Serena's POVI went to meet Gilly, and I found out she had made a complete recovery very quickly. I was very happy about that, yes, but I was confused as to how that was possible.She gave me something to drink, and my wound started to heal until there was no sign of the wound."How did you…""I'm not an experienced witch doctor for nothing." She said with a wink. "I heard Sylvia was kicked out of the palace."I nodded in response. I'm still trying to process the fact that Arden asked Sylvia to leave the palace. It's what I wanted him to do, but now that he has done it, I don't know what to feel about it."And?" She asked."And what?""How do you feel about it?"I sighed and rubbed my palms together. "I don't know. It's so weird that Arden called off the wedding, and Sylvia is out of the palace." I said.Gilly cocked her head in confusion."Don't get me wrong. I like that she's out of here, but what now? Is he going to make me his bride, or is he going to find another person? Everythi
Arden's POV.While Zone and I drank, I watched Serena trail away to find Gilly. I couldn't bear to see her like that because it hurt me to my core. I had told Zone's my plans now that Sylvia was which sounded stupid even to me."You know this won't be easy for you." Zone said.I scoffed. "When has it been easy?" I asked rhetorically.After sitting with him for a while, a servant came to me and said the council would like to meet with me. Which was odd because it's nighttime, and there was no message beforehand notifying me about a meeting.I finished my drink, and just as I was about to leave, Zone looked completely pale. His fingers gripped his phone so tightly that it became discolored, and if he held on for too long, he might break his phone."What is it?" I asked.He gave me his phone and I read the news. "Damn!" I roared.I dropped his phone and looked him in the eyes. "Do not let Serena know where I am. I know this is why they want to see me. I can't make things worse for her an
Serena's POVAfter Arden texted to not do damage control, I became increasingly worried about him and his whereabouts. I hated the fact that Zone didn't want to tell me too.After a while we all finally decided to go to our various rooms. I went to mine but I was completely restless. I walked around my room a couple of times. I even tried to read but I couldn't.I lay in bed for a few minutes before getting up. It was pretty late and Arden might still not be back from where he was yet. I needed to know if there was anything in his room to put my mind at ease regarding where he was.I snuck out of my room and I tried to avoid being seen by guards or servants. It's late but people in this palace are seemingly always lurking to find new gossip.I made it to Arden's door and I was going to open it but I decided to knock first just in case he was inside.Just as I was about to knock, the door opened revealing an exhausted Arden. He looked glad to see me then worried. He pulled me into the
Serena's POVI hovered around because I was a little bit uncomfortable. I know I've been here but the circumstances are different from those other times."You seem uncomfortable." He said.I chuckled nervously. "I'm not."He saw right through my lies. He walked closer to me and lifted my chin up. He placed a soft kiss on my lips. "You shouldn't be."He stepped back and took off his sleeve. I saw his wide and built chest. I was beginning to think that staying here might be a little problematic for me because I know I might not be able to control myself"I'm going to take a shower. You're welcome to join me if you want." He said and I couldn't tell if he was joking or not.I shook my head and sat on the bed. He shrugged then went to the bathroom.Soon, I heard the shower running and I could feel my stomach rumble in excitement. In between my legs began to heat up and I imagined what he would look like under the shower.I stood up and paced slowly. I wanted to go in but I didn't know if
Serena's POVAfter Sylvia left the palace, everything had been a breath of fresh air.Everyone, servants and guards included, became somewhat freer to express themselves and I wasn't always trying to be a step ahead of her if she was plotting something.It was like she was the dark cloud hanging around the palace and now, it's finally lifted.Even after the scandal, things still weren't that bad. Yes, everyone is working tirelessly to find who this corrupt wolf is but there is no pressure.Maybe it's because Arden tells us that.Speaking of Arden, he has been very busy lately. He is always releasing statements, addressing the pack and going for council meetings a lot these days.I don't know how to feel about it because we haven't necessarily talked about ourselves after the night we shared.I try not to think about it though but it was a night I won't forget. For the first time, I didn't feel like a servant or a sneaky link.I felt like his mate.I wish he were here so I could at lea
Serena's POVI looked around admiring every bit of detail put in this place and I'm in awe. Soon, Rachel took to the stand and gave a speech."As we all know, today is our beloved Serena's birthday and we want nothing but the best for her. Serena, you have been more than a friend to me. You're like a sister and I will always love you. I hope this is your happiest birthday yet. Cheers.""Here, here." The others echoed.I walked to her and gave her the tightest hug I had in me. "I love you so much Rachel." I pulled from her and I could feel tears about to drop from my eyes."No. No. You promised you won't cry." She said,"I can't help it." I giggled and tried to fan my eyes for the tears to go away."Happy birthday Serena." Gilly said as she hugged me from behind. "It's good to see you happier now.""You knew about this?" I asked."I wanted to tell you but Rachel made me swear I wouldn't tell you. But I told Zone after you left.""You are unbelievable Gilly." I said."Yeah, how dare you
Arden's POVI woke up with a feeling of calmness and warmness. I haven't felt this way in years and it was because of her. The woman that has haunted my very being with her presence and her absence makes me crave her even more.The sunlight hits her face making it glow in the sun but she turns away from it and buried her face on my chest.I chuckled lightly with how adorable she looked after doing that. I kissed her on her forehead and watched as her eyes flutter open."Good morning my darling." I said."Good evening." She said and stretched."How did you sleep?"She smiled. "I slept well. Actually, better than I have in a few days.""It's good to know." I kissed her forehead again. "Darling, I have to go."She furrowed her brows and pouts. "Why?"I wanted to stay all day in bed with her doing nothing but admiring her in all her beauty but I couldn't. I have important things to attend to."I have to meet Gilly concerning the investigation of the corrupt wolf. She said believe she migh
Arden's POVWithin minutes of notifying the Kingdom of what Sylvia and her father plotted, other pack Alphas came for the trial. It was truly shocking to see such a quick response to this situation.I saw Zone walk in and I was surprised he would be here to witness the trial. A part of me believes Serena asked him to go just in case I might be attacked.I chuckled to myself at how funny yet adorable that is. She needs to understand that I am the King and I can also protect myself. But it's Serena, she never listens to reasons like that.I decided to pay attention to the trial but it was generally boring. With a lot of talks and back and forth. It took me everything not to yawn and walk out of here. That would be disrespectful but then again, do I care?"If I am going to be tried, His Majesty should be too." Those were the words from Sylvia's father that got my attention."He had a mistress and his wife to be, my daughter was on the same roof as him." He bellowed."That doesn't justify
Sylvia found me in the dungeon with Ardan and Dominic. She lunged at me, wanting to hit me when I stepped back and she fell on her face.“Go back there, now!” She demanded but I refused to move. “Dominic, tell her to move!” Sylvia demanded but Dominic chuckled. He told Sylvia to get out.“Get out? Pardon me?” Sylvia asked confused.“Don’t make repeat myself, Sylvia.” Dominic threatened and with her head low, she walked out of the dungeon.I then stood behind Dominic, watching Ardan’s battered body writhing on the stretcher. His wounds festered with angry red streaks spreading over his skin. I heart broke by just merely staring at him.Dominic stood tall in front of me. He turned his head slightly, as he looked over Ardan with indifference. “He’ll survive—hopefully,” he muttered.I stopped myself from lashing out. Sally was furious. She hated the way I was still even in this circumstance. But I couldn’t risk it. Not yet.Ardan’s eyes landed on me. His voice was hoarse. “Serena… what ar
My wrists ached from the tightness of the chains binding me. Sylvia had dressed me up in a maids costume just so she could mock me even more.“This was exactly what Gloria talked about. Gilly, Zone. They all warned us but we were blinded by it all.” Sally snared furious at being subdued.Sylvia sat across from me, lounging on a plush chair with a cruel smirk playing at the corner of her lips.“You’ve grown weaker, Serena,” she said, tracing a finger along the armrest. “Pathetic, really. And to think this room once belonged to you.”I blinked, glancing around. This truly was once my room.Sylvia’s laughter broke the silence. “Ah, so you do remember. Don’t worry; I’ve made a few improvements since then.”“You’re delusional if you think this changes anything,” I snapped.Sylvia leaned forward with her eyes narrowing. “Why are you doing this?” I asked, keeping my tone steady.She tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Why?” she repeated. “Are you really asking me that, Serena?”“Humour me,
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