Serena's POVArden had come to the training ground to inspect the progress of the training. The coordinator approached him and gave him a brief update on the how things has been.He seemed to be pleased with the development as he nodded his head satisfyingly.“Let's go say hi” Rachael urged me.“Nope!” I replied quickly.“Why are you so rigid?”“I have never had an open conversation with him in public, yet I was tagged as a slut trying to bed the King! So I am not going, thanks!”I was not willing to embarrass myself. I might even get to him and he would talk down on me. So it was better for me to respect myself and stay put.Rachael left me and headed to Arden. She was his cousin, she could talk to him anytime and anywhere, but I could not dare to compare myself to her. I was different.I watched them from afar as they exchange pleasantries. The coziness between them was admirable.Soon they strolled back to where Rachael and I were standing.“Welcome, Your Majesty” I greeted him cas
Serena's POVAfter Arden had changed things for the Omegas by his decree, things have been much better for me. For the first time ever, I can walk around freely without any judgment or bullying from others. Even the treatment from the palace staff is different.I passed several maids and guards and there were no rude and offensive comments. No one has snickered at me or called me a whore to my face and collectively beat me till I pass out.Needless to say, things are finally working in my favor and for the good of other Omegas. No one, whether a human or an Omega shouldn't have to suffer what I and other Omegas have suffered in the past. I am delighted Arden did that for us.Speaking of Arden, I cannot believe he's changed. He doesn't abuse me or treat me like a cheap whore. He talks to me with care and tenderness.My mind still yearns for nights like the one we had together at the hospital and it's an evidence as to how much our relationship has changed. I held out hope that he would
Serena's POVI didn't want anyone to know I was leaving the palace. Not Rachel nor Adren. I wanted to leave this place to preserve the little peace I have.At least, things for the Omegas have changed and by virtue of his engagement with Sylvia and me being in the academy, I'm free from him and how cruel he is towards me. I know I won't end up with my mate and I might probably not have a mate after being rejected by two of my mates but at least I will not be humiliated and belittled. Worst case scenario, I'll be a lone wolf.I admit it's sad and that's one of the worst things that could happen to any werewolf as everyone would love to have their mate and start their pack but it might not be so for me. As long as things have changed for the Omegas, I can live with that.I packed my bag and I was prepared to leave but my mind wondered if I should inform Rachel but I didn't. She would probably be furious with me for not telling her but I'd rather take that than to take being humiliated o
Serena's POVThey said life comes at us in different ways. Sometimes you lose, some other times you will win, it doesn't have a pattern, either of the two could come first. It depends on how fate wants our journey to be.Within a short period, my nightmares turned into sweet dreams, ones that I'd never want to wake up again. It became nights of bliss and days of sunshine.My early days in the palace were from one humiliation to another, and I was an object of bully. No one has spared me from their trap and insults.Upon my journey into the royal training, I have experienced warmth within this short period more than I can attest to throughout the journey of my existence up until this moment.I felt closer and closer to Arden, he was now soft and gentle with me, and I could now look into his eyes when I spoke to him. He was now looking out for me.I now have a friend who I could refer to as my sister. A warm companion who I could rest on her shoulder. Rachael was indeed lovely.With an
Serena's POVI woke up to the sun shining brightly and birds using their beautiful songs to usher in the new day. Activities of the day was already on full swing which prompted me to get ready for my own day. The day of my last task.I got myself prepared for the day thinking about how far I've come. I wasn't a helpless weak palace servant anymore. That's all behind me now.I got a message from Rachel wishing me good luck with the task today and I smiled. I know I might probably have to take on Rachel or Alpha Zone truly, they have been more than friends to me. I would have lasted another agonizing day without them.I wore my training clothing and I looked in the mirror satisfied with what I saw then I made my way to the palace.The palace was packed full with people who were going to watch today's last task. My heart raced with both anxiety and excitement but I couldn't tell which was more.I met up with Rachel and she looked ready as ever and completely calm."Today's the big day."
Serena's POVAfter the task, I went to the locker room and freshened up. I was given a guard uniform to wear and I never for a million lifetime would have thought I would be Adren's personal guard. It's like I was doomed to forever be bound to him. I got into the academy to be free from him. Now, I'm even closer to him than before.I am glad Alpha Zone helped me out but this was not the reward I had in mind. For all it's worth, I'm no longer a lowly slave but a higher authority that still objects to these orders and commands.I came out in my uniform and I admit I look very nice in it but I certainly didn't feel that way. Both Rachel and Alpha Zone were also given uniforms also and we were to report to the Adren."Hey, are you okay?" Rachel whispered as we walked."Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I be?" I let the lie flow like water but I know she can tell I'm not okay."Even deaf humans can tell you're lying." Alpha Zone said with his voice even and eyes front. It looks like he is as up
Serena's POVWe sat in silence and I kept looking outside the window to avoid any form eye contact with him. I tried my best to look as formal as possible but I couldn't help but think that he was sitting in front of me, with very little space between us and there's no much a girl can hold on to.I snapped out of those thoughts. Rachel and Alpha Zone said I should stay away from him or at least be as official as I can be with him."Why are you always looking out the window?" I asked."Pardon?" I asked like I wasn't listening to him. All a ploy to act like I'm uninterested in him."Why are you looking out the window?" He asked again."Looking out for rogues. We might never know when they'll plan to attack." I said firmly.He barked out a loud and long laugh. "It's so funny how you have been beaten more times than I can count and you are acting all big and tough." He said."I apologise for not seeing your safety as a funny game." I said with my tone as dry as possible."Touche" he said.
Serena's POVAs soon as we got down from the carriages, Sylvia excitedly walked up to Arden and planted a long kiss on his lips. It's either she did it to spite me or she is truly deeply in love with him. I believe it's the former.She eyed me carefully, probably wondering why I was here and, most importantly, why I was in a guard's uniform."Serena, Zone, I want to personally congratulate you on your successful course in the academy." She said she was a saint.Alpha Zone and I simply bowed in response like we already practised how we'd respond to her."Shall we?" Arden asked."Not yet, my darling." She said, then walked to me. She held my hands like we had a previous rapport, and she would like to rekindle our friendship."I know I haven't always been nice to you, I am truly happy for your progress and success." She said, but I could feel everything she said was a lie. This was all a facade.I forced a smile. "Thank you for your kind words." I said as nicely as possible."When do you
The camp had been unusually quiet that morning, but my thoughts were anything but still. Gilly was stronger now—more alert, more alive than she’d been since her rescue—but I couldn’t help noticing how Dominic avoided looking at her. His usual smirk was absent, and he kept his eyes away from from hers.Gilly seemed to notice, too. She stood a little apart from us, leaning against a tree with her arms crossed and her eyes fixed on Dominic as if she were trying to solve a puzzle.“Gilly,” I said softly, walking over to her. “How are you feeling?”“Better,” she said. “A lot better, actually.” She hesitated as her gaze flickered toward Dominic. “But something’s off with him. He keeps avoiding me.”I followed her eyes, watching Dominic as he checked his weapons with meticulous precision. “That’s just how he is,” I said, though I couldn’t deny the unease creeping into my chest.“Serena,” Gilly said quietly with her voice almost a whisper. “He feels… familiar. I don’t know how to explain it,
The next morning, Zone and Dominic’s bickering had started again before we even broke camp.“You’re leading us into another trap, aren’t you?” Zone growled with his arms crossed as he faced Dominic, who leaned lazily against a tree.Dominic smirked, completely unbothered. “You’ve got trust issues, big guy. Relax. If I wanted to betray you, I’d have done it already.”“You’d say that whether you planned to or not,” Zone shot back with a sharp tone.“Enough,” I snapped, stepping between them. My patience was wearing thin, and I couldn’t afford to let their constant tension derail us. “This isn’t helping. We’re all here for the same reason—to find Ardan. Keep that in mind, or we’re not going to make it.”“No, you, are here to find Ardan. I’m done. I am telling you, Dominic is leading us into some trap I cant trust him.” Zone cried.“I saved you, I saved Gilly and I saved Rachel. I didn’t ask you to come with me. This is my fight and my fight alone. Do you think I trust Dominic?” I asked s
The sun was up as we made our way to the canyon. Dominic led the way. Zone followed close behind with his hand resting on his sword. Rachel and Gilly were at my side. Gilly was leaning on Rachel for support as she regained her strength.The air felt heavier here, every sound was amplified and echoing off the rock.“Something’s not right,” Sally murmured in my mind.“I feel it too,” I replied with my senses sharpening as I scanned the cliffs above. The silence was unnerving.“We should move faster,” Zone said in a low but urgent tone.“Relax,” Dominic called over his shoulder, his tone infuriatingly casual. “This path is clear. I’ve used it dozens of times.”Zone’s growl was barely audible. “And how do we know you’re not leading us into a trap?”Dominic turned, walking backward with a grin. “Like I said, If I wanted you dead, you’d already be dead. Trust me, big guy.”I clenched my fists. “Keep moving. We’re too exposed here.”Dominic smirked but complied, turning forward again.Then a
The walk back to camp was filled with tension. Dominic’s easy smirk didn’t help; if anything, it made Zone’s temper simmer hotter. I could feel the heat of Zone’s eyes boring into Dominic’s back, but I kept my focus on the path ahead. We didn’t have time for petty arguments—not when Ardan was still out there.When we arrived, Rachel was sitting beside Gilly with her hands glowing faintly as she worked to stabilise our friend’s breathing. Gilly lay on a makeshift bed of leaves. Her face was pale but peaceful. Rachel glanced up as we approached. Her brows furrowed when she spotted Dominic.“Who’s this?” Rachel asked in a wary tone.Dominic gave her a lazy wave. “Dominic. Smuggler, information broker, occasional charmer. At your service.”Zone growled. “We don’t need your act. Just tell them why you’re here.”I stepped forward, cutting through the tension. “This is Dominic. He knows the rogue king’s network and might have information about Ardan’s whereabouts.”“Might,” Dominic echoed, l
Dominic’s smirk widened as he crossed his arms, leaning casually against one of the tent poles. He was tall, lean, and radiated this air of arrogance that set my teeth on edge. His sharp green eyes darted between Zone and me, sizing us up like the way predators size their prey.“Ardan,” I said firmly, cutting straight to the point. “You know where he is.”Dominic raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. “Oh, do I now? And what makes you think I’d share that information with you?”Zone stiffened beside me with his hand twitching toward his blade, but I placed a calming hand on his arm. This was my fight.“Because we both know you don’t work for free,” I replied. “You don’t owe the rogue king loyalty, and I can pay you better than he ever could.”Dominic chuckled, pushing off the post and circling me slowly. “Interesting theory. But what makes you think your cause is worth my time? I mean, look at you—tired, desperate, and woefully out of your depth. You’re chasing a ghost, sweetheart.”I
The forest had become our home and our prison. Days turned into nights without relief. The rogue king’s forces were everywhere, and we were forced to move like ghosts, never lingering in one place for long.Gilly’s condition had improved, but she still wasn’t strong enough to travel far, and Rachel rarely left her side. That left Zone and me to scout ahead, searching for any sign of Ardan or the rogue king’s plans.The frustration was beginning to pile up, and my wolf, Sally, understood my restlessness. “We’re wasting time,” she growled in my mind as we crept through an underbrush. “He’s out there, and we’re stuck chasing the wrong thing.”“You think I don’t know that?” I shot back. “I just don’t know how to prove it.” I continued. He was alive—I was sure of it—but every moment we spent running felt like another moment he slipped further from my reach.Zone crouched beside me with his sharp eyes scanning the road ahead. “Trail’s fresh,” he murmured, pointing to a set of boot prints in
We had finally gotten out of the dungeon and I helped Zone and Gilly to the hidden passage I’d used to enter. Every sound echoed in my ears—the clink of Zone’s chains that we had now gotten rid of, Gilly’s shallow, pained breaths, and my dragged footsteps against the stone floor. I was angry and confused. What I’d seen… it wasn’t possible. It couldn’t be.“That wasn’t Ardan,” I reminded myself, swallowing down the lump in my throat. My wolf, Sally, had already made it clear: this Ardan was an imposter, the rogue king in disguise. But knowing didn’t lessen the pain of seeing my mate’s face twisted into something cruel and unrecognisable.“Serena,” Zone growled behind me in a low tone but he was very much angry. “Are you going to explain now, or do I have to figure this out on my own?”I paused, staring back at him. He was cradling Gilly in his arms. She looked so small and so broken. The sight of her nearly brought me to my knees.“That wasn’t Ardan like I said,” I said softly and with
The night was cold as we quietly and carefully passed through the palace corridors. Gilly, though still unconscious, rested securely in Zone’s arms. Rachel and I moved ahead, scanning for threats while Zone followed close behind.The memory of what I had seen in the dungeon was burned into my mind. I couldn’t shake the image of the imposter Ardan. Yes, my mind has been on it and will continue to be on it until I am able to find my mate. The rogue king had not only stolen my mate’s appearance but had turned the palace—our home—into a place of fear and lies.Meanwhile, the silence between I and Zone was heavy and it was broken only by the faint sound of our footsteps. I knew how Zone felt about his unanswered questions and his simmering anger he was trying to keep at bay. I understood his rage; I felt it too. But now wasn’t the time to lose control.We reached the palace’s outer gardens without any incident. The moon shone bright, making it harder to stay hidden. I motioned for the othe
If the guards’ rumours were true, Zone was in chains for “colliding with a witch,” and I could only imagine what they’d done to Gilly, who was already vulnerable. If there was even a chance they were in the dungeons, I had to find them.“We’ll get them out, Serena,” my wolf promised. Her confidence became mine.Soon, I sighted the thick door to the dungeon, guarded by a lone guard. I timed my movement. I waited for him to shift his attention momentarily and then I moved past him swiftly. His flickering torchlight casted only a slight glimpse of me.I hadn’t been in these dungeons in ages. I remembered how prisoners were brought here under Ardan’s orders, criminals as well who had chosen the wrong side. But this was different. Ardan had always been just. To think of Zone and Gilly down here, locked in these cells, made my blood boil.As I went down the stairs, a tortured howl echoed off the stone walls. The sound was unmistakable. It was Zone. I picked up my pace, sprinting down the na