I close the door behind me, leaning against it as I exhale. The air in my room is still, heavy with thoughts I don’t want to have.Aries has been quiet since I left Alma’s, but the weight of his presence lingers like an unsaid word. I step toward the bed, kicking off my boots, my mind circling around the conversation with the Queen.Why does it bother me?Cain is the reason I almost died in Moonhaven. The reason I spent nights covered in wounds that refused to heal. The reason I was in a coma for I dunno how long. He's also the reason I'm currently mated to his younger brother, and part the reason why all these insane rumours about me were even created in the first place.He is the one waging war against his own family, not caring if their blood stains the battlefield. So why does the Queen’s acceptance of his death feel… wrong?"Because you think a mother should never abandon her child."Aries’ voice slithers back into my mind, a smug lilt in his tone."Admit it, little wolf. It
Stepping back into Caspian’s room feels like slipping into a warm embrace. The familiar scent of roses and something uniquely him wraps around me, settling deep into my bones. This space has been mine before. Ours. And now, I’m back.I take a slow breath, letting the reality of it settle. The tension I didn’t even realize I was holding melts away as the heavy wooden door clicks shut behind me."Well, well," Aries drawls in my head, his voice laced with amusement. "Look who came crawling back.""Shut up.""No, no. Let’s savor this moment. Didn’t you say you’d stand your ground? That you’d make him work for it?""I am making him work for it," I argue."Sure. That’s why you’re standing in his room, looking like a lost pup that finally found its way home."I ignore him, my gaze sweeping across the space. Nothing has changed. The dark wooden furniture, the thick brown and cream curtains, the bed that suddenly feels much larger than I remember. The memory of the nights spent wrapped in C
Caspian hasn’t stopped watching me all evening. It’s not the intense, possessive gaze I’m used to—no, this is different. Softer. Careful. As if he’s afraid I’ll slip through his fingers if he so much as breathes wrong.I just moved back into his room after everything that happened, after all the space I forced between us. He’s afraid to push too hard, afraid I’ll pull away again.But I won’t.Not anymore.He brushes his thumb over the back of my hand, the warmth of his skin sending a shiver up my arm. “You’re really here.”I smile faintly. “I am.”He exhales slowly, as if my answer alone eases something heavy in his chest.His fingers tighten around mine. “I thought I’d lost you.”I shake my head. “You didn’t.”A humorless chuckle escapes him. “You say that like I didn’t deserve to.”I squeeze his hand, my voice softer now. “Caspian…”He tilts his head, grey eyes searching mine. “You moved back into my room. You’re here, with me. But I need to know if you’re really here.”"I know you
I wake up to the warmth of Caspian’s body wrapped around mine, his steady breathing brushing against my bare shoulder. The faint morning light filters through the heavy curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. My body feels sore, but in the best way possible. I remember everything—his hands, his lips, the way he made me feel like I was the only thing that mattered in the world.I shift slightly, still pressed against his chest, and let out a soft sigh. We’re fully mated now. The bond between us hums in the depths of my soul, stronger than ever. There’s no more uncertainty, no more distance. He’s mine. I’m his.But I feel Aries on the surface, lingering in the back of my mind, his presence heavy and quiet. Not his usual sarcastic self."Aries?" I reach out to him.For a moment, he doesn’t respond. Then, in a voice I don’t recognize—solemn, almost lost—he says, "Honestly? I don’t know how to feel."That startles me. "What do you mean?""We’re mated. Fully connected. To Caspia
The study is dimly lit, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows along the stone walls. The scent of old parchment and polished wood lingers in the air, mixing with the faintest trace of something floral—probably the Queen’s preferred incense.I step inside, careful to keep my expression neutral. The King and Queen are seated behind the grand oak desk, their faces unreadable. But I can see the difference.King Damon looks tired.Not wary, not stern—just tired. His ink black hair now streaked with the silver of stress, is slightly disheveled, the usual sharpness in his eyes dulled by something I can’t quite place.Queen Rhoda, on the other hand, is as composed as ever. Regal, elegant, and completely in control. She’s the one who speaks first.“Delilah.” Her voice is smooth, her tone betraying nothing. “We have given further thought to your mating bond with our son.”I don’t move, don’t react. Instead, I wait.A beat of silence. Then—“We have decided to recognize it.”The wor
I sit on the edge of Caspian’s bed, staring at the darkening sky through the massive windows. The deep hues of violet and burnt orange bleed into the horizon, mirroring the turmoil inside me. My fingers grip the plush comforter as my heartbeat drums a steady rhythm against my ribs.Any moment now, the King and Queen will announce my mating to Caspian—to the entire pack officially.So if anyone was hoping that it was a fluke or that the king and queen would never permit it, tonight is going to be solid proof that it's real.That it's happening.I will become the future Queen of the Lycans.Aries hums in amusement, his presence a warm, golden hum in my chest. "Queen Delilah. Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it, sweetheart?"I scoff. "That’s what you’re thinking about right now?""Oh, forgive me for reveling in our victory. Should I be gnawing my nails like some weakling over whether these royal mutts accept you?" He stretches lazily. "Because, frankly, I couldn’t care less. We won, darl
The Grand Hall is alive with the hum of voices, the clinking of silverware against fine porcelain, and the rich, earthy scent of roasted meats and spiced wine. Candles flicker in their golden sconces, casting a warm glow over the long banquet tables draped in deep emerald cloth. The air carries a celebratory charge, thick with the lingering energy of the King’s announcement.I stand beside Caspian, my hand loosely clasped in his. His presence is a steadying force against the waves of Lycans approaching us. Each one bows their head in respect before addressing him first."Your Highness."Then, their gaze shifts to me, hesitant at first, but there’s no hostility now—only submission."Princess Delilah," they say, one by one, the title still foreign to my ears.A few of them murmur apologies, their voices laced with guilt."We misjudged you.""We will stand by you as we do our Prince.""You have our loyalty now, as our future Queen."I nod, accepting their words with as much grace as I
The air in our chambers is warm, carrying the lingering scent of firewood and the faint scent of Caspian’s cologne. The grand feast in our honor had stretched late into the night, and though my body is exhausted, my mind is far from settled.Caspian shuts the door behind us, locking out the world. His silver eyes flick to mine, dark with something unreadable. Power lingers in the room, the weight of the King’s decree still settling in my bones.Princess Delilah.The title feels foreign, like a crown that doesn’t quite fit."You’re quiet," he murmurs, stepping closer. "Too quiet."I shrug, toying with the jeweled pin in my hair. "I suppose I’m still processing."Caspian smirks, tilting his head. "Processing the fact that you’re no longer an outcast? That you’re royalty now?"I roll my eyes. "That, and the fact that half the Lycans who once wanted me gone are now swearing loyalty to me like it’s the most natural thing in the world."He chuckles, reaching for my hand. His touch is warm
The music swells around us, soft yet powerful, the perfect melody for a moment like this. My hand rests in Caspian's, and my other rests lightly on his shoulder as we glide across the ballroom floor. The golden chandeliers overhead bathe us in warm light, making everything shimmer—my silver gown, the golden embroidery on Caspian’s regal suit, the crown atop his head, and the one newly placed upon mine.The ceremony was breathtaking, a moment forever etched in my soul. I was not just Caspian’s mate now—I was his queen, standing beside him in every sense of the word. And now, at the reception, with laughter and celebration all around us, I finally allow myself to breathe, to feel the joy that tonight has brought.Caspian pulls me closer, his breath teasing my ear as he murmurs, “I have half a mind to steal you away from all these people.”I smile, tilting my head up to meet his gaze. “And risk the wrath of Cassidy? She’s spent a week planning this. I don’t think even you, King of Gol
The war is over. The crown is ours. And now, we plan a mating ceremony that will shake the very foundation of Golden Crest.Or at least, that’s what Cass claims as she takes absolute control of the preparations.“I don’t care what anyone says,” she declares, pacing the grand hall of the packhouse. “This needs to be spectacular. No, beyond spectacular—legendary.”Alma, standing by the massive oak table covered in fabric samples, rolls her eyes. “Puppy, it’s a mating ceremony, not a royal parade.”Cassidy whirls around, hands on her hips, her tiny but noticeable baby bump pressing against her flowing tunic. “Excuse me? It is a royal parade. Delilah is going to be queen. My best friend. And if you think for one second that I’m going to let this be anything less than breathtaking, you don’t know me at all.”I suppress a laugh, exchanging a glance with Caspian, who lounges in one of the chairs, watching the chaos unfold. He’s wisely staying out of it.Smart man.Aries snickers in the bac
Moonhaven is quiet.Not the kind of peaceful quiet that settles after a long day, but the heavy, suffocating quiet of absence. Of loss.I step through the gates to the pack my boots crunching against the gravel. The pack is intact, the buildings standing strong, but there’s a hollowness to the place. A pack without its Alpha. A kingdom without its heir.It's strange that I once considered this place home. It's strange I grew up here, twenty one years.It doesn't feel anything like it. No, not really. It feels cold...empty, even though nothing changed except the death of Rowan and Theo and the enforcers that went along to war.It's a ghost of a place. I'm looking around and I'm picturing Theo leaning on the walls, arms either folded or tucked into his pockets. Just observing.We pass by the garden and I'm picturing him laying on his back, arms around his head, eyes closed... just...lost outside of reality.Even the air begins to smell like him. I'm just manufacturing it, I know. B
The grand hall is alive with energy.Golden Crest has seen its share of destruction, but tonight—tonight is about rebirth. About new beginnings. It's been a little over a month since the war and the pack is almost fully recovered. Burned buildings are almost complete, although, the pack still grieves for the enforcers we lost.Brothers, mates, sons, daughters. Their lives mattered.The chandeliers above cast a warm glow over the gathered pack members, their faces brimming with anticipation. The air is thick with emotion, a blend of excitement and pride.At the front of the hall, King Damon and Queen Rhoda stand tall, their regal presence unwavering. But tonight, they do not stand as rulers. Tonight, they relinquish their power.And they give it to Caspian and I.I still can’t believe it.Once, I was the rejected, the unwanted. A human among wolves, an outcast in my own skin. Now, I stand beside Caspian, my mate, the Lycan that kidnapped me and brought me to see my destiny.My finge
Delilah:The world feels distant, like I’m floating in a foggy dream. I can’t see anything, but I hear voices—muffled, as if they’re speaking through water. One voice stands out, deep and familiar, calling to me. Aries. He’s been calling for a while now, but I can’t find my way back to him. My thoughts are scattered, tangled in memories of fire, blood, and Theo’s lifeless eyes. I don’t want to remember. I don’t want to go back.But Aries doesn’t stop. His voice is a constant pull, a lifeline I’m too afraid to grab. "Delilah," he says, his tone softer now, almost pleading. "You can’t stay here. They need you. Caspian needs you."I don’t answer. I don’t know how.******Aries’ PerspectiveThe sun is setting, casting a golden glow over Golden Crest. The air smells of ash and fresh pine, a reminder of the war that nearly destroyed us. Cassidy walks beside me, her fingers absently running through my fur. She’s quiet, but I can feel the weight of her thoughts.“How long do you think s
Cain smirks.It’s not a smirk of arrogance. Not amusement.It’s the smirk of a man who knows he has lost but refuses to kneel.Aries doesn’t hesitate.The moment stretches, the sounds of battle fading into nothing but the roar of his own fury.He lunges, claws gleaming, teeth bared. Cain braces himself, but in his red eyes, Aries sees a reflection.He doesn't see Cain's red eyes, no. He sees a pair of hateful brown eyes.He is seeing Lucian.The man who betrayed him. The man who slaughtered his mate. His son.The weight of centuries of hatred crashes into Aries, feeding the fire of his rage. He will give Cain no mercy, just as there was none for him in that past life.Cain swings first, a desperate strike. Aries sidesteps with ease, claws slicing across Cain’s exposed side. Blood sprays into the air, but the rogue king barely flinches. He moves again, aiming for Aries’ throat, but it is a mistake.He is fast. Aries is faster.The next blow is brutal.A clawed hand grips Cain by the t
Caspian coughs, blood dripping from his lips, but his smirk remains, stubborn as ever. His breathing is ragged, his body trembling from the loss of blood, but his eyes remain sharp. Unyielding.“I’m fine,” he rasps, waving Aries off like it’s nothing. “I’m okay.”Aries growls lowly, displeased.“Liar.” His voice, deep and rough, rumbles through me.But Aries still moves, using his jaws to haul Caspian up to his feet. The weight of the prince is nothing—Aries is strong enough to carry him, to take him to safety."Take him to the packhouse," I whisper in our mind. "He’s losing too much blood. He won’t last if he stays out here."Aries tenses, ready to obey, but Caspian suddenly wrenches himself away, staggering but steadying before Aries can grab him again.“No.” His voice is hoarse but firm. “I can’t leave.”Aries’ eyes narrow. “You’re injured.”Caspian straightens, wiping at his bloody mouth. “I’m the prince,” he says, his tone laced with something unreadable. “My father is already h
The battlefield hums with the aftermath of carnage, the air stained with the scent of blood and burning debris. Bodies litter the ground, some still twitching, others forever still. The hybrid is dead, and yet, the fight rages on, the remnants of Rowan’s forces still clawing at whatever victory they can scavenge.Aries moves with predatory grace, weaving through the chaos. Every muscle in his body thrums with unspent energy, his blue eyes sharp, scanning. Searching.And then—Cain.He stands in the center of the battlefield, unbothered, untouched. A smirk curves his lips, arrogance radiating from his very stance. And then, he winks.Something is wrong.The air shifts, thickens with the weight of unseen danger. Aries’ fur bristles. My gut tightens. There’s something more to that look, something sinister lurking beneath Cain’s smirk.Aries’ gaze snaps to Caspian. He’s locked in combat with a rogue, movements swift and precise. The rogue is losing, barely holding his own against Caspi
The Hybrid lunges.It is pure destruction—fast, merciless, ripping through Goldencrest’s forces like they are nothing. Warriors are thrown aside like ragdolls, their screams swallowed by the chaos of battle.The tide turns against us.Smoke thickens in the air, a suffocating, blinding force. Fire spreads wildly, consuming everything in its path, turning the battlefield into a burning graveyard.Aries is relentless.He dodges, rips, and slashes, his massive silver body moving like a phantom in the haze. But no matter how many rogues he cuts down, more come. And then—King Damon moves."Aries! Stop him!" I scream in his head.But it’s too late.The king charges the Hybrid.His sword sings through the air, slicing across the beast’s thick hide. It howls but does not falter. Instead, it turns on him, its claws swiping with deadly precision.Aries snarls, surging forward—Too late.The beast’s massive hand collides with Damon’s side, lifting him clean off his feet. The sound of bones c