Elena’s POV“How blind can you fucking be?” I shouted, no longer able to suppress my anger.Here, the truth about my pack’s massacre was unfolding, and he had the guts to still fight for the honor of his mate, who was worth less than trash.Bryson turned his head on me, looking back and forth between James and me as he defended blindly, “What proof do you have? What death? Is this about the death of Alpha’s son? What? Is he your brother? Kurt Stewart? He was tortured and driven to suicide by your people! Don’t point the blame at the innocent!"Not the only one triggered by Bryson’s foolishness, James turned his head and took a dangerous step toward Bryson. He looked at him with disdain and asked, "The Alpha's son? Do not speak to me about him."James' demeanor completely changed. His jaws clenched, and his entire demeanor seemed to have been covered with burning fire. "Glenda abused her position of power! She massacred innocents and even tortured and killed my brother, who did nothing
Elena’s POVBryson trembled in anger as he took a step forward, looking at me with blazing eyes as if he wanted to send a laser right through my head and kill me. With a shaking voice filled with rage, he spoke, “You’re cold, Elena. You always have been since everything happened. Is this the revenge you plotted for what happened between us? For Glenda taking—”Every word he said, he would take a small threatening step toward me. Just as he was about to reach me, I was planning to teach him a lesson. However, Prince Deacon already took action.Without warning, he stepped in front of me, blocking me from Bryson, and pushed him on the chest, commanding, “Enough, Bryson. If you can’t control your mouth, leave this discussion to those who can.”Prince Deacon’s jaws were clenched together, and his hands were balled into fists. Peaking from behind him, I could see his menacing eyes and dimmed expression.Seeing that he might lose control and attack Bryon if he made another remark, my hands v
Elena’s POVJames’ right… It could never be forgotten. The pain and the wounds that those deaths brought to us will always be engraved in our hearts. It would be like a thorn in our hearts that would make us bleed every now and then.But all we could do was live with it.A bitter smirk formed on my lips as my eyes glistened with suppressed tears. “I guess we aren’t so different, are we?”Shrugging my shoulders, I shook my head slowly as I bit the inside of my cheek and clenched my fist. “You lost your brother, and I… I lost everyone. The pain may never fade, but it has shaped us both.”Seeing the pain and sorrow building up in his eyes, his body tensed, and his shoulders slouched, I opened my lips with hesitation and softened my tone as I spoke with empathy, “I know that I am not qualified to apologize for what happened to Kurt. But know this, the agony you and I feel today is something we will always carry. As much as it broke us, it molded us to be stronger.”Those words seemed to h
Elena’s POVBryson looked back at James. His eyes fluttered for a while before he narrowed his eyes and made his eyes more stern, replying, “Keep on telling lies. I’ll only believe my mate.”What a fool!If I could just slap him so hard, crack his head open, and reboot him to sanity, I would have done it long ago. How could someone like him, who easily threw me at the side when he found another woman, be so foolishly devoted?In the end, I just shook my head as James, Prince Deacon, and I looked at each other in disbelief.Since the private conversations were already done, Prince Deacon already called the warriors, and they followed us, lining up properly behind us.As they arrived, Bryson was already walking up the mountain. Seeing that, one of the warriors took a cautious step forward and whispered to me, “General, should we follow?”He gestured to Bryson, who was going alone.Seeing his back and weighing what they might witness, I immediately shook my head and raised my hand to tel
Elena’s POVI stared at Bryson as images of the dead bodies of my family and pack members flashed before my mind countless times.Socffing, I thought, “How could I know?”Because both James and I lost the people we love due to injustice…He knew as I do that death wasn’t a real punishment for those people who sinned so gravely like Glenda. And unlike me, who goes by the rules and respects the rules, someone like James, I’d assume, goes by “A tooth for a tooth, and an eye for an eye.”Just like what happened to Kurt, he probably wanted to break Glenda. He wanted to strip her of her dignity and reputation and force her to the edge until she decided to commit suicide,e just as how she pushed Kurt to his own death.Instead of explaining it to him, I’ve chosen to reply. He wants her broken. That’s worse than death for someone like Glenda."Bryson’s eyes widened, and that’s when I realized that I had failed to hide the venom in my voice.He stared at me for a long time as if reading me thro
Elena’s POVI kept my cool and stared at Bryson as what I imagined would be Gelnda’s reaction unfolded before me.“I…” In panic, Bryson immediately shook his head and defensively replied, “I didn’t bring her. She... she followed me.”I let out a scoff as I looked at him dumbfoundedly. What a coward!Hearing that, Glenda snarled despite her weakness and clawed Bryson on his arm, but it didn’t go deep and immediately healed. “Don’t lie to me! You let her in... and make me face humiliation!”She looked at me and growled. “What now? Are you letting the other in and humiliating me even more? Because I’m sure that’s what you want. Isn’t –”Tired of this ridiculousness, I cut her off, “This isn’t about you, Glenda. This is about the truth. We already had a meeting with James Stewart, Alpha heir of the Moonblake pack and current leader of the Rogues. Peace had been made. It’s time to come clean, Glenda.”Glenda froze as her hand turned into a fist.Bryson, on the other hand, stared at Glenda’
Elena’s POV“What, you don’t like it?” I felt Prince Deacon’s warm hands landing on top of my shoulder, giving it a little squeeze as he leaned his face down near my cheek, asking.I swallowed with difficulty as I palpated from how close he was to me.Blinking a couple of times in disbelief, I stared at what was in front of me once again, making sure that what I was seeing was really what it was.In the middle of the back lawn of the camp, there was a newly set up medium-sized tent. He opened the door for me, and the amazing aroma of meat greeted me. A meat!After months of being here with only dry foods and ready-to-eat meals, I never thought I’d be able to eat meat again. At least not while we were here.I salivated with desir,e and my stomach crumbled at the sight of well-presented medium-rare steak in front of us.“Are you kidding me? Is that even a question?” I asked with excitement as I gestured to the food inside.Prince Deacon laughed wholeheartedly as he stepped forward and
Elena’s POVUpon hearing my question, Prince Deacon nodded his head slowly, replying, “They will. They have to consider their pack’s survival, after all.”He looked outside and meaningfully said, “The northern war might have ended today, but the war between the Rogues and the kingdom isn’t over… not entirely. For now, they’ve avenged their Alpha’s son without exposing the truth behind his death. If that ever comes out, they’ll have a stronger claim to loyalty—they’ve already paid the price for their betrayal.”I tilted my head, watching his expression carefully. His eyes looked distant, his brows furrowed, and his lips formed a frown.A small smile formed on my lips, seeing how he felt compassion even for those who committed treason. “And you’re frowning because you’re still worried.”He blinked out of a trance, looked back at me, and let out a soft laugh. Looking at me with admiration, he commented, “You know me too well.”Leaning closer to his seat, I reached out and briefly squeeze
Elena’s POVQueen Liz and I laughed at Zara’s sudden outburst.“Seemed like I wasn’t the only one triggered by the Duchess’ words,” Queen Liz said, making all of us laugh.Suddenly, despite the scorching heat outside and the torment the Duchess tried to throw at my way, being in here made things feel a bit lighter.“This juice is a lifesaver. I thought my skin would melt on that walk back,” I exaggeratedly said as I gulped another glass in one go.Leaning back to her seat with her head back and arms spread, Zara complained, “Oh, tell me about it, Princess. I can barely feel my legs!”“But seriously, the same woman now dreads your next visit. Elena, you’ve just made life here in this dull palace a whole level more exciting,” Queen Liz uttered before taking a sip of her drink.She didn’t even look fazed by all that was happening to it. It seemed like drama was a normal thing in the palace, and it had now become more like an entertainment than an actual problem, from how often it happene
Elena’s POVMy smile got even brighter as I stared at her innocent eyes and lovely smile. She has that bright sunshine around her like I used to have before. Looking at her was like seeing a walking beam of joy.“What do you mean by fate? It’s not sure yet?” she asked so innocently, making me laugh a little. Shrugging, I smiled gently and teased a little. “It means I’ll definitely be your sister if your cousin doesn’t change his mind.”She giggled at my words before letting out a joking scoff. “He’d be a fool if he did that. Everyone talks about how amazing you are! You’re the most admired general now.”I patted her head and shook my head. She’s so adorable. “What a sweet tongue you have.”Tapping her nose, I added, “I only did what must be done. And don’t tell that to your cousin, he’d be jealous. He’s the best of all.”She pursed her lips and touched her chin while thinking for a bit before shrugging as she gave in. “Well, you’re right, but still, you’re the best female general.”H
Elena’s POVMy eyes shifted to the door just as the Duchess’ eyes did. And there, a girl peeked from the door with a huge smile on her face.Her eyes wandered around first before she stepped fully inside, showcasing her beautiful cocktail dress, styled with glitter on the hem.“Mom, I hear Princess Elena is here!” She came in and jumped in joy as she confronted her mother.She’s about 5 feet tall, and I’d say around fifteen years old from her appearance and demeanour. Her eyes were glistening with curiosity, and she was all giddy, making little jumps in place.Duchess Diana wasn’t even given enough time to reply with all her energy as she turned around and looked until her eyes met mine.She froze for a little while, staring at me like she was starstruck.“Princess Katherine.” I bowed a little and greeted her with respect. Despite our same title and age difference, she’s still a full-fledged princess and deserves respect. Besides, she’s also Deacon’s cousin, so… Might as well.“You ar
Elena’s POVI wanted to laugh at the Duchess’ remark. I didn’t ask her for forgiveness, and yet she felt like I had committed a grave sin that needed forgiveness, and wanted to act like the better person.Going with the flow, she sat, I played with it and bowed my head a little out of respect while keeping my dignity. “Thank you, Duchess Diana.” Looking back up at her, I smile and kindly add, “But about my marriage with Deacon… It’s something the two of us will decide. I am willing to marry him, and should he continue with it… I guess no one else has the right to determine my worth.”“Ha!” Hearing my words, Duchess Diana’s patience snapped. She slammed her hand on her chair as she stood up, looking at me with narrowed eyes.Dripping with disdain, she smirked devilishly and commented sarcastically, “What a humble servant at best, playing a goody-two-shoes act. Mark my words, you insolent woman, once whatever potion you gave my son wears off, he’ll abandon you like he did to others befo
Elena’s POV“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Duchess Diana,” I formally greeted and lowered my head in traditional respect.I heard her scoff as her nails made sounds as she tapped them on the gold armrest of her chair. “Raise your head. I want to see the face that bewitched my son.”I forced a smile and internally stopped myself from showing the annoyance that was slowly building up within me from the real meanings under her words that I vividly understood.She leaned her back to the chair and raised her chin with her thumb and index finger while she narrowed her eyes and looked at me from head to toe like she was examining an object she wanted to buy from an auction.“Hmph. Seductive, yes…” Standing up, she slowly approached me and walked around me. With a sharp tongue, she leaned forward and hissed beside my ear, “But seductive doesn’t mean worthy.”I kept my composure and met her eyes without fear. “That wasn’t my intention, Duchess. I didn’t seduce your son, nor do I have any plans
Elena’s POV“I’m so glad to see you again, Elena. I heard about you and Deacon…” Queen Liz greeted me with a huge smile on her face as she led me to the balcony of her room.“Yes, it just… It happened.” I smiled brightly as I walked gracefully to the balcony and leaned my arms on the fence while looking out at the magnificent view outside.Since Deagon and I started this, we might as well make it as real as possible.Shrugging my shoulders, I added, “Deacon and I went to war together… We fought side by side and faced obstacles far beyond what one could imagine… It’s almost like a sweet-blooded fairytale if that makes sense.”The queen and I both laugh at our statement. “And that’s the weirdest yet loveliest description of love I ever heard.”I laughed even harder at the Queen’s statement. “Well, that’s it. Our camaraderie developed into something deeper, so when we came back and he proposed… I had nothing more to say but yes.”We chit-chat a little and shared a few laughs before she w
Deacon’s POVI couldn’t believe that my mom would be moving so fast that she had already summoned Elena. Now, I couldn’t be more thankful to myself that I had warned her early about my mom, but I’m pretty sure that she was still surprised by it, especially with how early she had to face her.Shaking my head, I stood up.“Where are you going, Prince Deacon?” Tyson asked, looking clueless as he stepped aside from the door and followed me with questions in his eyes.“You… You’re not planning to go to the Duchess and stop her, aren’t you? Because I think that will only make her even more irritated and have her hate Princess Elena even more,” he cautiously said as he tried to give me some advice.Halting, I looked at him and gave him a smirk. “She’s my mother. I know her much more than you do.”Tapping his shoulder, I added, “Don’t worry, it’s not her I’m going to.”Furrowing his brows, he followed me, asking, “Who then? The king, I don’t think he’d help, though.”Smirking wider, I answere
Elena’s POVI was relaxing in the comfort of my bed after having a long conversation with Jayden and Zara, feeling completely exhausted.They were very worried about me, which was why I had to make them understand that this decision of mine was for the best.Hence, after everything was settled, including the manners concerning the marriage, I couldn’t help but feel relieved.But all that relief vanished when Jayden knocked on my door a few hours later to say that a messenger from the palace came and handed over a letter“What is it about?” I asked, following him downstairs to receive the letter.The messenger said he didn’t know what it was about either and simply handed the letter to me.Sitting down, I unsealed the envelope to get the letter and unfolded it, but the content of it brought me to utter shock.Countless questions ran through my mind.“What is it?” Jayden asked in worry upon seeing my reaction, but I felt so speechless that I only handed the letter over to him instead of
Deacon’s POVI stared at my mom, waiting for what more she had to say because her laugh was the last thing I expected from her.But when that laugh turned into sarcasm and into mockery, that’s when I shook my head.What else did I expect from her?She continued, “That’s what it is, isn’t it? You admire her swordsmanship, her rough ways? But can’t you see? A woman like that is exactly the opposite of what should fit as your wife! How can you bring disgrace to our name?”By now, she was beyond hysterical. She waved her hand and called for a servant, who served her another cup. Just that this time, instead of tea, she was served with a glass of wine in which she finished in one gulp, making the servant turn back around to refill her glass before she could even go further.Heaving a sigh, I tried to reason with her. “Mom, if you think I care about such things you and so many people label as disgraceful, then you’ve truly forgotten who I am.”With my legs open, I leaned my elbows on my kne