Ynez's POV
My body was still shaking. Last night's events weren't the only cause of my collapse and death. It's all because of the curse I got seven years ago.
I'm relieved that my son was born healthy and didn't inherit the same curse. I've already died once and I only have two chances. I need to break this curse or my son will suffer after I'm gone.
"We need to get out of here before things get worse," I say.
I head downstairs and hear my son laughing in the garden. I go to the kitchen and thankfully find it empty. I take a knife and hide it behind my back. As I open the main door, they see me approaching.
Raizen smiles and runs to me, hugging me right away. I smile at him. "I'm sorry, son... Forgive me for being selfish," I whisper.
My eyes turn icy blue and my son loses consciousness. I put him down on the bench beside me. "What are you doing?!" dad yells.
I lifted the knife and aimed the blade at my neck, causing them to stand up. "Back off! Stay away from us," I warned, fully aware of their surprise at how much I had changed over time.
"What's going on here? What are you doing, Ynez?!" King Raizel arrived, and I could detect Eleanor's scent on him, which sickened me as memories of the bitter past flooded my mind.
"Don't pretend to be concerned. All you want is for me to be obedient and to use me for your own desires. I refuse to be a puppet! I never wanted the life you all expect from me. I never wanted to be part of this group!" I declared.
I didn't care that tears were streaming down my cheeks. I was determined to express my true feelings. "Please, Ynez, calm down and let's discuss this rationally. Put down that knife!" Yza pleaded.
She took a step closer, but stopped when the blade cut my skin. Yes, I was serious about ending my life. My sister turned pale, and my mom started sobbing.
I know that I'm being selfish and unreasonable but I have reasons. I don't want my son to suffer because of Raizel.
"Dad, why are you doing this? We only want what's best for you, Ynez. This isn't just about you," dad shouts.
I scoff and look at them mockingly. Selfish? Maybe, but someone made me this way. No one was there when I needed protection. I've been living alone, taking care of my son and trying to survive. "Selfish?" I retort. I scoff.
I cut my neck and didn’t care if my blood stained my clothes. I pointed the knife at myself and stabbed. "No one understood what I've been through for the past nine years. Don't push me to the point of killing myself in front of everyone. Back off and let me go with my child," I warned.
I pulled out the knife and after a minute, my wounds were healed. I picked up my son and pointed the knife at them. I threw it away and they moved to the other side as the knife landed on the apple tree.
I looked at Raizen. I knew he would hate me for my decision, but it's okay. He can rebel against me and that's fine with me.
My mother-in-law pleads, "If you're upset about being pressured to marry our son, please let's discuss it. We want to hear you out this time." I scoff and glance at everyone.
"You're all being selfish. I shouldn't have to suffer because of Eleanor. I don't deserve this. Why is everyone making me suffer?" I cried, my tears clouding my vision as all my bottled-up emotions burst out.
I sobbed uncontrollably, feeling as if there's no end to it. I shed my tears despite cutting my cheeks with the knife I was holding, I maintained a brave front.
"I... Ynez Lorenzo of Crimson Twilight rejects you, Raizel Richards, as my destined mate," I remark.
I tugged the ring on my finger and tossed it in front of them, then bowed my head as a sign of respect. Knowing that this would be the last time I'd see them, I accepted the reality that my time was running out.
I was determined to raise Raizen on my own and prepare him for the battles ahead after I was gone. My ultimate wish was for him to embrace self-love and fight for his rights.
As I turned away, I uttered with sadness, "It's my final gift for the king of wolves and his beloved woman."
Suppressing the pain inside me, I held my son close and reminisced about the reasons that kept me holding on to life despite the world's betrayals and mockery.
Just as I was about to leap over the gate, a sharp pain struck my chest, causing me to cough up blood. It felt like my heart was being relentlessly squeezed until it burst.
"Don't be stubborn," a deep baritone voice urged.
Turning around, I found myself unable to resist as he carried me in his arms, despite my feeble attempts to push him away. He is too strong! What the hell!
I yelled at him, "Please let us go! What are you doing?!"
I was startled to see King Raizel standing behind me. "Be quiet!" he shouted.
"Don't provoke me, Ynez. You have no right to threaten us. Remember your place. You can't bring shame to my family." Raizel's eyes glowed in red, paralyzing me.
As he walked towards the mansion, everyone seemed relieved. When I can move, I'll escape with my child. I won't let them use us for the throne.
"Release us! Just accept my rejection and let us go. Please, King Raizel, this is what you want too, right?"
King Raizel pushed open the door to his room and slammed it shut, ignoring my question. He put me down and laid Raizen down. Finally, I could move.
My husband held my hand, as if he knew my plan all along. I was being dragged on the balcony and he slaps me right away. I scoff to mock him.
“What was that?! Why would you make a scene like that?!”
I witnessed his intense anger, and that's exactly what I want him to experience. "You're asking me? Didn't I do you a favor? After all, you and Eleanor had already killed me once. Don't pretend that you care, because I know the fucking truth. Have you forgotten? We're werewolves! I can detect lies," I roared.
I was the one who was being deceitful, and I hoped he wouldn't see through it. I didn't want to get my hopes up. His concern wasn't for me, it was for them.
Raizel knew that his family and mine would abandon him once I died for eternity. "How could you make this worse?! Do you know what happened to me and Eleanor because of the incident last night? And now this?! Give me a break! Because of that kid, my life is now messed up!" Raizel shouted.
I punched him in the face. How could he blame his own son who had done nothing to him? His love and obsession with Eleanor had turned him into a jerk.
"How dare you! You had no idea what happened to me seven years ago. How I dealt with life's challenges after discovering I was pregnant. I was only 16 when this happened! You didn't know how much I—" I paused. I almost say something inappropriate.
I close my eyes and punch the porch. The concrete porch cracked, and some debris fell to the ground. I pointed my finger at his face and resolved to say whatever I wanted. I don't care if he's the Lycan King.
"Do not try to harm my child, Raizel. I swear to kill you and Eleanor if any of you attempt to harm him."
Raizel's POVThe timid and quiet girl's transformation into a brave, fighter, and arrogant girl caught me off guard. I wonder if it's because she has someone to protect. She even threatened me and Eleanor.I recall my family's warning from last night, after her family left us in my office. They made it clear that there would be consequences for my actions.Despite being the king now, I realize that I'm not in control of everything. "Bullshit!"I couldn't help but curse. I'm torn about what choice to make. I know Eleanor will despise me if I abandon her and follow my family's decision."I've given you an option. Don't be foolish and reject me!" she demanded.In a moment of anger, I grabbed her neck and pinned her against the wall. Ynez didn't flinch or show any sign of fear."I've already died in your hands, your majesty. Do you really think you can scare me? Don't give me a damn. Kill me. Let's see if your mistress wi
Raizel's POV She was taken aback by my actions, but she was already in pain all over. We hid beneath a small table covered with a long tablecloth. "Where are those two? I hope they're not fighting," Romaine said. We heard her lock the door and listened to her footsteps. I didn't move yet, as I needed to make sure my sister had really left the room. I looked at her and could sense the intense pain she was experiencing. It felt like I was being pricked with needles and struck by lightning. I also felt colder and colder. I couldn't understand what was wrong with her. I watched Ynez endure the pain. I sighed and said, "You're freezing!" She pushed me away, turned her back, and hugged herself, trembling from the intense cold. She lifted her shirt as if examining something. As it grew darker, I felt like my death was imminent. "What's happening to you? Are you cursed or something?" I asked straightforwardly. "And so? Can you even find the cure of this curse?" she shouts angrily. I wo
Ynez's POVIt has been a year since our divorce. I used to think that the moon goddess didn't hear my prayers. Then, I woke up in Bhutan with no mark on my neck.I spoke with my son and told him the truth. He understood and didn't ask me to give his father a chance. When I looked at myself, I saw a better reflection.The curse was still there, but I managed to break two of the three tiers, which means I can live for another year before it consumes me completely."Mommy, what's going on?" Raizen asked, noticing the luggage on my left side.I smiled and took my son's hand. "We are going back to England. Now that you know about my curse and when I will die, I want you to claim your rights as Lorenzo and Richards. I know you will be loved by both families. If I don't break this curse, I want you to be surrounded by the people I trust the most," I whispered.He was taken aback and suddenly pulled
Ynez's POVUpon entering, I immediately captured everyone's attention with a single push of the door. The room fell into silence as all eyes turned towards me, their expressions reflecting a sense of impending doom.Without hesitation, I confidently made my way to the stage, removed the USB stick from the laptop, and replaced it with my own. After locating the presentation, I promptly initiated it.Amidst the tension, a familiar voice erupted, demanding security to intervene. Disregarding the interruption, I calmly addressed the gathering as the new Chief Financial Officer of Richards-Lorenzo Empire.As the presentation commenced, attempts were made to thwart my presence, with one board member questioning my authority in a fit of anger. With a sigh, I revealed my true identity by removing my mask and sunglasses."I am Ynez Lorenzo, the former werewolf queen and the third largest shareholder of this company. We have
Ynez's POVI couldn't help but laugh as I looked at her with a sincere expression. "First of all, I have been the queen for five months. If you feel threatened by my return, that's not my concern. Feel free to panic, but I will be the one to save this company that you failed to protect. I'm aware of what's going on with Crimson Twilight as well," I paused, gazing at her meaningfully."It's best for you to focus on your job and not meddle where you're not needed. Do you understand? Any other questions or clarifications? I have an appointment with my son, Raizen. Anything else?" I ask.They were taken aback by my declarations. Eleanor turned pale, clearly surprised by the news of my son. It was her biggest shock, and I knew it. As my phone buzzed, I messaged my son about our new plan, and he agreed."Hello, sweetie? Mommy's meeting is over. Please wait for me in the lobby, okay?" I say.Both our families remained silent while I was p
Ynez's POVI turned around and saw Raizel sitting in his wife's lap. Kneeling beside him, I checked his wound. He grabbed my hand and Eleanor glared at me, warning me not to touch her husband.I rolled my eyes and she tried to push me away, but I glared back at her. "Stay away from me—agh!" Raizel roared.I opened his coat and carefully moved his body onto his left side, revealing a deep wound that seemed to reach his heart. Setting down the dagger, I examined the blood with my other hand, realizing that my own wound had not yet fully healed.In the darkness, I could smell the scents of wolfsbane, mercury, and silver powder. "Sorry… sorry! What have I done!" the woman exclaimed.As I turned around, I noticed that employees and other people had gathered around us. "Give us space and lock the door first! Now! Stop pointing the guns at the couple, for goodness' sake!" I shouted."No! Kill them! Tor
Ynez's POVI caught the medicine he gave me and pulled my wounded hand out of my pocket. Ignoring the pain, I quickly poured the liquid and headed straight for the door, moving at great speed.I was aware of the pair of eyes watching us, filled with bloodlust. I spotted the person and pinned them against the wall. Her neck was thin like what girls have."How are your plans? You failed, but are you happy that a pregnant woman is in danger because of your fear of killing the royal family with your own hands?" I roared.She's wearing a mask, yet the animosity and hatred in her eyes send chills down my spine. She laughs devilishly, and I know she is an enemy. She looks at me."You love him... that coward king of werewolves. Too bad for you... he will never love you back," she whispers.I can tell she's trying to corrupt my heart. Did she really manipulate that luna using their fears? Did she use their fears to her advantage? I t
Raizel's POVI was really surprised when she came back after what happened a year ago. I had thought she was already dead, but here she is again. Ynez is back to disrupt my already messed-up life.I feel like I'm living in hell here, and now she's back again. Our son was pushing a cart filled with mugs, a thermos, bread, and a coffee machine."Oh my, nephew! Auntie will take care of that," my big sister said. Raizen shook his head and smiled sweetly."I can do it. Mommy taught me to do household chores so that I can take care of myself no matter what happens. She wants me to be independent after she dies," Raizen explained.Everyone was surprised by what he said. Ynez, on the other hand, smiled and brushed his hair. "That's my son who always makes me proud," she complimented.Our son smiled and started making coffee. He's already tall for an eight-year-old, about 4'8" tall. He's exactly like me when I was his age."He
Ynez's POVI wasn’t prepared when I realized where we were going. We are heading to the resort where our child was conceived. That would be a five-hour drive. I don’t want to go back to that place, but the fact that he’s with me makes me kind of thrilled."Yup, we will go back to that place and have a vacation for at least three days. I know Eleanor might go into our house or the company and try to convince me or get back at you. I know our big sisters will take care of our son well," Raizel replied. I hide my smile by looking out the window. I hope he didn’t sense how happy I am.That would be embarrassing on my part. "You can sleep in the meantime. We still have five hours to spend on the road," Raizel suggests.I shook my head. I decided to use this time to tell him about the things our son achieved while growing up in Bhutan."I will show you the things you missed during our son’s childhood. I&rsqu
Raizel's POVHe was raised to hide and endure everything in order to fit in. My wife taught our son to be like that because she knew that being in a blended family would be hard for him.I patted his head and smiled at Raizen. "Your mom and I will send you to school every day. We already speak with the principal, chairman, and headmaster of the academy. Don’t worry. That is just a school for werewolves. I know you’ll fit in," I stated. My son nodded and forced a smile, hiding his fear and nervousness.Now that they’re here, I will make him feel that he has a family that he can run into. He went to his room, and Ynez told me that he would fix our things in the closet.I'm in a room that I’ll use as my temporary office. I checked my emails, but they were flooded with Eleanor’s threats and messages.She’s telling me that she’ll go to a club, hook up with men, and even commit suicide. I sighed
Ynez's POVI heard everything that Eleanor said. She really loves my husband, but I love him more than she does. I am willing to give up my life for Raizel's happiness. I massaged my nape and sighed."How can I trust her or believe that she'll change if she's like that? I only have a small amount of time in my hands. Ugh! I can't entrust RLE and our clan either. Can you just find another mate after I die? Ask the moon goddess for guidance."His brow furrows. Raizel breaks the glass of his juice. His hand was bleeding! "Oh my gosh!" Yza screams. I grab my napkin and wipe the blood from my son’s hands. I look into his eyes.I know that he’s mad because I keep telling them that I’m dying. I’m not rubbing it in their faces, but they have to be prepared. My forehead wrinkles.His eye color had changed into... I gulped. I cover his eyes and look at everyone. What the hell is going on?! What did I just see? "What h
Raizel's POVHow can I control myself and stop craving a longing dessert? I still remember vividly how much I fucking enjoyed that night.The way Ynez begs me—her body betraying her, her moans, and her insides—is driving me into sweet insanity. I caress her cheeks and smirk."Make sure to cater to my desires, Mrs. Richards. Make me crazier with you," I mumbled in her ears.She’s still staring at me. Ynez held my hand and bit my index finger. Her erotic face was the best. I enjoyed watching her expression. She looks weak and cute at the same time."I want more, master…"The way she begged, looking at me with so much love, I gave in. My manhood inside her pussycat starts to pulsate and gets stiffer again. She places her hand on her womb and looks at me."Fuck me more… Raizel," she begs. I kiss her forehead when I realize her embarrassment and desperation.I feel like she wants me t
Ynez's POVI don’t know what kind of heart I have to be this crazy in love with him. My emotions will always be ahead of me, digging a pit of illusions and delusions.I can’t believe I always do this to myself! Why do I always screw up? I was about to get up, but he pinned my hands on the door of his car."Who says that we’re done already? I still have energy to spare," Raizel says.I blushed and looked at him. "Can we just continue in a comfortable place? Please?" I begged.Raizel looks at me and smirks. He let go of me and started putting his clothes back on. I'm glad he listens. I fixed myself.I knew this wouldn’t happen again because he would realize that he was only tempted by my actions. He drove the car, and I fell asleep while we were on the road.As soon as I noticed the car stopped after almost half an hour, I heard him open his car door. The next door he opened was on my side. I open my eyes and get off.My eyes dilated when I saw a small villa. It was Japanese style, and
Raizel's POVI heard Eleanor’s screams. I can feel the blood from my head gushing down to my neck. "I didn’t mean to... This is your entire fault!" Eleanor says.Why didn't I see that side of her? Everything that she does wrong, she blames on other people. Ynez looks at me with such worried eyes. I nestled my body on her and waited until my wound healed. Ynez roars at her."Stop blaming me for doing bad things! Remember this, Eleanor, because I’ll make it happen! You will never be happy until my last breath. Stay away from our family. You lost everything this time. I will make you suffer as well!" Ynez says. She drags me this time and doesn’t give me the time to explain to Eleanor.She slammed the door and continued walking towards the elevator. As soon as the door closes, she pins me to the wall.Our eyes meet, and they're blazing with anger and irritation. Ynez pins her hands on my side and glares at me."You are making me lose my mind, Raizel Richards. You’re still and will always
Ynez's POVI got out of his car and didn't even try to read his mind or know what kind of dream he had. I woke up and realized that I was asleep.When I look at Raizel, he's also sleeping and suddenly calls my name. I was curious if it was a nightmare because... I know this situation we have is a bad dream for him. I wait for him to come out. Inside the elevator, the silence was too scary.We reached their unit, and he used his key. He got inside first, and I covered my nose as soon as we entered. Being a werewolf stinks when it comes to senses!I can smell the scent of different illegal drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, and stale food. I look around, and it’s fucking dirty! What kind of house is this? There are so many broken appliances, furniture, and other stuff."Eleanor is not here. I think she’s really mad because of how I change her life completely. I guess I’ll die again today."I pulled up the sleeves of
Raizel's POVI know my sister wants to pressure me because she wants to kick Eleanor as soon as possible. "If Ynez was ready, we would go to the condo unit where Eleanor and I live," I replied.Ynez looks at me and then at our family. "I have no problem with that. Well, I only have a year to live. I have a proposal to make," Ynez says. I looked at her and tried to warn her as well."I hate Eleanor, and that’s true. This hatred has been eating away at my heart for the past few years, and I don’t want to live like this forever. That’s why I want to change her. I will try my best to change Eleanor and be someone who is compassionate, caring, kind, and respectful.""Someone who is fit to be a queen and a good person. So please… if that happens, accept her as Raizel’s second wife," Ynez added. She looks at my grandparents and parents. She was serious, as if she were making a promise."Deal," my grandpa says. He even gave his hand, and Ynez held it, smiling. My grandma smacks her husband’s
Ynez's POVThe next day, I was surprised when King Raizel was here. My ears suddenly feel hot. Damn! How can I remember such an embarrassing moment!? Of all time! Raizen smiled and jumped on his dad."Good afternoon, daddy! Come in!" he says.Our son pulled his palm and dragged him inside the house. I blink and just follow them with my gaze. What the heck! I get inside the house.My parents were at work, as were my grandparents. My sister, Yza, was also busy with her company. "Bring us some snacks upstairs. Thank you," I remark.The maid nodded, wearing a mischievous smile. "It's not like that!" I roared. She giggles and leaves me after. What the heck! I better speak with him!They’re waiting for me on the balcony. My parents told me to work at home and take a rest. "What are you doing here? You have work to do, right? It’s still office hours," I remark.I didn’t hide my giggles when I saw how my beloved men did their similar mannerisms. They both cross their right foot on their left,