RaeAnna took me to her chambers and once we got there. She turned to look at me."So, what do you want to say?" she asked gently, her voice filled with concern.I swallowed hard, struggling to form the words. "It’s Landon," I said, after finally finding my voice. "He’s behind the fire." The words felt like lead in my mouth. I had been holding this secret inside for days, debating whether or not to tell her. But now that I had said it aloud, it felt like the weight I had carried around had vanished. “How did you find out about this?” She asked with an intense look in her eyes.“I overheard him saying he was planning to kill Von!” I said in a firm voice.Anna blinked, and I noticed the look on her face had changed. "Is that what’s been getting you worked up?" she asked. "Yes," I admitted, my gaze falling to the floor. "I found out about it two days ago, and I’ve been torn ever since about whether or not to tell Von."“This is crazy!” Anna exclaimed.“It is!” I replied. “And gets ev
Von I stormed out of the room, my jaw clenched so tight it ached. My mind was still reeling from Rae’s accusations. How could she be so stupid? Did she really think she could twist the truth and make me turn against Landon? The audacity of it made my blood boil. As I walked down the corridor, I nearly ran into Landon. He raised an eyebrow at the look on my face. "What’s wrong?" he asked, in a sharp tone. “You look pissed.” I exhaled sharply, shaking my head. "Rae is the reason for my current mood.”“What did she do?” Landon asked.“Here I was, actually giving a damn about that bitch, and the whole time, she was playing with my emotions." My voice dripped with frustration, and I ran a hand through my hair, trying to shake off the anger building inside me. Landon frowned slightly. "Slow down. What happened?" I scoffed. "Rae said you were behind the fire. She’s been sitting on this idea for days, probably waiting for the perfect moment to drop it on me." I shook my head. "And the
Von I returned to the palace late at night, I was feeling quite tired. The fight between me and the rogue had drained me, completely. Right now all I craved was the softness of my pillow, but there was no time for rest I still had other things to attend to—like who started the fire and who was behind Landon’s attack. As I walked through the courtyard, I ran into Landon. I saw the neutral look in his eyes change to a hardened gaze. What was wrong with him? "Why the hell did you go after the rogue without telling me?" Landon demanded, stepping into my path. I exhaled sharply. So, that was the reason why his expression changed. Landon could act like a child sometimes but I still loved him regardless. “Why are you suddenly quiet?” His voice broke into my thoughts. I groaned. “I didn’t tell you I was going after the rogue because I didn’t need you there." Landon’s brow furrowed. "Stop acting like you can handle things on your own. I would’ve helped. I should’ve been there."
VonI stood there, listening to Anna’s words, and something inside me snapped. My blood was already boiling from the earlier news about Rae, and now, this? “Your majesty,” Anna said in a smooth voice. “I know you don’t believe me, but I’m telling you the truth.” I didn’t need to hear anymore. “Stop spitting out lies, Anna!” I snapped. “You think I’m a fool? My guards saw Rae escape. So why the hell are you lying?” Her eyes didn’t waver. “Those guards are lying to you, your majesty.“I clenched my fists. This was ridiculous. “So, what, you’re saying Rae didn’t escape and she was taken? Is that what you're trying to tell me?” Anna didn’t flinch. “Yes.”I shook my head. “How do you know this?”“I was going to see Rae when I saw some of your guards dragging her down the hall. I wanted to help her but I knew if I did they would come after me, and I wouldn’t be able to deliver this news to you.”I scoffed, shaking my head. “Did Rae put you up to this?” Anna’s expression changed.“What
Von I couldn’t believe my eyes. The masked man standing before me was one of my newest guards. My blood boiled. “What the hell are you doing here?” I barked, grabbing him by the collar and yanking him closer. “Why are you sneaking around Landon’s house?” He said nothing. I clenched my jaw, my grip tightening. “You better start talking, or I’ll tear your throat out right here.” Still, nothing. “Speak up bastard.” My claws extended, pricking against his skin. His entire body started shaking, but he kept his mouth shut. I growled. “I won’t ask again.” His breath hitched. His eyes darted around, searching for an escape, but there was none. “I—I was sent by Landon.” His voice was low but I heard him.I stiffened. “Why would he send you here?Silence. I slammed him against the nearest wall, my fangs bared. “Speak.” “I—I was sent to check if the package had been moved.” My eyes narrowed. “What package?” His lips clamped shut. I hated the fact that he was giving me half-baked ans
Von The sharp pain in my stomach was intense, and it was caused by the intruder. He had kicked me, and as I grabbed my stomach he saw this as an opportunity to take control. He pushed me backward and then positioned himself on top of me, trying to push the knife closer to my chest. I knew one wrong move could mean my end. So I stayed still. The room was dark, and no matter how hard I tried to make out the person’s face I couldn’t.“Who are you?” I called out, my voice strained. “What do you want?” The figure stiffened at the sound of my voice. He hesitated, and that was all I needed. I seized the moment, gathering every bit of strength I had left, and I threw the person off me. He stumbled backward, falling to the ground, and into the dim light that filtered in from the window. My breathing stopped. It was Landon. It couldn’t be.“Landon!” I voiced and he turned to look at me with a shocking expression.“How could you?” I snarled, standing up quickly and lunging at him. I gra
VonI could still hear Landon’s voice in my head. His pleas, his pathetic excuses. Even after I had him dragged out of my sight, his betrayal lingered like a wound that refused to heal. I had spent the past few days locked away in my study, drowning in paperwork, anything that would keep my mind from replaying that moment. But it never worked. The memory returned, and I was back to reliving what happened yesterday.I had hauled Landon out of the car, roughly.His lips parted, but I was already speaking. "Your games are over," I growled. Landon swallowed hard. “Von, listen—” “No.” I cut him off, my patience long gone. “Silas is dead.” He froze, his breath hitching. I bared my teeth, letting him see the blood that still stained my fangs. My claws flexed, gleaming under the moonlight. “If you don’t confess to being behind this, I swear, you’ll be joining him.” Landon took a shaky step back. “I—Von, please, I—” “Don’t waste my time.” My voice was ice. “Say what you need to say
RaeI smiled at Von after those words left my lips and said.Von didn’t reply. He just stared at me, shock flickering in his eyes. Honestly, I was a little surprised by my own actions, too. But not too surprised. After everything Von had been through, I figured he at least needed someone to talk to. Betrayal by a stranger was one thing, but betrayal by someone you trusted—that cut deeper. I knew that feeling all too well. I could still remember how much Kayla’s actions had hurt me. But Von’s case was worse. Landon had been his friend.The feeling of the tray leaving my hands caught my attention. I turned back, surprised to see that Von had taken it from me. He sat down in one of the chairs stationed on the terrace. “Finally you give in,” I said with a smile. He didn’t say anything, his face as unreadable as ever. Typical Von—always guarded, never showing too much. But even with his blank expression, I could see the pain in his eyes. "I don't know how I'm going to move past this,
Rae The next day arrived, and my heart felt heavier than it did yesterday. Luigi arrived at the palace quite early.I had sighted him from the courtyard and paid him no attention. He had stopped me from attending my own husband’s funeral and I saw him as an enemy.“Luna!” He called my attention. I was surprised he addressed me with that title but I didn’t let him know I was.I even acted like I didn’t exist and I didn’t hear him speak.“I know you heard me!” He said boldly and I remained as I was until he walked in my direction.“I don’t know why you are acting this way.” He said and I kept my head tilted. “I just wanted to let you know that the ceremonial procession for a new king needs to begin right away.”His last words caught my attention and I turned to look at him.“A new king?” I scoffed. “Von just died, at least give the people time to mourn.”“That’s not possible.““Why?” I asked.“An empty throne gives the enemy chances to attack.” He replied. “That’s why it is very import
Rae“Luna!” The guards had called out to me as I paraded the throne room the next day.I had come to the throne room the minute I woke up.I was hoping the words that Jace told me were all a lie and that I would find Von sitting on his throne, but when I got here I realized that Jace words weren’t some fantasy.It was true.My von was no more.I had broken out in sobs just like did yesterday, clutching my chest as the weight of the truth fell on me. “Luna!” The guards called out again.I turned and I saw one of them step forward, holding something in his hands. It was a piece of Von’s cloak and his sword. I stared at the torn fabric, my heart hammering against my ribs. The morning air felt heavier, pressing against me, and stealing my breath. “We could not find his body, Luna.” The guard said in a firm voice. “It seemed the rogues got rid of it.” I met his gaze, sorrow filling my eyes. A bitter part of me already knew what he would say before he did. “Keep it in the bed
Von “Rogues,” I muttered to myself, as I walked out to the palace. The word sent a chill through my veins. I had known this was coming. For days now, something in my gut had been warning me. I hadn’t had a vision in a while, but I could feel the uneasy feeling creeping inside even after Rae’s attack.The minute I saw Jace, I spoke up.“I need you to bring the guards at the courtyard to the border, rouges have been sighted beyond.”“Is there an attack?” He asked.“There will be” I responded. “So come prepared.”Jace nodded and I walked towards my car.“Where to your majesty?” The driver asked stepping right in front of me.“Don’t worry,” I responded. “I will be driving myself.”He nodded and then he walked away.I got into the car quickly, and before I shut the door I remembered I didn’t take my sword.I sent one of the guards close by to get it for me and once he did I zoomed off.My hands gripped the wheel tightly as I sped toward the border. I pressed harder on the accelera
RaeWhen we returned to the palace, the sky was cloaked in darkness, the moon was visible behind thick clouds. Von and I barely made it through the hallways before our lips found each other again. His hands gripped my waist, pulling me against him as we stumbled toward our chambers, lost in the heat of the moment. But just as we neared the door, a sharp voice stopped us. “My King,” one of the guards called, his expression grave. Von sighed, pulling away from me reluctantly. “What is it?” “Rogues have been spotted beyond the border.” Von’s expression changed, his golden eyes darkened, and the relaxed man who had just been kissing me disappeared in an instant. “I have to go.” He said pulling away from me.I swallowed hard. “Von, be careful.” He cupped my face, pressing a quick kiss to my forehead. “I’ll be right back,” he promised before turning to the guard. “Gather the others. Tell them to come to the courtyard.” I watched him disappear down the hallway, my stomach t
RaeThe ride back to the palace was tense. Von hadn’t said a word since we left the town square. I could feel the frustration radiating off him in waves. He wanted to finish Luigi. I knew that, but I had stopped him once again and that hurt his ego.When we arrived at the palace, the silence continued. I wanted to address the matter quickly but Von had called the attention of the guards immediately we stepped into the palace and told them to meet him in the study.“Give me three minutes.” He told me before heading to the study.As I made my way to the room, Anna approached me and she did not look happy.“How dare you run off like that?” She questioned.“I’m so sorry but I was worried about Von.”She rolled her eyes at me, and I knew she wouldn’t stay mad at me. It was typical Anna.“You want me to keep getting on the king’s naughty list.” His words pulled me out of my thoughts.“That’s not going to happen,” I told her. “Von wouldn’t do anything to you he’s actually angry at me.“I s
RaeAs the car neared town, I could hear the shouts echoing through the streets. People were yelling, their voices filled with anger and fear. The town felt like a battlefield, with pack members pushing against the guards who stood like an impenetrable wall around the center of the commotion. "Pull over," I ordered the driver, in a firm voice.He hesitated for a moment, glancing at me as if second-guessing whether he should obey. But one look at my determined expression, and he gave in, slowing the vehicle until it came to a stop. I stepped out and immediately felt the heat of the situation but what caught my attention first was Von. He was standing in the middle of the street, flashing the people one of his cold gazes, and beside him—on his knees was Luigi whose hands were tied behind his back.There was also blood dripping out of his nose and his face looked like it had received thousands of blows.I was a bit confused. Why was Luigi in that position? I thought all Von want
Rae I woke to the sound of movement only to see Von getting dressed.“I thought you were going to stay with me today,” I said as I adjusted myself on the bed."I can’t. I have an important meeting with the councilmen," he said, fastening the last button on his crisp shirt. I didn’t need to ask him what meeting. I knew the reason behind the meeting. He was going to address what happened at the market, and more importantly, he was going to pass his new law to the pack. I sat up, the sheets pooling around me. "Von… just don’t overreact, okay?" He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "I’m only doing what needs to be done, Rae." I sighed, hoping that he wouldn’t do anything crazy. After he left, I made my way to the maids’ chambers, where Anna and I often spent time together anytime Von left. She was coming out of the bathroom when I walked in, but as soon as she saw me, her face lit up.“I thought your little honeymoon was going to continue.” She said shooting me a smug l
Rae I decided to speak to Jace about the whole Von issue I knew he would have answers, but there was one problem though, I haven't seen him since the incident. Jace was always at the border. Von was still angry at him and felt this was his little way of punishing him. I didn’t bother questioning von about his actions because I knew he would end up feeding me with lies.Anyways Jace would go to the border during the early hours of the day according to Anna’s observation.So I decided to wake up very early. It was the only way I could catch up with him. I found Jace at the entrance just as he was preparing to leave the palace. His sword was strapped to his waist, and he happened to be armored up. "Jace," I called after him. He paused, turning to face me. His expression shifted as he took an exaggerated bow. "My lady," he said dramatically. I rolled my eyes. "You just had to be extra, didn’t you?" "I'm merely paying respect to the Luna," he replied with an easy grin. "We
RaeI woke up with a sharp gasp. The jeering voices. The rough hands dragging me across the dirt all replayed in my head. I bolted upright, my heart hammering against my ribs.I could smell herbs and medicine, and it took me a moment to realize I was back in the palace. I wasn’t on that hill anymore. I was safe. But how did I get here? Anna. I swung my legs over the edge of the bed, ignoring the ache that pulsed through my limbs. I had to find her. Had she been the one to bring me back? Or had it been Von? I pulled on the nearest robe and stepped out into the hallway, my bare feet cool against the polished floors. The palace was quiet, the servants moving about in hushed tones.As I moved through the corridors, my ears caught the sound of a raised voice. The voice belonged to Von. Without hesitation, I followed the voice, my steps growing faster. When I reached the throne room, I halted my steps.Jace and Anna stood side by side, their heads bowed in front of Von, w