Attempting to speak, her face crumpled as searing pain shot through her throat. She wanted to tell him she was fine, that it was just tea and grapes—she'd endured worse. Yet, despite her resolve, she didn't feel right. The day's events had dragged her back years, to a time when her mother attended to the wounds she herself had inflicted.
Her body trembled with fear, hatred, and sorrow. Her fingers clutched the tub's edge as she tried to pull herself out, only to slip back in. Alpha Rowan reached for her, but she pushed his hand away. She wasn't weak; she could manage to get out herself.
He let her try, again and again, until she finally broke down in sobs, attempting to crawl out. She avoided his gaze, afraid of the pity she'd find in his eyes. One final attempt saw her falling forward, bracing for the impact of the tub
Rowan POV.Rowan's footsteps echoed through the desolate hallway, the silence between each step filling him with unease. He seldom ventured into this part of the castle—the dungeons. It reminded him too vividly of the visits he had made to his father before the execution.A soul-chilling howl sliced through the air, followed by a desperate cry. Luis walked ahead, signaling the guards to let them pass. Rowan glared at him, battling the anger boiling within.It had been four days since he had last spoken to Hailey, four days since he tucked her in for the night. She wouldn't even spare him a glance, the ungrateful witch, nor would she engage with him. For four long days, he had been on edge, dreading what she might do next and when she would next invade his stu
As Rowan handed his sword to Elvis, he discarded the wedding band onto the floor and opened the locket. Inside were two women—one with blonde hair and vibrant green eyes, cradling a small girl in her arms. He pulled the picture from its confines and tossed it to Elvis. "Have Dennis scour the villages in Eldavis. Eliminate them on sight."The man lunged, growling and roaring, validating Rowan's suspicions. Rogues often behaved similarly. They severed ties with their families because Rowan was merciful enough to punish only the wrongdoer. Yet today, he lacked the will to show mercy. His subjects had perished, and the council of elders and Alphas demanded action. Burn the villages along the border. Execute all rogues!Elvis stared at him in shock but said nothing as he quickly left the room. The rogue snarled, rage blazing in his eyes as he struggled against the chains binding him. "I'll kill you!"Leaning back in his chair, Rowan crossed his ankle over his knee and rested his head again
Hailey turned her gaze toward the starless sky, a cold breeze lifting her hair, and a small smile played on her lips. "I'll never let you grieve alone again." Tilting her head, she looked deeply into his eyes. "You're not alone. Lean on me, Rowan. Let me help you find rest."Her cheeks flushed a vibrant shade of red, and Rowan's hands clung to her side to prevent her from toppling over. Somehow, their attempt at getting him to sleep had resulted in them polishing off an entire bottle of wine.The light and joy sparkling in Hailey's eyes made Rowan realize, for the first time since they had met, just how young she truly was—a stark contrast to the ancient, cunning soul he had grown accustomed to. She appeared...mortal. More vulnerable. Almost human. He found himself staring, a bit embarrassed, as she animatedly rambled about everything and nothing, giggling at her own jokes.Hailey suddenly stumbled, tripping over her gown, and as Rowan caught her, she erupted into laughter, covering h
In the Rise City There's a fire.Nerissa wheezes as she grabs her night robe from its stand, quickly draping it around herself. The sound of panicked servants reverberates through the hall."The stables!""The ladder!""Water!"She collides with Alpha David in the hallway. His maroon gaze briefly lingers on her, darkening with lust, and she fights the urge to roll her eyes. "What's happening?""It seems we may be under attack by rogues," he murmurs, his eyes straying to her chest. "You should rest. This is being handled, princess."Nerissa frowns. "The castle hasn't been invaded in ages. How did they breach the wall? Have they been captured?" She takes a cautious step forward, but David blocks her way."Don't concern yourself with such matters. It doesn't befit you. No one appreciates a nosy woman. Join your mother in the Grand Hall with the other women. Your father and I will take care of it."She stares at him, her lips parting in disbelief. "Nosy? Who do you think you are, telling
Luis stared at her blankly. "You do."Abruptly, Hailey sat up and leaned closer, brushing her hair to one side. "I need to make sure."Alpha Rowan's words had kept her awake all night. How could she be certain she was an Omega? Her mother had claimed she was, but she had also repeatedly mentioned that Hailey was born wrong.Not only had he sniffed her, but he had also asked if she had ever been to the Howling. Most wolves experienced their first shift during the gathering, where being among kindred spirits helped.Normally, Hailey wouldn't allow herself to be unsettled by something like this. She knew who she was. However, she had never had reason to question her mother's assertions about her. Doubts had never plagued her before, and whenever she felt even a hint of uncertainty, she would squash it. It was hard to be confident and master the art of seduction if she allowed doubts to consume her.Asking Gamma Luis to sniff her was a desperate attempt to silence the nagging feeling that
Rowan POV.Rowan watched as Hailey approached, struggling to hold back a smile. She wore a ragged tunic more fitting for a peasant, paired with pants on the verge of becoming rags and boots so worn they were nearly more hole than shoe. Her appearance was undeniably comical. A brown leather belt cinched her waist, with a dagger in full view, while gloves, weathered and stained with unknown substances, enveloped her hands. A scarf haphazardly wrapped around her hair failed to hide several strands that framed her face.At a quick glance, she might resemble a young boy. Yet, her captivating lavender eyes revealed a persistent playfulness. Her lips, unmistakably feminine, along with a petite nose and dimples that appeared when she pouted, highlighted that Rowan was the one truly looking absurd. "Rowan, are you trying to get mugged?" she questioned, closing the distance between them with assured strides.Rowan enjoyed the way she spoke his name—like a gentle caress, filled with promise and
Rowan navigated through the throng of merchants selling goods and plants that had long been banned from the streets of his kingdom. They veered away from a growing crowd gathered around a street fight, the air filled with shouts and curses that momentarily deafened him. Hailey abruptly halted in front of a tall, distinct brick building, flanked by two guards nearly as tall as he was. Holding up several coins, she flashed a grin. "Who's fighting today, mate?"The casual use of "mate" stirred something within him, prompting Rowan to pull his fingers from her grasp as he took a deep breath. The guard on the left recited a list of names, and she placed a bet on someone known as the "Shadow Reaper.""I thought you didn't have any money," he remarked as they made their way into the establishment.Hailey shrugged, a small figure amidst the imposing presence of hardened mercenaries. "I don't. It's yours."Instinctively, he reached for his pouch in his pocket, but his hands came away empty. Ah
"They're coming! Hurry!" shouted the Head Maid, rushing in with her skirt gathered in her hands. "Get those desserts out immediately! Hailey, move aside! We need all hands on deck!"Hailey brushed a tear from her cheek and left the unwashed dishes to Layla, who shot her a disdainful look, muttering under her breath about Hailey's seeming naivety.With two trays thrust into her hands, Hailey was quickly swept into the line of maids making their way to the Main Hall, the venue for the most prominent gatherings. Her chest tightened, her breaths sharp and shallow. Despite another tear escaping, she pressed onward.She was jostled until they reached the hall, where it felt nearly impossible to breathe. The women there were strikingly beautiful, moving with a poise she could hardly imagine. Their voices were melodic and their laughter carried an air of power and grace.A significant decision had loomed over the pack for weeks. Alpha Rowan had yet to find his mate, accepting the gloom possibi
Rowan navigated through the throng of merchants selling goods and plants that had long been banned from the streets of his kingdom. They veered away from a growing crowd gathered around a street fight, the air filled with shouts and curses that momentarily deafened him. Hailey abruptly halted in front of a tall, distinct brick building, flanked by two guards nearly as tall as he was. Holding up several coins, she flashed a grin. "Who's fighting today, mate?"The casual use of "mate" stirred something within him, prompting Rowan to pull his fingers from her grasp as he took a deep breath. The guard on the left recited a list of names, and she placed a bet on someone known as the "Shadow Reaper.""I thought you didn't have any money," he remarked as they made their way into the establishment.Hailey shrugged, a small figure amidst the imposing presence of hardened mercenaries. "I don't. It's yours."Instinctively, he reached for his pouch in his pocket, but his hands came away empty. Ah
Rowan POV.Rowan watched as Hailey approached, struggling to hold back a smile. She wore a ragged tunic more fitting for a peasant, paired with pants on the verge of becoming rags and boots so worn they were nearly more hole than shoe. Her appearance was undeniably comical. A brown leather belt cinched her waist, with a dagger in full view, while gloves, weathered and stained with unknown substances, enveloped her hands. A scarf haphazardly wrapped around her hair failed to hide several strands that framed her face.At a quick glance, she might resemble a young boy. Yet, her captivating lavender eyes revealed a persistent playfulness. Her lips, unmistakably feminine, along with a petite nose and dimples that appeared when she pouted, highlighted that Rowan was the one truly looking absurd. "Rowan, are you trying to get mugged?" she questioned, closing the distance between them with assured strides.Rowan enjoyed the way she spoke his name—like a gentle caress, filled with promise and
Luis stared at her blankly. "You do."Abruptly, Hailey sat up and leaned closer, brushing her hair to one side. "I need to make sure."Alpha Rowan's words had kept her awake all night. How could she be certain she was an Omega? Her mother had claimed she was, but she had also repeatedly mentioned that Hailey was born wrong.Not only had he sniffed her, but he had also asked if she had ever been to the Howling. Most wolves experienced their first shift during the gathering, where being among kindred spirits helped.Normally, Hailey wouldn't allow herself to be unsettled by something like this. She knew who she was. However, she had never had reason to question her mother's assertions about her. Doubts had never plagued her before, and whenever she felt even a hint of uncertainty, she would squash it. It was hard to be confident and master the art of seduction if she allowed doubts to consume her.Asking Gamma Luis to sniff her was a desperate attempt to silence the nagging feeling that
In the Rise City There's a fire.Nerissa wheezes as she grabs her night robe from its stand, quickly draping it around herself. The sound of panicked servants reverberates through the hall."The stables!""The ladder!""Water!"She collides with Alpha David in the hallway. His maroon gaze briefly lingers on her, darkening with lust, and she fights the urge to roll her eyes. "What's happening?""It seems we may be under attack by rogues," he murmurs, his eyes straying to her chest. "You should rest. This is being handled, princess."Nerissa frowns. "The castle hasn't been invaded in ages. How did they breach the wall? Have they been captured?" She takes a cautious step forward, but David blocks her way."Don't concern yourself with such matters. It doesn't befit you. No one appreciates a nosy woman. Join your mother in the Grand Hall with the other women. Your father and I will take care of it."She stares at him, her lips parting in disbelief. "Nosy? Who do you think you are, telling
Hailey turned her gaze toward the starless sky, a cold breeze lifting her hair, and a small smile played on her lips. "I'll never let you grieve alone again." Tilting her head, she looked deeply into his eyes. "You're not alone. Lean on me, Rowan. Let me help you find rest."Her cheeks flushed a vibrant shade of red, and Rowan's hands clung to her side to prevent her from toppling over. Somehow, their attempt at getting him to sleep had resulted in them polishing off an entire bottle of wine.The light and joy sparkling in Hailey's eyes made Rowan realize, for the first time since they had met, just how young she truly was—a stark contrast to the ancient, cunning soul he had grown accustomed to. She appeared...mortal. More vulnerable. Almost human. He found himself staring, a bit embarrassed, as she animatedly rambled about everything and nothing, giggling at her own jokes.Hailey suddenly stumbled, tripping over her gown, and as Rowan caught her, she erupted into laughter, covering h
As Rowan handed his sword to Elvis, he discarded the wedding band onto the floor and opened the locket. Inside were two women—one with blonde hair and vibrant green eyes, cradling a small girl in her arms. He pulled the picture from its confines and tossed it to Elvis. "Have Dennis scour the villages in Eldavis. Eliminate them on sight."The man lunged, growling and roaring, validating Rowan's suspicions. Rogues often behaved similarly. They severed ties with their families because Rowan was merciful enough to punish only the wrongdoer. Yet today, he lacked the will to show mercy. His subjects had perished, and the council of elders and Alphas demanded action. Burn the villages along the border. Execute all rogues!Elvis stared at him in shock but said nothing as he quickly left the room. The rogue snarled, rage blazing in his eyes as he struggled against the chains binding him. "I'll kill you!"Leaning back in his chair, Rowan crossed his ankle over his knee and rested his head again
Rowan POV.Rowan's footsteps echoed through the desolate hallway, the silence between each step filling him with unease. He seldom ventured into this part of the castle—the dungeons. It reminded him too vividly of the visits he had made to his father before the execution.A soul-chilling howl sliced through the air, followed by a desperate cry. Luis walked ahead, signaling the guards to let them pass. Rowan glared at him, battling the anger boiling within.It had been four days since he had last spoken to Hailey, four days since he tucked her in for the night. She wouldn't even spare him a glance, the ungrateful witch, nor would she engage with him. For four long days, he had been on edge, dreading what she might do next and when she would next invade his stu
Attempting to speak, her face crumpled as searing pain shot through her throat. She wanted to tell him she was fine, that it was just tea and grapes—she'd endured worse. Yet, despite her resolve, she didn't feel right. The day's events had dragged her back years, to a time when her mother attended to the wounds she herself had inflicted.Her body trembled with fear, hatred, and sorrow. Her fingers clutched the tub's edge as she tried to pull herself out, only to slip back in. Alpha Rowan reached for her, but she pushed his hand away. She wasn't weak; she could manage to get out herself.He let her try, again and again, until she finally broke down in sobs, attempting to crawl out. She avoided his gaze, afraid of the pity she'd find in his eyes. One final attempt saw her falling forward, bracing for the impact of the tub
That did the trick, and Ava hurried to comply.Hailey steadied herself, rising to her feet. "I really wouldn't—" But a sudden blow silenced her, sending shockwaves through her body. She stumbled back, gasping as she struggled to focus. Her head throbbed from the previous day's pain, feeling as if it might explode at any moment."Hold her," she vaguely heard Moressett order, and Hailey swung her fist blindly, aiming for anything in her path. Perhaps she should have stayed in her room and eaten breakfast there. Even if she screamed, there was no guarantee anyone would hear her—no one that mattered. Alpha Rowan, Beta Ruel, Gamma Luis, and the other officials had been in a meeting all morning.No one would come for her. It was just the eleven of them in the room,