“Who?”“Deo. He’s back.”Flavian’s head snapped up the moment the name registered in his mind. Along with the name, bittersweet memories flashed in his mind, all connected to him, his brother, and Deo. It’s funny, looking back at it now. Once, they were youthful pups who could never be separated—yet now two of them are exiled and one is imprisoned by duty.“And you’re saying he’s trapped?” He tilts his head incredulously. “Impossible. He’s more a fox than a wolf.”Hadji smirks. “It appears the Princess outsmarted him, then, because she told us she locked him down there after he took us down and went after her. We didn’t know how it happened, but the Princess is terrified of him and even paranoid.”His mouth went agape as Hadji filled him in on the events that landed Deo in the dungeon. The mere fact that he’s there is surprising enough, but to discover it was a human who had tricked him was something he never expected.However, according to Hadji, Deo was interested in the Princess. S
“Open it. Widely.”Just as ordered, the library doors swung open and my snappy heels clacked at every step I took inside. For the first time, I lived up to my title, showing the people the authority and aura of a Princess. It was the first initiative I’ve taken to take advantage of my title—my position. And it must’ve worked, seeing Phaedra startled by my entrance and now perched stiffly in her seat.“Do you mind?” I gesture to the seat opposite her, which was occupied by a pile of books.Before Phaedra had the chance to answer, the chair was already cleared out by Ellie. The former’s mouth hung open and belatedly answered.“Of course, your Highness.”I chuckle. “No need to be so formal with me, you may call me Luna,” I gently mutter, my smile lingering and my meaningful stare resting on the woman too stunned to speak. I made sure to emphasize my title.That’s right. I am the Luna, the sovereign recognized by the pack, while she is just his lover.“I—yes, L-Luna…” She avoided my gaze.
The following day, Flavian showed his face before the pack in the town center. With a gentle smile, he broke the news to everyone. He states, “The plague has been accordingly dealth with. May we all rest assured from tonight onwards.”The crowd erupted in cheers, the once anxious environment immediately brightening up, as if the storm had passed. The streets once filled with worrisome whispers were now crying with the relief. As he watched all of the mixed emotions transpire, his face never changed. He ought not to, if he wanted the people to believe. “However,” he continued once they calmed down. “The woods will now be off-limits, as a precaution. Our guards will build ten feet high walls along the edge of the woods to keep the pack safe.” Despite his best effort to sound convincing, that it is merely for precaution, the people’s brows still furrowed and quiet murmurs buzzed in his ears. “A gate in front of the path will be the only way to go in and out. This is all for the safety
Trigger warning: sensitive content ahead. Please skip this chapter if you are uncomfortable.Author’s note: I listened to Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar while writing this scene, so to get a more immersive experience, I recommend the readers listen to it too while reading.Inside the town hall, a lone piano is playing deep at night. His long, slender fingers perfectly hit every note to his somber piece. He has his eyes closed, feeling the strong, compelling emotions brought by the piece. In his mind, an entire orchestra builds up tension with him, harmonizing with his tune.Provided by the cover of the night, Deo had escaped the dungeon, fueled by the rage and fury he harbors toward the Alpha.As the music resonates, the rhythm picks up its pace. It synchronized well with every breath the sleeping Luna took, unaware of the approaching danger.He knows what inhumane scheme he staged. He knew which rogue he used as a sacrifice. And he will not stand idly by watching his own boys be tortured
“The Crown Princess is to visit in three days,” Flavian says, heavily plopping down on his seat as another problem arises. “Whatever would she want?”He sighs and massages his temple.“What is your plan? Hide her sister from her?” Phaedra asks, sarcasm dripping in her honey-sweet voice. For months, she had been disappointed with him with how he handled Akira’s situation.Rightfully so. Even he was disappointed in himself.Akira and his mother went through the same thing, yet he still did not know what to do. His father and uncle fought over that, which ended up in them killing each other. He knew exactly not to do that. Should he hunt down Deo? But if he comes back to take something from him again, it will just be an endless cycle.“I must talk to Akira first, mayhap she knows why her sister is coming here.”“Talk to her? My friend cannot even talk, Flavian.” Phaedra gritted her teeth. Her eyes are ablaze with rage. “I’m telling you. Just bring that devil to me and I will deal with hi
I have never felt like being on top, and I have always been more familiar with the feeling of being down. However, I had never felt this low. This helpless—this pitiful.I did crave attention, but it never crossed my mind that I could be violated like this in my pursuit of validation.The shame of being seen consumes me.The ruination of a princess, blinded by her desire to be seen. What bliss. I clenched my fist, the sun nigh out yet I still sit in the middle of my bed, and aggressively hit my chest.I wanted to scream. I wanted to let out my rage and unleash hell on Earth.But all I could do was quietly beat myself until my own skin was bruised. I wanted to cover up the feel of his sticky touch. Everywhere he touched, I wanted to ruin.Most of all, I wanted to forget.I wanted to ruin myself so no more cannot. It is the only way I can think that I still have control over my own body.“….Princess” A distant voice eventually neared me and as my senses cleared, I found Ellie vigorously
“No.” The King’s refusal came without missing a beat. Deyanira who was in front of him froze, then smiled, utterly in denial.“…Pardon? I must’ve misheard you, Father.”“I said no. I will not allow divorce and end our alliance with the House of the Wolves.”He shook his head.“Lord Ren de Bach may attack and commit treason at any day, according to my informants. And the werewolves have promised to be our final line of defense. I…” His index finger firmly pointed to himself. “cannot lose them.”Her brows twitch as quiet fury grows inside her.“So…” She scoffs, failing to accept the incredulous words that leave her mouth. “Your Majesty is saying that we need their manpower, so we will sacrifice one of us?”What’s more unbelievable is the man who claims he is their father calmly nods. As if his daughter’s life is not on the line.“Can we not defend ourselves with our own men? Father, we rule all of the united realms. We have so many more allies than you imagine, and also—they’re just the
It was her nth attempt today.Her hands fisted into balls hesitated for a while, suspended in the air, before letting go and finally knocking on her door.“Akira, it is I. Please, I do apologize for not being there for you that night. I can understand if you decide to end our friendship with that. However, please forgive me just for tonight and let me help you. I might just be able to cure you…Please…” Phaedra was almost leaning by the door as she whispered her apologies in front of Akira’s room.Her conscience could not take it, thus the unrelenting spirit that visits her every night. She knew she could help her friend’s disability, but that said friend is now pushing everyone away—even her—especially her, and Flavian. She would not be surprised if Akira knew what kept them preoccupied that night.Phaedra waited despite the silence that stretched, testing her patience, yet despite it her feet remained rooted on the ground. She flinched when the door creaked open and saw not her maid,