate and disgust in her voice were audible.“This was a setup, wasn’t it? You conspired with that last challenger to make a fool of me—both of you!” she dramatically accused, eyes wondering a few seconds as she glanced at the last challenger and sent him a glare.I wanted to roll my eyes at how defensive she was being right now. Even if she thought the last challenger was a setup, how would she explain how she terribly lost the duel with me?“Maybe she’s part of the so-called conspiracy
Elena’s POVMy hand tightened at the towel Prince Deacon gave me while I paused, steadying my emotions and state of mind before I honestly replied, “The urge was there. But Glenda’s alive for a reason. If she has ties to the massacre, her death would bury the truth.”“So, you plan to use her to uncover the truth?” he asked, a flick of admiration visible in his eyes.I nodded and started wiping my sweat off. “Yes, that’s exactly what I thought of.”Besides, I also need to know if my maternal grandfather was connected to those events.Nodding his head in agreement, eyes sharpening as he commented, “Smart move. If she’s involved with the rogues or had a hand in the slaughter, letting her die without extracting the truth would be a mistake.”“But…” he started as he stepped closer toward me. Staring at me intensely, he said, "If she falls in battle, it’s her fate. No one will blame you for that.”Placing my arms down with the towel in my hand, I looked at him for a while and let out a heav
Elena’s POVMy chest was still feeling heavy, and anger was accumulating in my heart. Then, I felt another squeeze of comfort in my hand.Looking up, I met Prince Deacon’s eyes filled with determination and promise. “We’ll expose her, Elena. And when the truth comes out, your grandfather’s name will be cleared.”Taking a deep breath, I let the weight that filled me lose a bit.I nodded my head and was finally able to let out a small smile.After a few minutes of comfort, we finally ease up.Looking outside, we realized that it was already late.“Do you want to dine here?” he asked, motioning toward the table.Standing up, I shook my head. “No, it’s alright. I want to have a rest as well.”“Then, I’ll walk you back,” he added as he pushed the tent’s fabric door out of my way.Giving him a smile, I assured him, “I’ll be okay, Prince Deacon. Thank you, but I really want to have some alone time for a while.”For a moment, he stared at me as if reading my eyes to see if I was really fine.
Elena’s POVGlenda’s eyes blazed with fire as she sent me a glare. Her chest rose and fell heavily, in sync with her ragged breath of fury.After hearing my words, she became even more mad. Losing control, she raised her hand and pointed a finger at me, accusing me almost desperately, “Don’t you dare deny it! I saw the way he looked at you during the fight. And now, here you are, alone together. What else am I supposed to think?”An involuntary sneer escaped my lips. Oh, so now, how her husband has acted has become my responsibility?I wanted to shake my head at how ridiculous she was being.Raising my brows, I tilted my head and smirked. “Think whatever helps you sleep at night. But don’t drag me into your insecurities.”“Glenda, it’s not what it looks like. I was just…” Bryson rushed between us and held Glenda by her shoulders, but Glenda’s fierce eyes only focused on me.Without butting an eye, she angrily pushed Bryson away and stepped forward to approach me.“You’re nothing but a
Elena’s POV“A one-on-one combat?”“Did I see it right?”“Are they seriously doing it?”“Wow!”“I never saw anyone lasting more than full minutes with Prince Deacon. Can a girl like her handle the god of war?”“General Glenda is one thing, but the Prince…”Murmurs filled the training area when the warriors surrounding us noticed Prince Deacon entering the combat platform.We felt everyone halting from their training and approached the ring one after another until a crowd formed around us.All of them had their opinions voiced out, filled with surprise. But none of them seemed to think that I could win against Prince Deacon, much less last for three minutes.“They have so much belief in you,” I pointed out as I glanced at the crowd and positioned myself in a combat stance like he did.Smirking, he responded, “You think you can break that?”I replied to his remark with a smirk before I started sending a strike in his direction that he easily avoided.My eyes narrowed when he smirked at
Elena’s POV”What is it?” Prince Deacon asked face turned serious.“It looked like the Rogues were making more movements. They were furious by our last attacks. They are preparing,” Tyson replied and handed him a note with hand-drawn maps of tactics on it.Prince Deacon accepted and observed it before questionably looking at Tyson.Clearing his throat, Tyson replied, “It’s from the perimeter warriors. They keenly observed the movements on the borders and the surroundings.“Excellent.”After his praise, Tyson left.“Get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.”Standing up, I let out a sigh. “I’m sure it will be.”After that, we parted ways.When I woke up, it was still dark outside. Today would be the last war we would wage in this region—the North. If everything goes as planned, this will be the end.Since it's a crucial battle, I intentionally woke up early to stretch out and train a little before we made our strike. Surprisingly, when I stepped out of my tent, I wasn’t the only one
Bryson’s POVStanding behind the main troops, all my focus was fixated on Elena, who was staring admiringly at Prince Deacon as he gave his starting speech in front.My hands clenched beside me. Those deep, admiring eyes she was wearing right now and giving another man used to sparkle only when I was in the room.Realizing how things had changed, I felt pain and bitterness creeping into my heart.Pain, bitterness, regret, guilt… Whatever was that unknown feeling that kept bothering me since she left my life, I’d sort that out at a later time. Right now, all I worried about was her safety.Since I knew her, she had been my Luna. She didn’t have proper training, and she wasn’t used to the battlefield. Though I saw firsthand that she had skills, being in an actual battle was way different.‘I’d protect you, Elena…’ I silently vowed as I followed, running after them.However, all my determination to help and protect her popped like a bubble as I stood frozen a few steps away from her and
Bryson’s POVStanding behind the main troops, all my focus was fixated on Elena, who was staring admiringly at Prince Deacon as he gave his starting speech in front.My hands clenched beside me. Those deep, admiring eyes she was wearing right now and giving another man used to sparkle only when I was in the room.Realizing how things had changed, I felt pain and bitterness creeping into my heart.Pain, bitterness, regret, guilt… Whatever was that unknown feeling that kept bothering me since she left my life, I’d sort that out at a later time. Right now, all I worried about was her safety.Since I knew her, she had been my Luna. She didn’t have proper training, and she wasn’t used to the battlefield. Though I saw firsthand that she had skills, being in an actual battle was way different.‘I’d protect you, Elena…’ I silently vowed as I followed, running after them.However, all my determination to help and protect her popped like a bubble as I stood frozen a few steps away from her and
Elena’s POV”What is it?” Prince Deacon asked face turned serious.“It looked like the Rogues were making more movements. They were furious by our last attacks. They are preparing,” Tyson replied and handed him a note with hand-drawn maps of tactics on it.Prince Deacon accepted and observed it before questionably looking at Tyson.Clearing his throat, Tyson replied, “It’s from the perimeter warriors. They keenly observed the movements on the borders and the surroundings.“Excellent.”After his praise, Tyson left.“Get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day.”Standing up, I let out a sigh. “I’m sure it will be.”After that, we parted ways.When I woke up, it was still dark outside. Today would be the last war we would wage in this region—the North. If everything goes as planned, this will be the end.Since it's a crucial battle, I intentionally woke up early to stretch out and train a little before we made our strike. Surprisingly, when I stepped out of my tent, I wasn’t the only one
Elena’s POV“A one-on-one combat?”“Did I see it right?”“Are they seriously doing it?”“Wow!”“I never saw anyone lasting more than full minutes with Prince Deacon. Can a girl like her handle the god of war?”“General Glenda is one thing, but the Prince…”Murmurs filled the training area when the warriors surrounding us noticed Prince Deacon entering the combat platform.We felt everyone halting from their training and approached the ring one after another until a crowd formed around us.All of them had their opinions voiced out, filled with surprise. But none of them seemed to think that I could win against Prince Deacon, much less last for three minutes.“They have so much belief in you,” I pointed out as I glanced at the crowd and positioned myself in a combat stance like he did.Smirking, he responded, “You think you can break that?”I replied to his remark with a smirk before I started sending a strike in his direction that he easily avoided.My eyes narrowed when he smirked at
Elena’s POVGlenda’s eyes blazed with fire as she sent me a glare. Her chest rose and fell heavily, in sync with her ragged breath of fury.After hearing my words, she became even more mad. Losing control, she raised her hand and pointed a finger at me, accusing me almost desperately, “Don’t you dare deny it! I saw the way he looked at you during the fight. And now, here you are, alone together. What else am I supposed to think?”An involuntary sneer escaped my lips. Oh, so now, how her husband has acted has become my responsibility?I wanted to shake my head at how ridiculous she was being.Raising my brows, I tilted my head and smirked. “Think whatever helps you sleep at night. But don’t drag me into your insecurities.”“Glenda, it’s not what it looks like. I was just…” Bryson rushed between us and held Glenda by her shoulders, but Glenda’s fierce eyes only focused on me.Without butting an eye, she angrily pushed Bryson away and stepped forward to approach me.“You’re nothing but a
Elena’s POVMy chest was still feeling heavy, and anger was accumulating in my heart. Then, I felt another squeeze of comfort in my hand.Looking up, I met Prince Deacon’s eyes filled with determination and promise. “We’ll expose her, Elena. And when the truth comes out, your grandfather’s name will be cleared.”Taking a deep breath, I let the weight that filled me lose a bit.I nodded my head and was finally able to let out a small smile.After a few minutes of comfort, we finally ease up.Looking outside, we realized that it was already late.“Do you want to dine here?” he asked, motioning toward the table.Standing up, I shook my head. “No, it’s alright. I want to have a rest as well.”“Then, I’ll walk you back,” he added as he pushed the tent’s fabric door out of my way.Giving him a smile, I assured him, “I’ll be okay, Prince Deacon. Thank you, but I really want to have some alone time for a while.”For a moment, he stared at me as if reading my eyes to see if I was really fine.
Elena’s POVMy hand tightened at the towel Prince Deacon gave me while I paused, steadying my emotions and state of mind before I honestly replied, “The urge was there. But Glenda’s alive for a reason. If she has ties to the massacre, her death would bury the truth.”“So, you plan to use her to uncover the truth?” he asked, a flick of admiration visible in his eyes.I nodded and started wiping my sweat off. “Yes, that’s exactly what I thought of.”Besides, I also need to know if my maternal grandfather was connected to those events.Nodding his head in agreement, eyes sharpening as he commented, “Smart move. If she’s involved with the rogues or had a hand in the slaughter, letting her die without extracting the truth would be a mistake.”“But…” he started as he stepped closer toward me. Staring at me intensely, he said, "If she falls in battle, it’s her fate. No one will blame you for that.”Placing my arms down with the towel in my hand, I looked at him for a while and let out a heav
Elena’s POVI stood beside Prince Deacon with my head held high and my hand still on the stick, waiting for more things to unfold. Knowing Glenda and her stubbornness, I knew she wouldn’t accept her defeat so easily.My eyes narrowed when Glenda’s breathing became heavier. Her jaws clenched, and her hands balled into a fist on her side as if she were trying to control herself, but… she ended up still losing it.“I don’t believe this!” Her voice shook a little bit as she looked at Prince Deacon, but the hate and disgust in her voice were audible.“This was a setup, wasn’t it? You conspired with that last challenger to make a fool of me—both of you!” she dramatically accused, eyes wondering a few seconds as she glanced at the last challenger and sent him a glare.I wanted to roll my eyes at how defensive she was being right now. Even if she thought the last challenger was a setup, how would she explain how she terribly lost the duel with me?“Maybe she’s part of the so-called conspiracy
Elena’s POVGlenda was now more visibly enraged as her eyes were bloodshot, menacingly glaring at me with her chest rising and falling heavily that synced with her flaring nostril.She bent down and grabbed her fallen dagger with her hands tightening around its handle so hard that her knuckles had turned white.The crowd that had been momentarily silent had come back to life, the ground being divided between those who were now cheering for me and others who remained in Glenda’s support.“Come on, General Glenda, you can do this! Don’t go easy on her!”“She just got lucky, General Glenda. Don’t mind her!”Hearing their cheers, Glenda swiveled the dagger around her hand, gaining another wave of confidence.Meanwhile, another warrior shouted in the background, “Luck? Come on, are you blind? Didn’t you see the control Luna Elena has?”“Yeah! That control is outstanding; must have taken a lot of training.”“She’s making General Glenda look like a rookie!”The chatters continued, and every
Elena’s POVI narrowed my eyes as I followed Glenda’s movements. She acted like she was about to strike me with her claws, but in mid-air, she shifted her body and made a semi-roll as her other hand pulled out a silver dagger from her belt.My hand tightened on the stick as I saw how the dagger glinted through the natural surrounding lights, catching a glimpse of a silverish-black glint.It’s poisonous!How viscous! Not only was she carrying a silver weapon that’s vital to werewolves - which was understandable on the battlefield – but carrying one laced with poison was too much.However, that probably wasn’t visible to the eyes of others. Since I was trained with Custodes, we also had a training session where we tried to be as familiar as possible with different deadly weapons and poisons.Nonetheless, her having a weapon while me having only a stick took a stir among the audience.“Luna Elena is only holding a stick. What was Prince Deacon thinking? General Glenda will kill her!”“Ho