Hi everyone, I hope you are enjoying the story. If yes, don't forget to leave a comment (or some gemsđ) Love you all <3 Author Hami
Nicholus's POV: "What's the matter?" I inquired impatiently as soon as I entered my office. Darius let out a tiring sigh, "It's not good." Keeping my pace fast, I reached my desk and sank down on the office chair, "I reckoned that much," I said under my breath and steeled myself for what was about to come. Planting his elbows on the table, Darius leaned forward. His nostrils flared and he gritted out bitterly, "She is the daughter of our centuries-old enemy." The world stopped around me. My heart thudded thunderously in my ribcage as his words penetrated deep within me. For some fucking insane reason, my heart wasn't ready to accept the naked truth that was right before my eyes. It seemed like I really did have some dwindling hope in my heart."Explain..." was all that I could utter. His eyebrows deepened into a frown as he took in my reaction. He obviously had no idea what was at stake. Not yet, at least. He huffed out venomously, "That girl who broke into our dungeons by usin
Ember's POV:My eyes peeked open as I heard the knock on my bedroom door. My eyelids felt heavy and it was an effort to fully open my eyes.I was staring at the door, trying to open my mouth to say something but I couldn't form any words. Shortly, I heard another knock, "You in there?"It was Sophie. Once again, I tried to communicate but my throat felt parched like a barren land. Something was wrong with me. But what exactly? I couldn't tell.I resigned to the mindlink to let her know to come in. A few moments later, the door flew open and Sophie barged in, "What the hell? Why are you still in bed, Em?"At that, my gaze shifted to the wall clock. 11 am. I frowned at the realization that I had actually slept in...something that I hadn't done in years."And you missed the training. Something must be seriously wrong with you to do that." She was still in the training gear. She must have come straight here after finding me missing.I took in a deep breath and tried to get up. I groaned a
Nicholus's POV:I opened my eyes to find a pair of chocolate brown eyes staring back at me. Confused and dizzy, I pinched my eyes and blinked several times to get hold of my senses.And then I groaned when the fragments of last night came rushing into my mind.I was in my studio and what I was now staring at was actually the painting I drew last night after getting drunk. Fuck, did that mean I was truly and brutally cooked? I mean, I got high to forget about her and it seemed like she was the only one roaming around in my mind.Sighing in disappointment, I got up from the couch and walked over to the painting. On its own accord, my hand lifted and my fingers grazed the swirls of caramel flowing in those eyes.I was astonished to look at the details. How was it possible that I remembered her eyes so vividly? My fingers traced the specs of the dark brown I painted in her irises.For a long time, I stared at the canvas with a mixture of chaotic thoughts. Why was fate playing a brutal gam
Emberâs POV: We were swift and silent while leaving the castle. After hypnotizing the guards at the main entrance, Sohpie led the way deeper into the forest and I silently followed her.We kept strolling into the forest and it was only when we reached far away from the castle that I dared to speak up, âWould you now like to confide me in about whatâs going on in your head?â Her footsteps slowed and she asked me, âRemember when you first started having these weird sensations a few years ago?â I huffed out, âLike I can ever forget that time.â She nodded curtly, âSomething was wrong with you. I mean, that wasnât normal, right? Gladly, we discovered your hypnotizing powers on our own and didnât need any external help butâŠâ She halted and I glanced at her worriedly and urged her to carry on, âButâŠ?â Her eyebrows pinched together, âDid you really think that it would be the end of it?â I shrugged my shoulder, âUmmâŠI had hoped so.â She looked at me sternly and said curtly, âWell, in th
Emberâs POV:Filling my lungs with the fresh air, I forced myself to release some tension and lightly rapped my knuckles on the ancient wooden door. I held my breath, making myself mentally prepared for whatever was about to be thrown my way.After a long stretch, I finally heard a husky voice from the other side, âCome in.âBlowing out a puff of air, I straightened my shoulders and slid the door. It creaked as it opened and revealed the cozy, ancient interior of the hut.My eyes swept around and I took in the small but spacious area. The floorboards creaked under my feet as I stepped inside. Even the walls were made of wood. They were bare except for the preserved heads of dead animals nailed to them.Other than a small light bulb hanging from the ceiling, the fireplace was the only other source of illumination. An oak table was place on the other end with the herbs, vials, and different bottles of coloured liquid scattered over it. A large wooden bookshelf was placed near the small
Ember's POV: With rage filling me, I exited the hut like a firebolt and didn't exhale until I had covered some distance between us. Suddenly, Sophia appeared in front of me, "Hey, you okay?" she inquired after witnessing me out of my wits. I halted and screeched, "Coming here was a mistake!" Her eyes shifted to the hut, then zeroed in on me again, "What happened? What did Deborah say?" My fists balled up tightly at my sides as I gritted through clenched teeth, "Deborah is fucking insane, Sophie."She was looking at me with confusion. "I...She..." I opened my mouth again to say something else but I was literally short on words about how to explain my inner turmoil to her. I shook my head whether in denial or disappointment...I don't know. As I started walking in the opposite direction, Sophie followed me silently. I knew she must have her own million questions but right now she was actually doing me the biggest favor by holding her tongue.I needed all the time left in the universe
Emberâs POV:She nodded her head, "I don't know how is that even possible since no one knows about it but yes, that seems to be true."She gripped my arm and looked into my eyes, "Listen, Ember, I think we can't tackle this whole situation unless we figure out the second part of the puzzle."I swallowed the lump in my throat, "But how?"She looked me dead in the eye before sharing her idea, "Maybe we should really try to look into your mother and find out who she really was...?"------------After dinner, both I and Sophie resigned to my private chambers to discuss things in private. We made our way to the den and settled on the couch in front of the fireplace.Sophie stared out the window, âItâs getting chilly day by day."I nodded in agreement, âThe winters are on their way.âA soft knock on the door interrupted our conversation. Getting up from the couch, Sophie walked over to the door and opened it. A maid was standing on the other side with a tray laden with two mugs of hot choco
Ember's POV:She waited for me to go ahead and open it but I stayed rooted at my spot and sighed, âI am not feeling good about any of it.âHer head jerked in my direction, âDonât be ridiculous. You canât back off after finally coming all the way here.âWhen I stayed silent, she groaned in frustration, âJust open the damn door and get done with all the answers, Ember. Once and for all.âMy arms jutted out as I yelled in annoyance, âAnd what if I donât like the answers? Am I even mentally prepared to face all of that? I donât even know.âSophie remained quiet. Rubbing her temple, she finally turned toward me, âAlright. Itâs true that I want you to find and acknowledge your identity and reality because I think that only then youâll be able to find some peace.âShe rested her hand on my shoulder and said softly, âBut I also donât want you to do any of that under some pressure.âPressing her lips, she nodded, âYes. I think we should head back for now.â Turning away, she started moving the
Nicholusâs POV:Exiting the dungeons, I started walking toward my private chambers. The night was so fucking mind-exhausting that I wanted to spend the rest of it alone before I caused any more destruction.Passing through the Lunaâs quarter, I spotted her guards standing outside. Coming to a halt, I inquired, âWhat are you two doing here? Didn't Luna order you to take Darius to the castle clinic?âOne of them nodded before answering, âWe were on our way, Alpha. But then Beta asked us to take him to his chamber instead.âTurning on my heels. I started walking in the opposite direction. The castle had various chambers, quarters, and wings. The biggest of them was known as the Great Chamber which had always been reserved for the King. It was located above all the other chambers. It was so huge that I could see half of my empire from its terrace. After that was the Lunaâs Quarters. Then, there were smaller chambers for Beta and Gamma.With quick strides, I crossed the hallways until I re
Emberâs POV:Turning her blazing gaze toward his son, Luna said curtly, âCapturing women in the name of war trophies?âDisgust was written all over her face as she scoffed, âCouldnât resist walking in your fatherâs footsteps for long, huh?âHis death-like grip around my arm loosened instantly before he blurted out, âNo, itâs notâŠâLuna cut him off mid-sentence, âIâve never seen you do that before.â She shook her head in disappointment, âThe son Iâve raised would never do such a hideous thing to any woman," she said in distress.Alphaâs body went rigid behind me at his motherâs words. He released an exasperated breath and said agitatedly, âYou challenged my authority when it came to Darius, mom. But as the Luna of this pack, I let that go and gave in to your demand because I respect you.âHis voice turned harsher as he bit out, âBut sheâŠshe is not a member of our pack. So, you do not need to protect her.âHe looked straight into Luna's eyes and uttered with finality, âLet me handle thi
Emberâs POV:I watched in astonishment as a tall lady stormed into the dungeon hall with two guards behind her. They were nothing like the dungeon guards. Both had heavy build with intimidating looks permanently etched into their features. They were more like warriors.But all of my attention was focused on the lady who was lethal but equally charismatic. Immense power radiated off her.Her eyes were fearless which quickly turned ferocious as soon as they landed on Darius hanging from the ceiling.âFor Godâs sake, Nicholus. He is your Beta and you cannot do this to him,â her cold gaze slashed to my mate who was still gripping my cheeks.The ladyâs eyes widened as she screeched in disbelief, âAnd who is she? And why are you clutching her like that?ââMomâŠâ my mate said tightly and that was enough to draw a complete picture for me.The charismatic lady who had just appeared out of nowhere was no one but the Luna of this pack. Well, that justified the way she dared to interrupt Alphaâs b
Emberâs POV:Turning toward Darius, Nicholus assessed him with a vengeful gaze, âReally, Beta? Were my orders about her not clear enough to you?âDariusâs shoulders slouched as he exhaled, âThey were, Alpha.ââAnd you still decided to go against me and defy my orders?â growled my mate angrily.Darius stared at the ground, âI thoughtâŠâAlpha cut him off mid-sentence, âI wonder why you have a soft corner for her, Darius. She is the one who betrayed your Alpha and still your loyalty lies with her.âAt that, Darius lifted his head and looked at his Alpha, âThatâs not true, Nicholus. IâŠâOnce again, my mate didnât let him finish as he spat bitterly, âI feel betrayed, Darius.â He shook his head slowly and grumbled in a low voice, âAnd you were never supposed to betray me.âBefore poor Darius could explain his point, Alpha Nicholus turned his attention to the guards standing on either side of Darius and ordered them, âHang him to the chains.âMy eyes widened at his words, âWhat?âI saw in ho
Emberâs POV:I dug my nails into his hand wrapping around my wrist while rasping, âWhere the hell are you taking me?âInitially, I had expected him to put me back in the cell but soon, I realized that the devil had some other plans for his prey.Fear crept under my skin as he dashed deeper into the dungeons, leaving all the cells behind. As we walked through the dark corridor, I felt the air becoming thick and stagnant.I winced at the foul smell of rotting flesh whirling in the air. I tried desperately to wriggle myself out of his tight hold and croaked through the clogged throat, âJust leave me. Let me go.âAt the end of the corridor, he took a sharp turn to the right and started bolting down the staircase. My free hand flew out in a failed attempt to hold anything, to fight him but all was in vain as he sped down.A shiver ran down my spine as the temperature here felt even colder than it was in the cells. Only a few dim lights were illuminating the otherwise dark hallway.There wer
Emberâs POV:Once again, silence prevailed all around us as we both stared at each other with intensity. None of us averted our gazes as millions of thoughts whirled around in our minds.I waited for him to thrash out in anger, mock me for not being a purebred, alpha-born, and insult me for having mixed blood in my veins.More than anything, I desperately waited for him to reject me right then and there. A new hope fluttered inside me. I was a hybrid, everything opposite to what he was expecting in his fated mate.The wisest thing for him to do as a King was to reject me and find a Chosen Mate with strong connections and pure, alpha blood coursing through her veins.But a long time passed and he kept standing there, gawking at me, thinking God knew what.His blank stare had started to affect me more than I liked to admit. I wondered what was going on in his mind.I squirmed under his hard stare and finally sputtered, âSay something.âI regretted that instantly. Why did I sound so vulne
Ember's POV:I was thrashing on his shoulder, screaming maniacally, punching him anywhere my fists could reach but he remained unscathed and seemed unbothered as he effortlessly carried me back to the dungeons.As soon as he stepped inside, guards rushed to close the gates, and only then did he unhauled me from his fucking shoulder.As my feet landed on the ground, I coiled my hands into tight fists and started yelling, "You caveman, freaking Neanderthal, how dare you..."Ignoring me like I was invisible, he turned around to face the guards, "Explain to me how she managed to leave even after such tight security?"Blood left their faces as they gawked at me with wide eyes and stammered in fear, "Alpha, we've been on high alert just as you've ordered us. We don't know how she..."Before the poor, frightened guard even finished his sentence, my very uncivilized and cruel mate lunged forward and wrapped his hands around the necks of both guards.Moving with the speed of light, he took the
Ember's POV: Death played in front of my eyes in slow motion. I saw bulky wolves prancing in the air with their mouths gaped open, ready to bite their meal and tear me apart. I was still as a rock, not daring to move a muscle in my body, welcoming death with open arms when, all of a sudden, the world seemed to stop around me. My eyebrows deepened in utter confusion as I saw wolves suddenly falling to the ground mid-jump. Their bodies thudded down and they all touched their heads to the ground in complete surrender. A million questions whirled in my mind and I jolted around in a full circle to make sense of the things happening in front of my eyes. Who were they surrendering to? There was no one around us for as far as my eyes could behold. I would have loved to get answers to satisfy my curiosity but what I would have loved even more was to survive. As I took in all the wolves bowed down in surrender, it suddenly felt like fate had given me a second chance at life, at freedom.
Emberâs POV:It had been ages since Iâd trained or practiced with my packmates due to the weakness I felt after Ariaâs disappearance but I didn't let that excuse bring me down when I was this close to freedom now.Closing my eyes, I called forward the athlete inside me and took a deep breath to release the tension in my body.I walked closer to the wall that was now separating me from my freedom and took a moment to assess it with evaluating eyes.My gaze roamed over the stony wall and I touched the protruding stones where I could hook my hands and feet while climbing. There was no doubt that the wall was strong enough to hold my weight but the only problem was the silver that was now streaking down the wall at multiple places.I couldnât do anything about that other than tolerating the burns because no matter how careful I could be, the touch with silver was inevitable.I rolled my shoulders several times as a warm-up. With a heavy breath, I lifted my arms and grabbed the highest pro